The top-rated cabin suitcases
In the latest cabin luggage test (17 models), the TITAN UPGRADE S20 was named test winner with a rating of "Good" (1.8). The travelite Air Base 4w S also received a "Good" rating (2.0) – the best value pick.
View & compare test winners »In short
The most popular models among Markenkoffer customers are the Samsonite Base Breeze 78 cm as a large hard-shell suitcase, the Samsonite Citybeat 55 cm as cabin luggage, the Vaude Rotuma 90 as a wheeled holdall, the Osprey Fairview 40 as a travel backpack, and the Samsonite Dream2Go as a kids' suitcase. Stiftung Warentest 06/2026 named the TITAN Upgrade S20 the test winner (rated 1.8), with the travelite Air Base 4w S as the best value pick.
Suitcases tested 2026 – the genuinely popular models
Which suitcase is bought most often in 2026? Instead of subjective test verdicts, we show you the most popular models from our shop – drawn from our recommended selection. Every model recommended here is currently in stock and popular among our travellers.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · We update this guide regularly so you only see models that are currently in stock.
What really matters when buying a suitcase
Before choosing a model, make sure these 8 criteria are clear. Only then will your suitcase truly suit your travel style.
1. Volume & Size
Cabin luggage 40–55 L, weekend suitcase 60–80 L, holiday luggage from 90 L. More details in our suitcase size guide.
2. Weight
The lighter it is, the more you can pack. Good hard-shell cases start from 2.5 kg (55 cm), 3.5 kg (75 cm). Empty weight counts towards your checked baggage allowance.
3. Material
Hard shell made from polycarbonate or ABS, soft luggage from polyester/nylon. Details in our material comparison.
4. Wheel System
Four spinner wheels (360°) are standard. Quiet-running wheels for smooth floors, rugged wheels for cobblestones. Larger wheels generally roll more smoothly.
5. Lock
A TSA lock is essential for trips to the USA. See our TSA lock guide for instructions.
6. Expandable
Many models can be expanded by 15–20% in volume. Ideal for shopping trips or bringing souvenirs home.
7. Interior Features
Tie-down straps, divider, wet pocket for liquids, laptop compartment. When choosing a business trolley, look for dedicated tech compartments.
8. Warranty
Top brands such as Samsonite or Titan offer 3–10 years' warranty. Before buying, check which types of damage are covered.
Suitcases – large hard-shell trolleys
OUR PICK
Samsonite Base Breeze 78 cm
Our favourite suitcase: expandable, petrol blue, lightweight · from £138
- 78 cm, 118 L capacity, expandable by +10%
- Just 4.6 kg empty weight with excellent stability
- Polycarbonate hard shell with scratch-resistant finish
- TSA lock as standard, 4 spinner wheels
- A popular choice for long-haul and family trips
Also available in Black, Red & Dark Green
PREMIUM
Osprey Sojourn 80 – 75 cm
Backpack-trolley hybrid for adventure travel · from £284
- 80 L capacity, carry or wheel as you prefer
- Removable harness system for genuine backpack function
- Rugged 2-wheel design for rough terrain
- Premium construction, 10-year Osprey guarantee
- Perfect for round-the-world trips and backpacking tours
BEST VALUE
Wenger Oryson 75 cm
Swiss value-for-money hit: expandable, lightweight · from £91
- 75 cm, expandable by +15% capacity
- Outstanding value for money under £100
- Scratch-resistant finish, quiet spinner wheels
- Built-in TSA combination lock
- Swiss quality at a fair price
Cabin Luggage – 55 cm carry-on trolleys
OUR PICK
Samsonite Citybeat 55 cm
The cabin luggage bestseller – lightweight, durable, in many colours · from £87
- Airline-compliant 55×40×20 cm, fits almost all carriers
- Just 2.6 kg empty weight – plenty of packing allowance
- 4 quiet spinner wheels with 360-degree rotation
- TSA lock built in as standard
- Fits Lufthansa and Eurowings cabin size limits
FLEXIBLE
Samsonite Base Breeze 55 cm Expandable
More room: +10% capacity via zip expansion · from £113
- Standard 55 cm cabin size + 10% expansion
- 41 L base capacity, expandable to 46 L
- 2.9 kg empty weight
- Polycarbonate, 4 spinner wheels, TSA lock
- Fits even the stricter airline allowances
BACKPACK PICK
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
A cabin-size backpack instead of a trolley – ideal for multi-stop travel · from £130
- 55 cm cabin-compliant, 40 L capacity
- Opens fully flat, packs just like a suitcase
- Stow-away harness for easy flight check-in
- Ideal for backpackers and minimalist travellers
- 10-year Osprey guarantee on all seams
Holdalls with wheels – the outdoor favourite
RECOMMENDED
Vaude New Islands Rotuma 90
Top recommendation: 90 L, convertible into a backpack · from £180
- 90 L capacity with rugged off-road wheels
- Can be carried as a backpack (removable shoulder straps)
- Waterproof base coating, PFC-free
- Recycled PET fabric, Green Shape certified
- Our most recommended outdoor holdall
DESIGN
Rains Hilo 52 cm
Scandinavian design, waterproof, urban · from £80
- 52 cm, a handy weekend size
- 100% waterproof thanks to rubberised outer fabric
- Clean Scandinavian design, minimalist style
- Perfect travel companion for city breaks
- Also accepted as cabin luggage
Travel Backpacks – 40 to 55 litres
OUR PICK
Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Backpack
A women's-specific travel backpack, cabin-compliant · from £100
- 40 L capacity, 54 cm – cabin-compliant
- Women's-specific harness (shorter back length, narrower shoulder straps)
- Full front-zip access, just like a suitcase
- Stow-away straps for easy flight check-in
- See also our hiking backpack fitting guide
RUGGED
Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack
A 55 L men's model – ideal for longer trips · from £149
- 55 L capacity with a removable 15 L daypack
- Combinable as cabin bag (main pack) + personal item
- Sturdy aluminium frame for loads up to 20 kg
- Sleeping bag compartment at the base, rain cover included
- Great for trekking, long-haul travel and hostel trips
HIKING
Osprey Hikelite 26 Hiking Backpack
A lightweight daypack with built-in rain cover · from £85
- 26 L daypack capacity, just 850 g in weight
- AirScape back panel for excellent ventilation
- Integrated rain cover
- Trekking pole attachment and hydration-system compatible
- Perfect for day trips and weekend hikes
Kids' Suitcases – the surprise bestseller
Samsonite's children's range Dream2Go is especially popular with families. With a wide range of fun designs, Dream2Go is a firm family favourite – sturdy, lightweight and child-friendly.
KIDS' FAVOURITE
Samsonite Dream2Go Disney Marvel Spiderman
Disney licence for little superheroes · from £70
- 52 cm children's cabin size
- Easy to pull thanks to the 4-wheel system
- Official Marvel licence (Spiderman, Mystery design)
- Sturdy hard shell withstands everyday use by children
- TSA lock as standard
RECOMMENDED
Samsonite Dream2Go Ice Cream Van
The classic – playful, retro, well loved · from £68
- Our most popular children's design in a classic style
- 52 cm, 25 L, cabin-compliant
- Lightweight empty weight ideal for kids
- Sturdy hard shell, child-friendly
- TSA lock + name tag panel inside
DESIGN
Samsonite Dream2Go Disney Motorbike
A dynamic motorbike design for little adventurers · from £77
- Motorbike design for motor-loving kids
- 52 cm, approved for the aircraft cabin
- 4-wheel system, effortless for children to handle
- Polycarbonate hard shell, scratch-resistant
- The ideal holiday suitcase from age 4 upwards
All top sellers compared
| Model | Category | Price from | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Samsonite Dream2Go Ice Cream FAMILY FAVOURITE |
Kids' 52 cm | £68 | In stock, 4.9★ |
|
Vaude Rotuma 90 HOLDALL |
Holdall 75 cm | £180 | In stock, 4.7★ |
|
Samsonite Citybeat 55 CABIN LUGGAGE |
Cabin luggage 55 cm | £87 | In stock, 4.6★ |
|
Samsonite Base Breeze 78 SUITCASE |
Suitcase 78 cm | £138 | In stock, 4.7★ |
|
Osprey Fairview 40 WOMEN'S BACKPACK |
Women's travel backpack 54 cm | £100 | In stock, 4.8★ |
|
Samsonite Dream2Go Marvel KIDS |
Kids' 52 cm | £70 | In stock, 4.8★ |
|
Osprey Sojourn 80 PREMIUM |
Backpack trolley 75 cm | £284 | In stock, 4.8★ |
|
Osprey Hikelite 26 HIKING |
Hiking backpack 51 cm | £85 | In stock, 4.7★ |
|
Wenger Oryson 75 BEST VALUE |
Suitcase 75 cm | £91 | In stock, 4.5★ |
|
Rains Hilo 52 DESIGN |
Holdall 52 cm | £80 | In stock, 4.7★ |
Frequently asked questions about buying a suitcase
Which suitcase is especially popular in 2026?
Our 2026 recommendations include: the Vaude Rotuma 90 holdall, Samsonite Dream2Go kids' suitcase, Samsonite Citybeat 55 cabin luggage, and Samsonite Base Breeze 78 suitcase. Every model is currently in stock.
Hard-shell suitcase or soft luggage – which is better?
Hard shells protect fragile contents better and are weatherproof, while soft luggage is lighter and expandable. For air travel with checked baggage, a hard shell (polycarbonate) is usually the better choice; for car and train journeys, soft luggage is often preferred. See our material comparison for details.
What suitcase size do I need for which trip?
Short trip (2–3 days): cabin luggage 55 cm (35–40 L). Weekend trip: 65 cm (65–75 L). One-week holiday: 75 cm (90–100 L). Longer trips or family holidays: 80 cm (110 L+). See our suitcase size guide.
How much does a good suitcase cost?
Entry-level quality from £70 (Samsonite Dream2Go, Wenger Oryson), mid-range £100–150 (Samsonite Citybeat, Base Breeze), premium from £200 (Osprey Sojourn 80, Vaude Rotuma). If you travel several times a year, a mid-range model quickly pays for itself.
Which kids' suitcase is worth buying?
Our top pick for 2026 is the Samsonite Dream2Go (52 cm, from £68) – our favourite for families. Available in various designs (Ice Cream Van, Marvel Spiderman, Disney Frozen, Motorbike). Cabin-compliant, lightweight and sturdy.
Travel backpack or suitcase – which is better?
For classic package holidays: a suitcase. For multi-stop travel (several stops, hostels, stairs, cobblestones): a backpack. The Osprey Fairview 40 (women's) and Farpoint 55 (men's) are our top recommendations among travel backpacks. See our backpack fitting guide for details.
Our verdict – data-driven recommendations, not guesswork
Rather than a subjective test verdict, we show you the models that other travellers are actually buying. Every suitcase and bag recommended here is currently in stock, has an average customer rating of 4.5 stars or higher, and is well established among our travellers.
- Holdall favourite: Vaude Rotuma 90 – versatile, 90 L
- Suitcase favourite: Samsonite Base Breeze 78 – expandable, lightweight, sturdy hard shell
- Cabin luggage favourite: Samsonite Citybeat 55 – airline-compliant, lightweight, TSA lock
- Kids' favourite: Samsonite Dream2Go Ice Cream – sturdy, lightweight, child-friendly design
- Backpack favourite: Osprey Fairview 40 – women's fit, cabin-compliant
- Best value pick: Wenger Oryson 75 – Swiss quality under £100
No test models that have been out of stock for years. No ranking paid for by marketing budgets. Just honest recommendations based on our real-world experience.
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