Best Luggage for Travel: Top Picks for Every Budget hero image

Best Luggage for Travel: Top Picks for Every Budget

Buying luggage is a special kind of optimism: you picture smooth airport glides, then remember you’re actually dragging it over kerbs, onto trains, and into the boot at a weird angle. Five minutes in, every suitcase claims to be “lightweight,” and every backpack has one suspiciously specific feature you didn’t ask for.

This is for UK shoppers who want something that holds up, fits the rules, and doesn’t turn packing into a minor argument with yourself. Below is a short, practical list across budgets: carry-ons with laptop compartments, simple cabin cases with locks, a smart backpack option, and a few familiar spinner suitcases—so you can pick and move on.

How this list was chosen

I picked these based on what actually makes luggage pleasant to live with, not what looks good in a product photo.

  • Focused on UK-friendly cabin sizes (around 55 x 40 x 20) and straightforward carry-on options that won’t start an argument at the gate.
  • Included a mix of hard-shell spinners and a business backpack, because not every trip needs four wheels and a telescopic handle.
  • Prioritised practical security basics (built-in or combination locks; TSA locks where stated) over gimmicks.
  • Looked for everyday convenience features that are clearly spelled out, like a laptop compartment or expandable space—no guessing games.
  • Chose recognisable brands alongside budget picks, aiming for sensible value at different price points rather than chasing bragging rights.

The picks

LEVEL8 Carry-on Suitcase, 20-Inch with Laptop Compartment

LEVEL8 Carry-on Suitcase, 20-Inch with Laptop Compartment

4.5 · 8,152 reviews

The LEVEL8 Carry-on Suitcase 20-Inch with Laptop Compartment offers a sleek, compact design ideal for business and leisure travellers who need organized space for electronics and clothes. It features a dedicated laptop compartment for easy access and meets typical cabin size requirements.

Skip it if you prefer a larger suitcase with expandable capacity or extra organizational pockets.

LEVEL8 Carry on Suitcase 20 Inch with Laptop Compartment

LEVEL8 Carry on Suitcase 20 Inch with Laptop Compartment

4.3 · 1,105 reviews

Similar to its sibling, this LEVEL8 Carry-On Suitcase provides a practical layout with a dedicated laptop compartment and sturdy construction for everyday travel. It balances lightweight materials with durable finishes suited to frequent flyers.

Skip it if you want a soft-sided case with additional external storage options.

SA Products Cabin Suitcase | Cabin Suit Case with Combination Lock

SA Products Cabin Suitcase | Cabin Suit Case with Combination Lock

4.4 · 3,712 reviews

The SA Products Cabin Suitcase fits this guide because it keeps things simple: cabin-size case, built-in combination lock, no extra drama. It works well for short trips where you just want a straightforward carry-on for clothes and toiletries, without faffing with padlocks or keys.

Skip it if you’re picky about premium materials, ultra-smooth wheels, or fancy organiser features—this is the “get me to the gate with my stuff intact” option.

BANGE Business Smart Backpack With USB Charging Port

BANGE Business Smart Backpack With USB Charging Port

4.6 · 6,482 reviews

The BANGE Business Smart Backpack fits this guide because it’s designed to behave in public: work-ready, not floppy, and built for the commute grind. It’s useful for days when you’re bouncing between transit, meetings, and coffee shops and you’d like your phone to not die halfway through your second “quick call.”

Skip it if you prefer a simpler backpack without built-in tech bits, or if you’d rather keep charging strictly inside a power bank you can toss in any bag.

Cabin Max Anode 55x40x20 Cabin Suitcase, Built in Lock, Lightweight Carry On

Cabin Max Anode 55x40x20 Cabin Suitcase, Built in Lock, Lightweight Carry On

4.6 · 15,174 reviews

The Cabin Max Anode 55x40x20 makes sense here because it sticks to the basics: a common cabin-friendly size, kept light, with a built-in lock so you’re not hunting for a tiny padlock at the last minute. It’s a good fit for short trips where you want to travel with one case and avoid checked-baggage fees.

Skip it if you’re a “just in case” packer—this leans more disciplined weekend than kitchen-sink carry-on.

Samsonite Intuo - Spinner S, Expandable Hand Luggage

Samsonite Intuo - Spinner S, Expandable Hand Luggage

4.6 · 1,191 reviews

The Samsonite Intuo Spinner S fits this guide as a straightforward carry-on from a well-known luggage maker, with the practical perk of expansion when your trip (or your souvenir self-control) grows. It’s useful for weekend breaks, short trips, and business travel where an easy-rolling cabin bag that can flex a little on the way home is the point.

Skip it if you never need extra space and would rather keep things fixed and simple with a non-expandable case.

Samsonite S'Cure - Spinner S, Hand Luggage

Samsonite S'Cure - Spinner S, Hand Luggage

4.5 · 18,961 reviews

The Samsonite S’Cure Spinner S makes sense here because it’s the kind of carry-on you pick when you’d rather stop thinking about luggage and start thinking about literally anything else. It’s a solid option for short trips, weekend hops, and business travel where a compact spinner that behaves in airports matters more than clever extras.

Skip it if you want an external laptop pocket, built-in charging, or expandable space—this one leans more “reliable shell” than “feature buffet.”

COOLIFE 20 Inch Carry On Suitcase, Hardshell, Lightweight, TSA Lock

COOLIFE 20 Inch Carry On Suitcase, Hardshell, Lightweight, TSA Lock

4.6 · 4,242 reviews

The COOLIFE 20-inch carry-on fits this guide because it covers the basics most people actually need: hard shell, manageable size, and a TSA lock—without turning luggage shopping into a philosophy course. It’s a decent pick for quick trips, work overnights, and those airport sprints where you’re dragging your bag one-handed while pretending you’re not late.

Skip it if you prefer soft-sided bags with exterior pockets, or if you’re rough on luggage and want something with a more established durability track record (and price tag) to match.