Defend Your Luggage With The Best Hard Shell Suitcase | 2023
We looked at the top 14 Hard Shell Suitcases and dug through the reviews from 31 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Hard Shell Suitcases.
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Our Picks For The Top Hard Shell Suitcases
- The Best Hard Shell Suitcase
- 1. SHOWKOO Multidirectional Adjustable Hard Shell Suitcase Set, 3-Piece
- 2. AmazonBasics Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase, 21-Inch
- 3. DELSEY Paris Helium Aero TSA-Accepted Hard Shell Suitcase, 19-Inch
- 4. kensie Alma Wheeled Hard Shell Suitcase, 20-Inch
- 5. Rockland Melbourne Lightweight Hard Shell Suitcase Set, 2-Piece
- 6. Travelers Club Midtown Fully-Lined Hard Shell Suitcase, 4-Piece
- 7. Coolife Ergonomic Handle Hard Shell Suitcase, 3-Piece
- 8. Betsey Johnson Telescoping Handle Hard Shell Suitcase, 20-Inch
- 9. GoPenguin Lightweight Hardside Carry On Luggage, 20-Inch
- 10. Kenneth Cole Renegade Zippered Pockets Hard Shell Suitcase, 28-Inch
- 11. American Tourister Moonlight Push Button Hard Shell Suitcase, 21-Inch
- 12. Samsonite Omni Lightweight Hard Shell Suitcase, 28-Inch
- 13. Wrangler Smart Spinner Traveler Hard Shell Suitcase, 2-Piece
- 14. Ben Sherman Nottingham Easy Organize Hard Shell Suitcase, 24-Inch
Telescoping HandleThe telescoping handle and 360-degree caster wheels on this affordable luggage make it easy to maneuver.
Economical OptionThis hard shell suitcase is a budget-friendly option with many desirable features.
Easy to Maneuver This hard shell suitcase has an expander that adds 2-inches of extra packing space.
Expandable and TSA-FriendlyThis hard shell suitcase includes a recessed TSA lock system that provides secure travel.
Why we recommend these hard shell suitcases?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 14 Hard Shell Suitcases and also dug through the reviews from 31 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Hard Shell Suitcases.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
SHOWKOO Multidirectional Adjustable Hard Shell Suitcase Set, 3-Piece
Our Take
A small, medium and large suitcase are included in this high-quality, yet affordable luggage set. The outer hard shell protects your belongings during travel, while the built-in TSA lock provides security against theft. You can even get the suitcase set in one of 26 different colors!
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
kensie Alma Wheeled Hard Shell Suitcase, 20-Inch
Our Take
This hard shell suitcase includes a recessed TSA lock system that provides secure travel. It's also expandable for extra packing capacity.
What other experts liked
Overall Product Rankings
1. SHOWKOO Multidirectional Adjustable Hard Shell Suitcase Set, 3-Piece
3. DELSEY Paris Helium Aero TSA-Accepted Hard Shell Suitcase, 19-Inch
5. Rockland Melbourne Lightweight Hard Shell Suitcase Set, 2-Piece
6. Travelers Club Midtown Fully-Lined Hard Shell Suitcase, 4-Piece
8. Betsey Johnson Telescoping Handle Hard Shell Suitcase, 20-Inch
10. Kenneth Cole Renegade Zippered Pockets Hard Shell Suitcase, 28-Inch
11. American Tourister Moonlight Push Button Hard Shell Suitcase, 21-Inch
13. Wrangler Smart Spinner Traveler Hard Shell Suitcase, 2-Piece
14. Ben Sherman Nottingham Easy Organize Hard Shell Suitcase, 24-Inch
Our Hard Shell Suitcase Findings
SHOWKOO Multidirectional Adjustable Hard Shell Suitcase Set, 3-Piece
What We Liked: A small, medium and large suitcase are included in this high-quality, yet affordable luggage set. The outer hard shell protects your belongings during travel, while the built-in TSA lock provides security against theft. You can even get the suitcase set in one of 26 different colors!
AmazonBasics Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase, 21-Inch
What We Liked: This durable hard shell suitcase prevents crushing and is scratch-resistant. The interior is fully lined with three zippered pockets, making organization a breeze. The spinner wheels glide smoothly and make it easy to travel with.
DELSEY Paris Helium Aero TSA-Accepted Hard Shell Suitcase, 19-Inch
What We Liked: Thanks to the eight multi-directional caster wheels and the telescoping handle, you won’t have any trouble pulling this hard shell suitcase across an airport. The case is constructed from 100% polycarbonate and available in 10 fun colors. What you’ll love most, of course, are the spacious main compartments and many built-in pockets, as they help you keep all of your items neatly organized.
kensie Alma Wheeled Hard Shell Suitcase, 20-Inch
What We Liked: This hard shell suitcase includes a
recessed TSA lock system that provides secure travel. It’s also
expandable for extra packing capacity.
Rockland Melbourne Lightweight Hard Shell Suitcase Set, 2-Piece
What We Liked: The first thing you’ll notice about this hard shell luggage set is the ergonomic chrome telescoping handle. It’s comfortable to hold and extends to match your height. Each of the two pieces in this set also come with multi-directional double spinner wheels to make moving around the airport a breeze.
Our Hard Shell Suitcase Buying Guide
Hardshell suitcases can be durable and lightweight. They are frequently available in standard sizes for carry-on bags or checked luggage, making them a practical choice for traveling by plane or cruise ship. Learning about features to consider and look for will help you select the best hard-sided luggage for your needs.
Consider the type of material used in a hardshell suitcase you are considering. Many are made from high-tech plastic. ABS is the most lightweight, although it is not as sturdy as polycarbonate, which is a bit heavier. Luggage made with an aluminum shell will stand up to the most wear and tear, but it is also the heaviest material used to make hard-sided suitcases.
Many hardshell suitcases open much like a clamshell, with two distinct, equal sides in which to pack. While this can be helpful to keep items separate, it also requires more room when unpacking as you must spread it open entirely. Others have a “lid” that opens more like a traditional suitcase, so if you will use it in a small space, consider this option.
Hard-sided luggage can be more challenging to store than soft-sided luggage is. You will need ample space, as squeezing a suitcase into a tight area might result in scratches or damage. Some hardshell suitcase sets come in graduated sizes that fit inside one another, making storage less difficult.
DWYM Fun Fact
By the late 1800s, travelers had essentially two choices for carrying their clothing and other items. Massive waterproof trunks were most often used for lengthy trips, such as those by steamship, train or stagecoach. On the other end of the spectrum were carpet bags, which were small, top-opening travel bags made from carpeting material, such as oriental rugs.
Suitcases were in use by the 1900s, but they were merely cases to hold suits, much as the name suggests. As travel changed, trunks went out of fashion and suitcases evolved into the handled luggage used today.
In 1970, an inventor dreamed up the idea of putting wheels on suitcases after traveling with his wife and kids. And the rest is history.
The Hard Shell Suitcase Tips and Advice
- To clean your hard-sided luggage, dip a soft cloth or sponge in warm, soapy water and wipe it gently. Follow up by rinsing it with a clean, damp cloth. Dry the suitcase completely before storing it.
- The easiest way to remove sand, dirt, dust or crumbs from the inside of your suitcase is to vacuum it. If there is any sticky or caked-on grime, remove it with a damp cloth and then allow the interior to dry completely before putting it in storage. You will be grateful for clean, fresh luggage when planning your next trip.
- As hardshell luggage is prone to scratches, dents or dings, consider purchasing luggage covers for extra protection when not in use.
- Check the wheels on your suitcase before and after you travel. Removing gravel, dirt or other particles in the wheels will keep them moving smoothly for years to come.
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