We Found the Best Affordable Luggage—Starting at Just $55 (2024)

If you have your next adventure planned, it's time to think about packing. We're not talking about the fabulous seasonal dresses you've stocked up on but what you're literally packing: your luggage. Whether you're looking for a weekender bag for a short getaway, a large suitcase for your international travels, or a carry-on for an upcoming work trip, finding the best bag for your needs can get pricey.

Fortunately, we found a host of options under $200, so you can spend less time picking out a suitcase and more time planning your trip. But there are a few things to keep in mind before buying new luggage—here's what to look for in an affordable bag.

What to consider

Material

One of your biggest luggage choices is going with a hard-sided or a soft-sided exterior. A hard-shell exterior is typically made from a durable and lightweight plastic material. It tends to be slightly heavier but also more durable. Soft-sided luggage is usually lighter and less durable. In our research, we also found hard-shell luggage has more interior organization.

Size

Depending on where you plan on bringing your luggage, you'll want to make sure your bag will fit where you plan to store it—whether that's in overhead bins, under the seat in front of you, or in the trunk of your car. If you're flying, a couple of inches may be the difference between stowing your suitcase in an overhead bin or having to gate check. All the bags below come in multiple sizes, so grab your tape measure before you make a purchase.

Weight

You have to lift carry-ons over your head, so weight is important to take into consideration. Your checked bag weight is important too, as airlines typically charge overweight bag fees if you're over a certain limit. That takes into account the weight of your bag, so if you're a heavy packer, finding the lightest suitcase possible may be a priority.

How we chose

To find the best affordable luggage, we took a look at past Oprah's Favorite Things lists, consulted customer reviews, and included editor-tested and -approved picks. We found options for both carry-ons and checked bags, so there's a range of options depending on your type of travel. We also considered the price point and kept all recommendations under $200.

This smaller, 20-inch carry-on is under $100, making it quite budget-friendly. The thick hard-shell exterior will keep your belongings protected while you're on the move. Four multi-directional spinner wheels let the suitcase roll with you from security to your gate. There are four color options, too, so you can find one that fits your taste.

When it comes to the best carry-on suitcases, this pick from Samsonite not only looks sleek but is lightweight and easy to store in overhead bins. The RightHeight telescoping handle gives you the option to set it where you feel most comfortable while heading to your gate. Wheels that spin a full 360 degrees allow the bag to roll smoothly through the airport. The chic leather details, interior organization system, and TSA-approved locks round out this lightweight piece of luggage.

This set comes with different size options: There's one carry-on bag and two sizes of checked bags to choose from. Each is expandable so you can fit as much as you need and offers minimal interior organization so you have flexibility in how you pack. TSA-approved locks on each bag, quiet spinning wheels, and a durable hard shell make Coolife's options all the better. There are also seven different colors to choose from.

Our editors find themselves often reaching for the Beis Weekender bag for quick overnight trips. The bottom compartment opens up for shoes, hair tools, and other non-fragile items. The inside can hold bulkier items, like sweaters and jeans, and there's a laptop sleeve too. The trolley pass-through has a zipper on the bottom, so when you're not securing this bag to a roller suitcase's handle, you can use it as an extra pocket.

For quick getaways, this duffel bag has a do-it-all design. "This smart carryall makes schlepping your stuff for an overnight getaway goof-proof," Oprah said about this 2022 Favorite Things pick. The bag unzips to lay flat and gives you access to a garment bag that protects your clothes and helps prevent wrinkles. "Fill up the garment bag first, then add a couple of pairs of shoes to the side pockets and zip it all up so it transforms into a duffel bag before you put in the rest of your essentials.”

For short trips or when you don't want to risk your plane running out of space in overhead bins and having to check your carry-on, this under-seat bag does the trick. The 15-inch bag even has exterior pockets to give you quick access to smaller things, like your phone, wallet, or passport. Even though it's small, the handle adjusts to a standard height, so you can roll it comfortably.

The perk of soft-sided luggage is that it tends to be lighter than a hard-sided pick—and every pound counts when you're checking your bag. The fabric has a water- and stain-resistant coating to keep it looking clean, while interior organization and two-inch expansion means you will have space to pack as much as you need.

For trips that require a ton of stuff (think: a two-week jaunt to Europe), this 29-inch bag is the way to go. The 360-degree spinner wheels make it easy to navigate the XL luggage from the curb to the check-in agent. The suitcase is one large compartment with zippered pockets on the top and comes with a bag for your liquids and toiletries to save you from the stress of leaks getting on your clothes.

While this checked bag is a bit heavier than the others on our list, it has a hard shell for those who prefer a durable exterior. The TSA-approved locks sit on the side, so you can keep your belongings secure while your luggage is out of sight. Multi-directional wheels glide over the ground for the short while you're transporting the suitcase. It's also divided into two large compartments so you have flexibility with your packing.

The best part of this carry-on suitcase is the padded laptop sleeve on the front that gives you quick access to your tech, meaning you can get through security just a little faster. The cushioned top and side handles make the bag comfortable to maneuver, while the handle adjusts to your preferred height. The bag offers one large storage compartment, so if you're a packing cube aficionado, you can organize how you like. The 360-degree spinning wheels make rolling the bag a breeze, too.

The biggest benefit of this suitcase is the interior power bank pocket that helps you stay charged up while on the go. Slip your TSA-approved portable charger into the inside pocket, plug it in, and use the side of the suitcase to power up your devices. The suitcase expands, so you can lean into overpacking, should you choose to. The push-lock handle extends and contracts depending on how high you want to set it.