This overall score is made up of performance (60%) and ease of use (40%).

Our testers pack carry on cases with 4kg of clothing and check in cases with 15kg clothing and place them on a tilting platform. The higher the score, the more stable the suitcase.

A heavy pointed cylinder is dropped on to the suitcase surface; the higher the score, the less visible damage.

We see how much water gets into the suitcases. The higher the score the less likely rain will get into your case.

Carry on suitcases are loaded with 4kg of clothing and check in suitcases are packed with 15kg of clothing. We then subject our suitcases to 300 rounds of our lift and drop test, then grade the damage. Suitcases with no damage receive 100%. Those with substantial damage (for example, are missing wheels) score 0%.

We test suitcases on a bumpy rolling rig for 30 minutes at 5km/h. Generally all pass, so we haven't tested this on later batches.

Our testers conduct several technical tests to assess each suitcase's performance. The performance score is made up of the lift and drop test (60%), stability test (20%), rain test (10%) and puncture test (10%).

Ease of use is assessed by three triallists (including our expert tester). They score each suitcase on aspects like balance and manouverability.

They also wheel the cases (with a 5kg load for carry on and 15kg load for check in) over a range of surfaces including grass, carpet, stairs, asphalt and footpaths. 

We recommend currently available suitcases with overall scores of 80% or more.

Whether the product is discontinued or still available.

Clicking a link will take you to a retailer's website to shop, where available.

This is the price we paid at retailers.

We list the recommended retail price where possible for each suitcase. Shop around: in many cases, we found suitcases that were significantly cheaper than the recommended retail price.

Whether the product is suitable for carry on or check in.

The suitcase's exterior style.