Best suitcases and smart luggage for travel in 2023

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1. Clifton Expandable Cabin

Antler’s compact case fits in overhead compartments and is the acceptable size as carry-on luggage for most airlines (56 x 35 x 23cm). It has a hard polycarbonate shell, TSA lock, 360° wheels and handy compartments.

£175; antler.co.uk

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2. The Bigger Carry-On

Cabin-approved by most airlines (58 x 37 x 24cm), this 47.9l bag has a durable (but scuffable) polycarbonate shell and is packed with features including a water-resistant laundry bag and a compression system.

From £265; awaytravel.com

3. Bellagio

Bric’s Bellagio range is made from durable scuff-resistant polycarbonate with leather trims, water-resistant zips and smooth swivel wheels.

From £465; brics.it/uk

4. Holiday 6

Tripp is one of the best budget luggage brands. Its Holiday 6 bag comes in three sizes – cabin, medium and large – and a range of colours. Lightweight but tough, it has a hard polypropylene shell and four wheels for 360° movement. There are no inner pockets, just the spacious main compartment.

From £60; tripp.co.uk

5. Herschel Novel Duffle

An ideal weekend bag, this 42.5l duffle is available in a variety of colours and has a shoe compartment, reinforced handles and a removable shoulder strap.

£90; herschelsupplyco.co.uk

6. Anode 30l Underseat Case

Easyjet and Ryanair charge for cabin bags, but those that fit under the seat in front, such as this hard wheelie case, are still free. It weighs only 2.2kg, but is just about big enough for a short break, and has packing straps and a zipped divider.

£47; cabinmax.com

7. Airwheel SE3 Mini Smart Riding Suitcase

You can ride at up to 8km/hr on this motor-powered suitcase. It fits as hand luggage and has a removable power bank. Airwheel also makes the SR5, a robotic suitcase that can follow you.

£459; amazon.co.uk

8. The Carry-on Pro

With an expandable zipless design, this hard-shell case has an integrated battery to charge your devices and a silent set of 360° spinner wheels.

£385; carlfriedrik.co

9. XD Design Bobby Anti-Theft Backpack

The XD Design Bobby Anti-Theft Backpack fits under a plane seat, and has a USB port with a power bank inside. It is cut-resistant and has hidden zips and pockets.

£100; amazon.co.uk

10. Kono Cabin Case

Weighing just 2.5kg, the Kono has an impressive 38-litre capacity, and a built-in USB charging port, telescopic handle, TSA locks and four 360° wheels.

£75; amazon.co.uk

11. Horizn H5

This vegan cabin bag has two USB charging ports and an integrated removable power bank. It comes in 13 colours, and has a compression pad to maximise capacity.

£370; horizn-studios.co.uk

12. The Away Carry-On

This lightweight case has a durable polycarbonate shell, an interior compression system and a water-resistant laundry bag. It fits in most overhead lockers, has 360° wheels and a built-in USB.

£245; awaytravel.com