Travelpro vs Samsonite: A Detailed Suitcase Comparison
Samsonite produces some of the best luggage in the world, but Travelpro is not far behind. And when you are looking at buying yourself a new piece of luggage it is certainly worth doing detailed comparison.
In this review, I will show you in detail how these two manufacturers best suitcases compare, as well as reviews of the luggage itself.
In the end, you will have all the information you need to decide whether it is going to be Travelpro or Samsonite for your next purchase.
Top Product Overview
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Samsonite Suitcase Reviews
Samsonite is the king of luggage. They are extremely well known, and for good reason.
They produce a quality product and were even voted best suitcase on Tripadvisor in 2016.
When it comes to materials, Samsonite usually uses top-quality materials for both the case, the interior linings, and the zippers.
As a result, these cases will last a long time which often offsets the extra money you have paid for the case (if you think the price per year of use).
Now, let’s take a look at a couple of the most popular and top-quality models of Samsonite suitcase.
Best All-round SuitcaseSamsonite Omni PC Suitcase
The Samsonite Omni PC range is a great entry-level suitcase for those wanting the protection of a hardcase.
They are cost-effective, strong, durable, and have all the standard features that keep travelers happy again and again.
What’s included in the Omni:
- Retracting top and side handle, and telescopic handle
- 360-degree spinner wheels for easy pushing
- Rugged polycarbonate outer shell for a durable and lasting case
- Clamshell interior (2 sided) for easy packing (one with compression straps, the other with zippered mesh cover)
- Built-in TSA combination lock
- Full-length expandable zipper for those souvenirs to bring home
The Omni is a great choice for the budget-conscious traveler who wants a hardcase that won’t scratch like crazy (like the shiny cases) and has enough packing options to store your clothes easily.
You can also get a quick rundown of the features in the video below:
Product Information
- 20 inch: 22.0" x 15.0" x 9.5" at 6.8 pounds
- 24 inch: 26.5" x 18.5" x 11.5" at 8.3 pounds
- 28 inch: 30.5" x 21.5" x 13.5" at 10.35 pounds
- 5 Colors: Black, Teal, Carribean Blue, Radiant Pink, Burnt Orange
- Polycarbonate micro-diamond (scratch resistant) exterior
- Nylon-lined interior
- TSA Approved code lock built in
- Expandable zipper for more luggage space
Samsonite Leverage LTE Spinner
On the other side of the coin from the Omni is the Samsonite Leverage LTE This is a softcase with a few more top-end features and a slightly higher price tag.
Unlike the hardcase clamshell design, this softcase has one big packing area with some external pockets and a few on the inside as well.
Let’s take a quick dive into the features of this other popular Samsonite case.
- 400D x 360D Nylon with Weather Resistant Coating and Oil Resistant Coating
- 3 handles for easy carrying (including one on the bottom)
- A removable, zippered suiter.
- Dual spinner wheels for easy straight rolling
- Wetpak™ and mesh pockets for optimal organization.
- Mesh interior straps for great load stability
- 2 Simple front pockets (one large, one small)
- Lockable self-mending coiled zippers
- Expandable case using zippered expander (0.65 inches)
The interior of this case has only one big packing area, but is impressive in what it offers. There are big mesh pockets on the lid, one of which has a hanger for your more wrinkl prone items. There is also a wetpac on the inside of the packing area, which can be used for wet or dirty items (or toiletries if you wish).
The attention to detail is also great on this case with the well-designed wheels, the removable suiter which is perfect for business travel. The zippers are also top-notch with a coil design to help self-repair.
All in all, this is more of a case for the frequent or business traveler and a higher price tag to match.
Product Information
- Note: Dimensions are external/outside
- 20” Spinner: 20 x 14.5 x 8", 8.0 lbs
- 25” Spinner: 24.5 x 17.75 x 9.5", 9.5 lbs
- 29” Spinner: 29 x 20.25 x 11", 10.5, lbs.
- 4 Colors: Charcoal, Blue, Purple
- 400D x 360D Nylon with Weather Resistant Coating and Oil Resistant Coating
Travelpro Suitcase Reviews
Travelpro came into the market a bit later than some of the bigger brands, but their cases are still worth checking out. They only have a few case ranges, but their offering is well thought out and well-loved by travelers around the world.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Review
The Maxlite 5 is the latest in a series of a extremely light suitcases from Travelpro. Although they have made it lightweight, it is still durable and has enough standard features that will keep you traveling for years to come.
This is the entry-level case from Travelpro that is in its fourth generation now and still going. And with every model change, they seem to shave off that little bit more weight (here is Maxlite 3 vs 4)
These are simple, reliable, and lightweight cases that will suit almost anyone.
And, they come with features such as:
- A roomy interior with compression straps to secure your luggage
- A full-length mesh side pocket for your smaller items
- A full-sized mesh pocket on the inside of the lid (see image)
- 360 degree spinner wheels
- 2 position telescopic handle
- Locking eyelets on the zippers
- Expandable case using zippered expander
This is really a case for anyone who values weight savings, simplicity, and a low price. You won’t find all the frills of the Samsonite Silhouette or Travelpro Magna on this case, but maybe you just don’t need them :>
Note: This case also has a hard case version as well as slight variations in size depending on where you buy them, as well as other options like the rolling tote or suiter.
Product Information
- 21 inch: 9 x 14.5 x 23 inches at 5.4lb
- 25 inch: 11.5 x 18.5 x 27 inches at 7.3lb
- 29 inch: 13 x 21 x 31 inches at 8.5lb
- 4 Colors: Black, Azure & Sapphire Blue, Burgundy, Rose, Merlot, Mocha, Slate Green
- Polyester with stain & water-resistant coating
TravelPro Platinum Magna 2
The Maxlite is the entry level model for Travelpro, but if you want something a little more long lasting and with more features – the Platinum Magna 2 is the way to go.
For the rest, it’s again pretty similar to the rest of the cases in this review, but it has probably the most frills of all of them.
The noteworthy features include:
- Polycarbonate hard case that is light, flexible and strong
- 3 grab handles for easy carrying grabbing (top & side are leather)
- 3 position telescopic handle
- 4 x dual, self-aligning (straight rolling) spinner wheels for easy luggage movement
- Interior: a full-length lid pocket, mesh and wet side pockets and accessory pockets built into the hold down system
- Easy to access front pocket (see image below)
- High density ballistic nylon fabric with DuraGuard (durable and strong)
- Protective strips in the places that get the most wear (back, sides, bottom)
- Expandable case using zippered expander
This model is more on par with the Samsonite Silhouette, but with a few differences in the handle positions (less on this model) and the extra accessory pockets on the hold-down straps (on this model).
Other than that, it is a tough choice.
Product Information
- 21 inch: 21" x 14" x 9" at 7lb 14oz
- 25 inch: 25" x 18" x 11.25" at 9lb 14oz
- 29 inch: 29" x 20.5" x 12.75" at 11 lb 4oz
- 2 Colors: Black & Olive
- Ballistic Nylon exterior
Samsonite vs Travelpro Buying Guide
Comparing the Samsonites and the Travelpros, you have to look at a few things in detail.
Size
Each brand has three main sizes that usually suit:
- 20-21 inch is a small carry on that you can take on the plane
- 24-25 inch is a mid-size that suits smaller trips or one person for a week if you don’t overpack
- 28-29 inch is the largest size that you can use for longer trips or include two people (or more for shorter trips.
If you are looking to invest in something for a big trip, you will want a carry-on and a large case. If you just want options, you can grab the mid and large case (which is what I did – week trips, and long trips). I use a backpack to carry on in any case.
Weight
Most suitcases these days are pretty light. But, some go the extra mile to make their cases even lighter.
Samsonite is known for the super-lightweight hard cases – The Omni listed above, is very light, and they take it even a step further with the weight-focused cases – Cosmolite and Firelite.
In the comparison chart above, you will see that actually the lightest case in the list is the Travelpro Maxlite. These are a great option if you don’t want to spend the kind of money you will need to hand out for a Samsonite.
Durability
Hardcases can handle a lot of knocks, but, in the long run, you will often find that soft cases last even longer.
Why? Because they do not have the stress put on them that hard cases do. They compress and squish down where a hardcase has to “take” the knock or stress put on it.
In terms of materials on softcases, Nylon is a better, more durable option. So, the Samsonite Leverage LTE and Travelpro Magna are better options if you want long life out of your case.
Also keep in mind that companies like Samsonite tend to put more money into their materials (handles, zippers, wheels, etc) and that is often why the cases cost more. It is not to say that a Travelpro will not last as long, but just something to think about.
Features
Almost all of the cases from both Samsonite and Travelpro have the same basic features that you will love:
- Lots of room for packing
- Internal and external (not on the Omni because it is a hard case) pockets for extra packing
- Either lockable zippers (Travelpro) or TSA locks (Samsonites)
- 4 Spinner wheels to help make your life easy pushing or pulling your case to/from their airport
Where things differ a little is in the following:
- Travelpro has some in-between sizes that might be available depending on where you buy
- Travelpro has some different shaped cases like totes, and suiters (for business travelers who need to take more wrinkle-prone clothes/suits) whereas Samsonite has different solutions to that (or tries to build them in like on the Silhouette models)
- Samsonite invests a little more in the details like the 8 positions telescopic handle and wetpac on the Silhouette XV Cases
Price
Price is a very important part of any purchase and Travelpro and Samsonite have ranges here to help you with your decision.
On the lower and of the spectrum are the Omni and Maxlites. They are also quite light suitcases and don’t have all the frills of the other models. They fall in the $100 range (plus or minus)
A little bit more expensive are the Samsonite Silhouette and Travelpro Magna 2. These two tend to fall in the $200+ range depending on the size and the time of year you buy.
Which Suitcase To Choose?
Both Samsonite and Travelpro know how to make good cases, so in many ways, it’s hard to choose.
But, let me quickly give you a few easy choices:
Price: The lower price options are the Omni hardcase and the Maxlite 5 softcase.
Weight: Note surprisingly with weight, the choices are almost the same – because more features mean more weight (usually). But, the Maxlite comes out a bit ahead on all sizes. So, if weight is your primary concern, go with that.
Durability and Strength: On the basis of sheer protection, a hardcase is always best. But, over the long run, many people find that the softcases last longer because they can endure more impact without cracking. So, this is a hard choice. Also, The more expensive cases tend to use more expensive materials (like Ballistic Nylon in the Magna 2) which of course are stronger and last longer.
Features & Comfort: The top-end models have a lot more to offer here, with more pockets (including wet packs), better handles (8 positions on the Silhouette, with a foam grip for comfort!), better wheels, and a TSA lock on the Samsonite. The Silhouette would be my choice, but the Magna 2 also has an easier-to-access front pocket and better side protection. So, you need to decide.
Although I started out this review thinking that Samsonite would win hands down on quality and features, it seems that is not always the case. Sure, some reviewers on Amazon have complained about breaking zippers on the Maxlite 4. But all manufacturers will have issues. That is why they have warranties.
So, my advice: read over the features lists. Check the prices. Read the reviews of the one or two models you like the best. Then – pull the trigger.
There is no perfect case, but all 4 in this comparison are great choices.
Safe travels!
