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Level8 vs Amazon Basics

Friday, December 13th

2024 Luggage Reviews

Level8 Review 4.5 Star Rating

Level8

4.5 Star Rating
  • Prices starting at $116.99
  • 28 suitcase choices
  • All hard-shell suitcases
  • Unique design features
  • Lifetime warranty
  • High ratings from customers

Level8 features all hard-shell suitcases with a smooth appearance in a variety of pretty colors. They have both carry-on and checked bag sizes or you can buy sets that come with multiples. Prices start at $116.99, but most suitcases here are $150 or under. The luggage includes some handy features like front openings for laptops and tablets, extra interior zipped lining, and even some packing cubes depending on which model you choose. Level8 offers a lifetime guarantee on their suitcases, and customers like that their wheels are silent and the suitcases can hold up to a beating when tossed around. This is a great luggage brand and we recommend checking them out.

Amazon Basics Review 3.5 Star Rating

Amazon Basics

3.5 Star Rating
  • Starting at $38.99
  • 11 suitcase styles
  • Free shipping
  • Free, easy returns
  • 30-day return policy
  • 1-year warranty
  • Tens of thousands of product reviews

AmazonBasics is a good go-to brand when you want a high-quality item without spending name-brand prices. They don't have a huge selection of luggage, but true to their name, they do have the basics. Whether you want a hard or soft shell suitcase or just a simple garment bag, you can find all of it (even sets) for under $168. What makes Amazon so appealing is their unbeatable amount of customer reviews, fast and free shipping, easy returns, and thorough product listings to make your online shopping experience a breeze. You don't get a ton of variety here, but if you're on a budget and don't want anything fancy, then AmazonBasics' luggage is a good option.

What is the Best Brand of Luggage?

Whether you're a world traveler and you frequent the airport, or you're just taking a weekend trip a few cities away, you need something to keep all your belongings organized. At some point in life, everyone will need to have a good set of luggage and there's really no way around it. It's something that you might only buy once in your life if you get a high-quality set and it will serve you over and over again.

The key is to own the right sizes and, of course, colors and design that fit your style. You may never have put much thought into all the different features you could find in different sets of luggage, but as you start shopping online you'll soon realize that there are a lot of things to consider.

The Best Luggage Brands Compare Luggage Brands Compare Luggage Reviews What are the best Luggage Brands Best Luggage Reviews

Luggage FAQ

Not necessarily. Every company has to start somewhere, and a new brand might be the next big hit. However, sticking with luggage brands that have lots of customer reviews and a track record of honoring warranties is always a safer bet.
Definitely not. Some brands have limited lifetime coverage of manufacturer defects, while others only extend that protection in the first few years that you own your luggage. A very small number of luggage brands protect you against wear and tear, even airline mishandling, but the majority will only replace or repair your suitcase if something malfunctions (like a zipper breaks).
Unused? Yes, usually. Check the policy of the luggage brand you're considering if you think this is a real possibility.
In our experience, not usually. You're paying for the prestige and the look, but luxury luggage brands rarely match their more affordable counterparts with respect to durability and function. Even the ones that supposedly offer a "lifetime warranty” often fall down when it comes to honoring that promise. You're usually better off going with luggage that mixes form and function: what good is a fancy name if your suitcase busts open the first time it's thrown on an airport conveyor belt?
Very few. Even iconic brands like American Tourister and Samsonite are usually made in China.
Your features wish list depends on the kind of travel you anticipate doing. Adventurous, outdoorsy types might like duffel bags with compartments to separate muddy and wet clothing from dry, clean items. Business travelers or the tech savvy might appreciate a carry-on with a built-in USB port. Other commonly-sought features include spinner wheels, TSA-compatible locks, zippers to expand the packing capacity, and external handles that maximize interior packing space.
No. While most luggage brands do their best to designate their carry-ons as domestic- or international-sized, there are no guarantees. Helpful hint: read through the customer reviews on any piece you're considering and see if any mention your frequently-flown airlines.
That's like asking "Coke or Pepsi”. Soft-sided tends to weigh a little less and be more forgiving of cramming in that one last must-have item. Hard-sided is, well, harder. It can offer greater protection if you tend to travel with fragile belongings, but it also tends to get scuffed up quickly. It's really more a matter of personal preference than anything.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

For example, do you want hard or soft luggage? Do you want wheels that glide straight? Or ones that can swivel around in all directions? Do you want it to have a lock with the zipper in case it gets into the wrong hands? How about pockets on the outside or the ability to expand? See? There are many more things to decide on than you may have originally anticipated.

When you're off from place to place or sprinting to your airport terminal, the last thing you want is a busted wheel or handle. You might have to spend a tad bit more money, but having a high-quality luggage set is totally worth it. Another helpful hint when shopping is to buy something that's easily identifiable in case your luggage gets mixed in with other people's or you want to quickly grab your suitcase from the luggage carousel at the baggage claim. All of your essentials are in that important travel bag, so you'll always want to be able to pick it out in a crowd.

There are many companies that sell luggage online, but which ones will last you years to come? Some brands have really basic options while others get a lot more technical and fancy, so we've done the research to lay it all out for you so you can buy from a company that will best fit your traveling lifestyle. Here are some major things to take into account when weighing your options for luggage brands:

  • Selection. Does the company have a lot of sizes to choose from? Do they have luggage with more basic features that come at a lower cost as well as those with fancy wheels, extra pockets, and high-quality materials to keep them in good shape while getting shuffled around? Find a brand that gives you plenty of options and allows you to pick your very favorite.
  • Price. Luggage can vary quite a bit in price. If you're getting a high-end suitcase with extra compartments, accessories, top-shelf materials, and a unique design, chances are that you're going to be spending a bit more. Make sure that customer reviews live up to the hype and price of the luggage brand so you know you're getting your money's worth. If you hardly ever travel and just need something to function as a large compartment for your clothes and nothing more, look for a good deal.
  • Warranty policy. If your luggage arrives and isn't what you pictured or it arrives damaged, what is the warranty like? If you use it a few times and the zipper breaks or a wheel falls off, will the company repair or replace it at no charge? How long will the warranty last?
  • Reputation. We prefer shopping at stores that let customers leave honest feedback about their items. Pay attention to what people say about the durability, glide, material quality, and customer service of a certain brand and its unique products. Taking the brand's Better Business Bureau rating into account can also set you on the right track.

The experts at Top Consumer Reviews have researched the best luggage brands you can buy from online. We hope you are able to find a great luggage set to accompany you on all your big adventures that lie ahead!

The Best Reviews of Luggage Brands