Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner vs Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner

The Maxlite 5 is the better carry-on for most flyers: it weighs about a pound less, expands more, and its soft shell squeezes into tight overhead bins and tight rental-car trunks. The Freeform is the sturdier choice if you check bags or want a hard shell with a built-in TSA lock. Owners rate the Travelpro higher (4.6 vs 4.3), and its lifetime warranty beats Samsonite's 10-year global coverage, but the Samsonite polypropylene shell shrugs off rough baggage handling that would scuff polyester.

• Choose the Maxlite 5 if you fly carry-on only, want the lightest bag you can lift into an overhead bin, and value a lifetime warranty over a hard shell.
• Choose the Freeform if you check your bag, want a hard shell that resists rain and crushing, and want a built-in TSA lock.