Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner vs Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner
Buy the Travelpro Maxlite 5 if you want a checked-size softside with more pockets and a lower price. Buy the Samsonite Freeform if you want a hardside carry-on with a built-in TSA lock. The Maxlite 5 is $148.00 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026, and the Freeform is $170.93 at eBay as of the same date.
Today the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner costs $22.93 less at its best price.
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Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner
4.5$148.00at AmazonObserved Nov 2, 2026, 6:14 PM
Choose the Travelpro Maxlite 5 if you want a 25-inch expandable softside with front and side pockets and you want to spend less.
Pros
- 91 L capacity with 2 in of expansion
- Front and side exterior pockets for quick access
- Tapered shape to reduce tipping
- Water-repellent DuraGuard coating
- Lowest price of the two
Cons
- No built-in lock
- Soft shell offers less crush protection
What separates them
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner | Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner | |
|---|---|---|
| Shell type | Soft-sided polyester with DuraGuard coating | Hardside polypropylene |
| Size class | 25 in case height, checked bag | 21 in, carry-on size |
| Weight | 6.8 to 7.3 lbs listed | 6.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 91 L, expands up to 2 in | Not stated, expandable |
| Lock | No built-in lock | Recessed TSA 3-dial combination lock |
| Wheels | Four single spinner wheels | Double spinner wheels |
| Pockets | Front pocket, side accessory pocket, full-length lid pocket | Divider, cross ribbon, multi-pockets |
| Price | $148.00 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026 |
Price history
$160.00$148.00
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner: lowest $148.00 on Nov 2 at Luggage Pros.
- Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner: lowest $149.59 on Nov 2 at Voyage Luggage.
Prices at every store
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner
- JCPenneyNew
In stock
$161.99Observed Nov 2, 2026, 2:33 PM - Kohl'sNew
In stock
$255.99Free shippingObserved Nov 2, 2026, 6:55 PM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$148.00Free shippingObserved Nov 2, 2026, 6:14 PM - eBayNew
Availability unknown
$165.00Observed Nov 2, 2026, 6:55 PM
Also available at
- Voyage LuggageCheck price at Voyage Luggage
- InstacartCheck price at Instacart
- Luggage ProsCheck price at Luggage Pros
Specs compared
| Spec | Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner | Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 6.8 lbs. | 6.5 lb |
| Construction Type | Soft-sided | — |
| Empty Weight | 7.3 lbs | — |
| Volume | 91 L | — |
| Depth | 11 in. | — |
| Height | 25 in. (Case Dimensions) | — |
| Width | 18 in. (Case Dimensions) | — |
| Expanded Depth | Up to 2 in | — |
| Closure Type | Zipper | — |
| Water Resistance | Moisture resistance | — |
| Wheels |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a carry-on?
- The Samsonite Freeform. At 21 in it is carry-on size, and it has a built-in TSA lock. The Maxlite 5 is a 25 in checked bag.
- Which holds more?
- The Travelpro Maxlite 5. It lists 91 L and expands up to 2 in. Samsonite does not state a volume for the Freeform.
- Which is lighter?
- The Samsonite Freeform at 6.5 lbs. The Maxlite 5 is listed at 6.8 to 7.3 lbs.
- Is the Freeform worth the extra money?
- It costs $22.93 more at the listed prices. You pay for the hardside shell and the built-in TSA lock. Choose the Maxlite 5 if you need checked-bag capacity.
- Which lasts longer?
- Neither maker publishes a lifespan. A hardside shell resists crushing, while softside fabric and zippers can be repaired more easily. Check each warranty before buying.
- Do either have a lock?
- Only the Samsonite Freeform, which has a recessed TSA 3-dial combination lock. The Maxlite 5 has no built-in lock.