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Why you can trust us

Travelfreak’s editorial team has tested dozens of suitcases over the years, and we’ve learned a lot about separating a quality piece of luggage from an overpriced, bulky piece of plastic. We’ve tested and reviewed budget luggage, luxury suitcases and everything in between.

We know how difficult it can be to find the perfect suitcase, and we want to make the process easier for you. So our team of gear junkies and product engineers have developed the most comprehensive gear testing method.

We’ve tested and rated 17 Delsey suitcases and 15 Samsonite suitcases, including carry-on and checked bags from both brands.

We evaluated each of these suitcases on 31 metrics across eight categories. We treated them all equally and rated them on the same standardized scale. This makes it easy for us (and you) to compare the pros and cons of each.

Delsey vs Samsonite: Quick Answers

• Durability: Delsey luggage generally uses better materials and stronger components than Samsonite, but both brands make reliable luggage.
• Price: Both Delsey and Samsonite have affordable suitcase models, but Samsonite is generally cheaper.
• Warranty: Most Samsonite luggage has a 10-year warranty, while Delsey has a limited lifetime warranty on each suitcase.
• Durability: Delsey uses more recycled materials than Samsonite and has more in-depth programs to reduce carbon footprint, energy use and pollution.
• Content: Delsey uses high-quality materials such as 100% polycarbonate, while Samsonite uses cheaper materials on many suitcases.
• Design and style: Delsey luggage has a sophisticated, timeless style. Samsonite suitcases come in a wide variety, from conservative to ultra-modern.
• Internal Organization: Most Samsonite suitcases have more pockets and better internal organization than Delsey bags.
• Expandability: Both Delsey and Samsonite have several carry-on and check-in models that are expandable.
• Wheels: Delsea luggage has slightly more durable double spinner wheels than Samsonite, especially on budget models.
• Handle: Delsey and Samsonite suitcases have similar adjustable handles.
• Color Options: Delsea luggage usually has more colors than Samsonite.

Delsey vs Samsonite: Which Should You Buy?

Material and quality

Durability is perhaps the most important consideration when you’re shopping for new furniture. A suitcase can be stylish, functional and packed with features, but if it falls apart after a few trips, it’s no good.

The Delsey is the winner here, scoring 8.8 for build quality, where the Samsonite scores just 7.9.

Delsey’s build quality starts with the materials they use.

All of their hardside luggage is made of 100% polycarbonate, which is currently the gold-standard material for hardside luggage. This material is incredibly light and yet strong and impact-resistant. In contrast, Samsonite’s lower-priced goods often use cheaper ABS or polypropylene.

Iconic of Delsea Chatelet Air The suitcase has extra reinforcement in the corners, where they take the most impact. They also use an innovative double-layer zipper that is stronger and more secure than standard zippers. I’ve found that zippers are often the first thing to break on a suitcase, so it’s great to see the extra strength here.

Samsonite goods are well made overall, I just wish they would move away from using cheap materials. Come on, Samsonite. Delsey can make an affordable polycarbonate suitcase, you should be able to too.

Also, where every Delsey suitcase I’ve tested uses double spinner wheels, some of Samsonite’s cheaper models only have single spinner wheels. I’ve broken a few on cobblestones in Europe, so I’d stay away from single spinners.

Oh, and Delsey has the whole line too Jeep Suitcase. It must be tough, right? I don’t think I recommend taking them rock crawling.

Design and features

Delsey bags are elegant, refined and stylish. They are designed in France, and the aesthetics are inspired by Parisian architecture. I love how Delsey mixes vintage design with a bit of modern flair. Also their cheap soft-sided bags Sky Max 2.0 looks cool

If you want to add some sophistication to your travel setup, Delsey is a great choice.

Samsonite suitcases definitely have a different vibe – more modern, with geometric patterns and minimalist designs.

Functionally, the Delsey bag is very simple and straightforward. Most have a large zippered compartment on one side and a set of compression straps on the other. There are a few zippered pockets inside the main compartment, but the Delsey bags I’ve tested don’t have much in the way of organization.

Samsonite’s basic suitcases are just as simple, but they have a more advanced design with more features than any Delsea suitcase. For example, the Outline Pro Carry-On Great for staying organized. It has several internal pockets and a removable compression panel that works really well to keep things securely in place. This Armage II A high-end softside luggage with a removable toiletry bag and garment holder and lots of internal compartments to sort small items.

Samsonite also has more suitcases specifically designed to fit in overhead bins on international flights with strict carry-on size limits. If you are planning to fly on budget international airlines, a small Samsonite suitcase may be a better choice.

Delsey bags are intuitive, but Samsonite packs more functionality. Samsonite scored 8.9 for functionality, and Delsey scored slightly lower at 8.2.

An exception to this is Delcino Turenne 2.0 carry-on, which is a hardside carry-on with an exterior zippered pocket for a laptop. It fits larger laptops than similar Samsonite models, and it works really well for traveling with laptops.

Value for your money

Both Delsey and Samsonite have a wide range of products ranging from budget-friendly to premium.

Samsonite scored slightly above average for price-to-performance, mainly because Delsey has more mid-to-high-end suitcases in their lineup. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a huge bang for your buck from Delsey.

Delsey recently published his Now! Hardside carry-on, designed to be affordable and accessible while still delivering on style and quality. This minimalist suitcase is cheaper than most Samsonite bags, and it’s surprisingly well made. If you are on a tight budget, this is definitely one of the best suitcase options out there.

Warranty and purchase experience

Samsonite and Delsey have very similar warranty policies overall, but Delsey’s is slightly better. The Delsey scored a 7.0 for warranty in our rating system, while the Samsonite scored just a 5.0.

Most Samsonite suitcases have a 10-year warranty that covers manufacturing or material defects.

Delsea goods come with a 2-year, 5-year, 10-year or lifetime warranty depending on the product. This warranty covers functional defects of wheels, handles, shell and zipper.

No brand will cover damage caused by airline baggage handlers. If that’s something you want, you should check it out Travelpro Or Briggs and Riley.

One of the advantages of Delci is that they offer Replacement parts. For something as simple as a broken wheel or handle, it’s usually easier to repair it yourself at home rather than sending your bag to be fixed. Many luggage brands don’t have this option, but it’s a more economical and durable way to keep a suitcase functioning longer.

Ultimately, you can get a durable bag from any brand, and a warranty gives you some peace of mind if something goes wrong.

Brand effect

Both these brands are making progress in their journey towards sustainability, but both still have a ways to go. Both use recycled materials and have programs to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Delsey scored slightly higher for brand impact in our test: 6.5 vs Samsonite’s 6.2 durability score.

The difference ultimately comes down to the fact that Delsey has a more concrete roadmap for how they will improve their impact. They plan to use 100% recycled materials by 2028, market more repairable products by 2026, and transition to more rail and ocean transportation (as opposed to more energy-intensive methods like trucking and air shipment). They also conduct an annual carbon assessment and sustainability audit of their supply chain.

If you care about buying durable products, Delsey isn’t perfect, but I definitely recommend it as a better choice than Samsonite.