Quince vs. Samsonite: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

While Quince impresses with its direct-to-consumer model offering stylish, high-quality luggage at remarkably low prices, Samsonite stands as a legacy brand known for its unmatched durability, innovative features, and reliability for frequent travelers. The main difference lies in their target audience and value proposition: Quince offers accessible luxury for the style-conscious, moderate traveler, whereas Samsonite delivers robust, feature-rich performance for those who put a premium on longevity.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right luggage brand for your next trip.

Quince: The Affordable Luxury Essentialist

Quince is a direct-to-consumer brand that has quickly gained a following for its high-quality essentials without the traditional retail markups. Their philosophy centers on transparent pricing and premium materials, appealing to shoppers who want a minimalist, modern aesthetic and exceptional value. In the travel space, Quince targets budget-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on style or quality for their adventures.

• Product mix: Primarily known for apparel and home goods, their travel collection includes hardshell carry-on and checked luggage, weekend bags, and accessories made with materials like polycarbonate and Italian leather.
• Price point: Highly competitive and transparent. Their carry-on suitcases range from $150 to $250, offering a luxury feel at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes durable polycarbonate for hardshell cases with premium details like smooth-gliding wheels and aluminum handles. The construction is solid and lightweight, making it ideal for moderate travel.
• Style: Sleek, minimalist, and contemporary. Luggage is available in a curated range of chic, neutral colors like black, navy, and beige.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers standard luggage sizes that meet most airline regulations, including a 21-inch carry-on and a 26-inch checked model.
• Return policy: Offers a generous 365-day return policy for most items in new condition, providing a risk-free shopping experience.

Quince delivers outstanding value, blending a modern, minimalist look with quality materials, making it a perfect match for occasional travelers who prioritize both style and budget.

Shop Quince: quince.com

Samsonite: The Icon of Durability and Innovation

With a legacy spanning over a century, Samsonite is one of the most trusted names in the travel industry. The brand is synonymous with durability, innovation, and functional design, catering to everyone from casual vacationers to road warriors. Their luggage is engineered to withstand the rigors of frequent travel, making it a go-to choice for business professionals and globetrotters who demand reliability above all else.

• Product mix: An extensive range of travel gear including hardside and softside suitcases, carry-ons, backpacks, garment bags, and travel accessories.
• Price point: Positioned in the mid-to-premium market. Comparable carry-on models typically start around $300 and can exceed $500 for high-end collections, though sales are frequent through their site and retail partners.
• Quality & Materials: Famous for using advanced, impact-resistant materials like polycarbonate composites, Curv, and rugged ballistic nylon. Cases undergo extensive testing for durability.
• Technology/Innovation: Many models come equipped with features like smooth-rolling spinner wheels, integrated TSA-approved locks, expandable compartments, and organized interiors.
• Style: Offers a wide variety of designs from classic and professional to sporty and modern, ensuring there is a style to suit virtually every traveler's taste.
• Sizing/Fit: Features a massive selection of sizes, including compact international carry-ons, large checked bags, and everything in between, many with expandable options for extra packing capacity.
• Return policy: Offers a 30-day return window for unused items bought directly from their website. Warranty on defects is a major selling point.

Samsonite is the proven choice for travelers who need exceptionally tough, functional luggage and see their purchase as a long-term investment in reliability.

Shop Samsonite: samsonite.com

Quince vs. Samsonite Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between the two brands is price. Quince's direct-to-consumer business model cuts out the middleman, allowing them to sell a polycarbonate carry-on for around $150. This price point makes them an unbeatable option for budget-conscious shoppers who still want a high-end look and feel.

Samsonite operates in a higher price bracket, with similar carry-ons starting at $300 and often going much higher. This cost reflects their extensive research, proprietary materials, global retail presence, and long-standing reputation for quality. While more expensive upfront, many see Samsonite luggage as a long-term investment that pays off over years of frequent use.

Quality & Materials

Samsonite has built its brand on durability. Their use of advanced materials like Curv and vigorously tested polycarbonate shells means their luggage is built to handle rough treatment from baggage handlers. Features like reinforced corners, sturdy zippers, and best-in-class wheels are common, with many products backed by extensive warranties.

Quince focuses on delivering a premium feel with quality materials like lightweight polycarbonate shells and vegan leather details. While not engineered with the same level of impact resistance as top-tier Samsonite lines, Quince luggage is well-constructed and more than durable enough for the average vacationer or occasional business traveler.

Style & Aesthetic

Each brand appeals to a different design sensibility. Quince follows a minimalist, modern aesthetic with sleek lines and a limited palette of stylish, neutral colors. It's designed for the traveler who wants their luggage to be as chic and understated as their wardrobe.

Samsonite offers a much broader range of styles. You can find everything from sober, professional-looking cases for business trips to more casual or colorful options for family holidays. Their designs tend to emphasize function, but they have many polished, contemporary collections as well.

Shopping Experience

Quince operates exclusively online. Their website is clean, user-friendly, and provides clear product details and customer reviews. This DTC approach is straightforward and appeals to those comfortable shopping online for big-ticket items.

Samsonite provides an omnichannel experience. You can buy directly from their website, but they are also widely available in department stores and their own retail locations. This allows customers to see, touch, and test the luggage in person before committing, which can be a deciding factor for many.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both companies are making strides in sustainability. Quince builds its brand around ethical manufacturing and often uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics in its product lines. Their transparent pricing model is also a core part of their ethical commitment.

As an industry leader, Samsonite has implemented sustainability initiatives like using materials made from recycled bottles and establishing environmentally responsible manufacturing processes. Their long-lasting products can also be seen as inherently sustainable, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal travel needs, style preferences, and budget.

Choose Quince if:

• You're looking for the best possible value and don't want to spend over $200 on a quality carry-on.
• You appreciate a minimalist, sleek, and modern aesthetic in your travel gear.
• You travel several times a year for vacations or light business and don't need military-grade durability.
• You're comfortable with an online-only shopping experience and trust customer reviews.

Choose Samsonite if:

• You are a frequent flyer or business traveler who needs luggage that can withstand constant use.
• You prioritize proven durability and innovative features over minimalist style.
• You see luggage as a long-term investment and are willing to pay more for a brand with a century-long reputation.
• You prefer to see and feel luggage in a physical store before making a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quince or Samsonite cheaper?

Quince is significantly cheaper. Thanks to its direct-to-consumer model, Quince's luggage is typically priced at 50-60% less than comparable Samsonite models, making it a much more budget-friendly option.

Which brand has better quality?

Samsonite is recognized for its superior durability and rugged construction designed for frequent travel. While Quince offers excellent quality for its price with premium-feeling materials, a top-tier Samsonite case is engineered to a higher standard of impact resistance and longevity.

Is Quince luggage a good alternative to Samsonite?

Yes, Quince is an excellent alternative for travelers who prioritize style and value. For the price, its quality is exceptional. It's a great choice for those who don't need the extreme durability required by a weekly business traveler.

Are both luggage brands available in stores?

No. Quince operates exclusively online through its website. Samsonite has a massive retail presence and can be found in their own brand stores, department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom, and online retailers.

Which brand is better for business travel?

Samsonite is generally the better choice for serious business travel. Its reputation for durability, functional compartments, and classic, professional styles make it a reliable companion for road warriors.

Does Quince or Samsonite have better wheels?

While Quince offers smooth-rolling wheels that perform well, Samsonite invests heavily in the engineering of its spinner wheel systems. Their wheels are known for being exceptionally smooth, stable, and durable over various terrains.

What are the warranties like for each brand?

Samsonite is famous for its excellent warranties, often offering a 10-year or even a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Quince offers a straightforward 365-day return policy for unused items, but their specific warranty information is less of public focus compared to Samsonite's guarantees.

Where are Quince and Samsonite suitcases made?

Both companies utilize global manufacturing networks. Quince partners directly with factories in various countries and emphasizes ethical production standards. Samsonite has manufacturing facilities and partners located around the world to support its global distribution.