12 Affordable Alternatives to the Rimowa Suitcase

Frequent travelers know all about luggage frustrations. Cheap suitcases rip, jam and even fall split down the middle. When you’re living out of your bag, having it damaged by an airline is the last thing you need. But it happens all too often. That’s why so many business travelers choose to invest in arguably the best carry-on on the market, the Rimowa suitcase.

Rimowa is a German company specializing in high-end anodized aluminum suitcases. These rolling cases often cost $1,000 or more, but they are still incredibly popular thanks to their impressive durability and eye-catching style. We’ve even spotted celebs like Jessica Alba and Elle Fanning toting the Rimowa Topas.

The thing about the iconic Rimowa is the airplane-sleek aluminum lasts for years without giving out. Plus, the multi-wheel system rarely jams, and the telescopic handle remains smooth even after miles of use. These tough cases are made to last for decades.

It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that many companies have taken the qualities of the Rimowa case and used the design to inspire their very own carry-on and check-in bags. Perhaps best of all, these cases are available at far more budget-friendly prices. Take a look through 12 of the best Rimowa suitcase alternatives available.

1. AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage

MOST POPULAR

Inexpensive yet well-made, the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage fulfills your travel needs. The 20-inch size is ideal for weekend getaways or as a carry-on suitcase for international flights. The lined interior boasts three zippered pockets and is expandable up to 15%. Plus, the bag features a telescopic handle and four multi-directional spinner wheels.

2. Timberland Hardside Spinner Luggage Suitcase

BEST BUDGET

The Timberland Hardside Spinner Luggage Suitcase is available in carry-on and check-in sizes and sports an eye-catching cover featuring the Timberland brand name, which makes bag identification easy. Inside, you’ll find a mesh lining, a zippered curtain and adjustable braces as well as a handy internal pocket in the middle for all of your essentials. The durable suitcase features a four-wheel spinner system which provides easy rolling in every direction. The suitcase also sports telescoping handles which can easily be recessed using the push-button mechanism when you need to fit the bag into a tight space. In addition, you’ll find top and side-mounted handles for additional carry options.

3. Coolife Luggage Aluminum Frame Suitcase

The Coolife Luggage Aluminum Frame Suitcase is again almost identical in appearance to the Rimowa and the Newest Trolley Luggage. The main difference is that this suitcase boasts a brushed finishing on the PC material, which makes it look less shiny and more matte than the Rimowa. Another nice feature is the protective bumper corners, which protect this suitcase from denting easily. The Coolife Luggage is available in three different sizes from carry-on to giant.

4. Clothink Aluminum Frame Hardside Luggage

MOST LIFE-PROOF

With its aluminum frame and tough ABS + PC exterior, the Clothink Aluminum Frame Hardside Luggage is ready to take on even the toughest adventures. The cases’s rigid design helps minimize the appearance of scratches which occur naturally over time. Furthermore, the spinner wheels on the luggage, two of which include handy brakes, are fully detachable, so it’s easy to replace them should the worst occur. The luggage case is available in five different colors and includes a side-mounted, TSA-friendly lock which provides security during transit.

5. Clothink Aluminum Frame PC Hardshell Suitcase

BEST INTERNAL ORGANIZATION

The Clothink Aluminum Frame PC Hardshell Suitcase sports an aluminum frame surrounded by a 100% polycarbonate exterior which is backed up by five different layers of tough materials. The result is a scratch resistant cover which also protects the contents from strong impacts, too. The inside of the case includes cross straps to hold things in place during transit along with two intermediate floors that include carrying bags and mesh pockets for easy organization of your things. In addition, the 360-degree, double spinner wheels deliver smooth rolling, creating a minimal amount of noise as you go.

6. Delsey Paris Luggage Helium Aero

Built with the business traveler in mind, the Delsey Paris Luggage Helium Aero is a beautiful bag to look at and use. The polycarbonate shell is complemented by four double spinner wheels, and the handle system locks into two positions for ease of use. In addition, the bag features a modern, TSA-approved recessed lock. But the best part of this bag is the deep metallic finish that gives it a super chic appearance.

7. Samsonite Centric Expandable Hardside Carry On

Samsonite is a huge name in luggage, and it could be argued that their Centric Expandable Hardside Carry On is excellent value for the money. The bag is built from a lightweight yet durable polycarbonate material and has been given a stylish twill exterior to prevent against scuffs and scratches. In addition, the roomy shell design can be expanded up to one inch, and the smooth-rolling wheels make dragging this bag actually enjoyable. Overall, this Samsonite luggage is a safe bet for frequent fliers.

8. CHESTER Carry-On Luggage

The CHESTER Carry-On Luggage is advertised as being “unbreakable.” That’s certainly a strong selling point, but this bag offers so much more than durability. At only seven pounds, it’s lightweight, and its size meets most domestic and international requirements for cabin bags. Furthermore, the Makrolon polycarbonate hardshell comes in seven muted colors, and effortless handling is provided by four silent, multi-directional wheels and an ergonomic telescoping handle. As an added bonus, CHESTER offers 30-day hassle free returns and a limited 10-year warranty.

9. Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hardside Luggage

BEST RANGE OF COLORS

With eight different options to choose from, you can be confident that the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hardside Luggage is available in a color you’ll love. It’s constructed from a tough and durable polycarbonate which can withstand the rigors of regular travel and resist scratches along the way, too. This smart luggage option includes a 1.5-inch expansion which is ideal for travelers who love to pick up souvenirs on their travels. Inside the case, you’ll find two sets of adjustable braces for holding your clothes in place as well as a central wall with zippered pockets for smaller items.

10. Newbee Fashion Cloud 9 Aluminum Hard Case

BEST DUAL-LOCK

By sporting two built-in, TSA-approved locks, you can be sure that the Newbee Fashion Cloud 9 Aluminum Hard Case is going to keep your belongings secure. The case itself is made from 100% Aviation Series 5 Grade Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy which gives it a lightweight and durable build quality. The inside of the case has been fully lined, while multi-use organizational pockets make the task of packing much easier than with standard, open-space luggage options. Additionally, if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, this case is available in an attractive champagne color which gives it a solid, gold-like appearance.

11. Travelking Aluminum Luggage Carry-On Suitcase

MOST STYLISH

Coming in a choice of gray or silver, the Travelking Aluminum Luggage Carry-On Suitcase ticks all the boxes for a durable and reliable choice of carry-on suitcase. It’s attractive appearance is also very easy to pick out from a crowd. The sturdy design includes an all-aluminum construction with extra reinforcement around the corners and an alloy bumper. It boasts a 50-liter capacity which is ideal for weekends and short stays away. Furthermore, for near-unbeatable comfort through the airport, the dual-blade rubberized spinner wheels are exceptionally quiet, while the three-step handle sits at whichever height suits you best.

12. Sindermore Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy Suitcase

BEST SPLURGE

From the very first time you set eyes on the Sindermore Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy Suitcase, you’ll see that it’s built to last. Looking a little more like a tank than a suitcase, this aluminum-magnesium alloy case will hold strong throughout your travels. It’s available in three different colors, including black, dark gray and silver, and it sports a handy, keyless, TSA-approved lock built into the case. The durability of the sturdy case is further added to by the aluminum alloy hinges, aluminum drawbar and automatic rebound handle. Inside, you’ll find a folding wash bag along with organization pockets which can be clipped in to keep them in place during transit.

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