Is Quince the Best Affordable Hard Shell Luggage in 2025?
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If you’ve been Googling “best luggage sets 2025”, “hard shell luggage carry on,” or “best affordable hard shell luggage,” chances are you’ve seen Quince pop up again and again.
And for good reason.
Quince has quietly become one of the most talked-about brands for affordable hard shell luggage sets — offering sleek polycarbonate suitcases that rival premium brands at nearly half the price. Even better? Their regular Carry-On was named a Wirecutter pick, putting it in the same conversation as Away and Monos.
So let’s break down every size — from compact carry-on to large check-in — and see whether Quince truly deserves a spot on your list for the best hard shell luggage for international travel and beyond.
Why Quince Hard Shell Luggage Stands Out
Across the entire collection, you’ll find the same core features:
Lightweight yet durable polycarbonate hard shell
High-performance 360° spinner wheels
TSA-approved combination lock
Smooth-gliding telescopic handle
Premium YKK zippers
Interior compression panels
Removable laundry bag
365-day free returns
In short? It checks every box people look for when searching for the most affordable hard shell luggage that still feels premium.
The Compact Carry-On Suitcase
Best for: 1–3 day trips, quick flights, minimalist packers
If you want something sleek, chic, and ultra-portable, the Compact Carry-On is your airport power move.
This is ideal for:
Weekend getaways
Business trips
Short domestic flights
Travelers who hate checking a bag
It features the same durable polycarbonate shell and smooth 360° spinner wheels, but in a smaller footprint that makes navigating crowded airports effortless.
If you're specifically searching for hard shell luggage carry on that fits most overhead bins, this is your safe bet.
The Small Carry-On Suitcase
Best for: 3–5 day trips
Small but mighty, this is where practicality meets smart packing. It’s ultra-light but sturdy, with compression panels that genuinely help you fit more.
Key highlights:
Airline-compliant for major domestic and international carriers
Interior organization system
Removable laundry bag
If you're planning a European trip or short international getaway and searching for the best hard shell luggage for international travel, this size hits a sweet spot.
Need more flexibility? The expandable version gives you breathing room for souvenirs.
The Carry-On (Wirecutter Rated)
Best for: In-between-length trips
This is the one that elevated Quince into the “serious luggage brand” category.
The regular Carry-On offers:
More interior capacity than the Small
Compression panels for smarter packing
Durable polycarbonate shell
Wirecutter recognition
When people search “best affordable hard shell luggage reddit” or “Wirecutter carry-on alternative to Away,” this is exactly the suitcase they’re talking about.
It fits overhead bins but gives you more packing power — making it ideal for 4–6 day trips.
Medium Check-In Suitcase
Best for: 7–10 day trips
If you’re done trying to play luggage Tetris, this is your upgrade.
The Medium Check-In gives you:
Substantial interior capacity
Smart compartmentalized storage
Compression panel system
Laundry bag included
For families or longer vacations, this is where Quince competes with higher-end hard shell luggage sets at a fraction of the cost.
Large Check-In Suitcase
Best for: 10–14+ day trips
This is the heavy hitter.
Big enough to fit two weeks of clothes, this ultra-light hard shell suitcase still rolls smoothly thanks to those 360° spinner wheels.
If you're searching for:
Best luggage sets for couples
Hard shell luggage for long international travel
Most affordable large hard shell suitcase
This one delivers serious value.
Is Quince One of the Best Luggage Sets of 2025?
Here’s the honest breakdown:
Compared to brands like Away and Monos:
Similar polycarbonate shell
Similar spinner wheels
Similar TSA lock system
Much lower price point
The difference? Quince cuts out retail markup and passes savings directly to customers.
At around half the price of some competitors, Quince arguably offers one of the best affordable hard shell luggage sets available right now.
If your goal is to find:
A stylish hard shell luggage set
Durable carry-ons for international travel
Wirecutter-rated luggage without the premium brand price
Affordable polycarbonate luggage that actually lasts
Quince deserves serious consideration.
Final Verdict
Is it the absolute best luggage in the world?
No luggage is.
But is it one of the best affordable hard shell luggage options of 2025?
Very likely, especially if you want modern design, durability, and smooth airport performance without paying $300+ per suitcase.
If you’re building out a full luggage set : compact carry-on + regular carry-on + medium check-in, then Quince gives you that elevated look without the premium price tag.
And that’s hard to ignore.
Quick Guide: Which Quince Luggage Is Best For You?
If you're comparing sizes or searching for the best hard shell luggage for your travel style, here’s the simple breakdown:
Compact Carry-On
Best for: 1–3 day trips, business travel, minimalist packers
If you want a sleek hard shell carry-on that’s easy to maneuver and fits most overhead bins, this is your lightest, most portable option.
Small Carry-On
Best for: 3–5 day trips, short international travel
Still airline compliant, but with a little more interior packing space. A great balance of size and practicality.
Carry-On (Wirecutter Rated)
Best for: 4–6 day trips, frequent travelers
The most versatile carry-on in the lineup. Recognized by Wirecutter and designed to maximize packing space while staying overhead-bin friendly.
Expandable Carry-On
Best for: Over-packers and return trips with souvenirs
Adds flexible expansion while maintaining durable polycarbonate protection.
Front Pocket Carry-On
Best for: Business travelers and tech-friendly packing
Ideal if you need easy access to laptops, documents, and travel essentials.
Medium Check-In
Best for: 7–10 day vacations
Roomy without being oversized. Perfect for international travel when a carry-on alone won’t cut it.
Large Check-In
Best for: 10–14+ day trips, family travel
The heavy-duty option for extended stays. Big capacity, same smooth 360° spinner performance.
Carry-On & Check-In Sets
Best for: Couples, families, or anyone building a full luggage system
One of the most affordable ways to get a matching hard shell luggage set without paying luxury-brand pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Quince luggage good quality?
Yes — especially for the price.
Quince uses durable polycarbonate hard shells, YKK zippers, TSA-approved locks, and 360° spinner wheels. These are the same core features found in many premium luggage brands.
Where Quince stands out is value. You’re getting similar materials and construction at a significantly lower price point.
If you’re searching for the best affordable hard shell luggage, Quince consistently ranks near the top for cost-to-quality ratio.
Is Quince luggage Wirecutter rated?
Yes. The Quince Carry-On has received recognition from Wirecutter, which puts it in the same category as more established luggage brands.
That endorsement gives added credibility, especially for travelers comparing brands like Away and Monos.
Is hard shell luggage better for international travel?
In many cases, yes.
Hard shell (polycarbonate) luggage:
Protects fragile items better
Resists moisture
Handles rough baggage handling more effectively
Maintains structure when fully packed
For international travel — especially flights with multiple connections — a durable hard shell suitcase can offer better protection than soft-sided alternatives.
Is Quince luggage worth it compared to Away?
If price matters, Quince offers stronger value.
Both brands use:
Polycarbonate shells
Spinner wheels
TSA locks
Compression systems
But Quince typically costs significantly less.
If you want premium aesthetics and performance without the $300+ price tag per suitcase, Quince is often the smarter buy.
What is the best Quince luggage for international travel?
For shorter international trips:
→ Small Carry-On or standard Carry-On
For longer trips:
→ Medium or Large Check-In
For couples traveling internationally:
→ Expandable Carry-On + Medium Check-In Set
Does Quince offer affordable hard shell luggage sets?
Yes! and this is where they shine.
Their bundled sets (Carry-On + Large Check-In or Expandable Carry-On + Medium Check-In) are among the best affordable hard shell luggage sets available in 2025.
You get matching durability, design consistency, and better pricing than buying premium competitors individually.