Quince luggage review: My honest take after 2+ years of travel

When it came time for our team to test a bunch of the best carry-on bags, I wanted to try Quince's luggage. After all, I've tried almost everything else the brand makes when I started up our Quince review over three years ago.

I'm definitely not sold on all things Quince. But this hardshell suitcase is a prime example of the "affordable luxury" tagline: it functions the same as one from Away or Monos, and yet it costs much less. I first used it on a flight to Las Vegas in 2024 and it later came with me to Berlin last fall. I haven't used another suitcase since.

It's easy to maneuver the subway with Quince luggage in tow

Before I got the Quince carry-on, I was using a two-wheeled suitcase for way too long. The 360° turn on its wheels really makes a huge difference. I can spin it around people who are getting on and off the subway, and the wheels glide smoothly down narrow, carpeted train hallways. I also like that the aluminum telescopic handle locks into a halfway position when I need to haul it up the platform stairs.

Over the past two years, I've mostly been toting mine on the Amtrak between New York City and New England. So for $130, I can't ask for much better.

The carry-on fits a week's worth of outfits thanks to the compression pocket

My roommate used this exact Quince carry-on for his weeklong trip to Paris, and it fit everything he needed. I tend to overpack, though — the 21-inch suitcase will fit me closer to six days' worth of my clothing, shoes, and toiletries. I put anything extra in my travel backpack.

The compartments inside help keep everything organized. On one side is a space for shoes and bulky items. On the other, there's room for clothing that can be packed down with compression straps. There's also a detachable laundry bag and a mesh insert where I store my underwear and socks.

It keeps proving its value over 2 years later

The plasticky shell definitely looks a bit worn now, but the flaws are only superficial. If you prefer to keep yours looking pristine, you can use the foam buffer (which comes with the suitcase) or shield it with a luggage cover.

When I first started using this suitcase, I tossed it down a cement driveway five times to give it the airport treatment. The shell sustained some scuff marks, but there was no damage otherwise. Over the past two years, I've mostly brought it on the Amtrak between New York City and New England, with the exception of a trip to Europe last fall.

All the metal and plastic accents have held up well in that time. In our household, the true test of an item's durability is whether it can survive our cat's chewing habit. So far, his tiny fangs haven't put a dent in it. For $130, I can't ask for much better.

What I like about this hardshell's exterior is that the polycarbonate is lightweight and slightly flexible, so even when it's full to the brim, it caves in just enough that I can zip it completely closed. But it has never warped on me, so I'm confident it'll maintain its shape.

Cons to consider

Quince doesn't clearly outline the terms of the "limited lifetime warranty" that comes with its luggage. The brand also has a too-good-to-be-true return policy. If you need to send it back within the 365-day grace period, make sure your payment method (whether that's PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay) adheres to the same default refund period as Quince. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a store credit instead of getting your money back.

Quince makes a similar version of this suitcase with a front pocket, which I also tested. While I personally liked the addition, the pocket does cut into the interior packing space and I think most people will find it isn't worth the trade-off.

The bottom line

After spending over two years traveling with the Quince hardshell suitcase, I can say it's served me well. As a city dweller, the maneuverability comes into clutch each time I take it on the train, and the exterior can handle rough-and-tumble traveling. It's merely a bonus that it resembles a suitcase from a more expensive brand.

Shop all Quince luggage here.

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