Best Zipperless Suitcases in 2023 Compared

Thinking about getting a hard shell suitcase with no zippers?

Well, then you’re in the right place because in this article we’ll:

• Compare the best zipperless suitcases on the market.
• Tell you what to look out for before getting a zipperless bag.
• Weigh out the pros and cons of zipperless luggage, so you can find out whether it’s really a smart choice for you.

Top-Rated Zipperless Suitcases

	Best Overall: TravelKing Aluminum 20-Inch	Editors rating: 4.5
	Best Affordable: Coolife PC/Aluminum 20-Inch	Editors rating: 4.4
	Best High-End: Tumi Aluminum 20-Inch	Editors rating: 4.7
	Best Luggage Set: 2 Piece LUGGEX	Editors rating: 4.4
	AnyZip Luggage	Editors rating: 4.4
	LEVEL8 Zipperless Carry On	Editors rating: 4.3
	Amdiamo Classico	Editors rating: 4.3
	Samsonite Spinner 75	Editors rating: 4.2

What Is Zipperless Luggage?

“Zipperless luggage” refers to a type of travel bag or suitcase that doesn’t use traditional zippers for closure. Instead, these bags often feature a hard shell with a locking system, such as a latch or a clasp, which secures the bag’s contents. This design can provide a sleeker appearance and often offers added security compared to zipped luggage, as it’s harder to break into. Zipperless luggage is also less prone to common zipper issues like jamming or breaking, making it a durable choice for frequent travelers. The hard-shell exterior typically used in zipperless designs also offers better protection against impact and rough handling during transit.

Believe it or not, but just a few decades ago, most suitcases didn’t come with zippers. It all changed only in 1987 when Travelpro invented the original rollaboard, which had two wheels, zippers, and a retractable handle. This style quickly overtook regular suitcases with latches, and now only about 5-10% of all luggage is zipperless.

How Does Zipperless Luggage Work?

Instead of having a zipper to close the main compartment, zipperless bags have one or two latches for keeping the main compartment closed. These bags have to be made from a rigid material, like aluminum or hard plastics (polycarbonate, polypropylene, or ABS) to keep the main compartment closed.

Both latches usually have built-in, TSA-approved three-digit combination locks, which means that they’re keyless and open with a three-digit code. You can set your own three-digit code, but you’ll have to remember it.

Are Zipperless Suitcases Actually Safer?

Yes, zipperless suitcases are considered much safer than regular suitcases. They can only be opened by entering a three-digit combination or with a TSA-approved key, which only the airport security agents have. Zipperless suitcases can be made from aluminum or plastic. The ones made from aluminum are considered the safest ones because aluminum is much harder to bend or break.

If you leave a regular suitcase with zippers unattended just for a few seconds, anyone could bust open your zipper with a pen in a matter of seconds and steal your belongings. And the worst part is that you wouldn’t even be able to tell that anyone was inside. Quite often this trick is used by baggage handlers to get inside checked bags and steal perfume, electronics, and other valuables unnoticed. With zipperless luggage, opening the bag unnoticed isn’t possible.

Is Zipperless Luggage Worth it?

Should you get a zipperless bag? We’ll it heavily depends on how you’re using your luggage.

If you carry valuables, need something really durable and safe, and use packing cubes, then zipperless luggage is a really solid choice. But if you’re an over-packer, you don’t carry anything valuable, or you’re looking for something cheap and lightweight, then suitcases with regular zippers will probably be a smarter choice.

Here are the main pros and cons of zipperless bags.

The Good

• Safer than regular suitcases. Of course, really dedicated thieves will still get inside, but you basically can’t get inside a zipperless suitcase without ruining the bag. This means that no baggage handlers will be able to steal stuff when your bag is checked in without going unnoticed.
• Usually, more durable. If you’re getting an aluminum zipperless suitcase, it will likely last decades. They’re considered the most durable options on the market.
• More optimized interior. Usually, zipperless suitcases have large and rectangular main compartments. They’re great for people who use packing cubes to organize their stuff.
• No more broken zippers. Zippers and wheels are the first elements to break on any suitcase. Without zippers, there’s one less thing to worry about.
• Better-looking. Of course, it’s a subjective opinion, but there’s just something about aluminum zipperless suitcases that makes them look good. Also, there are a lot of insanely good-looking vintage-style zipperless suitcases.

The Bad

• Slightly heavier than regular suitcases. Most commonly, zipperless suitcases are made from aluminum or polycarbonate, which are pretty heavy materials. So if you’re looking for a lightweight option, consider getting a fabric suitcase instead.
• More expensive. A zipperless system is much more expensive compared to regular zippers. That’s why the cheapest zipperless models start only at 100$. For comparison, you could get hardside suitcases with zippers starting from 60$.
• No expandable zippers. Almost all zipperless suitcases don’t have expandable systems. If you’re an over-packer, then you should consider getting a model with zippers instead.
• No exterior pockets. Zipperless suitcases don’t have any exterior pockets, which means you won’t have a separate exterior compartment for documents and other items that need to be accessed quickly. This is bad if you’re a tech-savvy person who needs a carry-on with a laptop compartment.
• You won’t be able to get your stuff out quickly. Suitcases with regular zippers are quite easy to open up and quickly take something out, without taking up too much space. But zipperless suitcases have to be placed horizontally on the ground before opening, which means that getting something out of your zipperless carry-on mid-flight will be pretty hard.

What to Look out for When Buying Zipperless Suitcases

• Is it made from aluminum, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene, or ABS? Here are all hardside luggage materials ranked from strongest to weakest – aluminum, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and ABS. Aluminum suitcases will be the most durable, but some affordable options that are made from polycarbonate and have aluminum edges around the zipperless part, aren’t too bad either.
• How much does the bag weigh empty? On average, empty carry-ons weigh about 7.9 lbs. Zipperless carry-ons weigh around 8-11 lbs because they’re built from aluminum or polycarbonate, which are much heavier materials. Try to find a bag that weighs as low as possible, because every additional pound means fewer items that you can pack before reaching the weight limit.
• Will you be using packing cubes? If you’re using packing cubes, make sure that the main compartment is rectangular and roomy. Preferably, you don’t want any separating sheets in the middle, which are pretty common with regular hardside suitcases.
• Are the locks TSA-approved? If you’re planning on checking in your bag, your locks need to be TSA-approved. If they have a red TSA symbol printed on them, any security agents can get inside your bag while it’s checked in for inspections. If the locks aren’t TSA-approved, they’re authorized to break them when performing spontaneous inspections.
• If getting a carry-on, is the bag in the right dimensions? If you’re planning on flying internationally, make sure that your carry-on is under 22 x 14 x 9 inches. It’s the most common carry-on size requirement for airlines. That said, a half-inch above the limit will usually be fine.
• Do the spinner wheels look durable? Preferably, get a bag with double-spinner wheels that look massive and durable. It also wouldn’t hurt to scroll through the reviews and check if anyone had any problems with the wheels.
• Does the bag come with an anti-scratch finish? If you’re getting an aluminum suitcase, try to get a silver/uncolored option. It will look brand-new even after ten years because the scratches won’t be visible. But if you’re getting a plastic suitcase, make sure that it has a patterned or rough finish, which hides all the smaller scratches.

Read Next: Best Suitcases for Suits Compared

1. Best Overall: Travelking Aluminum 20-Inch Carry-On

Key Features:
– 21.6 x 14.6 x 9.1 inches
– 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)
– 100% Aluminum
– Editors rating: 4.5
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The Travelking 20-inch carry-on is the cheapest fully aluminum suitcase you can get. If you’re looking for a somewhat cheap suitcase that feels like it should cost at least 700$, this one is probably your best choice.

Fully aluminum suitcases made by well-known brands, like Rimowa or Tumi cost 800-1200$, but this one is a fraction of the cost. That’s because Travelking is a Chinese Amazon manufacturer, so you aren’t overpaying for the brand.

That said, you shouldn’t expect the level of customer service you would get from a well-known brand. This suitcase only comes with a 3-year warranty, instead of Away’s lifetime warranty, or Rimowa’s no-matter-what 5-year warranty. We did a little bit of research, and it looks like if you get any issues with Travelking’s bags during the first three years, you’ll get replacement parts sent to your home for free, but you’ll have to replace them by yourself. It’s not ideal, but a lot of Chinese manufacturers ignore their warranty completely, so their warranty is somewhat okay.

In terms of features, this suitcase comes with two TSA-approved combination locks and massive double spinner wheels, which people said rolled quite smoothly. Inside, it comes with x-shaped tie-down straps on both sides and quite a few pockets and compartments for organization. This setup will be better for those who don’t use packing cubes because you get so many organizational features.

The Travelking’s aluminum zipperless suitcase is well-reviewed, made from durable materials, cheap, and comes with pretty useful packing features. Other zipperless models are made from less durable materials or are overpriced, which is why we think it’s currently the best zipperless suitcase on the market.

2. Best Affordable: Coolife Polycarbonate 20-Inch Suitcase (With Aluminum Frame)

Key Features:
– 22.5 x 15 x 9 inches
– 8.3 lbs (3.8 kg)
– Aluminum / Polycarbonate
– Editors rating: 4.4
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Now if you’re looking for something more affordable, we believe that this Coolife zipperless suitcase is currently the best choice on the market.

It isn’t fully made out of aluminum, which is why it’s so cheap. The hard shell is made out of polycarbonate, which is the strongest plastic material used for hardside suitcases. Aluminum is only used around the edges, where both parts connect together. This is a neat affordable solution, because aluminum is expensive, and you need the edges for zipperless bags to be really durable and stiff.

We’ve rated Coolife as the best affordable luggage brand from over 16 different luggage brands. Their warranty is pretty much non-existent, but all of their suitcases are rated exceptionally well, and the durability is really good considering how cheap they are. Out of all the zipperless suitcases on Amazon, the Coolife Zipperless is one of the most popular and well-rated ones.

Instead of having two combination locks, this carry-on comes with one TSA-approved combination lock. When you unlock the three-digit combination lock, two additional latches are unlocked, and you can open up the suitcase. This system works similarly well to having two TSA locks but is cheaper to build, which is why Coolife opted to use this system instead.

Inside, the bag is pretty basic. One side of the main compartment is separated by an unzippable fabric sheet and the other by x-shaped tie-down straps. You’ll also find two zippered pockets inside that are meant for sorting all the smaller items (chargers, toiletries, e.t.c.)

The Coolife zipperless 20-inch carry-on isn’t too advanced, but it’s decently made, amazingly well-reviewed, and best of all – incredibly cheap, which is why we think that it’s currently the best affordable zipperless suitcase on the market.

3. Best High-End: Tumi 19-Degree Aluminum International Carry-On

Key Features:
– 13.98 x 9.06 x 21.65 inches
– 10.78 pounds
– Aluminum
– Editors rating: 4.7
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The Tumi 19-degree aluminum suitcase is the best suitcase that Tumi has to offer, and between all the zipperless options on the market, we believe that it’s also the best option out there. That said, it’s also really expensive.

If you don’t know Tumi, they’re a premium luggage brand that was bought by Samsonite a few years ago. Their models are really expensive (700-1200$), but they’re also made from the best possible materials and are backed up by a solid warranty. Tumi, along with Rimowa and Briggs & Riley is usually recommended by frequent travelers and people who work in the airline industry because they’re so durable.

Out of all the suitcases mentioned here, this one definitely has the best warranty. The Tumi 19-degree International Carry-on is backed up by Tumi’s 5-year warranty. For the first year, they’ll cover all damages, and in years 2-5, they’ll cover manufacturing defects and normal wear. That said, a lot of people have said that even after the fifth year they’ll repair their suitcases at reasonable prices.

In addition to having the best warranty, this suitcase is also the most durable one. It’s made from 100% airline-grade aluminum, which will last decades. However, we would recommend getting the silver option, because the dark-gray one will eventually get scratched and the silver aluminum paint will start to show through.

Features-wise, the Tumi 19-degree carry-on comes with two TSA-approved combination locks and a few useful features inside. The main compartment is split into two equal parts, separated by a fabric sheet in the middle that you can unzip. It’s also fitted with two mesh pockets for organization, a bracket for hangers, and x-shaped tie-down straps, which is nice.

If you have the money, it’s definitely worth investing in this suitcase, because it will last decades.

4. Best Luggage Set: The 2 Piece LUGGEX Luggage Sets

Key Features:
– 20inches and 28 inches
– 25.5 pounds
– Material Polycarbonate/Aluminum
– Editors rating: 4.4
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The LUGGEX Luggage Sets 2 Piece with Aluminum Frame is a robust and stylish travel solution for those who prioritize both durability and design in their luggage choices. This set includes a 20-inch carry-on and a 28-inch checked luggage, both designed in a sleek black hard shell with metal corners.

Starting with the sizes and capacities, the 20-inch carry-on measures 21.7x15x9.6 inches, weighs 8.6 pounds, and offers a 40L capacity. This size is perfect for short trips or as a companion piece to your larger luggage. The 28-inch checked luggage, measuring 29.2×21.1×12.2 inches, weighs 13.6 pounds and boasts a generous 110L capacity, making it ideal for longer travels or for those needing extra space.

A standout feature of this luggage set is its sturdy corner protection. Each suitcase is equipped with four aluminum corner protectors, ensuring maximum protection for your valuables during travel. This design element not only adds to the durability but also lends a unique style, making your luggage easily recognizable.

The premium high-end materials used in the construction of these suitcases speak to their quality. Crafted with polycarbonate and an aluminum frame, they strike an excellent balance between durability and comfort, making them a reliable choice for frequent travelers.

Convenience is at the forefront of the design with the inclusion of TSA latches. These wear-resistant and flexible latches are designed for ease of use, allowing you to open your luggage with a single press. This feature streamlines the check-in and security process at airports, saving time and hassle.

The smooth and silent rolling of the 8 wheels on these suitcases is another key aspect. These wheels provide stability and ease, allowing you to glide through airports and streets gracefully and effortlessly.

LUGGEX also emphasizes customer satisfaction, offering a 3-year warranty on this 2-piece luggage set. Their dedicated customer service team is available to assist with any queries or issues, ensuring that customers can rely on their purchase.

In summary, the LUGGEX Luggage Sets 2 Piece with Aluminum Frame is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a combination of style, durability, and convenience in their luggage. The thoughtful design and high-quality materials make these suitcases a worthwhile investment for both casual and frequent travelers.

5. Zipperless Large Suitcase -AnyZip Luggage

Key Features:
– 19.3 x 11.4 x 29.1 inches
– 7.25 pounds
– PS/Aluminium
– Editors rating: 4.4
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The AnyZip Luggage  presents a sleek and modern solution for travelers seeking durability and style. This 28-inch white hard-shell suitcase offers a spacious and robust option for those looking to travel with ease and security.

One of the key features of this luggage is its size and capacity. It measures 19.3 x 11.4 x 29.1 inches, weighs 4.84 kg, and has a volume of 90 liters. This generous sizing makes it suitable for longer trips or for those who need extra space for their belongings.

The suitcase’s design is particularly noteworthy. The vertical design appearance on the luggage surface is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, as it helps prevent scratches. This keeps the luggage looking clean and new, even after extensive use.

Durability is enhanced with the addition of 4 metal corner guards. These 100% aluminum corner guards provide extra protection to the luggage, ensuring it remains intact even when subjected to strong impacts. This feature significantly increases the lifespan and resilience of the suitcase.

Security is also a top priority with the AnyZip suitcase. It features a TSA lock and a no-zipper design, offering greater convenience and reliability. The double TSA customs zip lock is strong and trustworthy, ensuring your belongings are secure while also facilitating easy inspection by customs without the risk of damage.

Mobility is effortless thanks to the 360° spinner wheels. The 4 multi-directional swivel wheels distribute the weight of the luggage evenly, ensuring smooth and quiet maneuverability through busy airports and train stations. The double wheel design further adds to the durability of the wheels.

AnyZip is committed to customer satisfaction, as evidenced by the two-year warranty provided with this suitcase. Customers can contact the after-sales team for any issues, ensuring that they receive prompt and satisfactory solutions.

Overall, the AnyZip Luggage Aluminium Frame Suitcase is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a high-capacity, durable, and stylish luggage option. Its thoughtful design, combined with practical features, makes it a reliable travel companion for both frequent and occasional travelers.

6. For a Clean Design Check -LEVEL8 Gibraltar Carry-On

Key Features:
– 15 x 8.5 x 22 inches
– 10.14 pounds
– Aluminum
– Editors rating: 4.3
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The LEVEL8 Gibraltar Carry-On Luggage is a fusion of robust construction and sleek design, tailored for the modern traveler. This 20-inch aluminum luggage, presented in a sophisticated dark grey, is a standout choice for those seeking durability and style in their travel gear.

The suitcase is crafted from 100% aluminum-magnesium alloy, known for its resilience and ability to withstand high temperatures up to 1800℉. This material choice not only meets aviation requirements but also ensures that the suitcase will endure the rigors of travel over a long period.

Despite its minimalist exterior design, the LEVEL8 Gibraltar offers a spacious interior that is both practical and easy to organize. It features double-sided packing and removable pockets, which are perfect for keeping your belongings well-arranged and accessible. The interior design also facilitates easy cleaning, a convenient feature for maintaining the suitcase.

One of the most notable features is the zipperless design, incorporating double TSA locks as case switches. This provides a high level of security for your checked belongings, especially during international travel, and eliminates the common issues associated with zipper closures.

The mobility of this suitcase is enhanced by its 360° spinner wheels and telescoping handle, which allow for effortless movement through airports and train stations. The reinforced metal corner guards and side bumper feet add an extra layer of protection, safeguarding the suitcase from impacts and wear.

In terms of dimensions, the overall size of the suitcase is 22 x 15 x 8.5 inches, including wheels and handles, with a weight of 10.14 lbs and a packing capacity of 36L. These specifications make it an ideal choice for short business trips or weekend getaways, where compact and efficient packing is essential.

LEVEL8 backs this carry-on luggage with a limited lifetime warranty, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction and confidence in their product’s quality. Customers are encouraged to contact LEVEL8 for any concerns or suggestions, ensuring a responsive and supportive after-sales experience.

Overall, the LEVEL8 Gibraltar Carry-On Luggage is a top-tier choice for travelers who value a combination of high-end materials, functional design, and elegant aesthetics in their travel luggage.

7. Amdiamo Classico 20 Inch Suitcase

Key Features:
– 22 x 14 x 8.5 inches
– 10.4 pounds
– Aluminum / Polycarbonate
– Editors rating: 4.3
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The Andiamo Classico Suitcase is a sophisticated and practical choice for travelers seeking a blend of style, durability, and convenience in their carry-on luggage. This 20-inch hardside bag, presented in a stunning Royal Sapphire color, is designed to cater to the needs of both domestic and international travelers.

One of the key features of this suitcase is its lightweight construction, made from a combination of ABS and PC materials. This not only ensures the suitcase is light enough to meet airline weight restrictions and avoid extra fees but also maintains a robustness essential for frequent travel.

Security is a paramount concern, and the Andiamo Classico addresses this with TSA-approved locks. These locks not only deter theft but also allow the suitcase to be unlocked and inspected by security authorities without any damage, providing peace of mind for travelers.

The suitcase’s aluminum frame structure is another standout aspect. Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, it offers a lighter weight, higher strength, and better compressive strength. This is complemented by aluminum-magnesium alloy bumper corners, enhancing the overall durability and protecting your belongings during transit. The luggage also features a brushed finishing and grinding process, which not only ensures long-lasting usage but also provides a shining, elegant appearance.

In terms of design, the Andiamo Classico is both stylish and elegant, catering to the new trends in fashion. Whether you’re traveling for a weekend getaway or heading abroad, this suitcase is sure to stand out with its noble and distinctive design, making it an excellent gift for loved ones or for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.

The satisfaction guarantee is a significant part of the Andiamo Classico’s appeal. It comes with a limited 5-year manufacturer warranty and a trusted companion promise, covering the cost of repair for damage due to manufacturer defects or replacing the defective bag.

In terms of dimensions, the suitcase measures 22 x 14 x 8.5 inches with wheels and handles, and 20 x 13 x 8.5 inches without. The carry-on weight is 10 lbs, making it a manageable and convenient option for travelers.

Overall, the Andiamo Classico Suitcase is an exceptional choice for those seeking a carry-on bag that combines a lightweight build, secure features, and an elegant design, ensuring a stylish and stress-free travel experience.

8. Samsonite Spinner 75

Key Features:
– 20.4 x 12.2 x 29.5 inches
– 10.12 pounds
– Polypropylene
– Editors rating: 4.2
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The Samsonite Spinner 75 bag is another solid, affordable zipperless suitcase.

Instead of making the suitcase from polycarbonate/aluminum, Samsonite has opted to choose polypropylene instead. Polypropylene is the most lightweight hardside luggage plastic, but it’s not as durable as polycarbonate. It’s also one of the cheapest plastics out there, and it’s much more flexible than polycarbonate.

Because it’s made out of polypropylene, it won’t be as durable as other options that we’ve mentioned in this list. A lot of people complained about broken wheels and visible dents in the hard shell just after a few trips. That’s why we would recommend only getting the carry-on option and avoiding the larger suitcases. You need a carry-on to be light because of the weight limits, and carry-ons are less likely to get damaged because they won’t be tossed by the baggage handlers.

In features, this bag is pretty basic. From the exterior, it’s equipped with a single TSA-approved lock for accessing the main compartment, and four double spinner wheels. And the interior is split into two equal parts, with one side divided by a zippered fabric sheet, and the second one equipped with tie-down straps. It’s also worth noting that the interior isn’t lined with a fabric layer – it’s just plain plastic.

If you’re looking for a cheap and lightweight zipperless carry-on, this one is probably your best bet. Just avoid getting the checked options, because the Samsonite Spinner isn’t durable enough to be checked in.

Conclusion

Zipperless luggage represents a significant evolution in travel gear, combining sleek design, enhanced security, and robust construction. These suitcases offer the convenience of easy access through TSA-approved locks and the durability of hard-shell materials, making them a reliable choice for both frequent and occasional travelers.

With features like silent spinner wheels, aluminum frame structures, and innovative corner guards, these luggage pieces are designed to streamline your travel experience while ensuring your belongings remain safe and secure.

Whether you’re embarking on a short business trip or a long-awaited vacation, zipperless luggage stands out as a stylish, practical, and forward-thinking choice for modern travelers.