Delsey vs. Samsonite: Which is Better?

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The TravelFreak editorial team has tested dozens of suitcases over the years, and we’ve learned a lot about what separates a quality piece of luggage from an overpriced, overhyped piece of plastic. We’ve tested and reviewed budget luggage, luxury suitcases, and everything in between.

We know how hard it is to find the perfect suitcase, and we want to make the process easier for you. So our team of gear junkies and product engineers developed the most comprehensive luggage test methodology possible.

We tested and rated 17 Delsey suitcases and 15 Samsonite suitcases, including carry-ons and checked bags from both brands.

We evaluated every one of these suitcases on 31 metrics across eight categories. We gave them all the same treatment and rated them on the same standardized scales. This makes it easy for us (and you) to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Delsey vs Samsonite: Quick Answers

• Durability: Delsey luggage uses better materials and stronger components than Samsonite overall, but both brands build reliable luggage.
• Price: Both Delsey and Samsonite have affordable suitcase models, but Samsonite is generally cheaper.
• Warranty: Most Samsonite luggage has a 10-year warranty, while Delsey has a limited lifetime warranty on every suitcase.
• Sustainability: Delsey uses more recycled materials than Samsonite and has more in-depth programs in place for reducing carbon footprint, energy use, and pollution.
• Materials: Delsey uses high-quality materials like 100% polycarbonate, while Samsonite uses cheaper materials on many suitcases.
• Design and Style: Delsey luggage has a sophisticated, timeless style. Samsonite suitcases come in a wider variety, from conservative to ultra-modern.
• Interior Organization: Most Samsonite suitcases have more pockets and better internal organization than Delsey bags.
• Expandability: Both Delsey and Samsonite have several carry-on and check-in models that can expand.
• Wheels: Delsey luggage has slightly more durable double spinner wheels than Samsonite, especially on budget models.
• Handle: Delsey and Samsonite suitcases have similar adjustable handles.
• Color Options: Delsey luggage usually has more colors to choose from than Samsonite.

Delsey vs Samsonite: Which Should You Buy?

Materials & Quality

Durability is possibly the most important consideration when you’re shopping for new luggage. A suitcase can be stylish, functional, and packed with features, but if it falls apart after a few trips, it’s no good.

Delsey is the winner here, scoring 8.8 for Build Quality, where Samsonite only scores 7.9.

Delsey’s build quality starts with the materials they use.

Their hardside luggage is all made of 100% polycarbonate, which is the gold-standard material for hardside luggage right now. This material is incredibly lightweight and still strong and impact-resistant. In contrast, Samsonite’s lower-price luggage often uses cheaper ABS or polypropylene.

Delsey’s iconic Chatelet Air suitcases have extra reinforcement in the corners, which is where they take the most impact. They also use an innovative double-layer zipper that is much stronger and more secure than standard zippers. I’ve found that zippers are often the first thing to break on a suitcase, so it’s great to see the extra strength here.

Samsonite luggage is well-built overall, I just wish they would move away from using cheaper materials. C’mon, Samsonite. Delsey can make an affordable polycarbonate suitcase, you should be able to too.

Also, where every Delsey suitcase I’ve tested uses double spinner wheels, some of Samsonite’s cheaper models only have single spinner wheels. I’ve broken a few of those on cobblestones in Europe, so I’d stay away from single spinners.

Oh, and Delsey also has a whole line of Jeep suitcases. Those have to be tough, right? I don’t think I recommend taking them rock crawling through.

Design & Features

Delsey bags are elegant, refined, and stylish. They’re designed in France, and the aesthetics are inspired by Parisian architecture. I love how Delsey blends vintage design with a bit of modern flair. Even their inexpensive soft-sided bags like the Sky Max 2.0 look great.

If you want to add some sophistication to your travel setup, Delsey is a great choice.

Samsonite suitcases definitely have a different vibe—much more modern, with geometric patterns and minimalist designs.

Functionally, Delsey bags are pretty simple and straightforward. Most have a large zippered compartment on one side and a set of compression straps on the other. There are a few zippered pockets inside the main compartment, but no Delsey bag I’ve tested has very much beyond that in the way of organization.

Samsonite’s basic suitcases are similarly simple, but they also have more advanced designs with more features than any Delsey suitcase. For example, the Outline Pro Carry-On is great for staying organized. It has several interior pockets and a removable compression panel that works really well for keeping things securely in place. The Armage II is a high-end softside luggage that has a removable toiletry bag and garment holder and tons of internal compartments to sort smaller items.

Samsonite also has more suitcases that are designed specifically to fit in the overhead bin on international flights with tighter carry-on size limits. If you’re planning to fly on budget international airlines, a smaller Samsonite suitcase might be the better choice.

Delsey bags are intuitive, but Samsonite packs in more functionality. Samsonite 8.9 for functionality, and Delsey scored a bit lower at 8.2.

One exception to this is Delsey’s Turenne 2.0 Carry-On, which is a hardside carry-on with an external zippered pocket for a laptop. It fits larger laptops than similar Samsonite models, and it works really well for traveling with a laptop.

Value for Your Money

Delsey and Samsonite both have a huge range of products, from budget-friendly to premium.

Samsonite scored slightly higher on average for Price-to-Performance, mainly because Delsey has more mid-to-high-end suitcases in their lineup. That doesn’t mean you can’t get great bang for your buck from Delsey, though.

Delsey recently released their NOW! Hardside Carry-On, which is designed to be affordable and accessible while still delivering on style and quality. This minimalist suitcase is cheaper than most Samsonite bags, and it is surprisingly well-made. If you’re on a tight budget, this is definitely one of the best suitcase options out there.

Warranty and Buying Experience

Samsonite and Delsey have pretty similar warranty policies overall, but Delsey’s is a bit better. Delsey scored 7.0 for Warranty in our rating system, while Samsonite only scored 5.0.

Most Samsonite suitcases have a 10-year warranty that covers manufacturing or materials defects.

Delsey luggage comes with either a 2-year, 5-year, 10-year, or lifetime warranty, depending on the product. This warranty covers functional defects to the wheels, handles, shell, and zippers.

Neither brand will cover damage caused by airline baggage handlers. If that’s something you want, you should look into Travelpro or Briggs & Riley.

One advantage of Delsey is that they offer replacement parts. For something simple like a broken wheel or handle, it’s usually easier to repair it yourself at home rather than ship your bag away to be fixed. Not many luggage brands have this option, but it is a more economical and sustainable way to keep suitcases working longer.

Ultimately, you can get a durable bag from either brand, and the warranty just gives you some peace of mind in case something goes wrong.

Brand Impact

Both of these brands are progressing on their journey toward sustainability, but they both still have a ways to go. Both use recycled materials and have programs in place to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Delsey scored slightly higher for Brand Impact in our testing: 6.5 vs Samsonite’s 6.2 sustainability score.

The difference ultimately comes down to the fact that Delsey has a more concrete roadmap for how they will improve their impact. They plan to use 100% recycled materials by 2028, market more repairable products by 2026, and transition to more rail and maritime transportation (as opposed to more energy-intensive methods like trucking and air shipment). They also conduct an annual carbon assessment and sustainability audit of their supply chain.

If you care about buying sustainable products, Delsey isn’t perfect, but I definitely recommend it as the better choice over Samsonite.