Delsey or Samsonite? Which is better?
Both are excellent, but they cater to different types of travelers. I tested and rated 32 luggages from both brands to answer the question about which you should purchase. This comparison was built on my real-world experiences and data-backed research in order to provide you with the most accurate information. They are stylish and easy to use. Samsonite, on the other hand delivered pure functionality. They have more modern designs with more advanced features, which made it easier for me to be organized when traveling. It depends. As with many other things in life. I’ll guide you through the factors that will help you make the right decision. We’ve tested and reviewed budget luggage, luxury suitcases, and everything in between. We have tested and reviewed everything from budget suitcases to luxury suitcases. Our team of gear enthusiasts and product engineers created the most comprehensive luggage testing methodology. We tested and rated both carry-ons as well as checked bags of both brands. All of the suitcases were treated the same and rated on the same scale. 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? Buy Delsey if you…
- are a frequent traveler.travel for business or are a digital nomad.
- are traveling in Europe.prioritize style and aesthetics.
- care about buying more sustainable products.Buy Samsonite if you…
- travel less frequently.need luggage for international travel on airlines with strict size and weight limits.
need luggage for cruises or summer vacations.
need luggage to carry a suit, dress, or other formal clothing.
- Materials & Quality
- Durability is possibly the most important consideration when you’re shopping for new luggage. Samsonite scored 7.9 for Build Quality compared to 8.8 for Delsey. The material is lightweight, yet strong and resistant to impact. 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. The double-layer zipper is stronger and more secure. 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. Samsonite, if Delsey makes an affordable polycarbonate case, then you should too. Single spinners are not for me. I have broken them on cobblestones while in Europe. These must be pretty tough, right? I don’t think I recommend taking them rock crawling through.
- Design & Features
Delsey bags are elegant, refined, and stylish. The bags are designed in France and inspired by Parisian architectural style. Even their inexpensive soft-sided bags like the Sky Max 2.0 look great. 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. The majority of Delsey bags have a large compartment with a zipper on one side, and compression straps on another. 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. The Outline Pro Carry-On, for example, is perfect for keeping things organized. The Outline Pro Carry-On has several interior compartments and a removable panel to compress the bag. This is a great way to keep things 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. Delsey scores 8.2 for functionality and Samsonite gets 8.9. 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 is designed to deliver style and quality while being affordable and accessible. This minimalist suitcase costs less than most Samsonite luggage and is made of high-quality materials. 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. Travelpro and Briggs & Riley are two brands that offer this warranty. It’s easier to fix a simple problem like a broken handle or wheel at home than to send your bag to be repaired. 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. Delsey plans to market more repairable items by 2026 and to transition from trucking to maritime transport (rather than more energy-intensive methods such as air and rail 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.
Final Thoughts
Delsey and Samsonite have a lot in common. Both brands are global giants. Both brands are known for selling suitcases that range from affordable to high-end. They both prioritize delivering high quality, functional suitcases at accessible prices.
Ultimately, the difference lies in their approach to building a good suitcase.
Delsey focuses on crafting classic designs that are enjoyable to use and built to last. This means that they are less interested in creating revolutionary designs, and instead focus on improving what already works. That makes Delsey suitcases timeless, simple, and reliable.
Samsonite leans more toward innovation. They are innovative and have features that you will not find anywhere else. You can choose what you like. Whatever you pick, don’t forget to enjoy the journey!
Delsey vs Samsonite FAQs
What is the difference between Samsonite and Delsey?
Delsey luggage is a combination of sophisticated design and easy usability. Samsonite, on the other hand, has a more modern look with more advanced features.
Delsey is a mid-range luggage brand that aims to make premium style and build quality more accessible.
Which brand of luggage is the most durable?
Delsey was rated higher for Build Quality than Samsonite in our testing.
Why has Samsonite become so popular?
Samsonite carry-on and checked luggage is popular because it is affordable, durable, and available everywhere.
Where is Samsonite luggage made?
Samsonite luggage is made in India, China, and Hungary.
About the Author
Jeremy Scott Foster
