What is the difference between Samsonite and American Tourister?
Which one is best for your journey? Which one is best for your trip? Over the years I have zipped and unzipped dozens of cases, packed them and repacked them, and rolled them across continents. My hands-on experience with both American Tourister and Samsonite means I can offer insights not just from product specs, but from real-world durability and functionality.
Plus, in 15 years of testing, the team has rated over 150 suitcases using our comprehensive data-based methodology. Our team has spent years developing our knowledge and understanding of the differences between a good and great suitcase. The fact that the two brands come from the same company does not mean they are the same. American Tourister, marketed as a more affordable alternative to Samsonite means that it uses cheaper materials, has simpler designs and offers fewer high-end features. American Tourister is a good option if you want a suitcase that’s affordable. It’s not as simple as picking the lowest price. We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of suitcases and have learned what makes a high-quality piece of luggage different from a cheap, overpriced plastic piece. 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 five American Tourister suitcases as well as 15 Samsonite bags, including carry-ons. 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.
At a Glance
Scores
Average Overall Score
7.7
8.8
Average Build Quality Score
6.6
7.9
Score Average for Ease Of Use
6.8
8.2
Average Functionality Score |
 |
 |
7.3 |
8.9 |
Average Water Resistivity Score |
8.2 |
8.0 |
Average Brand Impact Score |
4.5 |
6.2 |
Average Score for Buying Experience |
7.1 |
6.8 |
Average Warranty Score |
5.0 |
5.0 |
Average Price to Performance Score |
10 |
8.6 |
Specs |
Type |
Hardside, Softside |
Hardside, Softside |
Warranty |
10-year |
10-year |
Returns |
Return shipping is payable 60 days |
Return shipping is payable 90 days |
Manufacturing Location(s), |
||
India, China and Vietnam |
India, China, Hungary |
Browse American Tourister |
Browse Samsonite |
American Tourister vs Samsonite: Quick Answers | Durability: |
| Monos luggage is generally more durable and well-built overall. | Price: | American Tourister is a budget brand with very low prices. Samsonite is more expensive overall and has more premium models. |
| Warranty: | American Tourister and Samsonite have a virtually identical 10-year limited warranty. | Sustainability: |
| Samsonite is much better if you prioritize sustainability. They use recycled materials and have programs to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint. | Materials: |
American Tourister uses cheap materials like ABS on most of their suitcases. Samsonite uses a wide range of materials, including more durable options like polycarbonate.
- Design and Style: American Tourister luggage is colorful and flashy with fun print designs. Samsonite luggage is more understated and professional.
- Interior Organization: American Tourister suitcases are very simple and bare-bones inside, while Samsonite has designs with more internal pockets and organization features.
- Expandability: Both American Tourister and Samsonite have suitcases that can expand.
- Wheels: American Tourister generally uses flimsier single spinner wheels, while many Samsonite models have stronger double spinner wheels.
- Telescopic Handle: Samsonite luggage generally has stronger and more adjustable handles than American Tourister.
- Color Options: American Tourister luggage comes in a huge range of bright colors and designs, while Samsonite’s color choices are more limited.
- American Tourister vs Samsonite: Which Should You Buy? Buy American Tourister if you…
- are on a tight budget.don’t travel frequently.
- mainly take domestic flights within the US.need luggage for summer vacations or cruises.
- are buying luggage for a child or for traveling with a family.Buy Samsonite if you…
- travel more frequently.often travel internationally.
travel for work.
want a suitcase that will last for years of travel.
- care about buying more sustainable travel gear.
- need checked luggage for long-haul trips.
- Materials & Quality
- American Tourister is solidly a budget brand, and that means you shouldn’t expect the same quality and durability you’d get from a high-end brand like Briggs & Riley (which is one of the best luggage brands out there).
- Now, don’t get me wrong. If you treat it well, an American Tourister bag can last years. But choosing American Tourister over Samsonite does come with some tradeoffs.
Here’s what I mean.
- Most American Tourister hardside suitcases are made with ABS plastic. It’s one of the world’s most popular plastics, and is used for everything from vacuum cleaners to laptop keyboards. The multi-directional spinners, zippers and handles used by Samsonite are cheaper and more flimsy. The cheaper hardside luggage is made from polypropylene which is lightweight and flexible. For a bit more money you can buy a high-quality carry-on suitcase or checked bag made of polycarbonate. Many luxury brands use polycarbonate for their hardside bags. Samsonite luggage is so diverse that you need to research each bag before purchasing it. The Outline Pro is a good mid-range carry-on and the Armage II is made from durable nylon fabric. It is made in Europe from an innovative woven composite hardshell material that absorbs impacts better than any other luggage material I’ve encountered. It is made in Europe from an innovative woven composite hardshell material that absorbs impacts better than any other luggage material I’ve encountered.
- If durability is your main concern, Samsonite is the best luggage brand of the two, scoring an average of 7.9 for Build Quality compared to American Tourister’s 6.6.
- Design & Features
- Honestly, my favorite thing about American Tourister is the fun designs. There are carry-ons for kids with Disney character designs, night sky patterns and a large checked bag with Mickey Mouse pants. It’s not only about style, but it is also practical. It’s not funny. You’re not going to miss that. You won’t miss it.
- Ofcourse, not everyone loves being the center of attention. Samsonite luggage is more suitable for those who dislike bold, bright colors. Their luggage pieces are more dialed-in and sophisticated than anything from American Tourister, and their higher-end bags definitely don’t look like cheap products you picked up at Target.
- Functionally, American Tourister suitcases are pretty simple and basic, and I honestly think that’s a good thing. Budget brands tend to over-pack their suitcases with features. This leads to more broken items. Samsonite is a better choice than American Tourister if you want lots of compartments and pockets to organize your things. Some of their suitcases are still pretty simple, but others (like the Outline Pro) have innovative designs with multiple dividers and plenty of pockets for smaller items.
Samsonite luggage also has more bells and whistles. Samsonite luggage features built-in TSA locks and removable toiletry pouches. It also has garment folders and USB ports. I love that these little details are included, and they really made my traveling easier.
American Tourister only scored 7.3 for functionality, and Samsonite scored much higher at 8.9 on average.
Value for Your Money
If you are strapped for cash and saving every penny for air travel, American Tourister sells some of the least expensive luggage on the market. The price-to-performance category gave them a 10/10. Samsonite scored lower at 8.6.
American Tourister is one of the best luggage brands for ultra-cheap luggage, which makes it easier for you to buy your carry-on suitcase, pay for airfare, and still have some cash left over for travel accessories.
Of course, you shouldn’t expect the quality to be the same as higher-end brands. If you travel a lot, an American Tourister bag might not last very long, and having to replace it kind of defeats the purpose of saving money in the first place.
Samsonite suitcases do cost more, but they will also last longer.
If you just need a bag for occasional trips, American Tourister will be fine, but if you travel more frequently, you’ll save money in the long run by going with Samsonite.
Warranty and Buying Experience
Since both brands are owned by the same company, their warranties are pretty much identical. Both brands have similar warranty language. Most American Tourister and Samsonite luggage comes with a 10-year limited warranty. This definitely doesn’t compete with brands with full lifetime warranties like Travelpro or Briggs & Riley, but both American Tourister and Samsonite have a decent reputation for repairing or replacing suitcases on warranty.
That said, they specifically state that their warranty does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or airline baggage handlers, only manufacturing or material defects.
Of course, with American Tourister’s low costs, any sort of warranty is nice to have.
Brand Impact & Sustainability
If buying more sustainable products is important to you, the choice is simple. Samsonite has a much better brand impact than American Tourister. Samsonite scored 6.2 for sustainability, while American Tourister only scored 4.5.
Samsonite uses recycled materials in its fabric bags, reports its carbon footprint, plans to use 100% renewable energy by 2025, and donates to environmental and social charities.
Final Thoughts
Even though Samsonite and American Tourister are owned by the same company, these two luggage brands are very different and they cater to different types of travelers.
Samsonite scored better than American Tourister in almost all of our testing metrics, and I think it’s pretty clear that they make better luggage overall. Samsonite suitcases are stronger and more durable, and they have better features and designs. For most travelers, Samsonite will be the better choice.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no reason to choose American Tourister.
One of those reasons is cost. American Tourister luggage can be very cheap if you look for specials. American Tourister luggage is the best value for money if you do not travel often. If you are buying luggage for a child (or just to satisfy your inner child), American Tourister is hard to beat. If you are buying luggage for a child (or just for your own inner child), it’s hard to beat American Tourister.
So it comes down to this, are you a more serious frequent traveler who needs a reliable suitcase, or someone who travels less frequently and just wants a fun bag for those occasional getaway trips?
American Tourister vs. Samsonite FAQs
Can American Tourister luggage be used for frequent travel?
Yes. American Tourister luggage can withstand travel.
Samsonite offers a more comprehensive warranty that covers a variety of defects and damages.
Samsonite has launched collections emphasizing environmental responsibility without compromising quality or durability.
Is American Tourister the same quality as Samsonite?
No, Samsonite offers higher-end materials and features, while American Tourister focuses on affordability.
Which suitcase brand is best? It depends on what you need. Does the suitcase’s weight matter?
Yes, a lighter suitcase means you can pack more without going over airline weight limits.
About the Author
Jakob Thygerson
