Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside vs Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable
Both made our Best Luggage Under $150 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner if you want hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price. Choose the Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On if you'd rather have very affordable. Overall we rank the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Luggage Under $150 list.
Winner overall: Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner
Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner vs Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 3 in Best Luggage Under $150 | #3 of 3 in Best Luggage Under $150 |
| Pick label | Shortlisted | |
| Brand | Samsonite | Amazon Basics |
| Key features | 24-inch expandable polypropylene hardshell; Dual 360-degree spinner wheels; TSA-approved combination lock | See full details |
| Biggest strength | Hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price | Very affordable |
| Main trade-off | Polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors | ABS shell scuffs more than polycarbonate |
| Best for | international travel | occasional travelers on a budget |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner if…
- Hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price
- 8.5-pound empty weight leaves more of the checked weight limit for actual belongings
Best for: international travel
Prefer the alternative? See the Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On section.
#3 pick
Choose the Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On if…
- Very affordable
- Expandable for extra space
- Spinner wheels
Best for: occasional travelers on a budget
Prefer the alternative? See the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner section.
Pros and cons of each
Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner
Pros
- Hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price
- 8.5-pound empty weight leaves more of the checked weight limit for actual belongings
Cons
- Polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors
- Single-caster style wheel housing wears faster than the double-swivel wheels on premium bags
- 10-year warranty is limited, not the unconditional coverage of Briggs & Riley
Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On
Pros
- Very affordable
- Expandable for extra space
- Spinner wheels
- Light at under 8 lb
Cons
- ABS shell scuffs more than polycarbonate
- No built-in TSA lock on this version
- Basic interior
Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner vs Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On: common questions
Which is better, the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner or the Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On?
Choose the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner if you want hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price. Choose the Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On if you'd rather have very affordable. Overall we rank the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Luggage Under $150 list.
What is the difference between the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner and the Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On?
The Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner stands out because hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price, while the Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On stands out because very affordable. The trade-offs differ too: the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner's main caveat is that polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors, and the Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On's is that aBS shell scuffs more than polycarbonate.
Is the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner worth it over the Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On instead if polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On instead of the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner?
The Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-On suits occasional travelers on a budget, while the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner is best for international travel.