Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside vs Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner
Both made our Best Luggage Under $150 shortlist, at #1 and #2. 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 Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner if you'd rather have lightweight shell leaves more of the carry-on weight allowance for actual belongings. Overall we rank the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Luggage Under $150 list.
Winner overall: Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner
Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner vs Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 3 in Best Luggage Under $150 | #2 of 3 in Best Luggage Under $150 |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Samsonite | Samsonite |
| Key features | 24-inch expandable polypropylene hardshell; Dual 360-degree spinner wheels; TSA-approved combination lock | Expandable polypropylene hardshell; Dual 360-degree spinner wheels; TSA-approved combination lock |
| Biggest strength | Hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price | Lightweight shell leaves more of the carry-on weight allowance for actual belongings |
| Main trade-off | Polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors | No front laptop compartment |
| Best for | international travel | carry on only |
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 Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner section.
#2 pick
Choose the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner if…
- Lightweight shell leaves more of the carry-on weight allowance for actual belongings
- Hardshell resists crush damage in a packed overhead bin
Best for: carry on only
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
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner
Pros
- Lightweight shell leaves more of the carry-on weight allowance for actual belongings
- Hardshell resists crush damage in a packed overhead bin
Cons
- No front laptop compartment
- Shows scratches and scuffs more visibly than fabric-shell competitors
- Wheel housings wear faster under frequent use than the premium double-swivel designs
Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner vs Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner: common questions
Which is better, the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner or the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner?
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 Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner if you'd rather have lightweight shell leaves more of the carry-on weight allowance for actual belongings. Overall we rank the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Luggage Under $150 list.
What is the difference between the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner and the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner?
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 Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner stands out because lightweight shell leaves more of the carry-on weight allowance for actual belongings. 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 Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner's is that no front laptop compartment.
Is the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner worth it over the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner instead if polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner instead of the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner?
The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner suits carry on only, while the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner is best for international travel.