The 7 Best Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Never run out of space again with these compact, yet spacious suitcases

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Luggage of 2023

The Spruce / Kevin Liang

Top-quality luggage is stylish and tough enough to handle being thrown into a car trunk, cargo hold, or overhead bin or jostled around on a baggage carousel. Kim McCardell, a luxury travel advisor and the founder of Windward and Crown, notes the best luggage is often very roomy on the inside. "I recommend bags that are mostly open on the interior. This way, you can organize your belongings into packing cubes and toiletry bags without the added bulk of compartments you aren't using." She adds that straps within the interior are also a standout feature because they help keep your belongings secure.

While your preference on hardside or softside luggage may come down to price point and overall aesthetics, it's important to keep a piece of luggage's overall durability in mind as well. We've spent hours testing luggage in The Lab from the best luggage brands like Beis, Monos, Tumi, Calpak, and more to see how well they can organize clothes and stand up against wear and tear.

During our multiple iterations of testing, we've evaluated durability, maneuverability, capacity, design, and value. In fact, yes, we dropped our suitcases down a ladder and hit them repeatedly with a baseball bat! All the while, we made sure all of the luggage that we recommend can hold up to serious transit.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall, Softsided

Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Expandable Spinner

4.6
Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-inch Expandable Spinner

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Very large capacity

  • Plenty of organization compartments

  • 2-inch expansion

What We Don't Like
  • Not as sleek as other designs

  • Slightly challenging to maneuver

While an extra-large suitcase may not be ideal for every traveler, we love the TravelPro Platinum Elite 29-inch Check-In Expandable Spinner as a durable softside suitcase. It's our best overall softside pick for a myriad of reasons, but the main ones being the sheer size and impressive storage options incorporated into the design. Unzip this suitcase, and you'll find a built-in, fold-out suit compartment for any delicate clothes that you'd like to prevent from wrinkling. A clear toiletries bag is also integrated into the side of the suitcase and can be unzipped during TSA checkpoints.

We noted that we could easily use this suitcase for a long-term travel period like two weeks or more. We even think it'd be a great option for college students returning home during their month-long winter breaks. Just like hardside designs, this suitcase has a compression closure that ensures everything stays in place. It can also be expanded an additional 2 inches, if you tend to really overpack.

Unlike some of the hardside suitcases we tested, this design showed zero marks after we pushed it off a counter and hit it with a baseball bat multiple times. It's also relatively easy to move, despite its size, but we do think maneuvering would be difficult when this suitcase is filled to capacity. We also recognize that this design isn't as aesthetically pleasing as other options on the market, but we think it's well worth the splurge given its size and performance across different surfaces and against drops.

How It Performed Long-Term

This suitcase survived a trip to Belize and Costa Rica during our six-month long-term testing period. We love how it easily fits a large amount of clothes—it could even be shared between two people. While it's certainly an investment piece, we think it's well worth the price tag if you value size and quality over aesthetics.

Price at time of publish: $470

Dimensions: 32.5 x 21 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 11.5 pounds | Capacity: 143.5 liters | Expandable: Yes | Lock Included: Yes | Wheels: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty with 100-day trial

Best Overall, Hardside

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels

4.8
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Charcoal

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Good interior organization

  • Large capacity

What We Don't Like
  • Handle casing takes up a lot of interior space

The Samsonite 28-inch Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage is our top pick for a hardside bag that's lightweight when empty and still manageable when packed full with a week's worth of clothing. Thanks to the tough exterior, this suitcase maintains its shape, even when stuffed to capacity, making it a secure design that won't pop open as easily as softsided designs. We raved about this suitcase's easy-to-pack design and thoughtful exterior throughout our testing process.

Plus, a lightweight suitcase makes life easier when you’re hauling it through a busy airport, hoisting it into an overhead bin, or wheeling it down the sidewalk of a new city. McCardell points out that a lightweight bag is easier to maneuver and gives more room within weight restrictions for your items. Hardshell suitcases frequently take the top spot for the best lightweight luggage because the shells use ultralight materials like polycarbonate, ABS, or aluminum. This Samsonite has a polycarbonate shell that easily resisted scratches and dents during our durability tests. The exterior brushed metal design also helps to hide any scratches that may occur with use.

We also found the interior organization to be stellar, with the only gripe being that the hardware for the handle takes up some valuable interior space—a common issue with any suitcase design. The compression features ensure your clothes stay secure and the 1.5-inch expansion allows you to pack in extra items that you may have purchased on your trip.

Price at time of publish: $310

Dimensions: 31 x 20 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 11.5 pounds | Capacity: Not listed | Expandable: Yes | Lock Included: Yes | Wheels: Yes | Warranty: 10-year limited warranty

Best Value

Away The Bigger Carry-On

4.7
Away The Bigger Carry-on

Away

Our Ratings
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.7/5
What We Like
  • Includes a waterproof laundry bag

  • Polycarbonate shell

  • Ejectable USB power pack

What We Don't Like
  • Not expandable

  • Telescoping handle takes up interior space

Away has made a name for itself as a sleek and durable luggage company. The brand has also changed the luggage game by integrating power packs into its line of polycarbonate hardshell luggage and saving you the hassle of fumbling for your USB charger the next time you’re stuck waiting for a layover flight. We're big fans of The Bigger Carry-On from Away, which has 20 percent more capacity than the brand's standard carry-on design. While it's certainly still an investment piece of luggage, the amount of space and thoughtful design make it a great value in our book.

The Bigger Carry-On does not have an expandable body, so if that's a must-have feature, we recommend checking out The Bigger Carry-On Flex from Away, which we also loved for its maneuverability, capacity, and design. The Bigger Carry-On's 10,000-milliampere (mAh) power pack has two USB ports, including a fast-charge port for when you need more power stat. We found that the power pack works well and nicely integrates into the suitcase’s design; however, the USB charger is an additional $20 on top of this design's almost $300 price. You can eject the USB charger from the suitcase with a quick push, which might be required when traveling with some airlines, to specific destinations, or if you end up checking your bag.

Aside from the power bank feature, this suitcase minimizes interior bulk to maximize the amount of clothing and travel necessities you can fit. We did notice that the handle takes up a little bit of interior space, but it didn't impact our packing plans greatly. A waterproof laundry bag makes it easy to keep wet bathing suits or dirty clothes separate while returning from your destination, and compression dividers keep all of your items neatly packed inside.

Price at time of publish: $315

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Capacity: 47.9 liters | Expandable: No | Lock Included: Yes | Wheels: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

Best Rated

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Expandable Carry-on Spinner

4.8
Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On Spinner

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4.8/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Magnetically aligned wheels

  • Handle with 4 adjustable heights

  • Plenty of interior organization, including garment bag

What We Don't Like
  • Includes a USB port but no battery pack

  • May not fit in overhead bins when expanded

With over 2,800 five-star ratings on Amazon and earning an almost perfect score from our testing team, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner is a trusted option for frequent fliers. While it may not be large enough for a week-long adventure, it's the ideal suitcase size for keeping your items organized on quick business and weekend trips.

This softside spinner suitcase weighs less than 8 pounds, and it includes a garment bag for dress shirts or similar items you want to stay wrinkle-free, plus a wet bag for damp swimsuits and the like. In addition, the compression straps incorporate two small mesh pouches, which are perfect for odds and ends, including packing toiletries. We found it relatively easy to pack and organize, and we appreciated that the small wheel casings don’t take up much room on the inside. The whole suitcase also expands an additional 2 inches for last-minute additions. But keep in mind that it may not fit in overhead bins once expanded. It also comes with a USB port for convenient charging on the go, but you’ll need to purchase a TSA-approved separate power bank.

This suitcase has four sets of magnetically aligned wheels, which made it easy to maneuver, but we found using it on two wheels to be slightly difficult. The high-quality nylon exterior also has a protective coating to resist stains and dirt. Because of its softside design, this option is incredibly durable, surviving a drop from a ladder and absorbing blows from a bat during our durability tests. It was a little dirty and scuffed from being pulled up a ledge, but not enough to warrant major concern. But if our durability tests don't ease your concerns, this suitcase does come with a limited lifetime warranty against airline-induced damage. Travelpro will cover the repair cost, as long as you register your suitcase within the applicable time period. While over $300 for a smaller suitcase may not be in everyone's budget, we were very pleased with this suitcase's performance and think it's worth the splurge and ratings that it has received.

How It Performed Long-Term

After six months of consistent use, we're thrilled with the quality of this carry-on suitcase. Between trips to Hawaii, New York, Arizona, San Diego, and more, its exterior has not worn down at all, and it's the ideal size to supplement a larger bag or fit a weekend's worth of clothes. While we've found the wheels can be tricky to direct on slick surfaces and we wish the divider pockets were removable, this carry-on is a reliable option for the frequent traveler.

Price at time of publish: $370

Dimensions: 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Capacity: 46 liters | Expandable: Yes | Lock Included: Not listed | Wheels: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

Best Under $300

Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Spinner Luggage

4.7
DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Spinner Luggage

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    3.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Deep storage

  • Easy to maneuver

  • Attractive design

What We Don't Like
  • Lacking interior organization

After we completed our testing rounds, we fully expected this suitcase to cost more than its listed price. At just over $250, we think this checked luggage is a great option for travelers who don't feel the need to splurge on an expensive suitcase. This 29-inch hardside roller easily fits more than a week's worth of clothing and toiletries, plus it can expand an additional 2 inches when needed.

While it lacks extra organizational features on the inside like other hardside cases we tested, we appreciated the depth of this suitcase and the amount of space it had. A compression strap and mesh zippered design ensure that your clothes stay in their respective halves while securing this suitcase. The TSA-approved combination lock is also a great feature for peace of mind during long travel days.

We loved how easy this checked luggage was to maneuver over carpet and hard flooring. It wasn't the easiest to maneuver over rocks, but that's to be expected with any suitcase design. It also only suffered a few minor scratches during our durability tests and had no dents unlike other similar designs we tested. Overall, you can't go wrong investing in this more affordable hardside roller suitcase.

How It Performed Long-Term

We're thoroughly pleased with how this luggage has held up after six months of travel. While it is a bit scratched, we're not too disappointed by this as that's common with any hardside design. It's also a convenient place to store out-of-season clothes, if you're limited on storage at home.

Price at time of publish: $254

Dimensions: 32 x 20.5 x 12.75 inches | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Capacity: Not listed | Expandable: Yes | Lock Included: Yes | Wheels: Yes | Warranty: Not listed

Best Carry On

Monos Carry On Plus Spinner

4.7
Monos Carry-On Plus

Nordstrom

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Durable exterior

  • Includes additional bags bags

What We Don't Like
  • Not expandable

Just a glance at the Monos Carry-On Plus will make you understand why our testing team tagged it as some of the best-looking luggage we tested. But there’s more to this hardside spinner suitcase than its sleek polycarbonate shell. Despite the lack of expandability, it has excellent interior organization features, like a built-in compression pad and straps that we found to be very effective in making the most of this suitcase’s 48-liter capacity.

It’s sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines and we found it glides well on various surfaces with four 360-degree spinner wheels. Three additional storage bags—an antimicrobial laundry bag and two shoe bags—plus a luggage tag make this carry-on an all-encompassing design. The interior fabric is also anti-microbial so you don't have to worry about it becoming dirty or carrying germs after multiple trips. All in all, this is a splurge-worthy carry-on with thoughtful features and extras.

Price at time of publish: $306

Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.38 pounds | Capacity: 48 liters | Expandable: No | Lock Included: Yes | Wheels: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty with 100-day trial

We Still Like

July 26-Inch Checked Bag

4.3
July 26-Inch Checked Bag, Charcoal

July

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Durability
    3.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Includes odor and stain-resistant laundry bag

  • Telescoping handle with 20 height adjustments

  • Quiet wheels with 360-degree rotation

What We Don't Like
  • Not expandable

  • Locking wheels make it difficult to push the suitcase

The July Checked Suitcase was previously our favorite option for hardside luggage because it offers aerospace-grade German polycarbonate construction, plus smart, traveler-friendly features—like a telescoping handle with 20 height adjustments and smooth-operating wheels that are virtually silent. However, we think it would become marked easily as a checked bag based on our durability tests with a black baseball bat. We also took this wheeled suitcase across carpet, concrete, and cobblestone, checking how easily it glided and how noisy it was. We found it to be super smooth with a great gliding action on carpeting and sidewalks. It handled cobblestone surfaces well too, but we had to tip it on two wheels for the same smooth spinning action we had become accustomed to. 

While this isn’t an expandable hardshell suitcase, its 80-liter capacity gave us plenty of space to fit seven pairs of pants, seven shirts, two sweaters, five dresses, four pairs of shoes, and two purses, plus books, a mug, wine, and liquids. To keep everything neat and tidy, July outfits this suitcase with a Y-strap compression system. The integrated laundry bag is also odor-proof and hidden away so that dirty laundry doesn’t end up tangling with your clean clothes.

When dropped from a ledge 5 feet above a cobblestone street, a few of the corners did dent—despite the fact that the suitcase has reinforced aluminum corners. Still, this bag protected the wine and mug we had placed inside and it kept on rolling, even after being thrown from an 8-foot ladder three times. 

How It Performed Long-Term

Despite the marks from our initial durability tests, this checked bag survived trips to Vegas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Argentina, Antarctica, and more. However, it only lasted three months before it was damaged by an airline on a return flight. While the initial scuffs on the light finish did not bother us, we wish it was slightly more durable to avoid such a short lifespan. Plus, the limited lifetime warranty only covers manufacturer defaults.

Price at time of publish: $325

Dimensions: 26 x 18.75 x 11 inches | Weight: 8.3 pounds | Capacity: 80 liters | Expandable: No | Lock Included: Yes | Wheels: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

Final Verdict

The exceptionally roomy Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-inch Expandable Spinner is the best travel suitcase for over-packers or extensive stays. It can expand an additional two inches to accommodate even more items and it's equipped with a TSA-approved combination lock. It also survived our durability and maneuverability tests with no hiccups. If you prefer hardside luggage, we recommend the Samsonite Winfield 2 28-inch Hardside Luggage. It's also expandable to fit any vacation purchases and has great inner compression features to ensure your clothes and toiletries stay in place during a long commute. While it may eventually become scratched, it survived our durability tests with no issues.

How We Tested the Luggage

We've purchased and tested over 70 pieces of checked and carry-on luggage over the past year. Each piece of luggage went through a slew of tests in The Lab to determine how it might perform the best in real life. We rated each piece of luggage on a scale of one to five stars based on five primary criteria: maneuverability, design, capacity, durability, and value.

To start our tests, we always began by measuring and weighing each suitcase against the manufacturer’s specifications, noting any discrepancies. We found that most of the models we tested weighed slightly more and were smaller than advertised due to features like pockets, handles, and wheel corners that the dimension listings didn't account for.

After taking note of the measurements, we evaluated each bag’s capacity and ease of organization by packing various essentials such as pants, shirts, dresses, sweaters, and toiletries. We also took advantage of specialized compartments by packing shoes, purses, and smaller items like mugs, wine bottles, and books. During this time, we also considered the design of each piece of luggage, noting any unique features like charging ports and combination locks. To test maneuverability, we rolled each suitcase across various surfaces, including carpet, concrete, and rocks, paying attention to steering and how easily the bags glided and moved overall.

We then tested each bag’s durability by launching them from a 5-foot ledge and an 8-foot ladder multiple times. In our latest iterations of testing, this portion of the test evolved so that each piece of luggage was pushed off a counter onto the ground, multiple times. Finally, we repeatedly struck the bags with a baseball bat. We assessed each piece of luggage for exterior damage and checked to see if the breakable objects inside (a bottle of wine and a mug) survived. Lastly, as we do with all of our tests, we reviewed the retailer's price for each piece of luggage and considered the value of each piece of luggage. We asked ourselves whether we would pay that price given the luggage's performance in our tests, or if we'd even pay more. To write this roundup, we compiled all the testing data and insights to present the best luggage options across various categories.

What to Look for in Luggage

Size, Capacity, and Weight

Deciding what size luggage to buy is important since a suitcase that is too small can be frustrating and a suitcase that is too large means carrying around more weight than necessary. Smaller suitcases, such as our Best Carry-On pick, the 21-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner, are usually classified as carry-on bags, and larger suitcases are typically grouped together as checked bags. 

Size and weight are especially important factors to consider if you’ll be traveling on a plane. Airlines have specific size requirements for carry-on bags and checked bags might be penalized for being oversized or over the weight limit. A 22-inch bag should fit in most airlines’ overhead bins, but if you want a suitcase that will definitely fit overhead, research your favorite carriers’ rules before you commit.

Pay attention to the weight of the suitcase itself because this will count against the total weight limit for your luggage, which is often 50 pounds for domestic travel on U.S. airlines. A heavier bag may mean you have less capacity for packing items on your trip. While some brands have switched to noting the number of days that a suitcase can accommodate, most suitcase capacities are still identified in liters, so this can be a helpful spec to keep in mind as you compare one suitcase to another.

Hardside vs. Softside

Deciding between a hardside or softside suitcase is largely a personal preference, but there are definite advantages to each type of suitcase construction. Softside suitcases, also known as softshell luggage, offer excellent durability. Without a rigid shell, the suitcase can compress under pressure or in tight spaces without cracking. The exterior fabric is usually tough nylon or polyester that resists tearing and doesn’t show abrasions.

On the other hand, hardside suitcases are generally impenetrable, meaning you won’t need to worry about the contents getting soaked if you leave your bag exposed to the elements. They also tend to weigh less than softside suitcases, especially when made with a polycarbonate shell. Our best overall pick, the Samsonite Winfield 2 28-inch Hardside Luggage, has a polycarbonate shell and TSA-approved lock for extra security during long flights. It only suffered a few minor scratches during our durability tests, which is to be expected with this style of luggage. You’ll find an expandable design in both hardshell and softshell suitcases, though it’s more common to see this feature on soft-sided luggage. 

Maneuverability

Most luggage comes equipped with wheels for easier transport. There’s no doubt that a wheeled suitcase makes it much easier to race through an airport or meander down the streets of a new city. However, not all wheels are created equal. Magnetically aligned wheels are the best because they track straight and don’t tend to need as much straightening. Some suitcases still rely on just two wheels, which will require you to tip your luggage as you push or pull it along.

The most maneuverable suitcases will be equipped with four spinner wheels that offer 360 degrees of swivel action. Another factor impacting maneuverability is a suitcase’s handle height. Most suitcases are equipped with a telescoping handle, but one size doesn’t always fit all, especially if you are taller or shorter than average. Some handles are adjustable, making it easier to get an ergonomic grip on your suitcase as you pull it behind you.

Organization Options

With only so much space available in a suitcase, you want to make the most of every inch. Suitcases have various organizational features to help you pack more and stay neat and tidy throughout your travels. Options vary, so choose the most important features for your needs.

A compression system is one of the most typical organizational aspects of a suitcase. This feature allows you to squeeze more stuff in your suitcase, but is also important for keeping folded items from being tossed throughout your bag. A strap or pads are the most typical type of compression.

Another organizational feature to consider is a laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from items yet to be worn. A garment bag or suiter can also be helpful if you have a suit, shirt, or dress that you don’t want to get wrinkled in your bag. You can often find additional pockets and pouches on the interior and exterior of your suitcase for organizing smaller items and toiletries. It can be especially helpful to have an exterior pocket accessible for electronics and travel documents. 

Standout Features

Weight Indicator

Eliminate the guesswork of determining whether or not your suitcase is overweight by choosing one with a built-in weight indicator. Once you’ve packed your luggage, lift your suitcase up to activate the weight indicator located in the handle. It will turn red if your bag is heavier than a predetermined weight, usually 50 pounds.

Multiple Handles

Pulling, lifting, or carrying your suitcase involves adjusting your grip. Multiple handles can make it easier and more comfortable to handle your luggage. A telescoping handle (one that expands and retracts with a touch of a button) is the most comfortable option for pushing or pulling your suitcase a long distance. Side or top handles are helpful if you need to hoist the suitcase overhead or lift it from the trunk of your car.

TSA-Approved Lock

If you plan to check your luggage, it will be out of your sight for an extended period of time. A lock helps to ensure that your suitcase stays secure. However, if TSA officials deem it necessary to open your luggage, your lock will likely be broken. As a result, some suitcases come equipped with a TSA-approved lock, which can be opened using a special tool that TSA officers carry.

FAQ
  • Where can you buy luggage?

    You can buy luggage at brick-and-mortar stores and many online retailers. Some suitcases from brands such as July or Away are sold exclusively on the manufacturer’s website. Other widely known names in the suitcase space, like Samsonite or Travelpro, are available through various retailers, including department stores, Amazon, Wayfair, and more. 

  • What can you take on a plane in your checked luggage?

    Checked luggage isn’t subject to the same limitations as your carry-on bag. As a result, you have more freedom to bring along whatever you deem essential for your trip—including liquids over 3.4 ounces, sharp objects, and other items that TSA agents would confiscate at the security checkpoint. It’s worth noting that you should not pack lithium-ion batteries in your checked bag. You must pack them in a carry-on bag. TSA provides an extensive and searchable list of allowable items in checked and carry-on luggage.  

  • How do you measure luggage?

    When measuring luggage, it’s important to include the total dimensions of the bag from the ground to the top of the handle rather than just taking into account the internal measurements of the bag. Keep in mind that while airports might enforce strict bag size requirements, luggage manufacturers don’t always consider wheels and top handles when listing dimensions. Read the fine print and double-check to avoid any unwelcome surprises at the airport. You can use a measuring tape or a measuring app on your smartphone to measure luggage at home.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Erica Puisis, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. Whether it’s traveling by plane or car, she has firsthand experience with picking and packing suitcases for short and long trips. To gain the perspective of a travel industry expert, Erica spoke to Kim McCardell, a luxury travel advisor and the founder of Windward and Crown, which offers curated travel experiences. It is clear that some of the most important features to look for when comparing luggage include weight, durability, and space to organize your travel essentials. With this in mind, we included both hardshell and softshell suitcases in our search. Emma Phelps, an associate editor for The Spruce, reevaluated this product list to ensure it was up to date with our latest testing. Phelps researched popular luggage brands and considered all of our testing insights before updating the product list.

What Is The Spruce Approved?

Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.