Luggage Guide • Updated December 2025

Best Cheaper Alternative to Rimowa Luggage

Rimowa's $900 carry-on is iconic, but you don't need to spend that much for premium luggage. These alternatives use the same polycarbonate material and offer comparable warranties—for $300 to $700 less.

Save $300-$700Same materialsLifetime warranties

Why Does Rimowa Cost $900?

What You're Paying For:

  • Brand prestige: The grooved design is instantly recognizable
  • Premium polycarbonate: Bayer polycarbonate from Germany
  • Multiwheel system: Exceptionally smooth 360° wheels
  • Lifetime warranty: Will repair or replace any damage

What You're NOT Paying For:

  • •Functionally, Rimowa doesn't protect your clothes better than $200 luggage
  • •The grooves are aesthetic—they don't add structural strength
  • •Alternatives use the same polycarbonate material (just not from Bayer)
  • •Many alternatives also offer lifetime warranties

Reality check: If Rimowa didn't have the iconic grooves and the luxury brand cachet, it would sell for $300-400. You're paying $500+ for the status symbol.

Best Rimowa Alternatives

BEST OVERALL

Away The Carry-On

Best overall Rimowa alternative. Same polycarbonate material, internal compression system, and lifetime warranty.

Pros:

  • Durable polycarbonate shell (same as Rimowa)
  • 360° spinner wheels
  • Internal compression system
  • Lifetime warranty
  • TSA-approved lock

Cons:

  • •Slightly heavier than Rimowa
  • •Wheels aren't quite as smooth
Why it's better: Away offers 90% of Rimowa's quality at 30% of the price. The polycarbonate shell is just as durable, and the lifetime warranty matches Rimowa's. You lose the status symbol, but gain $625.
$275
Rimowa: $900
Save $625
4.5 (4,280 reviews)
View on Amazon →

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside

Budget pick. Trusted brand with scratch-resistant polycarbonate.

Pros:

  • Scratch-resistant textured finish
  • Lightweight polycarbonate
  • Smooth spinner wheels
  • 10-year limited warranty
  • Under $200

Cons:

  • •Not as premium feel as Rimowa
  • •Basic interior organization
Why it's better: Samsonite has 100+ years of luggage expertise. The Omni PC uses micro-diamond polycarbonate texture that hides scratches better than Rimowa's grooved design. At $150, it's hard to beat.
$150
Rimowa: $900
Save $750
4.6 (12,480 reviews)
View on Amazon →

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On

Style-conscious travelers. Instagram-worthy colors with premium features.

Pros:

  • Polycarbonate + ABS shell
  • 360° spinner wheels
  • Interior compression straps
  • Trendy color options
  • Removable laundry bag

Cons:

  • •Less durable than pure polycarbonate
  • •Newer brand (less track record)
Why it's better: Calpak targets the millennial/Gen-Z market with on-trend colors. If you want luggage that looks great on Instagram without the Rimowa price tag, this is it.
$195
Rimowa: $900
Save $705
4.5 (2,890 reviews)
View on Amazon →

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureRimowaAwaySamsoniteCalpak
Price$900$275$150$195
MaterialPolycarbonatePolycarbonatePolycarbonatePC + ABS
WarrantyLifetimeLifetime10 years5 years
WheelsMultiwheel360° spinner360° spinner360° spinner
TSA Lock
Brand Prestige★★★★★★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★☆☆

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rimowa really worth the price?

Objectively, no. The materials and construction are similar to $200-300 alternatives. However, if brand prestige matters to you and you want the iconic grooved design, then the emotional value might justify the cost. It's a luxury purchase, not a practical one.

Will cheap luggage last as long as Rimowa?

Samsonite has a 10-year warranty and 100+ years of luggage expertise. Away offers a lifetime warranty just like Rimowa. Both use the same polycarbonate material. With proper care, they'll last just as long.

What's the best budget alternative to Rimowa?

The Samsonite Omni PC at $150 offers the best value. It's made by a trusted brand, has a scratch-resistant finish, and comes with a 10-year warranty. You save $750 compared to Rimowa.

Do alternatives have the same warranty as Rimowa?

Away matches Rimowa with a lifetime warranty. Samsonite offers 10 years. Calpak offers 5 years. All will repair or replace damaged luggage during the warranty period.

Our Recommendation

For 95% of travelers: Away The Carry-On ($275)

Away offers the best balance of quality, features, and price. The lifetime warranty matches Rimowa, the polycarbonate shell is just as durable, and the compression system is actually superior to Rimowa's basic flex-divider.

You save $625, which is enough for a round-trip flight to Europe. Unless you absolutely need the Rimowa status symbol, Away is the smarter buy.

Away The Carry-On

$275
Save $625
View on Amazon →

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside

$150
Save $750
View on Amazon →

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On

$195
Save $705
View on Amazon →

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