Buying guide for best Merax luggage set
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
Luggage doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. Sure, your Instagram feed may be dotted with sleek ads for the hottest carry-ons around, while legacy brands continue to produce well-reviewed suitcases and luggage that aim to last you for years and years. But what if you want a whole luggage set, and don’t have a lot of money to spend? Consider Merax.
This brand’s importer is headquartered in the Los Angeles area and sources products from China and other countries to deliver low-cost goods to the public via online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Merax and its parent company offer a bunch of goods in a lot of categories, such as furniture, fitness equipment and, of course, luggage.
A luggage set from Merax isn’t the same as getting a piece from brands like Samsonite, Travelpro or Briggs & Riley. Merax isn’t really competing with trendy favorites like Away, Monos or Beis either. But if you don’t travel a lot, don’t need luggage to last your whole life and want a lot of matching pieces at low prices, the best Merax luggage sets can be the best deal you can find.
Our favorite is the Merax Softside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Duffel Bag, which comes with everything you need for a long getaway, including three suitcases, a duffel bag and a toiletry bag.
Editors' picks for 2025
Merax Softside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Duffel Bag
Editors' favorite
No. of pieces: 5 | Includes: 20”, 24”, 28” suitcases, duffel bag, toiletry bag | Type: Soft-sided | TSA lock: Yes
When it comes to discount luggage sets, the more the merrier. That’s one of the reasons why we think the Merax Softside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Duffel Bag is a winner. For less than the price of a single carry-on from a trendy brand, you get three softside suitcases, a duffel/tote and a toiletry bag.
This softside luggage set features five pieces made of 610-denier polyester, sturdy enough for travel use. The set includes a 20-inch carry-on, a 24-inch roller and a 28-inch checked suitcase, all of which come with 360-degree rollerblade-style spinner wheels. Both the 24- and 28-inch checked bags offer up to 2 inches of additional expansion. Also included is an expandable tote/duffel that could work as your personal item onboard and a matching toiletry bag or dopp kit that can go into any of the suitcases.
The three suitcases each come with a pair of pockets on their front flaps for personal devices, travel documents or reading material. They sport TSA-compatible combination locks, soft-touch handles and interior luggage straps. All the suitcases can nest, saving storage space.
Merax Hardshell 3-Piece Luggage Set with 20-Inch Carry-On
Great Value
No. of pieces: 3 | Includes: 20” suitcase, duffel, toiletry bag | Type: Hard-sided | TSA lock: Yes
Make heads turn in the terminal for less with the Merax Hardshell 3-Piece Luggage Set with 20-Inch Carry-On. It delivers a ton of style and storage for an unbelievably low price.
The main component in this three-piece set is a carry-on roller measuring 14.96 by 8.03 by 22.24 inches (approximately 45 inches linear dimension), wheels included. Its shell is polycarbonate and ABS, combining strength with flexibility. A ribbed texture adds visual interest while helping to hide any scuffs or scratches. Contrasting corner guards and banding with a faux-leather appearance provide extra protection with a touch of style. The 20-inch roller glides on double 360 spinner wheels made of quiet, grippy TPE.
Also included is an expandable duffel/tote bag and a toiletry bag in matching colors and textures. The duffel/tote includes a sleeve to slip it onto the roller suitcase’s three-stage trolley handle for convenience while on the go.
Merax Hardshell 4-Piece Luggage Set with Lightweight Suitcases
Best Large Luggage Set
No. of pieces: 4 | Includes: 16”, 20”, 24”, 28” suitcases, packing cubes | Type: Hard-sided | TSA lock: Yes
A smart set for all your travel needs, this Merax Hardshell 4-Piece Luggage Set with Lightweight Suitcases looks like a million bucks, but costs less than a single carry-on from other brands. Also like the trendy brands, it comes with a set of packing cubes, so you can maximize your space in any of the four included pieces.
This hardside luggage set has everything a family needs. It’s composed of a 16-inch commuter or kids’ suitcase, a 20-inch carry-on, a medium 24-inch checked roller and a large 28-inch checked suitcase. Each smaller piece can nest in the larger one, saving space while in storage. Each suitcase features ABS shells with contrast trimming and horizontal ribbing for scratch control and aesthetic value. All come with double 360-degree spinner wheels and locking trolley handles.
This set also includes four zippered packing cubes, each 4 inches deep and ranging from 11 inches to 17 inches long. Packing cubes help maximize the volume of any suitcase and help keep contents organized but often are sold separately, so getting four for free adds extra value to this set.
Merax Hardside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Corner Guards
Most Durable
No. of pieces: 3 | Includes: 20”, 24”, 28” suitcases | Type: Hard-sided | TSA lock: Yes
A low-cost luggage set doesn’t need to mean flimsy. This Merax Hardside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Corner Guards boasts three standard-sized roller suitcases in light but strong ABS plastic with corner guards for added durability.
You get a 20-inch carry-on roller, a medium 24-inch checked suitcase and a large 28-inch checked bag with this set. All the pieces are made of light and flexible ABS with a textured pattern that minimizes the appearance of scuffs and scratches. The carry-on has a maximum length of 21.2 inches with wheels and should be fine to fit into any U.S. domestic carrier’s overhead bin, while the 24- and 28-inch checked bags are expandable to fit even more stuff on your way back.
Each suitcase in the set sports solid corner guards to help withstand shocks and drops while handling. Each features single spinner wheels and a three-step trolley handle, and all have TSA-compliant combination locks.
Merax Front-Opening Set with ABS Hardshell with Cup Holder
Best Features
No. of pieces: 3 | Includes: 20”, 24”, 28” suitcases | Type: Hard-sided | TSA lock: Yes
Features like a flip-open flap and a built-in cup holder aren’t just the domain of pricey fashion-forward brands. The Merax Front-Opening Set with ABS Hardshell with Cup Holder delivers exactly what it says it does, with a unique look and an unbeatable price.
This three-piece set is composed of a 20-inch carry-on plus medium and large checked rollers of 24 and 28 inches in height, respectively. All three have a distinctive quilted look to their ABS hardshells, adding a little extra strength to their builds.
The 20-inch carry-on boasts the front flip-open compartment found in many high-priced rollers, big enough for travel documents, reading material, a tablet or even a small laptop. There’s a pass-through port in the flap to connect your own power bank to charge a smartphone or other device. On the flip side is a pop-up cup holder, a godsend in crowded gates, and on the side is a convenient hook for umbrellas, headphones or travel pillows.
The bigger checked suitcases offer up to 25% expansion. All three suitcases have double spinner wheels and TSA-friendly combo locks.
How we analyzed
We researched the background and history of Merax luggage to understand its benefits and positioning within the luggage market. We then pored over its offerings on various retailers, comparing not only model to model, but the same model on different retailers, and every model to comparable rivals from premium and popular brands.
We used our knowledge and experience testing luggage to inform what we looked for in features, materials and capabilities, such as thread density in softshell luggage or the differences between polycarbonate and ABS. We finally looked closely at customer reviews, particularly regarding durability and customer support.
Benefits and drawbacks of Merax luggage
Why pick a Merax luggage set?
- Price: Merax luggage costs hundreds of dollars less than brands like Samsonite or Away. If you want low-priced luggage, Merax is a brand to look for.
- Number of items: Merax sells sets, so if you want several pieces in different sizes, or if you want matching luggage for the whole family, Merax has got you covered for less. Merax also throws in freebies like tote bags, toiletry bags and packing cubes.
- Color and personality: Merax luggage comes in dozens and dozens of colors and finishes, from classic to businesslike to niche.
Why avoid a Merax luggage set?
- Durability: Merax luggage won’t last more than a few trips or a couple of years. Sometimes individual pieces don’t survive one trip through baggage claim, although the same has happened to high-priced luggage. But these aren’t heirloom pieces and aren’t meant to be.
- Model names: We tried to see if any Merax luggage sets actually had names, but couldn’t find any, just descriptors like “three-piece hard shell with tote”.
- Warranty: Merax luggage warranties seem hit or miss. You may get good service by contacting customer support via the retailer you bought it from. Or you might not. Then again, sometimes just paying for shipping and handling for a name-brand suitcase replacement costs as much as a whole new Merax bag.
Key features to consider
Hard-sided vs. soft-sided
Hard-sided
Hard-sided luggage are made of materials that hold their shape, nowadays usually plastic or metal. They’re also called hard shells or hardsides. Merax hard-sided luggage is usually made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS, a low-cost, scratch-resistant thermoplastic.
Some Merax hardsides have shells made of PC-ABS, a combination of ABS with polycarbonate or PC. Polycarbonate is the thermoplastic used in many high-end luggage brands, being lighter, stronger and more flexible than ABS, but also more expensive and more susceptible to scratches. PC-ABS tries to combine the best properties of the two plastics.
Soft-sided
Soft-sided luggage, also called softside or soft shell, is luggage made of fabric like nylon or canvas, and also bags made of leather. They can flex and stretch to accommodate internal and external pressure, but don’t have the structure to protect their contents.
Softside luggage has been cited as superior when it comes to durability, but many consumers prefer the color and shape of hardside luggage. The thickness and durability of fabric is measured in denier or D. 600D is a good minimum for a luggage fabric.
Our top picks: Hard-sided vs. soft-sided
- Merax Softside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Duffel Bag: Our top pick is a soft-sided luggage set made of 610D polyester.
- Merax Hardshell 3-Piece Luggage Set with 20-Inch Carry-On: The carry-on roller is made of PC-ABS, stronger and more resistant to fading than plain ABS.
- Merax Hardshell 4-Piece Luggage Set with Lightweight Suitcases: Made of pure ABS in three layers for additional impact resistance.
- Merax Hardside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Corner Guards: The ABS in this set also comes in multiple layers and includes corner guards and a scratch-resistant texture.
- Merax Front-Opening Set with ABS Hardshell with Cup Holder: Made of ABS. The hooks and cup holder on the carry-on may not survive rough handling, so don’t check it if you don’t have to.
Storage and organization
Compartments
Merax suitcases have one or two compartments depending on their shell. Hardside luggage usually has two equal-sized compartments with a dividing panel and open like a clamshell, while softside luggage has one big main compartment and a lid.
Interior organization
Merax luggage doesn’t have as many interior organization options as more premium brands. Expect an X-strap or Y-strap to hold down its contents with limited compression, and a fabric panel that may have one or two zip pockets.
Exterior pockets
Most softside luggage, including Merax luggage, take advantage of their lids to add two or more capacious exterior pockets. Some hardshell Merax luggage also have exterior compartments for small, flat items.
Expansion
Some premium and mainstream hardside luggage lack expansion capabilities. By comparison, Merax luggage sets offer up to 2 inches or 24% expansion on all the medium and large checked suitcases in our picks.
Our top picks: Storage and organization
- Merax Softside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Duffel Bag: Each piece in this set comes with two exterior front pockets, some big enough for a tablet or small laptop.
- Merax Hardshell 3-Piece Luggage Set with 20-Inch Carry-On: The duffel/tote has interior zipped pockets and an extra pocket on its trolley handle sleeve, while the carry-on has a zip pocket on its divider panel and adjustable Y-straps for a touch of compression.
- Merax Hardshell 4-Piece Luggage Set with Lightweight Suitcases: The suitcases feature zip mesh pockets on the dividers, but the kicker is the included packing cubes.
- Merax Hardside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Corner Guards: The X-strap is basic, but there’s an interior mesh pocket on the divider.
- Merax Front-Opening Set with ABS Hardshell with Cup Holder: The front flip-open compartment in the carry-on is a major selling point for this set. The suitcases also have substantial dividers with a large zip mesh pocket.
Handles and wheels
Handles
Merax roller suitcases all have extendable telescoping trolley handles. Ideally, a trolley handle should be stable without jiggling and strong enough not to bend under strain. They should also have comfortable grips, as should any other handles on the luggage piece. Top and side handles are essential and a bottom handle by the wheels is a nice extra. Merax handles are often advertised as comfortable, soft and grippy, but their strength and durability is questionable.
Wheels
Wheeled luggage usually comes in two-wheel and four-wheel versions. The two-wheels tend to make better use of interior and exterior space and typically are sturdier, but most people, and most brands, love four-wheel spinners that can swivel in any direction. Wheels are some of the easiest to damage of all a suitcase’s parts, especially during handling or on rough pavement. Merax luggage tends to have single or double spinner wheels that, like their handles, aren’t known for durability.
Our top picks: Handles and wheels
- Merax Softside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Duffel Bag: Single spinner wheels that look like those on rollerblades are solid, but buyers don’t seem impressed by their performance. The handles are covered in comfortable fabric.
- Merax Hardshell 3-Piece Luggage Set with 20-Inch Carry-On: Double (two wheels per strut) spoked spinner wheels on the carry-on are made of a grippy TPE and are advertised as silent and durable.
- Merax Hardshell 4-Piece Luggage Set with Lightweight Suitcases: Double spoked spinner wheels, but durability looks questionable based on customer-review photos. A soft TPE handle looks grippy.
- Merax Hardside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Corner Guards: Single solid spinner wheels, but buyers are generally positive about their performance.
- Merax Front-Opening Set with ABS Hardshell with Cup Holder: Double solid spinners, like the casters on office chairs. Might not work well on unpaved roads or cobblestones.
Security and accessories
TSA lock
According to our research, there was a time when Merax luggage did not come with TSA-compatible locks. A TSA lock can be opened by a special key used by TSA employees for random inspections. Without this compatibility, your luggage lock needs to be broken, which is an unpleasant surprise if it’s ever happened to you. Merax pieces nowadays all seem to advertise TSA-compatible locks, although some buyers complain about difficulty setting and resetting them.
Cup holder
Anyone who’s ever been in an overcrowded gate area knows there aren’t enough places to put your drink. A roller or bag with a built-in cup holder assures your latte, soft drink or Stanley tumbler has a place to rest regardless of where you are.
USB charging
It’s important to reiterate that USB power banks are fire hazards when traveling, particularly on planes, and you should always keep yours with you and never put them in checked luggage. Once, suitcases came with built-in USB power banks, but safety meant putting an end to that. Now you can find luggage with pass-through ports or cables for your own power bank, so you can charge your phone from your suitcase.
Included accessories
Merax luggage sets are so economical partly because of their included accessories. Some sets come with expandable tote or duffel bags that are the perfect size for a personal item on a plane, or even as a weekender. A matching toiletry bag or dopp kit is also a frequent accessory included with Merax luggage sets. Packing cubes are often cited as a game-changer for maximizing space while traveling, and some Merax sets come with them free of charge.
Our top picks: Special features
- Merax Softside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Duffel Bag: It’s called a three-piece set, but it’s actually five pieces counting the duffel/tote and the toiletry bag, and all the suitcases sport TSA locks.
- Merax Hardshell 3-Piece Luggage Set with 20-Inch Carry-On: A complete travel set for a single person, with carry-on, expandable tote and toiletry bag.
- Merax Hardshell 4-Piece Luggage Set with Lightweight Suitcases: This set includes packing cubes, a great freebie, and all the suitcases have TSA locks.
- Merax Hardside 3-Piece Luggage Set with Corner Guards: These tougher models all have TSA locks.
- Merax Front-Opening Set with ABS Hardshell with Cup Holder: A fold-out cup holder on the carry-on is a big draw for this set, as is the USB charging option and the utility hooks.
Our expertise
Jmar Gambol has been writing for BestReviews since 2021. He has written several luggage buying guides, including those for the best suitcases, best Samsonite luggage and best carry-ons. He has been a frequent traveler from childhood and is always on the lookout for the latest and greatest conveniences in luggage, especially if it means getting through an airport as comfortably as possible.
