LEVEL8 Luggage & Cases Review: Worth the Price?

One of the main things to consider when deciding to go on a trip is your luggage. After all, there’s no sense in packing your best outfits or important keepsakes if you don’t have anything safe and sturdy to put them in.

Good deals on suitcases are easy to come by, but cheap luggage often comes at a cost. You’ll usually have to replace these cheap cases after a few uses, which is more expensive than spending more on something that lasts longer.

When I’m in the market for luggage, my first priority is to look for something sturdy and reliable. I prefer a hardshell suitcase over outdated fabric suitcases because they just seem to last longer and are great if you’re transporting fragile items with you. 

Other things to consider when choosing a suitcase are size and style. If you are a frequent flier who makes short trips, you might prefer carry-on luggage over checked luggage.

It’s much faster to get in and out of an airport if you only have hand luggage instead of waiting forever for your checked luggage to come out at the baggage claim.

But if you opt for checked luggage, say, if you’re going on an extended trip or looking to do a lot of shopping, style and color matter. An easily identifiable suitcase is key to getting in and out of the airport in the shortest amount of time.

LEVEL8 Cases combine hardside luggage’s reliability and durability with sleek, modern design and lightweight materials. But are they worth the price? Let’s find out!

What is LEVEL8?

LEVEL8 specializes in travel products with sleek, modern designs. They understand that traveling can sometimes be a hassle and want to make the transit from place to place as easy as possible.

Using durable, lightweight materials, LEVEL8 offers cases and accessories that keep your belongings safe and easy to bring with you on your journey. LEVEL8 offers an array of suitcases and accessories, including packing cubes, small carry-ons, larger carry-ons, backpacks, and checked luggage.

LEVEL8 suitcases all feature hard-shell exteriors, which is definitely something I look for when I’m in the market for a new suitcase. All their products fit the same (typically chic) aesthetic.

So it’s a great one-stop shop for travel needs. It’s obvious the big advantages LEVEL8 brings are its aesthetic that connects the whole product line along with the lightweight materials they use.

Check out our initial video reaction of the luggage and suitcase from our full unboxing of LEVEL8 below.

But let’s take a deep dive into a few of their products and look at each product’s features, ease of use, unique qualities, and whether or not the value matches the price.

So, is LEVEL8 legit? Read our review below to find out!

See Related: Best Travel Purses

LEVEL8 Luggage and Accessories

1. LEVEL8 Elegance Carry-On Suitcase, 20-Inch Hardside Luggage

Starting off strong, we have the Elegance 20” Carry On Suitcase. This LEVEL8 suitcase features a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, spinner wheels, and a telescopic handle. The sleek design is minimal, modern, and available in five different colors.

This is a great size for a carry-on suitcase because it fits even the strictest of size requirements, so you can feel secure knowing you won’t have to pay extra to gate check your bag.

The wheels are super smooth and quiet, even when the suitcase is filled to the brim, making it easy to move swiftly through the airport terminal.

Overall, this suitcase is amazing for the price. I love the soft matte finish, the TSA-approved lock, and the multiple zipper pockets included in the case. This set also comes with 4 of their nifty packing cubes (which I’ll talk about later on).

Pros:

• Great price
• Stylish
• TSA-approved lock
• Lovely color options
• Easy to move through crowds
• Set includes packing cubes

Cons:

• Matte finish easily shows wear and tear

See Related: Monos Luggage Review: Is it Worth it?

2. LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On Luggage, 20-Inch for Women

I’m a sucker for cute luggage, especially when it comes to beautiful colors. This LEVEL8 Luminous Textured Suitcase is a small carry-on luggage with a height of 20 inches and is available in seven fabulous colors, including pink, light blue, and my favorite, cream white.

Women’s luggage has come a long way from the loud florals of the past, and I think these color options work for everyone looking for a minimalist aesthetic. Like all other LEVEL8 suitcases, this one also features a TSA-approved lock, telescopic handle, and 360 spinner wheels.

The exterior of this suitcase features a grain-like texture on the hard shell, which I’m not a huge fan of. However, I feel like that will better disguise the inevitable wear and tear that comes with traveling in the long run.

I found the material of the exterior of this particular suitcase a bit more flimsy than the other cases from LEVEL8, which may affect its long-term durability.

It also feels a bit heavier than other carry-ons I’ve tried in the past, which could definitely affect how much you plan to pack. However, I find that a pound or two doesn’t make a huge difference when I’m packing for just a short trip or a summer trip with a lot of light clothing.

Overall, I think the value of this particular LEVEL8 carry-on is worth the money. It’s aesthetically pleasing, still lightweight, and the wheels are smooth and great for hustling through airport and train terminals.

There’s also a matching medium-sized checked luggage in 24”, so you can have a beautiful matching set. It’s less than $50 more than the carry-on version, which I think is a great deal.

Pros:

• Beautiful, minimalist aesthetic 
• Amazing color options
• High-quality spinner wheels, easy to move around crowded airports
• Matching sets available

Cons:

• Heavier than other carry-ons
• Not a fan of the exterior texture
• A bit more flimsy than other LEVEL8 suitcases

See Related: Best Travel Cases for Camera Gear

3. LEVEL8 Road Runner Carry-On Luggage, 20”

When it comes to organization and business travel, the Road Runner is my top pick from this luggage brand. The front of the suitcase features a laptop zippered pocket that zips all the way down, making packing super easy.

Inside the pocket are two padded compartments, so you can fit a laptop and iPad or Kindle. The two other pockets in this compartment are perfect for holding charging cords and other accessories to keep everything organized.

The TSA lock is a great feature if you’re packing a lot of valuables, and the 20-inch size ensures that your bag can fit in even the smallest of aircraft overhead compartments. In the interior of the bag, you’ll find several other zipper pockets to keep the rest of your belongings organized.

Overall, I think this is my favorite carry-on luggage from LEVEL8. The bag is super sturdy, and the wheels move easily. My favorite feature is the laptop pocket, which makes moving through security a breeze.

This is just one of those items of luggage that work for just about every kind of flier. I highly recommend the Road Runner Carry On.

Pros:

• Innovative laptop pocket
• Great price
• Compact size

Cons:

• Limited color options

See Related: BÉIS Luggage Review: Are They Worth the Price ?

4. LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro Carry-On Luggage, 20″

The Road Runner Pro is a bit of an upgrade from the original Road Runner suitcase. The main difference between the two is that the Road Runner Pro has a sleeker exterior design and a USB charging port.

The zipper laptop pocket is innovative and nicely padded, so you can trust that it will keep your laptop safe and secure.

However, there is no hard shell between the laptop compartment and the rest of the suitcase, so anything you put in that pocket will take up space from the entire suitcase; just keep that in mind.

The main issue I have with this LEVEL8 pro-carry-on is that the “USB charging port” is a bit misleading. From the advertising and photos, I assumed it was a charger built-in into the suitcase. However, there is actually no charger, just a charging port.

You must supply your own portable charger. So is this feature really worth the $30 price increase from the original Road Runner? I’m going to have to say no, not this time.

Pros:

• Padded laptop pocket
• Sleek design
• Durable

Cons:

• Misleading USB charging port info
• Dubious price increase from basic Road Runner

See Related: The Ultimate Summer Trip Packing List

5. LEVEL8 Luminous Trunk Luggage, 28” Luggage

The 28-inch LEVEL8 Luminous Trunk Luggage features a whopping 99-liter capacity. This suitcase, weighing in at 11.4 pounds, is considered ultra-lightweight for its size and capacity.

A suitcase of this size would be great if you’re going on a long trip or planning a big move. But is the LEVEL8 trunk suitcase a good option for a large checked bag? Let’s find out!

The inside is pretty basic. It offers a mesh divider with two zipper pockets. In this case, I feel like less is more because if you’re looking for a giant suitcase like this one, chances are you’re probably trying to fit as much as you can into it. Less padding and “fluff” is better for this type of packing.

The 28-inch version of the Luminous Luggage is only available in two colors: black and navy. This is not a big deal, in my opinion, because you probably won’t be using this size of luggage very often.

Reviews are mixed on the durability of this particular suitcase, but if you don’t plan to use it very frequently, it should last you a good amount of time.

Overall, I think this piece of luggage has good value for the price. You can find other suitcases of this size for double or triple the price, so it’s definitely on the lower side of the pricing scale without sacrificing looks or practicality.

Pros:

• Great price
• “No fluff” interior
• Ultra lightweight
• It’s freaking huge, yo

Cons:

• Unclear long-term durability
• Few color options, not great for identifying luggage at baggage claim

6. LEVEL8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry on Luggage, 20″

The LEVEL8 Gibraltar Aluminum Luggage has a super unique-looking design that gives a nod to suitcases of the past.

Instead of a zipper-like most suitcases have nowadays, this suitcase features two metal latches, each with a TSA-approved combination lock. This gives travelers a great sense of security and peace of mind to know their belongings won’t be tampered with.

The Gibraltar Aluminium Carry On is LEVEL8’s best-seller and won a Red Dot award for its elegant design. I love the minimalist design and the dark gray color; it’s super sleek and sexy. Each corner has a reinforced metal corner guard, so there will be no dents or cracks here!

Overall, I have nothing but good things to say about this suitcase in terms of quality, aesthetics, and durability. It is a lot pricier than all of LEVEL8’s other carry-on options, but if that isn’t an issue for you, I would recommend it. You’ll definitely be turning heads at the airport with this one.

The name is well-earned too; because this thing is a rock.

Pros:

• Sleek and unique all-aluminum design
• Metal latches with TSA-approved combination lock
• Gorgeous color options
• Durable as all heck

Cons:

• Higher price point

See Related: Best Tumi Travel Kits For Your Next Adventure

7. LEVEL8 Grace 2- Piece Luggage Set​

LEVEL8’s Grace Luggage product line comes in three sizes: 20-inch, 24-inch, and 28-inch. You can also buy these suitcases in sets of two or three, depending on which sizes you are looking for.

I personally would go for the set of two, doing a combination of the carry-on with either the medium checked suitcase or the large suitcase.

The Grace Luggage line is distinguished by the materials that make up the hardshell exterior. By using a mix of Polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), the shell of the suitcase becomes super lightweight yet durable.

The exterior also features a micro-diamond design that is supposed to prevent scratches. The carry-on size has a 36-liter capacity, while the largest option offers a 104-liter capacity. Each corner is reinforced by a metal piece, making it extra durable. 

The Grace Carry-On only weighs eight pounds, making it the lightest carry-on option available from LEVEL8. It also offers a front zipper pocket just like the Road Runner, so it’s great for business travelers as well.

Overall, I think the Grace 2-Piece Luggage Set is great value for the money and very sturdy. The only con I have is that it’s less aesthetically pleasing than other products LEVEL8 offers and only comes in a few colors – that’s all I got; this set is great.

Pros:

• Ultra lightweight
• Reinforced metal corners
• Great value for the price

Cons:

• Basic design and color options

8. LEVEL8 Packing Cubes, Set of 4

I am a firm believer that packing cubes are the key to space-saving and being able to fit everything on your packing list.

They are super practical items to have in your arsenal of travel essentials. I enjoy packing cubes of different sizes so that I can mix and match them to perfectly fit them into any travel bag or suitcase I’m traveling with.

The LEVEL8 Packing Cubes come in a set of four: one large cube, one medium cube, and two small cubes. The largest one is big enough to fill an entire side of a carry-on suitcase, which may be a pro or con, depending on what you’re looking for.

I prefer to have smaller cubes so that I can organize my clothes and belongings by type or event. Some things I love about these cubes are their sleek design, removable and reusable labels, and the padded dividers inside the small cubes.

The small cubes are perfect for electronics and toiletries. The dividers ensure that everything is kept in place and can prevent certain products from leaking.

The price is a little steep; you can definitely find cheaper packing cube alternatives on Amazon, and they’ll most likely come with more than four packing cubes.

But the material is of considerably higher quality than every other packing cube I’ve ever seen, and the sleek design is nice and presentable. It’s the packing cube you’d take to meet your mother.

Overall, if you’re looking for high-quality and long-lasting packing cubes and are not concerned with price, I would recommend these.

Pros:

• Sleek design
• Reusable labels to mix and match
• Water-resistant, durable material
• They put virtually all other packing cubes to shame

Cons:

• High price compared to other packing cubes
• Limited size options
• Only one color is available
• It can only be purchased as a set of 4; no option to buy single cubes

See Related: Best Beach Bags With Cooler

9. LEVEL8 Condor Laptop Backpack

Laptop backpacks are great to travel with if you’re a student or able to work on your laptop from anywhere. A great laptop backpack needs to be functional and able to carry various items but also comfortable enough to wear over long periods of time while traveling.

The LEVEL8 Condor Laptop Backpack fits up to a 17-inch laptop, which I’d say are most laptops. The zipper pocket fully zips all the way down the sides of the backpack, making it easy to pack and unpack.

It also features an innovative luggage strap so you can easily slip your backpack onto your suitcase and have it secured to the luggage handle. The sleek design and color of the backpack are also pluses for me.

Now for the few downsides of this product. It’s advertised as a “TSA-friendly scansmart lay-flat design” and claims that you don’t have to take electronics out at security.

As a frequent traveler, I know this is not true at most airports. There are a few airports that have the technology to allow you to keep all of your belongings in your bag, but this is not widespread. It doesn’t matter what kind of backpack you have. 

Secondly, aside from the padded laptop pocket, the compartments are a bit small. This will limit the number of things you can pack. It’s not a big deal if you don’t plan to use it as your primary bag on any trip.

Also, it advertises a USB charging port but be aware that it doesn’t actually come with a portable charger; you must provide your own. Tsk.

The price point is pretty on par with other laptop bags of this quality. The materials are very high-quality, and this minimalist chic backpack seems like it will last for a long time. 

Pros:

• Great quality and durable material
• Price is on par with competitors
• Easy to pack and organize
• Perfect look for basically every traveler and every occasion

Cons:

• USB port without a built-in charger
• Small compartments

10. LEVEL8 Electronic Organizer​

The more I travel, the more electronics I bring along on my trips. My phone, laptop, Kindle, DSLR camera, and various headphones and earbuds have come to be essentials for me when I go anywhere.

Not to mention all the chargers and cords that come with these electronics. Due to all of this, a bag to organize all of my electronics has also become essential.

The LEVEL8 Electronic Organizer is great for storing smaller electronic items like cords, SD cards, and power banks. I like that it has a zipper on both sides so that you don’t have to rummage through all of your electronics when you’re looking for one specific thing.

The waterproof exterior will ensure that your precious electronics are protected if the bag happens to come in contact with water.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t hold as much as I wish it would. It’s great for cords, but it doesn’t have enough elastic loops for all the charging cords I usually bring with me. It also can’t fit larger items like my external hard drive, headphones, Kindle, and camera. This bag is also quite pricey for its size.

The cost for quality, I suppose.

Pros:

• Waterproof exterior
• Double zipper
• Sturdy

Cons:

• Price
• Smallish size

See Related: Best Wheeled Garment Bags for Travel

Final Thoughts: Is LEVEL8 legit?

Again, I’m a sucker for a cute bag or a stunning piece of statement luggage, and I just cannot get enough of the way that some of these LEVEL8 bags look. I’d expect to find them in art galleries – they are some of the prettiest hard cases I’ve ever seen.

Which is another bonus; their hardy build. For the most part, most of these handsome cases are, by all accounts, extremely durable, largely well-made, and lightweight.

Of course, no luggage is without its drawbacks or less attractive aspects, but if I’m honest, the main con I’ve found across the board is the higher-than-average price tag for much of LEVEL8’s product line – considering what you’re getting, it’s a good amount of bang for your buck.

What I can say from years of personal experience as a traveler, is that with luggage, it’s way better to pay a bigger sum of money upfront for great bags than it is to spend a small or “most average” price for something that falls apart after a couple of trips.

Based on that wisdom, the products, the price, and what the masses have reported, I can tell you that my inbox has a “Thanks for your order!” email in it.

Gibraltar and the Textured. *Chef’s Kiss*. I’ll update you if I have anything to report.

FAQ

Related Resources

• Essential Women’s Travel Accessories
• Best Carry-On Essentials for Travel
• Types of Travel Bags for the Jetsetter
• Minimalist Travel Backpacks