A good set of compression cubes transforms packing — and ensures you can bring everything you need. (Bagsmart, Calpak, Quince)
When traveling, the goal is to carry as few suitcases as possible while still having room for everything you need. You shouldn't have to remove items from your suitcase or try weird methods to shove more into your bags; you just need to pack smarter. Compression packing cubes can help you achieve that by saving space and keeping your belongings organized.
These genius containers do exactly what the name suggests: They have a compression zipper system at the bottom of the cube that squeezes out excess air, making each stack of clothing smaller and more compact to maximize packing space. While standard packing cubes are designed to keep your items organized, compression packing cubes are engineered to optimize the space in your luggage.
But which are best for making the most of your packing space? To help you find the top options for your next trip, we’ve tested over a dozen compression packing cube sets to see which ones hold the most and are built to last. From six-piece sets to roomy expandable cubes and super compact options, these compression packing cubes will help you pack like a pro.
And if you're looking for more packing solutions check out our guides to the best hardside luggage and best luggage.
Update, Jun. 27, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for best compression packing cubes remains unchanged.
How many cubes in a set: 4 | Color options: 5 | Mesh panel: Yes
These Monos compression packing cubes were definitely the sleekest and most well-made of the bunch. They have a breathable mesh panel that helps with air circulation and lets you see what’s inside each cube without unpacking. And the anti-catch zippers ensure that packing is always snag-free. It was easy to fit a lot into these cubes. I tested the set of four, which came with an extra-small, small, medium and large cube (there is also a set of six if you need more space). These were well-proportioned sizes and nested together easily to fit into my carry-on suitcase.
The cubes can be compressed by up to 60% to give you extra space, a claim that was readily apparent in my packing. The two smaller cubes fit a week's worth of undergarments and lightweight tees and pajamas. While the two larger sizes were able to fit multiple sweaters, dresses and pants. These compact space savers freed up enough room in my suitcase for me to add two extra sweaters, a pair of sweatpants and two books, compared to packing without them — that's a lot of extra stuff!
When the compression zipper is unzipped, the cubes' frame stands up making them easier to pack clothes into than cubes that don't have that kind of frame. Unlike other cubes we tried, which could feel flimsy, the exterior of each Monos cube is made from a tear-resistant nylon twill material that feels both sturdy and durable (no matter how much I stuffed into each cube) and the interior is lined with a soft anti-microbial fabric that will keep all your stuff looking and smelling fresh. There are five colors to choose from — gray, tan, black, lavender and yellow.
How many cubes in a set: 6 | Color options: 20 options | Mesh panel: Yes
Thousands of Amazon shoppers are fans of these uber-popular and well-priced Bagsmart compression cubes, and it’s easy to see why. They have a lot going for them.
If you’re a fan of meticulous organization, this six-piece set is for you. The zip-up cubes come in various sizes, allowing you to neatly separate your items. Their mesh panels let you see what's inside each cube, while the sheer sleeves on the outside are perfect for custom labels, so you always know exactly what’s in each one. These were some of my favorite features as they make it easy to keep all your stuff organized and save you time from having to open each cube looking for a specific item.
When testing, I loved how flexible the cubes were, making it easy to fit them into all kinds of luggage. Each set includes five compression cubes of different sizes and a double-sided drawstring bag that can serve as a shoe bag or a laundry bag to keep dirty or wet clothes separate. I was also really impressed by how much each cube held. The smaller sizes proved ideal for packing t-shirts and lightweight dresses, while the larger ones can hold multiple sweaters and jeans.
Unlike the Monos packing cubes, which have a frame, these cubes can be a bit tricky to zip and aren’t ideal for keeping items separated in drawers. Despite these minor issues, their ability to keep things organized can significantly improve your packing experience.
How many cubes in a set: 6 | Color options: 5 | Mesh panel: Yes
If you are packing for more than one person or heading on a long vacation, this six-piece set from Quince has the extra heft you need to fit everything you want in your luggage. This impressive set can compress your stuff by up to 60%, and each cube is a different size, which made it easy for me to puzzle-piece the cubes together to fit in different-sized bags in different configurations.
The large cube held a week’s worth of lightweight clothes like jeans, thinly knit sweaters and dresses. When packing heavier items, I was able to fit in two sweatshirts, a chunky sweater and a jacket.
The cubes proved to be well-made, featuring a mesh panel on top for visibility and two-way zippers that didn't snag or come off the track no matter how much I packed. I liked that the set folds down flat for storage when not in use. It also comes with a nice dust bag that can be used as a laundry bag when traveling and for keeping the cubes in tip-top shape when not in use.
My favorite feature, however, is the cube's eco-friendly design. Made from water-resistant recycled nylon, which uses 61 recycled plastic bottles, the cubes are produced in Sedex-certified factories that "aim to improve working conditions throughout the supply chain," so you can feel good about your purchase.
How many cubes in a set: 1 | Color options: 3 | Mesh panel: No
Ever traveled to visit family where you're lucky to get a bed, let alone ample drawer space for your stuff? This “caddy”-style compression cube is the space-saving lifesaver you need. Unlike traditional packing cubes, this one features four distinct sections: three open shelves and a zippered bottom shelf for easy organization.
When packing, I was able to fill the compartments with all of the t-shirts, jeans, sweaters and dresses I needed for a full week away. I simply zipped it up and used the compression zipper on the bottom shelf, then I used the attached adjustable straps to compress the cube into an even more compact size.
As someone who hates unpacking and usually just leaves everything in their suitcase while away, this clever solution is definitely a game-changer. Just unbuckle the cube and hang it on my door. Voila! Instantly unpacked (sort of). I loved how easy it was to pack and I loved that I'm able to keep all my clothes neatly folded instead of having an unorganized mess by the end of trips.
The one drawback is this system can be a bit bulky. While it did fit easily into my carry-on, it won't fit in all types of bags, and it can be tougher to navigate around than, say, the bendable Bagsmart set (recommended above). Still, if you are looking for a solution that will keep you organized for the duration of your trip — no matter how little drawer or closet space you arrive to — this is a great option.
How many cubes in a set: 2 | Color options: 3 | Mesh panel: No
You're probably familiar with the Thule brand because of their ever-popular roof boxes, which are most often seen atop adventuring SUVs and crossover vehicles. Just like those roof boxes are made for the adventurous sort, so are these compression packing cubes.
These semi-transparent cubes are made with 100D ripstop nylon, a material most often used for tents. That means they are highly resistant to tearing and will last for years of use. They also happen to be water-repellent, to help protect your clothes from the elements... or a rogue water spill.
Ideal for camping and backpacking alike, these compact cubes are made with a super-strong webbing handle (ideal for carrying around a campsite). The compression happens with a two-zipper design. While they hold a lot of stuff for their size, (I was able to fit multiple shirts and undergarments in the small cube and two pairs of pants and three sweaters in the larger size) they are still compact and bendable enough to easily squeeze into a backpack or weekender bag.
While they don't have mesh panels, the cubes' fabric is semi-sheer, so you can see what is inside each, which really sets them apart from other similar sets we tested. While you may think a semi-sheer material may be flimsy, the strength of the 100D ripstop nylon fabric really showed as I stuffed each to the brim with no issues.
How many cubes in a set: 4 | Color options: 12 | Mesh panel: No
Contrary to popular belief, compression packing cubes don't have to be expensive to be effective. In fact, this durable four-piece set from Well Traveled is just $26! Each set comes with a small, medium and large cube, as well as a drawstring shoe bag that I was able to fit three pairs of sandals in. The water-resistant cubes don't have mesh panels showing what's inside, but they do have outer luggage tag pockets and come with handy checklist cards that you can fill out listing exactly what's in each cube so you know which ones to open.
They are easy to stack in my suitcase and have durable two-way zippers that stayed on track as I packed. They don't have structured inner-frame so the cubes were easy to bend and squeeze in where I needed them to fit. What's more, they are machine-washable and dryer-safe so you can keep them clean in between trips. And if you feel like you need more pieces, there is an eight-piece set that you can get for just $40.
How many cubes in a set: 2 | Color options: 22 | Mesh panel: No
If you like to have fun with your luggage and travel accessories, these Calpak packing cubes are for you. Not only do they compress up to two inches to save you room in your bag, but they also come in a whopping 22 vibrant colors and bold prints. While I was boring and tested the basic black cubes in medium this time around, if I order the small or large cubes to try, I'm definitely going to snag either the green checkerboard print or the groovy blue pattern!
The cubes are made with self-healing zippers (which means if they ever come off the tracks, you can simply unzip and rezip and they will close again) so you never have to worry about it coming off the track and they both have top handle straps, making them super portable. The two medium cubes were big enough for me to pack a week’s worth of lightweight clothes like jeans, thinly knit sweaters and dresses, though it would be nice if you could buy a set that has various sizes to mix and match depending on the length of your trip.
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes: These lightweight and flexible cubes hold a lot, and their streamlined shape allows them to fit easily into both backpacks and luggage. The top handles make them convenient to pull from your luggage to carry around (especially important when you're car-camping or RV-ing). While similar to the Thule set — our top choice for durability due to its semi-sheer material that allows a peek inside — the Gonex cubes are fully opaque, so you can’t see what's inside without opening them. That fact alone is what put them in the runner-up section.
Lean Travel Compression Packing Cubes: These cubes held a lot: The small one was perfect for lightweight items like undergarments and cotton t-shirts, the medium fit sweaters and jeans nicely and the large accommodated jackets and heavy sweatshirts with ease. However, their structured rectangular shape made them a bit challenging to pack into bags other than a suitcase.
Bagail Packing Cubes: This seven-piece set includes three standard packing cubes, three compression packing cubes and a zippered shoe bag. While the bags were ultra-lightweight, the set fell short for us because only three cubes offer compression and only one standard cube features a mesh panel for visibility.
Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes: Another two-piece set that was easy to pack and compress, this Eagle Creek option would be great for light packers. But it was very similar to the Thule set which had the edge thanks to the semi-sheer material, which allowed me to quickly identify the contents inside.
As someone who has written about travel gear for years, I'm always trying out the latest products to see which are the best of the best. For this best compression packing cube guide, I personally tested over a dozen compression packing cube sets to see which options hold the most stuff, are easy to pack and are built to last. Testing is ongoing and results will be updated continually.
With so many travel and luggage brands producing their own sets of compression packing cubes — it can be a challenge to decide which to buy. But there are a few things to consider when shopping:
Materials: Choosing options that are made from high-quality materials is key. Most have an additional zipper that does the work for you and compresses the air out of the cubes, you want to make sure that the zippers are durable and won't bust under pressure. It's also important to choose options made from durable fabrics like ripstop nylon or polyester that will last for years to come. Bonus if they are water-resistant to keep your stuff safe from spills and leaks.
Trip length: When selecting a set of compression cubes, think about how much stuff you'll be packing. If you prefer quick weekends away, you can make do with a small two or three-piece set, but if you enjoy long two-week vacations, a larger set with more cubes is your best bet.
What type of luggage you're packing them in: Many compression packing cubes come in different shapes and sizes and some are much more structured than others. If you usually travel with backpacks or weekender bags, you may want to choose a set that is more bendable, so you can easily squeeze in the cubes. But if you prefer to travel with a standard suitcase, the structured rectangle cubes are easy to fit in like a game of Tetris.
What's the difference between regular and compression packing cubes?
While using any kind of packing cube will help you stay organized and be more thoughtful about what you are packing on your trip, compression cubes are necessary if you are trying to get more packing space out of your luggage. That's because they compress contents to remove the air, making each of your stacks smaller and more compact — some even claim to give you up to 60% more room in your suitcase. Think of all the shopping you can do while you're away with all that extra space!
How do you clean packing cubes?
Some options on our list are machine washable (and even tumble dryer safe), but you should always check the care guidelines to make sure. If you choose a set that isn't machine-washable most of the time you can easily spot clean packing cubes with a damp cloth.