10 best packing cubes to keep your suitcase organised

I was impressed by the compression capabilities of this set. During testing, I packed T-shirts, a pair of trousers and a jumper into the large cube, which compressed the items without distorting them out of shape. I also loved how sturdy the zips felt – they glided smoothly and didn’t snag – and the fact that the mesh top helped with breathability, and made it easy to see what I’d packed without having to unzip the cubes to locate certain items.

These cubes are also available in a set of six (£75, Antler.co.uk), adding two additional medium-sized cubes to the collection. The cubes come in eight colours, and you can even purchase a luggage strap (£22, Antler.co.uk) and tag (£14, Antler.co.uk) in the matching shades to complete your set.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of these budget-friendly packing cubes. For £15, you can get three cubes that are well-made and will accompany you on many trips to come. I packed T-shirts and underwear into the medium cube, which held everything neatly. The mesh panels made it easy to see what I’d packed, while keeping the contents aired.

I machine-washed one cube and it came out in perfect condition – no shrinking or warping. The zips didn’t feel as smooth as on more-expensive models, but they didn’t snag. It’s also worth noting there is no compression with this set, so don’t count on these cubes to help you create more suitcase space – for that, turn to Antler or Yeti.

This impressive cube was one of the most compressive on test. I managed to fit a full outfit inside, including a light jacket, a jumper and two tops. The cube’s material is rugged and slightly textured, which gives it a nice aesthetic, too. I used the cube during several journeys, and it still looked brand new afterwards.

Yeti also offers a three-year guarantee, which is a nice incentive if you travel a lot. It’s a shame you have to buy different-sized cubes separately, as they don’t come in sets, but the quality justifies the cost.

Briggs & Riley’s packing cubes are best used alongside the brand’s suitcases. These packing cubes are designed to fit the brand’s bags, which makes packing even easier as the cubes fill the area perfectly, avoiding wasted space. I packed these carry-on cubes with thick items, including a wool jumper, to test the cubes’ strength and compression, and everything was handled with ease.

The zips felt premium and opened smoothly, and I appreciated the odour-control treatment – after storing some gym clothes, the cubes didn't hold onto any smells. These packing cubes are clearly built to last, which helps to justify the higher price point, compared with more affordable options from the likes of Go Travel and Labo Mono. This set may be pricey, but the price tag reflects the quality.

I packed two pairs of trousers and a jumper into this cube and was impressed with how flat it compressed. With a sleek design, this packing cube offers excellent quality – the zips are some of the smoothest I’ve tested, and the cube slid easily into my carry-on bag. It’s a shame there aren’t more size options, though – as an avid traveller, I use an average of four packing cubes, but Aer’s are not available in sets.

However, the material feels almost indestructible, meaning this is still a great choice for frequent flyers looking for durability and functionality.

Whether you’re going on a long trip or looking for a set of packing cubes to share as a couple, this set includes two extra-large, two large, two medium, and two small versions. The cubes are made with stain-proof, machine-washable nylon and feature mesh tops for breathability.

After putting one of the cubes through the wash, there was no sign of shrinkage or of the colour fading. I found the material light yet durable, with a bit of flexibility that made packing easier. However, while I managed to fit two shirts and a pair of jeans into the medium cube, there was no compression element, so it didn’t really help reduce the volume overall. If you’re looking for a packing solution that will help you squeeze in a few more items, this may not be the set for you.

Simple but effective, these packing cubes are well-made and come with a relatively affordable price point. I packed a full outfit (trousers, top and underwear) into the large slim cube and found it very easy to slide into a carry-on bag.

The cubes are made of water-repellent nylon, and the mesh panel on top meant I could immediately find what I was looking for. I did notice the zips could be slightly stiff at first, but they improved after a few runs. The lack of compression is a downside, especially when compared with options from brands such as Antler, but these Away cubes still offer excellent value.

This packing cube is designed specifically for footwear. I tested it with a pair of UK size six shoes, and found there was room left over for some socks, too (the brand says this cube is suitable for footwear up to a UK size 12). The cube is water-resistant and feels durable. It slotted seamlessly into a small suitcase but I’ve also used it to carry trainers to the gym, as the convenient side handle makes it easy to tote about on its own.

This packing cube comes in an oval form, which makes it easier to slot inside a backpack, while the compression function will help you gain a little extra space. I found the cube’s semi-rigid shell very protective, and the material felt thick but lightweight.

You can also throw this cube in the washing machine at 30C – I washed the cube after a dusty trip, and it came out looking pristine. A mesh side panel offers breathability, but due to the cube’s shape, this isn’t the best option for use with traditional suitcases.

This is certainly a costly option, but it’s also one of the few vacuum packing cubes I’ve seen. I used it to pack a weekend’s worth of clothes, including a jumper, shirt, trousers and underwear, and the vacuum compression reduced the bulk by more than half. The pump was easy to use, and the seal held firm. If you overpack regularly (and you’re happy to splurge), this could be a great investment.

You can buy a single cube or save on a pack of four, but there is only one size available, which is on the larger side. I find having one of these cubes useful for packing bulkier items (such as winter clothes), but I don’t think I could justify buying a whole set.