The best compression packing cubes of 2024, tested and reviewed

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.