The Best Vacuum Storage Bags, Tested and Reviewed

Nov 04, 2024

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Real Simple / Dera Burreson

If vacuum sealed bags aren’t a tool in your organizing arsenal yet, they should be. Oversized linens, off-season clothing, and even bulky pillows are no match for those with even the smallest of spaces. Plus, there’s something seriously satisfying about seeing all that extra space once the air is sucked out.

That said, there are a lot of vacuum storage bags out there, and not all of them are worth your money. To find the best ones, we tested 16 different vacuum storage bags for their capacity, ease of use, compression time, and value. We chose the five on this list based on the ones that best met those criteria and categorized them based on size and usage so you can find one that meets your most pressing household needs.

Customers get a wide variety of well-performing bags for a low price.

The storage bags didn’t compress as much as other bags we tested.

Gongshi’s 12-pack of vacuum storage bags were some of the best vacuum bags we tested thanks to their performance, ease-of-use, and price. A medium-sized bag was able to hold five sheet sets, and it compressed within 20 seconds. The bag stayed compressed 24 hours later, and it didn’t let any moisture in when submerged.

Gongshi vacuum storage bags were quite easy to use, too. After filling the bag, the zipper lock could be sealed by hand, and then a vacuum hose was placed onto the cap (where it had a seamless fit) and compressed the vacuum bag in less than 20 seconds.

These bags are a great deal, too. For just $32, you get three each of jumbo, large, medium, and small-sized bags, and the bags go on sale frequently, too. The only downside to Gongshi vacuum storage bags was their shrinkage. The circumference of the medium bag shrank less (only 10%) than the other vacuum bags that we tested.

Number of Bags: 12 | Material: Plastic | Sizes: 40 by 30 inches (jumbo), 32 by 24 inches (large), 28 by 20 inches (medium), 24 by 16 inches (small) | Seal Type: Valve and double zipper | Included Accessories: Pump

The built-in hangers allowed for maximum fit and easy storage.

The storage bags were slow to compress thanks to their tricky valve.

We found that the Taili vacuum storage bags were the best vacuum storage bags for clothes thanks to their built-in hanger system (perfect for an organized closet) and extra-long length. We were able to easily fit five coats and their hangers inside the bag, and more probably could have fit if needed. The storage bags also held their compression for longer than other bag types—by the next day, the bag had only gone up in size by 0.5%.

However, Taili vacuum storage bags took a long time to actually seal. It took us two and a half minutes to fully compress them, while most of the other vacuum bags we tested took less than 30 seconds. We credited this to the tough-to-secure lip that the vacuum hose had to rest on—if the hose wasn’t in the perfect spot, everything took a lot longer.

Number of Bags: 4 | Material: 5-layer polyamide and polyethylene | Sizes: 53 by 27.6 inches (long), 41.3 by 27.6 inches (short) | Seal Type: Cap-free valve and double zipper | Included Accessories: Clips and hangers

These vacuum bags sealed quickly and maintained their compression.

We found the zipper tag difficult to install in our testing.

Vacwel Vacuum Storage Bags are the best extra-large vacuum bags we tested. In fact, the Vacwel Storage Bags were able to fit three sheet sets and two pillows so easily that we thought they likely could have fit 25% to 50% more items.

The bags compressed within 25 seconds, and they held their compression 24 hours later, too. They compressed down to a small enough size that they fit underneath the bed, even when folded over.

However, we didn’t love that the zip tag was packaged separately and difficult to install. The bags are also a little more expensive than some of the other vacuum storage bags on this list at about $7 a bag, and they didn’t include any extra accessories.

Number of Bags: 5 | Material: Polypropylene | Sizes: 47 by 35 inches | Seal Type: Valve and zipper | Included Accessories: None

The bags compressed within 10 seconds and were easy to stack after sealing.

Some compression was lost after 24 hours.

Airbaker’s small vacuum storage bags are our pick for the best small vacuum bags. Fair warning: Their size comes with a few critical considerations—we struggled to fit two towels within one bag, so don’t plan on storing multiple plush towel sheets in these bags.

Instead, they’re best for thinner beach towels, washcloths, or baby clothes. But these bags’ small size also meant that they sealed quickly—in under 10 seconds! Airbaker vacuum bags also come with a pump for vacuum-free use.

However, the Airbaker vacuum bags struggled to maintain all their compression over their time. After they were checked 24 hours after their initial sealing, they had grown in size by nearly 15%. Additionally, we noted that the bags didn’t feel especially sturdy and might be prone to tearing after some rough use.

Number of Bags: 10 | Material: Polyamide and polyethylene | Sizes: 23.6 by 15.7 inches | Seal Type: Double valve and zipper | Included Accessories: Pump

The shape of these bags made them easy to fill and store.

It took a few tries to properly zip up the thick bags.

These sturdy vacuum bags are cube-shaped, making them especially easy to fill with bulky items like bedding. We were able to fit two pillows and three sheet sets inside one cube in our testing, and while they don’t quite maintain their cube shape after compression, they’re still easy to stack or store upright on their side if needed. MagicBag vacuum storage cubes are also quite a good deal, too—about $5 a bag.

The bags felt quite thick and durable in our testing, but this also made them a little difficult to seal. We had a hard time zipping it up, and the vacuum hose had to be carefully lined up for compression. Thankfully, compression only took about 32 seconds, so this wasn’t an issue for long.

Number of Bags: 6 | Material: Polymer | Sizes: 27.5 by 39.35 by 12.6 inches | Seal Type: Valve and double zipper | Included Accessories: Clip

We think that the Gongshi Vacuum Storage Bags will be the best storage bag pick for most people, thanks to their ease-of-use and great value. However, if you’re looking for bigger bags, the Vacwel Jumbo Vacuum Storage Bags should be your go-to, and the AirBaker Small Bags are best for smaller jobs.

We tested 16 different vacuum storage bags in our lab in different sizes and price points. We judged each bag based on its design, capacity, durability, performance, and value.

Each size of vacuum bag needed to fit a certain amount of items (for example, small bags needed to fit two towels, and garment bags needed to fit five coats), and we noted in our testing if the bag didn’t fit all the items—or if it still had ample room!

We also noted how long it took to fully compress a bag and measured the size of the bag before compression, after compression, and 24 hours later. We also tested how well each bag did at keeping moisture out by placing each filled vacuum bag underwater for a minute and checking for moisture afterwards.

We also looked at how easy a vacuum storage bag was to use. Some bags came with tough-to-seal zippers or finicky hoses, while others included attachments or special valves that made compression easier.

Finally, a vacuum storage bag’s value was determined by comparing its performance to its price, and its price to other similar bags.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

The size of a vacuum storage bag is the biggest factor in determining how much it will actually fit. And when it comes to picking the right size for your needs, Courtney Cummings, owner of The Stylish Organizer, says that bigger is likely better: “When in doubt, opt for a larger size than you think you need—you can always add a few more items if space allows.”

This proved true in our testing, too. Medium-sized or larger bags are probably a better vacuum storage bag size for most people. The exception is those looking to store baby or kids’ clothes—the small sizes of both the clothes and the bags make them the perfect pair.

Most vacuum storage bags are made of various types of plastic. The type of plastic a bag is made of determines how sturdy a bag is or how sealed it will remain.

“When shopping for the best vacuum storage bags, look for durable options that can be reused multiple times,” Cummings says. “The plastic on the bag should be thick to withstand the pressure and hold up over time.”

Vacuum bags made from polypropylene or polyethylene plastics tend to be a good choice, as they compress well, and they’re durable and protective without being impossible to fold or stuff.

Not all vacuum storage bags come with accessories, but some include a few extras to make the vacuum-sealing process even easier. Some bags include clips to help secure the bag’s zipper, and some also come with a small hand pump to compress the storage bags without a vacuum. We even tested a vacuum storage bag that came with its own electric storage pump.

Our favorite clothes storage bag, the Taili Hanging Vacuum Storage Bags, came with a built-in hanger to make storage a piece of cake. This was probably the most helpful accessory we encountered, along with the zipper clips—most of our testers didn’t need to use any included pumps, as they already had vacuums.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

“Pay close attention to the valve and the closure on the bag. You want both of them to be secure to allow for the airtight fit,” Cummings says. “Double zip closures are best for keeping air out when zipped up, and a self-sealing valve rarely allows the air to come back into the bag once it is vacuumed out.”

Most of the zipper bags we tested had a similar type of seal, typically a combo of a zipper and a valve. The zipper first had to be tightly sealed, then the valve was opened and a vacuum hose was placed onto it and turned on. The Taili Hanging Vacuum Storage Bags, though, used a capless valve, which made for one fewer piece to lose.

We found that cube-shaped bags were best for storing bulky items like pillows or duvets, as they were easy to load. Jumbo storage bags worked well for linen closet organization. Regular vacuum storage bags could hold clothing, towels, and some sheet sets, making them a great all-purpose storage option. But if you’re looking to vacuum-store a few coats, consider hanging garment bags instead.

Woolite 2 Piece Air-Tight Jumbo Cube Nylon Vacuum Storage Bags: These bags performed well in our compression testing, easily sealing and staying sealed. They’re also a great value compared to other jumbo vacuum bags. However, despite their ‘jumbo’ advertising, these vacuum cubes weren’t able to fit any pillows in testing.

Cozy Essential Vacuum Storage Bags: These vacuum bags come in a pack of 16 for less than $30 total, and they compressed quickly and easily. They also came with a hand pump. However, the zipper slider had a hard time staying on in our testing.

Hibag Space Saver Bags: This variety pack of vacuum bags comes with 10 bags in five different sizes, all for less than $20. They were easy to compress (and keep compressed) in our testing, but the small bags struggled to hold two towels and the material felt a little thin.

Most items shouldn’t be stored in vacuum storage bags for longer than more than six months. This is because the compression can cause fabric creasing that’s difficult to get out after the bag is opened, even with ironing or dry cleaning. Cummings also adds that some softer items like pillows may completely lose their shape if left in the bag for too long.

If you’re storing items in vacuum bags for more than a month or two, make sure anything that’s put into it is clean and moisture-free. You can even place a few silica bags inside the vacuum bags to absorb any hidden moisture.

You don’t need a vacuum to use a few vacuum storage bags. Instead, you can use a hand or electrical pump (some vacuum bags even include these accessories!), but it will likely take longer than it would to use a vacuum hose.

How long vacuum bags last depends on how frequently they’re used. A bag that’s compressed and decompressed every month will probably last less time than one that’s only compressed every year or so. Either way, it’s time to start looking for new vacuum storage bags when your current ones are struggling to keep items compressed.

This article was written by Rabekah Henderson, a freelance writer for Real Simple, The Spruce, Southern Living, and other lifestyle publications. Rabekah has used some great vacuum bags a number of times for traveling and moving, but she’s also used her fair share of duds, too. To find the best vacuum storage bag, we tested 16 different types of bags in our lab and evaluated them based upon their design, capacity, performance, and value. Rabekah also spoke with Courtney Cummings, owner of The Stylish Organizer, for some expert insight.