Do compression cubes really save space?

So we are hard shell suitcase travellers, typically we get somewhere, unpack, repack a few weeks later and it’s fine.

Looking at the videos and photos of packing cubes and compressing cubes makes me wonder. Do they really save space? I see a bunch of rounded pillow shaped cases that waste so much space at the ends. When we pack in layers - pretty squashed down - there’s no wasted space and wedging in a pair of socks etc fills up any tiny gaps.

We do have a separate laundry bag to keep dirty clothing separate.

What am I missing?

Author: chrisridd