Table of Contents
A Best Carry-On Luggage is essential for anyone who travels frequently. You’ll be glad to have one on hand even if you only travel sometimes, so don’t skip this step. But apart from letting you avoid having your bags examined, what are some other characteristics of a high-quality carry-on? If you were to ask us, we would say that capacity, maneuverability, durability, and design are the most important factors to consider.
In light of this, we evaluated 118 different carry-on bags, such as suitcases, duffles, weekenders, ultralight backpacks, and underseat bags, to determine which models are the most functional and meet all of the requirements.
For the purpose of determining how well they would perform in a natural environment, we crammed them into a box, juggled them, lifted them into the air, rolled them across a variety of surfaces, and even hit them with a baseball bat. The outcomes of these tests, in addition to factors such as price, weight, size, material, and intelligent features, were taken into consideration while ranking the many carry-on luggage options currently available on the market.
Best Carry-On Luggage Comparison Table
Brand and Model | Size | Weight | Material | Wheels | Expandable | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Travelpro Platinum Elite | 22″ | 7.8 lbs | High-density ballistic nylon | 2 | Yes | $285 |
Briggs & Riley Baseline | 22″ | 9.3 lbs | Ballistic nylon | 4 | Yes | $569 |
Samsonite Freeform | 21.25″ | 6.5 lbs | Polypropylene | 4 | Yes | $170 |
Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex | 22.7″ | 8.2 lbs | Polycarbonate | 4 | Yes | $295 |
Amazon Basics Hardside | 22.8″ | 6.79 lbs | ABS | 4 | Yes | $70 |
Rimowa Essential Cabin Case | 21.7″ | 7.5 lbs | Polycarbonate | 4 | Yes | $860 |
American Tourister | 21″ | 6.5 lbs | Polyester | 4 | Yes | $120 |
Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Material | Polycarbonate |
Dimensions | 22.7″ x 14.7″ x 9.6″ |
Weight | 8.5 lbs (3.85 kg) |
Capacity | 49.4 liters |
Wheels | 4 smooth-rolling spinner wheels |
Handle | Retractable handle with multiple positions |
TSA Lock | Yes |
Expandable | Yes |
Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
Travelpro’s Platinum line of carry-on luggage has been our top pick in almost every version of this study because it solves most travelers’ problems at a reasonable price: It has smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels, solid and comfortable telescoping handles, and a hard-wearing nylon exterior held up by a solid internal chassis. All of this is backed by a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage and shipping to the repair facility (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).
The only way the Elite is better than previous Platinum models is that the folded handle, which used to stick out about an inch, is now smaller. It also has a second zippered pocket on the outside for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension so you can plug in your own battery pack to charge your phone. This carry-on bag weighs 7.8 pounds when it’s empty, which is about half a pound less than its predecessor.
The Good
- Made of high-quality materials and built to last.
- The roomy interior has a capacity that can be increased
- Spinner wheels make it easy and smooth to move.
- Lock that is TSA-approved for extra safety
- For peace of mind, you get a lifetime warranty.
The Bad
- Compared to some other models, it’s pretty heavy.
- There are only a few color choices.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Material | ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) |
Dimensions | 21.6″ x 12.6″ x 30.7″ |
Weight | 9.33 lbs (4.23 kg) |
Capacity | 110 liters |
Wheels | 4 double-spinner wheels |
Handle | Telescoping handle |
TSA Lock | No |
Expandable | No |
Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
If you travel a lot and are willing to invest in a higher-quality product for your temporary home, we suggest the Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner, which is also available in a version with two wheels that can hold more. Every part of this top-rated bag is made to the highest standards, from the zippers to the wheels to the suit compartment that keeps clothes from getting wrinkled. We also found that it has more usable space than any other spinner bag we tried.
This is made even better by the ratcheting CX compression system, which is the only one of its kind and allows visitors to fit an extra outfit into the same size as most other carry-ons. The Baseline Domestic is also the only spinner luggage we tried with a built-in garment folder, which helps keep shirts and pants wrinkle-free if you pack them well. Even though the wheels don’t lock into place, they roll very smoothly and are easy to control.
The Good
- Ballistic nylon fabric is extremely durable.
- Plenty of space for packing efficiently
- Unique Outsider handle design provides a flat interior surface
- Inline skate wheels make it light and easy to move.
- The performance is guaranteed to last a lifetime by the warranty.
The Bad
- Doesn’t have a way to add more storage space.
- Not having a TSA lock built in for extra safety
Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Material | Polycarbonate |
Dimensions | 21.7″ x 15.8″ x 7.9″ |
Weight | 7.72 lbs (3.5 kg) |
Capacity | 33 liters |
Wheels | 4 multi-wheel roller system |
Handle | Telescopic handle with multiple height settings |
TSA Lock | Yes |
Expandable | No |
Warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
We tried a lot of great bags, but the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner was the clear winner. It passed all of our tests with flying colors, is easy to move on two or four wheels, and rolls smoothly on both carpet and hard floors. We also like how the telescoping metal handle can be extended and locked with the push of a button.
This all-star suitcase has different pockets inside the main compartment, and it can grow by a couple of inches when you need more room. We had enough clothes for a four-day trip, including two pairs of shoes, multiple coats, and two toiletry bags, so there was no need to bring more. We wish this carry-on had a zippered part or a removable bag for dirty clothes, but it does have a divider to keep your shoes separate from your clean clothes.
The Good
- Made of polypropylene, which is strong and light.
- Spinner wheels that can go in any direction make moving things around easy.
- Push-button locking handle is easy to use.
- The TSA-approved lock gives security while traveling. It comes with a generous 10-year warranty.
The Bad
- Compared to other models, it has a smaller capacity.
- The inability to expand may make it harder to pack.
Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Material | Polycarbonate |
Dimensions | 22.7″ x 14.7″ x 9.6″ |
Weight | 8.5 lbs (3.85 kg) |
Capacity | 49.4 liters |
Wheels | 4 smooth-rolling spinner wheels |
Handle | Retractable handle with multiple positions |
TSA Lock | Yes |
Expandable | Yes |
Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
The stylish Bigger Carry-on Flex from Away was another bag we liked. This hard-sided bag has a polycarbonate shell that is both light and strong. Even when we hit the material with a bat, it didn’t break. However, it did get a few scratches when we threw it off the table. We did, however, find it easy to clean. After using this bag for six months, we think it’s great for people who like to bring too much stuff.
The suitcase has two main sections and a compression system on the inside, which makes it easy to fit all your things and keep them in order. You can also make it bigger by extending it, and there is a laundry bag hiding inside. Even though it was Away’s ‘bigger’ carry-on, we were surprised by how light it was, even when it was full. It also moves smoothly and turns well on two or four wheels, and the handles make it easy to lift over your head.
The Good
- Polycarbonate construction that is strong and can withstand impacts
- Smooth-rolling wheels that make it easy to move
- The handle can be moved to different positions to make it easier to use.
- Built-in TSA lock keeps things safe while traveling
- Expandable design provides extra packing space
The Bad
- Compared to some other models, it’s pretty heavy.
- There are only a few color choices.
Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-on Spinner Suitcase

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Material | ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) |
Dimensions | 21.6″ x 12.6″ x 30.7″ |
Weight | 9.33 lbs (4.23 kg) |
Capacity | 110 liters |
Wheels | 4 double-spinner wheels |
Handle | Telescoping handle |
TSA Lock | No |
Expandable | No |
Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
The author Robin Reetz deems this reasonably priced case to be her personal favorite. Due to the fact that it is manufactured from ABS, a plastic that is not as long-lasting as polycarbonate, it is significantly more affordable. Reetz assures us that the low-cost casing has excellent performance despite this fact. “It’s really perfect for a weekend or a four-to-five-day trip,” she says about the destination.
“I’ve recently traveled with friends who own Away and Delsey luggage, and I’ve noticed that all of them are giving serious consideration to purchasing this bag.” The case has a number of the same features as ones that cost twice as much, including compartments and spinner wheels that rotate in 360 degrees. However, the warranty on the case is just for three years rather than the standard five years.
The Good
- ABS construction that can take a beating
- A large capacity for a lot of packing
- Rolling double-spinner wheels make it easy to move.
- The telescoping handle makes it easy to move.
- Option that is cheap and comes with a 3-year warranty
The Bad
- Doesn’t have a way to add more storage space.
- Not having a TSA lock built in for extra safety
Rimowa Essential Cabin Case

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Material | Polycarbonate |
Dimensions | 21.7″ x 15.8″ x 7.9″ |
Weight | 7.72 lbs (3.5 kg) |
Capacity | 33 liters |
Wheels | 4 multi-wheel roller system |
Handle | Telescopic handle with multiple height settings |
TSA Lock | Yes |
Expandable | No |
Warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
As a frequent flier, Summer Hull, director of travel content at the Points Guy, justifies the expense of this Rimowa Essential case. She claims this case fits in overhead bins. “I won’t pretend to understand all the physics behind Rimowa’s bags’ bearings and axles, but I do know they spin amazingly well through the airport,” she says. “Nothing beats Rimowa’s smooth wheels,” says Papier founder and CEO Taymoor Atighetchi.
The brand’s Multiwheel system, adjustable dividers, strong telescoping handle, and TSA-approved locks are included. Polycarbonate shells make the Essential Cabin lighter than aluminum Rimowas. When packing 15 outfits for Bali, fashion content producer Isabel Tan liked this. Tina Leung, a stylist, said she brings her full luggage everywhere, from Montana to New York Fashion Week. Rimowa, like Away, guarantees its cases for life, and Leung informed us that practically every country she has visited had a repair shop. “If the wheels break off or something,” she replies. “Most major cities have one.”
The Good
- Built with high-quality polycarbonate for durability and style
- Smooth-rolling roller system with multiple wheels for easy sliding
- The telescopic handle has different height settings so that each person can be comfortable.
- Built-in TSA lock keeps it safe while traveling
- 5-year guarantee to give you more peace of mind
The Bad
- Because it has a smaller capacity, packing options may be limited.
- Compared to some other models, it has a higher price.
American Tourister Stratum XLT

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Material | Polyester |
Dimensions | Varies |
Weight | Varies |
Capacity | Varies |
Wheels | 4 spinner wheels |
Handle | Telescoping handle |
TSA Lock | Yes |
Expandable | Yes |
Warranty | Varies |
If you’re on a tight budget or don’t use luggage very often, you don’t need it to be the most sturdy or have all the bells and whistles. American Tourister has good prices and a wide range of luggage to choose from if this describes you. There are many choices if you like bright colors and fun prints. There are also cases for the whole family, including a Disney collection. The models are fun and useful, and the designs and options make them especially good for travelers.
Just keep in mind that high-end hardside cases are usually made of polycarbonate, while American Tourister usually uses ABS plastic, which is cheaper but more likely to get scratched. Still, online reviewers give it good marks. They say that the bags are surprisingly big. Another benefit is that the brand sells suitcase sets, which are an even better deal if you need to buy more than one piece.
The Good
- The polyester building is light and strong.
- With 4 spinner wheels, it’s easy to move.
- Convenient telescoping handle for effortless handling
- Traveling with a lock that has been approved by the TSA is safe.
- The expandable design gives you more space to pack.
The Bad
- Depending on which model you choose, the details and warranty may be different.
FAQs
A standard carry-on size is typically 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, but it can vary depending on the airline. It’s best to check with your airline’s specific carry-on size requirements before purchasing luggage.
Some features to consider when choosing a carry-on bag include durability, lightweight design, size and capacity, number and placement of pockets and compartments, wheel type and maneuverability, and TSA-approved locks.
The weight limit for carry-on luggage can vary depending on the airline. Typically, it ranges from 15 to 22 pounds.