What is the best carry-on luggage?
A comprehensive comparison of the top carry-on luggage options for travelers. We evaluated the best carry-on suitcases based on durability, maneuverability, storage capacity, build quality, and value to help you find the perfect travel companion for your trips.
After extensive evaluation, the Away Carry-On emerges as the top choice for most travelers, offering an excellent balance of durability, smart features, and sleek design. For frequent flyers who prioritize quality and warranty, the Briggs & Riley Baseline is worth the investment with its lifetime guarantee. Budget-conscious travelers will find exceptional value in the Travelpro Maxlite 5.
Pros
- CPRO
Excellent built-in USB charger.
Very convenient to charge the phone right from the suitcase while waiting at the gate. Total significant improvement for users.
- LPRO
This thing is tough.
The durable polycarbonate shell withstands rough airport handling and maintains its appearance after repeated travel, resisting scuffs and impacts.
- SPRO
Glides like butter.
The 360-degree wheels are very smooth. Makes navigating through crowded airports enjoyable.
Cons
- MCON
Wish it expanded.
Lacks an expansion zipper feature, which would be useful for return trips with additional purchases and souvenirs.
Pros
- NPRO
Best warranty in the business.
They fix anything for free, forever. No questions asked. Sent it in once and got it back looking brand new.
- PPRO
Built highly durable.
The material on this bag is military-grade quality. Had it for 5 years and it barely shows any wear.
- EPRO
Effective compression packing.
The compression packing system allows more clothing to fit than comparable carry-on bags, maximizing packing efficiency.
Cons
- DCON
Not cheap but worth it.
Yes its expensive, but users do get what users pay for. Think of it as a buy-it-for-life purchase.
- CCON
A bit on the heavy side.
Its one of the heavier carry-ons out there. If weight limits are tight, this might be an issue.
Pros
- LPRO
Looks gorgeous.
The iconic grooved aluminum design delivers a distinctive aesthetic that stands out in airports and garners attention from fellow travelers.
- MPRO
Great interior organization.
The flexible dividers make packing very easy. Everything stays in place during transit.
- SPRO
Premium wheel system.
RIMOWA multiwheel system features smooth-rolling precision bearings that provide exceptional maneuverability across various surfaces.
Cons
- NCON
Luxury comes at a price.
Over $1000 for a carry-on is hard to justify unless users want that premium look and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most airlines allow carry-on bags with maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, though some budget carriers have stricter limits. All the carry-ons in our ranking comply with major airline size requirements, but its always smart to check your specific airlines policy before flying.
Hardside luggage offers better protection for fragile items and is easier to clean, while softside bags typically weigh less and offer exterior pockets for quick access. Hardside is great for international travel or if you pack electronics, while softside works well for frequent domestic travelers who value lightweight design.
We recommend 4-wheel spinner luggage for the best maneuverability. Spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to push or pull your bag in any direction. Two-wheel bags are more durable for rough terrain but less maneuverable in airports. All our top picks feature high-quality spinner wheels.
Premium carry-ons like RIMOWA and Briggs & Riley offer superior build quality, longer warranties, and better materials that can last decades. If you travel frequently for business, a high-end bag is often worth it. For occasional travelers, mid-range options like Away or Samsonite provide excellent value without breaking the bank.
Key features to consider include TSA-approved locks for security, smooth-rolling wheels preferably Hinomoto for durability, a telescoping handle thats comfortable to grip, good interior organization with compression straps, and durable materials like polycarbonate for hardside or ballistic nylon for softside. USB charging ports are a nice bonus for tech-savvy travelers.