Trip Planning Air Travel The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Travel lighter and easier with these suitcases By Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald King's College London Jessica Macdonald lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 03/01/24 We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. TripSavvy / Tamara Staples These days, with more and more airlines charging fees for checked bags, many travelers are choosing to limit themselves to a carry-on whenever they can. This means it’s more important than ever to purchase a bag tough enough to withstand being hauled in and out of overhead compartments—yet light and spacious enough to give you the greatest amount of packing space possible. Handy extras range from TSA-approved locks and integrated luggage scales to USB ports for keeping your devices charged in transit. With so many brands and styles out there, choosing the right suitcase can seem overwhelming. To make it a little easier, we tested 41 of the most popular options in our testing lab. We put them through their paces and scored them for attributes, including capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value. The Rundown Best Overall: Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner at Amazon ($150) Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Spinner at Amazon ($315) Jump to Review Best Budget: Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner at Amazon ($63) Jump to Review Best Value: Samsonite Omni PC Carry-on at Amazon ($144) Jump to Review Best Softside: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable Carry-on at Amazon ($315) Jump to Review Best Hardside: Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-on Spinner at Samsonite.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Business Travel: Béis The Carry-on Roller at Nordstrom ($218) Jump to Review Best Organization: Away The Bigger Carry-on Flex at Awaytravel.com ($345) Jump to Review Best Sustainable: Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus at Amazon ($425) Jump to Review Best Design: July Carry On Pro SnapSleeve at July.com (See Price) Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Final Verdict How We Tested Other Carry-on Luggage We Tested What To Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner Amazon View On Amazon $150 View On Macy's $150 View On Kohls.com $210 Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Superior movement Built to handle rigors of travel Effortlessly cool What We Don't Like Not enough zippered pockets The Best From Our Tests: A Review of Samsonite's Freeform Hardside Spinner An instant favorite with our testing team, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On is made of injection-molded polypropylene for a hardside case that’s exceptionally lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant. It stood up well to our baseball bat test with barely any scuffs—so much so that we’d feel confident if we had to check it. We loved its minimal, ultra-modern aesthetic and found that it had sufficient space for everything on our packing list, even without employing the expansion feature. Potential purchasers should be aware that although the expansion feature is a definite bonus, overstuffing the suitcase could make it exceed some airline carry-on restrictions. We felt the interior organization options were good, with a cross ribbon, divider, and several pockets. The only downside was that there was only one zippered pocket, meaning you’d have to choose whether to separate shoes or dirty laundry. The suitcase has four 360-degree double spinner wheels for flawless maneuverability, and we found that it had the best glide of any bag we tested. It was easier to operate on two wheels over bumps, but transitioning between two- and four-wheeled use was a breeze. The suitcase also features a multi-stage handle with a wider grip for added comfort; a recessed, TSA-approved combination lock; and a built-in ID tag. Colors range from classic black to silver or sky blue. Finally, your purchase includes a limited 10-year global warranty. Dimensions: 21.25 x 15.25 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes Tamara Staples Best Overall, Runner-Up Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Spinner Amazon View On Amazon $315 View On Travelpro.com $296 View On Macy's $278 Our Ratings Capacity 4.7/5 Design 4.5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Easy to maneuver Solid, adjustable handle Excellent impact and scratch resistance What We Don't Like Capacity could be more generous Power bank sold separately The Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Carry-On is a relatively expensive option; however, a 100 percent polycarbonate shell with reinforced aluminum corner guards makes it impressively durable and, therefore, worth the investment. Even after multiple drop tests and bat beatings, we could see no visible signs of damage. The textured finish should help reduce the visibility of scuffs or scratches, keeping your luggage looking brand new for longer. Exterior highlights include an integrated TSA lock and USB-A and USB-C charge ports. This suitcase benefits from Travelpro’s famous PrecisionGlide System, with eight self-aligning spinner wheels and a PowerScope Lite handle with four height settings. We found it incredibly smooth and easy to navigate and particularly liked the handle’s sturdy feel and textured grip. When it came to packing, we had to use the expansion feature to fit everything in, which made it a tight squeeze getting the bag into an overhead compartment. However, we liked the zippered divider panel and water-resistant toiletries section. Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Wheels: 8 | Expandable: Yes Jhett Thompson Best Budget Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Amazon View On Amazon $63 Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Minimalist, sleek aesthetic Functional internal division Easily handles any terrain out there What We Don't Like No TSA-approved lock The AmazonBasics 21-inch spinner retails for well under $100, making it the most affordable option on this list. Despite its modest price tag, it surpassed our expectations on every test, making it an exceptional value for the money. It features a thick ABS plastic shell with a scratch-resistant, textured finish. We loved the simple sleekness of its design and the four bold colors to choose from, including black, navy blue, light blue, and orange. Four double-spinner wheels provide smooth maneuverability in any direction, with the suitcase performing admirably over bumps, obstacle courses, and smooth and carpeted surfaces during our testing process. The fully lined interior is expandable by up to 15 percent, although we didn’t have to use this feature to fit everything in. We particularly liked the built-in organizer with its three separate zippered pockets and the compression straps that kept all our belongings in place. The durable zippers and a sturdy handle complete the bag’s list of attributes. Dimensions: 22 x 14.9 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.3 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes Tamara Staples Best Value Samsonite Omni PC Carry-on Samsonite View On Amazon $144 Our Ratings Capacity 4.5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 3.8/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Great resilience to cosmetic damage Ample packing space from the outset Simple yet effective internal layout What We Don't Like Wheels are too small The Samsonite Omni PC Carry-On may retail for roughly double the price of our budget pick, but it's still considerably cheaper than many of the suitcases on this list and combines durability, capacity, and lightness to provide impressive value for the money. It features a 100 percent polycarbonate shell with micro-diamond texturing for extreme scratch resistance (even after our rigorous testing, it showed no visible scratches). And it's protected by Samsonite's generous 10-year global warranty—just one of many things we love about Samsonite luggage. We found we could fit everything in without using the suitcase's expansion feature. However, it was still a tight fit in the overhead compartment, so it's a good idea to check the exact requirements of your favorite airline before purchasing. We liked the organizational features—namely, a zippered divider and compression straps. The only drawback was the undersized spinner wheels, which caught easily on ruts (but performed well on carpet and sharp turns). The handle has two height settings, and the integrated lock is TSA-compliant. Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 7.05 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes Jhett Thompson The 8 Best Luggage Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Softside Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable Carry-on Amazon View On Amazon $315 View On Macy's $333 View On Luggagepros.com Our Ratings Organization 5/5 Maneuverability 4.9/5 Durability 5/5 What We Like Made to last from premium fabrics Plenty of storage solutions Smart capabilities What We Don't Like Relatively expensive If you’re looking for a softside carry-on, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is an excellent pick, featuring high-density nylon with a DuraGuard coating that resists stains and abrasions. This showed up during our durability tests, and the suitcase survived completely unscathed. With its genuine leather accents and chrome zippers, we feel this is a quality investment likely to endure long enough to justify its high price tag. As a bonus, it includes a built-in USB charge port with an external power bank pocket that adheres to FAA regulations. We did have to use the tip-resistant expansion feature to make space for everything on our packing list, which made the bag significantly larger. However, we really appreciated the thoughtful interior organization features, including two separate compartments, a deluxe tie-down system, and integrated accessory pockets. There’s even a removable, quart-sized wet bag for your toiletries and a fold-out suiter. Other highlights include Travelpro’s renowned PrecisionGlide System and a choice of elegant colors such as Bordeaux and Rich Espresso. Dimensions: 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 8.3 pounds | Wheels: 8 | Expandable: Yes TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson Best Hardside Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-on Spinner Samsonite View On Samsonite.com View On Macy's $400 View On Bloomingdales $400 Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 3.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Chic and streamlined Great choice of storage compartments Several nice-to-have features What We Don't Like Rolled less smoothly than others We loved the ultra-modern, contoured design of the Samsonite Outline Pro’s polypropylene shell, which not only looked excellent but also protected it entirely from scratches and dents during our testing process. The case also stands out for its integrated extras, including a USB charge port and a TSA-approved lock, while an interior lined with fabric made from recycled plastic bottles wins points for sustainability and a 10-year limited global warranty affords peace of mind. We were able to pack everything without using the expansion feature and loved this suitcase’s intuitive organization options. These include a KompressPak panel to keep your belongings in place and two integrated, zippered pockets (one of which is waterproof for any damp items). The bag was slightly let down by its movement, which was clunkier than expected on all four wheels. However, the molded trolley handle is height-adjustable and infused with an additive to help reduce germs. Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.39 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes Jhett Thompson The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Business Travel Béis The Carry-on Roller Nordstrom View On Nordstrom $218 View On Beistravel.com $218 View On Revolve $218 Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 2.5/5 Value 3/5 What We Like Outstanding organization Simple to move Resilient, attractive exterior What We Don't Like Somewhat unwieldy on four wheels The Béis Carry-On Roller is an excellent fit for frequent business travelers, with an ultra-lightweight and durable virgin polycarbonate shell that’s easy to roll, drag, and lift while also withstanding extensive rough handling. The appealing 3D stripe design and range of sophisticated colors (from beige to dusky pink) ensure you’ll also earn style points with your colleagues. We found the Hinomoto 360-degree spinner wheels turned tightly and rolled smoothly over bumps, while the handle’s cushioned silicone grip was infinitely comfortable. Perhaps best of all is this suitcase’s thoughtfully designed interior, which features multiple zippered flaps, pockets, and pouches for everything from small essentials to shoes and laundry. In fact, the storage options were so comprehensive our tester wished they could exceed our maximum points score on this front. Other highlights include a 2-inch expansion feature, a retractable strap for attaching your purse, a weight limit indicator, and a TSA lock. Lastly, the suitcase comes with the brand’s limited lifetime warranty. Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 8.36 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes Tamara Staples Best Organization Away The Bigger Carry-on Flex Away View On Awaytravel.com $345 Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 4/5 Value 5/5 What We Like All around fluid movement Great choice for overpackers Comes with sponge for removing scratches What We Don't Like Not a budget pick If you’re the traveler who always needs more packing space—for last-minute items from home or souvenirs bought on your trip—you’ll love The Bigger Carry-On Flex from Away. Built using durable polycarbonate with stylish leather details, it fits 20 percent more than the brand’s standard carry-on and expands to reveal an additional 2.25 inches of space (although utilizing it may mean you have to check the bag on some airlines). An interior compression system helps you to fit even more. On the inside, the lining is removable—handy for washing out any accidental spills. We enjoyed the multiple organization compartments, including a hidden laundry bag designed to keep dirty clothes separate. The suitcase survived our durability tests intact and also aced our maneuverability trials. We found that the 360-degree spinner wheels glided smoothly, turned easily, and functioned just as well whether we were using two or four of them. Choose from a range of eye-catching colors and enjoy a 100-day trial and free shipping. Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes Conor Ralph The 8 Best Luggage Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Sustainable Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus Paravel View On Amazon $425 View On Tourparavel.com $425 View On Maisonette.com $425 Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4/5 What We Like Entirely carbon neutral Frictionless wheels for a super smooth ride Great capacity and interior layout What We Don't Like No expansion feature Paravel is a brand with sustainability at its core, and the Aviator Carry-On Plus is no exception. The carbon emissions involved in sourcing, producing, and shipping the bag are all offset—as is its first trip with you. Materials are all sustainable, from the recycled polycarbonate shell with its recycled vegan leather trim to the lining made from 15 recycled plastic bottles. And you won’t be sacrificing anything in terms of style, thanks to the chic two-tone color scheme and the test-proven scuff-hiding finish. Although this carry-on doesn’t expand, we were able to fit everything on our packing list with room to spare. We loved the luxurious, impeccably organized interior, which boasts a compression board, pockets, and a removable laundry bag. The suitcase was also incredibly easy to maneuver, thanks to 360-degree wheels with carbon steel bearings that rolled like a dream. Other pros include a TSA lock and Paravel’s five-year warranty, making this purchase well worth it for those with the cash to spare. Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No Jhett Thompson Best Design July Carry On Pro SnapSleeve July View On July.com Our Ratings Capacity 4.5/5 Design 4.5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 What We Like External laptop sleeve Smart features Sturdy, quiet wheels for a smooth glide What We Don't Like The compression system could be more effective Made from crush-proof polycarbonate that stood up well to our durability tests, the July Carry-On Pro represents the next generation of carry-on suitcases. Its most exciting feature is the detachable SnapSleeve, a padded 16-inch laptop compartment with space for documents and an extra zippered pocket that uses magnets to click into place on the outside of the suitcase. Want to store your bag overhead but keep your laptop with you? No more rummaging around in the aisle. You can also charge your laptop and phone using the ejectable battery with its USB and FastCharge USB-C ports. The bag fits everything on our packing list, with a Twin-Strap compression system and hidden laundry bag. We especially loved how well the suitcase rolled on cement and rough surfaces, with four SilentMove wheels that never caught or got stuck. Other highlights include a 20-height telescopic handle, a TSA lock, and the ability to personalize—either with text or an illustration of your pet. Dimensions: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No Tamara Staples Best Durability Monos Carry On Plus Spinner Nordstrom View On Nordstrom $275 View On Monos.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What We Like Durable exterior Excellent capacity and organization Gorgeous colors What We Don't Like Movement could be improved The Monos Carry-On Plus is a looker with its premium materials, vegan leather details, and beautiful color choices like Desert Taupe and Rose Quartz. Not just a pretty face, though, it’s also incredibly tough, with an aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell that withstood multiple drop tests and bat beatings without sustaining anything more than easily removable scuff marks. Its longevity is proven by the fact it comes with a lifetime warranty. All details, from the YKK zippers to the sturdy telescopic handle, are top quality. We loved the suitcase’s interior too. We felt it was beautifully made and were impressed with how much we were able to fit. The clamshell design features a zippered panel on one side for keeping shoes or dirty laundry separate, while the other uses a compression pad and ballistic nylon straps to keep your belongings firmly in place. The only downside was the case’s maneuverability. We felt it was relatively hard to turn, and it worked better on two wheels than four. Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.38 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No Jhett Thompson Best Splurge Tumi Continental Dual Access Carry-on Amazon View On Amazon $1,050 View On Zappos $1,050 View On Nordstrom $1,050 Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 3/5 What We Like Spacious interior with superb layout Seamlessly glides over any terrain Comes with Tumi Tracer What We Don't Like Exorbitant price tag Retailing at more than $1,000, the Tumi Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On is undoubtedly a splurge (and one our tester found difficult to justify despite its excellent performance). However, if you’re looking for a suitcase that’s as much a status symbol as a luggage item, this is it. It features Tumi’s proprietary FXT ballistic nylon with a unique weave and special, extra-durable coating. The benefit was clear after our durability tests, of which the bag showed no evidence of damage. It opens two ways: clamshell style and via a front lid, both with quality security zippers. With three exterior pockets, multiple interior pockets, and dividers (including a removable garment sleeve), it’s the organized packer’s dream. We loved that we could fit everything without using the expansion feature and that it slid easily into the overhead compartment. Four dual spinner wheels and a premium telescoping handle guarantee a smooth roll over all surfaces, while extras range from a USB port to optional monogramming. Dimensions: 22.0 x 16.0 x 9.0 inches | Weight: 11.7 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes Jhett Thompson Final Verdict The Samsonite Freeform Spinner earns first place among our testers thanks to its exceptional maneuverability, chic aesthetics, and long-lasting build. A close second, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Spinner is easy to control and includes functional extras. How We Tested All carry-on luggage was tested in our purpose-built laboratory. First, bags were packed with a prescribed list of items to reflect what one might take on a four-day sightseeing trip in the fall. During the packing process, organization features and component quality were evaluated. Once full, we tested how well the suitcase rolled over a variety of terrains (smooth concrete, carpet, and gravel) before using an obstacle course designed to simulate a busy airport terminal to test maneuverability. Next, we lifted the luggage into a simulated overhead compartment to check fit and how easy it was to pick it up and set it down again. Finally, we subjected the suitcase to stringent durability tests, including pushing it off the top of a shelving unit and beating it with a baseball bat. Both tests were repeated to check all areas of the bag for weaknesses. Based on these tests, we gave each product a score from 1 to 5 for capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value. These scores determined our category winners. TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson Other Carry-on Luggage We Tested In all, we tested 41 pieces of carry-on luggage. The top performers are those included above. Here are some other pieces we deemed as honorable mentions: Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket: This suitcase performed quite well in our tests, particularly in terms of durability, capacity, and maneuverability, but the internal organization could be better and the price tag was a bit high. Bric's Bellagio V2.0 21" Carry-On Spinner Trunk: Stylish, tough as nails, and stellar organization capacity are a few things we loved about the Bellagio. Our tester subtracted some points because the toiletry bag didn't fit and the price tag leaned toward the higher end. Briggs & Riley Sympatico Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner 22": For frequent travelers who can invest a bit more upfront for an extremely durable suitcase, this is a no-brainer. The interior featured a less-than-intuitive expansion feature and our tester struggled with the zippers. COOLIFE Carry On with Pocket: We couldn't fault the long-lasting build or the value of this pick. Though generally a solid option, we noticed the maneuverability was lacking (performing some tasks better on two wheels and some on four), and the internal compartment made packing bulky items a bit more complicated.f TripSavvy / Tamara Staples What to Look For in Carry-On Luggage Weight Although weight restrictions for carry-on bags vary depending on the airline you’re flying with, the aircraft size, and your travel class, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that limits can be as strict as just 11 pounds. Therefore, the weight of your empty carry-on affects how much you’ll be able to pack within it and is an essential factor to consider. Different materials and designs affect luggage weight; generally, polypropylene is the lightest choice for hardside cases, while nylon and polyester are favorite lightweight picks for softside cases. Maneuverability Imagine you’re late for your plane and need to run through a crowded airport terminal, dodging fellow passengers as you go. You need a carry-on that rolls effortlessly, whether pushing it in front of you or pulling it behind you and one that can turn instantly in any direction. For the best maneuverability, always choose a suitcase with four wheels instead of two, and make sure they’re the spinning kind that offers seamless, 360-degree movement. Good quality wheels and a sturdy telescoping handle will give you the same maneuverability on various terrains. Organization Even the most basic carry-ons will typically have at least one interior pouch or pocket, usually for separating dirty laundry or shoes or for stashing smaller items so they’re easy to find. More sophisticated options include multiple pockets of varying sizes and materials (perhaps a waterproof one for damp items), zippered dividers that split your packing space in two, and fold-out suiters or removable garment bags. Exterior pockets are typically reserved for softsided bags and can help stash passports and other documents you need to keep handy. TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson Hard vs. Soft Luggage Hardside and softside cases have pros and cons, and which is better is primarily a matter of personal preference. Hardside cases generally offer a trendier and more modern aesthetic, provide better weather resistance, are easier to clean, and protect delicate items with their rigid frame. However, they tend to show more wear and tear on their sleek exteriors than softside bags, so if you're choosing purely based on looks, keep that in mind. Also, hardside bags tend to have fewer pockets and organizational features. Softside cases are more able to withstand rough handling since they won’t dent or crack and are often lighter and more flexible. The latter means that you have more wiggle room if you tend to overstuff your bag or need to pack odd-shaped items. However, if you're packing fragile items in a softside bag, you need to do so with extra caution as the soft exterior won't provide much protection from drops or hard landings. For breakables, we recommend packing in a hardside bag that can better protect items inside. Frequently Asked Questions What are the acceptable dimensions for a carry-on bag? Dimensions vary from airline to airline (and sometimes from plane to plane), but the IATA gives the general rule that dimensions should not exceed 22 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth. These dimensions include any exterior pockets, wheels, and handles, albeit with the telescoping handle retracted. What is a “smart” bag? A smart bag is any bag with integrated tech capabilities. Most often for carry-on bags, this means a built-in battery pack that powers a USB charge port so you can keep your electronics going throughout your journey. Be aware that the battery should be removable in case you have to check your bag since lithium-ion batteries cannot be put in the hold. How do you care for and clean your luggage? Before cleaning your bag, you should check the manufacturer’s guidelines since the process will differ depending on the materials. However, you can generally use a soft-bristled brush (softside luggage) or a damp cloth (soft and hardside luggage) to spot-clean any dirt or stains. Dry your bag entirely before storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. TripSavvy / Tamara Staples Why Trust TripSavvy Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert. After traveling across six continents for everything from scientific expeditions to gap year adventures, family vacations, and across-the-world emigration, she’s well-versed in the art of packing the perfect carry-on bag and knows which features are most helpful. The 8 Best Checked Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 12 below. Continue to 9 of 12 below.