Best carry-on luggage

The best carry-on luggage depends on whether you care most about durability, lightweight handling, organization, or price. For most people, I’d prioritize smooth-rolling wheels, a sturdy handle, a well-designed interior, and a size that fits airline carry-on limits over flashy features.

My general advice: buy the best carry-on you can comfortably afford, but don’t assume the most expensive suitcase is automatically the best. A good midrange bag can be an excellent long-term purchase.

My top 4 carry-on luggage picks

Selected from current 2026 reviews and product listings. Prices are approximate and may vary by retailer.

(Best overall for frequent travel)

1. Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner

$390

Soft-sided · Expandable

Excellent wheels, useful pockets, and smart packing organization make this my pick for frequent flyers. It’s practical rather than flashy. Tested & Ranked Kit Authority

Best for business trips and regular travel

More expensive than a basic suitcase

Shop Travelpro —$390.00 at Travelpro

(Best hard-shell upgrade)

2. Away The Carry-On

$275–$328+

Hard-sided · Compression system

A sleek design, durable polycarbonate shell, and organized interior. A great choice if you prefer a modern hard-shell suitcase. Away's newer Series 3 model adds improved wheel and handle features. Forbes Vetted Good Housekeeping

Best for style, organization, and everyday vacations

Check the exact model's dimensions before buying

Shop Away Carry-On Flex —$325.00 at Nordstrom

(Best lightweight value)

3. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner

$160

Soft-sided · Lightweight · Expandable

A sensible buy if you want a reputable travel-focused brand without spending $300 or more. Its low weight is especially helpful when lifting a packed bag overhead. Kit Authority Tested & Ranked

Best for budget-conscious travelers

Less rigid protection than a hard shell

Shop Travelpro —$160.00 at Travelpro

(Best affordable hard shell)

4. Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner

Often $120–$150 on sale

Hard-sided · Expandable

Good capacity, four spinner wheels, and interior compression straps at a reasonable price. Independent testing has repeatedly rated it highly for value. Travel + Leisure Good Housekeeping

Best for occasional vacations and general use

The shell can show scratches; verify overall dimensions

Shop Samsonite —$209.99 at Nordstrom

Which one would I buy?

One important detail: check the airline's carry-on size limit before purchasing. Some popular bags, especially expandable models, exceed certain airlines' limits when you count wheels and handles. International carriers and budget airlines can be stricter.

Let me narrow it down to the best one for you

1. What's your budget?

Under $100

$100–$150

$150–$250

$250–$400

$400+ for premium quality

2. Which type do you prefer?

Hard shell

Soft shell with outside pockets

No preference — just the best one

3. Where do you fly most?

Mostly domestic (U.S.)

International

Both domestic and international

[Find my best carry-on]

You can also Compare the best carry-ons under $200 or Find the most durable premium carry-on.

The best carry-on luggage options span top-rated hardshells, softsided alternatives, and budget picks based on recent testing:

Best Overall Hardshell: Away The Carry-On ($275) features a durable polycarbonate shell, 35.5L capacity, and smooth-gliding wheels. GearLab The New York Times

Best Overall Softside / Value: Travelpro Platinum Elite ($390) or Travelpro Maxlite 5 ($175–$215) offer reliable durability, expandable space, and smooth spinner mobility favored by frequent flyers. Pack Hacker

Best Splurge / Luxury: Briggs & Riley Baseline ($729) includes a patented one-touch compression system, while Carl Friedrik The Carry-On ($695) delivers an aluminum frame and leather accents. The New York Times

Best with Laptop Access: Monos Carry-On Pro ($295) or NOBL Travel All-In-One Carry-On ($259) include convenient front compartments for quick laptop removal during security. GearLab

• Best Budget Choice: Quince Carry-On Suitcase ($120–$130) provides 100% polycarbonate construction at a lower price point. The New York Times

Standard US airline limits restrict carry-on bags to a maximum of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, though checking specific airline policies before flying is recommended. GearLab

The "best" carry-on luggage depends heavily on your packing style, whether you prefer hardshell or softshell cases, and your budget. Based on extensive expert testing and traveler reviews, several standout options lead the market across different categories:

1. Best Overall Carry-On: Travelpro Platinum Elite Spinner

• Type: Softside (also available in hardshell) Outdoor Gear Lab
• Price: ~$390
• Why buy it: Widely considered the gold standard by frequent flyers, pilots, and flight attendants. It strikes the ideal balance between durability, smart internal organization, and a lightweight frame. Travelpro It features exceptionally smooth-rolling wheels, a sturdy extension handle, and a lifetime warranty that even covers airline-caused damage. Travelpro

2. Best Hardside Carry-On: Away "The Carry-On" (or The Bigger Carry-On)

• Type: Hardshell Outdoor Gear Lab (Polycarbonate)
• Price: ~$275+
• Why buy it: Away popularized the modern minimalist hardside suitcase. It features a durable, scratch-resistant shell, an exceptional internal compression system to help you squeeze in extra items, and smooth 360-degree spinner wheels. (Note: Check airline size limits if considering "The Bigger Carry-On," as it is tailored for domestic US flights rather than strict international carriers).

3. Best Premium / Luxury Softside: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner

• Type: Premium Softside Forbes
• Price: ~$729
• Why buy it: If you want a lifetime investment piece, Briggs & Riley is unmatched. The Baseline features a unique CX compression-expansion technology that lets you pack more and then compress the bag back down to standard size. Their "simple as that" lifetime guarantee means they will repair it for free forever, no questions asked, even if damaged by an airline.

4. Best Distinctive Hardshell (Latch Closure): Cotopaxi Coraza or Carl Friedrik The Carry-On

• Type: Hardshell with Frame/Buckles (No Zippers) The Guardian
• Price: ~$295 (Cotopaxi) to ~$645 (Carl Friedrik) The Guardian
• Why buy it: If you dislike zipper closures, these feature heavy-duty aluminum frames and secure latch/buckle combinations with integrated TSA locks. The Guardian The Cotopaxi Coraza stands out for its bold style, removable wash-friendly interior organizers, and easily replaceable modular parts. The Guardian

5. Best Value / Budget Pick: Samsonite Freeform Spinner

• Type: Hardshell
• Price: Often on sale for around $150–$220
• Why buy it: You don't need to spend $300+ to get a reliable bag. The Samsonite Freeform offers great scratch-resistance, a lightweight build, expandability, and dependable maneuverability without breaking the bank.

Quick Buying Checklist:

• Check your frequent airlines: If you fly budget airlines (like Ryanair or EasyJet) or international carriers, their size restrictions are often stricter than standard US domestic limits (22 x 14 x 9 inches). The Guardian
• Wheels: Look for 360-degree spinner wheels if you glide your bag upright alongside you, or two-wheel rolling bags (like classic Rollaboards) if you frequently navigate cobblestones, snow, or rough terrain.

Are you looking for a specific style (like a hardshell with a laptop pocket or a lightweight softside), or do you have a set budget in mind?

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On is the best all-around pick: reviewers praise its sturdy build, spacious interior, and useful organization. If you prefer a hard-shell bag, choose the Away Carry-On.nytimes.comoutdoorgearlab.combusinessinsider.comnytimes.com

The "best" carry-on luggage depends on your priorities—such as soft vs. hard shell, budget, durability, maneuverability, airline-specific size rules (e.g., strict international limits like 22x14x9 inches or smaller), and whether you need to fit in overhead bins or maximize packing space. No single bag wins for everyone, but expert testing from 2026 consistently highlights top performers across sources like Wirecutter (NYT), Consumer Reports, and others. www.nytimes.com www.sfgate.com

Top Overall Recommendation (Wirecutter's Pick)

Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner (soft-sided)

• Why it's the best for most people: It offers the strongest balance of value, reliability, and real-world durability after 10+ years of testing by Wirecutter. It packs 5 days of clothes into standard U.S. carry-on dimensions (typically ~22x14x9 inches), has premium features like smooth replaceable wheels, a solid internal chassis, a comfortable telescoping handle, and an exterior USB pass-through pocket for charging. Empty weight is under 8 lbs. It comes with a lifetime warranty (register within 120 days) and handles airline abuse well. Price: ~$390. A rollaboard version adds a garment folder and larger wheels for slightly more capacity. www.nytimes.com www.nytimes.com
• Best for: Frequent flyers, general use, or anyone wanting a bag that lasts without breaking the bank. Soft-sided rolls better than hard cases in bumps.

Best Hard-Sided Carry-On

Away The Carry-On

• Why it's excellent: Wirecutter's top hard-sided pick for its smooth-rolling wheels, durable polycarbonate shell (resists most knocks but scratches over time), and premium YKK zippers/handles. It's stylish, lightweight (~8 lbs empty), and fits most domestic/international rules. Capacity is solid for a week. Price: ~$275. (Note: Away shortened warranties for purchases after April 2026 to "LifetimeCare Coverage," but older models still have full lifetime.) www.nytimes.com www.sfgate.com
• Best for: People who prefer the sleek, protective look of hard shells and want easy airport navigation.

Best Budget Pick (Ultra-Lightweight)

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner (or Maxlite Air V2 hard-sided international version)

• Why it's top value: Wirecutter and SFGate praise it as the best lightweight option (~6-7 lbs), with nearly all the features of premium bags at half the price. The hard-sided international version (~22x15.75x7.8 inches, expandable) excels for stricter rules and cruises. Price: ~$160. www.nytimes.com www.sfgate.com
• Best for: Travelers who want to save money without sacrificing quality or packing efficiency.

Best for Tough Conditions or Premium Features

• Yeti Crossroads 35L Carry-On (soft-sided hybrid): Wirecutter's "best for tough conditions" pick—built to survive rough handling with durable materials.
• Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" Expandable Spinner (soft-sided): Wirecutter's upgrade for superior internal organization and compression.
• Carl Friedrik The Carry-On (hard-sided): SFGate's editor's choice for quiet luxury with an external laptop pocket, sleek design, and smooth Hinomoto wheels. www.nytimes.com www.sfgate.com

Other Strong Contenders

• Consumer Reports' No. 1 for overall satisfaction: Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner (hard-sided, expandable, ~6.4 lbs, USB/TSA features). It excels in lab tests for durability, construction, and real-user feedback. Price: ~$160–$176. www.islands.com
• SFGate picks: Nomatic Method for lightweight; Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 (hard) for budget; Dagne Dover Seattle for soft-sided.
• Other mentions: Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller (hybrid style), Monos, or Béis for modern designs.

Quick Buying Tips

• Size first: Measure against your airline's rules (e.g., 22x14x9 is common for U.S. majors; many international flights are stricter). Test in an overhead bin—protruding handles/wheels can cause gate-checks.
• Soft vs. hard: Soft-sided wins for durability (lasts longer with knocks); hard-sided for scratch protection and a premium feel.
• Wheels & handles: 4-wheel spinners are easiest but 2-wheel bags (like some Travelpro rollaboards) are more durable.
• Warranty: Lifetime (with registration) is ideal for peace of mind against airline damage.
• Extras: Look for expandable options, USB ports, or laptop sleeves if needed. Check current airline fees, as some now charge for carry-ons.

Test in store if possible, or buy from retailers with easy returns. Prices fluctuate, and these are based on 2026 testing—always verify latest airline dimensions. If you share more details (e.g., budget, airline, soft/hard preference, or international vs. domestic), I can narrow it further!