Top 10 Carry-On Luggage
Here's A Look At The Highest-Rated Carry-On Luggage You Can Buy Right Now
Life is all about the comings and goings, which is why it's important to have some high-quality luggage to take you from coast to coast. More specifically, a durable and functional carry-on. However, finding such is always easier said than done.
Generally speaking, it’s a pain to pack small, but the 10 suitcases ahead certainly lessen the burden. Supremely stylish and made to navigate through streets and crowds easily, these carry-on suitcases will set you apart from the sea of other travelers’ gear. We’ve got a wide variety of styles to choose from too, so any jet setter's style will be represented wherever they go.
What To Look For In A Carry-On
When shopping for your next carry-on suitcase, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help ensure you find the right one for your travels.
First, there’s the exterior, which typically comes in either a hard or soft option. A hard exterior has a solid outer shell and is more protective if you’re traveling with fragile goods. A soft exterior typically comes with more compartments than a hard one and offers more flexibility when it comes to packing. We always seem to come back from trips with more than we came with, right? If that sounds like you, we suggest opting for a soft expandable option. Don’t forget about the interior of the suitcase, either. Make sure it offers plenty of space or compartments that can accommodate all of your clothing and belongings.
Next, take a look at the wheels. If you like a more traditional appeal, you may want to opt for a two-wheeled suitcase. If you’re looking for something that offers more rolling ease, then a four-wheeled suitcase might be the one for you. A four-wheeled carry-on, or spinners, as they’re called, comes with wheels that can spin 360 degrees. This means that you aren’t limited to pulling your suitcase while navigating airports, planes, or other crowded areas. With spinner luggage, you can push or pull your suitcase, have it right by your side or even quickly spin it in any direction.
Size is also an important factor to consider, especially when it comes to carry-ons. Each airline has its own specific size requirements for its overhead compartments, but a good size to aim for is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, as these are the required dimensions for a few of the major airlines. Keep in mind that this includes the wheels, exterior compartments, and retracted handle. In addition to size, airlines may also judge the weight. Travel experts recommend that carry-on luggage should also be no more than 7.5 pounds in order to accommodate belongings and still be within the size limit.
How To Choose The Right Carry-On
The first thing to consider when shopping for carry-on luggage is what kind of traveler you are. In other words, how often will you be using this suitcase, and for what purpose? Are you a frequent traveler? Do you travel for business or for pleasure? Domestic or international? From the amount of space to the convenience and accessibility, determining what works best for you is based on what kind of needs you have for your carry-on. If you’re looking for carry-on luggage for business trips, you might need a suitcase that’s more functional than stylish—one that offers a lot of space, compartments, a quality handle, and additional features for packing convenience. On the other hand, if you’re just looking for a small carry-on bag to bring with you on your next vacation, a sleek and minimal one with just the right amount of space would do the trick.
Why People Love These Carry-Ons
Both frequent travelers and occasional vacationers alike can find a good carry-on that will suit their needs on the list ahead. Whether you’re looking for a small suitcase to tuck into an overhead bin easily, a lightweight suitcase to haul around, or a carry-on with spinners to glide with you through the airport with ease, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in the carry-on luggage on this list. Customers just like you have rated, reviewed, and loved the following bags—and from that data, we’ve found the 10 best carry-on bags for you to shop from. From tried and true to reliable and accessible, there’s a suitcase on this list for everyone, no matter your travel style.
How We Found The Best Carry-On Suitcases
Here's how it works: With the help of our data-powered algorithm, we vet products in a given category in order to determine which ones deserve to be crowned the best. Our Top 10 lists consider information from social media, reviews, industry reports, and more, so you can trust that the recommendations you're getting are unbiased and research-backed. With that in mind, if you're planning on jet-setting somewhere soon and you need a reliable way to transport your things, look no further than the 10 top-rated carry-on suitcases below.
June 7, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry On Luggage
Overall Score
4.45
10
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry On Luggage
4.51
12647 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Soft-Sided Carry-On Luggage
DEFINING DETAILS
This carry-on bag is ultra-lightweight and meets the carry-on size restrictions for most domestic airlines. It's designed with H2O Guard, which protects the interior lining from moisture. Although it's soft-sided, it also features a unique bottom tray design that increases its durability.
NEED TO KNOW
With a low-profile carrying handle, full-length interior lid pocket, and side accessory pocket, this carry-on will make packing for quick work trips and weekend getaways a breeze.
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Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Overall Score
4.6
09
Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage
4.5
46917 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Carry-On Luggage On Amazon
DEFINING DETAILS
If you're seeking an affordable yet durable carry-on, this is a popular choice on Amazon. It includes an expandable design, scratch-resistant finish, and 20" spinners, catering to both domestic and international travel needs.
PROMISING REVIEW
"This suitcase is great! I needed to test it out before I wrote a review. I just got back from my honeymoon in Greece. We went to Santorini and wow this thing did great! If you know the layout or have been to Greece before, you know that the roads are mainly stone and uneven, super bumpy if you will! The wheels on this suitcase took it like a champ and did not break or anything! I was impressed since the landscape is so different there. The suitcase itself is great, tons of space, this thing is huge! Like so big, definitely need to check it in for a flight. Overall, cost was great and it did the job!"
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July Carry On
Overall Score
4.65
08
July Carry On
4.9
2617 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Lightweight Carry-On Luggage
DEFINING DETAILS
Aside from the super lightweight design, there are so many reasons to love this gorgeous carry-on. To name a few, it can charge both your phone and laptop, comes with 60-degree spinner wheels, and it's customizable.
NEED TO KNOW
The personalization options available for this carry-on suitcase are endless—you can choose from tons of different fonts and colors.
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Monos Carry-On
Overall Score
4.7
07
Monos Carry-On
4.8
2647 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Durable Carry-On Luggage
DEFINING DETAILS
Don't expect this baby to fail you—it's made with an unbreakable polycarbonate shell and an ultra-sturdy telescopic handle, plus a TSA-approved lock and whisper-quiet wheels. Even better? The gorgeous colors it comes in (think olive green, rose quartz, and blue haze).
NEED TO KNOW
When you’re not traveling, this carry-on suitcase nests inside any of the brand's check-in sizes for easy storage.
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Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable With Double Spinner Wheels
Overall Score
4.7
06
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable With Double Spinner Wheels
4.49
13898 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Expandable Carry-On Luggage
DEFINING DETAILS
With a hard shell, durable exterior, and double-spinner wheels, this suitcase makes quick trips a breeze. It's also expandable, meaning you'll have some extra room should you do a little shopping while you're away.
NEED TO KNOW
This carry-on roller bag is designed with cross ribbons and a divider to make organized packing simple. And thanks to the multiple pockets, your belongings will always stay right where you want them.
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Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase
Overall Score
4.8
05
Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase
4.9
816 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Value Carry-On Luggage
DEFINING DETAILS
This built-to-last carry-on roller bag features Japanese-crafted Hinomoto 360-degree wheels, a TSA-approved lock, a smooth gliding telescopic handle, and YKK zippers. If you aren't typically a carry-on traveler, this bag might just make you one.
NEED TO KNOW
If, for any reason, you're not happy with your carry-on, they offer a gracious 365-day return policy.
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Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage
Overall Score
4.8
04
Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage
4.68
482 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Carry-On Luggage For Storage
DEFINING DETAILS
Calpack's Ambeur Carry-On Luggage is a sleek suitcase that comes with a zippered divider to create two separate packing compartments. It also has an expansion sleeve that unzips to increase the packing capacity and is fitted with a set of four multidirectional spinner wheels that make navigating the airport a breeze. Plus, the metallic color options give it the look of aluminum for way less.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I LOVE my Calpak. I traveled to four different countries in Europe with this carry-on for two weeks and overpacked, and I still had some room to stuff my souvenirs."
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Paravel Aviator Carry-On
Overall Score
4.85
03
Paravel Aviator Carry-On
4.79
146 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Sustainable Carry-On Luggage
DEFINING DETAILS
Paravel's Aviator Carry-On Suitcase is engineered for a smooth ride on any terrain. Thanks to 360-degree rotating wheels and an advanced dual design, you won't run into any hiccups with this bag.
PROMISING REVIEW
"This is a perfect size and designed so well. I love that it's made using sustainable materials and still looks and feels so so good! Happy traveler right here!"
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Eco Friendly
Beis The Carry-On Roller
Overall Score
5
02
Beis The Carry-On Roller
4.9
9084 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Compressive Carry-On Luggage
DEFINING DETAILS
As beautiful as it is functional, Beis' Carry-On Roller Suitcase is built with 360° wheels, a cushioned trolley handle, and an expanding storage compartment (perfect for all of your souvenirs). Not to mention, with colors like beige, pink, and maple to choose from, they've managed to make carry-on luggage cute.
PROMISING REVIEW
"This is a wonderful carry-on bag. It has so many features I never even thought of. Brought it on a four-day trip across the country, and it held everything I needed and then some. Paired so well with my Béis everyday bag for traveling. Will probably buy a set of them if they all have this many features."
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Away The Bigger Carry-On
Overall Score
5
01
Away The Bigger Carry-On
4.7
10218 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Carry-On Luggage Overall
DEFINING DETAILS
Away's Bigger Carry-On is a best-selling, perfectly-sized bag no matter your traveling plans. Built for convenience, its design includes an ejectable USB charger, 360° spinner wheels, and a durable hard shell exterior.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I absolutely love this piece. It’s lightweight, fits perfectly in the overhead compartment of an airplane, and especially the battery charger! What a game-changer it is to not need to search for electrical outlets at an airport."
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The Latest