The 14 Best Carry-on Luggage Pieces of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tried lots of excellent suitcases, but the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner was a clear winner as a lighweight, durable, expandable carry-on. We’ve now tested this bag twice in our lab, recently retesting it to make sure we still loved it as much as we did two years ago when we first tried it out. Exceeding expectations during both lab tests and when we took it out for real-world testing, too, we found that it’s easy to maneuver on two or four wheels and rolls smoothly on various surfaces, including carpet, hard flooring, and over curbs. We also like that the aluminum telescoping handle extends and locks with the push of a button.

This all-star suitcase has various pockets within the main compartment, and it expands a couple of inches when you need extra space. We were able to pack enough clothes for a four-day trip, including two pairs of shoes, multiple jackets, and two toiletry bags — no expansion needed. And while it does have a separator to keep your shoes away from your clean clothes, we wish this carry-on had a zippered section or removable bag for dirty laundry, though your favorite travel pouch would do the trick.

We loved the sleek, minimalist-modern design of the Freeform, which comes in more than 12 hues ranging from white to mint to merlot. After hitting it with a baseball bat during both tests, the polycarbonate (high-strength thermoplastic) shell remained scuff-free and showed virtually no signs of damage. Even after six months of regularly traveling with this bag during our travels, it shows no signs of wear and tear, and we were able to easily buff out any minor scuffs it had accumulated. Considering the reasonable price, durable construction, and spacious capacity, we think it’s a great choice for frequent fliers and anyone in need of a high-quality carry-on.

The Details: Hardside | 21 x 15 x 10 inches | 5.6 pounds | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

The Tumi International Dual Access carry-on was a close runner-up to the Samsonite Freeform. It moves like a dream on various types of flooring, thanks to the four smooth-gliding dual spinner wheels and comfortable telescoping handle. Even after using the bag for three months, the wheels never got caught on any surfaces, making it easy to run through the airport or navigate a new city. Made of the brand’s signature ballistic nylon, it also passed our baseball bat test with flying colors.

We were able to pack everything into the bag’s various compartments and loved the flexibility of a removable suiter for trips with dressier attire. The clamshell design also features several interior pockets and compression straps on one half to easily hold our four-day-trip packing list. The front-access portion can easily fit a sweater or light layer when the main suitcase isn’t stuffed full, or you can use it for tech items or a small makeup bag instead. There are also two pockets on the exterior for smaller items like a travel umbrella, as well as a built-in USB port you can connect to a power bank (sold separately). Though the price is higher than many other carry-ons, this is an investment in an undoubtedly high-quality carrier that will last for years to come.

The Details: Softside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 10.7 pounds | 35-liter capacity | Expandable | USB port | Ballistic nylon | 4 dual spinner wheels

This durable carry-on manages to be compact and portable while still offering a ton of space inside thanks to two large interior compartments and a helpful compression system. You can zip your items in on one side and buckle them in on the other, using the mesh pockets to store smaller items for organization. As all overpackers know, sometimes you just need a few extra inches of space — and The Carry-on Flex features a zipper expander that adds an additional 2.25 inches if you happen to buy one souvenir too many on a trip and need to fit it all in on the way home. However, be wary of your airline’s overhead bin allowances because using the expander may make your carry-on one inch too large, and you may be forced to check it (the expanded dimensions of the bag are 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches).

Other highlights we loved during testing included the smooth wheels that can roll in any direction; the different height options of the handle; and the notch on the underside of the bag that makes it so much easier to lift out of a car trunk, into an overhead bin, or off of a luggage carousel. The bag also felt very sturdy and tough with no dents and barely a scratch after we threw it off counters and hit it repeatedly with a baseball bat during testing.  

The Details: Hardside | 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | 8.15 pounds | 39.8-liter capacity (unexpanded), 46.7-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels | Limited lifetime warranty

For something more affordable, look no further than Amazon. We found that this budget-friendly hardside suitcase maneuvers really smoothly, even on carpet and over bumps, and the handles turn like a champ. Not only that, but the scratch-resistant shell held up surprisingly well through our bat and drop tests on more than one occasion — like the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on, we loved this bag so much that we tested it a second time recently to make sure it was still up to our standards. We did notice some minor scuffing after our second round of hitting the bag with a baseball bat, but we were able to buff them out with a finger easily.

During testing, we were able to fit four days worth of clothing, shoes, and toiletries without having to expand the bag, though we’re comforted by the fact that there’s room to spare. After six months of regularly using the bag, we found it to be the perfect size for weekend trips.

Travel + Leisure senior editor Jasmine Grant noted that this carry-on is “an excellent choice for a budget suitcase. It’s light, durable, and expands to fit way more than you might assume by just looking at it.” The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner exceeded our expectations in more ways than one. And while it only comes in four colors, we’re big fans of the simple, sleek design.

The Details: Hardside | 22 x 15 x 10 inches | 6.3 pounds | Expandable | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | 4 dual spinner wheels

We’ve been fans of Dagne Dover for a long time, we were excited to see the brand launch its first luggage collection this past summer. We tested every new piece and particularly liked the Smaller Seattle Carry-on. Though it’s one of the smaller carry-on sizes, the smart design features help maximize space, and it’s perfect for when you want something compact. We were able to pack it for several days despite the lack of an expansion feature and found that the abundance of pockets helped with this significantly. On its exterior, you’ll find a small zip pocket on the back for a passport and two generously sized pockets on the front. The larger pocket pulls wide open and has tons of slots inside for stashing a laptop (up to 13 inches), tablets, documents, or other go-to essentials.

One standout feature is that one of the front pocket has a zipper that gives you direct access to the main compartment of the bag, kind of like how you can access the trunk of a hatchback car from the backseat, so you can reach in and grab a sweater or a makeup bag without the hassle of fully laying the suitcase down and unzipping the entire thing, which we think would be especially handy in busy places like airports. The main compartments of the suitcase split evenly like a clamshell, with compression straps on both sides to keep everything secure. We thought it was pretty heavy for a carry-on and won’t be easy for everyone to hoist into the overhead bin when packed full. That being said, some of the weight likely comes from the thick outer material and reinforced bumpers that make the bag quite durable and sturdy. Overall, we think it’s a great option for shorter trips or for someone looking for a stylish carry-on as an addition to a checked suitcase.

The Details: Softside | 20.5 x 13 x 8.75 inches | 9.13 pounds | 33-liter capacity | Recycled 900D polyester | 4 dual spinner wheels | 13-inch laptop sleeve

When we heard the Samsonite Proxis Global Carry-on had been sent into space and dropped from 130,000 feet without sustaining any damage, we knew we had to test it ourselves. In the lab, we were impressed right off the bat to find that this bag weighs less than 5 pounds, making it impressively lightweight. That being said, the weight does not affect the durability of this bag at all. While we couldn’t drop it from outer space ourselves, we did hit it with a metal baseball bat and jumped up and down on it several times without causing any scuffs, scratches, or other damage. “I completely would trust this bag to hold up against baggage handlers,” says T+L’s associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker.

There’s a lot to love about this bag in addition to its light weight and durability. The two zippered halves have multiple pockets for organization, as well as cross straps on one side to hold everything down. We were able to fit a surprising amount of items neatly inside without packing cubes, even though it’s pretty compact. The bag also expands half an inch if you need more space and still fits easily into the overhead bin once expanded. This carry-on rolls smoothly over various surfaces and the handle feels quite sturdy despite its light weight. It doesn’t come cheap, but we think the durable construction, lightweight design, and smooth wheels will be worth it for many.

The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 4.7 pounds | Expandable | Roxkin material | 4 dual spinner wheels

The July Carry-on Max has the largest capacity of any bag on this list, even before the expansion feature is used, boasting a whopping 50-liter capacity (62 liters once expanded). Weighing just over 8 pounds, it’s not overly heavy, although we noticed that it became a little clunky to maneuver (especially around tight corners) and lift once it was packed compared to smaller July suitcases that we’ve tested, but not so much so that we wouldn’t recommend this bag because it’s still a great option if you want the most packing space you can get. In fact, it even comes with a packable tote inside that folds up small — a bonus if you find that you have even more stuff to pack on your return trip.

Inside the carry-on you’ll find fairly basic features, including a zippered cover on one side and a compression panel with a pocket on the other. Aside from a small, long pouch on that side, there are no other pockets or organizational features. We would have liked to see a few more with such a high-capacity bag, but packing cubes will help keep everything in place. The handle was sturdy, and you can adjust it to 20 different heights and we saw no signs of damage after hitting it with a baseball bat. One thing to note is that you may be forced to check this bag depending on what airline you’re flying with.

The Details: Hardside | 23 x 16 x 9 inches (23 x 16 x 10.6 inches when expanded) | 9.07 pounds | 50-to-62-liter capacity | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels | Packable tote included

We recently voted this carry-on as our top pick in our best softside luggage test, beating out dozens of other bags. With stylish puffy padding on the front, it fits in with even the sleekest hardside bags and has a modern aesthetic that’s true to Away. Inside, you’ll find a spacious main compartment with a compression pad to keep everything in place, along with attached mesh pockets for organization. It also has a front pocket, and the suitcase is expandable.

And this carry-on isn’t just about looks and design — we found it to be remarkably durable, too. We saw no signs of damage after we threw it around, hit it with a baseball bat, and even stomped on it. “This felt like a heavier fabric than other softsides, which made me think it will be durable even if you have to check it,” says associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker.

Even when fully packed, this bag was easy to maneuver over various surfaces and around tight corners. Our only concern is that its fully expanded size might cause a picky gate agent to check it, so we recommend keeping that in mind. Still, we think it’s a great softside bag from a reputable brand.

The Details: Softside | 23 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches | 9.8 pounds | 38.3-to-44.3-liter capacity | Expandable | Water-resistant nylon | 4 dual spinner wheels

While carry-ons typically have less room than checked bags, the 22-inch spinner from Briggs & Riley lets you get the most bang for your buck. It has one of the larger capacities on this list when fully expanded, offering up to 51 liters of space. Our favorite aspect of the bag, though, has to be the clever expansion system that adds 25 percent more room. Instead of using a zipper like a traditional suitcase, you simply press two buttons located inside the bag to raise panels that take it from a 41-liter bag to a 51-liter bag in seconds. It’s just as quick to compress that space back to the original size.

The bag is plenty spacious without the expander as well, and we were able to fit our full packing list with room to spare during testing. The bag has one large compartment inside that is pretty deep and becomes large enough to fit bulky items like boots once expanded. The top of the bag has a small compartment with two mesh pockets for storage, and there is a compression pad inside to pack down clothes. There is also a pouch on the back exterior of the bag that can store a power bank and a small electronic device for charging on the go. The carry-on rolled smoothly on various terrains when we wheeled it from carpet to concrete and through our obstacle course. The hardside shell seems quite durable and didn’t dent after we hit it multiple times with a metal baseball bat, although it did scratch on the bottom when going over a concrete curb during testing. Overall, we think it’s a sturdy bag that has plenty of space for overpackers, plus smart features that help you compress your items inside effectively.

The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 8.6 pounds | 41-to-51-liter capacity | Expandable | Recycled polycarbonate, recycled polyester | 4 dual spinner wheels

If you’ve ever had a bag roll away from you like a runaway train (forcing you to run after it so it doesn’t hit someone), you know it’s a humbling experience. The most noteworthy thing about the Aer Carry-on is that it has a Hinomoto wheel brake system to stop it in its tracks. “It’s such a unique feature and helpful if on public transport or stopping on an incline with bags since it securely holds the bag in place,” says associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker, who owns this bag. The wheels spin easily and soundlessly, and then you can pop the brake on to stop them from rolling. In fact, Parker says it has “some of the smoothest wheels I’ve used in a carry-on, even when packed full.” 

The 48-liter capacity is quite large for a carry-on — perfect for those who need all the space they can get — and the bag feels sturdy all-around, from the double-layer zippers to the internal compression system. The top and side handles have a hole to which you can attach other bags and belongings with a carabiner. The bag comes in five colors; we traveled with a white one, and though it got beat up a bit, we were able to buff out most of the scuff marks.

The Details: Hardside | 22.7 x 15 x 9 inches | 8.4 pounds | 48-liter capacity | Makrolon polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

If luggage aesthetic is a top priority, Delsey’s Chatelet Air 2.0 might be your best bet. Inspired by traditional Parisian architecture with unique lines, contrast stitching, and a vintage appeal, this suitcase is a sight for sore eyes. Sleek design aside, it’s exceptionally functional. There’s a fully zippered compartment on one side and compression straps on the other, plus pockets throughout and even a handy USB port.

What’s more, the zippers open and close smoothly, and it glides effortlessly with the four spinner wheels on carpet, hard floors, and even stone pavers. It’s durable, too, sustaining no visible damage after three months of use including two international flights in which the bag was checked. This bag is a standard carry-on size, and we were able to fit everything on our packing list. However, it’s probably best for short trips as there wasn’t really any room to spare when we finished.

The Details: Hardside | 22 x 15 x 10 inches | 7.74 pounds | 44-liter capacity | USB port | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

This stylish carry-on trunk features a clamshell design that opens right down the middle rather than the 30/70 design that many trunks typically have. It feels like a luxury bag thanks to the zipperless clasp closures, ejectable power bank, and multistop rubber handle (you can customize the handle to sit at any height you want). We found the trunk easy to maneuver over different surfaces like carpet and concrete pavers during testing, and it rolled effortlessly on four wheels. When we rolled it on two wheels, it did slow down slightly, but it was still easy to move, and the weight felt evenly distributed through the bag and handle.

The glossy version of the trunk — which also comes in a matte finish — collected a lot of black scuff marks during our real-world travels, but we were able to wipe them away without permanent damage. We did manage to give it a few very small dents after hitting the trunk with a baseball bat, but they were barely noticeable. One thing to note is that this trunk has no give because of its hard shell and clasp closures, so you cannot overstuff it, and you have to be more picky with your packing list.

The Details: Hardside | 21.5 x 14.75 x 8.75 inches | 8.4 pounds | 42-liter capacity | Ejectable USB-C battery | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

This stunning Tumi carry-on will make a statement in any airport, with four metallic colors to choose from and a durable aluminum shell to protect your belongings. As the priciest option on this list, you are paying for the Tumi label, but we can confirm that this is a high-quality piece that is worth the investment. This 31-liter bag is on the smaller size for a carry-on — and like most aluminum bags, it feels quite heavy (weighing more than 11 pounds) — but we were impressed by the built-in organization that makes it easy to pack.

Both halves of the suitcase have fully zippered closures and compression straps — an ideal combination because you can use the compression straps to get the contents as tightly packed as possible and put less strain on the zippers when you ultimately zip each side closed. There are two smaller zippered flaps on each half of this suitcase so you can fit smaller items in there, as well as an internal card pocket and a hanger bracket to hang garments. We thought the wheels were very sturdy (both when rolling the bag and when hitting the wheels directly with a baseball bat), and the leather-wrapped handles are comfortable to pull. The latches feature two TSA-approved combination locks with push buttons to open them, and you can also monogram the bag with custom initials.

The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 11.2 pounds | 31-liter capacity | Aluminum | 4 dual spinner wheels

No traveler wants their stuff to get wet unexpectedly, so be prepared for surprise rainstorms with this carry-on from Rains. Both the hardside shell and the front pocket of this bag are fully waterproof, making this a safe way to transport your belongings. Tough polycarbonate forms the majority of the outer shell, while a padded laptop pocket in the front is made from waterproof PU fabric that can safely store laptops and tablets up to 15 inches. There is also a large strap on the front of the bag that attaches with a buckle closure to keep the front pocket nice and secure.

We found the capacity of this bag to be impressive during testing. The inside compartments were deep enough to fit everything on our packing list, and the mesh dividers allowed plenty of room for things like underwear and socks. Even though there is no expandable feature, we didn’t feel like we were tight on space. The compression strap on the other side of the bag helped to pack down clothing and was easy to use. We did notice that when fully packed, this suitcase is a tight squeeze into the overhead compartment on our test plane set, so we would be careful not to overpack it to make sure it fits. The bag rolled smoothly during testing on two wheels and four, and the weight of the suitcase felt evenly distributed. As long as you’re mindful of the packed sized of this bag, we think it’s a great option for anyone who wants to make sure their things stay dry.

The Details: Hardside with a padded front pocket | 22 x 10 x 13.2 inches | 8.75 pounds | 42-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels | Waterproof