The best carry-on luggage

As travel editors who take more than 50 flights a year, we're intimately familiar with what makes the best carry-on — they should be durable, reliable, and sturdy with smooth features, plenty of packing space, and extra accessories. Our picks are based on thorough testing, including a series of objective tests and our own experiences traveling with each bag.

After multiple round of testing dozens of bags, our best overall pick is the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On. It's a spacious, sturdy bag with organizational features that make traveling with just a carry-on a breeze. For overpackers, we recommend Béis' The Carry-On, an expandable bag with a truly massive interior capacity.

If you're also looking to complete your set with a checked bags, be sure also to check out our guide to the best luggage, which features our favorite brands that we've tested over the years.

Our top picks for carry-on luggage

Best overall: Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On - See at Travelpro

Best hard-sided: Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On - See at Samsonite

Best budget: Quince Carry-On, 21"- See at Quince

Best for extra space: Béis The Carry-On - See at Beis

Best high-end hard-sided: Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin - See at Rimowa

Best high-end soft-sided: Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On - See at Briggs & Riley

Best aluminum: Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition - See at Away

Best underseat: Travelpro Crew Classic Underseat - See at Travelpro

Best overall

This bag is beloved by frequent fliers. While testing for this guide, I spent hours in airport lounges cataloging the bags used by frequent travelers, and no bag was more represented than the Travelpro Platinum Elite. When I eventually tested it myself, it was easy to see why Travelpro is well-regarded among serious travelers and airline crew. The sleek-looking, high-density nylon fabric is durable and stain-resistant and has not torn or ripped in the time I've used it. Leather detailing not only adds a sophisticated look but also makes the top lifting handle extremely comfortable.

It's roomy. With an expansion option of two full inches, this bag holds a ton. There are three front pockets of varying sizes, including one that can hold a laptop. The main compartment has the standard layout of a soft-side bag with one deep side and a smaller zipper compartment on the other side.

Each detail is intentionally designed for easier travel. Large chrome zippers are easy to maneuver, and the four large wheels make this bag one of the easiest to wheel on every surface, including carpet. The adjustable handle is very sturdy and has a contoured grip, making it extra comfortable. The bag also comes with several smartly designed extras, including a garment bag and a removable clear plastic bag attached to the inside for holding toiletries and liquids. The bag was also recently updated to include dual USB-A and USB-C charging ports (previously, it only included the more outdated USB-A technology), though you'll have to supply your own portable battery.

It's backed by a lifetime warranty. Overall, this is a premium bag at a moderate price point, backed by a lifetime warranty. No bag in our testing has come close to offering the same features at this price point, which is why this is our top all-around pick for most travelers.

Read our full Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On review.

Best hard-sided

This bag has a premium design at an affordable price. The Outline Pro has a sleek, attractive design that competes with popular hard-sided luggage brands like Away and Monos, but is more competitively priced, at around $160. Despite the lower price point, you actually get more features than we've seen in trendy brands. For starters, expansion comes standard in the Outline Pro; a panel unzips to reveal an extra inch of packing space. It doesn't offer as much total packing space as our pick for extra space, the Béis Carry-On Roller, but it's a great feature to have in your bag for when you need to pack an extra outfit or bring souvenirs home from your trip. Other thoughtful features include TSA-approved zipper locks, a removable compression panel with pockets, an internal pocket for a portable battery (you'll have to supply your own), and integrated USB-A ports.

It's bigger than it looks. While the bag looks smaller than other bags I tested, it is actually quite roomy. Thanks to the expansion panel, I was able to fit my standard packing test items, plus extra shirts. Even when fully packed, the bag felt very lightweight and maneuverable.

It nails the basics. With a 6-pound dry weight, this bag is easy to lift into overhead bins, and a rubberized grip under the top and side handles adds extra comfort. The zippers run smoothly, and the expansion zipper even has a finger hole for extra ease and agility. The Outline Pro's four multi-directional wheels are quiet and make rolling the bag in front of you, beside you, or behind you on almost any surface a breeze, though it was harder to pull on thick carpet.

But it's short and scratches easily. The bag's one big downside is that the handle felt a tad short for me at 5'11", even when fully extended. It also showed many more scuffs and scratches after our durability tests than other bags I've tested.

Best budget

This is a budget-friendly dupe of pricier Away and Monos bags. Online retailer Quince has seemingly found a way to make high-quality, inexpensive dupes of all the internet's favorite luxury products, from cashmere sweaters to washable silk. The brand's first foray into the category is a hardshell carry-on that's a dead-ringer for Away and Monos suitcases, down to the decorative indentation on the front of the bag. We found Quince's Carry-On to be a solid alternative to those pricier carry-ons — and it's less than half the cost.

It features a lightweight and durable shell. We liked that the interior has a removable mesh pocket and a zipped pouch that unfurls and can be easily tucked away when not in use. It's best for packing about four days worth of outfits. Otherwise, you'll find most of the same features that come standard in Away and Monos bags, including in-bag compression, integrated TSA locks, 360-degree wheels, and a fleet of on-trend colors to choose from.

It's well-designed, but the warranty is confusing. The suitcase isn't a dupe in looks only: our tester found it was really easy to wheel around, which was key when navigating the subway. You'll also have an entire year to return the bag if you don't like it, and it's protected by a limited lifetime warranty (though the fine print doesn't specify exactly how long the "lifetime" of the bag materials is intended to be). Quince also makes several other carry-on styles: a smaller 20" bag, an expandable option, and two bags with front pockets. We found the front pocket useless and cut into interior packing space. We think the 21-inch bag without the pocket is the best deal for most people.

Read our full Quince luggage review and check out our larger Quince review for more about the brand.

Best for extra space

This is the best carry-on for overpackers. If you're an anxious packer or just want a little more room in your bag for souvenirs, few carry-ons offer as much packable space as Béis' Carry-On Roller. This bag recently replaced the Away Carry-On Flex as our best carry-on for extra space because it offers several thoughtful features we haven't seen in other bags, like a built-in weight indicator, a bag strap for safely carrying personal items that don't have a trolley sleeve, and tons of interior organization. When fully expanded, you'll have a whopping 61 liters of interior space in this bag, beating Away's 53.5 liters.

It's a versatile bag for every type of travel. This has quickly become one of our go-to bags for trips where we anticipate bringing back a bunch of souvenirs or ones that require bulky or specialty clothing, such as ski and hiking trips. It's also a fantastic option if you frequently travel by bus or train, where you don't have to worry as much about carry-on restrictions.

You might have to check it when it's expanded. When fully expanded, this bag is too big to fit in any airline's sizers, and you may be asked to check it. As a result, it's best if you think of this bag as a roomy carry-on that converts to a checkable bag. That said, our testers have never been asked to check this bag when fully expanded, and have carried it on over a dozen flights. You'll have to do your own moral inventory of whether you're OK being a contributor to crowded overhead bins and "carry-on creep."

The warranty is a little unclear. Béis bags have an attractive, modern look and come in a range of on-trend colors. However, one area where Béis is lacking is in its unclear warranty, which says it covers "reasonable lifespan of the materials" but does not indicate how long that is.

Read our full Béis carry-on luggage review.

Best high-end hard-sided

We love this lightweight bag from celeb-loved brand Rimowa. Rimowa is best known for its distinctive aluminum suitcases frequently spotted on celebrity Instagram accounts. While those bags will set you back a cool grand, the luxury travel brand has alternative high-quality options that won't cost more than your monthly rent. I was particularly impressed with the newer Essential Lite bag, which weighs less than five pounds — an especially great option for chronic overpackers who worry about their bag being overweight. Shockingly, the Lite suitcase actually holds slightly more than Rinowa's classic aluminum suitcase, too.

It's durable and glossy. The brand didn't sacrifice when it comes to the quality of the materials. Although the bag has some give at the top when pressed, the suitcase is plenty sturdy. Its thicker glossy coating also keeps it from scratching or marking up as easily as matte-finished suitcases. I tossed it around several times, and it survived the back of a moving truck with no dents, scratches, or marks.

I'm a huge fan of the design. The bag has a TSA-approved lock on top, a rubberized top handle that's comfortable to grip, and a sturdy telescopic handle. Thanks to cushioned axles, the wheels are whisper-quiet and work beautifully on every surface, from hardwood to carpet. I also liked that both sides of the interior had a mesh zipper, which I found made keeping everything organized and in place easier than the typical one-sided buckle system.

It's covered by a lifetime warranty. Previously, Rimowa offered a 5-year warranty on its bags. Luggage purchased after 2022, though, is now covered by a lifetime warranty, though only for defects caused by manufacturing. The company also works with a network of hotels to repair bags on-site should anything happen to them while you're traveling.

Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review.

Best high-end soft-sided

This is a luxury, well-designed suitcase. With a hybrid fiberglass frame, ballistic nylon exterior, reinforced corners, and smooth YKK zippers, this Briggs & Riley Baseline Carry-On is made to withstand the test of time. The wheels expertly navigated every surface, and the handle is sturdy and easy to grip. Two outer pockets on the front add additional space, but I found they didn't expand quite as much as the Travelpro front pockets. There's also a small zippered pocket on the back, ideal for keeping your phone (especially when going through security).

I like the unique compression system. While many bags feature compression in the form of a panel, this one has a frame built into the bag. You pop-up the expansion panels while packing to expand the bag. When you're done, you press them back down to compress everything. This means you can fit a ton into the bag without having to sit on the suitcase to get it to zip. Another smart feature that adds packable room to this bag is a fold-out divider in the smaller zippered compartment, so you can stack clothes, fold it in, and then stack more clothes before zipping it all up. The adjustable handle is also entirely on the outside of this bag, so no packing room is lost to the poles.

It's a little heavy. Some folks might find it difficult to lift into the overhead, especially when fully packed. The exterior poles can also make it a bit tricky to slide into an overhead bin. Still, these are small tradeoffs for an otherwise luxe bag.

Best aluminum

This bag is sleek and durable. Aluminum suitcases are more expensive than standard polycarbonate options. However, they're supremely durable and built to last. They also have a sleek, shiny look that stands out from the crowd at the airport. The Away Aluminum Carry-On has quickly become one of my favorites. I was worried it wouldn't easily fit into all overhead bins because it has a bulkier look, but I was even able to fit it on a small regional plane recently.

I love the way it looks. I receive compliments every time I take this bag out. As for durability, this carry-on has held up remarkably well so far, with no scratches, dings, or dents to speak of, even after I also threw it around on my rooftop to simulate the wear and tear that comes with typical plane travel.

It has plenty of room. I took this bag on a weekend ski trip and was able to fit my long underwear, sweaters, ski pants, gloves, and a light jacket on just one side. I easily fit a weekend's worth of everyday clothes on the other side. Its 360-degree spinner wheels roll easily on numerous surface types. Rather than a typical zipper, this aluminum suitcase features two sturdy TSA-approved locks that easily click into place.

It's heavy. While that isn't too big of an issue on car trips, train trips, or some flights, with airlines that have stricter weight limits I would hesitate to use this carry-on.

Read our full Away Carry-On review.

Best underseat

This roller fits snugly under an airline seat. Many folks opt for a backpack or duffel as a weekender bag, but a small rolling bag keeps your back and shoulders unencumbered — and can still fit under the seat in front of you. This Classic Rolling Underseat Carry-On from Travelpro is reminiscent of the ones carried by airline staff (in fact, the brand is popular with pilots and flight attendants).

It still has plenty of packing space. You're working with just 24.5 liters of interior space in this bag, but it's been smartly designed to make the most of it. There are two exterior side pockets for holding small items you want quick access to, and one large front opening that gives access to the interior of the bag. Inside is a laptop pocket and a removable hanging toiletry bag. A rear strap allows you to slip the bag over another roller if you're traveling with checked luggage, so you don't have to deal with rolling two bags at once.

It's small, but it still has quality hardware. Like the brand's other bags, this one has YKK zippers, smooth-gliding ball bearing wheels, and a lifetime warranty. If you're unsure this style is for you, you can also try it out for 100 days before you commit.

Read our full guide to the best personal item bags for more underseat options.

Our top picks, compared

What to look for in a carry-on bag

Soft-sided vs. hard-sided

While they're not as trendy, we think soft-sided suitcases are the best option for durability, features, and packing flexibility.

A decade ago, hard-sided bags were a novelty. Now, thanks to popular luggage brands like Away, they've become the norm. However, despite marketing claims, polycarbonate hard-sided luggage isn't actually any more durable than soft-sided fabric luggage. In fact, in our testing, we've found hard-sided bags show significantly more wear and tear even after just a few uses and perform about the same as soft-sided bags at protecting fragile, delicate items. The hard exterior also leaves less room for manufacturers to add features that many travelers prefer — like exterior pockets — without compromising the interior packing space of the bag. Hard-sided bags are a bit more waterproof, but the fact remains that the main reason to consider a hard-sided bag over a soft-sided bag is aesthetics rather than durability.

There are some exceptions. Aluminum hard-sided suitcases are generally more durable than even soft-sided suitcases. However, they are typically much, much more expensive.

Four wheels vs. two wheels

In general, you push a four-wheel suitcase and pull a two-wheel suitcase. We think most people, especially those who only take a few trips a year, will have an easier time maneuvering a four-wheel suitcase — they glide easily alongside and offer a much quicker turning radius.

However, road warriors who travel several times a month may wish to consider a two-wheeled bag, which is the preferred style of airline staff. Luggage with two wheels usually has more packing space, since less of the overall dimensions are dedicated to the wheels. The pulling motion makes the bags easier to handle on thick carpet, uneven pavement (like brick, cobblestones, or city curbs), and up and down stairs. There's also less of a chance of your bag rolling away on a hill or incline.

Size

Most US airlines technically cap carry-ons at 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels. However, in our experience (and the practical dimensions we've spotted in best-selling bags), you can usually get away with about an inch more room in each direction.

However, if you frequently travel on short jumper flights or often fly on budget airlines overseas, you may want to consider a carry-on no larger than 21.7" x 13.7" x 9".

Weight

In general, 7 or 8 pounds is a manageable dry weight for a carry-on bag. Keep in mind that extra bells and whistles add to the bag's weight, so carefully consider if those features are truly worth the extra weight before committing. For example, a portable USB charger often seems like a great perk in a bag, but it can add a whole extra pound of weight.

Material

When it comes to soft-sided suitcases, ballistic nylon is one of the most durable options, but again can mean a higher price point. Regular nylon can still be high-quality while being more affordable, while polyester tends to be a good budget option.

The most common materials for hard-sided suitcases are aluminum, polycarbonate, and ABS. Aluminum is extremely durable but also extremely pricey, and ABS is less durable but more affordable. A good polycarbonate bag can hit the sweet spot of price and quality.

How we test luggage

Our testing methodology

Our picks are based on hands-on testing both in controlled conditions and on the road. Over the years, we've tested dozens of suitcases, putting each through our standard testing methodology, which considers packability, maneuverability, and durability. We also took into account the price point, style, quality of materials, and any extra features the bags included.

Packability: I packed the same set of clothing in each bag (enough for a five-day trip), noting both the ease of packing and the amount of clothing the bag could actually hold.

Maneuverability: I packed each bag to capacity, rolled them for several blocks on the street, tested the wheels on wood floors, thick carpet, and concrete, stress-tested the zippers, and lifted each bag onto a high closet shelf roughly the same height as an overhead bin.

Durability: To test durability, I threw each bag a minimum of three times onto hard pavement, similar to how they might be tossed around on and off a plane by bag handlers.

Meet the experts behind this guide

Lauren Savoie, former deputy executive editor: I'm a jet-setter who takes dozen of flights every year. I oversaw luggage testing and developed the testing methodology for suitcases.

Hannah Freedman, former associate travel editor: In addition to being an avid traveler, I've spent years covering travel products like luggage.

Carry-on luggage FAQs

What's the best carry-on for traveling with kids?

Traveling with kids means you'll need easy access to snacks, entertainment devices, diapers, and other childcare items. That means outer pockets are your friend in a carry-on bag. Any of our soft-sided carry-on picks will do the job here.

Should I get a hard or soft carry-on?

It ultimately comes down your personal preference. We've found that hard-sided and soft-sided bags offer the same amount of protection. Soft bags are more malleable for extra packing space, while hard-sided bags are lighter and more stylish. Hard-sided bags shows scratches and scuffs more easily, but soft-sided bags are bulkier and easier to overpack.

What is the most accepted carry-on size?

For domestic flights in the United States, the most common size is 22 × 14 × 9 wide. These dimensions include wheels, handles, and any other features. This is standard for airlines like Delta, United, and American.

Small planes and international flights usually have smaller carry-on specifications, so always check with your airline before traveling.

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