A decent carry-on is essential for any regular traveler. You’ll be happy to have one on hand even if you don’t travel often. But what constitutes a good carry-on, beyond from the fact that it lets you avoid checked baggage? For us, it comes down to design, durability, capacity, and maneuverability.
To find out which models meet all the requirements, we assessed many carry-on bags, including weekenders, duffels, suitcases, backpacks, and underseat bags. To test their durability in a real-world environment, we rolled them over different surfaces, flipped them around, lifted them above our heads, and struck them with a baseball bat. we also constructed an airplane set to lift them into overhead bins before our editors bring each bag on real trips to see how they fare long-term. The results of these tests were considered — along with price, weight, dimensions, materials, and smart features — to narrow down the best carry-ons currently on the market.
QUICK LIST
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
Top 5 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2025
1.Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner
- The Perfect Size: The textured, scratch-resistant exterior of this hardshell carry-on luggage is 21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10.0″ with wheels and meets the cabin size restrictions of most airlines.
- Stay Organized: This small hard-sided carry-on suitcase provides ample packing room with a spacious 19.5″ x 14.5″ x 10.0″ interior. The elastic straps, divider, and pouch ensure everything stays neatly in place
- Effortless Travel: Glide through airports easily with our smooth rolling, hardside carry-on luggage. With four oversized, multidirectional spinner wheels and a 6.5 lbs lightweight hard case, the suitcase moves effortlessly in all directions.
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
We tested a number of great carry-on bags, but the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner stood out as a lightweight, robust, and extensible option. We just conducted a second test of this bag in our lab to make sure we were still as impressed as we were when we initially tried it out two years ago. We discovered that it is easy to handle on two or four wheels and rolls easily on a variety of surfaces, including carpet, hard floors, and over obstacles. It also exceeded expectations during both lab tests and when we tested it in the real world. Additionally, we appreciate that the aluminum telescoping handle locks and expands at the touch of a button.
When you need more room, this all-star suitcase can expand by a few inches and features multiple compartments inside the main compartment. No enlargement was required because we were able to pack enough clothing for a four-day excursion, including two pairs of shoes, several jackets, and two toiletry bags. We wish this carry-on had a zipped area or detachable bag for dirty clothing, but your favorite travel pouch will work just fine. It does feature a separation to keep your shoes apart from your clean things.
The Freeform, which is available in over 12 colors, including white, mint, and merlot, has a sleek, minimalist-modern style that we adored. In both tests, the polycarbonate (high-strength thermoplastic) shell held up after being struck with a baseball bat.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.
Pros
- a durable thermoplastic shell
- This all-star carry-on has a spacious capacity
Cons
- There’s no designated zippered section for dirty clothes.
2.Tumi Alpha International Dual Access Carry-on
- Dual-Access Travel Luggage: This carry-on luggage features front-lid or split-case zip entry to the main compartment, both with security zippers
- Durable Luggage: Crafted from TUMI’s FXT ballistic nylon, this durable suitcase withstands the rigors of travel while its X-Brace 45 handle system ensures stability
- Tech-Savvy Charging Suitcase: Stay powered on the move with this travel suitcase’s built-in USB-C charging port; it also features a hanging mesh zipper pocket with a removable USB cable
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
The Samsonite Freeform came in second place to the Tumi International Dual Access carry-on. With its comfortable telescopic handle and four twin spinning wheels that glide smoothly, it moves like a dream on a variety of flooring types. The wheels never snagged on anything, even after three months of use, which made it simple to dash through the airport or find your way around a new city. Additionally, it passed our baseball bat test with flying colors because it is made of the brand’s iconic ballistic nylon.
We enjoyed the versatility of a detachable suiter for excursions with dressier apparel, and we were able to fit everything into the bag’s multiple pockets. In order to conveniently hold our four-day excursion, the clamshell design also has multiple inside pockets and compression straps on one half.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.
Pros
- This bag has two access points and a removable garment bag for a suit or dress
Cons
- When the front-access section is fully packed, it will eat into the space in the main compartment
3.Away The Carry-On Flex
- Expandable Carry On Luggage: Unzip and unleash an additional 25% more capacity.
- Durable Hard Shell Suitcase: Crafted from 100% polycarbonate, this hard-shell construction provides exceptional strength and resilience.
- Fully compliant with TSA and airlines: Permitted for Carry On & Check In
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
Thanks to two roomy inside pockets and a useful compression system, this sturdy carry-on manages to be small and lightweight while yet providing a ton of space inside. For organizing, you can use the mesh pockets to keep smaller goods and zip your items on one side and buckle them on the other. The Carry-on Flex has a zipper expander that adds an extra 2.25 inches in case you happen to buy too many souvenirs on a trip and need to squeeze them all in on the way home. As many overpackers know, sometimes you simply need a few extra inches of space. However, use of the expander may cause your carry-on to increase by one inch, so be cautious of your airline’s overhead bin limitations.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.
Pros
- This carry-on is pretty spacious to begin with, but you can unzip the expander for 2.25 inches of extra space
Cons
- It might not meet all carry-on sizing requirements when you fully expand it
4.Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside 21-inch Spinner
- CARRY-ON DESIGN: Best for 1-5 day trips without the hassle of checking luggage; measures 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches, including wheels
- DURABLE AND RELIABLE: Extra-thick hard shell with scratch-resistant finish guards against impact and rough handling
- EXPANDABLE: Increase packing space up to 25% for added flexibility and organization
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
Amazon is the only place to look for something more reasonably priced. We discovered that the handles of this inexpensive hardside suitcase turn like a pro and that it moves remarkably smoothly over bumps and over carpet. Like the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on, we enjoyed this bag so much that we recently tested it again to make sure it still met our criteria. In addition, the scratch-resistant shell stood up surprisingly well through our bat and drop tests on multiple occasions. After striking the bag with a baseball bat for the second time, we did notice some tiny scuffing, but it was easy to rub them out with a finger.
We were able to fit four days’ worth of clothes during testing.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.
Pros
- This wallet-friendly carry-on has a scratch-resistant shell and a surprisingly spacious capacity
Cons
- It only comes in four colors and doesn’t have any smart features or a combination lock
5.Briggs & Riley 22 Inch Spinner
- Outsider Handle: Provides optimal capacity and a flat packing surface inside to minimize wrinkling.
- World’s only one-touch CX expansion: increases packing capacity when you need more space. Simply press CX buttons and pull up sides to expand. Once ready, zip closed and push down to compress
- Tri-Fold Garment Folder: With Foam roll bar neatly holds 1-2 suits and prevents wrinkling
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
Although checked bags usually offer more space than carry-ons, Briggs & Riley’s 22-inch spinner gives you the best value. When completely inflated, it offers up to 51 liters of space, making it the largest on this list. But the bag’s ingenious extension system, which gives us 25% additional space, has to be our favorite feature. Unlike a conventional suitcase, which has a zipper, this one has panels that can be raised from a 41-liter bag to a 51-liter bag in a matter of seconds by pressing two buttons inside the bag.
We were able to fit our whole packing list in the bag during testing, and it is still rather roomy without the expander. The purse 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.
Pros
- The expansion system is easy to use and adds 10 more liters of space, making this the most spacious carry-on on this list
Cons
- The bottom of the bag scratched when it was pulled over a curb during testing
Tips for Buying Carry-on Luggage
Consider hardside vs. softside luggage
Although checked bags usually offer more space than carry-ons, Briggs & Riley’s 22-inch spinner gives you the best value. When completely inflated, it offers up to 51 liters of space, making it the largest on this list. But the bag’s ingenious extension system, which gives us 25% additional space, has to be our favorite feature. Unlike a conventional suitcase, which has a zipper, this one has panels that can be raised from a 41-liter bag to a 51-liter bag in a matter of seconds by pressing two buttons inside the bag.
We were able to fit our whole packing list in the bag during testing, and it is still rather roomy without the expander. The purse has Softside luggage, on the other hand, is typically a lighter weight, more flexible if you tend to be an overpacker, and often just as durable as its hardside counterpart. While a textile shell can be trickier to clean, it may not show as much dirt or scuffs either, and it likely won’t dent like a hardside bag can. See our rundown of how to choose between hardside and softside bags for more information.
Look for lightweight construction
A carry-on’s weight is an important consideration. Before making a purchase, make careful to check the suitcase or bag’s empty weight because heavier designs will make a packed carrier even more difficult to use. Both maneuverability and the ability to lift it into the airplane’s overhead bin are impacted by weight. The weight range of the wheeled carry-on bags we evaluated was 4.36 to 12.9 pounds. For many folks, anything heavier than that will be too much.
Decide if you want extra organizational features
Some carry-on bags are really simple, consisting of a main compartment and one or two pockets. Nonetheless, a lot of weekenders, duffel bags, and suitcases come with extra organizing capabilities that greatly simplify packing and getting to your belongings. A wash bag, a shoe separator, a laptop sleeve, multiple zipped sections, outside pockets, and even charging capabilities might be included.