The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

We tried lots of excellent suitcases, but the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner was a clear winner. Earning perfect scores in all our tests, it’s easy to maneuver on two or four wheels and rolls smoothly on various surfaces, including carpet and hard flooring. 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. We wish this carry-on had a zippered section or removable bag for dirty laundry, but it does have a separator to keep your shoes away from your clean clothes.

We loved the sleek, minimalist-modern design of the Freeform, which comes in 12 hues ranging from white to mint to merlot. After hitting it with a bat, the polycarbonate (high-strength thermoplastic) shell was scuff-free and showed virtually no signs of damage. Even after six months of regularly traveling with this bag, it shows no signs of wear and tear and any scuffs it has accumulated have been easily buffed out. 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.

Price at time of publish: $180

The Details: 21 x 15 x 10 inches | 5.6 pounds | Expandable | 10-year limited warranty | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Best Overall, Runner-up

Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Expandable Hardside Spinner

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  4.7/5

• Design

  4.5/5

• Maneuverability

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

Travelpro’s Platinum Elite Hardside Spinner was a close runner-up to the Samsonite Freeform. Its durable ​​polycarbonate shell stood up well to being hit with a bat and pushed off a table. After regularly traveling with the bag for six months — including one full month abroad — this bag is unfazed. The adjustable handle feels solid while offering a comfortable grip, and thanks to the self-aligning spinner wheels, the whole thing rolls smoothly — though it takes a little more elbow grease to maneuver it on carpeted floors.

We had no issue packing the clothes and shoes on our list when we expanded the suitcase. Keep in mind, of course, that this makes it a bit harder to fit in an overhead bin. A few more internal pockets would have been nice as well, but in the end, we think the durable design is worth the investment.

Price at time of publish: $370

The Details: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | 8.5 pounds | Expandable | USB-port | Limited lifetime warranty | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Best Softside

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Expandable Carry-on Spinner

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  4.5/5

• Design

  4.8/5

• Maneuverability

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  4.5/5

Our favorite softside suitcase is the Travelpro Platinum Elite Spinner. Made of premium fabric with leather corner piping and chrome hardware, it held up well under many hits with a bat — no tears or scuffs in sight. We found it easy to fit everything into the two main compartments and mesh zippered pockets, though we had to expand it, which makes it substantially larger.

The Platinum Elite is a breeze to maneuver on four wheels, gliding smoothly and turning with ease. (Pulling it on two wheels calls for a bit more effort.) This smart carry-on has a USB port with a designated pocket for a powerbank, which you’ll have to buy separately. It also comes with a TSA lock. All things considered, we think the price is fair for such a reliable, feature-rich design.

Price at time of publish: $370

The Details: 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 inches | 8.3 pounds | Expandable | USB-port | Limited lifetime warranty | Softside | 4 spinner wheels

Best Budget

Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Maneuverability

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

For something more affordable, look no further than Amazon. This $90 hardside suitcase maneuvers really smoothly, even on carpet and over bumps, and handles turns like a champ. Not only that, but the scratch-resistant shell held up surprisingly well through our bat and drop tests.

We were able to fit clothes, shoes, jackets, and toiletries without having to expand it, 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. 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.

Price at time of publish: $90

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

Best Lightweight

Delsey Paris Clavel Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Maneuverability

  4/5

• Durability

  4.7/5

• Value

  4/5

The carry-ons we tested ranged in weight from 12.9 down to 4.36 pounds. Weighing just over 5 pounds, the Delsey Clavel was the best lightweight option we tried. This hardside spinner has a polypropylene (thermoplastic) shell that held up pretty well during our tests, though a particularly hard bat swing did dent it slightly. After traveling with the bag for six months, it only has minor scuffs — even after it was checked. While it looks small, it holds a surprising amount of clothes, even without the expander, and should fit into an overhead bin without any issues.

This carry-on maneuvers well over cracks and bumps. However, the handle is somewhat short and feels slightly loose. Still, we think the price is fair and would recommend it to anyone in the market for lightweight, fuss-free baggage for shorter trips.

Price at time of publish: $190

The Details: 22 x 14 x 10 inches | 5.3 pounds | 43 liters | Expandable | 5-year limited warranty | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Best Expandable

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-on Spinner

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Maneuverability

  3.5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

Samsonite’s Outline Pro Spinner has an expandable design with various compartments for packing and organizing all your stuff, plus a compression system to ensure you’re getting the most out of the available space. We were able to easily fit four days’ worth of belongings without having to use the expander, so it’s nice to know there’s wiggle room.

After hitting it several times, we didn’t notice any scratches or dents. Even after regularly traveling with the bag for six months, it only shows minor scuffing that can be buffed out. While this carry-on maneuvered pretty well, the wheels didn’t seem as durable as others we tried, and it didn’t turn very sharply. Still, it redeems itself with a polished exterior, built-in USB port, and reasonable price point.

Price at time of publish: $200

The Details: 20.5 x 14.5 x 10 inches | 7.3 pounds | Expandable | USB-port | 10-year limited warranty | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Best Underseat

Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  4.5/5

• Maneuverability

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• Functionality

  5/5

Looking for something you can stash underneath the seat in front of you? The Hue Mini Carry-On from Calpak might be just the thing. Measuring 16 x 14 x 8 inches, it’s conveniently compact but still spacious enough to fit a couple days’ worth of outfits. There’s also a laptop sleeve, making it a top choice for short business trips.

Despite the mini design, the sophisticated color options and modish silhouette will leave no confusion over whether it’s for an adult or child. The four spinner wheels offer excellent maneuverability, too, and there’s even a TSA-approved lock if you ever decide to check it. If we could change one thing, we’d add an outer pocket for easy access in-flight. But other than that, we think the price is more than fair for the quality, features, and durability.

Price at time of publish: $165

The Details: 16 x 14 x 8 inches | 6 pounds | 29 liters | 2-year limited warranty | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Best Hardside

Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Maneuverability

  5/5

• Durability

  4/5

• Value

  5/5

We also liked the stylish Bigger Carry-on Flex from Away. This hardside suitcase has a lightweight yet sturdy polycarbonate shell. The impressively durable material didn’t dent upon being whacked with a bat, though it did sustain a few scratches when we threw it off the table. We found it easy to clean, however.

After six months of regularly traveling with this bag, we feel that it is perfect for over-packers. The suitcase has two main compartments and an interior compression system, making it not only easy to fit but also to organize all the necessary belongings. You can also extend it for a little more space, and there’s a hidden laundry bag for dirty clothes. Despite being Away’s ‘bigger’ carry-on, we were surprised with how lightweight it was, even when it was packed full. It also glides and turns really well on two or four wheels, while the grab handles make it easy to lift overhead. So, while the Bigger Carry-on Flex certainly isn’t the most affordable option we tested, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

Price at time of publish: $345

The Details: 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches | 7.2 pounds | 47.9 liters | Expandable | Limited lifetime warranty | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Best Splurge

Tumi Continental Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry-on

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Maneuverability

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  3/5

If you’re open to splurging on a high-end suitcase, we recommend the Tumi Alpha Continental. It moves like a dream on various types of flooring, thanks to the four smooth-gliding spinner wheels and comfortable telescoping handle. Even after regularly traveling with the bag for six months, we’re shocked that the wheels don’t show any scuffs or signs of use. Made of the brand’s signature ballistic nylon, it also passed our baseball bat test with flying colors.

In lab testing, we were able to pack everything into the main compartment and various inner pockets without a fuss — no expansion needed. There are three external pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve. All zippers are conveniently lockable, and there’s a TSA combination lock for extra protection. The Alpha Continental also has a built-in USB port you can connect to a power bank (sold separately). Though the price is a little hard to justify, this is undoubtedly a high-quality carrier. The only other thing to note is that at nearly 12 pounds when empty, it’s one of the heaviest carry-ons we tested.

Price at time of publish: $1,050

The Details: 22 x 16 x 9 inches | 11.9 pounds | 42 liters | Expandable | USB-port | Limited warranty | Softside | 4 spinner wheels

Best Style

Beis The Carry-on Roller

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Maneuverability

  5/5

• Durability

  2.5/5

• Value

  3/5

If luggage aesthetic is a top priority, Béis might be your best bet. The brand’s endlessly chic and versatile Carry-on Roller has a mostly monochrome exterior with contrasting wheels. We found it easy to pull and turn on two wheels, even over bumps, though it was slightly unwieldy at times when we maneuvered it on all four wheels. And we had no trouble lifting it overhead.

Beyond its attractive design, we were thrilled by the generous capacity and organizational features. After traveling with this bag, we didn’t have any trouble with airlines saying the carry-on was too big for the plane, although we could see it being a bag that needs to be gate checked for very small planes. This carry-on has dual main compartments, multiple zippered pockets, handy drawstring bags for dirty shoes and clothes, and a padded divider for a laptop or tablet. The cushioned silicone handle is a nice touch, too.

Price at time of publish: $218

The Details: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 8.3 pounds | 49-61 liters | Expandable | Limited lifetime warranty | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Most Durable

Briggs & Riley Sympatico Domestic Carry-on Expandable Spinner

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  4/5

• Design

  4/5

• Maneuverability

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  4.5/5

The most durable carry-on we tested is Briggs & Riley’s Sympatico Domestic Spinner. This compact suitcase is undeniably expensive, but hear us out. The exceedingly robust, shock-absorbing Makrolon polycarbonate shell sustained exactly zero dents or scratches during our bat and drop tests and still looks brand new after six months of frequent travel.

Durability aside, this carry-on was easy to maneuver on hard floors and carpet, around tight corners, and even over bumps. It also has a good amount of packing space with plenty of organizational features. We like how thoughtfully designed its features are, with elements like pockets, dividers, and expanding sides that really maximize the space in this smaller carry-on bag. One thing to note is that the expander is on the inside, which isn’t the most intuitive. Other than that, we loved the look of the glossy exterior and think it definitely reflects the premium price tag.

Price at time of publish: $599

The Details: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 8.8 pounds | 41.3-50.5 liters | Expandable | USB-port | Limited lifetime warranty | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Best for Staying Organized

Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Maneuverability

  5/5

• Durability

  4.5/5

• Value

  4/5

For highly organized travelers, we recommend the Paravel Aviator. After regularly traveling with the bag for six months, we really love the exceptional capacity and organizational features. Even though it’s not expandable, the built-in compression board makes it easy to fit everything into the zippered compartments. It also comes with a removable laundry bag for dirty clothes.

Inspired by retro luggage with a modern twist, this classy carry-on is a sight for sore eyes. Not only that, but the durable polycarbonate exterior feels sturdy and sustained just a few minor scuffs during our tests. It’s super easy to maneuver, too. Although the Paravel Aviator is somewhat steep in price, we think it’s a worthwhile investment for those in the market for a high-quality suitcase.

Price at time of publish: $425

The Details: 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | 8.5 pounds | 46.6 liters | USB-port | 10-year limited warranty | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Best Backpack

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• Comfort

  5/5

Clocking perfect scores in all our tests, the best carry-on backpack is definitely the Cotopaxi Allpa. Boasting a generous 35-liter capacity, plus various pockets and compartments, it makes packing pretty stress-free. Not only that, but the side zippers allow for easy access, even when it’s stuffed full. There’s also a padded sleeve for your laptop or tablet.

The pack is available in several cheery colorways with a slightly rugged flair, and we loved the design and looks. It’s made of high-strength polyester with ballistic nylon paneling and coated with water-repellent thermoplastic, so you can count on it to hold up for years in various weather conditions. It even comes with a raincover for an extra layer of protection. The contoured straps make it super comfy to wear, while the handles make it easy to lift overhead.

Price at time of publish: $200

The Details: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | 3.5 pounds | 35 liters | Nylon