After years of navigating airports, overhead bins and tight connections, we know what makes a great carry-on. Our travel team combined our own testing with recommendations from fellow Forbes Vetted jetsetters to round up the best carry-on luggage, just in time for summer trips. Our top pick overall is thanks to its generous capacity, great organization features and built-in compression, providing enough packing space for a full week. If you’re looking for value, the has everything you need for under $150. Below, see our top 13 carry-ons to help you maximize space.
I have been using Away suitcases since 2018, and I often recommend the brand’s suitcases for those looking to give hardside luggage a try. The brand’s Bigger Carry-On is the most-used suitcase in my carry-on collection.
Ample Compression To Maximize Space
Its compression system is truly strong enough to squeeze multiple overstuffed packing cubes; it also has comfortable grab handles, an integrated TSA lock and great accessories, like a laundry bag. Away’s website states that this suitcase could fit up to nine outfits and enough clothing for up to seven days, but I feel its capacity is undersold. I traveled with this suitcase on a ski trip to Switzerland, where I couldn’t check a suitcase due to having back-to-back connections on different airlines (I wouldn’t recommend doing this, by the way). I was able to stuff the Bigger Carry-On with eight days’ worth of bulky sweaters and layers, with no zippers harmed in the process.
Spacious Capacity, Affordable Price
At almost 48 liters, it has an incredible capacity for being a carry-on suitcase—I’ve slid it into dozens of overhead bins on a variety of different airlines and never had a problem with its size. The only other suitcase on this list to beat it in terms of capacity is the , which provides 61 liters of space—but only after you expand it. Since the Away Bigger Carry-On is not expandable, it’s capacity is especially impressive. It’s also one-third of the price of a Briggs & Riley carry-on, so when it comes to true bang for your buck, the Away Bigger Carry-On tops them all.
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Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On stands out for its high-end craftsmanship (that chic trimming is Italian leather) as well as 360-degree spinner wheels that are silent as a whisper. Part of its sleek look is thanks to the absence of a zipper; it’s built with a snap locking system that means it clicks open and closed instead. While I usually only use zippered luggage (I’m terrified of accidentally getting locked out of my things), this lock felt both super secure and easy to open when it was time to unpack. With just a click of a sturdy button, I was confident that my suitcase wouldn’t swing open on the stairs of the airport.
Stylish Exterior, Compressed Interior
While this suitcase’s stylish exterior makes it an excellent gift for the business traveler in your life, it’s a good fit for any type of excursion, as it’s sized to slide into the overhead bin of both domestic and European cabins. For overpackers, it comes with durable compression straps as well as a pad that helps maximize packing space. While this carry-on only features a zipped interior on one of its sides, you can store your clothing in packing cubes and secure them inside the suitcase using the compression straps.
Also Available In Aluminum
For other suitcases with a lock closure, Away’s Bigger Carry-On comes in an that also features easy-to-use snap lock closures (read the full Forbes Vetted review). Note that the aluminum Bigger Carry-On clocks in at 10 pounds, which is much heavier than this Carl Friedrik.
A high-quality suitcase doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg: The Samsonite Freeform costs less than $150 and has a wealth of useful features, including a built-in TSA lock, elastic tie-down straps and a zippered 1-inch expansion panel. “I’ve been using this Samsonite carry-on for the past six years and it never lets me down,” says one of our panel testers. “As a chronic overpacker, I love that it’s expandable and has organizational pockets to help separate my clothes and essentials.”
Lightweight Feel And Smooth-Rolling Wheels
At 6.5 pounds, this suitcase is more lightweight than most options on our list and the 360-degree wheels make it easy to maneuver. “It’s so convenient that I typically opt to bring it over a weekender bag even for short trips,” our tester says. Keep in mind that the shell is made of polypropylene rather than polycarbonate; while this contributes to both its lightness and its affordable price point, it’s not as durable as some of our other hardside picks like the .
I mostly travel with hardside luggage because it feels more impact-resistant, but I tested the Briggs & Riley Essential Baseline after it came highly recommended by other travel editors and writers I know, as well as my colleagues. (This model was named the best softside pick in our roundup of the best luggage.)
Extra Features For Easy Organization
I was impressed by its features—the built-in garment folder in particular came in handy for wrinkle-free dresses. A large pocket on the front allows for quick, easy access to a sweater or scarf, while a smaller, additional pocket is designed to hold your cell phone and charging cables. It has a pop-up expandable feature, but due to it soft exterior, I felt that I could squeeze even more clothing into it.
Long-Lasting Chic Exterior
While it’s definitely pricey, friends of mine who have used it have told me that their suitcases have lasted for years. I also think it has a very sophisticated look. However, this one is the heaviest option on this list, weighing 10 pounds.
A carry-on for international travel needs to be constructed with durability in mind: The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner’s exterior fabric feels so sturdy that I confidently recommend it for longer, international trips. The chrome zippers, in particular, feel extra durable and tug-proof. After stuffing it with clothes on three different trips, I understood why this brand is a favorite of pilots and flight attendants.
Plenty Of Pockets, Sturdy Handle
The carry-on is outfitted with interior compression straps, accessory pockets, a water-resistant toiletry bag and a removable suiter system (specially designed to keep suits looking crisp). The handle has a rubber contour grip and four adjustable heights, plus a top handlebar with padding that helped me hoist the suitcase into overhead bins with ease.
Less Stylish Compared To Other Options
Compared to other chic, minimalist options that made our list, like the , and hardside suitcases, this suitcase certainly looks more utilitarian than fashionable. Other softside options on the market have a bit more panache, like the . However, for a well-made case that is built to handle international travel, fans of softside luggage would be remiss to cross this option off the list based on style alone.
At under 8 pounds, the Monos Carry-On Pro is fairly lightweight, yet feels far from flimsy. I’m so impressed by this suitcase’s satisfying heft that I asked several friends to roll it around to experience it themselves. They all agreed: This suitcase feels dependable enough to leave momentarily standing without fear of it rolling down a hill.
Durable Polycarbonate Shell
Its polycarbonate shell feels equally tough. I traveled with this suitcase on three domestic trips and noticed barely any scuffing afterward, even though I used one of the lighter colors, Sage Green. That durable exterior provides a layer of confidence around the suitcase’s laptop compartment, which is spacious enough to hold a 15-inch laptop along with a few other small travel accessories. The suitcase’s 360-degree spinner wheels are incredibly smooth, and I appreciate that its telescopic handle stayed firm after blocks of bouncing across Boston’s cobblestone streets. This suitcase also comes with a helpful laundry bag and two shoe bags to make packing easier, and an integrated TSA lock for enhanced security.
Enough Room For Up To Five Day Trips
The brand’s website advertises this suitcase as spacious enough for five-day trips, but the laptop pocket does subtract some of that space, which is why I deducted points. After multiple trips, I would recommend three-to-four days as the sweet spot. Another thing to note is that the handles tend to lock up if you pack this suitcase to the brim, so overpackers may want to opt for an expandable option, like the or suitcases that also made this list.
The Away Carry-On Flex expands a generous 2.5 inches, which makes it great for packing any souvenirs you pick up during your trip. Unexpanded, the luggage stands at a modest 22 inches, masking its more spacious interior.
Generous Expandability
After using this on two trips to Stockholm, this became one of our testers’ favorite: “The expandability allows it to be spacious enough for five to six days of travel, and it has an excellent compression system. It was also very durable: I threw it into the back of cabs, pulled it over curbs and threw it on the luggage rack of the hotel room with ease.”
High Quality Construction For A Reasonable Price
Aside from its general roominess, the Away Carry-On Flex has the signature sleek polycarbonate shell and comes in nine sophisticated colors. Its smooth-rolling spinner wheels are comparable to others on our list—but in terms of value, the construction of this suitcase simply can’t be beat.
Our tester found the Calpak Terra Softside to be so lightweight that she had no trouble lifting into an overhead bin. “It’s compact so it easily fits, plus easy to carry over your head,” she says.
Sustainably Crafted
Along with its minimal weight, it’s sustainably constructed: The entire suitcase is made of 29 recycled bottles. Inside, three pockets add a bit of extra room, although our tester note there isn’t space for a whole lot: “It’s on the smaller side—on my trip to Colorado in the winter I only had room for one large winter jacket,” she says.
Seamless Maneuverability
Still, if overpacking isn’t an issue, we recommend its worth trying out for those shorter, two-to-three day trips. Above all else, its lightweight construction makes it one of those most maneuverable luggage on our list—our tester gave it plenty of high marks for that category. “I can rotate it in a 360-degree circle with one hand, and it smoothly glides along the floor,” she says. “It’s easy to make sharp turns in the airport and has an effortless pull.”
For cold weather trips or vacations that call for layers, an expandable suitcase is key. Béis makes one of the best expandable carry-on suitcases on the market today, with 2 inches of extra space to allow you to stuff in what you need (and maybe even what you don’t). I’ve traveled with this suitcase on several week-long trips and filled it with sweaters, jackets and more—and still had room left over after I zipped open its expandable space. The suitcase also comes with a built-in weight limit indicator: When you lift it by its side-carry handle, a red mark will appear if the luggage is over 50 pounds, meaning you’ll know in advance if your suitcase exceeds most airlines’ weight limit, giving you a chance to take a few items out rather than pay a fee.
Cushioned Handle For Smooth Carrying
The suitcase’s cushioned handle is another reason why it earned its spot in my permanent rotation. Oftentimes, I’ll find myself lugging a heavy suitcase for blocks and blocks, and the soft, plush fabric attached to this handle eases the journey. Factor in smooth-rolling wheels, an integrated TSA combination lock and a variety of great colors, and this luggage is a true winner. At over eight pounds, it’s just a bit heavier than Away’s The Bigger Carry-On, which is why I didn’t select it as my best overall pick.
One Of The Most Expandable Options On The Market
Travelers who don’t trust themselves enough to not squeeze in one more thing will want to opt for an expandable option. Beis’ Carry-On Roller has a greater capacity and is more forgiving than the , which comes in at 47.9 liters at its largest size.
Aer is known for its sleek, chic and modern travel pieces, and its compact Carry-On is no exception. It has durable zippers, a built-in TSA lock and three interior pockets, including one pocket made just for smart luggage trackers like the Apple AirTag. “It’s a really nice looking piece of luggage, and it handles nicely,” says our tester, who took the Carry-On with her from New Jersey to Germany for a business trip. “The lock was a cinch to program, and the zippers held even when I crammed it full on my return.”
Locking System To “Park” Your Luggage
Our testers appreciate this suitcase’s locking wheel system, which can easily be slid on or off. We’ve all had moments where we turn away for a moment and turn back to find our luggage sliding away. This brake system allows you to lock the wheels of your suitcase and essentially “park” it, so that you don't have to worry about it going anywhere if the ground is uneven.
Rolls Best Over Smooth Terrain
While the wheels rolled “exceedingly smoothly” through the airport, our tester noted that the suitcase struggled to get over bumpy sidewalks and a few doorways with raised frames. However, the handle design can be improved upon: Aer’s handle grip isn’t as comfortable as some of the other suitcases on the list (in particular, the , which stands out for its padded handle).
Measuring just 17.5 inches tall, this miniature version of the is ideal for overnight trips when you only need an outfit or two. Despite its small size, it’s equipped with a laptop sleeve and a hanging wet pocket for toiletries. And while it rolls smoothly through the airport on two wheels like a traditional suitcase, it’s compact enough to fit neatly underneath the seat in front of you.
Removable Pocket And Rear Strap Add Versatility
For those who don’t need the extra organization, the inside can be configured to suit your needs. “Since I don’t travel with much formalwear, I liked that I could remove the suitcase’s interior garment pocket and have an open cavity to put in clothes and a pair of shoes, which I would place in a packing cube,” says our tester, who included it in our list of the best underseat luggage. “It leaves more than enough real estate for potentially a second full change of clothes.” Additionally, a built-in rear strap gives you the option to secure this suitcase onto the top of your full-size spinner suitcase.
Water-Resistant In Unpredictable Weather
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 underseater features a durable polyester shell coated with DuraGuard, which resists water and stains. This is especially helpful if you’re headed someplace that gets unexpected showers, or if you’re traveling with spill-prone toddlers.
Our favorite tested personal item bag doubles as a traditional carry-on if you’re packing light enough. I’ve personally used it as a weekender bag, and love making the most of its handy shoe compartment and ample pocket space.
Made From Ultra-Soft Polyester
Calpak designers constructed the bag from a pillowy-soft polyester to ease any potential strain that duffels are infamous for. The shoulder strap is also reinforced to ensure it doesn’t dig into your shoulder uncomfortably. There are nine pockets for organization, so you can keep smaller essentials separated from one another.
Water Resistant To Withstand Tough Conditions
Another perk: Its exterior is water- and scratch-resistant. If you’re traveling with multiple suitcases in tow (which you may have to due its fairly limited capacity), you can use its trolley sleeve for a smoother ride. Many of our testers confirm it withstands unpredictable travel conditions with ease and it provides excellent value.
Other Carry-On Luggage We Tested
There are four additional suitcases that didn’t quite make our list of winners. However, they may still be a fit for your needs.
- : Australian luggage brand July is known for its sleek aesthetics, and this carry-on trunk is no exception. Its glossy exterior looks ultra-elegant in person, and its glide is extremely smooth. This style comes with a lock that is stylish but not as intuitive to use as , which is why we left it off our list.
- : This suitcase has an aesthetically pleasing gloss and feels solid and durable. Aside from a sturdy shell and built-in TSA lock, it’s also super spacious. However, we weren’t sure it provided enough value for its nearly $700 price tag, compared with some less expensive options on this list.
- : This features a sturdy hardshell, is relatively lightweight and lasts for years. Compared to many of the other ultra-minimalist hardside options on this list, it’s not as sleek, which is why it didn’t make our final cut—but some may appreciate its unique style.
- : Calpak is a favorite among Forbes Vetted readers and editors, and its Mini Carry-On is something uncommon—a hardside suitcase that can fit underneath an airplane seat. We also found it to be a smooth-rolling alternative to a backpack; although it has a little more capacity, it does weigh slightly more than our lightweight underseat pick, the .
Carry-On Luggage We Plan On Testing Next
Our travel team is constantly surveying the luggage space to stay up to date on new models to test. Here are three carry-on suitcases that we’re in the process of evaluating this year.
- : Cotopaxi is well-known for its hard-wearing travel gear in unique hues. Its hardshell Coraza suitcase has that can be swapped out for different colors, allowing you to infuse a bit more personality into your luggage. Other features include dual TSA locks on its latch closures and a removable interior organizer.
- : Available in eye-catching glossy and matte shades, this lightweight suitcase features Rimowa’s signature Multiwheel system, ensuring a smooth ride through the airport and along bustling city streets. It’s on the more expensive end of what a polycarbonate suitcase costs, so we’re curious to see if it lives up to its high price tag.
- : Clocking in at just under 5 pounds, this polycarbonate suitcase is the lightest suitcase Rimowa offers. While it shares the Essential Cabin’s Multiwheel system, it differs in that it has a T-bar handle and lacks an internal compression panel.
How We Tested The Best Carry-On Luggage
To determine a list of contenders for the best carry-on luggage, we sifted through top brands and considered a wide variety of carry-on options, both hardside and softside, to accommodate different preferences.
Real-World Field Testing
Over the course of six months and counting, our editors tested candidates on multiple domestic and international trips, ranging from weekend getaways via car, plane or train to week-long European escapes. Below are the specific criteria we used to evaluate each suitcase during the testing period.
- Packing capacity: We attempted to put at least five days worth of belongings into each suitcase and took note of how much more or less we could fit comfortably.
- Maneuverability: We evaluated how each suitcase felt rolling through an airport and how the wheels and handle functioned over a variety of different terrains, from bumpy cobblestone streets to snowy or rainy sidewalks.
- Durability: We assessed whether each suitcase handled the same way after a few trips and if there were any obvious scratches or dings after reasonable use.
Additional Features
We took note of how many special features each suitcase has and how well they work, such as internal compression functions, built-in phone-charging batteries, and expandable zippers. Luggage with more and better features were considered for our best overall pick.
Value
Based on how well the suitcase functions, how sophisticated it looks, how well it holds up to travel and the special features it has, we asked ourselves whether or not it justified its price tag.
What To Consider In The Best Carry-On Luggage
In addition to our testing criteria above, there are several key factors to keep in mind when picking out a carry-on suitcase. Here are some additional points to consider.
Hardside vs. Softside
Carry-on luggage comes in a range of hardside and softside options. According to Monos co-founder Hubert Chan, “A good hardcase shell needs to be both strong and flexible–protective, yet able to absorb impact without cracking.” Specifically, he recommends polycarbonate: an impact-resistant and durable thermoplastic that comprises the majority of our picks. While aluminum is also durable, it’s heavier and more expensive than polycarbonate and can be more prone to denting. Softside suitcases, on the other hand, are typically made of strong, rip-resistant nylon or polyester fabrics. They’re also lightweight and flexible for overhead or underseat storing.
Color
Most brands feature carry-on options in black and navy, but a few—including Away, Rimowa and Monos—have a wider range of colors. Suitcases in dark, neutral tones are popular for a reason; they hide scuff marks and are easy to keep looking fresh. However, they’re also going to blend in with the crowd, so we recommend adding a colorful luggage tag if you go this route. Lighter, brighter hues stand out at the airport carousel, but keep in mind that they’ll show dirt and markings more easily.
Additional Features
A nice-to-have design element is a zippered front compartment, which can hold electronic devices, charging cables or, in the case of the , a 15-inch laptop. Another optional inclusion is a TSA-approved lock: This is a combination lock that can be opened by airport security officials using a master key. Extras like these can ease your journey.
Warranty
A high-quality carry-on can be an investment, which is why we recommend buying one with a warranty that covers unexpected damages. Luggage warranties range from five years post-purchase to the full lifespan of your suitcase. Policies differ by brand, so make sure to read the fine print so you know exactly what to expect from your warranty.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has researched and published dozens of travel stories, with a particular focus on luggage topics informed by rigorous research and firsthand testing.
- Our travel team has covered niche suitcase topics across the board, including the best softside luggage, best lightweight luggage and best checked luggage.
- This story was written by former senior travel editor Astrid Taran, who has eight years of experience writing and editing travel content.
- This article and all picks featured were reviewed by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung. A lifestyle industry veteran, she oversees our travel, beauty and fashion verticals and has covered travel gear and destinations for over a decade.
- Several Forbes Vetted team members road tested suitcases for this article, including Taran, Sung, deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala and senior updates editor Karen Tietjen.
- We monitor this story to ensure accuracy and to reevaluate our picks. It was last updated in May 2026 by travel updates writer Claire Epting, who is deeply familiar with this story, as she conducts the majority of its updates. She has also tested several suitcases for this and related Forbes Vetted stories.