The Best Carry-On Luggage, Tested & Reviewed (2024)

Weight: 8.2 lb.
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Capacity: 43.7L
Expandable: No

Luggage brand Paravel has built a dedicated following thanks to its retro Wes Anderson–style designs and use of sustainable materials. The Aviator Carry-On is no different: Available in shades like Scout Tan, Safari Green, and Scuba Navy, it has a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, and an interior lining made from 15 upcycled plastic water bottles. It’s a favorite of associate articles director Megan Spurrell: “This is one of two carry-on roller bags I have used regularly for nearly three years—we’ve traveled everywhere from Lisbon to Mexico City to Los Angeles together.” Spurrell has used it for weeklong trips, and notes that it’s still in good shape after years of use: “It has definitely gotten scratched up from being thrown into the hull of planes (I have checked it before, even though it’s carry-on), but it has held up well otherwise—there are no cracks in the shell, zipper issues despite how much I have stuffed it, nor sticky wheels.” The one minor flaw: The top handle placement is a bit counterintuitive, placed on the side of the suitcase further from your body.

Pros: Glides smoothly even when fully packed, unique look and feel
Cons: No external phone charger included, could use an interior pocket along the length of the bag

Weight: 7.8 lb.
Dimensions: 22″ × 14″ × 11 
Capacity: 53L
Expandable: Yes

Before Monos launched its expandable collection this summer, commerce editor Meaghan Kenny’s most-used, most beloved carry-on was the brand’s original carry-on. And while it got top marks for its durability, smooth wheels, and interior organization, her one qualm was that it wasn’t expandable. “I overpack my suitcase every time, whether I’m traveling for two weeks or two days, so that extra wiggle room means a lot to me.” When an expandable version launched this summer, she couldn’t wait to get her hands on it. Since then, it’s come with her on a few weekend trips, including a four-day girls trip to Montauk in which she packed four daytime outfits, a few sundresses for dinners, a few bathing suits, cover-ups, sandals, and heels. Inside, there is a zippered compartment with a large mesh section that lets you keep some items separated; this comes in handy on the way back from your trip if you want to separate dirty clothes or liquid products. The other side of the suitcase features a built-in, removable compression pad with a zippered pocket for flat items. “The compression pad really helps keeps items secure, and flattens them so I can fit even more clothing.” At $305, it’s reasonably priced—especially when considering its expandability, durability, and sleek look, Kenny says. “I’ve tried out much more expensive carry-ons that quickly become scuffed up after one trip. This carry-on is sturdy enough to handle some wear and tear and offers lots of internal organization, making it well worth the price point for me.”

Pros: TSA-approved lock, expandable, compression pad, dent-resistant
Cons: Not the lightest carry-on I’ve ever used; bulky to lift when expanded

Weight: 8.36 lbs.
Dimensions: 23″ x 16″ x 10″
Capacity: 49–61L
Expandable: Yes

With a pretty, ribbed design and thoughtful features like a cushioned silicone grip on the handle, you wouldn’t guess this is one of the most affordable suitcases on our list. It’s been tested by commerce writer Paris Wilson, who used it to pack for her and her boyfriend on a weeklong trip to the Florida Keys; with the help of the expandable zipper, it fit at least 14 outfits as well as four pairs of shoes and two purses. The wheels have stood up to bumpy roads—“We live in downtown Manhattan where cobblestone streets are a staple and we still managed to make it to the subway without any hangups”—and the included pouches come in handy for dirty clothes or even souvenirs. “I’m tempted to buy the remaining luggage to create a set; I would recommend this to anyone who’s interested in building their luggage collection but might not know where to start.”

Pros: Comfortable handle, fairly easy to clean
Cons: Although the beige color is incredibly pretty, it gets dirty very quickly; I would recommend a darker color

Weight: 7.9 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 15″ x 9.5″
Capacity: 47.9L
Expandable: No

Tested by editorial assistant Jessica Chapel, who has taken it on a flight to New Mexico, a bus ride to New Jersey, and in cars on weekend trips from New York, Away’s Bigger Carry-On is one of the lighter bags on the list at under eight pounds. Compared to her previous suitcase, “It does wonders. Prior to this luggage I often traveled with a checked bag. I can fit almost as much in this suitcase, and it’s way more practical—and feels more swift, given the 360-degree wheels.” This bestseller comes with a laundry bag and features interior compression straps that helps you fit extra clothing.

Pros: Durable wheels, easy to lift, compression straps
Cons: Because of its size, it may be checked on smaller planes or flagged to be checked on planes at full capacity

Weight: 8.6 lb.
Capacity: 40L
Dimensions: 22″ x 15″ x 9.5″
Expandable: No

“This suitcase is absolutely gorgeous,” says associate editor Matt Ortile. “The Carl Friedrik tagline really means it: You walk around with this dashing thing, rolling along the way, whether in Montmartre or Union Station, and you fully carry it and yourself with confidence.” Ortile has brought it to Saudi Arabia, Portofino, Washington DC, and Paris (twice). “I am a serial overpacker and this has me covered for anywhere from two days to five days max,” Ortile says. “I think it will be good for much lighter packers, covering them for an average of a week, especially if you’re traveling with just this and a personal item.” The biggest reason to get this trunk-style suitcase: the way it rolls. “It moves beautifully, smoothly rolling over hard floors and carpet alike.” Also, it’s so sturdy, it’s basically a chair. “I sit on it whenever I’m waiting in line at the airport and I don’t worry about it caving in or collapsing,” he says. Really, though, it’s the kind of suitcase made for a luxury traveler. “It’s the kind of bag that will look right at home as the valets at a five-star hotel load it into your Uber Black; someone who doesn’t have to worry about the weight because they’re flying business or first class.”

Pros: Incredibly good-looking and sturdy; moves on all terrain like a dream
Cons: Heavy

Weight: 3.9 lb.
Dimensions: 21″ x 14″ × 7.5″
Capacity: 32L
Expandable: No

July calls this the lightest double-wheel suitcase in the world, and it is the lightest we’ve tested here at Traveler at just under four pounds when empty. Research director Alexandra Sanidad has brought it on planes to Phoenix, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon, and on an Amtrak to Woodstock, New York; she says “it’s very cute and fits nicely in tight spaces,” and is a “good price for a sturdy, colorful, functional suitcase.” As for what it fits, light packers can fit a week’s worth of clothing in here; if you’re bringing multiple day and night outfits, plan for a weekend’s worth.

Pros: I enjoy the ease with which you can move this piece of luggage around; it feels very zippy
Cons: The telescopic handle sometimes sticks

Weight: 8.1 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 15″ x 10.3″
Capacity: 47L
Expandable: No

This Arlo Skye zipper-front suitcase has gone on many trips with Spurrell—she alternates between this and the Paravel carry-on, and this one has been to Peru, upstate New York, and Montauk: “I take it as a carry-on for most flights—from weekend trips to weeklong getaways—because it’s surprisingly roomy, with an organized front pocket that I can easily stow essentials like my laptop, book, and magazines in.” Sleek yet durable, it comes with a removable charger (boasting both USB C and USB A ports), two shoe bags, a laundry bag, and a cotton storage cover. The aesthetics are a plus, too: “I love the design of this bag—it feels like a reliable, sleek rolling bag, with design you’ll never get tired of.”

Pros: The front zipper is such a plus, with lots of sections for organizing
Cons: The color range isn’t huge—I wish they alternated in more shades

Weight: 6.3 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 14.5″ x 9.5″
Capacity: 46L
Expandable: Yes

Recommended by associate social media manager Kayla Brock, this expandable carry-on has a mesh zip compartment and zip-lock compartments inside, which make organizing clothes, accessories, and toiletries easy. She has brought it to North Dakota, Europe, New York, Zanzibar, Seattle, Jamaica, Chicago, Colorado, and the Cayman Islands, packing for as long as three weeks with it (though in winter time, it’s better suited for weekend trips). “Although it originally looks like my clothes wouldn’t fit (I’m guilty of overpacking), the suitcase closed with ease,” Brock says. In the year-plus that she’s been using it, it has gotten some scuffs and discoloration on certain parts of the body, and the zippers have bent a little; however, Brock still strongly recommends it: “Out of all the suitcases I have this is my absolute favorite and without a doubt the one that I take with me on a trip.”

Pros: Lightweight and fits a lot of clothing and shoes
Cons: Hard to lift when heavy; hard to clean/get scuffs out

Weight: 7.6 lb.
Dimensions: 21″ x 14″ x 9″
Capacity: 39L
Expandable: Yes

“This is the first hard-shell carry-on I’ve used, and I’ve really enjoyed it,” says destinations editorial assistant Kat Chen. “My loyalty to the soft-sided bag came from the belief that I needed flexible and expandable luggage, but the Hue hard-shell is that and more, with its added bonus of being easier to dust off and endure more wear and tear.” On trips to Massachusetts and Tennessee, she’s found it easy to maneuver and lift into overhead compartments, which Chen says she “sometimes struggles with as a shorter person.” The interior of the bag is pretty standard—“This is a bag that isn’t trying to do anything new—it’s just mastering the basics,” Chen says—with a couple of mesh zips in front of a bigger pocket that opens into one half of the luggage shell. “On my last trip, I added some extra clothing items to pad my devices in this pocket, and it really lightened my backpack’s usual load.” Colors range from straight-out-of-a-crayon-box shades to deeper gem tones, Chen says. “The glossiness of the shell and its beveled corners remind me of an ice pop.”

Pros: Lightweight, spacious for its size, easy-to-use TSA-approved lock, expandable
Cons: No padded pocket for devices

Weight: 7.74 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 15″ x 10″
Capacity: 44L
Expandable: No

“This bag looks so good and is so easy to use that I may be officially converted from a stringent duffel backpack proponent to wheeled-suitcase lover,” says associate editor Hannah Towey. She brought the suitcase on a trip to Paris for the Olympics, as well as on several train rides between NYC and Connecticut. “For how sturdy the suitcase is, it’s incredibly lightweight, with a gorgeous Vermilion interior with dual compartments, compression cross straps, a zippered divider, and a mesh pocket for storing your delicates.” On her trip to Paris, she was able to fit a week’s worth of clothing and three pairs of shoes (loafers, sandals, and kitten heels). It’s exceptionally easy to both carry and wheel, she says. “These wheels have survived the potholes and cracks of New York City sidewalks and effortlessly glide across the terminal floor,” Towey says. “As a New Yorker who lives in a six-floor walkup, I almost always prefer a carry-on duffel bag with backpack straps because rolling a suitcase up and down the stairs and over the sidewalk, then down to the subway is a major pain. But with two handle options (one on the top and one on the side), carrying this lightweight carry-on was much less arduous—and saved my back the strain.

Pros: Perfect balance of luxury aesthetics and functionality
Cons: The shell did get a small dent after I checked it on a flight

Weight: 6.8 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 16″ x 11.5″
Capacity: 57L
Expandable: Yes

“The Quince Expandable Carry-On may be my new favorite carry-on,” Brock says. “I love the beautiful tan color, but the best part is how smoothly it rolls.” While testing it out, she took the suitcase on a two-and-a-half-week domestic trip, fitting all the clothes she needed, including a few pairs of shoes. “I had plenty of room in the two mesh pockets for smaller items even with it full, and the suitcase was lightweight and easy to carry and place in the overhead bins.” It did get scratched fairly easily, so if that’ll bother you, opt for one of the darker colors, rather than the tan hue shown above. For those who prefer to travel a little lighter, Chapel recommends the non-expandable carry-on from Quince, too.

Pros: Expandable, comes with a laundry bag and compression panels
Cons: Just four color options

Weight: 6.4 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 15″ x 10″
Expandable: Yes

Among the lighter suitcases on this list, the Samsonite Outline Pro carry-on is easy to lift when needed, associate social media manager Emily Adler says. She brought it on two road trips this summer, and appreciated how nicely it rolled when full. She’s experienced no scratches or issues with the hardware so far, and counts the eco-conscious Recyclex fabric, TSA-approved lock, and extra inch of space when expanded as standout features. There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles here, but if you’re looking for a good solid workhorse for weekend trips, it’s “very sturdy, well-made, and gets the job done well,” Adler says. “It’s not the most stylish piece of luggage, but it is definitely practical.”

Pros: Rolls nicely, easy to use, no tricky features
Cons: Not the most aesthetically pleasing luggage for someone who is more fashion-forward

Weight: 6.53 lb.
Dimensions: 21.5″ x 15″ x 9.5″
Expandable: Yes

This hard-shell carry-on with spinner wheels and a built-in TSA lock has racked up rave reviews on Amazon, like this one: “It fit an odd amount of stuff in it. It’s like a clown car. It has compartments and zippers that keep things separate and organized. It holds up well and is really good looking. It’s absolutely worth every penny. I’m purchasing more for the rest of the family.” Kenny agrees, calling it an overpacker’s dream bag. The hardside spinner comes in black, navy, bright blue, and orange.

Pros: Budget-friendly, very lightweight
Cons: Since its design is pretty plain, it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing suitcase on our list

Weight: 10 lb. 
Dimensions: 20″ x 14″ x 7.9″
Capacity: 37-48L
Expandable: Yes

Senior features editor Rebecca Misner calls this suitcase “a professional travelers” dream carry-on: very sturdy, and full of bells and whistles that actually make packing easier.” Briggs & Riley’s signature expansion system allows travelers to press a button and pull up on a lever in the main compartment to expand the suitcase sides vertically. “Once you’re packed and zipped, you just push down on the exterior sides to compress.” Other notable features include mesh interior pockets, a built-in garment folder with a foam roll bar that keeps clothes from wrinkling, and unassuming SpeedThu pocket pockets on the exterior made to fit a passport and boarding pass—with a bright orange lining that signals when the pocket is open (meaning your important docs are at risk).

Pros: Built-in garment folder, interior compression system, exterior pockets
Cons: Doesn’t roll as easily when full

Weight: 7.17 lb.
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Capacity: 37L
Expandable: No

Visuals editor Andrea Edelman has taken this versatile suitcase to and from New York City on three separate occasions. She appreciates how light it is on its own, and the separate mesh compartments inside that help keep your things organized. It is best sized for three to five days’ worth of clothing, with an exterior half-size compartment to holds accessories or small items (though, unfortunately, not a laptop). “So far I have not had any scratches or issues and the material seems very durable,” Edelman says. “The best part about this bag is how smooth the wheels are—it is so easy to wheel around an airport.” It’s also easy to pick up, thanks to a discreet side handle.

Pros: Smooth-gliding wheels
Cons: Outer pocket doesn’t fit a laptop

Weight: 9.2 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 16″ x 9″
Capacity: 43L
Expandable: Yes

Away may be best known for its hard-shell bags, but the brand has recently stepped over to the soft side. Senior destinations editor Shannon McMahon put the new Softside Bigger Carry-On to the test on two plane trips and one road trip, saying the soft-sided suitcase held up well. “I’d recommend this for a long weekend’s worth of clothes as a rule of thumb,” she says. “I depended on it for some spring weather layers on a weeklong trip to the Pacific Northwest and got by thanks to its expandability—but because of the weight of the bag itself, it can get heavy fast.” The zippers open and close smoothly, and the wheels are just as effortless. “Its 360-degree wheels swivel and roll seamlessly, and the interior pocket that compresses everything down keeps it from getting front-heavy and toppling over, even with a laptop in the front cushioned sleeve,” she says.

Pros: Style, compartments, stability, and add-ons like the portable charger
Cons: Overall weight, non-waterproof outer

Weight: 6.8 lb.
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Capacity: 38L
Expandable: Yes

Sanidad has brought this suitcase on a trip to the Bahamas and two trips to upstate New York, and says of its size, “there’s ample room to pack options for shorter trips.” Of the construction: “One side has a mesh zippered compartment for flatter items, and the other part is a deep section for clothes,” she says. “It also comes with a removable flap-like organizer with two zippered pouches for storing smaller things like toiletries and rolls of socks.” She describes it as a bag that’s “suitable for anyone who wants a sturdy, thoughtful piece of luggage for short trips,” and particularly liked the removable interior flap that can be used to store smaller items and keep them in their own separate space.

Pros: Expandable; durable enough to check
Cons: Only comes in three “traditional” colors; tends to roll away on its own

Weight: 6.14 lb.
Dimensions: 12″ x 14″ x 22″
Capacity: 38L
Expandable: No

Adventure travelers looking for a new soft-sided suitcase will appreciate Cotopaxi’s Allpa 38L Roller Bag. I brought this suitcase on a weeklong trip to Panama earlier this summer, and it fit easily into airplane overhead bins (even on a small inter-country flight), Ubers, and a shuttle bus. I was able to fit eight days’ worth of clothes inside, though to be fair, since it was warm climate, I mostly packed smaller, lightweight pieces like sundresses, shorts, and tank tops. For colder climate, I think it’d be best for three- or four-day trips. The only downside to it was its two wheels—I’ve gotten used to four-wheel bags, and of placing my backpack or tote bag over the handle while moving through the airport. Since you have to roll this one at an angle, it gets a bit difficult if you try to put something on top. Something I loved: The outside compression straps are great shrinking down the width of the bag.

Pros: Water-resistant exterior; durable; great for adventure travel
Cons: Only has two wheels

Weight: 6.5 lb.
Dimensions: 21″ x 14″ x 9″
Capacity: 37L
Expandable: No

Wilson brought this bag on two separate weekend trips to Maine this summer, and recommends it as a great option for college students starting to build out their luggage set. The fabric is thick, durable, and made of recycled materials, and the interior is simple, with one large compartment with a mesh pocket inside the top flap. It’s on the smaller end of carry-ons featured, with room for a weekend’s worth of clothes and one pair of shoes, so it’s best suited to light packers. It’s also super easy to roll, even with just the two wheels, and easy to pick up thanks to the soft but sturdy handles.

Pros: Durable fabric, easy to store at home
Cons: Only one main compartment for clothes; on the smaller side