The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

No matter what kind of packer you are or how frequently you travel, there is a carry-on suitcase out there for you. The key is to look for options that help you maximize packing space while still adhering to the standard carry-on dimensions of most airlines. Over the past few years, we’ve tested nearly 600 carry-ons from various brands at a wide range of price points, evaluating factors like capacity, organization, maneuverability, durability, and value. These are the very best carry-ons to buy right now.

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Our Testing Process (Video)

Testing luggage is serious business here at Travel + Leisure. Over the years, we’ve managed to test 584 carry-on bags. We fill each carry-on bag with enough clothing and accessories for a four-day trip. This includes six shirts, three pairs of pants, five pairs of socks, five pairs of underwear, two jackets, and two pairs of shoes, plus one small and one large toiletry bag. We then analyze how easy the bag’s zippers and compartments are to close and whether or not we need to utilize any expandable features.

After packing the carry-ons full, we push and pull them over carpet, concrete, and hard floors to see how well the wheels glide, and also take a stroll through our obstacle course to see how each bag handles tight twists and turns. We place each carry-on into our overhead bin on our simulated airplane set (yes, those are real plane seats!) to ensure it fits. We then put the durability of each bag to the test by hitting it a few times with a baseball bat and throwing it off a counter to see how well it can withstand wear and tear.

After each test, T+L editors take these suitcases on various trips over the course of six months, and we update our results with long-term insights to ensure our recommendations still stand. We will continue to update this list with new results as we test more carry-ons.

Luggage Testing at a Glance
Tips for Buying a Carry-on

Decide between hardside vs. softside

Choosing between a hardside and softside carry-on suitcase mostly comes down to preference, but there are several important factors to consider. A hardside suitcase will fare better than a softside bag when it comes to protecting any delicate items inside your bag, and they’re arguably more sleek looking. However, hardside luggage is more prone to getting scuffed, scraped, and dented, and can show more wear and tear over time. Softside suitcases don’t get as beat up as quickly, and also offer more flexibility for overpackers. However, the fabric exterior is less protective and may not be the best choice if traveling in inclement weather. Consider the nature of your upcoming trips and what factors are most important to you before deciding.

Look for a lightweight construction

The importance of lightweight luggage cannot be stressed enough. If your carry-on is already light to begin with, you won’t have to worry about carrying a bulky suitcase around in the event you overpack. Weight also affects the maneuverability of the suitcase and how easy it is to lift it into overhead bins. The wheeled carry-on suitcases we tested ranged from 3.99 to 12.9 pounds. Anything heavier than that is likely not the best choice to bring on board.

Decide if you want extra organizational features

Most carry-ons have a main compartment with one or two mesh pockets for organization. If you like to stay highly organized while traveling, look for carry-ons that offer even more compartments. This may include a shoe separator, a laptop sleeve, a laundry bag, additional zippered sections, exterior pockets, or even an AirTag holder.

Credit: Amazon

For the past couple of years, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner has come out on top as T+L’s favorite carry-on—and for good reason. We’ve now tested this bag three times, and each time we loved its organization, capacity, and value. We were able to pack enough clothes for a four-day trip, including two pairs of shoes, multiple jackets, and two toiletry bags—all without having to use the expander. If you need extra space, the expandable zipper unveils an extra inch of depth to fit any shopping hauls or souvenirs you plan to take back home.

In terms of maneuverability, it handled tight turns like a champ and went over our simulated concrete curbs without incident. We also gave it a few whacks with a metal baseball bat and noticed that the slight bend of the exterior shell made this suitcase impervious to dents while still protecting its contents (a win if you ever decide to take the gate agent up on the offer to check your bag). Although we did notice the Samsonite Freeform showed a few surface scratches after six months of consistent travel, we still consider it the gold standard for a hardside carry-on suitcase. It may be too large for some overhead compartments, so always check the dimensions of your airline before flying.

Tumi Alpha International Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry-On

Credit: Tumi

Coming in right behind our beloved Samsonite Freeform is the Tumi Alpha Dual Access Carry-on. This close contender fell just short of our Best Overall slot due to its heaviness, but it’s a sophisticated piece of luggage that’s in a league of its own when it comes to organization and helpful features. For starters, it has a front-access pocket, which allows you to quickly grab items without having to unzip your entire suitcase. There’s also another small exterior pocket for stashing smaller belongings, as well as a built-in USB port you can connect to your own portable power bank. Perhaps the biggest selling point of this suitcase is the removable garment sleeve, which makes this bag the perfect companion for business trips or destination weddings. While the garment sleeve and three mesh zip pockets are no doubt useful, they will eat into the bag’s overall capacity, so you’ll have to pack strategically. Thankfully, you can always rely on the Tumi Alpha’s expandable zipper to grant you 2 extra inches of depth if things get tight.

In terms of durability, we couldn’t ask for more. T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker took this suitcase for a spin, and after hitting it with a bat several times, she noticed there were no scuffs or dents to speak of. “As someone who owns a Tumi bag that has lasted 16-plus years (and still kicking), I know the durability will extend beyond our tests,” says Parker. While Tumi’s coveted suitcases are certainly a splurge, they’re a worthwhile investment for someone who wants a durable suitcase they won’t have to replace for a very long time.

Credit: Away

Stroll through any airport, and you’ll see loads of passengers toting one of Away’s signature striped suitcases. After personally testing dozens of Away products, I can assure you’ll have no regrets hopping on the Away trend. The brand’s built-to-last luggage can always be counted on to help overpackers travel more efficiently, and The Carry-On Flex is a testament to that. Offering a generous 2.25 inches of extra packing space with its expandable feature, this is the exact kind of suitcase to bring on trips where you want extra room for those “just in case” items.

Inside The Carry-on Flex, you’ll find an open compartment with a mesh divider and another compartment opposite of that with a mesh pocket and compression straps to help you pack down all your belongings for an easier close. We enjoyed floating this compact suitcase through an obstacle course thanks to its easy-gliding 360-degree wheels. It also showed minimal damage after our table drop and baseball bat tests—a good indicator that the exterior will stand up to the roughest of handling. The only downside of the Away Carry-on Flex is that some international airlines may be strict about bringing it on board once fully expanded.

Credit: Delsey

T+L editors reach for this timeless carry-on from Delsey Paris again and again, thanks to its vintage charm and useful functionality. The polycarbonate shell is accented with reinforced corners, and with its two-tone colorway, you’re guaranteed to arrive at your destination in style. Aesthetics aside, there’s also substance. Inside, you’ll find a fully zippered compartment on one side of the suitcase and compression straps to keep clothing from shuffling on the other. We also found pockets throughout and even a handy USB port to which you can attach your own battery pack.

After inspecting it closely, we found that the zippers all open and close smoothly, and the spinner wheels glide with little effort (even over carpet!). After taking the cream colored version on the road for six months, we observed little scuffs and scrapes to the bag even after it was checked—a pleasant surprise considering light-colored luggage tends to show the wear and tear quickly. Its maneuverability and lightweight profile also makes it a breeze to travel with. “I had to carry it up and down multiple flights of stairs and get it onto a train, and I had no trouble lifting it and moving the handle in and out quickly,” says T+L editor Taylor Fox who brought it on a two-week trip to Egypt.

Credit: Amazon

You might have assumed that finding a budget suitcase means you have to sacrifice on the quality front, but Amazon’s slate of luggage continuously proves that theory wrong. After testing this expandable hardside spinner, I’m convinced the retailer’s wallet-friendly suitcase is the best you can buy on a budget. We tested the Amazon Basics 21-inch carry-on three times just to make sure we still loved it over the years. Though it got a bit scuffed from our bat tests during its second round of testing, it proved easy to buff the scratches out by hand.

It offers the same capacity as suitcases that are more than double the price. Inside, you’ll find an X compression strap and a mesh zip divider that makes storing underwear, socks, and swimsuits a breeze. The bag has four “feet” on its right side to keep it propped up horizontally on an airport scale or in the trunk of a car. Though the telescoping handle was a bit wobbly, I was able to adjust between the three handle heights with ease. Considering all you get for under $100, you can’t go wrong taking the plunge on this affordable yet solid option.

A black Samsonite Proxis Global Carry-On Spinner

Credit: Samsonite

In case you weren’t aware, Samsonite’s Proxis carry-on is kind of a big deal. Like, it was sent into space and dropped from 130,000 feet-level big deal. To date, this is the most lightweight and durable suitcase Samsonite has ever released. When we tested the Proxis Global Carry-on Spinner, we found that this textured, hardside carry-on lived up to its claims of being virtually indestructible. The outer shell of this bag is made of Roxkin—an exclusive recycled material developed by Samsonite that is lightweight and engineered to bounce back into shape. “Samsonite sent this suitcase to space, and it survived, which is only a small amount of what we did to it with a bat,” says T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker. “I also stood and jumped on it. I completely trust this bag to hold up against baggage handlers.”

In terms of organizational features, you don’t get much with the Samsonite Proxis: just two fully zippered compartments and one mesh zippered pocket. This is actually a good thing if the goal is for your luggage to weigh less and hold more. It is expandable, but only by half an inch, which doesn’t add much extra space. This is going to be the best option if you want a rock-solid, durable suitcase that should last a lifetime.

Credit: July

Sometimes, a diminutive carry-on just won’t do (especially for longer trips). In these instances, we’d recommend something like the July Carry-on Max. It has a 50-liter capacity that jumps to 62 liters when fully expanded—the largest carry-on we’ve ever tested. Weighing in around 8 pounds, it’s on par with other carry-ons with similar dimensions. However, we noticed that it became a little cumbersome to maneuver around tight corners the more we packed it, and because of its size, you may be forced to gate-check it at the airport.

We were amazed that you can choose between 20 different height handles—another design quirk that helps July stand out from the pack. Inside, there’s a Y compression strap and panel on one side, while the other side is secured by a mesh panel with no pockets (a missed opportunity, if you ask us). We would be remiss not to mention that this carry-on comes with its own packable tote bag that fits discreetly inside the suitcase when not in use. You also have the option to personalize this suitcase with a name or initials, with nine fonts to choose from.

Credit: Briggs & Riley

With multiple pockets and compartments, this new Briggs & Riley carry-on helps ensure that everything on your packing list has its place. The exterior alone has a slip pocket, a zippered compartment with two organizational pockets, and a smaller zippered panel with RFID protection—perfect for a passport or wallet. There are spots for luggage trackers, power banks, and chargers. At the back of the bag, there’s also a phone-size zipper pocket with a slot for the included ID tag. Its interior offers as much organization, thanks to a two-pocket compression panel and two additional zipper compartments in which we could fit undergarments and travel pouches.

Its somewhat oval shaped, with rounded edges that cut some of the packing space short. Its main compartment can accommodate three days’ worth of clothes when compressed, but you have the option to expand it an extra 2 inches when you want more wiggle room. When packed to capacity, we could easily steer it around tight turns and rotate it 360 degrees thanks to smooth wheels. This softside bag is also as durable as many of its hardside counterparts. After we knocked it off a counter and hit it with a bat, we only lightly scuffed its base. While admittedly pricey, we can confidently say that it’s a solid investment.

Dagne Dover Smaller Seattle Carry-on Luggage 20.5 Inches

Credit: Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover completely changed the softside luggage game when it launched its debut luggage collection last summer. T+L editors were among the first to try them out, and we were enamored by the sheen and elegance of the Seattle Carry-on—a modernized softside bag with the structure and sturdy frame of a hardside suitcase. Its 33-liter capacity and 20.5-inch height is ideal for short getaways (it was the perfect companion on my quick trip to St. Thomas), business trips, and international flights.

It also offers two ways to pack: via clamshell opening and a top-loading option. During testing and on actual trips, we couldn’t help but notice that the wheels glide like a dream over various surfaces. But with the beauty of this suitcase comes one painful fact: It’s heavy for a carry-on. For some, it may feel like a drag schlepping a 10-pound carry-on (plus the weight of your items). However, if that’s not a big deal to you, we say it’s a great entry point for the softside newcomers.

Credit: Travelpro

This practical softside suitcase has a roomy interior made even better by all of the useful add-ons, like the included shoe bags, a laundry bag to store used or wet items, and built-in compression packing cubes that strap in to the top of the bag for additional storage. It also features an external laptop sleeve, a small outer pocket, and a luggage lock. If you find that you’re running out of space, the bag’s tapered extension adds an extra 2 inches of depth.

While its nearly 8-pound weight isn’t the heaviest we’ve encountered, we do think it might get bogged down if overpacked. There’s also a possibility you’ll be forced to check it on smaller airlines because of its 23-inch height, so keep that in mind if traveling on airlines with tighter carry-on restrictions. Despite that, we loved that it wasn’t cumbersome to wheel around our obstacle course. The wheels, zippers, and handle also ran smoothly without any snags.

Credit: Rimowa

There’s no doubt that Rimowa, a longstanding luxury luggage brand, is currently having a moment. Its classic aluminum suitcases will cost you a pretty penny, but the sleek vertical lines and sterling material will be instantly recognizable at the airport. We couldn’t wait to get our hands on the Cabin S version, which did not disappoint. We’ll preface our review by confirming that this is definitely not the bag for overpackers since its 31-liter capacity and zipperless design leave no room for overpacking, but if you’ll have plenty of space to pack for a long weekend trip or a few items to supplement your checked luggage. Though 9 pounds may sound heavy, its actually much lighter than other aluminum suitcases we’ve tested, and we find comfort in the locks on each latch that provide extra security.

“The wheels roll like a dream—they truly roll better than any suitcase I’ve tried,” says associate editor Anna Popp, who also applauded this Cabin S for surviving our durability tests with not a dent or scratch on it. Aluminum luggage is known to accumulate dents and scrapes over time, so we look forward to seeing how this precious gem of a spinner will hold up over the next six months of testing.

Credit: Samsonite

Weighing only 4.5 pounds, the Samsonite C-Lite Carry-On Spinner is the lightest carry-on of our picks. Its minimal weight and compact size allows you to pack more without sacrificing maneuverability. Even when packed to capacity, the luggage was easy to maneuver. The wheels glided like butter over carpet, hard floor, pavement, and curbs, making sharp turns without a hitch. We were as impressed with its smooth-working telescoping handle that we could easily extend and retract to three height options.

The carry-on is also light on organizational compartments, with only one interior zipper pocket for small clothing items and accessories. What it lacks in organization, it makes up for in space. We could fit three days’ worth of clothes, including a coat and two pairs of shoes. Despite its lighter weight construction, it’s sturdy for travel. The Recyclex-lined interior and shell, made from a woven polypropylene material, struck us as durable. It suffered from a minor scuff after we shoved it off a counter but at no compromise to the bag’s performance or aesthetic.

Credit: Aer

If you’ve ever been on a fast-moving airport shuttle, bus, or subway, you know the struggle of trying to keep your luggage from rolling away. Aer, a new kid on the luggage block, saw this common problem hadn’t yet been solved by its competitors and created a carry-on suitcase with brakes. Similar to a stroller, the wheels on Aer’s Carry-on Max can be locked in place with the simple slide of a button located beneath the handles. “It’s such a unique feature and helpful if on public transport or stopping on an incline with bags since it securely holds the bag in place,” says associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker, who owns and loves this Aer model. Speaking of the wheels, they’re some of the smoothest we’ve seen on a carry-on. We were able to roll them over our cement pavers with ease, and it didn’t lag behind even when packed full.

In terms of capacity, Aer really meant it when it said max. The slender profile of this bag allowed us to fit everything on our packing list despite the fact that it’s not expandable. Though Aer touts this as a minimalist’s suitcase, there are some undercelebrated details about this bag that we found helpful, like the hidden pocket for you to stash a luggage tracker, a Y-shaped compression system secured with an intuitive and sturdy buckle, and puncture-resistant YKK zippers. The top and side handles also have a hole to which you can attach other bags and belongings to it with a carabiner.

Casetify 21 Inch Bounce Custom Carry-On Suitcase

Credit: Casetify

Nothing makes a statement at baggage claim like a suitcase that’s inscribed with your name. The Casetify brand is widely known for its cushiony and protective phone cases, but it’s recently entered its luggage era—and what an entrance it was. Much like with its phone cases, Casetify gives you the option to customize your suitcase using a variety of fonts, colors, and backgrounds. Associate editor Anna Popp picked her carry-on in a stunning cobalt blue and went with a pink-and-white combo for her initial design.

Aside from the monogram option, what sets this carry-on apart from the rest are the reinforced bumper corners that give the suitcase another layer of protection from rough handling. The capacity of this 21-inch spinner felt like just enough to fit a multiday vacation’s worth of items, but we’re confident you could fit more with some strategic packing. “I love the organizer flap it comes with since there are tons of little pockets to place various things,” says Popp. “I also love that the flap can be taken out when you don’t want to use it.” While its not the lightest carry-on out there, we were impressed with its style element, and we expect to get tons of compliments at the airport.

Samsonite Silhouette 18 Hardside Carry-On Spinner

Credit: Samsonite

There’s so much to love about this sleek carry-on from Samsonite, from its smooth-gliding wheels to its highly-customized handle that offers tons of handle height options. However, where it really shines is its internal organization that maximizes packing capacity and minimizes bulk. The bag came with a TSA-compliant toiletry bag, a shoe bag which easily fit two pairs of shoes, and then—our favorite part—two packing cubes of varying sizes. The large-size cube occupies one half of the suitcase, and the smaller narrow one perfectly fits in the gap between the handles on one half of the suitcase. Together, they perform double duty as a compression panel to keep items secure and packed down tight.

The fun features don’t stop there: this suitcase also features a MagneTag, Samsonite’s patented magnetic luggage tag that magnetically snaps into the structure of the bag ensuring it won’t get lost. Speaking of lost luggage, you’ll also find a built-in AirTag holder in the bag’s interior (a great benefit if you ever want to take the airline up on the option to check your bag). We thought it felt a little heavy at 9 pounds, but it rolled very smoothly.

Other Carry-on Bags We Liked

Though these carry-on suitcases were strong contenders, they were just shy of making the list due to a few shortcomings. However, they do possess a few redeeming qualities we feel are worth mentioning.

Rains Texel Cabin Trolley: We love the puffy exterior of this waterproof carry-on, though it does add bulk to the suitcase. We noticed that when fully packed, it just barely fit in the overhead compartment.

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Zero Halliburton Classic Aluminum 3.0 International Carry-on: The durability on this suitcase was top notch. In fact, it’s one of the most solid suitcases we’ve ever tested. Ultimately, we preferred the Rimowa bag in our main list for an aluminum option, and we wish this one had more internal organization.

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Miamily Carry-on: We loved how easy it was to navigate a busy airport with a toddler placed on top of this ride-on suitcase. We just wish the luggage was lighter when empty.

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Bagsmart Roamer Expandable 20-inch Carry-on Luggage: This affordable bag has lots of impressive features. It even held strong after we whacked it with a metal bat about 10 times. The Amazon Basics hardside spinner ultimately won as our favorite budget option because it offered slightly more in terms of organization, but this is another excellent affordable carry-on that will last for years.

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Arlo Skye The Expandable Carry-On Max Front Pocket: We love this expandable carry-on’s 48 liters of capacity and many organizational components. However, it’s larger than many options on the list and more so when expanded, which could make it too bulky for many overhead bins.

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Briggs & Riley Sympatico 22-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner: This carry-on offers plenty of innovative features, including an expansion system that adds 25 percent more packing space with a click of a button. Other details—like the aircraft-grade aluminum handles and whisper-quiet spinner wheels—add to its appeal, but for the price we wish its hardside shell was more durable against scratches and scuffs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the accepted dimensions for carry-on luggage?

Accepted carry-on dimensions vary by airline, according to the TSA. However, standard dimensions for a carry-on are 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Some airlines will differ give or take a few inches, which is why larger size carry-ons made this list. As a rule of thumb, always research your airline’s carry-on rules before your flight to avoid having to involuntarily check your bag.

Is there a weight limit for carry-on luggage?

Again, this varies. Some airlines like JetBlue and American Airlines currently don’t have any weight restrictions for carry-on bags, while some international airlines limit carry-ons to 22 pounds. In our experience, carry-on weight limits are not always enforced as much as dimension size, but as a rule of thumb, your carry-on is likely too heavy if you can’t lift it on your own. If you’re concerned about the weight of your bag, grab an inexpensive luggage scale so you can check before heading to the airport.

Can makeup and liquids go in my carry-on?

According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. No liquid in your carry-on or personal item can exceed 3.4 ounces. Any amounts larger than that will need to be checked or will be disposed of. Solid toiletries like powdered makeup, bar soap, and solid deodorant should pose no issue.

Are AirTags allowed in carry-on luggage?

Yes, AirTags and other luggage trackers are allowed in carry-on luggage. For GPS trackers that utilize a higher level of battery power, you should check with your individual airline to make sure it’s allowed on board.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant covers luggage and travel accessories. She owns roughly 35 different suitcases, backpacks, and tote bags, and rotates between her favorites for different trips around the world. She is a carry-on loyalist and enjoys the challenge of finding creative ways to pack weeks worth of clothing into a compact suitcase. She frequently utilizes clever accessories like packing cubes, hanging toiletry bags, and travel pouches to maximize space. Right now, her favorite carry-ons come from brands Away, Dagne Dover, and Samsonite.

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