Best Carry-On Luggage of 2026
We spent six months testing 18 carry-on suitcases across dozens of flights, dragging them through airports, cobblestone streets, and hotel corridors. These are the five that earned a permanent spot in our recommendation list.
Away
Away The Carry-On
The gold standard. Virtually indestructible polycarbonate shell, built-in USB charger, whisper-quiet spinner wheels, and a lifetime warranty. Buy it once and never buy luggage again.
Rimowa
Rimowa Essential Cabin
At 6.2 lbs, it's the lightest hard-shell carry-on we've tested. The polycarbonate shell is scratch-resistant, the flex-divider packing system is brilliant, and the multi-wheel system is the smoothest we've ever rolled.
Samsonite
Samsonite Winfield 3
Samsonite's spinner technology is genuinely excellent — the wheels are nearly as smooth as Rimowa at half the price. The textured shell hides scratches well, and the 10-year warranty is among the best in the industry.
Travelpro
Travelpro Maxlite 5
The best soft-side carry-on we've tested. The expandable design adds 2" of packing space when you need it, the fabric is water-resistant, and the PowerScope handle is rock-solid. Preferred by flight attendants for a reason.
AmazonBasics
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner
For occasional travelers who don't want to spend $200+ on luggage, the AmazonBasics Hardside delivers surprising quality. The ABS shell is durable enough for most trips, the spinner wheels work well, and the TSA lock is included.
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Buying Guide
Hard-shell vs. soft-side: which is better?
Hard-shell suitcases (polycarbonate or ABS) offer better protection for fragile items and are easier to clean. Soft-side bags are lighter, more flexible (they can be squeezed into tight overhead bins), and often have more exterior pockets. For most travelers, hard-shell wins — modern polycarbonate is both lighter and more durable than older ABS shells.
What size counts as carry-on?
Most airlines allow carry-on bags up to 22" × 14" × 9" (56 × 36 × 23 cm), but this varies. Budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier have stricter limits. Always check your specific airline's policy before buying. All five picks on this list fit within standard US domestic carry-on limits.
Do you need a built-in battery?
Built-in batteries (like the Away's 10,000 mAh pack) are genuinely useful for charging your phone at the gate. However, FAA regulations require you to remove the battery before checking the bag. If you frequently check your carry-on at the gate (common on full flights), a bag without a built-in battery may be more convenient.
Spinner wheels vs. two-wheel rollers
Spinner wheels (four wheels that rotate 360°) are far more maneuverable in airports and hotel lobbies. Two-wheel rollers are more stable on uneven terrain like cobblestones. For airport-heavy travel, spinners win. For adventure travel with rough surfaces, two-wheelers are more durable.
Quick Summary
- #1Away The Carry-On$295
- #2Rimowa Essential Cabin$700
- #3Samsonite Winfield 3$180
- #4Travelpro Maxlite 5$130
- #5AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner$60