Raise your hand if you’ve ever wrestled with a suitcase 🙋🏻♀️ Maybe the wheels got stuck, the zipper broke mid-trip, or (worst of all) you realized it was just a little too big to fit in the overhead bin.
Trust me, I’ve been there.
Finding the best carry-on luggage for your needs isn’t just about picking the shiniest suitcase. It’s about choosing one that actually works for you. Whether you’re a chronic overpacker, a frequent flyer, or someone who just wants something durable that won’t betray you mid-trip, the right suitcase can make all the difference.
That’s why I’ve rounded up nine top-rated carry-on suitcases and broken down their real pros and cons, so you can find the one that fits your travel style like a glove. No more guessing, no more last-minute airport struggles. Just smooth, stress-free travel with a suitcase you love and that will last you for years!
Let’s find your perfect match and dive into the top rated carry-on suitcases! 😊✈️
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means that if you shop for certain things by clicking the links in this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
Post updated in June 2026!
1. Away Bigger Carry-On – The Sleek, Practical Travel Favorite!
🧳 Quick Overview:
A modern, hard-shell suitcase with smart organization, a compression system, and a minimal, stylish design that’s built to last.
✅ Why It’s One of the Best Top-Rated Carry-On Suitcases:
✅ Smooth 360-Degree Spinner Wheels: Rolls easily through crowded airports.
✅ Scratch-Resistant Hard Shell: Polycarbonate material keeps it looking brand new.
✅ Compression Packing System: Helps maximize space.
✅ Lifetime Warranty: An investment that lasts.
✅ 14 Gorgeous Colors: Way more personality than your average black suitcase.
❌ A Few Things to Consider:
❌ Heavier Than Others: At 7.9 lbs, it’s not the lightest option. (but also not the worst)
❌ No Front Laptop Pocket: If you need quick laptop access, you’ll need a separate bag.
❌ Not accepted as a carry-on by all airlines! If you travel internationally a lot, look for the smaller version which complies with most airlines’ carry-on policies.
💡 Is this the one for you? If you love a stylish, durable suitcase with maximum packing capacity, this could be your perfect carry-on!
2. Samsonite Outline Pro Global Carry-On Spinner – The Smart, Sustainable Pick
🧳 Quick Overview:
A lightweight, polypropylene carry-on with smart packing features and an eco-conscious interior made from recycled plastic bottles. Bordering on genius.
✅ Why It’s One of the Best Top-Rated Carry-On Suitcases:
✅ Super Lightweight: Only 6.1 lbs—easy to lift overhead.
✅ Built-in TSA Lock with USB Port: Charge your phone while you wait at the gate.
✅ Smart Compression Panel: Helps you pack neatly and fit more without overstuffing.
✅ Eco-Conscious Interior: Lined with fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
✅ Separate Pocket for Damp Items: A dedicated zippered pocket keeps wet items contained.
❌ A Few Things to Consider:
❌ Not Expandable: What you see is what you get.
❌ May Not Fit International Budget Airlines: The 22-inch size can be tight for Ryanair, easyJet, and other European budget carriers.
❌ Polypropylene May Show Scratches: Less scratch-resistant than polycarbonate over time.
💡 Is this the one for you? If you want a lightweight, eco-conscious carry-on with smart packing features, this is a great upgrade!
🧳 Can I pack your carry-on for you? 🧳
You’re already doing something amazing…. traveling with a carry-on! (Seriously, I’m proud of you 👏🏼)
But if your current system still involves cramming everything into your suitcase the night before… we can do better, friend.
That’s where my free customized packing list comes in. You just need to answer 2 questions so I can tell you exactly what to pack and how to style it! Get started right away ⬇️
These packing lists are:
🧳 Perfect for spring and summer getaways
🙋🏻♀️ Tried and tested
💡 Packed with styling tips so you actually love what you pack
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Let’s make sure your suitcase works for you—not against you. No more overpacking, no more “just in case” pieces that never get worn. (click here to get started)
3. Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Carry-On – The Frequent Flyer’s Dream Suitcase
🧳 Quick Overview:
A soft-sided carry-on that’s loved by pilots and flight attendants for its durability, expandable space, and built-in laptop pocket.
✅ Why It’s One of the Best Top-Rated Carry-On Suitcases:
✅ Expandable by 2 Inches: Great for last-minute shopping sprees. (game changer)
✅ USB Port: Perfect for business travelers. (has a front pocket that can be used for a small laptop)
✅ Self-Aligning Spinner Wheels: Smooth rolling through any airport.
❌ A Few Things to Consider:
❌ Soft-Sided, Not Hard Shell: If you prefer hard-shell luggage, this may not be for you.
❌ Slightly Heavier: Weighs 7.8 lbs, which is on the higher end.
💡 Is this the one for you? If you travel often and need a laptop-friendly, ultra-durable suitcase, this could be your best bet!
4. July Carry On Plus – The Sleek & Spacious Minimalist Favorite
🧳 Quick Overview:
A beautifully designed hard-shell carry-on with a clean aesthetic, ultra-quiet wheels, and a surprising amount of interior space.
✅ Why It’s One of the Best Top-Rated Carry-On Suitcases:
✅ Spacious Interior (42L): Slightly roomier than standard carry-ons while still fitting in overhead bins.
✅ Compression System: Helps keep everything in place and maximize what you can pack.
✅ Optional Ejectable Battery: Available on certain models for charging on the go.
❌ A Few Things to Consider:
❌ No Laptop Compartment: There’s no dedicated laptop sleeve.
❌ Premium Price Point: Comparable to Away in cost.
💡 Is this the one for you? If you love a sleek design, extra packing space, and buttery-smooth wheels, this is a top-tier alternative loved by many female travelers!
5. Béis Small Carry-On – The Smart Traveler’s Favorite
🧳 Quick Overview:
A chic, polycarbonate carry-on designed by Shay Mitchell, packed with smart organization features like separate pouches for shoes, undergarments, and damp clothing, plus 2 inches of expandable space.
✅ Why It’s One of the Best Top-Rated Carry-On Suitcases:
✅ Butterfly Opening: Opens like a clamshell for easy packing on both sides.
✅ Separate Pouches for Everything: Dedicated zippered pouches for dirty clothes, shoes, undergarments, and damp clothing (genius for longer trips).
✅ 2-Inch Expandable Space: That extra room you sometimes desperately need.
✅ Compression Technology: Helps you fit more without overstuffing.
✅ Limited Lifetime Warranty: BÉIS stands behind their bags.
✅ Chic Neutral Colors: Comes in beige, black, gray, brown, and navy with vegan leather trim.
❌ A Few Things to Consider:
❌ Heavier Than Most: Weighs 8.36 lbs, which is on the higher end of carry-ons.
❌ 22.8-Inch Size: Slightly over standard carry-on dimensions, so may not fit international budget airlines like Ryanair or easyJet.
❌ Very Popular: You’ll spot others with the same bag at the airport. (it’s that good, but also that common)
💡 Is this the one for you? If you want a carry-on with smart organization features and a polished, neutral aesthetic, this could be your new go-to!
6. Calpak Hue Carry-On – The Most Fun on the Carousel
🧳 Quick Overview:
A lightweight, polycarbonate carry-on that comes in a range of beautiful colors—a refreshing break from all the black bags—with expandable space and a built-in TSA lock.
✅ Why It’s One of the Best Top-Rated Carry-On Suitcases:
✅ Lightweight Polycarbonate: Only 7.6 lbs, easy to lift overhead.
✅ Expandable 2 Inches: That extra room when you need it.
✅ TSA-Approved Lock: Built right in for peace of mind.
✅ Fun Color Options: Way more personality than your average suitcase.
✅ 360-Degree Spinner Wheels: Glides through airport floors with ease.
✅ Accessible Mid-Range Price: A great quality bag without breaking the bank.
❌ A Few Things to Consider:
❌ Less Premium Feel: Not as luxurious as top-tier brands like Away or July.
❌ Color May Show Wear: Light colors especially may show scuffs over time.
❌ Smaller Capacity (39L): Slightly less interior space than some other picks.
💡 Is this the one for you? If you want a fun, personality-packed carry-on at a friendly price point, this is your pick!
7. Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On – The Soft-Sided Cutie
🧳 Quick Overview:
A beautifully quilted soft-sided carry-on with a casual, cozy aesthetic, a dedicated laptop sleeve, and the lightest weight in the lineup—it doesn’t feel like business travel.
✅ Why It’s One of the Best Top-Rated Carry-On Suitcases:
✅ Lightest in the Lineup: Only 6.4 lbs, making it the lightest carry-on featured here.
✅ Front Pocket with Laptop Sleeve: Easy access to your laptop without unpacking.
✅ Beautiful Quilted Exterior: Comes in oatmeal and other neutrals that look great in every photo.
✅ Built-in TSA Lock: Travel-ready security.
✅ Soft-Sided Flexibility: Can squish into tight overhead bins or stuff a few extras in.
✅ Dual Front Storage Pockets: External pockets you can actually access in transit.
❌ A Few Things to Consider:
❌ Less Protection: Soft shell doesn’t protect contents like hard shell does.
❌ Lighter Colors May Show Wear: The oatmeal is gorgeous but may need extra care.
❌ Smaller Capacity (31L): Less interior space than most hard-shell carry-ons in this lineup.
💡 Is this the one for you? If you want a soft, casual carry-on that doesn’t scream “business trip”, this is the one!
8. Quince Expandable Carry-On – Premium Features at a Quince Price
🧳 Quick Overview:
A lightweight, polycarbonate carry-on with surprisingly premium features (removable laundry bag, limited lifetime warranty, YKK zippers) at the accessible Quince price point.
✅ Why It’s One of the Best Top-Rated Carry-On Suitcases:
✅ Lightweight Polycarbonate Shell: Only 6.8 lbs, on par with premium picks.
✅ Removable Laundry Bag: Same smart feature as Béis at a fraction of the price.
✅ Built-in TSA-Approved Lock: Travel Sentry® combination lock.
✅ Interior Compression System: With an 18″ x 12.5″ pocket for additional storage.
✅ Limited Lifetime Warranty: Same level of warranty protection as premium brands like Away.
✅ YKK Zippers: Industry-standard quality zippers.
❌ A Few Things to Consider:
❌ Only 1-Inch Expansion: Less than the 2″ expansion that some competitors offer.
❌ 23-Inch Exterior: May not fit international budget airlines like Ryanair or easyJet (similar caveat to the Away Bigger).
❌ No USB Port: Doesn’t have premium tech features like the Samsonite Outline Pro or Travelpro.
💡 Is this the one for you? If you want premium features at an accessible price point, this is a strong contender that competes with bigger brands at a much lower cost.
9. Level8 Voyageur Carry-On – My Go-To Choice for Stress-Free Travel
🧳 Quick Overview:
A sleek, ultra-durable carry-on suitcase with silent wheels, high-end organization, and a TSA-approved lock. I’ve traveled full-time for years, and after testing multiple suitcases, I finally settled on Level8 Voyageur Carry-On and I’ve never looked back.
✅ Why It’s the Best Choice for Most Travelers:
✅ Lightweight But Super Durable: Their polycarbonate shell is tough yet doesn’t weigh you down.
✅ Whisper-Quiet Spinner Wheels: Its wheels glide effortlessly, even on uneven surfaces.
✅ Premium Interior Organization: It has a smart compression system and multiple zippered compartments to keep your packing neat. No more digging through a messy suitcase!
✅ Ultra wide handle: it helps you pack better and gives you extra space.
❌ A Few Things to Consider:
❌ No Expandable Option: If you tend to overpack, you’ll need to be strategic or read more of my packing light articles 😅 But honestly? The compression system makes it so much easier to fit everything in.
❌ Matte Finish Shows Fingerprints: A small trade-off for such a sleek look.
💡 Why I Chose This One: It’s lightweight, stylish, and built to last. The first time I traveled with it, 2 flight attendants complimented and noticed the super cool wide handle. It made me feel pretty good about my life choices.
How to Choose the Best Carry-On Luggage for You:
⚡ If you want maximum packing capacity → Away Bigger Carry-On
🌱 If you want lightweight + eco-conscious + smart features → Samsonite Outline Pro
✈️ If you travel constantly → Travelpro Platinum Elite
⭐️ If you want sleek design and extra space → July Carry On Plus
🎀 If you want smart packing features + chic aesthetic → Béis Small Carry-On
🌈 If you want color and personality → Calpak Hue Carry-On
🌾 If you want a soft, casual aesthetic → Calpak Luka Soft-Sided
💰 If you want premium features at a Quince price → Quince Expandable Carry-On
😅 If you want a chic, high-quality suitcase and to twin with me → Level8 Voyageur
Final Thought: What’s Your Travel Style?
Here’s the truth: these top-rated carry-on suitcases are all great. They each check the boxes for durability, ease of use, and smart design, but the “best” one? That really depends on you.
They’re more similar than they are different, so the decision often comes down to the little features that matter most to you.
Maybe it’s how effortlessly it rolls through the airport, how organized you can keep your things, or how much you can squeeze in without feeling like you’re sitting on your suitcase to close it.
💭 Picture your next trip… what does your ideal carry-on look like?
That’s the one.
So pick whatever feels right, invest in it, and get ready for smoother, stress-free travel from here on out. Having a great suitcase does make a HUGE difference.
You’ve got places to go and now, you’ll have the perfect suitcase to go with you.
Thanks for stopping by!
XO,
Aimara
>>> PS: you don’t need to suffer when packing your carry-on. Remember I can send you a customized packing list for any spring or summer trip. Just answer these 2 questions!
About The Author:
Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.
I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.
Related Travel Posts To Read Next:
- 7 common packing mistakes people make all the time!
- How to pick the right skincare routine depending on the kind of trip.
- The 5 best shoes for travel!
- What to wear on travel days!
- Are packing cubes right for you?
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