The 8 best carry-on luggage of 2026, tested and approved by travel pros
Calpak, Away, Amazon Basics and more: These editor-tested, expert-approved suitcases will become your new travel must-have.
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It's been 13 years since I last checked a bag. I staunchly believe that a carry-on is the perfect size for any length trip in any climate, whether that's three months in Europe, two weeks in Hawaii or a week in snowy Maine followed by a week in sunny Florida (all true stories). It's a bragging right that's only partly owed to my packing skills — I'd be nowhere (or more specifically, idling at baggage claim) without the best carry-on luggage out there.
In this story
But they aren't all created equal: Frequent flyers know that a good carry-on has thoughtful pockets and compartments to keep your things organized and compression features to make the most out of its limited space. It rolls easily over not only glossy airport flooring and nubby carpet but also cobblestones, brick and pavement. It's sturdy and durable, standing up to being crammed into overhead cabins but lightweight enough to lift in and out of both.
In our testing to find the best carry-on luggage , we simulated all of the above and more with over 100 travel bags. We obsessively inspected every feature from TSA-approved locks to how noisy the wheels are, packed them all the exact same way with a standardized packing load to see which one fit the most, took each carry-on suitcase through an obstacle course to test how well they moved and even tossed them across bumpy NYC sidewalks and down two flights of metal stairs. Our top overall pick? The Calpak Ambeur suitcase , which is a well-rounded, expandable carry-on that stood up to wear testing and costs less than $250.
We spoke with other experts too: travel guides, tourism business owners, CEOs and founders of travel companies and fellow light-packing obsessives who weighed in on what makes the best carry-ons, including the best luggage overall, the best hard-side bags , top-tested duffels and travel backpacks, below.
Best carry-on luggage of 2026
Exterior dimensions: 21" x 13.75" x 9" | Interior dimensions: 19" x 14" x 9" | Weight: 7.36 lbs | Capacity: 39.2 L | Expandable: Yes | Shell material:Polycarbonate | Interior pockets:3 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock:Yes | On-board battery:No | Colors: 14
Why we love it: The Calpak Ambeur suitcase is everything we want a carry-on to be: Reliable, expandable, quiet, stylish and properly-sized for overhead bins. The luxurious silver exterior barely shows any scuffing or scratching after a year of use and it even won best expandable suitcase for our 2026 Yahoo Travel Awards .
What our experts say: We found the Ambeur to be one of the most well-rounded suitcases in our testing, which was especially impressive given its middle-of-the-road price tag. It's lighter than expected, spacious and easy to pack without any gimmicks or strange quirks and a smooth roller. It scored perfect 5s for moving across different flooring, good maneuverability and well-behaved wheels. It even rolled in a straight line for 10 feet unassisted, passing with flying colors a test that several more expensive suitcases failed.
What testers say: "It didn't take long to realize that this is a seriously reliable suitcase," one long-term tester said. "Every time I pack it for a trip under 7 days I know I'll be able to fit everything in there thanks to the fact that it's expandable carry-on luggage. It's like magic. The zippers move like butter and it's as stylish, if not more, than the $1,000 suitcase I would've purchased if I won the lottery."
Keep in mind: During our testing, we put this suitcase through an obstacle course of cones with a heavy weekender bag on top and noticed that two wheels lift off the ground ever so slightly during that first initial push from still to moving. However, our long-term tester didn't notice this during her year of extensive use so it's not a major balance issue. It also doesn't have specific compression features but testers said that the spaciousness and expansion zipper created tons of packing space.
- Stylish, luxurious exterior
- Durable and not prone to scratches
- Smooth, quiet wheels that roll straight unassited
- Spacious and expandable
- No compression features
- Slightly off balance with a bag on top
Exterior dimensions: 21.7" x 14.4" x 9" | Interior dimensions: 20.1" x 13.9" x 7.5" | Weight: 7.5 lbs. | Capacity: 41 L | Expandable: No | Shell material:Polycarbonate | Interior pockets:4 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock:Yes | On-board battery:None | Colors: 9
Why we love it:When it comes to hard-side luggage , Away's got the market cornered. The brand was founded in 2015 and was soon after dubbed "the suitcase of the summer." Nearly 10 years later, it's ascended even further. It's the top pick of our editors, who swear it fits more than it reasonably should — a huge plus for a carry-on. One editor has had her Away for a decade and has gotten more than 50 uses out of it with minimal scratches or discoloration.
What our experts say:I love the thoughtfully-designed pockets, dividers and organizers and the brand's patented compression pad that reduces bulk to squeeze even more into the suitcase (a feat with hard-sided options). And its exterior measurements are compliant with even the smallest airlines' restrictions (including international airlines), meaning there are no worries about last-minute bag checks.
What testers say: One tester swears the spinner wheels "work just as well on carpet as they do on hard floors" throughout her travels in the last six years. Another praised the bag's durability: "I've literally dragged it through mud and sand in Bali, and while it's picked up a few scuffs along the way, it's held up impressively well over the years. The shell still feels sturdy, and the wheels and handle continue to perform pretty smoothly."
Keep in mind:There's no expansion zipper on this suitcase, so while you'll never have to worry about this bag fitting in an overhead compartment, there's no extra room for souvenirs picked up along the way. It's also a pricey pick. It comes with a lifetime warranty, though, so at least at that price, you really will be buying for life.
- Long-lasting and durable
- Compression pad helps make extra room
- Excellent balance and maneuverability
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Expensive
- No expansion zipper
Exterior dimensions: 21.7" x 14.8" x 10" | Interior dimensions: 20.9" x 13.6" x 9.5" | Weight: 6.8 lbs. | Capacity: 34 L | Expandable: Yes | Shell material:Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | Interior pockets:3 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock:None | On-board battery:None | Colors: 5
Why we love it: Luggage is pricey and carry-ons are no exception. This pick is a steal at just over $60. It's lightweight, easy to wheel and expands when you need it while still clocking in under the smallest airline overhead cabin restrictions at its closed dimensions. You'd be hard-pressed to find an option more affordable than this.
What our experts say:This suitcase earned perfect scores for ease of packing and how light and manageable it was to lift overhead. Because it has an ABS shell, it's significantly lighter than, say, a common polycarbonate shell, making it lighter than most hard-sided suitcases — even when packed to the brim. And the shell was sturdier than expected; we were surprised to find that the corners were nicely reinforced.
What testers say: "I'd consider this a great 'starter' suitcase," said one expert evaluator. "It's cute and small but fits everything you could need on a trip." And as for the value: "It's not designer quality but I didn't expect it to be and I don't need it to be. It was reliable and a good size for my four day trip."
Keep in mind: The bag rolled smoothly when pulled but struggled with balance when pushed, especially when we placed a weekender on top. And the wheels were noticeably noisier than their more expensive counterparts with a dice-like, rickety sound. In the end, it earned 4s and 5s for smooth movement and 1s for noise and maneuverability.
- Budget-friendly
- Very lightweight
- Great capacity
- Reinforced corners
- Struggled with balance and maneuverability
- Wheels were noisy
Exterior dimensions: 23" x 14.75" x 9.75" | Interior dimensions: 21.06" x 14.69" | Weight: 7.62 lbs | Capacity: 48 L | Expandable: Yes | Shell material:Polycarbonate | Interior pockets:3 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock: Yes| On-board battery:No | Colors: 9
Why we love it: While there's a special place in my heart for a truly cheap suitcase that you can grab in a pinch, sometimes you want a carry-on that offers great value and is built to last a little longer — like this $170 Quince suitcase that offers unexpected quality and won't break the bank. We found that it outperformed other suitcases in the mid-hundreds price range with quiet wheels, decent construction, a lightweight frame and a no-frills exterior.
What our experts say: This is one of the easiest suitcases to pack. It earned 5s for fitting our standard packing load with plenty of room to spare (and no sitting on the suitcase required) as well as the simple and extremely effective compression system. It's definitely a little bendy and flexed when we pressed down on the top, zipper and face of the bag but it didn't affect packing capacity or use.
What testers say: "Very sleek and aesthetically pleasing," said one tester. "I liked how roomy it was on the inside. You can fit a lot. Also, the compression straps on the inside were nice for larger jackets." The tester gave it several 5s for easy rolling, spaciousness and overall satisfaction. They noted that they liked that the handle wasn't nested: "It was easier to pull up but at the same time that made it more flimsy."
Keep in mind: Many shoppers compare this suitcase to Away's carry-on — and while we found it offers a similarly sleek look, it's not an exact match in terms of overall quality. This is to be expected as the Quince suitcase is $100 cheaper. "I think it feels a bit less solidly/more flimsy than my Away," said one tester who tried both side by side. "That said, if it's significantly cheaper it could be a decent alternative — it didn't give me any issues in rolling or carrying, and it was lightweight and stylish looking." And it's a matter of personal preference in the end as one reviewer wrote, "We own the comparable Away version as well, and honestly they're almost indistinguishable in both look and feel."
- Very spacious and easy to pack
- Sleek, no-frills design
- Quiet wheels and easy rolling
- Good compression system
- Not quite as sturdy as higher-end carry-ons
Dimensions: 21.5" x 14" x 9" | Weight3.45 lbs. | Capacity: 46 L | Expandable: No | Material:Nylon, polyester | Interior pockets:2 | Exterior pockets: 5 | TSA lock:None | On-board battery:None | Colors: 3
Why we love it: I'm almost a little emotional about how much I love this bag. A travel-savvy friend recommended the 46-liter pack before a three-month backpacking trip in 2015 and it didn't disappoint — in fact, it delighted. It's lightweight, rife with useful pockets and compartments and has strategic padding and reinforcements for easy carrying. And it lasts . Mine looks no different today than it did when I bought it a decade ago.
What our experts say: This backpack is perfect for travel since the construction isn't top-down like traditional designs; instead, you can peel the entire front panel open like a suitcase. It's the largest carry-on size allowed by most international airlines, and the exterior compression straps go a massively long way at keeping the load compact (there are two sets of connection points, making this true whether you over- or under-pack).
What testers say: "These straps enabled me to squeeze the bag into overhead compartments without issue on every international flight, even on budget airlines with notoriously strict carry-on specifications," one tester wrote. "The shoulder straps are generously padded and comfortable, and there are added support straps across the sternum and at the hips with padded sides, which eased even the burden of lugging around nine weeks' worth of belongings. I appreciate the myriad interior pockets to keep every little thing organized."
Keep in mind:No matter how well-designed it is, strapping a carry-on-sized bag to your back can be, well, uncomfortable. When packing, distribute the weight as evenly as possible, and take the time to adjust your shoulder and support straps each time you put it on for the most comfortable wear. It was a splurge when I bought it 10 years ago (and it is now), but it holds up incredibly well, feels luxe and is extremely worth it.
- Excellent design for comfort and utility
- Durable construction and materials
- Carry-on sized; opens like a suitcase
- Can feel bulky to carry
Exterior dimensions: 21.5" x 14.5" x 9.5"| Interior dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 8.5 lbs | Capacity: Not listed | Expandable: No | Shell material:Recycled polycarbonate | Interior pockets:2 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock:Yes | On-board battery:No | Colors: 3
Why we love it: Cotopaxi's Coraza roller luggage is their first venture into the suitcase space and it's already one of our top favorites here at Yahoo. Leave it to an outdoors brand to make one of the most durable exteriors we saw during our luggage testing — the Coraza is simultaneously rugged, sturdy and adorable. It also features swappable wheels that you can switch out at home, which is not only nice for customization but also potentially extends the lifespan of your bag, as broken or damaged wheels are often what ends up retiring a perfectly good suitcase.
What our experts say: Despite the cutesy appearance — which, for the record, we are major fans of — this carry-on has some serious durability built into it. It scored 5/5 for the sturdiness of its rugged exterior and reinforced corners, which protected the face of the suitcase during sidewalk scraping. We barely saw any damage from the stress test, earning a 4/5 due to some very minor scratching on the bottom corners that weren't raised like the top ones. And yes, the sturdiness of the exterior means that it's a little heavy at almost 9 pounds, but it's extremely well-balanced and the compact size made it extremely easy to lift overhead in spite of the medium weight. The Coraza is also notably the only suitcase we tested that lacked an inner liner. Instead, it has two full-size packing cubes that are fully removable. We were slightly thrown off by the unfinished appearance of the interior but on the positive side, the lack of lining makes the shell very easy to wipe down.
What testers say: "This might be the cutest suitcase I've ever seen," said one tester. "I love that you can customize the color of the wheels." They added that the bag was extremely durable: "I packed it to the brim and was worried about it bending or not closing but the shell is actually so strong that it compressed everything down. It took a sec to figure out how to secure the latches since there's no zipper but it stayed put once I got them to close."
Keep in mind: We found the thick rubber wheels to be a little grabby, forcing you to make wider turns than you intended. They were the most uncooperative on hardwood floors. However, the rubber also makes the wheels great at shock absorption and ideal for rolling over bumpy and uneven surfaces like cobblestone. And there's a bit of a learning curve to the latch closure too. Pro tip: If you can't get the clamps to close, make sure the combinations on each lock are aligned correctly as they'll need to be in order to shut.
- Compact size that's easy to lift
- Variety of color options
- Extremely rugged and durable exterior
- Swappable wheels with good shock absorption
- Easy to wipe down
- Wheels are a little sticky
- Clamp closure can be tricky to learn at first
Exterior dimensions: 23" x 14.5" x 9" | Interior dimensions: 21" x 14" x 9" | Weight: 5.4 lbs. | Capacity: 46 L | Expandable: Yes | Material:Coated polyester | Interior pockets:1 | Exterior pockets: 2 | TSA lock:None | On-board battery:None | Colors: 7
Why we love it: Our lightest rolling carry-on by nearly two full pounds, this suitcase is extremely versatile. Softside luggage is inherently more forgiving, plus this one expands and has exterior pockets for easy access (something hard-side luggage typically lacks). It's also the favorite of travel expert Peter Hamdy , owner and director of New Zealand-based Auckland and Beyond Tours.
What our experts say: "This bag fits everything you need and then some," said Hamdy. "Soft-side luggage tends to be more flexible than hard-side options, meaning you can squeeze in an extra outfit or pair of shoes — or even into a too-tight overhead bin. And even if you do overpack, it likely won't feel too heavy since the case itself is just over 5 pounds."
Keep in mind:This suitcase exceeds international airline carry-on sizes, so it's for domestic use only — the brand makes an international carry-on luggage version of the Maxlite 5 as well, though. Several reviewers commented that the trade-off for the suitcase's light weight is that it its durability is lacking. One said , "While I do love how light it is, and it does hold quite a lot, it is coming apart after only owning it for five months."
- Lightest weight luggage on our list
- Handy external pockets and flexible exterior
- Spacious interior
- Not as durable as others
Exterior dimensions: 13.8" L x 9" W x 16.5" H | Interior dimensions: 13" L x 8" W x 15" H | Weight: 5.6 lbs. | Capacity: 2.89 L | Expandable: No | Material:Polyester | Interior pockets:5 | Exterior pockets: 2 | TSA lock:None | On-board battery:None | Colors: 3
Why we love it: A brand long-known for its quality and longevity, Samsonite knocked it out of the park with this tiny but impressive underseat luggage that has smart organization and can slip right under an airplane seat, perfect for day or overnight trips. The softside exterior is flexible and can accommodate more than you'd expect.
What our experts say: Don't knock this smaller size before trying it yourself. It's decked out with multiple organizational pockets and some reviewers even said that they were able to fit 4+ days worth of clothing in it. It also has a luggage sleeve so you can place it on top of a larger suitcase if you'd prefer to roll one bag instead of two.
What testers say:"I've had this suitcase since 2017 and it's saved my back and shoulders from lugging heavy duffel bags on day trips," said one tester. "It has the exact right number and size of pockets built right in so that I can skip bringing extra cases for my jewelry, makeup or toiletries, and it's held up incredibly well with repeated use."
Keep in mind:If you're bringing along your laptop, this bag's built-in sleeve can only house a 13-inch device. This rules out the MacBook Pro (which comes in 14-inch and 16-inch options), but another option is to store the laptop in the main compartment and use the sleeve for a tablet or eReader.
- High quality, long-lasting design
- Perfect for shorter trips
- Useful pockets and compartments
- Comes with a luggage sleeve
- Only fits a 13" laptop
How we test carry-on luggage
To find the best carry-ons, our team of professional product reviewers did extensive research and testing. Here's a more in-depth look at how we test luggage , including more details on our wheel, handle, durability and capacity testing, but as a top-line summary of how we put together the picks for this piece:
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Research: We interviewed travel experts and spent 12 hours evaluating top carry-on brands; we reviewed product claims, user reviews and Reddit threads to get a good read on the market and separate the good from the bad. I spoke with travel professionals, tour guides, business owners and fellow carry-on warriors who work in the travel industry and know all the ins and outs.
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Performance: After whittling down the vast market to a pool of about 20 carry-on pieces, we got our hands on each one and tested them for ease of use, maneuverability and overall performance, considering how easy each bag was to lift, carry and wheel through varied terrain. We packed each one with a standardized load and collected information on packing loads and bag usability, from pockets and compartments to add-ons like locks, batteries and accessories. And of course, durability: whether each bag held up to repeated use and how its contents fared.
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Value: We considered the price of each bag to make selections that balance performance with cost. Some carry-ons are excellent but cost-prohibitive; others are affordable but lack performance and durability, leaving your belongings and the case itself at risk. Our list strikes a middle ground between reasonable prices and impressive performance.
Factors to consider when choosing carry-on luggage
✓ Weight: How much a carry-on weighs when empty is extremely important since you'll need to be able to lift it into and out of the overhead bin. Reviewers tend to agree that anything over 7 pounds starts to feel weighty (and potentially cause issues at the gate if you pack heavily). It's generally true, though, that the lighter the weight, the less durable it is. Keep that trade-off in mind.
✓ " Durabilityis crucial for withstanding rough handling during transit," said Ritesh Raj, CEO of travel website CuddlyNest . If you want ultimate durability, we recommend a suitcase made of hard polycarbonate, like Away's Carry-on or July's Casesafe . It's a highly durable, crush-resistant and long-lasting material that you "can confidently toss around (and let get tossed around by airport baggage workers) without worrying it'll break or let anything inside break," said Madison Blancaflor , managing editor at The Points Guy .
✓ " Maneuverabilitycan greatly impact your travel comfort," Raj said. If it's on wheels, the luggage should roll smoothly, stay upright whether it's packed full or light and be easy to pull and push. The handles (both the telescopic and/or side helper handles) and straps should feel well-placed and comfortable to use and adjust.
✓ Expansion capability: If you're wont to stock up on souvenirs or over-pack, the ability to expand your luggage can be extremely helpful: Just be sure the expanded measurements of the bag still fit within the airline's carry-on restrictions. Of our top picks, Travelpro and Amazon Basics both offer expandability with two inches of extra space.
✓ Built-in battery: It's smart to opt for a carry-on that has built-in batteries as a failsafe, said Hamdy. Travel days can be chaotic, and it's good to have the option to recharge your devices during a long-haul flight or a travel delay. July's Casesafe is the only luggage on this list that features a built-in battery. Remember that to be carry-on compliant, the batteries must follow these TSA restrictions :
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Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) battery: 2 grams of lithium or less
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Lithium ion (rechargeable) battery: 100 watt hours (Wh) or less
✓ A TSA-approved lock"adds security and peace of mind," said Jeremy Tarr , digital editorial director at Fodor's Travel . Away and July both feature locks, while the rest on our list don't. Locks may seem less important for carry-on luggage that stays with you for most of your travel time, but keep in mind your bag may be gate-checked and susceptible to mishandling. Depending on your destination and company, you may prefer to lock your bag upon arrival too.
Carry-on luggage FAQs
What's better, hard-shell or soft-shell carry-ons?
It ultimately depends on your preferences and travel style. A quick litmus test:
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If durability is your chief requirement, go hard-side."Hardshell luggage weighs more, but it is far more durable and has a tough exterior, which will offer more protection, keeping your things safe," said Meg Jerrard, travel writer at Solo Female Travelers . Soft-side luggage is lighter, while hard-side bags are heavier but can offer more durability.
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If you prioritize flexibility and lower weight, soft-side is usually the better choice.The materials used for soft-side luggage are naturally lighter-weight than polycarbonate, and the flexibility of "soft-shell luggage may allow you to shove a few extra pieces in," said Victor Tam, cofounder and CEO of luggage brand Monos .
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If weather resistance matters most, hard-side has the advantage."If you get caught in the rain or snow, [hard-shell bags] are much more weatherproof than soft-shell options, giving your stuff protection from getting wet," said Jerrard. I also like that you can take a disinfecting wipe to the luggage as needed.
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If exterior pockets and quick access are important, look for a soft-side bag."Most "come with exterior pockets, offering convenient storage for items you may need quick access to," said Brad Foley, travel blogger at Foley Exploring. It's rare to find a hard-side bag with exterior compartments, though they do exist.
Carry-on size limit guidelines
What size carry-on is best?
While airlines have various guidelines for acceptable sizes, we recommend a carry-on no larger than 22" x 14" x 9", which is the smallest allowance among the major domestic airlines listed below.
| Airline (domestic) |
Carry-on size limit (in.) |
|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines |
22 x 14 x 9 |
| American |
22 x 14 x 9 |
| Delta |
22 x 14 x 9 |
| Frontier |
24 x 16 x 10 |
| JetBlue |
22 x 14 x 9 |
| Hawaiian |
22 x 14 x 9 |
| Southwest |
24 x 16 x 10 |
| United |
22 x 14 x 9 |
What carry-on is best for international travel?
For international travel, you might want to opt even smaller: The recommended carry-on size for international travel is 21.5" x 15.5" x 9".
Most international airlines have carry-on weight restrictions that combine your personal and carry-on items, and some even weigh bags at the gate in my experience. Foley says for that reason alone, "soft-shell is better, particularly for international travel [since] they're generally lighter than hardshell, allowing you to maximize your baggage weight with more belongings."
| Airline (international) |
Carry-on weight limit (lb.) |
Carry-on size limit (in.) |
| Aer Lingus |
22 |
21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 |
| Air Canada |
Not listed |
21.5 x 15.5 x 9 |
| Air France |
26.4 (including personal item) |
21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 |
| All Nippon |
22 (including personal item) |
22 x 16 x 10 |
| British Airways |
51 |
16 x 12 x 6 |
| Delta |
Not listed |
22 x 14 x 9 |
| easyJet |
33 |
22 x 17.5 x 9.5 |
| Emirates |
15 |
22 x 15 x 8 |
| Iberia |
22 (including personal item) |
22 x 15.5 x 9 |
| Lufthansa |
17.5 |
21.5 x 15.5 x 9 |
| Norwegian |
22 (including personal item) |
21.5 x 15.5 x 9 |
| Qantas |
15 |
22 x 9 x 14 |
| Qatar |
15 |
20 x 15 x 10 |
| Ryanair |
22 |
21.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 |
| Scandinavian |
17.5 |
21.5 x 15.5 x 9 |
| United |
Not listed |
22 x 14 x 9 |
| Virgin Atlantic |
22 |
22 x 14 x 9 |
Meet our experts
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Madison Blancaflor , managing editor at The Points Guy
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Peter Hamdy , owner of Auckland and Beyond Tours
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Meg Jerrard, travel writer at Solo Female Travelers
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Ritesh Raj, CEO of travel website CuddlyNest
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Jeremy Tarr , digital editorial director at Fodor's Travel
Update, June 4, 2026 : We updated this article to reflect current product availability and pricing. We named the Calpak Ambeur suitcase as our new No. 1 pick based on extensive additional testing and added new picks from Quince and Cotopaxi.
