The 9 best carry-on luggage bags of 2026, tested by experts

It's been 14 years since I checked luggage . Whether it's for three months in Europe or a week in subzero New England followed by a week in the tropics (all true stories), I just don't find it necessary to ever idle at baggage claim (or worse, stress over a bag that never shows up). This accomplishment is only partly due to my packing skills: I'd be nowhere without my carry-on.

When it comes to the best luggage , frequent flyers know how important a well-made carry-on is. It should have thoughtful organization and compression features to make the most out of its limited space. It should roll smoothly on slick airport flooring and nubby carpet alike. It needs to stand up to the turbulence from cobblestones, brick and rocky pavement. And of course, it needs to be sturdy and durable, able to withstand being crammed into overhead bins and a few tumbles, yet lightweight enough to lift into and out of overhead bins.

To find the best carry-ons that fit the bill, we've run more than 100 suitcases through our intense luggage-testing process. In our most recent round of testing, we collected 700 feedback points from 16 editors and frequent travelers on 29 different suitcases to find the best hard-side bags , top-tested duffels and travel backpacks to take on board with you.

The best carry-on luggage of 2026

*We measured the exterior during testing and found it smaller than listed on July's website. Interior dimensions are from July.

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.

For the purposes of this article, in our most recent round of carry-on testing, we collected 700 feedback points, including scores and written comments. 16 testers and editors weighed in on 29 unique suitcases, evaluating them for maneuverability, packability, overall performance and, of course, value.

Factors to consider when choosing carry-on luggage

✓ Size

While airline restrictions vary, we recommend a carry-on no larger than 22" x 14" x 9" for peak versatility. Some luggage has a more squat design that makes it feel more ergonomic to lift, while others are longer and thinner. It's a matter of personal preference, as long as they stay within these size guidelines.

✓ 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. Testers tend to agree that anything over 8 pounds starts to feel weighty (and potentially cause issues at the gate if you pack heavily).

✓ Material

First, consider if you want soft- or hard-side luggage. Soft luggage is lighter, while hard-side bags are heavier but can offer more protection. "Durability is crucial for withstanding rough handling during transit," said Ritesh Raj, CEO of travel website CuddlyNest . Here's what to know about the common players:

• Polycarbonate.If you want ultimate durability, we recommend a suitcase made of hard polycarbonate. 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 .

• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or ABS, is another common hard-shell option. It's lightweight and more affordable, but it's generally not as strong as polycarbonate. It's a great choice for a budget-friendly bag, but might not last as long as a polycarbonate bag.

• Polyester, nylon and other fabricsused 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 . The trade-off is that they're harder to wipe clean and might not offer as much crush-resistance as their hard counterparts.

✓ Wheels

"Maneuverability can greatly impact your travel comfort," Raj said. If your bag is on wheels, the luggage should roll smoothly, stay upright whether it's packed full or light and be easy to pull and push. Most modern suitcases (and every pick on this list) feature 360º spinner wheels rather than the dual-wheeled construction of the past for easier maneuverability in all directions.

✓ Handles

The handles (both the telescopic and/or side helper handles) and straps should feel well-placed and comfortable to use and adjust for both left- and right-handed travelers. The telescopic handle should feel sturdy, with an easy-to-deploy button and a comfortable grip. Some suitcases have tricky lock mechanisms, rickety construction and odd ergonomics, which is an annoyance when you're in a rush.

✓ Expansion

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.

✓ Lock

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. Locks may seem less important for carry-on luggage that stays with you for most of your trip, but keep in mind that 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:

• If durability or weather are your chief requirements, 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 . "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. 

• If you prioritize flexibility and lower weight, or exterior pockets with quick access, soft-side is usually the better choice.Not only are soft-side bags often lighter, but most "come with exterior pockets, offering convenient storage for items you may need quick access to," said Brad Foley, cofounder of Foley Exploring . It's rare to find a hard-sided 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 inches, which is the smallest allowance among the major domestic airlines listed below.

What carry-on is best for international travel?

For international travel, check your airline's carry-on size limits before choosing a bag. Requirements vary, as the chart below shows.

Some 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 said 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."

Meet our experts

• Madison Blancaflor , managing editor at The Points Guy

• Brad Foley, cofounder of Foley Exploring

• Meg Jerrard, travel writer at Solo Female Travelers

• Ritesh Raj, CEO of travel website CuddlyNest

• Victor Tam, cofounder and CEO of luggage brand Monos

• Jeremy Tarr , digital editorial director at Fodor's Travel

Additional reporting by Rebecca Carhart.

Update, Oct. 24, 2026 : We updated this article to reflect current product availability and pricing and added new winners based on updated testing data, including selections from Tripcomp, Samsonite and July.