What is the best piece of carry-on luggage?

My pick: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Spinner

• Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner - $390.00 (Travelpro Aviation Professionals)

If you want one carry-on that does almost everything well, this is the one I'd buy. The New York Times' Wirecutter has repeatedly made the Platinum Elite its top soft-sided carry-on, citing its balance of size, value, reliability, and durability.

Why I like it:

• Excellent wheels and handle — especially important when you're rushing through an airport.
• Expandable — gives you roughly 2" of additional packing space.
• Very good organization — exterior pockets, tie-down system, and accessory compartments.
• Soft-sided — easier to squeeze into marginal overhead bins and more forgiving when overpacked.
• Strong warranty/durability reputation.
• Currently around $390, depending on retailer/color.

If you prefer hard-shell

• Away The Bigger Carry-On - $315.00 (Nordstrom)

The Away Bigger Carry-On is my choice for a stylish hard-shell. Forbes currently ranks it its best overall carry-on, while WIRED's 2026 testing favors Away's soft-sided version overall.

If money is no object

• Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Expandable Spinner - $729.00 (Nordstrom)

Briggs & Riley Baseline is the buy-it-for-life option. Its build quality, expansion/compression system, and warranty are exceptional, but you're paying roughly $700+ for it.

Bottom line: I'd choose Travelpro Platinum Elite for the best overall combination of practicality, durability, and price. If you tell me your budget and whether you mostly fly domestic U.S. or international, I can narrow it down to the exact model/size I'd buy.

Because the "best" carry-on depends heavily on whether you prefer a hard-shell spinner , an ultra-lightweight softside bag, or a versatile travel backpack, expert consensus and testing point to a few definitive category winners:

• Best Overall Hardside / Durability: [Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carry-on-luggage/) — A longtime favorite of frequent fliers and industry testing for its remarkably sturdy build, exceptional wheel glide, and premium leather-accented telescoping handle.
• Best Lightweight Value: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Weighing in at just over 5 pounds, this softside option maximizes your allowable weight limit while offering legendary airline-crew durability at a budget-friendly price point.
• Best Sleek Hardside (Aesthetic & Packing): Away The Carry-On Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Famous for its minimalist polycarbonate shell, highly effective interior compression system, and optional removable battery for device charging.
• Best Backpack Alternative: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — The top choice for adventurous packers who want clamshell book-opening organization, rugged TPU-coated fabric, and the freedom to skip rolling wheels entirely.

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• Do you prefer a hard-shell case or a soft-sided/backpack design?
• Do you mostly fly domestic US or international carriers (which have stricter size limits)?
• Do you need a built-in laptop pocket for easy access?

Because the "best" carry-on depends entirely on whether you prefer a hard shell, soft-sided flexibility, or a backpack style, the top-rated luggage options break down by travel style:

• Best Overall Hard-Shell: Away The Carry-On Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (or The Bigger Carry-On Go to product viewer dialog for this item.) — Widely praised for its unbreakable polycarbonate shell, incredible 360-degree whisper-quiet spinner wheels, and an interior compression system that lets you pack way more than you'd expect.[1]
• Best Soft-Sided & Most Durable: [Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carry-on-luggage/) — A favorite among frequent flyers and flight crews. It features a rugged ballistic nylon exterior, an intelligent layout with an expansion zipper, built-in USB charging port capability, and an industry-leading warranty.
• Best Sleek Design: Monos Carry-On Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Known for minimalist, aerospace-grade polycarbonate aesthetics, ultra-sturdy handles, and quiet glide wheels, making it a stylish direct rival to Away.[1]
• Best Budget Pick: Quince Hard-Shell Carry-On Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Offers high-end features like a durable polycarbonate shell, TSA-approved lock, and smooth spinner wheels at a fraction of the cost of luxury brands.
• Best Backpack Alternative: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Perfect if you hate wheels and want a rugged, clamshell-opening backpack that fits easily into overhead bins and handles rough terrain effortlessly.

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• Do you prefer a hard shell or a soft-sided bag?
• Are you looking for maximum budget value or a premium/luxury option?
• Do you fly mostly on major domestic US airlines or strict international/budget carriers?

The “best” carry-on depends on how you travel (business trips, international flights, overpacking, budget), but if I had to pick one all-around winner, I’d choose:

Best overall: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner

Why it stands out:

• Excellent durability for frequent flyers
• Smooth, high-quality spinner wheels
• Great interior organization
• Expandable when you need extra space
• Built by a company long favored by airline crews and frequent travelers

GearLabBest for: People who fly often and want a suitcase that can last for years.

Best hard-shell carry-on: Away The Bigger Carry-On

• Sleek polycarbonate shell
• Excellent compression system
• Very roomy for a carry-on
• Good balance of style, durability, and price

Condé Nast TravelerBest for: Vacation travelers who want maximum packing space.

Best value: Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner

• Usually much cheaper than premium luggage
• Lightweight
• Large capacity for its size
• Good choice if you travel a few times per year

Travel + LeisureBest for: Most casual travelers.

Best premium/luxury pick: Rimowa Original Cabin

• Extremely durable aluminum construction
• Iconic design
• Expensive, but built for decades of use

WIREDBest for: Frequent travelers who value craftsmanship and don’t mind the price.

Best for business travelers: Monos Carry-On Pro

• Front compartment for laptop and documents
• Clean organization
• Premium feel without luxury-brand pricing

GearLab### My short recommendation:

• ✈️ Fly every month: Travelpro Platinum Elite
• 🌎 One suitcase for most trips: Away The Bigger Carry-On
• 💰 Best bang for your money: Samsonite Freeform
• 💼 Work travel: Monos Carry-On Pro
• 🏆 “Buy it once” luxury: Rimowa

Before buying, check your main airline’s size limits—especially if you fly internationally, where carry-on allowances are often smaller than U.S. domestic standards.

Because the "best" carry-on depends entirely on whether you prefer hardshell style, softside flexibility, or backpack mobility, expert testing consensus (such as from The New York Times Wirecutter ) generally highlights a few standout category winners:

• The Best Overall & Frequent Flyer Pick (Softside): Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . Highly favored by frequent flyers and industry professionals for its supreme durability, smooth-rolling wheels, external organization pockets, and clever expansion system that acts as a compression tool.
• The Best Built-to-Last Investment (Hardshell/Lifetime Warranty): Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . It comes with a steep price tag, but it features an unconditional lifetime warranty (even covering airline damage) and a revolutionary CX compression-expansion technology that lets you pack more and then compress the bag back down to carry-on size.
• The Best Sleek/Minimalist Hardshell: Away The Carry-On Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . Known for its cult following, durable polycarbonate shell, streamlined interior organization, and optional removable battery for phone charging.
• The Best Budget Hardshell: Quince Carry-On Suitcase Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . Made from 100% polycarbonate (avoiding cheap ABS blends) with smooth wheels and a solid limited lifetime warranty at a fraction of designer prices.
• The Best Adventure/Travel Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . A massive favorite for overhead bins if you want to ditch wheels entirely for rugged terrain, city stairs, or ultimate mobility.

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• Do you prefer a hardshell or softside suitcase?
• Are you looking for a budget-friendly option or a lifetime investment piece?
• Do you prefer four spinner wheels or a two-wheeled rollaboard?

If you want one carry-on that I’d recommend to most people, I’d pick the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner.

• Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner - $390.00 (Travelpro Aviation Professionals)

Why it’s my top pick

• Excellent wheels: Its MagnaTrac self-aligning spinner wheels are exceptionally smooth and stable. OutdoorGearLab rated it #1 overall among 16 tested carry-ons.
• Great organization: Multiple compartments, tie-downs, an included garment/suiter system and accessory pockets make it particularly good for business or longer trips.
• Expandable: You get additional packing capacity when you need it.
• Durable: The soft-sided construction is very sturdy, and Travelpro's warranty is strong.
• Good capacity: OutdoorGearLab measured about 40 L of usable main-compartment capacity.
• Current price: about $390 directly from Travelpro.

There is some disagreement among 2026 testers: Forbes and Good Housekeeping favor Away, while OutdoorGearLab and The Independent both put the Travelpro Platinum Elite at #1. Forbes Good Housekeeping The Independent For me, the Travelpro wins because wheels, durability, organization and real-world usability matter more than minimalist looks.

If you prefer a different style

• Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" - $390.00 (Travelpro Aviation Professionals)

• Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex - $345.00 (Nordstrom)

• Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" - $729.00 (Nordstrom)

• Samsonite Outline Pro 21" - $219.99 (Nordstrom)

• Best hardshell: Away The Bigger Carry-On — cleaner design, excellent compression/organization, and a little more aesthetically pleasing. Forbes named it its overall winner.

• Best luxury/durability: Briggs & Riley Baseline — outstanding construction and a premium expansion system, but at roughly $729, it's a substantial step up in price.

• Best value: Samsonite Outline Pro — around $220 and a good choice if you don't travel frequently.

Bottom line: If you're a frequent traveler and want to buy one carry-on and be done with it, get the Travelpro Platinum Elite.

If you tell me your budget and whether you prefer hard-shell or soft-sided, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options for you.

If you want one carry-on that I’d recommend to most people, I’d pick the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner.

• Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner - $390.00 (Travelpro Aviation Professionals)

Why it's my top pick

• Excellent wheels and maneuverability: Independent testing ranks it #1 overall, with especially strong scores for wheel smoothness, tracking, handle operation, and balance.
• Great organization: Multiple compartments and tie-down features make it easy to pack efficiently.
• Expandable: You get additional packing capacity when you need it.
• Good airline-friendly dimensions: It's designed around standard U.S. carry-on requirements.
• Built for frequent travel: This is the sort of suitcase I'd choose for someone who flies regularly rather than just a couple times a year.
• $390 currently: That's a lot less than premium options like Rimowa while still delivering excellent performance.

My shortlist

• Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner - $390.00 (Travelpro Aviation Professionals)
• Away The Bigger Carry-On - $295.00 (Away: Built for modern travel)
• Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Spinner - $729.00 (Nordstrom)
• RIMOWA Original Cabin - $1,550.00 (RIMOWA)

There is some disagreement among current expert testing: Forbes names the Away Bigger Carry-On its overall winner, while OutdoorGearLab's extensive testing puts the Travelpro Platinum Elite at #1. Forbes GearLab Good Housekeeping also currently puts Away at the top overall.

My take: if you're buying a single suitcase to use for years, I'd take the Travelpro. If you strongly prefer a sleek hard shell and minimalist design, get the Away instead.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. <$200, $300, $500+) and whether you mostly fly domestic or international, I can narrow it down to the exact model I'd buy.

Because "the best" carry-on depends entirely on how you travel (and whether you prefer hard shells, soft sides, or maximum organization), expert reviewers and frequent flyers generally point to a few standout options depending on your priority:

Best Overall Hardside: Away The Carry-On Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
Widely praised as a modern gold standard, this durable polycarbonate hardside features a phenomenal interior compression system, an ejectable battery option (on the classic version), and ultra-smooth 360-degree spinner wheels.[1]

Best for Frequent Flyers & Durability: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
Often considered the ultimate choice for road warriors, flight attendants, and pilots. It is exceptionally rugged, features high-grade nylon, superb organization, and has one of the best warranties in the business (including coverage for airline damage). [1]

Best Budget Pick: Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside 21-inch Spinner Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
If you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars, this bag routinely tops value lists for offering a sturdy scratch-resistant shell, smooth rolling wheels, and reliable expandable storage at a fraction of the cost. [1]

Best Lightweight / International: Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Spinner Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
Incredible if you need to keep weight to an absolute minimum or are flying strict international carriers with tighter overhead restrictions.

Best Stylish Option: Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
A gorgeous retro-inspired hardside that balances high-end French aesthetics with modern braking systems and smooth mobility. [1]

To help narrow down the ideal choice for you, tell me:

• Do you prefer a hardshell or softside suitcase?
• Do you care about having a built-in USB charger or front laptop pocket?
• What is your budget range?

If you want one carry-on that I’d recommend to most people, I’d pick the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner.

• Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner - $390.00 (Travelpro Aviation Professionals)

Why it's my top pick

• Excellent wheels: Its MagnaTrac spinner wheels are exceptionally smooth and self-aligning. Independent testing rated its transportability essentially best-in-class.
• Great capacity: About 40 L before expansion, enough for roughly a week of clothes for many travelers.
• Excellent organization: Compression panels, accessory pockets, and a built-in suiter make it particularly good for business trips.
• Expandable: Gives you another 2 inches of packing room when needed.
• Durable: The soft-sided construction is surprisingly tough, and Travelpro's warranty is a major advantage for frequent travelers.
• Good value for a premium bag: Around $390 currently, considerably less than comparable Briggs & Riley or Rimowa options.

OutdoorGearLab currently ranks it #1 overall after testing 16 carry-ons, while The Independent also names it its best overall.

The alternatives I'd consider

• Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" - $390.00 (Travelpro Aviation Professionals)

• Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex - $345.00 (Nordstrom)

• Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" - $729.00 (Nordstrom)

• Briggs & Riley Baseline Global Carry-On - $729.00 (Nordstrom)

• Best hardshell: Away Bigger Carry-On — cleaner design, excellent compression, and lots of packing space. Forbes currently calls it its best overall carry-on.

• Best luxury/frequent-flyer choice: Briggs & Riley Baseline — superb construction and expansion system, but you're paying roughly $700+.

• Best for international travel: I'd choose a smaller international-size carry-on rather than the standard U.S. 21–22" models, since international airlines can have tighter limits. Travelpro specifically makes an International version.

My verdict: For ~$400, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is probably the best combination of durability, wheels, capacity, organization, and price. If you tell me your budget and whether you prefer hard-shell or soft-sided, I can narrow it down to the exact model I'd buy.

The "best" piece of carry-on luggage depends heavily on your packing style, budget, and preference for hardshell vs. softshell. However, expert reviewers and frequent travelers consistently rank a few top contenders for overall performance, durability, and value:

Widely praised as a top value pick. It features an ultra-lightweight hardshell construction, excellent maneuverability on double spinner wheels, and impressive interior packing capacity with handy compression straps. [1][2]

Monos Carry-On

Frequently winning design and aesthetic awards, this aerospace-grade polycarbonate hardshell is virtually unbreakable. It comes with whisper-quiet wheels, a sleek minimalist look, a built-in compression pad, and a lifetime warranty.[1]

The go-to choice for lightweight softside lovers. It is exceptionally light, flexible enough to squeeze into tight overhead bins, and built to withstand heavy travel wear-and-tear without breaking the bank.

The ultimate choice if you prefer a backpack over a rolling suitcase. It opens like a suitcase for easy packing, distributes weight comfortably with a hip belt, and fits neatly into overhead bins.

To help narrow down the best option for you, tell me:

• Do you prefer hardshell, softside, or a backpack?
• What is your budget range?
• Do you usually fly budget airlines (which have stricter size limits) or major carriers?