As the old saying goes, it’s not the destination that counts but the journey. And while we don’t always tend to agree when the destination is blue skies, zesty cocktails, and white sands, we do believe that the type of luggage you choose plays a crucial role in the overall success of your trip—particularly your carry-on.
The perfect carry-on ticks multiple boxes—the first (and perhaps most important) being that it fits into the ever-shrinking cabin requirements of airlines while maximizing packing capacity (a big ask).
But it’s more than just that; the right carry-on should also be effortlessly organized (reducing the stress of last-minute scrabbles) and comfortable to carry. Jumping aboard the remote-working train and living a digital nomad lifestyle myself, I personally understand how your travel bag can affect your journey. A comfortable carry can be more impactful than a five-star hotel (there, I said it). While a poor-quality carry-on can make Europe’s iconic cobblestone streets totally unenjoyable (yep, I’ve been there).
Don’t know where to find such a travel companion? Our list of the best carry-on luggage has a cabin bag for every type of wanderluster.
Horizn StudiosH5
Ultra lightweight and multifunctional, this all-star carry-on flies high.
RimowaOriginal Cabin
A well-(w)heeled rolling carry-on that gets compliments rolling.
BeisTravel
Premium quality carry-on luggage at economy prices.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? As travel enthusiasts and frequent flyers ourselves, we know a thing or two about luxury travel (hint, hint: journey through our sister site Luxa Terra for luxury travel inspiration). All year long, we rigorously test and review elevated essentials, and go the extra mile to unearth gateway-ready gear that go the distance and brands that we believe will go places. For more on how we test products, see our HAPPY philosophy (read: Honorable Craftsmanship, Aesthetic Design, Positive Impact—on People and the Planet, Purpose and Function, and Yielding Value) for buying luxuries.
As travel enthusiasts and frequent flyers ourselves, we know a thing or two about luxury travel (hint, hint: journey through our sister site For this article, the team at Luxe Digital tested dozens of carry-ons (suitcases, duffles, weekenders, travel totes, and travel backpacks) in real-life international travels—from Europe’s cobblestone streets to Dubai’s desert. Read our methodology to pick the best carry-ons currently on the market below.
13 best carry-on luggage bags
Horizn Studios H5: Overall best carry-on luggage
The Horizn Studios H5 cabin bag has been recommended to us time and time again, so naturally, we had to get our hands on it to test it for ourselves. And oh, how it performed—earning its rightful position as our best carry-on in a highly competitive list. Talk about flying high!
The first thing we noticed was how smooth the telescopic handle was to pull out, with four height stages (making it perfect for both adults and, if our Editor-in-Chief’s kids are any indication, for children aged 4 and above). And while we know that a telescopic handle doesn’t make a great carry-on, it’s a significant detail when you’re on the move and one that made us excited to explore the rest of the cabin bag.
Our expectations were once again raised by how effortless (and silent) the four 360º Japanese wheels are to maneuver and just how lightweight the durable polycarbonate shell actually is—it is in fact the lightest rolling suitcase on our list and under the industry average for a suitcase of this capacity. We were pleasantly surprised by the clamshell opening with two spacious compartments protected by TSA-approved locks.
The thoughtful travel brand also has a smart version with a charging portal and other high-tech features, but we were more than happy to stick with the more affordable Horizn Studios H5 Essential for everyday travel.
For a closer look at the brand, read our Horizn Studios review.
Rimowa Original Cabin: Best luxury carry-on luggage
Rivaling even the best Gucci bags in luxury and sophistication, all Rimowa’s carry-on luggage is an investment into a lifetime of glamorous getaways. But no model quite reflects the distinct affluence of the label like the Original Cabin Bag.
Made from Rimowa’s signature aluminum, the LVMH-owned luggage brand’s instantly recognizable grooves speak to an industrial-chic aesthetic. While the durability of the material is guaranteed to withstand any test—whether dropped from the top of the luggage loader or mistakenly caught in a fire. However, your aluminum suitcase will show scuffs and scrapes, dents and dings. Embrace the visible wear and tear as visible proof of past travels—rather than something to avoid.
The quality standards of the luxury luggage brand extend to every detail of the bag. From its smooth telescopic handle and robust, maneuverable wheels to its unique adjustable flex dividers and all-important TSA-approved lock. Basically, if you’re looking for the best of the best (in luxury style and performance), the Rimowa cabin bag is it.
Beis Travel: Best value carry-on suitcase
Let’s be honest, affordable carry-on luggage that is also high quality and stylish is almost impossible to come by. And once you’ve experienced a couple of European tours with worn-out wheels and tired handles, you’ll know that it’s worth investing in luggage that lasts. Owned by Pretty Little Liars alum Shay Mitchell, Béis however, is an exception to the rule—and that’s a fact. While the Carry On is priced at well under $250, it’s just as durable as some of the most expensive brands we’ve tried.
The cabin bag is made from virgin polycarbonate, which is more robust and durable than other polycarbonate shells. Featuring a built-in weight indicator (that tells you if your bag is overweight) and a clamshell opening, the bag is incredibly easy to pack and organize with smaller zipped pockets (all about that Béis 😀). But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Beis Cabin Bag is the strength of the wheels, we didn’t expect the $218 bag to survive our cobblestone wanderlusts. But it has—and it isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Away Travel: Best hardside carry-on roller
Known to many as “Instagram’s favorite suitcase”, Away The Carry-On has always been a favorite of influencers and celebrities, but now it’s also one of our favorite carry-on bags. Its sleek aesthetic and clever interior layout are paired with a durable polycarbonate hard shell and 360° spinner wheels. While plenty of limited-edition designs and personalization options present a fun way to customize your travel aesthetic.
We particularly appreciate how organized the Away carry-on suitcase is, featuring two compartments—one designed for clothes and the other for harder items like your luxury sneakers or toiletries. Additionally, the secret water-resistant laundry bag provides space for yesterday’s outfit. And the compression pad frees up even more space for those last-minute essentials you forgot to pack earlier.
Samsonite Solyte: Best softside carry-on roller
Samsonite is one of our go-to brands for lightweight luggage that is well-designed but also affordable. The Samsonite Solyte Softside is case in point. Made from an ultra-light (yet surprisingly durable) polyester weave, the compact carry-on glides effortlessly through the airport with its robust 360º spinner wheels. While a plethora of internal and external compartments speak to the bag’s effortless organization.
The softside, roll-on silhouette means that you have the versatility (and packability) of a duffel but also the convenience of wheels. And we appreciate the luggage brand hasn’t skimped on any details—including TSA-approved locks and a USB port for charging devices on the move. Our only concern is that the handle doesn’t seem like it can handle (pun intended) a very heavy load, but the fact that the Samsonite Solyte is covered by a 10-year warranty helps put our minds at ease.
Nomatic Navigator: Best hybrid carry-on roller
Typically, hardside luggage maximizes protection, while softside maximizes space. However, hybrid hand luggage can be a total game changer for wanderlusters looking to maximize both capacity and security simultaneously—especially the Nomatic Navigator.
What sets it apart from other hybrids? We think it’s the bag’s ultra-organized interior. Featuring a clamshell opening, the one compartment is organized into countless slips and sleeves for every device, beauty essential and smaller item. This includes a 17” laptop sleeve, as well as an RFID-safe zipped pocket. The other compartment is designed for clothing with compression straps to fit in more. And making the most of the expansion zip, we could fit in five unique outfits, which is quite a bit more than most carry-ons we’ve packed.
In short: when you’re packing for a couple of nights and only want to pay for one cabin bag (for all your clothes, tech and toiletries), the Nomatic Navigator is a cabin hero.
Troubadour Apex Travel Backpack: Best expandable backpack carry-on
Every one-bag traveler knows the moment: the backpack zipped fine on the way out, and now there is a sweater and two bottles of olive oil that won’t go in.
The Troubadour Apex Travel Backpack holds 33 liters on a normal day and unzips 9 cm deeper to 42 liters when you need the room. Troubadour says it stays within the carry-on limits of most major airlines even then. The lid folds right out, so you pack it flat like a suitcase instead of dropping things in from the top.
A suspended, padded sleeve takes laptops up to 17 inches, under a storm flap. The straps hide away when you check it or slide it onto a trolley handle with the luggage sleeve, and there is a lockable main zip and a discreet AirTag pocket. It costs $329 and weighs 1.38 kg empty. There are no wheels, so a full 42 liters rides on your shoulders all the way to the gate.
We’ve tested Troubadour’s Apex bags ourselves; our hands-on Apex review covers how they held up.
Calpak Stevyn: Best wheeled duffel carry-on
Restricted by the ever-shrinking requirements of airlines, large carry-on bags are almost impossible to come by. That’s why we were so elated by this one. The Calpak Stevyn combines the packing capacity of a duffel with the convenience of a roll-on to create one of the most versatile and functional cabin bags we’ve tried.
The large bottom compartment fits our trainers, an extra pair of espadrilles and a hairdryer, all while protecting our white dresses and linen shirts from the aftermath of a muddy trail run. While the spacious main compartment has ample room for at least a week’s worth of clothing.
Like all Calpak luggage, the Stevyn Rolling Duffel features a smooth telescopic handle that adjusts to your height. And the grab handles are well cushioned for the times you wish to protect the wheels from uneven terrains.
Bellroy Transit Plus: Best travel backpack carry-on
As one of our best backpacks for everyday and travel, the Bellroy Transit is a masterclass in highly functional sustainability. Made from recycled dura nylon, the barely-there backpack is as light as your shoulders as it is on the planet.
But don’t let that fool you into leaving behind your favorite sweats. The spacious backpack packs a punch—38 liters to be exact—while perfectly organizing your tech and smaller essentials into designated sleeves. We love that there’s a soft-lined sunglasses sleeve for our favorite shades, as well as a digital-nomad-approved laptop slip big enough for a 16” device.
The Bellroy Transit Plus is perfectly proportioned as a cabin bag. And we really appreciate how comfortable it is to carry with its cushioned straps and breathable (sweat-free), contoured back panel.
We’ve also taken Bellroy’s roller on the road; read our hands-on Bellroy Transit Carry-On review to see how it did.
Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffle: Best weekender carry-on luggage
Not every trip needs wheels. For a night or two away, a soft duffle slides under the seat in front of you and leaves the overhead bin for someone else’s suitcase. Already our best value women’s weekender, this Quince duffle holds 29 liters and measures 17.5 by 12 by 10 inches.
The shell is water-resistant neoprene made from 21 recycled plastic bottles, so a shower on the way to the gate won’t soak your clothes. A padded sleeve takes most 16-inch laptops, and a luggage-handle sleeve lets it ride on a roller if you bring one. Between trips it makes a decent gym bag, too. The Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffle costs $102 and comes in six colors.
Harber London Weekender: Best duffel cabin bag
Recently acclaimed as our best overall men’s weekender, our ongoing love affair with the Harber London weekender is no secret. So it should come as no surprise that it’s also our top duffel cabin bag.
Handmade in Spain from premium, full grain leather, the sumptuous silhouette is timeless—both aesthetically and functionally. And while it’s only covered by a one-year warranty, we’ve used ours for many weekend getaways and can’t see it needing repair in our lifetime. In fact, the leather exterior seems to age better with time, developing a much-coveted patina to commemorate your travels.
When it comes to comfort and convenience, the grab handles and adjustable shoulder strap are well-cushioned. And we really appreciate the multiple external pockets making smaller essentials easily accessible on the move. All in all, the Harber London Weekender is a worthwhile investment into a lifetime of sophisticated, effortless travel.
KAAI Voyager: Best travel tote cabin bag
With some of our best women’s backpacks and handbags, KAAI rarely lets function and fashion pull in different directions. The Voyager is the tote we would carry onto the plane next to a roller.
The KAAI Voyager is Italian grained leather with a full-width metal zip, so nothing spills out between security and the gate. Inside, a full-width padded sleeve takes laptops up to 34 cm (13.4 inches), and KAAI’s signature compartments hold the charger, phone and passport where you can find them. A zipped pocket outside is for the boarding pass.
Metal feet keep the base off the floor of the gate and the train. It starts at $595 in grained leather, with suede and croco versions at $645 and $795. KAAI lists no trolley sleeve, so it rides on your shoulder rather than on your suitcase handle.
We’ve carried KAAI’s leather totes day to day, and our hands-on KAAI Pyramid review shows how the brand’s bags wear.
Samsara Luggage: Best convertible carry-on luggage
This tech-savvy companion may just be the holiday helper you didn’t know you needed. Featuring an internal charging cable, the Samsara carry-on connects to your portable battery, keeping your devices alive while you’re on the move. While various slips, sleeves, and even a side shoe compartment help organize your belongings.
We also love that the tactical backpack converts from duffel to backpack, giving us the best of both worlds from both silhouettes. The spacious (40 liters) interior is a lot easier to pack as a duffel horizontally and the grab handles are handy when you’re jumping on and off trains. But for long journeys, it’s a lot more comfortable to carry as a backpack, especially when you need your hands free to GPS around a new city.
Still unsure? Well, this Samsara travel bag only costs $75, so you don’t have to put too much thought into it.
Buying guide to carry-on luggage
If you ask us, finding the right carry-on for you can be done in 3 simple steps:
- Wheels or not?
You’ll be carrying this bag around a lot, through airport terminals, probably on and off public transport, and across any number of streets, alleyways, and paths. So ensuring your bag is easy to transport will, quite literally, take a weight off your shoulders. But there’s more than one way to do it—with and without wheels.
Rolling carry-on suitcases are preferable for gliding through airports and smooth roads, but as soon as the terrain starts to get a little rougher, we recommend a backpack, travel tote, duffel or a convertible roller that can act as both, depending on your trip needs.
- Hardside vs softside luggage
Both hardside and softside luggage have unique benefits, making it difficult to choose between the two. A hardside suitcase is often more durable and offers more protection for fragile items, while a softback is more flexible and expandable, allowing more room for squeezing in last-minute airport purchases. If you don’t know whether to prioritize security or space, a hybrid carry-on (one that marries the best of both hardside and softside worlds) may be the solution.
- Your travel style
Your style of travel also plays a role in determining the right carry-on bag for you. If you’re more of an adventurer, look for a cabin bag that is weatherproof, stain-resistant, ultra-durable, and gear-friendly. If you’re a leisure traveler or urbanist, you’ll likely want a slick carry-on that is lightweight with space for a laptop and grab handles for hopping on and off trains and planes. Similarly, if you travel for business trips, a laptop sleeve and grab handles are imperative, as well as a sleek, professional aesthetic.
Your travel style will likely also determine the carrying style you opt for. Adventurers will most likely consider more rugged styles like backpacks, duffels and convertibles. While urbanists and traveling professionals are likely to prefer rolling bags and travel totes.
Things we specifically looked for:
While we appreciate the many differences between different styles of cabin bags, there are a few key aspects that distinguish the best from the rest.
- Packing capacity: Carry-ons are unique in that they have to adhere to airline cabin restrictions; however, some do so better than others. We looked for cabin bags that fit in the overhead bin whilst maximizing space through innovative designs.
- Materials: While our best carry-on luggage varies in materials, they are all incredibly durable and lightweight.
- Craftsmanship: We looked for high-quality cabin bags that are manufactured in small factories by expert artisans.
- Portability & maneuverability: Whether it be by wheels, a luggage sleeve, grab handles, shoulder straps or backpack straps, our best carry-on bags are all easy and comfortable to carry.
- Organizational features: We prioritized cabin bags that are compartmentalized with internal and external pockets.
- Durability & warranty: We paid careful attention to warranties and how long each cabin bag is expected to last. Most of our best carry-ons come with a lifetime warranty.
- Security features: We consider TSA-approved locks, RFID protection and GPS tracking technology to be desirable security features.
- Tech-friendly features: We love a carry-on with a padded laptop sleeve. And even better if it has an option for a charging port too.
Frequently asked questions about the best carry-on luggage
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