A good carry-on does one thing: get your stuff from point A to point B without drama. It spins smoothly, fits in the overhead bin, survives the handling, and doesn't weigh you down at the check-in scale. That's it. You don't need to spend $700 on a Rimowa or wade through Away's reputation to get there.
We ranked five carry-on suitcases across a range of prices so you can find the right one for how you travel. Our top pick is the Traveler's Choice Pagosa 22" at $109.99, a max-size hardshell carry-on with 4.5 stars across 5,245 verified reviews and a bold Yellow colorway that's impossible to miss at baggage claim. For travelers watching the budget, the Amazon Basics at $60.78 is the most reviewed carry-on on Amazon at 26,828 ratings. And for frequent flyers who want a USB charging port under $100, the KROSER at $89.99 has you covered.
Why We Skipped Rimowa and Away
Two brands dominate luggage marketing but don't make our list. Here's why.
Rimowa has built a luxury reputation on aluminum and polycarbonate cases that start around $700 and climb past $1,500. In recent years, a growing number of buyers have reported that the quality hasn't kept up with the pricing. Common complaints include cracked shells on the polycarbonate models, grooves that warp over time, and wheels that wear faster than expected at a premium price point. When a $700 bag cracks after a handful of trips, the math stops working. The options on this list cost a fraction of that and have tens of thousands of verified reviews backing their durability.
Away became a cultural phenomenon in the mid-2010s as the "smart" DTC luggage brand. The brand faced significant backlash after a 2019 exposé documented a toxic workplace culture under its founding CEO, leading to a resignation and lasting brand damage. On the product side, a consistent thread in buyer reviews points to cracking polycarbonate shells, particularly at the corners and hinges, and customer service that hasn't matched the brand's premium positioning. There are better options at every price point Away occupies.
5,245 verified reviews at 4.5 stars. The boldest, roomiest carry-on on this list. Pushes to the max airline size at 22 inches, expandable shell, TSA lock, and a Yellow colorway that's impossible to miss on the baggage carousel. $109.99.
22-inch, expandable, spinner wheels, TSA lock
Traveler's Choice Pagosa 22", Our Top Pick
The Traveler's Choice Pagosa 22" earns the top spot because it delivers the most carry-on for your money. At 22 inches it pushes right to the upper limit of what most major US airlines allow overhead, giving you the maximum packing space available without paying a checked bag fee. The bold Yellow hardshell is expandable for even more room on the return trip, spins smoothly in all four directions, and locks with a built-in TSA combination lock. At 4.5 stars across 5,245 verified reviews, it's the highest-rated and most-reviewed bag on this list outside of a budget pick nearly half its price.
The Yellow colorway is a deliberate advantage, not just a style choice. When airlines run out of overhead bin space and gate-check your bag, it goes into cargo with hundreds of other suitcases. A bright, distinctive color makes it dramatically easier to spot on the baggage carousel and reduces the chance of someone accidentally grabbing yours. Black and navy bags look identical at baggage claim. The Pagosa doesn't.
Pros
- Maximum 22-inch size, most packing space on this list
- 4.5 stars across 5,245 verified reviews
- Bold Yellow color, easy to spot if gate-checked
- Expandable hardshell for extra room on return trips
- Multi-directional spinner wheels
- Built-in TSA combination lock
Cons
- 22 inches is at the limit for some budget airlines (check before flying)
- No USB charging port
- Not the cheapest option on the list
Other Carry-Ons Worth Considering
The Pagosa is our top pick, but it's not the right bag for everyone. Here's who each of the other four is for.
The most reviewed carry-on on Amazon at 26,828 ratings and 4.5 stars. That review volume is extraordinary. No other bag at any price point on Amazon comes close. The scratch-resistant hardside shell holds up to rough handling, the spinner wheels roll smoothly, and the expandable design adds up to 25% more packing space. Built-in TSA lock included. If the budget is the primary driver, this is the pick. You won't find better proof of concept for $60.78.
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The KROSER is the most feature-packed carry-on under $100. The standout addition is the built-in USB charging port, which lets you charge your phone directly from the bag while you're walking through the airport, no hunting for an outlet required. It also includes a TSA-approved combination lock, expandable design, and smooth spinner wheels. At 4.4 stars across 2,220 reviews, it's well-validated for a bag in this price range. If you're a frequent flyer who values convenience, the USB port alone is worth the extra $30 over the Amazon Basics.
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SwissGear is a trusted name in travel gear and the 7366 brings that reputation to a hardside spinner at a reasonable price. The Evening Haze colorway is sleek and travel-appropriate. TSA lock, expandable design, and smooth spinner wheels are all included. Note that the 7366 is listed as a 23-inch medium suitcase, which sits right at the boundary of most airlines' carry-on limits. Check your airline's policy before traveling with it as a carry-on; it works perfectly as a personal checked bag for shorter trips. At 4.3 stars across 2,948 reviews it's a solid, well-built option with a brand name that carries weight.
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The mixi is unlike anything else on this list. It comes with a built-in cup holder, phone holder, and USB charger built into the top of the case, turning your suitcase into a rolling travel station. The Lark Yellow color makes it impossible to miss and easy to identify at baggage claim. At 4.3 stars across 725 reviews it's the newest and least-reviewed option here, but the feature set is genuinely distinct. This is the pick for the traveler who wants maximum convenience and doesn't mind standing out. Just note it's the most expensive on the list at $151.98.
Shop Now →Carry-On Luggage 2026, Side-by-Side
| Bag | Price | Stars | Reviews | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traveler's Choice Pagosa Top Pick | $109.99 | 4.5★ | 5,245 | 22" | Best max size |
| Amazon Basics 21" Hardside | $60.78 | 4.5★ | 26,828 | 21" | Best value |
| KROSER Hardside with USB Port | $89.99 | 4.4★ | 2,220 | 20" | Best under $100 |
| SwissGear 7366 | $124.00 | 4.3★ | 2,948 | 23" | Best brand name |
| mixi with Cup Holder & Charger | $151.98 | 4.3★ | 725 | 20" | Most unique features |
Carry-On Luggage FAQs
What size carry-on fits in the overhead bin?
Most major US airlines (Delta, United, American) allow carry-on bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Some budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier have stricter limits, so it's worth checking before you fly. As a rule, 21 to 22 inches is the safe zone for domestic US travel. The Pagosa at 22 inches pushes to the limit, while the Amazon Basics and KROSER at 20 to 21 inches have more comfortable clearance across most carriers.
Hardside vs softside carry-on, which is better?
Hardside wins for protection, water resistance, and ease of wiping clean. The rigid shell keeps contents better protected when bags are tossed around in overhead bins or cargo holds. Softside is lighter and often has external pockets for quick-access items. For most travelers, hardside is the better call for carry-ons because the weight savings with softside rarely justify the loss of protection at this bag size.
Is a TSA lock necessary?
Yes, if you're checking the bag, a TSA-approved lock is essential. TSA agents have master keys for TSA locks and can open and relock them for inspection without damaging your bag. A non-TSA lock will get cut off if TSA needs to inspect the contents. For a carry-on that stays with you, the lock is a convenient security measure rather than a strict necessity, but it's worth having for gate-checked bags.
Are colorful suitcases a good idea?
Yes, and specifically for carry-ons that might get gate-checked. When airlines run out of overhead space, they'll gate-check your bag and put it in cargo. A bright yellow or distinctive color makes it dramatically easier to spot on the baggage carousel and reduces the chance of someone grabbing the wrong bag. The Pagosa in Yellow and the mixi in Lark Yellow were chosen partly for this reason. Black and navy suitcases look identical on a carousel.