If you prefer not to check in your luggage when catching a flight, a carry-on bag is a must-have for your future trips. As a frequent traveler, I actively avoid checking in a bag, so I’ve tried and tested my fair share of pieces of luggage.
When it comes to choosing the best carry-on, it should be functional yet stylish and include well-designed compartments, wheels that glide smoothly, and features that make travel easier (such as external pockets for essentials).
Thankfully, there are ample options, including expandable designs that help you squeeze a little extra inside, robust suitcases that can withstand almost anything (sudden downpours included), and soft-side bags with compression straps for on-the-go trips.
Whether you prefer a stylish bag that looks sleek in the airport lounge; an innovative wheeled duffel that’s perfect for business travel; or a surprisingly spacious backpack for your Eat, Pray, Love journey, I’ve left no stone unturned. Keep reading for my favorite picks.
How I tested
I’ve taken these bags on planes, buses, and subways, to find out how easy and practical they are to travel with. The carry-ons have tackled cobblestone streets, dirt roads, busy sidewalks, stairs, and more.
I packed the bags using my usual packing cubes. All of the carry-ons tested were packed pretty much to their maximum capacity, then I lifted them over my head, to see how easy they would be to store in overhead compartments. The quality of the materials used, the overall design, and the value for money were also considered during testing.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As a travel writer, I spend more time navigating my luggage through airports and hotel lobbies than most people. Where possible, I rarely check a bag, and almost always opt for a carry-on (even for longer trips), so, I know which features really are useful. Here, I’ve provided my honest opinions when reviewing a range of carry-on bags, to help you find your new favorite travel companion.
The best carry-on bags for 2025 are:
- Best overall — TravelPro platinum elite carry-on spinner: $365.49, Amazon.com
- Best budget buy — Rockland Melbourne hardside expandable spinner wheel carry-on: $53.19, Amazon.com
- Best durable design — Monos carry-on pro: $295, Monos.com
- Best backpack — Rei Co-op trail 40 pack, women's: $149, Rei.com
TravelPro platinum elite carry-on spinner
I recently took this suitcase on a four-day trip where I ultimately returned with far more items than I left with.
To my surprise, the TravelPro was able to fit seven outfits, a fluffy towel, a pair of running shoes, a dry bag, multiple tote bags, a notebook, a large hardcover book I received as a gift, and assorted small items such as hand sanitizers and sunscreen. I’m used to sitting on my Monos carry-on to make it close but the TravelPro zipped up easily even when I stuffed it pretty much to the maximum (the zippers still felt sturdy, even when under strain). While I initially assumed I’d make more use of the exterior pockets, I didn’t use them at all, so, they might prove to be superfluous for many travelers.
Buy now £343.99, Amazon.com
Rockland Melbourne hardside expandable spinner wheel carry-on
This was my go-to travel bag for about four years. It can hold about 10 days’ worth of clothing and shoes, thanks to the zippered pocket on one side and elastic strap on the other.
It fits easily in overhead compartments, it’s lightweight, and, best of all, it’s inexpensive. Currently, Amazon lists it at about $53 but, it must be said, you get what you pay for. After a couple years of heavy use, one of the wheels snapped off. I liked the bag so much, I repurchased it, only to have the handle break. Despite these incidents, I still recommend it, especially if you’re an infrequent traveler who only needs a carry-on once or twice a year. I’m willing to bet if you don’t routinely overpack it or bang it up staircases, you won’t encounter the issues I did.
Buy now £53.19, Amazon.com
Away carry-on flex
I was genuinely surprised by how much I could fit inside this carry-on. Seven days’ worth of outfits, including a pair of running shoes and two bulky sweaters, were squeezed inside, and that was without using the bag’s expansion capabilities. Once I used the expansion zipper to add 2.25 inches of space, I easily added five more dresses (including two thick knitted numbers). I think if you pack thoughtfully, this bag could accommodate two weeks’ worth of clothing.
It has multiple mesh pockets and a compression panel inside, to help you organize your items and make the most of the available space. The capacity is impressive and it’s worth the price.
Buy now £325.00, Awaytravel.com
Monos carry-on pro
This has been my go-to suitcase for a few years. I love that the wheels still glide as smoothly as they did when I first got the bag and can move over bumps or uneven surfaces relatively easily. Despite more than two years of heavy use, the bag hasn’t sustained any cracks, broken zippers, disintegrating wheels, broken handles, or any other structural damage. This is pretty impressive, considering I regularly bump the bag down long staircases or accidentally slam it on the ground.
My only gripe is that the telescoping handle sometimes struggles to extend fully when the bag is packed to the max. Additionally, I’ve found the bag scuffs quite easily. The bag does ship with a scuff eraser but, the one time I used it, I wasn’t terribly impressed with the end result. That said, it’s a great all-rounder and has served me exceptionally well.
Buy now £295.00, Monos.com
Béis the carry-on roller
If you spot a stylish person at the airport, the odds are good they’ll be wheeling this suitcase alongside them. The carry-on comes in a range of colors, including fashion-forward neutrals such as camel, maple, black, and olive.
It’s also a great suitcase for those who want to have plenty of outfits when they land at their destination. It can hold up to 61L, far more than any other carry-on on this list. I packed around two weeks’ worth of outfits plus two pairs of shoes in this bag easily, without using the expansion zipper. With the expansion zipper, I was able to fit about six more items, including a few bulky sweaters. This does mean it may be too big to go in the overhead compartment on some airlines, so check the restrictions of the airline you usually fly with before buying this bag. It may be too heavy for some people to lift when packed to the max, too.
Buy now £268.00, Beistravel.com
Halfday carry-on garment roller
Of all the bags I’ve tested as a travel writer, this one has a unique design. The brand says it “opens into a garment bag, zips into a suitcase”. It has a garment bag built into the exterior, with two hanger loops, plus dedicated shoe pockets, four additional internal pockets, and large external pockets.
My partner and I have attended an out-of-town wedding recently and were both able to bring pretty much everything we needed in this bag, including cocktail outfits, accessories, and a more casual outfit for the day after. So, I’d certainly recommend it if you’re traveling for events or business trips. The only small annoyance is that the bag only has two wheels, so you can’t roll it by your side the way you can with a four-wheeled case.
Buy now £248.00, Halfdaytravel.com
The North Face all-weather four-wheeler
If you’ve been let down by flimsy bags with broken zippers or wobbly wheels, it’s time to upgrade to The North Face’s all-weather four-wheeler. It has a clamshell design with no zipper — it just snaps shut, with two buckles to hold it in place. It’s also waterproof — I sprayed water on it with a hose and it didn’t let any moisture through to the clothes inside.
The bag’s design feels rugged, and the extra-wide handle feels particularly sturdy. However, those heavy-duty features make for a bag that’s heavier than ones of a similar size, which is something to consider if you’re going to be stashing it in overhead compartments.
Buy now £350.00, Thenorthface.com
Rei Co-op trail 40 pack
This backpack has taken me across southeast Asia for a month and on a weeklong ski trip to Switzerland, among other journeys. While I generally prefer a roller bag to a backpack, I have to admit this bag’s capacity is hard to beat. Every time I think I’ve maxed it out, I find a little extra room for another pair of leggings or a rolled-up jacket.
I’ve managed to get three full packing cubes (around two weeks of warm-weather clothing or a week of cold-weather layers) inside, along with a pair of running shoes, sandals, a laptop, toiletries, a few extra clothing items, a water bottle, a book, and a small purse in this bag, all at once. Thanks to the waist strap, which takes much of the weight off your shoulders, it’s comfortable to wear over long periods of time. That said, travelers with back issues or certain disabilities may struggle to wear it. It comes in different sizes, and, if buying this bag in person, a Rei employee can help you determine the right fit.
Buy now £149.00, Rei.com
The verdict: Carry-on bags
The TravelPro platinum elite carry-on spinner is unexpectedly spacious, well-organized, and a breeze to travel with, and therefore takes the top spot here. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver through a variety of situations and terrains but there’s no denying it’s on the pricey side. If you’re looking to spend less, consider the Rockland’s carry-on. It may not be as durable as more expensive options, but it’s still a bargain at less than $60.
Want more recommendations? Read our review of the best luggage to buy for every type of vacation
