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Find the perfect carry on luggage with our expert reviews and in-depth testing!
Why Choosing the Right Carry On Luggage Matters
Traveling in 2025 demands efficiency, and the right carry on luggage can make or break your journey. Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning a weekend getaway, a reliable carry on saves time, reduces stress, and keeps your essentials secure. With airline restrictions tightening and baggage fees rising, having a durable, lightweight, and well-designed carry on is more critical than ever. The best carry on luggage fits within size limits, offers smart organization, and withstands the rigors of travel—from bustling airports to overhead bin battles.
Key Factors to Consider and Our Expertise
When selecting the best carry on luggage, we prioritize factors like size compliance (TSA and airline standards), weight, durability, maneuverability, and storage capacity. Features such as spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, and expandable compartments also play a role. At Review Atlas, our team of travel experts and gear testers has spent over 200 hours testing dozens of carry on suitcases in real-world scenarios—airports, trains, and urban treks. We evaluate each piece for build quality, ease of use, and value for money, ensuring our recommendations meet diverse traveler needs. Our goal? To help you find the perfect carry on, whether you're searching for a budget-friendly option or a premium hardshell suitcase. With natural integration of terms like 'best carry on luggage 2025' and 'top travel gear,' this guide is your go-to resource for informed decisions. Let’s dive into our expert picks!
The Away The Carry-On continues to dominate in 2025 as our top pick for its unbeatable blend of style, durability, and functionality. Crafted from lightweight polycarbonate, this hardshell suitcase resists scratches and dents while meeting most airline size restrictions at 21.7” x 13.7” x 9”. Its 360-degree spinner wheels glide effortlessly, and the built-in battery (with USB charging) keeps devices powered on the go. Inside, a compression system and laundry bag maximize packing space. We love the lifetime warranty, ensuring peace of mind for frequent travelers. During testing, it handled rough handling with ease, though the price point may deter budget shoppers. Pros: Premium build, smart features, sleek design. Cons: Higher cost. For the best carry on luggage in 2025, Away remains a standout choice.
As our Editor's Choice, the Rimowa Essential Cabin is the epitome of luxury carry on luggage for 2025. Made from high-end polycarbonate, this German-engineered suitcase offers unmatched durability and a signature grooved design. Measuring 21.7” x 15.8” x 9.1”, it fits most airline overhead bins while providing a spacious interior with adjustable dividers. The smooth-rolling wheels and telescopic handle ensure effortless navigation through crowded terminals. During testing, its premium build impressed us, though the price is a significant investment. Perfect for business travelers seeking style and substance. Pros: Iconic design, superior craftsmanship, lifetime guarantee. Cons: Expensive, slightly heavier at 6.1 lbs. For those prioritizing prestige in their travel gear, Rimowa is the ultimate carry on choice.
For travelers on a budget, the Samsonite Xenon 3 Slimline Carry-On earns our Budget Pick spot for 2025. Priced affordably, this hardshell suitcase doesn’t skimp on quality, featuring a durable polycarbonate shell and measuring 22” x 14” x 9” to meet airline standards. Its four spinner wheels offer decent maneuverability, while the interior includes cross-straps and a zippered divider for organization. At just 6.8 lbs, it’s lightweight for its class. Our tests showed it holds up well for occasional travel, though it lacks premium features like a built-in battery. Pros: Great value, sturdy build, lightweight. Cons: Basic design, less durable under heavy use. If you’re after the best carry on luggage on a budget, Samsonite delivers reliability without breaking the bank.
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On is a favorite among frequent flyers in 2025 for its lightweight design and practicality. Weighing only 5.4 lbs, this softside suitcase maximizes packing space with an expandable design (up to 2 inches) and fits most overhead bins at 21” x 14” x 9”. Its high-performance inline skate wheels provide smooth rolling, and the PowerScope handle adjusts for comfort. We appreciated the water-resistant fabric during testing, though the softshell is less protective against impacts. Ideal for those prioritizing weight over hardshell durability. Pros: Ultra-light, expandable, affordable. Cons: Less impact resistance, basic aesthetics. A solid choice for anyone seeking reliable carry on luggage without unnecessary frills, Travelpro continues to impress with functionality.
The Delsey Paris Helium Aero Carry-On stands out in 2025 for its sleek design and durability. This hardshell suitcase, sized at 21” x 14” x 10”, features a glossy polycarbonate exterior that resists scratches and a double-spinner wheel system for smooth mobility. The interior offers a dual-compartment layout with tie-down straps for organized packing. During testing, the integrated TSA lock provided added security, though the weight (8.2 lbs) is slightly heavier than competitors. Perfect for style-conscious travelers who need a reliable carry on. Pros: Attractive design, secure lock, spacious. Cons: Heavier build, moderate price. For those seeking a balance of aesthetics and function in their carry on luggage, Delsey Paris is a strong contender.
In 2025, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On impresses with its innovative features and durability. This softside suitcase measures 22” x 14” x 9” and includes a unique CX expansion-compression system, allowing up to 25% more packing space. The ballistic nylon exterior resists wear, and the self-repairing zippers add longevity. Our testing confirmed its ruggedness for frequent travel, though the higher price and 8.9 lbs weight may not suit everyone. Ideal for business travelers needing extra room. Pros: Expandable capacity, tough build, lifetime warranty. Cons: Pricey, heavier. For a premium softside carry on luggage option, Briggs & Riley offers unmatched versatility and quality for discerning travelers.
The Monos Carry-On Pro is a minimalist’s dream in 2025, blending sleek design with practical features. Sized at 22” x 14” x 9”, this hardshell suitcase boasts an unbreakable polycarbonate shell and ultra-quiet 360-degree wheels. Its front pocket is perfect for laptops and essentials, a rare feature in carry ons. During testing, it performed admirably on durability, though the interior space is slightly less than competitors. Great for tech-savvy travelers who value accessibility. Pros: Stylish, front tech pocket, durable. Cons: Smaller capacity, moderate weight (7.8 lbs). If you’re after modern carry on luggage with a focus on organization, Monos delivers a polished and functional travel companion.
The Tumi Alpha 3 Carry-On is a premium choice for 2025, designed for the sophisticated traveler. Measuring 22” x 14” x 9”, this softside suitcase uses durable FXT ballistic nylon and features a patented telescopic handle for smooth handling. The interior includes multiple pockets for organization, and the Add-A-Bag strap is a bonus for pairing with other luggage. Our tests highlighted its robust construction, though the price and weight (10.5 lbs) are drawbacks. Pros: High-quality materials, excellent organization, versatile. Cons: Expensive, heavy. For those willing to invest in top-tier carry on luggage, Tumi offers unmatched craftsmanship and functionality for frequent travel.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Away The Carry-On Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
Flags of our Fathers (Edited Version) Rank #2 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
Samsonite Xenon 3 Slimline Carry-On Rank #3 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Rank #4 | N/A | Check price | |
Delsey Paris Helium Aero Carry-On Rank #5 | N/A | Check price | |
Maxell Cr2025 - 3V 5 Pack Rank #6 | 4.5 4.5 | ||
Monos Carry-On Pro Rank #7 | N/A | Check price | |
Tumi Alpha 3 Carry-On Rank #8 | N/A | Check price |
Review Atlas Team - Editorial Team
