The 10 Best Carry-On Luggage Of 2024: Essential Suitcases For Every Type Of Traveler

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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Choosing the right carry-on luggage in 2024 is more crucial than ever, as airline size restrictions tighten and travelers demand more from their gear. The market is saturated with options, but only a handful of suitcases genuinely deliver a flawless travel experience, blending durability, smart organization, and compliance with the most common airline rules. This year, the top contenders are defined by whisper-quiet spinner wheels, innovative charging solutions, and specialized compartments designed for modern digital nomads and frequent flyers.

To help you navigate this crowded space, we've conducted deep research using the latest reviews and expert testing data available in late 2024. Whether you prioritize a featherlight shell for international flights, a robust hardshell for protection, or a softshell for maximum packing flexibility, this definitive list breaks down the absolute best carry-on luggage that will elevate your journey and stand the test of time.

The Definitive List: Top-Rated Carry-On Luggage for 2024

The "best" carry-on is highly subjective, depending on whether you are a budget traveler, a frequent business flyer, or someone who needs maximum protection for fragile contents. Our top picks for 2024 cover the essential categories, providing a perfect match for any travel style.

1. Overall Best Hardshell & The Digital Nomad's Choice: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

Key Feature: Integrated, easy-access front pocket for a 15-inch laptop and documents.
Why It Wins: The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is the gold standard for hardshell luggage in 2024, particularly for travelers who work on the go. Its aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell is virtually unbreakable, and its whisper-quiet, 360-degree spinner wheels glide effortlessly through busy terminals. The Pro Plus size is ideal for domestic US carriers, offering maximum capacity, while the standard Carry-On Pro is better suited for strict international requirements.
Top Entities: Monos, Polycarbonate Shell, Laptop Compartment, Quiet Spinner Wheels, TSA-Approved Lock.

2. Best for Maximum Capacity & Value: Away The Bigger Carry-On

Key Feature: Slightly larger dimensions than standard carry-ons, maximizing packing space for domestic travel.
Why It Wins: Away continues its reign as a direct-to-consumer favorite. The Bigger Carry-On is renowned for its thoughtful compression system, durable shell, and the option for a removable, TSA-approved battery bank for charging devices on the move. While Monos focuses on a front pocket, Away focuses on pure, organized volume and a sleek aesthetic that has defined modern travel.
Top Entities: Away, Compression System, Removable Battery, The Bigger Carry-On, Domestic Travel.

3. The Softshell Champion & Frequent Flyer Favorite: Travelpro Platinum Elite

Key Feature: High-density, stain-resistant nylon fabric with an innovative expansion system and a lifetime warranty.
Why It Wins: For those who prefer the flexibility and external pockets of softshell luggage, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is unmatched. It's the choice of many airline professionals, thanks to its superior durability and "Tip-Resistant" expansion system that adds packing space without compromising stability. The softshell design allows for cramming in extra items and utilizing exterior pockets for last-minute essentials.
Top Entities: Travelpro, Platinum Elite, Softshell Luggage, Nylon Fabric, Expansion System, Crew VersaPack.

4. Best Lightweight Hardshell: Samsonite Proxis Global Carry-On Spinner

Key Feature: Weighs a remarkably light 4.6 pounds, making it one of the lightest durable hardshells on the market.
Why It Wins: When every ounce counts, particularly for international flights with strict weight limits, the Samsonite Proxis is the clear winner. Made from Roxkin™, a multi-layered material, it offers incredible resilience despite its featherlight construction. The C-Lite model is another top contender in the lightweight category, cementing Samsonite's dominance in weight-saving technology.
Top Entities: Samsonite, Proxis, Roxkin, C-Lite, Lightweight Carry-On, International Carry-On.

5. Best for Style & Customization: July Carry On Essential

Key Feature: Ejectable power bank, personalized text options, and a proprietary, crush-proof shell.
Why It Wins: July has quickly become a premium brand known for its stunning color palettes and high-quality construction. The Carry On Essential offers a blend of style and substance, featuring silent-glide wheels and a lifetime warranty. It is a fantastic alternative to Away and Monos for travelers who want a unique, personalized look without sacrificing quality.
Top Entities: July, Carry On Essential, Personalized Luggage, Ejectable Power Bank, Silent-Glide Wheels.

Hardshell vs. Softshell: Which Is Right for Your 2024 Travel?

The debate between hardshell and softshell luggage continues, but for 2024, the choice largely comes down to your packing style and destination. Understanding the pros and cons of each material is essential for making an informed purchase.

Hardshell Luggage (Polycarbonate, ABS, Aluminum)

Hardshell suitcases, typically made from flexible polycarbonate or rigid ABS plastic, are the dominant trend in 2024. They offer superior protection for fragile items and are significantly easier to clean—a quick wipe-down removes dirt and scuffs. The trade-off is often a lack of external pockets and a fixed shape that cannot be compressed into tight spaces, like under a seat or in a cramped overhead bin. Brands like Monos and Away have mastered the polycarbonate shell, which is both durable and lightweight.

Pros: Excellent protection, easy to clean, modern aesthetic, water-resistant.
Cons: No external pockets, fixed size, can show scuffs and scratches.
Top Picks: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus, Away The Bigger Carry-On, Rimowa Original Cabin (Luxury).

Softshell Luggage (Nylon, Polyester)

Softshell bags, like the Travelpro Platinum Elite or the SwissGear Sion, are beloved for their flexibility and organizational features. The malleable fabric allows you to slightly overpack or "cram" the bag into a tight spot. Most softshell carry-ons feature multiple external zippered pockets, which are invaluable for quickly accessing passports, water bottles, or last-minute snacks without opening the main compartment. The downside is that they offer less protection for delicate items and are harder to clean.

Pros: Flexible capacity (can "give"), external pockets, generally lighter weight.
Cons: Less protection for contents, harder to clean, less water-resistant.
Top Picks: Travelpro Platinum Elite, SwissGear Sion Expandable.

Budget-Friendly and Emerging Carry-On Options for Smart Travelers

You don't need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality carry-on. Several brands offer excellent value by focusing on core functionality and durable materials, making them perfect for the occasional traveler or those building their first luggage set.

The Best Budget Hardshell: Rockland Melbourne 20-Inch

The Rockland Melbourne is consistently cited as one of the best value hardshell suitcases under $100. It features a clamshell opening, smooth spinner wheels, and a surprisingly durable ABS shell. While it lacks the premium features of Monos or Away, it delivers on the fundamental requirement: a reliable, lightweight piece of luggage that fits most airline requirements. The Quince Carry-On Hard Shell is another excellent, slightly more premium budget option.

The Best Budget Softshell: SwissGear Sion Expandable

For a budget softshell, the SwissGear Sion is a reliable choice. It offers impressive capacity, good organizational pockets, and smooth-rolling wheels, making it a fantastic entry-level option for travelers who don't hit the road every month.

The Emerging Innovators: Aer and Tramora

The 2024 market is seeing new brands focus on hyper-specific functional features. Aer, for example, has made a splash with its rolling luggage line, focusing on sleek, minimalist design and superior organization for tech gear. Tramora is introducing hyper-functional elements like a built-in laptop stand, phone stand, and cup holder directly into the carry-on shell—features that signal the future of highly specialized travel gear tailored for productivity on the go.

Ultimately, the best carry-on luggage of 2024 is the one that meets your specific size requirements (especially for international travel) and offers the organizational features you need most. By investing in a top-rated model like the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus, the Travelpro Platinum Elite, or even a budget-friendly option like the Rockland Melbourne, you ensure a smoother, less stressful journey for years to come.

The 10 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024: Essential Suitcases for Every Type of Traveler

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