14 Best Carry-On Luggage [Tested and Reviewed]

The Ambeur Carry-On Luggage from California Pak comes with a dial lock on the side of the main body, eliminating the need to prepare a padlock key.

After putting it to the test, we discovered that it glided effortlessly in all directions without any hitches. Adjusting the height of the telescoping handle was a breeze, and it appears straightforward to customize based on your height. Some users noted that it was "easy to operate."

The zipper divider comes with large mesh pockets, making it easy to manage small items and earning high ratings for its storage capabilities. The interior belt is elastic and easy to use. Moreover, the noise level during comfortable use is very quiet at 53.3dB, providing peace of mind for usage not just in the city but also in a quiet residential area.

While the large casters and the main body's ABS and polycarbonate construction provide some sturdiness, corner guards don't eliminate the possibility of cracks near rivets upon strong impact. The water-resistance test wasn't this product's strong suit, as we observed leakage of water from the zipper base and handle. For rainy-day use, it's advisable to use a waterproof cover as a precaution.

Additionally, the large casters and the use of high-quality aluminum for the carrier contribute to its overall durability, though potential issues should be kept in mind. In terms of storage, it earned high praise for its three pockets, simplifying organization for small items. The gusset expansion function provides added reassurance for accommodating any extra items you pick up at your destination.

Operating at a very quiet 54.6dB, the suitcase allows for use without concerns about your surroundings, even in tranquil residential areas. It's an excellent choice for those seeking items that won't disrupt conversations. Additionally, water-resistance testing revealed minimal intrusion, which shouldn't be a cause for worry, especially if you pair it with an umbrella on rainy days.

Receiving high praise for its ease of operation, it maintains stability even on uneven roads, with testers remarking, "It can move smoothly with a light touch." The handle, featuring soft rubber, alleviates hand strain and allows for a comfortable grip without digging into the fingers.

Operating quietly at 58.5dB when pulled, it avoids unnecessary attention. The appeal lies in the large casters and ABS+ polycarbonate body, ensuring durability even when fully packed. The expandable gusset width adds convenience, but the sole large mesh pocket in the zipper compartment may not be suitable for those carrying many small items.

Despite these features, the water-resistance test yielded disappointing results, with significant water leakage from the edges of the zippers and the handle. Hence, it's recommended to use a waterproof cover on rainy days.

The Ricardo Beverly Hills Mojave Carry-on seamlessly blends style and durability with a well-designed interior for effortless travel.

Crafted from sturdy polycarbonate, the main body boasts durability, but the small casters may be prone to wear and tear under heavy luggage weight. Pulling the carry-on produces a low noise level at 58.3dB, ensuring a user-friendly experience with minimal disruption to conversations in town.

High usability ratings highlight its smooth performance, excellent maneuverability, and easy-to-grip handle. However, the ability to lift it is a concern, as feedback from testers mentioned, "It feels heavy, and lifting it up slopes or stairs can be difficult."

Featuring a width expansion option, the suitcase accommodates a variety of items, but its storage capacity is limited by a single large nylon pocket when opened. The water resistance test revealed significant water leakage, emphasizing the need for caution to prevent contents from getting wet in rainy conditions.

Receiving high praise for its impressive storage capacity, it features single-sided elastic belts for stretch and two generously sized mesh pockets in the divider, ensuring convenient visibility of the contents.

Constructed with a sturdy polycarbonate main body, this carry-on proves resilient even when handled roughly. However, the large yet thin casters may be susceptible to wear in tear when filled with heavy luggage. The casters were a bit loud at 60dB when rolling, though it shouldn't be a big issue

In the usability test, the carry-on did not secure high ratings. Tester feedback included comments such as, "You can easily feel its weight, and even on a gentle slope, you can feel strain in your arms and waist." Despite its adjustable height to three levels, the hard handle doesn't offer an ideal fit, potentially causing fatigue during prolonged use. Furthermore, the water resistance test revealed a considerable amount of water leakage.

In the water-resistance test, it received high praise for its impeccable water resistance. Even in sudden rain, your electronics and other valuables are sure to stay protected from water leakage. The interior also has a convenient expandable side with a belt. There is a large mesh pocket that allows you to see your item, but we didn't like how items got jumbled up in it.

In terms of ease of use, it received a slightly lower rating because there was a sense of wobbliness when pulling. Although it's easy to maneuver around corners, the impression was that uneven roads transmitted vibrations, potentially causing strain on the hands and arms.

Crafted with a sturdy polycarbonate body, it's mostly resilient. However, the casters are rather thin, which may risk breakage under an overly heavy load. Hence, overpacking is not recommended. Additionally, when pulled, the luggage registers a noise level of 64.1dB, akin to a washing machine.

In the ease of use test, this piece of luggage struggled. However, it exhibits stable and smooth movement with minimal vibrations on rough roads; as a tester noted, "Even on rough roads, vibrations don't readily transfer to the hands." Yet, a drawback is the handle’s hard and slim feel, posing challenges in gripping. The noise level, when pulled, measures 60.9dB, giving a somewhat noisy impression. While it may not be bothersome in bustling urban areas, its loudness might be noticeable in quieter settings.

Crafted from somewhat fragile ABS, this suitcase faced durability issues in tests, notably with its thin casters. The risk of caster breakage under heavy loads emphasizes the need to avoid overpacking. While the interior boasts a handy stretchy rubber belt, organizing small items is challenged by a single large nylon pocket within the zipper partition.

The water resistance test revealed some shortcomings with water infiltration. Considering the significant water penetration, it's advisable to use a waterproof cover when transporting electronic devices or important documents on rainy days.

Constructed from a mix of ABS and polycarbonate, the main body is fairly sturdy, although the thin and less durable casters require moderate packing to prevent collapse under the luggage's weight. Operating at a noise level of 57.7dB when pulled, it is notably quiet.

In the usability test, while height adjustment was easy, it was difficult to use due to instability and wobbling when held at the side of the body and pulled on four wheels. Furthermore, even when trying to make sharp turns, the casters moved poorly and were hard to maneuver, leaving a poor impression.

When opened, one side is stretchable with an elastic belt for easy packing, but the single large mesh pocket in the compartment may not be suitable for organizing small items. During the water-resistance test, it showed a tendency for water leakage, resulting in a lower rating.

Highly praised for its ease of use, it effortlessly maintains a light feel, whether pulled sideways or behind you, ensuring smooth movement. Additionally, the three-stage adjustable handle allows users to customize it to their preferred height for added convenience.

Operational at a noise level of 57.8dB when pulled, it maintains a quiet profile, making it inconspicuous in urban settings and less likely to disrupt conversations. Despite its large casters, the durability testing resulted in a lower score due to the ABS material used for the body. Caution is advised, as any single crack in the hard material may pose a risk of significant breakage to the main body.

The interior is expandable and easy to pack, but there is no pocket on one side, yielding somewhat unsatisfactory results in our storage test. While accommodating larger items is convenient, it proves less suitable for organizing small belongings. Also, the water-resistance test yielded suboptimal results, with noticeable water leakage observed from the base of the zipper and the handle.