Best carry-on luggage 2023: premium cabin luggage and cheap lightweight cases

The best carry-on luggage will help you breeze through the airport and make your journey quick and easy

Two people holding two of the best carry-on luggage cases in the air, one case is baby blue and one is white
(Image credit: Antler)
Best carry-on luggage 2023: Jump Menu

carry-on luggage

(Image credit: iStock)

00. T3's top 3 ↴
01. Best overall: Tumi Tegra-Lite Max Continental Expandable Carry-on
02. Best lightweight option: Samsonite Cosmolite 55cm Spinner Cabin Case
03. Best affordable option: Aerolite 55cm Hard Shell Cabin Luggage
04. Best premium option: Db Ramverk Pro Carry-on Luggage
05. Best stylish option: Eastpak Tranzshell 54cm Hand Luggage
06. Best elegant option: Ted Baker Albany 2-Wheel Business Bag
07. Best attractive option: Aerolite Premium Hard Shell Carry On
08. Best long-haul option: Victorinox Lexicon 2.0 Dual-Caster Wide-Body Carry-On
09. Best quality option: Samsonite Base Boost Upright Hand Luggage
10. Best laptop option: Samsonite Guard It Rolling Tote

Looking for the best carry-on luggage of 2023? You've come to the right place as our guide has all the information you need to make an informed purchase for your next getaway.

We're long-time proponents of travelling light and think if you’re going on a short or a long trip there's little reason you need to check-in luggage – all you need to do is pack carefully. However, good intentions go nowhere unless you have the best carry-on luggage.

With a small cabin-sized suitcase, you can keep everything you need with you, bypassing both the bag drop queue and the luggage carousel at your destination... and get to the taxi rank before everyone else on your flight.

Looking for something larger? Check out the best suitcases or if you're looking to travel lighter, we suggest the best backpacks and best travel bags. If you're travelling with a baby or toddler then we recommend travelling with the best travel stroller.

WRITTEN BY
Lizzie Wilmot
WRITTEN BY
Lizzie Wilmot

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest Home news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

T3's top three

Best carry-on luggage you can buy today

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best overall carry-on luggage

Tumi Tegra-Lite Max Continental Expandable Carry-on

(Image credit: Tumi)

1. Tumi Tegra-Lite Max Continental Expandable Carry-on

The best overall carry-on luggage

Reasons to buy

+
Tough
+
Telescopic aluminium handle
+
Premium brand

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy
-
Generic design 

Available in a sleek Graphite grey, the Tumi Tegra-Lite Max is the perfect carry-on case for a short trip away. It comes with four double wheels for stability, a telescopic aluminium handle, and is made from tough polycarbonate so should be able to clock up as many air miles as you do. The Tumi contains three zipped compartments for safely stowing all your belongings, as well as straps for keeping clothes in place. The case is secured with a zip fastening too, with TSA-compatible combination locks for security. 

Unfortunately, it's heavier than the other carry-on suitcases on this list, weighing in at 4.99kg. That's by no means uncomfortable to carry around, but it's not quite as impressive as the featherlight cases we've also reviewed.

The best lightweight option

Samsonite Cosmolite 55cm Spinner Cabin Case

(Image credit: Samsonite)

2. Samsonite Cosmolite 55cm Spinner Cabin Case

The best lightweight option

Reasons to buy

+
Looks smart
+
4 wheels
+
Easy to manoeuver

Reasons to avoid

-
Handle feels a little flimsy

If you’re a frequent flyer, whether it is for business or please, you need to have a Samsonite. Customers who use this Samsonite are impressed with the amount of space inside, and say they are definitely worth the cost as they are built to last. Some think the handle feels a little flimsy, but with this cabin case being super lightweight, the 4 wheels make it really easy to get around the airport with no fuss. 

It also has a TSA lock which is perfect for those who travel to the states, and the hard casing means you’ll have peace of mind if you’re ever asked to put your bag in the hold. A highly recommended choice for anyone who travels on a regular basis. 

The best affordable option

Aerolite 55cm Hard Shell Cabin Luggage

(Image credit: Aerolite)

3. Aerolite 55cm Hard Shell Cabin Luggage

The best affordable option

Reasons to buy

+
Durable, scratch resistant case 
+
Wheels are solid
+
Includes a lock

Reasons to avoid

-
Boring looking

This case from Aerolite is extremely light, and extremely affordable, two things we think are very important. It features four robust wheels and a double-tube retractable trolley grip handle, which make it simple to glide around the airport in any direction. It all feels very well made, despite its affordable price. 

The outer casing is made from durable but lightweight anti-scratch ABS hard shell plastic to protect against the rigours of travelling, with chunky zippers on the main body. The interior features packing straps and an internal zipped divider with elasticated pockets (perfect for shoes), to keep the contents in place during transit. The case includes a free three-digit combination barrel padlock for extra security, plus a five year guarantee for ultimate peace of mind.

The best premium option

Db Ramverk Pro Carry-on Luggage

(Image credit: Db Ramverk)
The best premium option

Reasons to buy

+
Sturdy aluminium frame
+
Hook-up system allows other Db bags to be attached
+
“Ultra-silent” 360 Hinomoto wheels

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy
-
On the pricer side!

The Db Ramverk Pro Carry-on Luggage is the best suitcase for travelling professionals. It's well-made, highly functional and made from mostly recycled materials. It's a bit heavy, and the sturdiness of the bag might be OTT for some travellers; however, photographers and videographers should consider it as their next small travel case. 

For all the details, see our Db Ramverk Pro Carry-on Luggage review

The best stylish option

Eastpak Tranzshell 54cm Hand Luggage

(Image credit: Eastpak)

5. Eastpak Tranzshell 54cm Hand Luggage

The best stylish option

Reasons to buy

+
Stands out
+
Two zipped compartments
+
30-year warranty

Reasons to avoid

-
Too small for long trips

The Eastpak Tranzshell is available in seven different colours to suit your style. Our favourite is this distinctive Camo print (which is now sold out). It also comes in three different sizes Small, Medium and Large, although we’ve chosen the smallest model here. The Eastpak Tranzshell also promises to be tough and long-lasting with innovative foam and hybrid fabric, impressive 30-year warranty, and smooth-running wheels on its base. It also comes with a comfortable padded handle so it's easy to move around. 

Inside it's just as smart, with two zipped pockets to keep your belongings in place during your travels. This case is reasonably light at 2.9kg, so for a short holiday or business trip away it’s ideal, especially given the large 32-litre capacity. It also includes a locking zip system with is TSA compatible.

The best elegant option

Ted Baker Albany 2-Wheel Business Bag

(Image credit: Ted Baker)

6. Ted Baker Albany 2-Wheel Business Bag

The best elegant option

Reasons to buy

+
Elegant design
+
Handbag-like handle
+
Interior pattern

Reasons to avoid

-
Rose gold not for everyone

Available in black with a bright `Blue Butterfly`pattern interior, Ted Baker's stylish carry-on suitcase is a real designer piece with a distinctive, elegant look. Made from lustrous 900 denier twill material with rose gold highlights, the Albany also includes two smooth-rolling wheels in its base, plus large handbag-like handles. Inside the classy looks continue with a bright pattern, and plenty of room for your essentials. 

Other goodies include a 3-digit combination lock with TSA, and contrasting saffiano envelope style front pocket. The Albany case is also available in range of other sizes – so whether you want a carry-on bag, or something larger for an extended trip away, Ted Baker has you covered. 

The best attractive option

Aerolite Premium Hard Shell Carry On

(Image credit: Aerolite)

7. Aerolite Premium Hard Shell Carry On

The best attrative option

Reasons to buy

+
Stand out design
+
Rose gold fixtures
+
Attractive interior

Reasons to avoid

-
Gloss surface could scratch

Featuring an elegant pink floral design you'll have no problem spotting this on the luggage carousel. The affordable case is made from ultra-lightweight ABS, which is  strong and flexible enough to stand up to the rigours of modern travel, although, we could see the glossy finish getting scratched quite easily. The interior features packing straps and an internal zipped divider with elasticated pockets (perfect for shoes), to keep the contents in place during transit. The case is finished with rose-gold zippers and fixtures.

The best long-haul option

Victorinox Lexicon 2.0 Dual-Caster Wide-Body Carry-On

(Image credit: Victorinox)

8. Victorinox Lexicon 2.0 Dual-Caster Wide-Body Carry-On

The best long-haul option

Reasons to buy

+
Expandable
+
Laptop sleeve on outside
+
Great capacity

Reasons to avoid

-
Too big for UK/Europe short-haul airlines

Here’s a carry-on with global importance. Although it’s technically within the 56x45x25cm limit, in practice this carry-on is – when packed (and definitely when expanded) – too wide for short-haul flights in the UK and Europe. However, long-haul routes tend to have far less restrictions (though always check before you travel). 

Able to take 42 litres in an expandable main section, this hybrid case/carry-on has double-spinner wheels for maximum mobility, an adjustable handle with three different heights, and vertical X-shaped compression straps for squeezing even more inside. It’s for those that want to travel far, and travel light… ish.

The best quality option

Samsonite Base Boost Upright Hand Luggage

(Image credit: Samsonite)

9. Samsonite Base Boost Upright Hand Luggage

The best quality option

Reasons to buy

+
High quality
+
TSA Lock
+
Reliable brand

Reasons to avoid

-
Only two wheels

This Samsonite suitcase is our best cheap lightweight suitcase. Why? Simply put, it offers unrivalled quality and reassurance, realistically everything you want from a suitcase. 

With a TSA lock for stressless security fly-throughs and peace of mind at your destination, an expandable front pocket for stuffing with Duty Free Toblerones, and, according to reviewers, a light but incredibly strong construction, it looks to be a reliable and spacious option. The only thing keeping it from perfection is the two-wheeled design.

The best laptop option

Samsonite Guard It Rolling Tote

(Image credit: Samsonite)

10. Samsonite Guard It Rolling Tote

The best laptop option

Reasons to buy

+
Padded laptop compartment (17.3inches)
+
Lockable zippers
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Only two wheels

When travelling for business on a regular basis, carrying a laptop can be a real pain. However, this Samsonite laptop carry-on is the best way to ensure your device is protected on your flight. It offers a generous padded compartment which can accommodate laptops up to 17.3 inches, and you get an additional tablet pocket, for screens up to 10.1 inches. 

This carry-on luggage only has 2 wheels for rolling, but it certainly takes the stress out of carrying an additional laptop bag on your shoulder as well as a cabin bag. You’ll still have ample space to fit in your clothing for a short trip.

How to choose the best carry-on luggage

Most airlines these days have the same rules and regulations about carry-on luggage. Common airlines at British airports, such as EasyJet and British Airways, allow you to bring on board a cabin bag with dimensions up to 56x45x25cm. 

However, be sure to check with the specific airline you are travelling with, as they may vary. Read T3's guide to the most popular airline's baggage allowance: luggage limits, excess charges, and how to avoid them.

It is also important to be aware that the budget airlines including EasyJet, Ryanair and Flybe sometimes operate a one-bag policy, which means you cannot have your carry-on luggage and your handbag, as this would count as two pieces (although you can always just shove it inside your case while boarding and take it out again once seated like everyone else). 

So, what’s the best carry-on luggage? That depends on what kind of traveller you are, but know that they come with 2 wheels, 4 wheels or even 8 wheels, so you barely have to make any effort to carry your bag at all. So if you struggle to pack light, at least you won’t struggle through the airport. However, a carry-on size backpack can also be a great option.

If you do plan on cramming in as much stuff as possible, opt for feather-light luggage. They can weigh as little as 2kg and will make your life a whole lot easier when you’re lifting your bag into the overhead compartment. What determines their weight is what they’re made of, but bags made of light fabrics do tend to have more built-in pockets.

Lizzie Wilmot
Staff Writer, Home

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest Home news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

With contributions from