Carry-on comparison · Updated September 23, 2026
The Away Bigger Carry-On remains our best overall pick for a typical U.S. trip. Choose Travelpro when low weight matters, Monos for laptop access, Briggs & Riley for repairability, the BÉIS Small Roller for tighter dimensions, or Space Suitcases only when rideable or auto-follow technology is the priority.
Side-by-side
| Bag | Price* | Dimensions | Weight | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Away The Bigger Carry-On | $295 | 22.7 × 15.4 × 9.6 in | 7.9 lb | 49 L |
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner | $160 | 23 × 14.5 × 9 in | 5.4 lb | 46 L |
| Monos Carry-On Pro | $251 sale / $295 list | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 7.8 lb | 36 L |
| Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" Carry-On Spinner | $729 | 22 × 14 × 9–11.5 in | 10 lb | 37–48 L |
| BÉIS The Small Carry-On Roller | $248 | 21.5 × 13.5 × 8.07 in | 7.15 lb | 31 L |
| Space Suitcases ERT1 Smart Rideable Suitcase | $749.25 sale | 21.5 × 14.5 × 10.3 in | 18.5 lb | 26 L |
| Space Suitcases AF3 Auto-Follow Smart Suitcase | $974.25 sale | Brand describes it as carry-on size; full exterior dimensions not published | 20.5 lb | 33 L |
*Prices checked September 23, 2026. Measurements include wheels and fixed handles where the brand specifies; Space Suitcases does not publish complete AF3 exterior dimensions on its product page.
Shop the researched edit
01Best overall · Away
$295 checked Sept. 23, 2026
Why it wins: The best balance of useful capacity, manageable weight and a clean compression system for a four-to-seven-day domestic trip.
Know before buying: Its larger U.S.-focused dimensions are not the safest choice for strict international carriers.
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02Best lightweight · Travelpro
$160 checked Sept. 23, 2026
Why it wins: At 5.4 pounds, it leaves noticeably more of an airline weight allowance for clothing and is easier to lift into an overhead bin.
Know before buying: The softside look is practical rather than fashion-forward, and the expanded case may miss stricter limits.
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03Best for business · Monos
$251 sale / $295 list checked Sept. 23, 2026
Why it wins: The protected front compartment holds a laptop up to 16 inches, making airport-security and in-transit access much easier.
Know before buying: The front compartment takes space from the main interior, so capacity is lower than several similarly sized cases.
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04Best investment · Briggs & Riley
$729 checked Sept. 23, 2026
Why it wins: The flat packing surface, garment folder, compression expansion and repair guarantee are built for frequent business travel.
Know before buying: It is the most expensive and heaviest bag in this comparison before anything is packed.
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05Best compact / international · BÉIS
$248 checked Sept. 23, 2026
Why it wins: The compact dimensions are a safer starting point for smaller bins and stricter routes while retaining a TSA lock and weight indicator.
Know before buying: Thirty-one liters demands disciplined packing and can feel tight beyond a short trip.
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06Best rideable smart carry-on · Space Suitcases
$749.25 sale checked Sept. 23, 2026
Why it wins: A removable 73.26Wh battery, USB charging and rideable design make it the strongest OS Pick for travelers specifically seeking smart luggage.
Know before buying: At 18.5 pounds and 10.3 inches deep, it can exceed airline size or weight limits before packing. Confirm the operating carrier and treatment of rideable luggage before buying.
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07Best auto-follow luggage · Space Suitcases
$974.25 sale checked Sept. 23, 2026
Why it wins: App and remote control, auto-follow movement, rideable operation and a removable 63Wh battery make this the premium hands-free smart-luggage option.
Know before buying: It weighs about 20.5 pounds empty, and the brand does not publish complete exterior dimensions on the product page. Airline approval is not universal.
Check current pricePrices can change. Space Suitcases links use a direct affiliate partnership. Other links go directly to the brand and do not earn a commission. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Our research standard: We compared current brand specifications, features, airline-fit claims, warranties and prices. These are researched recommendations, not claims of personal testing. Always check your airline and fare before buying.
Quick verdicts
Best overall
The best balance of useful capacity, manageable weight and a clean compression system for a four-to-seven-day domestic trip.
Check current priceBest lightweight
At 5.4 pounds, it leaves noticeably more of an airline weight allowance for clothing and is easier to lift into an overhead bin.
Check current priceBest for business
The protected front compartment holds a laptop up to 16 inches, making airport-security and in-transit access much easier.
Check current priceBest investment
The flat packing surface, garment folder, compression expansion and repair guarantee are built for frequent business travel.
Check current priceBest compact / international
The compact dimensions are a safer starting point for smaller bins and stricter routes while retaining a TSA lock and weight indicator.
Check current priceBest rideable smart carry-on
A removable 73.26Wh battery, USB charging and rideable design make it the strongest OS Pick for travelers specifically seeking smart luggage.
Check current priceBest auto-follow luggage
App and remote control, auto-follow movement, rideable operation and a removable 63Wh battery make this the premium hands-free smart-luggage option.
Check current priceThe decision rule
A larger case can work well when you usually fly mainline domestic aircraft, but published limits still vary. Compare the packed exterior dimensions—including wheels and handles—to your carrier.
Cabin-bag size and weight limits can be stricter. A compact shell helps, but no suitcase is universally compliant across every airline, route and fare.
An expanded suitcase may no longer qualify as a carry-on. Save the extra zipper for a checked segment or a return trip where you have already confirmed the allowance.
Pack the bag you choose
Need a complete system? Preview the Carry-On Only Packing System for 7, 10 or 14 days, with warm-, mild- and cold-weather plans included.
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