Best Carry-On Luggage Compared on Maker Specs (2026)
Three hardside carry-on spinners, compared on the numbers each brand publishes. We have not tested these bags ourselves.
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A good carry-on fits the airline sizer, keeps its weight low and holds a few days of clothes. The Travelpro Platinum Elite Compact is the pick for most travelers because it adds 2 in of expansion and charging ports. The Away Carry-On is the lightest and holds the most, and the Monos Carry-On Pro has a front pocket for a 16 in laptop.
Quick picks
- Best for most travelersPlatinum Elite Compact Carry-On Hardside SpinnerCheck price
- LightestThe Carry-OnCheck price
- Best for laptopsCarry-On ProCheck price
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Top pickTravelproPlatinum Elite Compact Carry-On Hardside Spinner | LightestAwayThe Carry-On | LaptopsMonosCarry-On Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Frequent flyers who want USB ports and expansion | The lightest hardside of the three | Laptop travelers who want a front pocket |
| Empty weightlower is better | 7.8 lb7.8 lb | 7.5 lb★ Best7.5 lb | 7.8 lb7.8 lb |
| Overall size | 22 x 14 x 9 in (with wheels and handles) | 22 x 14.4 x 9.1 in (product page); 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 in (FAQ) | 22 x 14 x 9 in (with wheels and handles) |
| Capacity | 40 L | 41 L | 36 L |
| Expansion | 2 in (expanded may not meet airline limits) | None (Flex version adds 2.25 in) | None listed |
| Lock | Built-in TSA lock | TSA-approved combination lock | TSA-accepted combination lock |
| Price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
Specs from each manufacturer's US product page. Bars compare each spec against the best value in this table; they are not test scores. Prices change often, so we link out instead of quoting them.
The picks
★Best for most travelers
TravelproPlatinum Elite Compact Carry-On Hardside Spinner
Best for: Frequent flyers who want USB ports and expansion
A 22 x 14 x 9 in polycarbonate spinner at 7.8 lb and 40 L, with a 2 in expansion, built-in TSA lock and external USB-A and USB-C ports.
What we like
- Expands 2 in
- Charging ports for a power bank
- Travelpro says it is sizer-bin tested on major US airlines
Watch out for
- Travelpro lists two spec sets (39 L/7.9 lb on some pages)
- Expanded, it may not fit airline limits
Travelpro lists this polycarbonate spinner at 22 x 14 x 9 in overall, 7.8 lb and 40 L. A 2 in zippered expansion adds room on the way home, and USB-A and USB-C ports connect to a battery sleeve inside the expansion gusset. You supply the power bank. Travelpro says the bag is sizer-bin tested on most major US airlines. Some Travelpro pages still show an older spec set of 39 L and 7.9 lb, so expect small differences between listings.
★Lightest
AwayThe Carry-On
Best for: The lightest hardside of the three
A 7.5 lb, 41 L hardside spinner with a TSA-approved combination lock and an interior compression system.
What we like
- Lightest listed weight here
- Most listed capacity here
- Flex version available with expansion
Watch out for
- Away lists two exterior sizes
- No expansion on the standard version
At 7.5 lb and 41 L, The Carry-On is the lightest bag here and holds the most. It has a TSA-approved combination lock and an interior compression system. Away gives two exterior sizes: 22 x 14.4 x 9.1 in on the product page and 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 in in its FAQ. The width is the same either way. If you want expansion, Away sells a Flex version that adds 2.25 in of depth and weighs 7.9 lb.
★Best for laptops
MonosCarry-On Pro
Best for: Laptop travelers who want a front pocket
A 22 x 14 x 9 in polycarbonate spinner at 7.8 lb and 36 L, with a front compartment that fits a 16 in laptop and a TSA-accepted lock.
What we like
- Front laptop pocket without opening the case
- Lockable front zipper
- 4 handle height settings
Watch out for
- Smallest listed capacity here
- No expansion listed
The Carry-On Pro has a hard front compartment that fits a 16 in laptop, with a lockable zipper and a pouch for a phone and passport. Monos lists it at 22 x 14 x 9 in, 7.8 lb and 36 L. That is the smallest capacity here, and the price of the front pocket. The handle has four height settings.
How to choose
- Check your airline. Compare the bag’s overall size, with wheels and handles, to your airline’s published carry-on limit.
- Decide on expansion. Expansion helps on return trips, but an expanded bag may not fit the sizer.
- Think about the laptop. A front pocket saves opening the case at security.
- Pack liquids right. See our guide to the TSA liquids rule.
Frequently asked questions
Do the listed sizes include wheels and handles?
Yes for all three. Travelpro, Away and Monos each say their exterior measurements include wheels and handles. Airlines measure the whole bag, so compare that figure to your airline's limit.
Can I expand a carry-on and still bring it on board?
Maybe not. Travelpro warns that its fully expanded carry-on may not meet airline restrictions. Pack it unexpanded if you plan to carry it on.
Do these bags have a lock?
Yes. Travelpro lists a built-in TSA lock, Away a TSA-approved combination lock and Monos a TSA-accepted combination lock.
Which bag is lightest?
Away lists The Carry-On at 7.5 lb. Travelpro and Monos list 7.8 lb for their bags.
