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These 13 Best Rolling Luggage Options of 2023 Are the Cream of the Crop
Your travel game? Un-touch-able.
Sure, duffel bags and weekenders have their place, but when you're making ~serious~ travel plans, there's no better carryall than a suitcase on wheels. Rolling luggage is just necessary when you're going on a trip that's a) more than two days in length, or b) requires a ton of walking. Have you ever woken up on vacation feeling like you did the hardest arm workout of your life, when in reality all you did was lug around a 25-pound bag? You get it—and you should keep reading.
Rolling luggage is elite for a few main reasons, the most important of which being the spinner wheels (duh), the internal organization systems, and the durability factor. But not all suitcases are made equal, which is why we decided to test out a bunch for you to find the best ones based on their wheels, shell, warranty, and weight. We then picked 13 faves, broken down by categories like "Best For Short Trips," "Best On-the-Go Features," "Best Luggage Set," and more. Here's a little preview of what we're working with:
Scroll down for a more in-depth description of the best rolling luggage and carry-on suitcases that made the cut, with important info on specs and features (is the suitcase heavy? are the wheels durable?) as well as some glowing reviews. Warning: we can't promise you won't blow all your money on flight tickets immediately after you close this tab.
Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner in Black
Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner in Black
Pros
- Expandable for up to 15% more packing space
- Interior organizer with divider
- 3 zippered pockets
Cons
- Some customers report that the handle is a little wobbly
Amazon is your go-to site for movies, shoes, and TikTok finds, but did you know that they also make some really, really good suitcases? Their in-house brand Amazon Basics carries a spinner suitcase that boasts over 41,800 ratings in which customers have raved things like, "this is probably the best value on the market" and "I would highly recommend to anyone in need of a new suitcase."
A scratch-resistant exterior, adjustable handle, and expandable body (to accommodate all of your souvenirs, ofc) make this carry-on an excellent suitcase to snag—and it won't break the bank at just $89.99.
Glowing review: "I dragged this suitcase for miles on cobblestone streets, through train stations, and down gravel roads during a recent trip," one reviewer writes. "Since this was a relatively inexpensive suitcase, I kept waiting for a wheel to pop off but amazingly, that did not happen. I bought the smallest size, and it fit everything I needed for the 2-week trip."
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | 4 options |
Warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
Weight | 7.34 lbs. |
Capacity | 39 L |
Pros
- USB port with protective cover
- TSA-approved lock panel
Cons
- On the smaller side at 22" x 14" x 9"
Samsonite suitcases are known for their durability, so if you're going to be doing some heavy-duty traveling this year (or simply have a history of putting your suitcase through the wringer for one reason or another), we recommend checking out their rolling luggage options.
This carry-on is outfitted with several clever features you might not have even realized you needed until now, like a slide-out ID compartment and a WetPak™ pocket that'll keep the spillage contained in case your shampoo decides to explode mid-flight (...again).
Glowing review: "Love this suitcase! Lightweight, easy to organize, great lock system, love the color, easy to handle and enough storage space for everything I need for long or short trips," one reviewer shares. "One feature I really appreciate in particular, is the external battery compartment and convenience of USB port for my phone. Best travel case ever!"
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | 5 options |
Warranty | Limited 10 year global warranty |
Weight | 6.06 lbs. |
Capacity | N/A |
Pros
- Nests within the Roam Check-In and Large Check-In
- Good for a 3-7 day journey
Cons
- Some customers noted that the zippered gap between the front and back shells felt a little "wobbly" when empty
May we direct your attention to the super-practical *expandable version* of Roam’s best-selling, customizable carry-on? This suitcase is 22" x 14.25" x 11" pre-expansion, but when you end up buying one too many souvenirs on vacation and end up needing to check the bag, you’ll be able to utilize Roam's expanding feature to access a whopping 37% more space. Plus, you get to select your favorite colors for the front, back, zipper, lining, and trim.
Glowing review: "Perfect size. Well crafted and durable. Had fun picking out (and changing) my colors until I found what I liked best! Several colors to pick from and you get to pick the color of all parts of the case, even the zipper and binding," one reviewer notes. "I made different color schemes and took screenshots. Then I went to my screenshots to pick my favorite before ordering. You can even make it expandable if you want that. Love this carry on!"
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | ~Almost infinite~ options |
Warranty | 100 day trial and lifetime warranty |
Weight | 7.6 lbs. |
Capacity | 51 L |
Paravel Aviator Carry-On
Paravel Aviator Carry-On
Pros
- Comes with a removable laundry bag
- Carbon steel wheel bearings
- All carbon emissions have been offset
Cons
- No expansion capabilities
Even if you're about to board a decidedly unglamorous 6 a.m. flight, you can still channel some of that retro-glam energy from the Golden Age of air travel with this trunk-inspired suitcase from Paravel. The bag is secured by a TSA-approved lock on the outside, and inside, you'll find interior compression boards to help you flatten bulkier items.
Another major stand-out feature of this bag is that it's 100% carbon neutral. That's right—Paravel has offset every carbon emission from the creation, shipping, and delivery of your suitcase, as well as the estimated carbon emissions from your first flight (!!!!) with your new bag.
Glowing review: "Having used the same carry-on for decades, this is a major upgrade in both function and design," one reviewer writes. "It's lighter that my old canvas carry-on and the wheels roll like a dream - any direction and smooth as butter. The interior is separated nicely and it comes with a protective cover!"
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | 5 options |
Warranty | 10-year limited warranty |
Weight | 8.2 lbs. |
Capacity | 43.7 L |
Pros
- Comes with a TSA-approved lock
- Weight limit indicator on handle
- Included pouch set for dirty clothes
- Expands an extra 2"
Cons
- Slightly more difficult to roll on concrete
Shay Mitchell has been globetrotting for years now (that's why she named her first child Atlas, duh), so she knows a thing or two about what great travel gear entails. That's why her travel brand, Beis, has some of the best luggage on the market.
This checked bag is chock full of thoughtful features, like a padded top handle that makes dragging it through the airport a lil more comfy, and the weight limit indicator that lets you know if you're over/under that 50-pound mark.
I also just get *so* many compliments whenever I travel with this bad boy, normally to the tune of, "OMG, is that Shay Mitchell's luggage brand?!" Frankly, this roller deserves the acclaim.
Glowing review: What I love about Beis luggage is that it is practical and well organized. You can tell that the product team really thought about the travel experience when creating this collection. It’s the thoughtfulness of the cushioned handle, and the small details like garment bags. It’s everything you need in one suitcase.
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | 4 options |
Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty included |
Weigh | 10.2 lbs. |
Capacity | 78 - 94 L |
Pros
- Comes with a TSA-approved lock, anti-microbial laundry bag, two shoe bags, and vegan leather luggage tag
- Handle has 4 height settings
Cons
- Some customers report that the bag got scratched up in transit more so than a fabric bag might
Jetting off for a month in Europe? I want to be you. Plan to spend the summer down south/out east? I could cry. If you're just generally a lucky human with plans for a prolonged getaway, then we need to talk about this suitcase.
Monos is an all-around incredible luggage brand, with great products for every stage of your travel journey (I'm personally in love with their sling bag, which I wear everywhere). The large check-in—the biggest suitcase they offer—is built for trips that are one- to three-weeks long, and has all the bells and whistles to make the travel process smooth and simple, despite the extra baggage.
No only are the wheels whisper quiet, but the super-sturdy handle is telescopic, the outer shell is made from an unbreakable polycarbonate material, and an anti-microbial laundry bag for dirty clothes (and two shoe bags) is included with every purchase.
Glowing review: My entire life I've traveled with hand-me-down suitcases, weekender bags, or various duffles... even when flying overseas. Can I please tell you how dumb I feel for not ever investing in quality luggage before now? Can I also tell you how legitimately impressed I am with this piece that I'm about to immediately pull the trigger on a matching Carry On Pro? ... I couldn't be more thrilled about deciding on Monos. The interior layout and design was really the deal maker for me, but I also wanted something that looked as good as it functioned. For me, Monos hit the perfect balance of everything I was looking for.
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | 10 options |
Warranty | 100 days |
Weight | 10.58 lbs. |
Capacity | 99.2 L |
Pros
- Comes with a laundry bag
- Interior compression system
Cons
- No expansion capabilities
Yes, Away's suitcases get plenty of hype, but that's because they deserve it. The brand name alone gets travelers excited to book their next trip, and Away's sleek luggage options are sturdy enough to survive even the most aggressive baggage handlers. The Bigger Carry-On is the brand's best-selling model, designed for four- to seven-day long trips. It fits all the essentials, comes with a TSA-approved lock and interior compression, and you'll never have a problem sliding it into a cramped overhead compartment.
If you're looking for durability, look no further. Whether you're pulling it down a jet bridge or across a cobblestone street, you can trust that both the suitcase and your belongings will remain intact once you arrive at your final destination.
Glowing review: The best bag investment I’ve ever made. Worth every penny. By far the easiest and most convenient bag we have owned. And we travel a ton. It’s held up very well and still looks new after 4 flights.
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | 9 options |
Warranty | 100 days |
Weight | 7.4 lbs. |
Capacity | 47.9 L |
Pros
- Interior divider and pockets
- Expands an extra 2"
- TSA-approved lock
Cons
- May scratch easily
This metallic suitcase from Calpak looks so much more expensive than it is—and for that, I want to buy one in every single shade (gold, silver, and black included). Honestly, I never feel like more of a travel influencer than when I'm rolling this bad boy through JFK Airport.
Beyond being hella chic, this bag is also super practical, especially for week-long vacations. It's bigger than a traditional carry-on, but isn't so big that you feel like you're walking around with a wardrobe on wheels. And despite looking heavy, it's actually pretty damn light.
This rolling suitcase is also perfect for any getaway where you expect to be leaving with a little more than you came with (AKA most of them, if you ask me) due to the fact that it's expandable. Simply unzip the expansion feature, and you instantly have an extra two inches for all of your added souvenirs.
Glowing review: I am in love with this suitcase! It’s coming with me on all my trips. It’s so beautiful and has lots of handy features. Who can resist rose gold luggage?!?!?
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | 5 options |
Warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
Weight | 8.6 lbs. |
Capacity | 77 L |
Travelpro Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage Set
Travelpro Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage Set
Pros
- Interior divider panels with pockets
- TSA-approved lock
- Expands an extra 2"
Cons
- Slightly more difficult to roll on carpet
Just over $500 for three suitcases? Yeah, you read that right. I tout TravelPro to everyone because they have GREAT quality pieces for such a solid (almost unbelievable?) price tag. This set features a carry-on, as well as a medium- and large-sized check-in made with a super-durable polycarbonate exterior. The interiors are also crafted from recycled plastic bottles, and you know we love a sustainable sitch!
This set is perfect for long trips, and would make the perfect gift for anyone with major travel plans in their future. Think: moving away for school, heading out for a semester abroad, or taking a job in another city. Between the three suitcases, you can fit preeeetty much everything you could ever need (AKA your 800 pairs of shoes, if you're anything like me).
Glowing review: Just received this luggage and I love it!! ... The luggage is very light but appears to be well made, and I like the arrangement of pockets, etc. inside.
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | 6 options |
Warranty | 100 days |
Weight | 6.3 lbs. to 10.1 lbs. |
Capacity | N/A |
Pros
- TSA-approved lock
- Includes water-resistant laundry bag
- Exterior pocket with laptop sleeve
Cons
- Internal pockets take up limited space
Unless you've been living under a rock, you're well aware that airports are...not the most organized places right now. Delayed and (gulp) canceled flights are the norm, and checked bags are getting lost like never before. That being said, if you can get away with using a single carry-on, you should. Especially for short trips.
This suitcase right here is the ultimate travel companion for quick getaways. It's smaller (and therefore lighter) than your average carry-on bag, but it still has plenty of room for necessities thanks to its thoughtfully designed interior pockets.
This model is also perfect for you if you're a ~business trip girlie~. The front pocket has a 13" laptop sleeve for easy storage, and there's a detachable three-compartment accordion system on the inside that lets you access important documents in a flash. So practical! So chic!
Glowing review: This workhorse when paired with my everywhere bag is the perfect thing for a weekend excursion. Very well thought out, and deceptively roomy- I give it 5 stars without hesitation. The interior organizer had me at the start. The size and convenience sealed the deal. For us minimalist packers, we’ve found nirvana. Just saying.
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | 2 options |
Warranty | 100 days |
Weight | 8.1 lbs. |
Capacity | 36.9 L |
Pros
- TSA-approved lock
- Option to make it expandable
- Compression flap and straps
Cons
- Some customers wish it was bigger
Fact: Roam suitcases are more like masterpieces than they are like pieces of luggage. That's because you can customize pretty much every damn aspect of it—even down to the color of the zippers.
For the carry-on, you can choose the color of the front shell, back shell, zippers, binding, wheels, and carry handles. You can also add a monogrammed patch, and make the luggage expandable. The suitcase is also incredibly sturdy, well-made, and ultra light, weighing in at just 7.3 lbs.
Yes, it's a little pricey, but it's a high-quality piece that'll be 100 percent y-o-u by the time you're done ordering your bag. Plus, with so many customizable options to choose from, you'll never be confused as to which suitcase is yours at baggage claim.
Glowing review: I have three sizes of Roam luggage (LOVE them all) - but this is the piece I use most often. It is the perfect size, lightweight and of course, custom color designed! Easy to spot on the baggage carousels. It rolls so easily as well—cobbled streets and all.
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | ~Almost infinite~ options |
Warranty | 100 day trial and lifetime warranty |
Weight | 7.3 lbs. |
Capacity | 37 L |
Pros
- 2 TSA-approved locks
- Interior divider panels with pockets
- Handle has 20 height settings
- Included stain-proof laundry bag
Cons
- Pretty heavy considering the fact that it's on the smaller side
Trunks may have predated the modern-day suitcase (just look at vacation photos from the 19th century), but that doesn't mean they don't have a place in today's travel environment. This carry-on trunk from July—a popular Australian luggage company that has made its way to the U.S.—is a contemporary take on the trunks of yesteryear.
In an effort to remove tricky zippers from the equation, this suitcase closes with two one-click latches, both of which are equipped with TSA-approved locks so you can feel extra secure. Other cool features? A "crush-proof" outer shell, an internal Y-strap compression system, and a handle that has 20 different height settings. Love!
Glowing review: This luggage Is not only beautiful to look at but it is tough and lightweight. Incredibly easy to roll and it holds so much. It is by far the best luggage I have ever owned. I travel every week and now I look forward to packing. It has changed the way I travel. Love it.
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | 5 options |
Warranty | 100 day trial and lifetime warranty |
Weight | 8.4 lbs. |
Capacity | 42 L |
Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage
Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage
Pros
- Interior divider with pockets
- Compression straps
- Up-right straps (so it can hinge open)
- TSA-approved lock
Cons
- Doesn't maximize your potential carry-on allowance
Sometimes you don't need a checked bag or a regular-sized carry-on. And for those moments, you need this smol bb. Calpak's Mini Carry-On is perfect for those one- or two-day trips when you want to keep things light, but still would rather roll your bag than hike it up on your shoulder.
This is personally my go-to bag when I'm taking the bus back to my BF's parents house for the weekend. It holds the necessary couple outfits and my embarrassingly large makeup bags, and fits right under the seat ahead of me so I don't have to worry about storing it under the bus. Calpak also tested to confirm that this bag will fit under most airline seats (you're good to go unless you're flying Virgin or Jetblue, both of which have smaller underseat capacity).
Glowing review: I usually always have to carry my old high school basketball bag and it would become so heavy on my back. I wanted something that was small but I didn’t have to carry the weight as much and this was amazing. The 360 wheels are great and I’m so happy I bought it, even my family is trying to take it from me now!
Sexy Specs
Wheels | 360° spinner wheels |
---|---|
Shell | Hard-shell |
Colorways | 7 options |
Warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
Weight | 6.4 lbs. |
Capacity | 31.2 L |
What to look for in a rolling suitcase
Not all rolling suitcases are made equally. Lucky for you, we found the best of the best based on the following criteria:
The Wheels
If you've ever found yourself pulling a suitcase with a bum wheel...you know why high-quality wheels are of the utmost importance while traveling. All of the suitcases on this list are equipped with 360° spinner wheels, which means you can glide it along at a quick pace and change directions in a hurry.
The Outer Shell
Most people prefer hard-shell luggage, and for good reason: they're more protective, durable, waterproof, and easier to clean than soft-shell luggage. All of the suitcases on this list have outer shells made of either polycarbonate or aluminum, both of which are known for their unbreakable qualities.
The Compression System
Packing light isn't always easy—and sometimes you need a little ~compression~ to get that suitcase closed. All of the suitcases on our list include some sort of internal compression system designed to keep your clothes and other items as compact and secure as possible—whether through compression straps or flaps. They're basically like built-in packing cubes (though I always recommend using those too!).
The Locks
It's a wild, wild world out there and you can simply never have enough security. That's why it's nice to have locks on your suitcase—especially checked baggage that's not always in sight. All of the suitcases above feature TSA-approved locks, meaning TSA screeners can open them if required for investigation. This will save you a whooole lot of hassle, because otherwise, an agent has the right to cut your lock straight off in the event of a random search.
How we chose the best rolling suitcases
As you probably know, Cosmo’s lifestyle team spends all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality content we’d want for ourselves (and our standards are preeeetty darn high, TBH).
It’s also really important to us that each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge, and we try to make sure the products we feature are good for both you and our planet. If we wouldn’t buy something for ourselves, we sure as heck won’t recommend it to you—and we’re always gonna keep it really, really real. Pinky swear.
Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train.
Hannah Chubb is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can’t afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram.
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