The short answer
Start with Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Spinner Carry-On for an expandable softside case. Fully expanded, the bag may not meet airline restrictions.
1Expandable softside caseTravelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Spinner Carry-OnTravelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Spinner Carry-OnKeep in mind: Fully expanded, the bag may not meet airline restrictions. The power bank for the external ports is not included.
View at TravelproRead our analysis
2Rigid shellLEVEL8 20-Inch Polycarbonate Hardside Carry-OnLEVEL8 20-Inch Polycarbonate Hardside Carry-OnKeep in mind: Check its full 21.5 by 14.5 by 9.2 inch size against your airline's limit.
View at LEVEL8Read our analysis
3Case and backpackLEVEL8 Atlas Laptop Backpack and Textured 20-Inch Carry-On SetLEVEL8 Atlas Laptop Backpack and Textured 20-Inch Carry-On SetKeep in mind: The backpack is a separate item; check your fare's cabin-bag and personal-item allowance.
View at LEVEL8Read our analysis
4Built-in cup holderWrangler Astral 20-Inch Hardside Carry-OnWrangler Astral 20-Inch Hardside Carry-OnKeep in mind: The listing describes the shell only as a sturdy hardside, without a stated material.
View at WranglerRead our analysis
5Backpack carryingtomtoc Navigator-T66 40L Travel Backpacktomtoc Navigator-T66 40L Travel BackpackKeep in mind: Choose this option only if you want to carry the load on your shoulders.
View at tomtocRead our analysisThe best carry on luggage fits the rules of your flight and the way you travel after landing. Choose between packing space, easy access and the weight you must lift. A cabin label alone does not settle the fit.
Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Spinner Carry-On Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Spinner Carry-On
Our verdict:
Expandable softside case
Choose this option for an expandable softside case.
Keep in mind: Fully expanded, the bag may not meet airline restrictions. The power bank for the external ports is not included.
View at TravelproThis is the softside case in the wheeled group. Its case size is 21 by 14 by 9 inches, but the full size with wheels and handles is 23.5 by 14.5 by 9 inches. Use the full size when you check your flight. The built-in ports need a separate power bank.
LEVEL8 20-Inch Polycarbonate Hardside Carry-On LEVEL8 20-Inch Polycarbonate Hardside Carry-On
Our verdict:
Rigid shell
Choose this option for a rigid shell.
Keep in mind: Check its full 21.5 by 14.5 by 9.2 inch size against your airline's limit.
View at LEVEL8The two lined compartments keep the contents on each side of the case apart. This case has a 40L capacity and weighs 7.7 pounds. Its full size, with wheels and handles, is 21.5 by 14.5 by 9.2 inches.
LEVEL8 Atlas Laptop Backpack and Textured 20-Inch Carry-On Set LEVEL8 Atlas Laptop Backpack and Textured 20-Inch Carry-On Set
Our verdict:
Case and backpack
Choose this option for case and backpack.
Keep in mind: The backpack is a separate item; check your fare's cabin-bag and personal-item allowance.
View at LEVEL8Choose the 20-inch carry-on and Atlas backpack variant for a case-and-backpack combination. The case rolls while the backpack keeps smaller items separate. Check the full exterior dimensions and your airline's allowance for both bags.
Wrangler Astral 20-Inch Hardside Carry-On Wrangler Astral 20-Inch Hardside Carry-On
Our verdict:
Built-in cup holder
Choose this option for a built-in cup holder.
Keep in mind: The listing describes the shell only as a sturdy hardside, without a stated material.
View at WranglerThe cup and phone holder make this case worth a look if you want those items close at hand in the terminal. Top and side handles give you two ways to lift it. Check the full bag size against your flight rules.
tomtoc Navigator-T66 40L Travel Backpack tomtoc Navigator-T66 40L Travel Backpack
Our verdict:
Backpack carrying
Choose this option for backpack carrying.
Keep in mind: Choose this option only if you want to carry the load on your shoulders.
View at tomtocChoose the backpack if you want shoulder straps for steps and transfers. Its main compartment opens like a suitcase. The separate tech area holds up to a 17-inch laptop, so compare the size of your own device before packing it.
Read the size and weight rules for your booked fare on each airline you will use. Measure the packed case, including its wheels and handles. Do not assume that a bag accepted on one flight will meet the rules on the next.
Think through the whole route to your hotel. Wheels help on smooth floors, but you may still need to lift the case into a rack or carry it over steps. Check the empty weight before deciding how much room is useful.
Expansion can be handy, but a case in its expanded state may exceed your airline limit. Decide which pockets need to stay easy to reach. Keep documents and items you need in transit separate from clothes you will not use until check-in.
Your arrival route matters as much as the suitcase. Compare Tokyo hotel districts and Rome areas to stay to plan the final transfer before you pack.
We read the product details to compare bag shape, packed dimensions and how the bag is carried. We used these differences to give each pick a clear use case. We left out claims we could not support from the product facts.
The labels show a reason to choose an option. Read the exact model details before you buy.
Trip length does not set the right bag size. Start with your fare's size and weight limits, then see whether your clothes fit. Laundry during the stay can help you pack less.
The best carry on luggage must meet your flight's rules and suit the way you move between stops.
Start with the pick whose trade-off you can accept, then read the exact product details before ordering.
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