Stay composed and travel light: The ultimate carry-on luggage for any journey

Whether you're a frequent flyer or a style guru, there's no universal solution for carry-on bags.

If you're at the airport so often that you know the TSA agents by name, you need a robust carry-on suitcase built for regular travel.

Want your carry-on to reflect your style? Choose a striking design that showcases your individuality.

Traveling through Europe or exploring the great outdoors? Opt for a carry-on bag that's both durable and comfortable.

No matter how frequently or where you travel, we've gathered the top choices to help you discover the perfect carry-on for your journey.

July Essential Carry-On

Dimensions: 21.5 inches x 15 inches x 8.5 inches.

Cost: $255.

Purchase now: July.com.

Before launching its product, July carefully analyzed thousands of customer reviews from various luggage brands to see how it could surpass the competition. The outcome is a carry-on suitcase that is crush-resistant, scratch-resistant, and elegant.

The straightforward July Carry-On Essential features just the basics – a sleek exterior with a TSA-approved lock, an interior compression system, and a concealed laundry bag. Designed for durability, July backs its bags with a lifetime warranty and a 100-day return policy.

For an extra $40, you can opt for an enhanced version that includes metal bumpers and a portable power bank.

Away The Larger Carry-On

Dimensions: 22.7 inches x 14.7 inches x 9.6 inches.

Cost: $295.

Purchase now: Awaytravel.com.

This upgraded version of the original Away Carry-On is not only larger; it's also enhanced. The Bigger Carry-On can accommodate four to seven days' worth of clothing.

Crafted with a sturdy polycarbonate shell, it features practical elements like 360-degree spinning wheels, a TSA lock, an interior compression system, and a waterproof laundry bag. For convenient charging on the go, you can add a USB charger for an extra $20.

Equally important, the Bigger Carry-On from Away comes in a variety of colors, including limited-edition shades released throughout the year.

Whether you want a suitcase in your favorite hue or something that stands out among typical black luggage, you'll surely find the perfect match.

Enhance your suitcase with personalization options like monograms and luggage tags available in various colors and styles.

Beis The Carry-On Roller

Dimensions: 22 inches x 14 inches x 9-12 inches.

Cost: $198.

Purchase now: Beistravel.com.

Beis bags are designed to maintain their stunning appearance after countless trips, gliding effortlessly through airports and handling even the roughest cobblestone streets with ease.

The Carry-On Roller from Beis is available in six colors that perfectly match other Beis products, allowing for a coordinated or monochromatic style.

Beis' The Carry-On Roller features the perfect blend of functionality, with smooth 360-degree wheels, a comfortable cushioned trolley handle, a TSA lock, interior compression, and a built-in weight indicator.

Additionally, since you're likely to return with more than you took, this Beis bag expands effortlessly with a simple zipper pull.

Monos Carry-On

Dimensions: 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches.

Cost: $255 (regular price $284).

Purchase now: Monos.com.

Featuring a sleek, rounded design with vegan leather accents, the Monos Carry-On is both unbreakable and water-resistant. It excels in both form and function, boasting a telescopic handle with four adjustable heights and antimicrobial interior fabric.

Additional impressive features include a TSA-approved lock, a built-in compression system, a laundry bag, two shoe bags, and a vegan leather luggage tag. Choose from classic colors like black, white, and gray, or opt for something vibrant like pink, forest green, sky blue, or one of Monos' limited-edition designs.

Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On

Dimensions: 21.7 inches x 15.8 inches x 9.1 inches.

Cost: $1,400.

Purchase now: Rimowa.com.

For a bag that can withstand countless miles of travel by air, land, and sea, the Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On is the gold standard—not just for its durability but also for its metallic finishes in gold, silver, and black.

Beyond its robust construction, the Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On includes TSA locks, a distinctive multiwheel system, and adjustable interior dividers.

Although the Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On comes with a higher price point than many others on this list, it could last a decade or more before needing replacement. Additionally, Rimowa supports the durability of its iconic aluminum suitcases with a lifetime guarantee.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage

Dimensions: 21 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches.

Cost: $195.

Purchase now: Calpaktravel.com.

Each bag in Calpak's Ambeur Collection dazzles in chic colors of silver, gold, rose gold, and metallic black, making this carry-on luggage a stylish companion as you roll through the airport on your next journey.

This hard-shell carry-on suitcase is incredibly lightweight at just 6 pounds, yet it includes practical features like a TSA combination lock, interior organization pockets, compression straps, and the option to expand by up to 2 inches.

Paravel Grand Tour Set

Dimensions: The carry-on measures 21.7 inches x 13.7 inches x 9 inches; the duffle bag is 20 inches x 11 inches x 10 inches.

Cost: $675.

Purchase now: Tourparavel.com.

The Paravel Grand Tour Set features the brand's sought-after Grand Tour Duffle and the Aviator Carry-On suitcase. The duffle is ideal for weekend getaways, while the carry-on suits three-to-four-day trips. Both fit easily in airplane overhead compartments and are crafted from eco-friendly recycled materials.

Each piece of luggage is equipped with interior and exterior pockets for organized storage. The carry-on additionally includes an interior compression board and a removable laundry bag. Both can be personalized with a monogram in various colors.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On

Dimensions: 21.25 inches x 15.25 inches x 10 inches.

Cost: $179.

Purchase now: Amazon.com.

With over 100 years of experience, Samsonite excels at crafting durable luggage that includes the features travelers desire.

This hard-shell bag is exceptionally lightweight and features a scratch-resistant exterior available in a spectrum of vibrant colors like tangerine orange and amethyst purple, as well as classic neutral shades.

The Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On from Samsonite boasts smooth-rolling 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA lock, interior compression and organization, and an expandable option for additional space.

Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

Dimensions: 22 inches x 14.9 inches x 10 inches.

Cost: $120.

Purchase now: Amazon.com.

The 21-inch Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner offers an affordable option without compromising on style or functionality. This hard-shell carry-on features a robust textured finish designed to resist scuffs and scratches. It is available in a range of colors that complement other items in the collection.

The double spinner wheels provide effortless mobility, and the expandable zipper allows for up to 15% more space for those moments when you need just a bit more room and are tempted to sit on your suitcase to close it.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

Dimensions: 24 inches x 15 inches x 4 inches.

Cost: $178.

Purchase now: Amazon.com.

For those in need of a carry-on bag that can accommodate all your travel necessities while remaining comfortable to carry during city hikes or airport terminal runs, the Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack is an ideal choice for your luggage collection.

This backpack is equipped with a breathable back panel for added comfort and support, along with both exterior and interior organization to help you locate items easily. It also features adjustable shoulder straps and a hip belt for a personalized fit.

Bottom line

Regardless of your destination or mode of travel, you need a carry-on bag that can easily maneuver through any environment (even the moving walkways at the airport) and accommodate all your essentials for the journey ahead.

Each bag on this list not only looks stylish but also performs excellently, ensuring you'll find the perfect one to add to your collection.