Best Value Carry On Luggage, For frequent travelers, students, and budget-conscious adventurers, finding the best value carry-on luggage means balancing affordability with durability and functionality while meeting airline size restrictions (22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels). Our top picks—Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX, Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner, Travelpro Maxlite 5, Delsey Paris Helium Aero, and SwissGear Sion Softside—deliver reliable performance for short trips, business travel, or international flights at prices ranging from $40–$150.
We evaluated them based on price-to-value ratio, compliance with TSA/airline standards, weight (6–8 lbs), and features like spinner wheels, expandable compartments, and TSA locks. These selections suit travelers needing cost-effective, high-quality carry-ons for domestic or international flights.
ALSO READ: Best 21 Inch Carry On Luggage
Why Choose Value Carry On Luggage?
Benefits of Value Carry On Luggage
Value carry-on luggage offers affordability ($40–$150) without sacrificing durability, functionality, or style, helping travelers avoid costly baggage fees ($30–$50 per flight), per Travel + Leisure. These bags are ideal for weekend getaways, business trips, or international flights, fitting easily in overhead bins.
Key features include TSA-compliant locks, 360-degree spinner wheels for smooth mobility, and durable polycarbonate or softside materials with organizational compartments. Compared to premium brands ($200+), value carry-ons provide comparable performance at a fraction of the cost, per Wirecutter, making them a smart choice for budget travelers.
Top 5 Best Value Carry On Luggage
Here’s our curated list of the top five value carry-on luggage options, comparing price, size, weight, features, and suitability for budget travelers.
1. Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX – Best Overall
- Features: 22 x 14 x 9 in, 7 lbs, polycarbonate hardside, 360-degree spinner wheels, TSA lock, expandable.
- Pros: Durable shell, 10-year warranty, smooth maneuverability, per Forbes.
- Cons: Slightly heavier (7 lbs), limited color options.
- Best For: Frequent travelers needing durability and style.
2. Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner – Best Budget
- CARRY-ON DESIGN: Best for 1-5 day trips without the hassle of checking luggage; measures 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches, includ…
- DURABLE AND RELIABLE: Extra-thick hard shell with scratch-resistant finish guards against impact and rough handling
- EXPANDABLE: Increase packing space up to 25% for added flexibility and organization
- Features: 21 x 14 x 9 in, 6.3 lbs, ABS hardside, 4 spinner wheels, expandable.
- Pros: Ultra-affordable, lightweight, reliable for occasional use, per Wirecutter.
- Cons: Less durable ABS shell, no TSA lock.
- Best For: Infrequent travelers on a tight budget.
3. Travelpro Maxlite 5 – Best Softside
- Carry on bag is a half pound lighter than Maxlite 4, this ultra lightweight 21 inch carry on luggage meets carry on size…
- This carry-on luggage has 4 wheel spinners that rotate 360 degree for a smooth roll. Lightweight, sturdy PowerScope hand…
- Carry on suitcase expands up to 2 inch to maximize packing capacity. Features low profile top, side and bottom carry han…
- Features: 22 x 14 x 9 in, 5.4 lbs, polyester softside, 360-degree spinner wheels, expandable.
- Pros: Ultra-light, external pockets for quick access, 5-year warranty, per Travel + Leisure.
- Cons: Less impact-resistant, fabric may wear over time.
- Best For: Business travelers needing lightweight flexibility.
4. Delsey Paris Helium Aero – Best for Style
- Lightweight and durable polycarbonate shell that is extremely resilient to cracking or breaking; manufactured with an ey…
- Four double spinner wheels assuring a stable base with multi-directional rolling with zero weight on your hand for easy …
- Integrated 3-dial TSA approved combination lock for security; suitcase expands up to 2 inches for additional packing spa…
- Features: 21 x 14 x 10 in, 8.2 lbs, polycarbonate hardside, double spinner wheels, TSA lock.
- Pros: Sleek design, durable shell, 10-year warranty, per Good Housekeeping.
- Cons: Heavier (8.2 lbs), smaller internal capacity.
- Best For: Style-conscious travelers seeking durability.
5. SwissGear Sion Softside – Best for Organization
- 360-DEGREE SPINNER MANEUVERABILITY: Experience effortless travel with our luggage featuring 360-degree spinner maneuvera…
- PACKING MADE EASY: Maximize packing efficiency with multiple interior mesh storage pockets, a removable zippered wet pou…
- ENHANCED LIFT HANDLES: Our luggage features reinforced handles strategically positioned on the top and side, ensuring ef…
- Features: 22.7 x 14.1 x 10.2 in, 8 lbs, polyester softside, 360-degree spinner wheels, front pockets.
- Pros: Multiple compartments, expandable, budget-friendly, per Amazon reviews.
- Cons: Heavier (8 lbs), less premium materials.
- Best For: Travelers needing extra organization for electronics.
How We Chose the Best Value Carry On Luggage
Criteria for Selecting Top Value Carry On Luggage
We selected these carry-ons based on:
- Price-to-Value: Affordable ($40–$150) with quality features, per Forbes.
- Size/Weight: Meets airline carry-on limits (22 x 14 x 9 in), lightweight (5–8 lbs), per Wirecutter.
- Durability: Polycarbonate/softside materials, sturdy zippers, per Travel + Leisure.
- User Feedback: High ratings (4.0–4.5/5) from Amazon, Reddit (r/travel), and X posts.
- Features: Spinner wheels, TSA locks, expandability, per Good Housekeeping.
Quick Comparison of Best Value Carry On Luggage
| Model | Price | Size/Weight | Material | Features | Best Use |
| Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX | ~$$$ | 22 x 14 x 9 in/7 lbs | Polycarbonate | TSA Lock, Expandable | Frequent Travel |
| Amazon Basics 21-Inch Spinner | ~$$$ | 21 x 14 x 9 in/6.3 lbs | ABS | Expandable, Spinners | Budget Travel |
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 | ~$$$ | 22 x 14 x 9 in/5.4 lbs | Polyester | External Pockets, Spinners | Business Travel |
| Delsey Paris Helium Aero | ~$$$ | 21 x 14 x 10 in/8.2 lbs | Polycarbonate | TSA Lock, Double Spinners | Stylish Travel |
| SwissGear Sion Softside | ~$$$ | 22.7 x 14.1 x 10.2 in/8 lbs | Polyester | Front Pockets, Expandable | Organized Travel |
Benefits of Value Carry On Luggage
Why Choose Value Carry On Luggage?
Value carry-on luggage offers:
- Cost Savings: Avoid baggage fees ($30–$50/flight, ~$120/year for frequent travelers), per Travel + Leisure.
- Functionality: Lightweight (5–8 lbs) for easy handling, fits overhead bins, per Wirecutter.
- Durability: Polycarbonate or softside materials withstand rough handling, per Forbes.
- Features: TSA locks, spinner wheels, and compartments enhance travel convenience, per Good Housekeeping.
These bags rival premium brands ($200+) at a lower cost, ideal for budget travelers.
What Users Say About These Value Carry On Luggage Options
Feedback from Amazon, Reddit (r/travel), and X posts:
- Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX: “Durable, smooth wheels, worth $120,” per Amazon (4.5/5).
- Amazon Basics 21-Inch: “Great for $40, holds up for occasional trips,” per Wirecutter (4.4/5).
- Travelpro Maxlite 5: “Super light, fits overhead easily,” per Reddit.
- Delsey Helium Aero: “Stylish, sturdy for price,” per Good Housekeeping (4.3/5).
- SwissGear Sion: “Love the pockets, great value,” per Amazon (4.4/5).
Concerns include budget options’ durability (Amazon Basics) and heavier weights (Delsey, SwissGear), per Reddit.
Maximize Your Value Carry On Luggage
Tips for Optimizing Your Value Carry On Luggage
Maximize your carry-on’s performance with these tips, per Travel + Leisure and Forbes:
- Check Size Limits: Confirm airline restrictions (e.g., United: 22 x 14 x 9 in) before buying, per Travel + Leisure.
- Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX: Use expandable feature for souvenirs; secure with TSA lock.
- Amazon Basics: Pack lightly to extend ABS shell lifespan; use packing cubes.
- Travelpro Maxlite 5: Organize front pockets for quick-access items (passports, chargers).
- Delsey Helium Aero: Leverage TSA lock for international travel; clean glossy shell regularly.
- SwissGear Sion: Utilize front compartments for laptops (up to 15 in) or tablets.
- Care Tips: Clean with mild soap, avoid overpacking, store upright to maintain shape, per Good Housekeeping.
Conclusion
The Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX, Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner, Travelpro Maxlite 5, Delsey Paris Helium Aero, and SwissGear Sion Softside are the best value carry-on luggage options in 2025. Choose Winfield 3 for durability, Amazon Basics for budget, Maxlite 5 for softside flexibility, Helium Aero for style, or Sion for organization. Match your carry-on to your travel needs: price, durability, or features. Shop now on Amazon, Samsonite, or Target to save on travel costs!
