VerdictAI

Reviewer consensus · 2026

Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage of 2026What 0 reviewers actually think, trust-weighted

Hardside carry-on luggage promises better impact protection and easier packing than softside bags, but the field ranges from sub-$50 polycarbonate shells to premium $200-plus suitcases. The signals available for this roundup are dominated by verified-purchase customer ratings rather than independent lab testing, so the synthesis below leans heavily on review volume and average ratings from major-retailer buyers; where that evidence is thin, we say so plainly rather than overstate confidence.

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Highest-rated by the consensus

#1 of 5
Top pick · #1Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Teal, Carry-On 20-Inch
Best overall

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Teal, Carry-On 20-Inch

Samsonite

★★★★★4.4(29,947)85Great

Across the verified-purchase reviewers we read, the Samsonite Omni PC is the most heavily-reviewed hardside carry-on in this pool by a wide margin, holding a 4.4-star average across roughly 30,000 ratings. That volume is the single most informative signal here: at that scale, an average that high typically reflects broadly satisfied buyers rather than a handful of gamed reviews.

Price

$82.64

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The rest of the rankings

#2,5

Frequently asked

4 questions
Is hardside or softside carry-on luggage better?
Hardside shells (polycarbonate, ABS, or aluminum) resist crushing and water better and tend to wipe clean, while softside bags flex to fit tight overhead bins and often add exterior pockets. For carry-on hardside specifically, verified-purchase reviewers most often praise the clamshell packing layout and scratch resistance; the tradeoff is that hard shells show scuffs and offer fewer quick-access exterior pockets.
What size hardside bag counts as carry-on?
Most U.S. airlines cap carry-ons around 22 x 14 x 9 inches including wheels and handles. Several bags labeled '22-inch' measure their full height, so check the spec sheet against your airline's limit. Note that some products marketed alongside carry-ons in this category are actually 26-inch checked bags.
Are cheaper hardside carry-ons worth it versus premium brands?
Budget polycarbonate bags under $60 collect strong verified-purchase ratings on value and adequate durability, but they typically use lower-grade wheels and zippers than premium options. Pricier bags tend to back longer warranties and smoother spinner wheels. Because independent lab data is sparse in our signal set, weigh the warranty and return policy heavily.
Do hardside carry-ons come with TSA locks?
Most of the picks here include integrated TSA-accepted combination locks, which let screeners open and relock the bag without cutting it. Confirm the lock is TSA-recognized before flying internationally, as generic locks may be cut.