What Is The Best Small Suitcase With Wheels? 6 Travel Expert Picks

One of travel’s few downsides is dealing with checked baggage. Keeping your suitcase within the weight limits can be stressful, and then the lines at baggage claim can take forever. That’s why we love carry-on suitcases! It’s a smooth ride when all you have to do is take your boarding pass and carry-on to your gate.

A carry-on case is also a great way to expand your packing limits without extra fees. Of course, you can use just about any small bag as a carry-on, but we prefer spinner luggage. They’re much easier to transport through the airport and streets, and they give your back and shoulders a nice break.

We’ve rounded up our top picks for the best small suitcase with wheels, from the best carry-on backpack to international carry-on options. Check them out below and find the best carry-on luggage for your next trip!

1. Samsonite Omni Pc Hardside Luggage

If you like the security of hard-shell carry-ons but don’t like scratches, consider the Samsonite Omni PC. Each bag in this new carry-on line is built to withstand even the harshest elements on your trips with a hard polycarbonate shell that can protect itself from scratches to keep your bag looking nicer for longer. 

This carry-on luggage is also designed with security in mind, with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock located on the top right side of the case. This makes it harder for thieves to access, much less pick, your TSA lock. 

Some users may dislike the telescopic handle because it is a bit short. However, it is sturdy and stays at the length you choose with a push-button lock. The only other con is that its dimensions (22 x 15 x 9.5) make it a bit too big to use as an international carry-on bag or on certain domestic airlines. However, you may be able to get away with it on airlines that allow slightly larger carry-ons.

Inside, this carry-on luggage has multiple compartments, including one side with tie-down straps and another with a mesh divider.

Lightweight construction

One of the things we love about this particular rolling luggage line is that it features exceptionally lightweight construction with excellent expansion capabilities. You can pack it full, but you won’t have to worry about the suitcase adding unnecessary weight to your checked bag limits. Plus, four wheels with multidirectional capabilities make transporting your luggage smooth and easy.

One final perk is the 10-year warranty. If you receive a defective carry-on or it has an issue with the materials or workmanship, reach out to the Samsonite customer service for a replacement.

2. Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB port

Our second carry-on choice is also a Samsonite suitcase and the fantastic luggage reviews on this bag will back us up. We love this Samsonite Underseat carry-on spinner because it’s integrated with a USB Port. If your phone or tablet runs out of battery, just plug it into the easy-access USB port on the side and charge them on the go!

Organization

The interior of this cabin luggage has a padded laptop sleeve that can easily accommodate a laptop of up to 13.3 inches, and it has an additional slot for a tablet. And if you like organization, it also has plenty of mesh and zippered pockets to keep your small items arranged on the go.

The front pocket has several organization compartments, including one slip pocket, a zippered mesh pocket, two pen holders, and four credit card slots. There is also a quick-access side pocket for items like headphones, sunglasses, or a book.

We also like that this is an excellent choice for someone searching for cabin bags that fit under the plane seat. The bag dimensions are 16.5″ x 13.5″ x 9″, so it is possible to use this carry-on spinner as a personal item or a carry-on. Keep in mind that this small size limits packing space. However, it’s the perfect choice for short business trips or to use in addition to standard carry-on luggage for a longer trip. Use packing cubes to optimize the space in your suitcase.

Mobility

As far as mobility, this Samsonite luggage has some great features. The ergonomic telescopic handle makes it easy to pull the case along by two wheels or four wheels–whichever you prefer. The spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees, so the carry-on is easy to maneuver even upright and over rough terrain. We also like that the handle has a push-locking button that keeps it secure when not in use.

Other features

One final feature we like is the smart sleeve, which allows you to slip this small bag over your larger carry-on bag or checked luggage as you move.

Although this suitcase is gadget-friendly, do keep in mind that it is not weatherproof. So if it rains, your important files or gadgets inside could get wet.

Besides that minor detail, this bag checks all the boxes for some of the best carry-on luggage around.

3. Kenneth Cole 8-Wheel Expandable Softside Underseater

Hate waiting for your bags to arrive at baggage claim? We hear you. Skip that step with expandable Kenneth Cole Carry-On luggage. It’s a top carry-on choice for business travel; plus Kenneth Cole is one of the most stylish luggage brands out there.

This carry-on bag provides ample space to fit everything you need for a short trip. And since it fits under the seats of most airlines (even budget airlines), you’ll never have to worry about checking your bag or being told that there’s no space for your carry-on in the overhead bin. That also makes it a great choice for an international carry-on.

This soft side carry-on luggage features two outside pockets for quick storage, expandability for larger capacity, and a large mesh interior pocket. It also has compression straps, two shoe pockets, and a tablet pocket to ensure all of your belongings stay organized and wrinkle-free.

This carry-on also has 360-degree spinner wheels that make it easier to maneuver your way through an airport or hotel lobby. The 4-wheel spinners are recessed and multidirectional, so they will never slow you down.

The sturdy retractable telescopic handle system extends up to 41 inches, offering lightweight and effortless control over your carry-on luggage as you navigate through the terminal or tight airplane aisles. This prevents any strain on your arm and shoulder as you travel.

In addition to its convenient interior design, this carry-on spinner is also attractive, with a stylish chevron pattern and gold accent zippers. The only disadvantage of this suitcase is that it is too small for a 2-day trip. Other than that, this carry-on luggage goes beyond the expectation of a case its size.

4. DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside Carry-On Luggage 

The DELSEY Paris Chatelet spinner carry-on gets a vote for the best carry-on luggage that still fits in most overhead bins. These hard-shell bags are also great options to use as international carry-on luggage because of their size.

One of our favorite features about this carry-on is its lightweight yet protective construction. It’s made of 100% virgin polycarbonate, a highly impact-resistant plastic that is strong, flexible, and used in bulletproof glass. The exterior of this carry-on luggage bag also has stylish leather-like accents, a durable soft-touch top, and side carry handles.

This Delsey carry-on also has double spinner wheels for smooth rolling and a unique brake system. These button-activated brakes lock the front two wheels to prevent the bag from rolling away. However, the back wheels remain unlocked, so you can tilt and pull the bag on only two wheels.

This cabin bag has multiple compartments for organization and interior compression straps to hold clothes in place. It even has a removable hanger, hidden laundry bag, and two shoe bags! It’s an excellent option for frequent flyers with two zippered compartments that keep everything securely packed for every trip.

We also love the security features of this carry-on, like the TSA-approved three-dial combination lock and patented Securitech Zip instead of conventional zippers. These unique zippers provide 3X more strength and smoother opening and closing for your carry-on luggage.

Finally, the most exciting part about this suitcase is its SILVADUR technology integration. This unique technology is integrated into the suitcase’s lining and controls odors. How cool!

5. LEVEL8 Elegance Hardside Luggage with TSA Lock

Our next carry-on pick is the LEVEL8 Elegance Carry On Suitcase. This carry-on line is engineered to be lightweight yet highly durable, stylish, secure, and easy to handle. These features make it the perfect travel companion for your next business trip or weekend getaway.

It features a super lightweight polycarbonate shell, making this carry-on luggage both sturdy and stylish. Plus, the scratch and water-resistant 3-layer PC matte surface ensures that your items stay safe and dry.

The Elegance Carry On is a 20″ expandable suitcase that weighs 7.72 lbs, which is pretty light for rolling luggage. The fully lined interior has two packing compartments and two mesh dividers. One divider includes two zippered pockets for small toiletry items. The set also includes four packing cubes that are perfectly sized to maximize your space.

It even expands for up to 15% more packing space and is wide enough to fit your 20″ laptop without a problem. In fact, this carry-on luggage can hold enough items for up to 5 days of travel! Just keep in mind that expanding it may disqualify it from carry-on restrictions as it’s already pushing the size limit for overhead bins.

This spinner carry-on also has 360° multidirectional double wheels, a 3-level retractable handle and top carry handles, and a zipper system with a TSA-approved lock.

These carry-on suitcases go through rigorous quality tests to ensure they perform well no matter the circumstances. Overall, we think this is one of the best carry-on bags available for its durability, style, and convenient packing features.  

6. Matein Water Resistant Wheeled Backpack

Matein consistently gets top marks for its high-quality travel backpacks, and this water-resistant carry-on backpack is no different. It makes for an incredibly convenient carry-on at an affordable price.

Unlike most of the spinner luggage above, this is a two-wheeled luggage piece that trades the second set of wheels for a secure kickplate stand. You can tilt and pull the bag along on the two wheels, then stand it up without worrying that it might roll away.

This is our choice for the best carry-on backpack because of its fantastic size and number of packing compartments. It gives you plenty of space for your clothes, toiletry bag and other travel essentials. The interior includes a padded laptop and tablet pocket, and two zippered pockets with quick access and lots of organization.

The main compartment is extra roomy and has plenty of space for clothes, shoes, books, and more. That’s why we also like this as an international carry-on option. You can fit everything you’ll need for a long flight, plus extra items in case of lost luggage.

This two-wheeled bag has a telescopic handle that tucks away into a pocket in case you’d rather carry it by the top handle or adjustable backpack straps. And don’t worry about the wheels getting your back dirty–the backpack comes with a built-in wheel cover that slips over the wheels to protect your clothes. The backpack straps also slip into a hidden sleeve when not in use to avoid tangling with the wheels.

The final things we love about this carry-on are the tough, water-resistant material, lockable zippers, and dual water-bottle sleeves.

FAQs about Small Suitcases With Wheels

Can I buy a small suitcase with wheels on Amazon?

Yes, you can buy a small suitcase with wheels on Amazon. In fact, we’ve included some of our top picks in this article.

Are there any cheap small suitcases with wheels?

Yes, there are some cheap small suitcases with wheels. However, we recommend that you be careful when choosing a cheap suitcase as they may not be as durable or have as many features as a more expensive one.

How do I choose a small suitcase with wheels?

The most important factor for choosing a small suitcase with wheels is to make sure that it meets the size requirements for carry-on luggage for the airline you’ll be flying. Other factors to consider include durability, weight, and features.

What are the benefits of a small suitcase with wheels?

Small suitcases with wheels are easier to transport than larger suitcases and can often be stored in overhead bins on airplanes. They also tend to be lighter weight, which can be helpful when traveling.

Do all small suitcases have wheels?

No, not all small suitcases have wheels. However, many of the best small suitcases come with wheels to make them easier to transport.

Are there any disadvantages to a small suitcase with wheels?

One potential disadvantage of a small suitcase with wheels is that they may not fit all carry-on luggage restrictions. It’s always best to check with your airline before packing to make sure your luggage meets their size requirements.

Is there any difference between a small suitcase and a carry-on bag?

Not really. A small suitcase can be used as a carry-on bag if it meets the size requirements for your airline. However, keep in mind that not all small suitcases have wheels, so you may need to carry it on your own if it doesn’t.

What’s the best way to pack a small suitcase with wheels?

The best way to pack a small suitcase with wheels is to start by packing the heaviest items at the bottom. Then, fill in any empty spaces with smaller items. Be sure to leave enough space so that you can close the suitcase without overfilling it.

Conclusion

Traveling with wheeled carry-on luggage is less stressful and adds more security to your journey than normal luggage–especially when you can place your carry-on under your seat. When choosing the right cabin luggage, there are many factors to consider, such as how long you will stay away, the location of your accommodation, durability, convenience, and more.

These small carry-on suitcases will make your travel much easier with plenty of convenient features and fashionable designs. You can’t go wrong with any of these 5 bags, but your choice will depend on your needs and style preference. Have fun traveling!