Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Away The Carry-On
Best OverallBriggs & Riley Baseline
Best Lifetime WarrantyPrice
$275
$500-$700
Summary
The most consistently recommended hardshell carry-on across expert and community sources. Balances durability, style, and price better than nearly any competitor in its class.
The only hardshell luggage brand with a truly unconditional lifetime warranty — including airline damage. Reddit's buy-it-for-life community won't consider anything else.
Pros
- Polycarbonate shell holds shape well and resists cracking
- Consistently top-ranked by Wirecutter as the all-around hardshell pick
- Most WIRED staffers own and use it daily
- Wide color selection and clean aesthetic
- Unconditional lifetime warranty covers airline damage — unmatched in the industry
- Wirecutter calls it the highest-quality carry-on they tested
- Higher proportion of usable interior space than any other spinner tested
- Zippers, wheels, and handles all built to premium standards
Cons
- Pricier than budget options like Samsonite Freeform (~$275)
- Zipper-based closure, not a latch system
- Warranty not as comprehensive as Briggs & Riley's lifetime coverage
- Significantly more expensive than competitors ($500-$700+)
- Heavier than some polycarbonate-only options
- Overkill for occasional travelers who don't need lifetime coverage
Our take
Away is the default recommendation for a reason — it's the hardshell most people end up with and rarely regret. If you want one bag that just works, this is it.
Briggs & Riley costs more upfront, but it's the last bag you'll ever buy. The warranty covers airline damage, which no other brand matches — that alone makes it worth the premium for serious travelers.
Buy
