Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Away The Carry-On
Best Hard-ShellTravelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner
Best BudgetPrice
$275-$325
$100-$150
Summary
The most popular hard-shell carry-on among everyday travelers, with a polycarbonate shell, built-in TSA lock, and a look that holds up after years of use. Most WIRED staffers own one.
Same Travelpro DNA as the Platinum Elite at a lower price. Wirecutter calls it the best budget carry-on, and it's even recommended as the top kids' luggage for durability.
Pros
- Polycarbonate shell retains shape and protects contents
- Built-in TSA-approved combination lock
- Stylish design available in many colors
- Wirecutter's top hard-shell pick — well-tested and widely trusted
- Significantly cheaper than Platinum Elite while sharing core Travelpro quality
- Lightweight construction — one of the lightest spinners tested
- Manufacturing defects on wheels, zippers, and handles covered for life
- Wirecutter's top budget carry-on pick
Cons
- Warranty not as comprehensive as Briggs & Riley
- Hard shell can crack under extreme airline mishandling
- Less packing flexibility than soft-sided bags
- Airline damage only covered for first year (not lifetime like Platinum Elite)
- Shipping to Travelpro repair center only covered for one year
- Less premium feel than higher-end Travelpro models
Our take
Away isn't the most durable bag on this list, but it's the one most people actually buy and love for years. The price-to-quality ratio is hard to beat for a hard-shell, and the brand's repair program adds peace of mind.
If the Platinum Elite is out of your budget, the Maxlite 5 is the move — same brand, same wheel quality, just a slightly less robust warranty. It's the best value in carry-on luggage, full stop.
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