We compared 25 carry-ons from $200 to $700. These 5 are worth the overhead bin space

Away helped make direct-to-consumer luggage mainstream, and The Carry-On remains its signature bag. The polycarbonate shell is lightweight and flexible, the four spinner wheels glide smoothly, and a compression pad inside helps you fit more. Owners consistently praise how easy it is to maneuver and how good it still looks after many trips. It includes a TSA-approved lock and a limited lifetime warranty. The trade-offs: the shiny shell shows scuffs, and hardside bags offer no exterior pockets for quick access. If you travel a few times a year and want a reliable, attractive bag, it is a strong all-around choice.

Travelpro has deep roots with airline crews, and the Platinum Elite is its premium line. It is a durable nylon softside bag with front pockets for quick access, an expandable main compartment and magnetic-aligning spinner wheels. Frequent travelers love the organization and the sturdy build. Travelpro backs it with a limited lifetime warranty. The trade-offs: it is heavier than many hardside options, and when expanded it may not meet some airlines' carry-on limits. If you fly constantly for work and want pockets for a laptop and documents, it is one of the most trusted options.

Samsonite's Freeform is a reliable middle-ground pick. Its polypropylene shell is designed to flex under impact, it expands for return trips with souvenirs, and it rolls on double spinner wheels. Owners frequently say it holds up well to rough baggage handling and that it offers much of what pricier bags do for less. It includes a TSA-approved lock and a 10-year limited warranty. The trade-offs: it does not have the polish or interior compression system of Away, and expanding it can push it over some airline size limits. For a dependable bag at a fair price, it is a smart buy.

Monos competes with Away on design, and many owners say its carry-on feels just as premium. The polycarbonate shell has a matte, textured finish that hides scuffs better than glossy shells, and the spinner wheels are known for being smooth and quiet. Inside, a compression system helps with packing. It includes a TSA-approved lock and a limited lifetime warranty. The trade-offs: like most hardside bags, it has no exterior pockets, and stock of certain colors can be limited. If you want a sleek bag that ages gracefully, Monos is a strong alternative to Away.

Briggs & Riley's Baseline is the bag frequent travelers buy when they want to stop buying luggage. It uses tough ballistic nylon, and its signature expansion system lets you expand the bag and then compress it back down as you close it. Its biggest selling point is the Simple as That lifetime warranty, which covers repairs even when damage is caused by an airline. The trade-offs: it is very expensive and heavier than most hardside bags. For someone who flies often, the cost spread across many years of use and repairs makes it easier to justify.