The Only Carry-On Luggage Guide You Need for 2025: An Unbiased Review

This depends entirely on the quality of the materials. A high-end softside carry-on made from ballistic nylon will easily outlast a cheap, thin polycarbonate hardside. Hardside luggage, particularly aluminum or high-grade polycarbonate, excels at protecting fragile contents from impact. Softside luggage, on the other hand, offers more flexibility, external pockets, and can better absorb scuffs and scratches without cracking. For the modern traveler in 2025, we recommend focusing on brands known for quality materials, regardless of which style you choose.

The landscape for smart luggage has changed dramatically. Early pioneers like Bluesmart folded after airlines restricted non-removable lithium-ion batteries. Today's "smart" features are more practical and airline-compliant. Instead of built-in batteries for charging, you'll find pass-through USB ports for your own power bank and integrated tracking solutions like dedicated slots for an Apple AirTag, as seen with Samsara. These features are highly convenient and worth considering, but the era of the all-in-one, non-removable battery-powered suitcase is over—a positive change for consumer safety and convenience.