Best roller bag

(Image credit: Amazon)

published 17 November 2020

Long and short trips from home require clothes and other supplies to keep you comfortable. Being able to set your bag down and roll it along as you hurry to catch your next flight is a welcome reprieve for tired shoulders. We've found the best roller bags with hard and soft cases, as well as options that are suited for laptops or schoolbooks, to accompany you on your next trip.

Staff pick

AmazonBasics hardside carry-on

Case has a scratch-resistant finish

Available in four colors, this AmazonBasics roller bag protects your items with a hard case. It weighs only 7.34 pounds and provides an interior that is fully lined with three pockets you can zip closed. Maneuver around any obstacle with the double-spinner wheels.

Most colors

Rockland Melbourne hardside expandable spinner luggage

Match your personality with a rainbow of options

If you run out of suitcase space on your trip, this option will expand to fit more of your shopping spoils. A telescoping handle stores flush with the top of the suitcase when you're putting it in an overhead bin. The case material is ABS, which keeps this option light and durable.

A twist on a classic

Olympia 8-pocket rolling duffel bag

Elongated opening for bigger items

This rolling duffel functions almost the same as the version that requires carrying and includes lots of pockets like the original. It's incredibly easy to pack because of the large opening at the top, and the zippers will repair themselves during use. The wheel system is recessed to avoid catching on corners and chairs, and the whole bag only weighs 5.1 pounds.

Best for air travelers

Samsonite Omni PC hardside expandable luggage

TSA locks add security to your bag on trips

Keep items packed tightly in this bag with the garment restraint bands crossed over the contents. For added security, TSA locks have been added to the sides of the case, preventing access to anyone except yourself and TSA agents. Each of the four wheels is oversized and delivers a smooth rolling experience.

Double-sided packing

Kenneth Cole Reaction hardshell spinner

Molded feet keep the bag upright on its side

Rich colors enrobe this hardshell case from Kenneth Cole. It stands almost 22-inches tall and has wheels on the bottom as well as molded feet on one side so it can stand upright without moving. Inside you'll find organizers on both sides of the case, keeping your garments separated from your shoes.

Best for laptops

AmazonBasics rolling laptop computer case

Can be placed under airline seats

Protect your laptop while traveling with this option from AmazonBasics. It has a padded pocket with a Velcro strap to secure devices up to 15.6-inches, and a compartment for file folders or other documents. The front pocket offers spaces for pens, small devices, and anything else you need easy access to.

Packing up

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Wherever you’re headed, you’re going to need to take your stuff with you. For most trips, we think the AmazonBasics hardside carry-on is the best roller bag option. The hard sides will protect your items from being smashed by other baggage or rough handling. Three pockets inside help sort your items, and the wheels offer smooth mobility.

If security is your top priority, then we recommend the Samsonite Omni PC hardside expandable luggage. Only you and the airport security agents will be able to access the locks, keeping your items away from bad actors. And the multi-directional spinning wheels make walking along with this bag a breeze.

Nicole Cozma is a freelance writer for Future. She's known for being inquisitive and finding the tiny details that may otherwise go unnoticed. When she's not writing about products, she can be found playing Blizzard game titles, doing copy editing work, cooking, or expanding her photography skills.