10 Best Softside Carry-On Luggage (October 2026)
The best softside carry-on luggage include the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Softside Carry-On for most travelers, the Travelpro Crew Classic 21-Inch Softside Carry-On for organized packing, and the American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Carry-On for short getaways.
On this page (5 sections)
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is the best softside carry-on luggage for most travelers because it weighs 5.4 lb and combines spinner wheels, useful pockets and a 2 in expansion option. Choose the Crew Classic for its removable compression organizer, or the Samsonite UpLIFT if a removable wet pouch matters more.
Softside carry-ons can be easier to organize around small essentials because many have exterior pockets. Their fabric bodies can also flex a little when packed, but expansion and soft walls do not make an oversized bag airline compliant.
If you're comparing broader styles, start with our plain-English carry-on luggage buying guide. For a different way to add packing room, see expandable carry-on luggage.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for most travelersTravelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Softside Carry-On
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for organized packingTravelpro Crew Classic 21-Inch Softside Carry-On
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for short getawaysAmerican Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Carry-On
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itTravelpro Tourlite 21-Inch Softside Carry-On
Best for a lighter expandable bag - 5
Check itDelsey Helium DLX 20-Inch Softside Carry-On
Best for zippered organization - 6
Check itSamsonite Solyte DLX Softside Carry-On
Best for built-in wet storage - 7
Check itAmerican Tourister 4 KIX 3.0 Softside Carry-On
Best for adjustable handle height - 8
Check itU.S. Traveler Anzio 22-Inch Softside Carry-On
Best for a two-inch gusset - 9
Check itSamsonite UpLIFT Softside Carry-On
Best for a removable wet pouch - 10
Check itTravel Select Amsterdam 21-Inch Softside Carry-On
Best for two-wheel stability
How we chose softside carry-on luggage
We compared the listed dimensions, weights, wheel types, expansion options and organization features against common carry-on needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Size claims can describe the case alone or include wheels and handles. Compare the overall dimensions with your airline's current rules, and check both the expanded and unexpanded depth before you pack.
| Product | Best for | Weight | Overall size | Capacity | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Softside Carry-On | most travelers | 5.4 lb | 23 x 14.5 x 9 in | 46 L | 8.9 |
| Travelpro Crew Classic 21-Inch Softside Carry-On | organized packing | 7 lb | 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 in | 47 L | 8.3 |
| American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Carry-On | short getaways | 7.5 lb | 8.0 | ||
| Travelpro Tourlite 21-Inch Softside Carry-On | a lighter expandable bag | 5.7 lb | 46 L | 7.9 | |
| Delsey Helium DLX 20-Inch Softside Carry-On | zippered organization | 6.7 lb | 23.5 x 14.25 x 10 in | 40 L, expands to 46 L | 7.7 |
| Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Carry-On | built-in wet storage | 7 lb | 22 x 14 x 9.5 in | 7.6 | |
| American Tourister 4 KIX 3.0 Softside Carry-On | adjustable handle height | 7.6 lb | 7.4 | ||
| U.S. Traveler Anzio 22-Inch Softside Carry-On | a two-inch gusset | 6.2 lb | 22 x 14 x 8.5 in | 32.7 L | 7.2 |
| Samsonite UpLIFT Softside Carry-On | a removable wet pouch | 5.7 lb | 23.5 x 15 x 10.25 in | 7.0 | |
| Travel Select Amsterdam 21-Inch Softside Carry-On | two-wheel stability | 6.3 lb | 42 L | 6.8 |
The best softside carry-ons for different trips
The Maxlite 5 is the strongest all-around fit in this group, while the other bags stand out for organization, weight, pockets or a two-wheel design. Match the pick to the feature you value, then confirm its overall size against your airline's limit.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Softside Carry-On: Best for most travelers
- 5.4 lb weight
- 46 L capacity
- Expands up to 2 in
- Four spinner wheels
A light carry-on with spinner wheels, several pockets and a 2 in expansion option. Its overall dimensions include the wheels and handles.
Pros
- Lightest listed weight here
- Multiple exterior and interior pockets
- Limited lifetime coverage and 1-year carrier damage promise
Cons
- Expanded depth may affect fit
- Overall height is 23 in including wheels and handles
The Maxlite 5 is a practical starting point if you want a lighter spinner with room for organized packing. It weighs 5.4 lb and has a stated 46 L capacity, so the empty bag leaves more of your carry-on weight allowance for what you pack.
Two exterior pockets give you quick-access storage, while the full-length lid pocket and side accessory pocket help separate smaller items inside. The adjustable hold-down straps keep packed contents in place, and the bag expands by up to 2 in when you need more room.
Its case measures 21 x 14 x 9 in, while the overall size is 23 x 14.5 x 9 in with wheels and handles. Travelpro says it fits the overhead bins of most major U.S. airlines, but check the dimensions against your own carrier before flying.
Travelpro Crew Classic 21-Inch Softside Carry-On: Best for organized packing
- Removable compression organizer
- Eight spinner wheels
- Expands up to 2 in
- 47 L capacity
The removable organizer can compress clothes or divide the main compartment. The bag also has interior straps and multiple accessory pockets.
Pros
- Organizer can double as a divider
- Four handle height settings
- 3-year airline damage repair promise with registration
Cons
- Heavier than several picks here
- Overall depth is 9.5 in before expansion
Choose the Crew Classic if packing organization matters more than keeping the bag as light as possible. Its removable compression organizer can secure clothes or work as a divider in the main compartment.
Eight 360-degree spinner wheels and a four-stop handle are the main mobility features. The bag weighs 7 lb and holds 47 L, with interior straps and multiple accessory pockets for separating small items.
Its overall dimensions are 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 in before expansion. Travelpro includes limited lifetime coverage and a 3-year airline damage repair promise with registration, so check the current warranty terms when you buy.
American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Carry-On: Best for short getaways
- 20 spinner size
- Four spinner wheels
- Expands 1 in
- Polyester with carbon fiber trim
A compact spinner intended for short trips, with a trolley grip and large zipper pulls. Its stated dimensions are worth comparing with your airline's size limit.
Pros
- Four spinner wheels
- Large zipper pulls
- Expands 1 in
Cons
- Heavier than the lightest options here
- No capacity figure provided
The 4 KIX 2.0 suits short trips where you want a straightforward spinner with an expandable body. American Tourister describes it as a carry-on for 1 to 3 day trips, and it has four spinner wheels and a grip with a carbon fiber texture.
The bag expands by 1 in, and its large zipper pulls are designed for easier handling. It weighs 7.5 lb, making it heavier than the lightest choices here.
Its stated dimensions are 14.5 x 9.5 x 23.5 in, so compare the measurement method and full exterior with your airline's limit before choosing it. The size label alone does not tell you whether it will fit every carrier's sizer.
Travelpro Tourlite 21-Inch Softside Carry-On: Best for a lighter expandable bag
- 5.7 lb weight
- 46 L capacity
- Expands up to 2 in
- Multiple organization pockets
The Tourlite pairs a 5.7 lb weight with expansion, spinner wheels and a mesh pocket inside. Its case dimensions are given separately from handles and wheels.
Pros
- Lightweight for a spinner
- Two exterior pockets and interior mesh pockets
- Water-repellent exterior material
Cons
- Overall dimensions are not specified here
- Expansion adds up to 2 in
The Tourlite is a good fit if you want an expandable spinner without moving up to the heavier bags in this roundup. It weighs 5.7 lb and has a 46 L capacity.
Two exterior pockets provide quick access, while a full-length mesh pocket and side mesh pocket give you places to separate smaller items. The hold-down straps help keep clothes in place, and the expansion zipper adds up to 2 in.
The case dimensions are 20.75 x 13.75 x 8.75 in, but the overall dimensions including wheels and handles aren't stated here. Check the full measurement before you fly, especially if your carrier has a strict size limit.
Delsey Helium DLX 20-Inch Softside Carry-On: Best for zippered organization
- Removable toiletry bag
- Removable washable lining
- Expands from 40 L to 46 L
- Dual-density spinner wheels
A removable toiletry bag, washable lining and mesh pocket provide several ways to separate contents. Check the full dimensions because the bag expands to 11.25 in deep.
Pros
- Removable toiletry bag
- Washable lining
- Five-year worldwide warranty
Cons
- Overall depth is 10 in before expansion
- Expands to 11.25 in deep
The Helium DLX puts extra attention on organization, with a removable bi-fold toiletry bag, tie-down straps and a large zippered mesh pocket. Its removable lining is washable, which can help when the inside needs cleaning after a trip.
The bag weighs 6.7 lb and expands from 40 L to 46 L. Delsey describes its dual-density wheels as quiet, and the case uses a two-layer zipper design that the brand says is more resistant to intrusion than a conventional zip.
Check the dimensions carefully: the overall size is 23.5 x 14.25 x 10 in before expansion, and the depth grows to 11.25 in expanded. That may be too deep for some carry-on limits.
Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Carry-On: Best for built-in wet storage
- WetPak pocket
- USB port
- Smart Fix buckles
- Expandable polyester case
A built-in WetPak pocket can separate damp items, while the USB port offers a place to connect a device battery. The battery is not included.
Pros
- WetPak pocket and mesh pocket
- Smart Fix buckles keep straps out of the way
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- USB battery is not included
- Overall depth is 9.5 in
The Solyte DLX is worth a look if you want a pocket for wet items built into the bag. Its interior has a WetPak pocket, a zippered mesh pocket and Smart Fix buckles that keep the tie-down straps out of the way while packing.
A USB port gives you a place to connect a device battery, but the battery isn't included. The bag weighs about 7 lb, expands and comes with a 10-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from Samsonite.
Its overall dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9.5 in. The depth is more than the common 9 in reference point, so compare it with your airline's rules before choosing it.
American Tourister 4 KIX 3.0 Softside Carry-On: Best for adjustable handle height
- Multiple handle height settings
- Eight spinner wheels
- Expansion
- Interior elastic cross straps
This softside spinner has a multi-height handle, elastic cross straps and two zippered pockets. Its stated dimensions are relatively compact, but confirm how the maker measures them.
Pros
- Eight spinner wheels
- Handle adjusts to multiple heights
- Has expansion
Cons
- Heaviest listed weight here
- No capacity figure provided
The 4 KIX 3.0 has eight spinner wheels and a handle with multiple height settings. Inside, elastic cross straps and a large packing space help hold clothes, while the modety pocket and zippered door pocket give you separate storage.
It weighs 7.6 lb and expands for added capacity. Its stated dimensions are 14 x 7.5 x 20.5 in, which are smaller than several bags here, but confirm how those measurements relate to the wheels and handle.
Choose this one if an adjustable handle and pockets matter more than low empty weight. There isn't a capacity figure here to compare with the other bags.
U.S. Traveler Anzio 22-Inch Softside Carry-On: Best for a two-inch gusset
- 32.7 L capacity
- Expands by 2 in
- Four spinner wheels
- Mesh pocket and straps
The Anzio has a two-inch expansion gusset, mesh pocket and tie-down straps. Pack heavier items on the bottom, as the brand advises, to help prevent tipping.
Pros
- Light weight for a 22 in bag
- Four 360-degree spinner wheels
- Two interior sections
Cons
- Expansion increases depth
- Capacity is smaller than several picks here
The Anzio offers a two-inch expansion gusset and a 32.7 L capacity. Its 600D Oxford polyester body has a fully lined interior with a mesh zip pocket and tie-down straps.
Four spinner wheels and multiple carry handles help with lifting and rolling. U.S.
Traveler advises placing heavier items at the bottom to help prevent tipping, a useful packing detail for this 6.2 lb bag.
The overall size is 22 x 14 x 8.5 in, before the gusset adds depth. If you tend to fill every pocket, remember that the expanded bag may no longer meet your airline's carry-on limit.
Samsonite UpLIFT Softside Carry-On: Best for a removable wet pouch
- 5.7 lb weight
- Removable 3-1-1 wet pouch
- Expands 0.75 in
- Recycled PET body fabric
The UpLIFT combines a 5.7 lb weight with a removable wet pouch and cross straps. Its overall dimensions are larger than some airline carry-on limits.
Pros
- Removable wet pouch
- Cross straps compress clothes
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Overall width is 15 in
- Expansion adds 0.75 in
The Samsonite UpLIFT is a strong option if you want a removable pouch for liquids and a low empty weight. It weighs 5.7 lb, and its 3-1-1 wet pouch can be removed from the bag.
Seatbelt webbing cross straps compress clothes, while a mesh dual-access pocket can be reached from the exterior face pocket. The bag expands by 0.75 in, and Samsonite says its body fabric uses 100% post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The overall dimensions are 23.5 x 15 x 10.25 in with wheels. Those measurements exceed some common carry-on limits, so compare them with your airline before you pack it for cabin use.
Travel Select Amsterdam 21-Inch Softside Carry-On: Best for two-wheel stability
- Two inline skate wheels
- 42 L capacity
- Expands up to 25%
- Front add-a-bag strap
This two-wheel roller has a front add-a-bag strap, compression straps and side shoe pockets. It offers a different roll style from the spinner options.
Pros
- Stable inline skate wheel design
- Add-a-bag strap
- Side shoe pockets
Cons
- Two wheels instead of spinner wheels
- Expansion can add up to 25% more space
The Amsterdam is the only two-wheel roller in this group, with inline skate wheels and corner protectors. Its two-wheel layout suits travelers who prefer pulling a bag behind them rather than pushing a spinner beside them.
It has 42 L of capacity, weighs 6.3 lb and expands by up to 25%. A front add-a-bag strap can hold a smaller bag, while the interior includes compression straps and side shoe pockets.
Its dimensions are 13.5 x 7.5 x 21 in. Check the complete exterior measurement for your airline, and consider whether the two-wheel style suits the floors and paths you use most.
What should you check before buying a softside carry-on?
Check the bag's overall height, width and depth, including wheels and handles. The label may say 20 or 21 in, but the body measurement and full exterior size are not always the same.
Expansion can add useful room for the return trip, but it can also push the bag beyond an airline's limit. Keep the expansion closed when you need the smallest size, and review our guide to measuring carry-on luggage before buying.
Weight is another useful comparison. A lighter bag leaves more of your carry-on allowance for clothes, while pockets and organizers can help you keep essentials within reach.
Is a softside spinner or two-wheel carry-on right for you?
A spinner suits travelers who want to roll a bag in several directions through busy terminals. The Amsterdam's two-wheel setup is better for someone who prefers a bag that follows behind, especially over less even surfaces.
Softside bags can offer exterior pockets and some flexibility when packing. If overhead space is your main concern, compare the bag's size with our 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on guide and your airline's current rules.
Which softside carry-on should you choose?
Choose the Maxlite 5 for a light spinner with several pockets and a 2 in expansion option. Pick the Crew Classic for its removable compression organizer, or the UpLIFT for its removable wet pouch, then confirm the overall dimensions with your airline before travel.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for most travelers
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Softside Carry-On
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for organized packing
Travelpro Crew Classic 21-Inch Softside Carry-On
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for short getaways
American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Carry-On
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Is softside luggage better than hardside for a carry-on?
Softside luggage can suit you if exterior pockets and flexible packing matter. Hardside bags may suit travelers who prefer a firm shell.
Neither style guarantees a better fit in an overhead bin.
Compare the bag's overall dimensions, including wheels and handles, with your airline's current limit.
What size softside carry-on should I choose?
Choose a softside carry-on whose overall dimensions fit the airline you use most. Measure the bag with its wheels and handles, and check whether expansion changes its depth.
A bag marketed as 20 or 21 inches can still exceed a carrier's limit once its full exterior is counted.
Are spinner wheels worth it on a softside carry-on?
Spinner wheels roll in several directions, which can help when turning through tight airport spaces. Two-wheel bags tend to roll behind you and can feel steadier over uneven ground.
Pick the wheel style that suits your usual route and how you prefer to pull a packed bag.
Should I use the expansion zipper before boarding?
Expansion adds room, but it can also make a bag too deep for an airline's carry-on limit. Check the bag's expanded dimensions and your carrier's rules before packing it that way.
Keep the expansion closed when you need the smallest exterior size.
How do I choose between these softside carry-ons?
Start with overall size and weight, then choose the features you will use. Maxlite 5 is the lightest listed option, Crew Classic adds a removable organizer, and the Samsonite UpLIFT includes a removable wet pouch.
Use the airline's limit as the final size check.
