Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner ($150 – $250).
- Mid-range cases with good warranties last for years.
- Check your airlines' cabin size limits before buying.
In this article
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You do not need to spend a lot to get good carry-on suitcases. These are the cheapest carry-on suitcases we would still buy in the US, sorted by typical price.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner | Buy | 8.6/10 | $150 – $250 |
| Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner | Buy | 9.0/10 | $280 – $350 |
Budget picks in detail
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $150 – $250
For most people, Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner is worth its usual price of $150 – $250. Our score: 8.6/10.
Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner
Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $280 – $350
A safe choice: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner earns a buy verdict with a score of 9.0/10, at a typical price of $280 – $350.
How to save money
Mid-range cases with good warranties last for years.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Check your airlines' cabin size limits before buying.
Common mistake: Ignoring the case's own weight on strict airlines.
Compare more options
Search carry-on suitcases on Amazon See top-rated carry-on suitcases on Amazon
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap carry-on suitcases in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner, typically $150 – $250.
Are cheap carry-on suitcases worth it?
Mid-range cases with good warranties last for years. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Check your airlines' cabin size limits before buying.
When are carry-on suitcases cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.