Our Guide To The Best Carry-On Suitcases In Canada In 2026 (And Where To Get Them)

(Monos/Amazon)

Travel stress-free with our guide to the best carry-on luggage in Canada. We’ve reviewed top models for durability, organization features, and compliance with airline size restrictions.

Do you travel frequently for work? Or enjoy weekends away with the family? If you’re travelling for only a few days at a time, you don’t want to worry about hauling around a massive suitcase, right? But for trips that’ll last more than one or two days, a duffel bag is too small to hold all your clothes, toiletries, and other necessities. So, what do you do?

You use a carry-on suitcase, of course! Carry-on suitcases are much more compact than traditional suitcases, so much so that they can easily be stored in the overhead bins on an airplane or fit well in a packed car. They can still hold a surprising number of items, so they’re great for 1–4-day trips, and easy to roll around.

If a carry-on suitcase sounds like the right fit for your travel needs, but you’re not sure how to choose the best one, we’re here to help. Carry-on suitcases vary in price, overall size, capacity, handle height options, soft vs. hard shell, and more. Every feature matters, so make sure you think about all of them!

This comprehensive guide will investigate the best carry-on suitcases in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.

The Best Carry-On Suitcases Right Now

• Top Pick: Samsonite Spinner Carry-On Suitcase
• Canadian Pick: Monos Carry-On Pro Suitcase
• Upgrade Pick: Level 8 Carry-On Suitcase
• 2-in-1 Pick: Level 8 Grace Expandable Carry-On Suitcase
• Tough Conditions Pick: YETI Crossroads Carry-On Suitcase
• Budget Pick: Showkoo Expandable Carry-On Suitcase

Our Top Pick for The Best Carry-On Suitcase

Samsonite Spinner Carry-On Suitcase Review

What We Think of the Samsonite Spinner Carry-On Suitcase

The Samsonite Spinner Carry-On Suitcase is a very well-rounded option, and since it’s also offered at a great price, it was an easy one to choose for our top pick this year. With a TSA-approved lock, you won’t have to worry about security — all of your belongings will be safe and protected. We also appreciate how many colours it comes in — nine options guarantee everyone will find a style they love.

We also really like that this carry-on suitcase has four wheels instead of two. You won’t have to drag it so far behind you, so it’s easier to move around crowded airports, and it also eases the strain on your arm. The interior storage is another great feature on this one — one half has a divider with a pocket to keep items contained, and the other has a cross ribbon strap. Perfect.

The only shortcoming we found with this one is its durability. Although the flexible hard shell is resistant to tears and cracks, it tends to get scuffed up pretty easily if it’s used as a checked suitcase or if you’re not careful with it.

All in all, the Samsonite Spinner Carry-On Suitcase is a great option for people who love to stay organized, appreciate style, and will take advantage of the expandable storage capacity. It doesn’t have the best durability if you use it as a checked suitcase, but if you take care of it, it’ll take care of you.

• Performance: 5/5
• Usability: 5/5
• Price: 4.5/5
• Quality: 4/5

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Samsonite Spinner Carry-On Suitcase

Reviewers have mostly good things to say about the Samsonite Spinner Carry-On Suitcase. It has a great interior capacity with plenty of organization opportunities, and the expandable zipper provides even more space for longer trips. It fits in the overhead bins of many different airlines, too. It gets scuffed up pretty quickly, though, and many people have had issues with the handle failing after only a couple of uses.

Samsonite Spinner Carry-On Suitcase Pros and Cons

Buy If…

• Security is important to you
• You like to stay organized
• You’d prefer a suitcase that rolls on four wheels
• You’d appreciate a carry-on that stands out

Don’t Buy If…

• Longevity, if you use it as a checked suitcase

Samsonite Spinner Carry-On Suitcase Specifications

• Dimensions: 21.25” x 15.25” x 10”
• Weight: 6.5 lbs
• Colour: 9 options
• Soft or Hard Shell: Hard
• Number of Wheels: 4
• Warranty: 10 years

Our Canadian Pick

Monos Carry-On Pro Suitcase Review

What We Think of the Monos Carry-On Pro Suitcase

We love so much about the Monos Carry-On Pro Suitcase, and we think you will, too. It’s the perfect size for travelling around the world because it’ll fit in every overhead bin, no matter the airline, and it’s super durable, so you don’t have to worry about it getting scuffed up. Since it’s available in 13 stunning colours, you’ll be able to match your personal style.

This suitcase also comes with a 100-day trial, so you’ll get to try it out before you commit to it. Isn’t that great? Our favourite thing about it is the exterior pocket. The entire front face zips open and has small, zippered pockets for your phone, laptop, passport, and other essentials. You can’t beat that convenience.

One of the only things that might not work for you is the interior capacity of this one. At 29 litres, it’s a fair amount smaller than other carry-on suitcases, so if you like to pack heavy or use carry-ons for trips longer than four days, it might be a bit too small. Otherwise, the high price tag might be your only deterrent.

Overall, the Monos Carry-On Pro Suitcase is as close to flawless as these things can get. The price might be a bit higher than you were hoping for, but you won’t find quality like this very often. No matter what you’re looking for in a carry-on, this one has it.

• Performance: 5/5
• Usability: 5/5
• Price: 3/5
• Quality: 5/5

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Monos Carry-On Pro Suitcase

Reviewers are very impressed by the Monos Carry-On Pro Suitcase. No matter which airlines they’ve travelled with, the suitcase always fits in the overhead bin, and all of the pockets help them stay organized. They appreciated the 100-day trial, although no one felt the need to return it, and they feel great about its lifespan.

Monos Carry-On Pro Suitcase Pros and Cons

Buy If…

• You travel all over the world
• You like to keep your essentials handy
• Buying Canadian is important to you
• You’d love to test out your suitcase before committing

Don’t Buy If…

• Affordability is what you’re after
• You like to bring a carry-on for longer trips

Monos Carry-On Pro Suitcase Specifications

• Dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
• Weight: 7.8 lbs
• Colour: 13 options
• Capacity: 29 L
• Soft or Hard Shell: Hard
• Handle Height Options: 4
• Number of Wheels: 4
• Warranty: Lifetime

Our Upgrade Pick

Level 8 Carry-On Suitcase Review

What We Think of the Level 8 Carry-On Suitcase

The Level 8 Carry-On Suitcase has a lot to offer. Its sleek appearance and sharp corners make it stand out in a crowd, and with six unique colour options, you’ll be able to find one that suits your style. This option is also incredibly durable and comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can be confident that it’ll hold up well to the rigours of travel.

Another thing we love about this one is its capacity. It offers 40 litres of packing space to make sure you don’t have to leave anything behind. That extra pair of shoes? Four books instead of three? They’ll fit. The TSA-approved lock is another great feature — it’ll keep your belongings secure if you need to check your bag. You’ll also appreciate the four handle heights — everyone can be comfortable wheeling this carry-on along.

The high price of this carry-on is the only downside. Truly. If you’re shopping for a new suitcase on a budget, that might not work for you, but for the value you’re getting in return, it sure is a worthwhile investment. If you can afford to spend the extra, we promise you won’t regret it.

All in all, the Level 8 Carry-On Suitcase is one of the best options out there. Whether you’re prioritizing security, versatility, or capacity, you’ll be happy with this one. The price might be a bit high, but trust us, it’s worth it.

• Performance: 5/5
• Usability: 5/5
• Price: 4/5
• Quality: 5/5

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Level 8 Carry-On Suitcase

Reviewers have great things to say about the Level 8 Carry-On Suitcase. It holds a ton of stuff without bulging and becoming too bulky for overhead bins, and the sleek appearance makes it perfect for spotting on a crowded belt at checked baggage pickup. They find it holds up very well to the wear and tear of travel, and the TSA lock gives them a lot of peace of mind.

Level 8 Carry-On Suitcase Pros and Cons

Buy If…

• A sleek appearance is your preference
• You like to take a lot of things with you when you travel
• Longevity is a priority
• You’ll need to check your bag occasionally

Don’t Buy If…

• You’re shopping on a budget

Level 8 Carry-On Suitcase Specifications

• Dimensions: 21.5” x 14.5” x 9.2”
• Weight: 7.7 lbs
• Colour: 6 options
• Capacity: 40 L
• Soft or Hard Shell: Hard
• Handle Height Options: 4
• Number of Wheels: 4
• Warranty: Lifetime

Our 2-in-1 Pick

Level 8 Grace Expandable Carry-On Suitcase Review

What We Think of the Level 8 Grace Expandable Carry-On Suitcase

There are so many awesome things to tell you about the Level 8 Grace Expandable Carry-On Suitcase. One of the things you’ll like most is the interior storage. With tie-down straps, a mesh pocket, and a zipper divider, you’ll be able to organize your things seamlessly. It expands for extra storage space, too! You’ll also get to enjoy a separate compartment on the front for your laptop, travel documents, and other important items. We love that accessibility!

The built-in TSA locks are another winning feature, offering a lot of peace of mind when you need to check your bag. Your items will be secure without you needing to worry about airline compliance issues. What a relief! The four spinning wheels are another something special — since they’re made of rubber, they’re almost silent, and they’ll let you maintain your dignity no matter what terrain you’re walking on.

The only flaw you might see in this carry-on suitcase has nothing to do with usability or longevity. It’s the price tag. The quality of this suitcase is definitely worth a higher price, but that means it won’t be a reasonable choice for every budget. We’re disappointed, too.

All in all, the Level 8 Grace Expandable Carry-On Suitcase has a lot to offer. We think it’s a great match for almost any type of travel. It’s durable, well-organized, moves flawlessly on all surfaces, and has an expandable interior so you don’t need to leave any souvenirs behind. Doesn’t it sound perfect?

• Performance: 5/5
• Usability: 5/5
• Price: 4/5
• Quality: 5/5

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Level 8 Grace Expandable Carry-On Suitcase

Reviewers are happy with everything the Level 8 Grace Expandable Carry-On Suitcase has to offer. The expandable and organized interior makes it easy to travel with all the items they need, and the front zippered pocket makes it so much easier to access laptops and important documents during airport travel. The TSA locks give them some extra peace of mind, too.

Level 8 Grace Expandable Carry-On Suitcase Pros and Cons

Buy If…

• You’re looking for a carry-on that offers easy laptop access
• Smooth rolling on any terrain is important to you
• Organized interior storage is what you like
• You’d like to keep your belongings secure with built-in TSA locks

Don’t Buy If…

• You’re shopping on a tight budget

Level 8 Grace Expandable Carry-On Suitcase Specifications

• Dimensions: 21.8”x 14.5” x 9.8”
• Weight: 9 lbs
• Colour: Grey, black, blue, champagne, or red
• Capacity: 36 L, expandable to 42 L
• Soft or Hard Shell: Hard
• Handle Height Options: 4
• Number of Wheels: 4
• Warranty: 2 years

Our Tough Conditions Pick

YETI Crossroads Carry-On Suitcase Review

What We Think of the YETI Crossroads Carry-On Suitcase

The YETI Crossroads Carry-On Suitcase is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a companion that can withstand, well, everything. Dirt, grime, and mud won’t mar this suitcase, and with incredibly durable TuffSkin Nylon, it’s resistant to wear and tear. The soft shell front makes it perfect for tucking in overhead bins and squishing that one extra shirt in.

The wheels on this suitcase are also next-level. They’re tough and built for all types of terrain, so you can be sure that your dignity won’t be at risk whether you’re strolling through the airport or hiking up a rugged path to your destination. The 40-litre capacity is perfect for taking everything you’ll need, and optional compression straps and a divider help you keep it organized and contained.

Unfortunately, this carry-on suitcase is one of the most expensive ones out there, so if you’re shopping on a limited budget, it might not be a reasonable option. However, if you can spend more, this suitcase is a worthy choice. It won’t let you down. The only other potential concern is the wheel setup — it has two wheels instead of four, so it won’t be able to glide alongside you. Hopefully, that isn’t a dealbreaker.

All in all, the YETI Crossroads Carry-On Suitcase is an easy choice for folks who need a carry-on that resists wear and tear and moves well on all surfaces. With a large capacity and soft-shell front, you won’t need to leave anything behind, either. Perfect.

• Performance: 5/5
• Usability: 5/5
• Price: 2.5/5
• Quality: 5/5

What Reviewers Are Saying About the YETI Crossroads Carry-On Suitcase

Reviewers are blown away by the YETI Crossroads Carry-On Suitcase. The hard back and soft front shell make it perfect for tucking in overhead bins, and it refuses to hold onto messes, no matter how much mud or grime they move it through. The rugged wheels move perfectly over all types of terrain, and they’re all happy with the capacity. Some people would prefer it had four wheels instead of just two, though.

YETI Crossroads Carry-On Suitcase Pros and Cons

Buy If…

• You need a carry-on with a flexible shell
• You want a suitcase that can withstand mud and other hazards
• You’ll be walking on uneven terrain a lot
• You like to take a lot of gear with you

Don’t Buy If…

• You prefer a 4-wheel suitcase
• You don’t want to spend much on a carry-on

Yeti Crossroads Carry-On Suitcase Specifications

• Dimensions: 22” x 15.2” x 9.6”
• Weight: 7.5 lbs
• Colour: 6 options
• Capacity: 40 L
• Soft or Hard Shell: Soft front and hard back
• Number of Wheels: 2

Our Budget Pick

Showkoo JY-A016B Expandable Carry-On Suitcase Review

What We Think of the Showkoo JY-A016B Expandable Carry-On Suitcase

The Showkoo JY-A016B Expandable Carry-On Suitcase is incredibly well-rounded considering how affordable its price tag is. If you’re shopping on a budget, it’s the perfect choice. One of the things we like most is how it keeps you organized. With partition nets, cross belts, and a separate zippered pocket for small items, you’ll be able to keep all of your things neat and tidy.

Although designed to fit in overhead bins, this suitcase can also be used as a check bag, and you won’t have to worry about security thanks to the integrated TSA lock. The three-setting telescoping handle is also perfect for individuals of all heights. There won’t be any back strain or shoulder strain with this one. It’s also been rigorously tested for durability, so longevity won’t be a concern.

Luckily, we only have one shortcoming to mention before we wrap this up. And it likely won’t be a dealbreaker. The 33-litre capacity of this one is smaller than the average carry-on suitcase, so if you’re used to a bigger one, you might have to rethink your packing checklist. It’s still a great size for 3-4 day trips, though, if you’re smart about your space.

All in all, the Showkoo JY-A016B Expandable Carry-On Suitcase is our favourite budget-friendly option this year. It’s well-made and resistant to the hazards of air travel, and it does a lot to help you stay organized. Plus, you just can’t beat the price. Sounds like a winner, doesn’t it?

• Performance: 5/5
• Usability: 4.5/5
• Price: 5/5
• Quality: 5/5

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Showkoo JY-A016B Expandable Carry-On Suitcase

Reviewers are very happy with the Showkoo JY-A016B Expandable Carry-On Suitcase. The three handle heights make it easy for everyone to tow comfortably, and all of the organizational features help them keep track of their belongings and pack efficiently. It’s surprisingly durable for the price, too. They just wish the capacity were a bit bigger.

Showkoo JY-A016B Expandable Carry-On Suitcase Pros and Cons

Buy If…

• You like to check your carry-on suitcase occasionally
• Durability is important to you
• Multiple people will be using the suitcase
• You like to keep your things really organized

Don’t Buy If…

• You tend to pack a lot of things in your carry-on

Showkoo JY-A016B Expandable Carry-On Suitcase Specifications

• Dimensions: 22.4” x 15.3” x 8.7”
• Weight: 6 lbs
• Colour: 5 options
• Capacity: 33 L
• Soft or Hard Shell: Hard
• Handle Height Options: 3
• Number of Wheels: 4
• Warranty: 2 years

How to Properly Choose Your Carry-On Suitcase

Price

Some carry-on suitcases cost around $100, but others can exceed four times that amount. You can find good quality ones at all price points, so budget won’t be too much of a concern. Generally, more expensive carry-on suitcases will offer better longevity, a larger capacity, and better organization.

Capacity

Carry-on suitcases can vary in capacity between 29 L and 40 L. A larger capacity will offer more packing space, but it will also be heavier and less likely to fit in all overhead bins. It’s a good idea to decide on your ideal capacity before you start shopping to narrow down the options.

Size and Weight

It’s a good idea to pay attention to the overall size and weight of your carry-on suitcase. You’ll want to look for the lightest one possible so it doesn’t become too heavy once it’s full of your things (most weigh between 5 and 8 pounds). Carry-on suitcases can also vary slightly in dimensions, so if you travel globally with a variety of airlines, you’ll want to err on the side of caution and go with the smallest option that suits your needs. That way, it’ll fit in all of the overhead bins.

Soft vs. Hard Shell

Carry-on suitcases can be made with a soft shell or a hard shell. Hard shell suitcases are more durable and secure, but they’re also less flexible and won’t be able to accommodate extra items above capacity very well. Soft shell suitcases are typically more affordable and can be packed more tightly, but they won’t be as resistant to wear and tear and can stain easily.

Number of Wheels

Carry-on suitcases will have either two or four wheels. Two-wheel suitcases have to be towed behind you instead of being wheeled alongside you, and they also put more strain on your arm, shoulder, and back. Most people prefer 4-wheel suitcases since they don’t have any of those issues, but at the end of the day, your preference is the only thing that matters.

Handle Height Options

Many carry-on suitcases offer multiple handle height options to be comfortable for everybody. Some might only have two options; others can have three or four. If your carry-on suitcase will be shared by the family or you’re above average or below average in height, it’s a good idea to look for more height options.