Our top picks span carry-on suitcases, weekenders, and backpacks to suit all types of travelers.
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We've all been there: stuck waiting at the airport gate with nary an outlet in sight. With the proliferation of mobile boarding passes, a dead phone battery could pose a serious problem, not to mention the stress of finding alternative methods of entertaining yourself during the flight if there's no USB port at your seat.
That's where smart luggage comes in. Although smart luggage could mean any type of bag with technology that makes your travel experience more convenient, it most often refers to pieces with charging capabilities via a removable battery.
We narrowed down the best smart luggage from our extensive tests, including more than 200 suitcases, 70 backpacks, and 100 duffels and weekenders. During a process that lasted at least six months, we analyzed each bag's capacity, design, value, and durability, and we evaluated maneuverability, portability, and comfort, too. First we tested the bags in our New York City lab, where we recreated an airplane set, then we sent the bags out to test during our team's travels. Whether you're looking for a lightweight hardside bag, an expandable softside suitcase, or even a smart backpack, our list has an option for you.
It includes the power bank, rolls smoothly, and is available in a variety of colors and neutrals.
It’s spacious for a carry-on but doesn’t have an expander or many pockets.
While many of the bags on this list do not actually come with a power bank for charging, the July Carry-on does include an ejectable battery with a USB-C connector, so you don’t have to buy a separate one. The charging slot is located behind the integrated TSA lock and multi-stop telescopic handle, which you can conveniently adjust to 20 different heights. We found this 42-liter bag plenty spacious for a carry-on, although it doesn’t have an expander if you do need extra space. It does have a Y-Strap compression system on one side and a zippered mesh overlay on the other to keep clothing in place.
The carry-on was super easy to maneuver during testing — the handle was sturdy when we made sharp turns in our obstacle course, and the wheels glided smoothly from concrete pavers to carpet. It also held up well to our durability tests. There were a few scuffs after we threw it off tables and hit it with a baseball bat (and the charger did pop out at one point), but the outer shell didn’t dent at all, and the bag seems durable enough to stand up to lots of jostling during travel. We also love the color options that range from classy neutrals like sand and charcoal to stand-out shades like moss, plus limited-edition colors, too.
The Details: 7.4 pounds | 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | Battery included
It's stylish yet extremely durable.
It's on the more expensive side, and its expander isn't the most intuitive to use.
If you're willing to splurge a little on a suitcase, this sleek piece is the one. Though it's expensive, this Briggs & Riley carry-on is one of the most durable bags our team has ever tested. Its polycarbonate shell didn't dent or scuff at all after several blows from a bat, and our tests estimate the bag could handle five to 10 years of regular use without issue. We also found the bag to maneuver well, particularly on two wheels. It had some minor troubles handling bumps on all four wheels, but we didn't find this particularly problematic.
As for its charging capabilities, it has a “Power Pocket” with a pass-through for a USB cable. There's no physical port on the bag, as you'd connect your device to the battery directly via a cable. The only major note is that, while this bag expands, it does so from the inside, which is a little counterintuitive. But still, we appreciate the function!
The Details: 9.2 pounds | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Battery not included
It’s very durable for a softside bag.
When expanded, it might exceed carry-on bag limits.
Even though textiles are usually not as durable as polycarbonate, this softside suitcase proved that wrong — our team reported no scuffs or tears during durability trials. Stylistically, we love that the main fabric is accented with chrome hardware and leather piping, which add to the luxe look. On the smart side, the bag has a USB-A port that connects to a portable battery. We did find that maneuvering this suitcase on two wheels required a bit more effort than it did on four wheels, though overall, we were still able to maneuver sharp turns just fine. Finally, one last highlight is the bag's lifetime warranty, which you might not have to worry about given its toughness.
The Details: 7.8 pounds | 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Battery not included
Not only does this sleek bag come with a removable power bank, but it also includes an adapter and USB-C cable.
This is one of the most expensive option on this list, and aluminum frames will show dents over time.
If you’re looking for something stylish to turn some heads at the airport, this aluminum carry-on with hand-stitched leather handles will do the trick. Instead of zippers, the luggage closes with two TSA-approved clasp combination locks for more security. For that reason, you cannot overpack this bag because there’s no flexibility like there is with zippers. The discreet charging port is located under the handle, and the bag comes with a removable power bank that has both USB-C and A ports. Aluminum bags are typically heavier than other suitcases (this one is 10.5 pounds), and we felt like we had to use a little extra effort when rolling it over rough surfaces during testing. It’s also important to note that aluminum frame cases tend to dent easily in general, and this bag did dent when we hit it with a baseball bat, but it still felt durable and protected all of our packed items. We also hit the back of the bag right behind the handle and though the aluminum dented, it didn't damage the handle at all, and we were still able to pull the handle out seamlessly after. That being said, prepare for it to get dinged — it adds character.
The Details: 10.5 pounds | 23 x 15 x 9.6 inches | Battery included
It has an almost shockingly sophisticated look for a duffel.
Using two wheels instead of four takes some getting used to.
This rolling duffel is a supremely versatile bag. For one thing, there are various ways to carry it: via a shoulder strap or two handles or rolling it on two wheels. Though wheels aren't always the primary method of movement for duffel bags, we found this bag to perform well in maneuverability tests just the same as its suitcase counterparts. The bag's look also makes it particularly versatile. The durable, matte black fabric is quite chic, so the duffel would work equally well as a gym bag and as a carry-on bag for a business trip.
The duffel also has impressive bonus features: a USB charging port and a wireless charging pocket, a padded laptop sleeve, a padded tablet sleeve, and a detachable wristlet. It's incredibly easy to stay organized with this duffel, despite it being fairly spacious for a weekender. But keep in mind that it is a weekender, not a suitcase, so its capacity is somewhat limited for longer journeys.
The Details: 4.81 pounds | 21.75 x 12 x 12.5 inches | Battery not included
It has an elegant look, and it's very lightweight compared to some other carry-ons.
There's no expander, so the capacity is quite limited.
International airlines often have smaller size requirements for carry-on bags, so if you find yourself flying an international airline regularly, you'll want to get a suitcase that complies. This Delsey suitcase, which has a USB-A port for charging, fits the bill. While we adored the chic exterior with its luggage trunk–inspired detailing, we did find the bag to be rather limited in capacity (which isn't too surprising given the airline size requirements!). The bag does, however, have quite a few internal pockets that help with organization. One shortcoming of the interior of the bag is that the compression straps are not adjustable, which renders them useless if you can't close them over your items, as was the case with our packing list. But we do appreciate the bag's maneuverability, particularly on carpet.
The Details: 6.4 pounds | 21 x 13 x 10 inches | Battery not included
It's rather spacious for such a small bag.
It doesn't necessarily fit underneath all seats, especially if you overpack it.
Underseat rolling suitcases are a favorite of travelers who hate fighting for overhead bin space. If you don't mind giving up a little bit of legroom, it could be the right type of suitcase for you. This model comes with a USB-A charging port for flights, train trips, bus rides, or really any form of transportation where there's room. The one thing we'll note is that while this bag is super spacious — we were able to pack for a two-day trip in it — if you overstuff it, it might be difficult (or even impossible) to fit underneath a seat. You can, however, pair it with a larger carry-on, sliding the carry-on's handle through the underseater's sleeve. But when used alone, it's extremely easy to maneuver this suitcase, thanks to its four spinner wheels. We also found it was easy to roll over multiple surfaces, and it was able to tackle elevators, escalators, and stairs with ease.
The Details: 5.6 pounds | 16.5 x 13.75 x 9 inches | Battery not included
Its dual-access function makes it easy to retrieve items from within the suitcase without opening it up all the way.
It's a heavier bag, weighing over 10 pounds.
Tumi has long been regarded as one of the top luxury suitcase brands, and it's a favorite of business travelers around the world. Perhaps that's why this suitcase comes with a garment bag with a capacity of one suit. This suitcase's standout feature is its dual accessibility — you can open just one part of the suitcase to grab any necessary items without opening the full suitcase. Because of that dual accessibility, we think this suitcase is best for those who can pack in an organized manner. If you use the smaller compartment, it eats into the space of the main compartment, so there's a bit of planning necessary to pack all your items conveniently. Still, we found this bag rather spacious — albeit somewhat heavy, thanks in part due to Tumi's extra-durable ballistic nylon material. For charging purposes, there's an exterior USB-A port that connects to an inner pocket that can hold a portable power bank.
The Details: 10.7 pounds | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Battery not included
It's spacious, lightweight, and incredibly stylish.
If you're in the market for a reasonably priced carry-on suitcase with a sleek, contemporary look, this Delsey bag is the one for you. Though we first thought the lightweight polycarbonate shell would be rather flimsy, it held up surprisingly well during durability tests, so don't let that initial impression dissuade you from this suitcase. The bag has an expander, but we didn't find it necessary to use for our packing list as there was of plenty of room to pack everything for a long weekend stay in the suitcase. One thing to note, however, is that there isn't much inside the bag in terms of organization, so things can get messy fast without packing cubes. However, once you get everything inside the bag, it's easy to maneuver it across all types of terrain. And when you need to charge your phone, there's a USB-A port that can connect to a portable charger inside the bag.
The Details: 7.4 pounds | 15 x 10 x 22.75 inches | Battery not included
It's impeccably designed in terms of staying organized.
The puffy aesthetic might not be for everyone.
Though this weekender might look like a puffer coat slung under your arm, it's actually an extremely well-thought-out bag that makes packing a breeze. While you might expect the interior of the bag to be a cavernous space, it has a spot for everything: there are 14 pockets and compartments across the bag, some of which are labeled for specific items. For example, there's a padded laptop section, a passport slot, and a inner pocket for a power bank with a hole leading to an exterior pocket for easy access to your now-charging phone. There are also general-use zippered pockets that could be perfect for toiletries. Given all this organizational gold, this weekender could hold as much as a small suitcase if packed perfectly. Though it's a bit pricey for a bag that looks so casual, we still think it's worth every penny.
The Details: 1.8 pounds | 13 x 18.5 x 8.5 inches | Battery not included
This sleek leather bag is easy to carry and is one of the most lightweight options on this list.
It could use more internal organization.
With a very petite profile, this chic leather backpack is the perfect go-to for a personal item on a flight or as a work bag. It has a laptop pocket large enough to fit a 13-inch device, but note that that pocket isn't padded, so you'll want to be careful toting around any expensive hardware. (If you have a larger laptop, there is a larger version of this bag that can fit a 16-inch device.) While the leather adds a certain sophistication to this bag, the material is heavier than nylon, which is something to consider. Still, we found the bag to be very lightweight overall, weighing under 3 pounds. As for its smart features, there's no USB port, but there is a wireless charging pocket — which is, of course, only useful if you have a compatible phone. The wireless charger is sold separately by Bee & Kin.
The Details: 2.6 pounds | 11.6 x 5.5 x 13 inches | Battery not included
We found a few more smart bags that didn't make the cut for various reasons, but are still worth considering.
Tumi Continental Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-on: While we loved this bag for its spacious, well-organized interiors and easy maneuverability, it's a bit wide for standard carry-on sizing.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-on Spinner: This bag received high marks during testing for its deep main compartment and sturdy construction, but we found its wheels to be slightly stiff, impacting the suitcase's ease of movement.
Matein Travel Backpack: With a 40-liter capacity, there's room for everything in this backpack. But we found the material to feel a little cheap, despite it performing well.
We began our evaluations in our Travel + Leisure lab with an external and internal inspection of each piece of luggage or bag, reviewing features like hardware, storage, and compression straps. Then we packed each bag to capacity, evaluating its organization and spaciousness. Next up were the physical tests to see how each bag works in action. We pushed and pulled rolling suitcases on various surfaces like carpet and concrete pavers and rolled them through our obstacle course to check maneuverability, while we carried backpacks and weekenders to test their weight distribution across the body. We also tested carry-on suitcases on the T+L airplane set to see how it felt to lift them into real overhead bins, roll them down aisles, and place them underneath airplane seats.
All bags were also evaluated for durability, with our T+L editors pushing the bags off counters multiple times and hitting them with baseball bats to see how easily they scuffed or dented. After this first round of testing, we sent the winning bags out into the real world, where our editors will continue to test them while traveling over a period of six months. We will update the results with our findings.
Most smart luggage has a pocket for your battery with a cord in it — that cord threads through the suitcase, connecting your battery to the charging port. The port is where you'll plug in your charging cord for your device. You'll need to make sure your battery and your cord are compatible with the input and outputs on their respective ends of the system, whether that's a USB, USB-C, or something else entirely. Otherwise, you'll need to buy an adapter.
Smart luggage is all about making your life easier, so make sure that your charging port is in a convenient spot — one that's accessible when you're carrying the bag or when it's sitting next to you on the ground. If the battery or charger is difficult to reach or requires you rifling through the bag to unzip multiple compartments, it's not going to make your life easier.
Because most pieces of smart luggage do not come with an external battery (though some do!), you'll want to make sure that the one you plan to use is compatible with the bag. Make sure it is the correct size to fit in the pocket, and make sure you have the right port or adapter as mentioned above.
Smart luggage is any travel bag that includes some form of technology that makes your life easier. Most commonly, smart luggage includes charging capabilities, often through a USB port that connects to a removable lithium-ion battery. Those batteries are usually not sold with the bags, but sometimes they are included, so make sure to read the product description carefully. Some smart luggage has additional technology, like built-in GPS trackers.
This varies per device. Typically, you plug the battery into an internal cord that weaves through the bag. That ends in a port elsewhere in the bag. Then you plug in your charging cable to that port. Keep in mind that some bags have USB-A ports, while others have USB-C ports, so it's possible you might need to buy a converter to make your bag and portable battery compatible.
While you're not allowed to leave a battery in a checked bag, you can usually bring one in your carry-on suitcase throughout the airport process. The reasoning behind this is that lithium-ion batteries have been known to explode if they're damaged. It's far easier to extinguish a fire in the cabin of an aircraft versus its cargo hold. And, on that note, if you think your portable battery is damaged, don't bring it on a plane!
As stated above, you are permitted to bring portable batteries into the cabin on planes but cannot check them into the cargo hold. Some airlines will ask you to take out the portable battery if you plan on putting your bag in the overhead bin as well. In some cases, you may also be asked to remove it during security screening, but this is not very common — it's up to your specific security agent. And, since you are not allowed to check lithium-ion batteries, if you gate-check your bag, you'll have to take it out and carry it with you.
Stefanie Waldek is a freelance travel writer with nearly a decade of experience. For this article, she evaluated her own experience with smart luggage, incorporated T+L's testing insights, and read dozens of customer reviews.
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