If you haven't tried any of the best smart luggage yet, then you're seriously missing out. Adding some smarts to your carry-on suitcases offers up the best upgrades since the day someone realized how invaluable 360-degree wheels and telescoping handles could be.
But those have nothing on the neat features you can get right now, including GPS locators, USB charging ports, motorized wheels, and even built-in measuring scales. Most of them are TSA-approved too, though you will need to remove the batteries if you plan on checking them.
Smart luggage can be an incredibly versatile companion, especially if you regularly traveling by air. But picking up a piece of smart luggage can be a little daunting, and if you need some help we have you covered.
Based on our research, these are the best smart luggage options for every kind of traveller.
Away is the cult favorite when it comes to smart luggage. Its sleek design, multiple size options and practical features made it the first suitcase to successfully break into the influencer market. We happen to thinks it's one of the best suitcases overall — the smart features just make it all that much better.
Founded by former Warby Parker executives, the Away delivers on design while keeping your devices charged for any adventure. The Bigger Carry-On's compression bag gives you maximum packing capacity while still fitting into overhead bins, but the battery pack pops out quickly if you need to check the bag. The exterior is scratch-resistant, but if there's any kind of issue with your Away, you're covered with a lifetime warranty.
The Samsara Tag Smart Carry On has a feature that distinguishes it from every other carry-on on this list: an included AirTag. Keeping tabs on your luggage is a major anxiety for many travelers, especially for those who are always on-the-go with multi-stop trips. Since this luggage comes with an AirTag (and a compartment designed to keep it safe) you're able to see when your suitcase is with you, and when it's been left behind.
These features require you to have an iPhone with the Find My app, which excludes Android users. Still, if you do have an iPhone, you'll find it easy to know when your luggage is at all times. And we'll bet it's a lot of luggage, since the Samsara Tag Smart Carry On has a huge capacity. You'll also have several color choices to choose from, including a hot pink limited-edition partnership with T-Mobile branded the Un-Carrier On. This model comes with a battery pack and wireless charging compartment for added smarts.
If you're looking for a smart suitcase that feels premium all-around, the Horizn Studios M5 Cabin Luggage is among our top picks. It's not the most affordable carry-on bag, but it's packed with convenient features. It sports a secure laptop sleeve in the front, so you can tuck in your computer and any additional items you might need to access quickly. Like some of the other bags on this list, the Horizn Studios M5 Cabin Luggage also offers an optional portable battery pack, complete with a USB-C and USB-A inputs for charging two devices at once.
It helps that the luggage is nice-looking, too. After testing it ourselves, we especially like how the wheels let it sit close to the ground. It's a sleek companion for all kinds of travel — and if you bundle it with check-in luggage, you'll save $50 on the set.
For those who can pull off the retro-trunk aesthetic, the Andiamo Classico suitcase delivers with vibrant, high-gloss finishes and a zipper-less frame. The "royal sapphire" option especially catches our eye.
As for the luggage's smart features, the RFID-blocking technology pocket keeps sensitive materials safe. There's also a single USB port, but you'll need to supply your own removable battery. It's pretty heavy for a carry-on, and it's definitely not the smartest bag out there, but it certainly looks nice and reviewers seem to love it.
What reviewers say:
Forbes: "Now you can sparkle like the fanciest jet setters with the shiniest roller around."
Luggage Spots: "[It’s] without a doubt one of the best pieces of luggage available on the market in recent years. It is now one of my most frequently used pieces and I love it. With a 100-day trial period, no harm in trying it out first!"
Arlo Skye’s most popular carry-on is so for a reason: It's deceivingly lightweight, comes in five beautiful finishes, and has just enough smart features to make air travel easier.
Two TSA-approved combination locks effectively end the need for luggage zippers. You can charge your device on the go with the USB C and A Ports, and pop out the battery with a simple press when your bag gets gate-checked. Silent Run Lisof wheels make the bag a pleasant companion, while hand-stitched handles add the designer touch you'd expect from Louis Vuitton and Tumi alums. Great customer service is simply an added bonus.
What reviewers say:
Travel + Leisure: "I’ve never considered this a necessary luggage amenity, as someone who travels with a portable battery pack, but it is easier than unearthing a small battery from your backpack and potentially carries a higher charge capacity."
Forbes: "I tested it on a trip to Mexico and am reasonably confident I have never had such a big crush on a carry-on bag. Built of scratch-resistant aluminum with Florentine leather handles and trim, the 9.5-pound case sports a removable high-speed charger with two USB ports and purrs along on whisper-quiet Japanese quad wheels."
How we picked the best smart luggage
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There's a lot out there, so to find the best smart luggage we tested some of the bags ourselves. We also looked at what customers and experts were saying. We looked at the top picks from the likes of Travel + Leisure, Forbes, TripSavvy, and other travel sites, as well as the top-selling smart luggage models on Amazon. We've also tested several of these models ourselves.
From there we were able to narrow the list down to the following models, taking into account smart features, price, practically, and other key factors.
