10 Best Smart-Luggage Options to Make Traveling Sooo Much Easier
BTW, an app-controlled suitcase exists.
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Yep, this is 100 percent your sign to hop on the smart luggage wave. It'll only make your life easier! (And IDK about you, but I'll invest in anything that'll make traveling a smoother, more relaxed process.) Get this: With smart luggage, gone are the days of stressing over your phone battery or worrying if your bag even made it to your destination. And if you choose to get a smart carry-on, you’ll be able to charge your phone from check-in alllll the way to boarding with no issues. The perks don't stop there though! Some of the best smart luggage options the internet has to offer have GPS tracking and even remote locking systems, so fumbling with those tiny combination locks is a thing of the past.
At this point, you might think that with smart luggage you'll have to sacrifice good looks. That's not the case though! Most of these options are not only incredibly high-tech and durable, but they also come in super sleek finishes and chic colorways that will have you posting them on the 'Gram every time you leave for a trip. Just take a peek at some of them now.
Our top picks for the best smart luggage in 2023:
Best App-Controlled Smart Luggage
Heys SmartLuggage 26" Hardside Airline Approved Spinner Luggage
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Cute, right? Keep scrolling to see the full list of the best smart luggage pieces on the market. With first-class quality and top-tier features, like long-lasting polycarbonate shells and fast-charging battery packs, you’ll feel like a pro traveler on your next journey.
Heys SmartLuggage 26" Hardside Airline Approved Spinner Luggage
Pros
- The Heys SmartLuggage app is available in eight languages: English, French, German, Arabic, Korean, Spanish, Chinese, and Hebrew
- 10 year limited warranty
- 1 year limited warranty on electronic parts
Cons
- Shipping not available in some areas
You're looking at a suitcase that is app-controlled... App- controlled! Can you believe?! With the Heys SmartLuggage app, you can control certain interactive functions built into the suitcase, making things like unlocking and locking your roller totally hands-free (shout-out to the Bluetooth smart TSA-approved lock!). Plus, it even has an alarm that will notify you if you're a particular distance away from your luggage and a smart handle with an integrated scale. Talk about technologically advanced!
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Height: 26''
MY REVIEW: I already know the Heys SmartLuggage app will come in so handy when traveling. I particularly really love the Bluetooth smart lock feature because 1. I literally don't have to move at all (besides my fingers, ofc) to lock and unlock my suitcase, and 2. I just click a few buttons to lock and unlock it instead of having to memorize yet another lock combination. It's so clutch!
Béis The 26" Check-In Roller
Pros
- Available in three sizes
- Vegan leather trim
- Comes with asSeparate pouch set for dirty clothes, shoes, under garments, and damp clothing
Cons
- Scuffs easily, according to some reviewers
It's got a five-star rating with over 2,500 glowing reviews for a reason! Customers love this celeb-owned luggage for a multitude of reasons: its expanding option, its TSA-friendly locks, its extendable trolley handle with a soft hand cushion, and especially its weight limit indicator function. The side handle of this luggage has a scale that'll let you know whether or not your bag is all good or over the luggage weight limit. With this extra amenity, you don't have to buy a separate scale or wait until you get to the airport to find how if your bag is too heavy or not.
- Weight: 10.2lbs
- Height: 28.3''
THE REVIEWS: "So happy I finally bought this Beis 26 roller bag," wrote one reviewer. "As someone who travels once a month for work, I’ve been looking for my perfect checked rolling bag and this is it!!! I love the two separate zipper compartments to help with toiletries/smaller items. The compression mat and straps do a fabulous job. The fact that it has a built-in weight indicator makes it priceless!!!! I will definitely be getting myself the carry-on size!!"
WONHOX Large Travel Backpack
Pros
- Available in two sizes
- Has an anti-theft zipper bag
- Lightweight
Cons
- Zippers have broken, per some customers
We can thank TikTok for bringing this bad boy into the spotlight. This incredibly spacious backpack has it all! Its got two main compartments, a laptop pocket, a wet bag for dirty clothes or damp garments, a shoe section, and a built-in USB charging port. Small, but mighty! It's great for people going on quick trips or who don't want to deal with a big, bulky roller bag.
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Height: 7.87''
THE REVIEWS: "I bought this backpack for a trip to Hawaii and I was able to fit so many things in this backpack," one reviewer wrote. "I loved how it's water-resistant material. It also has a charging outlet which saved my life! I love the color options and the shoe compartment at the bottom too. I want all of these colors now!! I definitely recommend it if you have a trip coming up and want to maximize space on a budget!"
Arlo Skye the Zipper Carry-On Max With Front Pocket
Pros
- Fast-charging battery pack
- Polycarbonate exterior
- Extra storage with front pocket
Cons
- Might be too big for certain airline overhead bins
- Some reviewers experienced minor scratches after one use
Over-packers rejoice! This ribbed beauty is an ideal size for all those ~wardrobe options~ you need to carry on your next trip. Its size is bigger than your average carry-on roller board, and with the super spacious front pocket, you can easily access personal items like a laptop or an iPad. And with its super fast-charging removable battery, it can charge your phone halfway in just 30 minutes.
- Weight: 8.1 lbs
- Height: 23.0"
THE REVIEWS: “I’m very happy with this purchase. So light and the front pocket is perfect: easy access and protective,” one reviewer wrote. “Rolls better than any 4-wheeler I’ve had before.”
Wrangler El Dorado Lugggage Set With Cup Holder and USB Port
Pros
- 3-in-1 smart feature with cup holder, USB port, and phone holder
- Easy trolly system
- Expandable design for extra storage
Cons
- Some reviewers say luggage isn’t suitable for long trips
You don’t just get one, but two (!!) pieces of luggage for under $80. This pretty teal set includes a small under-seat tote and a standard-size carry-on. The roller bag doesn’t just have a USB port to charge your device—it also has a holder for your phone and a cup of coffee on the back so you can glide through the terminal basically hands-free.
- Weight: 6.92 Pounds
- Height: 20"
THE REVIEWS: “Lightweight, easy to pack in everything I needed,” wrote one reviewer. “The extra pouch hidden for the charging pack was awesome. For a carry-on, I fit more than a week’s worth of clothing and a TON of souvenirs to bring home from an overseas trip.”
Away Travel The Carry-On
Pros
- 100 day risk-free trial
- Limited warranty included
- Polycarbonate exterior
Cons
- Battery pack sold separately
- Some reviewers claim there could be more space for outside storage
If you’re looking for a more traditional style of smart luggage, you must check out Away. Their carry-on suitcases have the option to include a removable battery pack with two USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at once.
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Height: 21.7"
THE REVIEWS: “I was in Rome and Florence, Italy for nine days, and The Away Carry-On was just perfect,” one reviewer wrote. “Being able to charge up my iPhone at the airport or on the train traveling from Rome to Florence was perfect. Stylish and very versatile. It also kept my belongings packed beautifully. Plus, having a laundry bag for my dirty clothes was great. Getting through security was a breeze, plus the added compliments of how beautiful it was.”
Samsonite Voltage DLX Carry-On Spinner
Pros
- Polypropylene exterior
- Expandable design for extra storage
- Limited 10 Year Global Warranty included
Cons
- Battery pack not included
- Some reviewers experienced scratches, scuffs, or dents after use
- Some reviewers claim its not suitable for long trips
If you’re in the market for a lightweight carry-on, then this is the luggage for you. This white Samsonite beauty is 1 to 2 pounds lighter than your average carry-on suitcase and has a built-in USB port integrated into its TSA-approved locks.
- Weight: 6.06 lbs.
- Height: 22''
THE REVIEWS: “The Voltage DLX Carry-On Spinner is ideal for travel,” one reviewer wrote. “It’s compact and made with attractive carbon materials. And it has a built-in compartment for a built-in battery pack that’s easily accessible. I love it!”
Samsara Carry-on
Pros
- Unique and functional design
- Aluminum Frame
- Tag Smart device included
Cons
- Doesn't offer charging capabilities
Samsara’s smart luggage is a lil different than your average charging suitcase. The brand uses Apple AirTag technology on all of its suitcases, including check-in rollers, so you can track your suitcase throughout your journey and have peace of mind knowing where it is at all times. Plus, its unique design was made to double as a small desk for your laptop or tablet when you're waiting in the terminal.
- Weight: 7.7 lbs.
- Height: 21.4''
MY REVIEW: Although it doesn’t offer the ability to charge your device, this is still an excellent luggage option for those who work while traveling since it doubles as a desk for your laptop. Also, knowing where your luggage and personal belongings are throughout your journey is ideal.
DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage With Spinner Wheels
Pros
- Polycarbonate exterior
Cons
- battery charger not included
- Some reviewers claim they experienced scratches and cracks after use
You don’t have to give up on aesthetics to have smart luggage. This pretty champagne white and tan leather bb has all the feels of a vintage suitcase that you’d love with the ability to charge your device thanks to its USB port and battery pack.
- Weight: 6.4 lbs.
- Height: 21.75''
THE REVIEWS: “I really love the look of this carry-on, and so does everyone else, judging by all the compliments I received when using it on a recent trip! The inside is nicely lined and zips completely on both sides to hold everything in place,” wrote one reviewer. “The only downside is that it is not expandable, but I found it adequate to hold what I needed for a one-week trip.”
July Carry On
Pros
- polycarbonate exterior
- 100 day risk-free trial
- Lifetime warranty included
- Offers USB-C compatible charging
Cons
- Some reviewers claim that it scratches after use
Don’t let the sleek and simplistic design fool you into thinking this July carry-on is like any other. Its shell is made from a durable crush-proof German polycarbonate that will keep your hard-case luggage from denting or breaking during travel. Also, its battery pack is one of the first to offer the USB-C instead of the standard USB.
- Weight: 7.4 lbs
- Height: 21.5''
THE REVIEWS: “I LOVE this suitcase. It’s such a good size, rolls soooo smoothly, and the charging port is great,” wrote one reviewer. “It’s really sturdy, and it looks beautiful. I recommend this suitcase to literally everyone. The ONLY negative thing I can say about the suitcase is that it comes with a Samsung charging cable. It would be awesome to choose Samsung or Apple when you purchase it.”
What types of smart luggage can I check?
Per The Federal Aviation Administration, baggage that is equipped with lithium batteries must be used as carry-on bags unless the batteries are removed from the baggage. As for smart luggage that is going to be checked into the cargo hold of an aircraft, these bags will only be allowed to go through checked baggage if they contain lithium metal batteries with a lithium content not exceeding 0.3 grams or lithium-ion batteries with a Watt-hour rating not exceeding 2.7. As for baggage location tracking devices, they must meet the size limitations of the above if they were to be checked in.
Individual airlines may have their own specific rules when it comes to smart luggage though, so we recommend checking what their policies are. Keep in mind though that TSA can override an airline's rules. So, before you head to the airport, take a look at the official list of what you can and can't bring on an airplane at TSA.gov.
What smart luggage cannot be checked?
Beware that smart luggage lithium-ion batteries cannot be checked-in unless they meet the size allowed, per the FAA. The batteries can be removed and with you on the aircraft. To be safe though, it's best you either read through your airline's guidelines or speak with them directly about what they do or do not allow on the plane.
Why trust Cosmo?
Megan Uy is an editor at Cosmopolitan and has four years of experience writing about lifestyle, travel, and home including the best luggage brands and the best cooling fans. She feels especially knowledgeable about smart luggage options because of her own experience with them, and her smart luggage picks were based on reviews and product testing.
Jacquelyn Greenfield was an editor at Cosmopolitan and has two years of experience writing about lifestyle, travel, and home.
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