The Best Roller Suitcases – The Best Choice In 2 Wheels For 2018

The Best Roller Suitcases – The Best Choice In 2 Wheels For 2018

Are you looking for the best roller suitcases around, but having trouble finding them? Fret not, we have gone on a hunt for the legendary 2-wheeled suitcase for you.

As you may have found out already, these days it is very easy to buy a good spinner (the 4-wheeled kind) suitcase as there are so many choices around; you can get any size, colour, quality and anything from affordable to luxury, no problem. But when it comes to roller suitcases, you have to start digging a bit more.


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Especially when it comes to checked luggage, it seems as all we can get nowadays are the 4-wheeled or maybe even dual 4-wheeled spinner suitcases. Of course, there are many fans of those, for just as many good reasons, but there are still quite a lot of people, just like you, who are looking for the good old reliable 2- wheeled option.

If you want to read up a bit more about the pros and cons of both options, take a look at my other post on spinner or roller luggage.

And if you just realised you’re really looking for 4-wheeled luggage, take a look at my best spinner suitcases review.

But if you’re looking for a 2-wheeled suitcase, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading. These are the top roller suitcases for 2018.

The following two-wheel only, carry-on and checked roller suitcases are the best choice for this year, as they have the highest rankings from customers who have bought these and found them to be great. Of course, we’ll tell you about the cons as well as the pros, so you can decide which one is the most suitable, and therefore the best roller suitcase for you.

We’ll start with the smaller sizes which are perfect for carry on and continue to the larger ones which will pack everything you’ll need for a long overseas holiday you’ve really earned yourself.

–>>Just click on the images to find out more, such as price and availability. <<–

Delsey Chatillon Carry On
Delsey Luggage Chatillon in Black

Delsey Luggage Chatillon 21″ Carry-on – Expandable And Light

Product Name: Delsey Luggage Chatillon 21″ Carry-on Expandable 2-Wheel Trolley, Black
Quick Description: Light, durable, expandable
Size: 20 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches (including wheels and handles)
Weight: 4.9 pounds
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Colours: Black, Blue

The Good

  • Light and durable
  • As it is carry-on size, it fits in most overheads
  • Front pocket for 14″ laptop
  • Two exterior front pockets, one of them easy access
  • Two wheels!
  • Interior fully lined
  • Tie down straps and two interior pockets
  • Expandable to 2 more inches
  • Water repellent and scratch resistant fabric (dura tec)
  • Reinforced corners
  • Telescope handle
  • Integrated ID tag

The Not-So-Good

If you put your laptop in the front pocket, it might fall over from the heavier weight. But. You can avoid this by packing more centrally weighted, i.e. putting the heaviest items towards the bottom and lighter ones on top. Or, if your laptop has to go in the front pocket, put something heavier towards the bars, towards the back of the suitcase.

What’s Missing

  • An attachment for a briefcase on the front of the bag. Unfortunately, not many 2-wheeled suitcases this size have this option.
  • An expandable exterior pocket, i.e. the laptop pocket, as seen in earlier designs.

Our Conclusion

Good, durable, light, expandable and for a great price too (which makes up for the minor downsides).

–>>Click on image to check price<<–

American Tourister Splash 21"
American Tourister Splash in True Blue

American Tourister Luggage Splash 21″ – Roomy

Product Name: American Tourister Luggage Splash 21″ Upright Suitcase (True Blue)
Quick Description: Roomy, durable wheels
Size: 21 x 8 x 14.5 inches
Weight: 6.9 pounds
Rating: 4 of 5
Colours: Black, True Blue

The Good

  • Very roomy, fits a lot in
  • Large front panel and pockets
  • Interior: multiple pockets for easy organising
  • Inline skate wheels – 2 wheels – made of polyurethane with ball bearings. Durable, reduced resistance for easy rolling
  • Retractable handle to easily maneuver around
  • Carry handle on top to lift and/or carry suitcase easily and comfortably
  • Interior cross straps to keep contents in place

The Not-So-Good

  • The sizing stated is 0.5 inches more (14.5 instead of 14) than what the usual carry-on guidelines state. Check with your airline as to what is acceptable.
  • As it looks a bit bigger, you might get gate-checked to see whether this size complies with carry-on guidelines.
  • It tips over easily. This seems to be a bit of a problem for 2-wheeled suitcases, which can be fairly easily solved by packing the heavy items to the bottom and more to the back.

What’s missing

Reinforced corners, might wear down quicker than other suitcases that are reinforced.

Our Conclusion

Decent sized, decent prized. Beware of carry-on sizing rules, as it might be just too big to be allowed in the cabin.

–>>Click on image to check price<<–

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable
Travelpro Maxlite 5 in Dusty Rose

Travelpro Maxlite 5 22″ – Expandable Rollaboard – Our Favourite

Product Name: Travelpro Maxlite 5 22″ Expandable Rollaboard Carry-on Suitcase, Dusty Rose
Quick Description: Expandable, rollaboard, sturdy, durable, lightweight
Size: 9 x 14.5 x 23 inches (including wheels and handles)
Weight: 5.4 pounds
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Colours: Black, Dusty Rose, Mocha, Slate Green

The Good

  • Rollaboard, smooth and easy
  • 0.5 pounds lighter than the maxlite 4 version
  • Ultra-lightweight and very durable
  • Expandable up to 2″ more
  • Meets carry-on size rules for most domestic airlines
  • Polyester fabric with duraguard coat
  • Fabric resists stains and repels water
  • Inline skater wheels (high-performance)
  • Handle is lightweight but sturdy – adjustable to 38″ and 42.5″
  • Easy and organised packing
  • Two exterior front pockets for easy access
  • Interior: adjustable straps to keep contents in place
  • Accessory pocket on the side
  • Zippers, handles and wheels of good, sturdy quality
  • Travelpro Limited Lifetime Coverage – repairs for damage from airline and other carriers are covered for one year (or replacement where applicable). Shipping costs will be reimbursed.

“standard luggage for the average traveller” “won’t fall apart”

The Not-So-Good

Using the expandable part might make suitcase just too big to be carry-on, so be aware of this.

This is all we could find in regards to not-so-good comments and reviews.

What’s Missing

Nothing that we could find or think of.

Our Conclusion

Great suitcase for a great price. A tiny bit more to invest than the previous two items, but nothing missing and nothing wrong with it at all. So far our favourite carry-on sized suitcase.

–>>Click on image to check price<<–

Victorinox Touring Carry On
Victorinox Touring Wheeled in Dark Teal 

Victorinox Vx Touring Wheeled Global – For The Adventurer

Product Name: Victorinox Vx Touring Wheeled Global Carry on, Dark Teal
Quick Description: Light, simple, easy to handle
Size: 7.8 x 13.8 x 21.7 inches
Weight: 5.7 pounds
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Colours: Dark Teal, Anthracite, Gold Flame

The Good

  • This is the bag if you’re out for adventure
  • Lightweight carry-on, Wheeled duffle bag – the lightest Victorinox carry-on
  • Functional
  • Handle with ergonomic grip adjusts to three lengths – 37″ (94cm), 39″ (99cm) and 41″ (104cm)
  • Inline wheels – smooth and stable
  • Main compartment is spacious, offers u-shaped opening
  • Exterior offers padded front pocket for a laptop up to 15.6″
  • Side pocket for quick access (zipper)
  • Rear pockets for wet/dry items (these pockets are easy to clean)
  • Interior: Y-shaped webbing compression straps, Lid pocket and side pocket (both zippered mesh)
  • Side pocket contains storage slots and key fob
  • Side compression straps, adjustable
  • Protective rear skid plates
  • Option to attach another bag to the front through removable strap (holds up to 30lbs or 13.6kg)
  • Handles on top and side, as well as slot on bottom to make carrying easier
  • Zippers are lockable
  • Luggage tag (removable)
  • TSA approved combination lock
  • You can register with a recovery program at Victorinox in case you forget your lock combination
  • Comes with 10-year warranty

The Not-So-Good

  • Looks and seems way bigger, so it might not be cabin size as advertised
  • The wheels seem a bit too light and not very sturdy.

What’s Missing

  • Internal supports – makes the bag light, but not great for transporting anything fragile
  • No front pocket for tickets, passport etc.

Our Conclusion

Very light and roomy and easy to handle, but a bit on the pricier side. Versatile as it is a wheeled duffle bag. Simple design, but missing some extras that other bags would have as a standard. Still, as advertised, great for adventure.

–>>Click on image to check price<<–

Briggs & Riley Baseline Carry On
Briggs & Riley Baseline in Olive 

Briggs & Riley Domestic Carry-On – Quality For Frequent Travellers

Product Name: Briggs & Riley Baseline Luggage Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Upright, Olive, Medium
Quick Description: Quality, Expandable, Luxurious, Lightweight
Size: 9 x 22 x 14 inches
Weight: 8.9 pounds
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Colours: Black, Navy, Olive

The Great

  • Perfect for the frequent traveller
  • Extremely lightweight hybrid fiberglass frame (flexible, durable, keeps shape)
  • Very solid wheels, very easy to handle
  • Made of ballistic nylon which offers resistance to wear, water, dirt and abrasion
  • Expandable by up to 25% more
  • Conveniently can be compressed back to original size for overhead storage
  • Offers wrinkle-free packing system for bigger inner capacity and more packing space
  • Built in suiter to hold 1 or 2 suits neatly and prevent wrinkles
  • Handle made of aircraft grade aluminium – 4 stop heights
  • Offers Lifetime performance warranty – covers any damage including normal wear and tear – covers airline damage as well
  • Luggage tag folds away neatly, won’t be torn off

The Not-So-Great

  • Suiter cannot be removed
  • As with many carry-on sized suitcases, this one has also been reported to measure a bit bigger and therefore might not be taken as cabin luggage. However, others have reported they haven’t had any problems. To be on the safe side, check measurements with your airline to avoid surprises.
  • Luggage tag might be too hidden in case of someone else having to return suitcase to its owner – somewhat unlikely though

What’s Missing

Is there anything missing? We couldn’t come up with anything that needs adding.

Our Conclusion

This is the best choice if you are after a high-quality item that will last and it holds all that it promises.


Now we’re getting to the bigger sized suitcases:

–>>Click on image to check price<<–

Skyway Luggage Sigma
Skyway 28 inch in Black 

Skyway Luggage Sigma 4 28-Inch – Big Expandable

Product Name: Skyway Luggage Sigma 4 28-Inch 2 Wheel Expandable Upright, Black, One Size
Quick Description: Sturdy, lightweight, expandable, BIG
Size: 12 x 20 x 28 inches
Weight: 9 pounds
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Colours: Black

The Good

  • 50% of customers who bought this suitcase where very happy with it and gave it a rating of 5 out of 5.
  • Sturdy and handles well
  • Sturdy lightweight constructed suitcase
  • Very roomy, holds a lot of items and is expandable
  • Expandable through zipper
  • High impact inline skate wheels
  • Handle is retractable, sturdy and lightweight, can be set to multiple heights according to your needs
  • Zippers are made of nylon and are self-repairing
  • Interior pockets to organise packing
  • An additional bag can be easily strapped on to the suitcase
  • 5 year limited warranty

The Not-So-Good

  • Remember that, with any expandable suitcase, the weight and size can easily become too much and you might risk having to pay for being over the limit. Just something to keep in mind while out shopping for souvenirs.
  • While this suitcase is recommended for its size and a good prize, some have also commented on the item being a bit “flimsy” and as not having enough support.
  • Another not-so-good point was made with the suitcase only having two interior pockets.

What’s Missing

  • More pockets for better organisation
  • Better support for such a big suitcase

Our Conclusion

If you are looking for a large and lightweight suitcase which will last for a few trips overseas, you should be ok. If you, however, are looking for something that will last you for a lot longer, you might want to look for something of more quality, which might come at a higher price. Still, decent suitcase for a decent prize, if you don’t expect it to last forever. And remember, there is a limited warranty, just in case.

Be mindful of the size and weight restrictions according to your airline. Check beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises.

–>>Click on image to check price<<–

Eagle Creek Tarmac Checked Luggage
Eagle Creek Tarmac in Highland Green 

Eagle Creek Tarmac 26 Inch – Our Favourite Checked Roller

Product Name: Eagle Creek Tarmac 26 Inch Luggage, Highland Green
Quick Description: Expandable, sturdy
Size: 13.5 x 17.5 x 26 inches
Weight: 7.72 pounds
Rating: 4 out of 5
Colours: Black, Asphalt Black, Highland Green, Slate Blue

The Good

  • Good sized suitcase
  • Expandable to 2″ more through zipper
  • Extremely durable
  • Reinforced “wear” points
  • Large, protected, easy-to-roll wheels
  • Large interior pocket
  • Interior lining is different colour than outside – adds a nice touch
  • Additional bag can be strapped to the front of the bag
  • Zippers are puncture-resistant, two rows of teeth each, all lockable
  • Coat keeper, which holds and keeps a jacket at the top of the bag.
  • Comes with lifetime warranty “No Matter What Warranty” per Eagle Creek – replace old for new in case of damage

The Not-So-Good

  • Handles don’t seem to like being pushed. The handle seems to wobble and snap back down when the suitcase is being pushed. No issues when pulling though.
  • Zippers need to be aligned properly to make sure they close properly.

What’s Missing

Two interior pockets rather than one large one, which would make for much easier organisation.

Our Conclusion

Great piece of luggage which will hold up for lots of international travel. Quality which is backed up by a lifetime warranty, which replaces old with new, “no questions asked”.

–>>Click on image to check price<<–

Travelpro Tpro Checked Roller
Travelpro Tpro Bold in Black/Purple

Travelpro Tpro Bold 2.0 28 Inch – Expandable Adventurer

Product Name: Travelpro Tpro Bold 2.0 28 Inch Expandable Rollaboard, Black/Purple, One Size
Quick Description: Expandable, great size
Size: 28 x 17.5 x 12 inches
Weight: 9.4 pounds
Rating: 4 out of 5
Colours: Black/Purple, Black/Navy

The Good

  • Much taller than it is wide – will fit into tighter areas
  • Colour makes it sure to stand out from black bags
  • Big, expandable, but within checked bag regulations even when expanded
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Fabric: high-density polyester, water repellent, also less likely to stain and get abrasions
  • Wheels are protected by reinforced housings, and feature high performing ball bearings for long and lots of travel
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Hidden back pocket, keep small valuables safe in this quick access pocket
  • Handle made of aircraft-grade aluminum – locks in at 38″ and 42″
  • Wet pocket for toiletries and wet clothing – zippered
  • Interior straps which are adjustable, made to keep your contents in place and reduce breakage

The Not-So-Good

  • Beware of items made in China, as they might be of lower quality than made in US, make sure the bag you buy states where it is made and choose US, rather than cheap imports
  • Luggage tag pocket not big enough to hold business card

What’s Missing

Strap to add an additional bag to the front

Our Conclusion

Good quality wheels, great for the adventurer. The price seems to be fair for what you get. The warranty, should you need it, doesn’t seem quite as easy to use as the Eagle Creek one, but this bag is also only half the price. The many good points outweigh the bad ones by far. Solid bag for adventure style travelling (backpacking through Europe for example), especially as the bag is quite slim, it’ll be easier to store away in any kind of lodging.

–>>Click on image to check price<<–

Osprey Sojourn
Osprey Packs Sojourn in Flash Black 

Osprey Sojourn Wheeled 28-Inch – Favourite Backpack Style Bag

Product Name: Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Luggage, 28-Inch/80-Liter
Quick Description: Backpacking, Roll or carry on back
Size: 28 x 14 x 14 inches
Weight: 8.97 pounds
Rating: 4 out of 5
Colours: Flash Black, Hoodoo Red, Metal Grey, Nitro Green

The Good

  • Most people who bought this bag rated it 5 stars
  • Mostly raving reviews
  • Doesn’t tip over when standing
  • Great customer service if needed
  • Lots of room and organising pockets
  • Opens up all the way – can easily fit in packing cubes
  • Can be used as backpack or roller
  • For longer travel, versatile
  • Back panel suspension – Can be adjusted for multiple torso sizes when used as backpack
  • Multiple handles, all padded and molded for easy maneuverability
  • Secure contents by using the compression straps
  • Aluminum outer frame
  • Comes with Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee 0 any damage or defect will be repaired for free, not matter when the bag was purchased – if it can’t be repaired, it will be replaced

The Not-So-Good

  • Handle not quite long enough for taller people
  • Make sure not to get anything caught in the zippers when trying to close them, as this can cause that part of the zipper to no longer close.
  • The outside fabric doesn’t seem as sturdy as expected by some travellers.
  • Size was described as bigger when fully packed

What’s Missing

Rain cover

Our Conclusion

Big and lots of room to fit in a lot of stuff. Easy access to content. Highly recommended as a dual-purpose piece of luggage. Great for round-the-world trips that include having to carry luggage for parts of it due to rough cobblestone streets or going upstairs where there aren’t any lifts etc.

For most people this bag seemed to hold what they expected. One customer even went on a year-long trip with it and was very happy indeed.

Lastly, we’d like to show you this set of a carry-on (or rollaboard) plus a deluxe tote:

–>>Click on image to check price<<–

Travelpro Crew 11 Set
Travelpro Crew 11 – 2 Piece Set in Black 

Travelpro Crew 11 2 Piece Set (20″ Bus Plus Rollaboard and Deluxe Tote) – For the professional traveller

Product Name: Travelpro Crew 11 2 Piece Set (20″ Bus Plus Rollaboard and Deluxe Tote)
Quick Description: Carry-on plus deluxe Tote, sturdy, durable, for the professional traveller
Size: 21.5 x 9 x 14.5 inches (Carry-On), 11 x 15 x 9 inches (Tote Bag)
Weight: 8.25 pounds (Carry-On), 2.42 pounds (Tote Bag)
Rating: 4.5 both
Colours: Black

The Good

Travelpro Crew 11 20″ Expandable Business Plus Rollaboard Carry-on Suitcase, Black

  • Perfect for the serious business traveller
  • Offers external USB port and dedicated charger pocket – portable charger/power pack must be purchased individually
  • Durable ballistic nylon of high quality – 100% nylon outer, 100% polyester inner
  • Scratch and stain resistant DuraGuard coating
  • Wheels covered by crash-guard housings, protected by skid and molded corner guards for a smooth roll
  • Zipper heads are damage-resistant
  • Handle is made of aluminum, which minimises wobbling – locks in at 38″, 40″ and 42.5″
  • Expandable of up to 2″
  • Easy and secure packing
  • Separate padded laptop or tablet sleeves
  • Includes inner full-length lid pocket, wet pockets, side mesh
  • Handles on bottom, top and side for easy carrying
  • Been tested to fit in most major US airlines overhead spaces
  • Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
  • Wheels are easily replaceable if needed

PLUS

Travelpro Crew 11 Deluxe Carry-on Under Seat Tote Bag, Black

  • The tote bag comes with many of the same features as the carry-on bag.
  • It’s also made from the same ballistic nylon with a stain and scratch resistant coat.
  • The zipper heads are also extra tough and built to last.
  • This tote bag can be easily strapped on to another piece of luggage’s handle.
  • It fits easily in the overhead or under the seat
  • Includes a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

The-Not-So-Good

Travelpro Crew 11 20″ Expandable Business Plus Rollaboard Carry-on Suitcase, Black

  • Many small pockets within the laptop compartment which are going unused. A large file pocket would make more sense.
  • Doesn’t expand the full 2″ all the way around the suitcase, only the bottom expands fully. (Apparently this is on purpose to prevent the bag from tipping over.)

Travelpro Crew 11 Deluxe Carry-on Under Seat Tote Bag, Black

  • Some mentioned not enough pockets, others have mentioned too many pockets. Seems many things come down to personal preference.
  • Compared to earlier models (which are no longer available) not as great quality.
  • Might have to be pushed under the seat, depending on how fully packed.
  • Velcro strap needs to be a bit stronger to keep the bag connected to the handle of another bag.
  • Having mentioned all of the above, nearly 80% of customers gave a 4 to 5 rating.

What’s Missing

Travelpro Crew 11 20″ Expandable Business Plus Rollaboard Carry-on Suitcase, Black

  • Suiter to hang one or two suits and keep them from getting wrinkly.
  • Extra zippers on the interior pockets.

Our Conclusion

A great set for the business traveller who’s flying frequently. Fits everything you need for your office away from home. Hopefully Travelpro will consider adding a suiter to the carry-on when designing the next model, but apart from that it holds a lot of promise.

This set can be bought separately or together, might ship separately though.

OUR CONCLUSION

After doing our research and reading a lot of reviews by verified customers, these are our favourites of our listed best roller suitcases for carry-on size, checked size and backpack-style bag:

Best Carry-On Roller

Travelpro Maxlite 5 22″ – Expandable Rollaboard – Our Favourite

  • Expandable
  • Rollaboard
  • Sturdy
  • Durable
  • Lightweight

Best Checked Roller

Eagle Creek Tarmac 26 Inch – Our Favourite Checked Roller

  • Expandable
  • Sturdy
  • Lifetime warranty

Best Backpack-style Bag

Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Luggage, 28-Inch/80-Liter – Favourite Backpack Style Bag

  • Backpacking, Roll or carry on back
  • Versatile
  • Light
  • Roomy

And of course we loved the set at the end.

Now the choice is yours! If you’ve got any more questions or comments, please leave them below and I’ll get back to you quickly.

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This is at no extra cost to you.

12 Replies to “The Best Roller Suitcases – The Best Choice In 2 Wheels For 2018”

  1. What an interesting article. I am actually planning on traveling soon, and your article has inspired and gotten me more excited about it! I’ll definitely be checking out some of these suitcases.

  2. Excellent post about a subject that I feel people might not put enough thought in to. After a bad experience on our last holiday I said in anger we won’t go on one again, but I am sure we will and your information will come in handy.

    Thanks

  3. I really enjoyed reading this post so I decided to leave my comment here and say Thank You!
    Actually this is exactly the information that I was looking for roller suitcases and when I landed on your website and read this post, it answered all my questions in details.
    It’s very useful and can definitely be used as a great source for the best roller suitcases.
    In particular, I was interested in the Briggs & Riley suitcase.
    I will come back to your website again for sure and I’m looking forward to read your new posts.)

    Thanks!

    1. Thank you and you’re welcome! Yes, the Briggs & Riley Baseline is a great choice if you travel frequently. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

  4. Oh man, wish I had this review back when I purchased our new big suitcase in august. We chose one that’s all hard sides, not the outer cloth. Any cons to that? I noticed all of these were cloth. I have only ever had cloth outers until I just bough this new one, and I must admit I found it much easier to pack and sort through when we were on our trip.

  5. Hey there! This post is right on time as I’m in desperate need for a suitcase for my Disney Vacation coming up in a couple of weeks! I thought I had one but then found that the cat tore up the zipper. I’m so thankful that you took the time to put this together. I really like the American Tourister Luggage Splash 21″ Roomy. I need a spacious bag to pack all my junk in as my mom calls it, lol.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Marlinda

    1. Yes, that is a good one, but it’s a rather small size, so have a look at the checked luggage as well. I’m also just putting together a review of Disney Luggage. Check back again in a day or two. 

  6. You have showcased some very practical and appropriate sized suitcases. I particularly liked the rose colored case but that probably just reflects my gender.

    It was good to focus on the 2 wheeled range because  as you say the 4 wheeled are everywhere but the 2 wheeled  are becoming less popular . I prefer it because it follows along behind  making it more comfortable in crowded spaces. 

    I also liked the fact that you displayed the weight and size as our preference is always just to take cabin luggage..

    Thank you for an informative post. 

    1. You are welcome. I thought it was important to show that there are still some really good 2 wheeled suitcases around, as some people, such as yourself, prefer those. 

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