Traveling is stressful, there’s no way around it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned elite flyer or it’s your first time leaving the country, we all have some level of travel anxiety when packing for and heading off to a new destination. The rise of smart travel accessories has made travel a lot more streamlined and easier to plan for, and that goes for smart luggage and travel bags as well.
The smart luggage space is pretty vast, with different features and specs designed to suit all kinds of different travelers’ needs and preferences. There are practical features, of course, but you’ll also find a ton of add-ons that are purely fun and novel, like a suitcase that doubles as an electric scooter.
The following smart luggage will appeal to all kinds of travelers, from business-focused frequent flyers looking for a suitcase with a built-in charging bank to overpackers who need a built-in scale to ensure their luggage isn’t overweight.
Here are the best smart luggage options on the market right now for every preference and travel need.
The Horizn Studios M5 Cabin Luggage is going to be your best bet if you’re looking for a hard-shell carry-on bag that is both sophisticated and long-lasting. The luggage was designed for business travelers who need to have tech on hand throughout their travels; it features a front pocket designed to fit a standard laptop as well as an integrated charger to help ensure your gear remains juiced up for the duration of your trip. We also really like that this option comes with a 100-day risk-free trial and includes a lifetime warranty, which is a major plus when shopping for smart luggage, as tech-enabled gear tends to waver with time.
Anyone who has traveled regularly knows that heavy travel tends to wear down your suitcase relatively quickly. That's why we like the Arlo Skye's The Frame Carry-on. This heavy-duty carry-on bag is crafted with an aluminum frame and aluminum corners, which help prevent the bag from getting dinged up or damaged in transit (even if you have to check your bag unexpectedly). The best part? This suitcase comes with a fast-charging 10,050 mAh charger with 18W USB C and A ports that claims to charge your devices halfway in less than 30 minutes. It’s also worth noting that the charger is fully removable, so if you check your bag, you won’t have any issues with TSA.
The Hotel Collection Carry-On bag is all about convenience and functionality. Designed to enhance your travel experience, it features a lifetime warranty for peace of mind. Equipped with a digital weight scale, portable USB charger, TSA-approved locks and a GPS tracker (compatible with Apple devices), this durable polycarbonate roller ensures seamless journeys. With high-performance spinner wheels, storage organization and a clear luggage cover, it's the ultimate companion for modern travelers.
Let’s be honest for a second here. Nobody needs a suitcase that doubles as an electric scooter … but wouldn’t it be cool to own one? The Airwheel SE3S Smart Rideable Suitcase Scooter is by far the most novel piece of smart luggage on the list. It can travel up to 13 kilometers per hour (about 8 miles per hour), so you won’t exactly be breaking any speed records riding this one through the airport or along city streets, but it’s still a zippy little thing that’ll be welcomed on those days when you’re just over schlepping your gear. The Airwheel also includes a removable power bank so you shouldn’t have any trouble checking this bag anywhere in the world.
The Ovis Auto-Follow Suitcase is exactly what we conjured up when envisioning what smart luggage could one day look like. If you’re a golfer, you may have already seen this technology, but if not, prepare to be impressed. This smart suitcase follows you around without your having to manual lug your gear with you. It’s crafted with a series of algorithms with obstacle avoidance systems based on self-driving technology. This means your suitcase will be able to follow you closely while accurately sensing the environment (without running into people on the way). If that’s not enough, it also comes equipped with a detachable lithium battery and built-in USB ports for charging your devices on the go.
There’s nothing worse than getting to the check-in counter on a busy travel day only to be slapped with an overweight baggage fee — especially when it’s only a couple of ounces overweight. The Béis Large Check-In Roller will help ensure that doesn’t happen thanks to its built-in weight indicator. The top handle indicator will turn red when you pick it up if your bag is over 50 pounds, if it’s clear, you’re good to go. We also really like that this suitcase comes with a “Dirt Bag,” which is a built-in laundry bag that will help keep your clean items and dirty items separated.
The Olotu Smart Suitcase is another cheeky ride-on option designed for fun without sacrificing function. This smart suitcase is small enough to function as a carry-on on most domestic flights and can easily fold down to be lifted and carried or rolled as a traditional carry-on spinner. The suitcase is equipped with a smart handle design that integrates acceleration, braking and even reversing for a smooth riding experience. It also boasts a removable portable charger for keeping your devices juiced up. We also really like that this suitcase opens from the side, which allows you to pack your clothing the way you would fold it in a drawer or closet.
It’s not easy to find a suitcase that's stylish, functional and long-lasting, but the July Carry On checks all those boxes and then some. The fashion-forward spinner is available in more than a dozen colorways and features a streamlined silhouette crafted from aerospace-grade German polycarbonate. It also boasts outer metal bumpers that look great and will ensure the corners of your suitcase won’t get banged up even with heavy use. The suitcase comes equipped with an ejectable battery with a USB-C charging port that’ll make it easy to stay connected while on the move. We also like that this suitcase comes with a hidden stain-proof laundry bag and uses a special July Y-Strap compression system to ensure your clothing stays organized and in place while moving from point A to point B.
Heys SmartLuggage is probably the best example of well-rounded and practical smart luggage. It offers the same features as some of the other suitcases on the list, including a smart handle with integrated scale, but it also integrates a handful of super-functional features that make travel easier. To start, the suitcase is equipped with TSA-approved AA batteries (not lithium) so you won’t run into any issues when checking your bag. It’s also app-enabled (for iPhone and Android) and includes a TSA-approved lock that can be opened and locked right from your app. It also features a proximity alarm and will alert you when you’re a distance away from your luggage, eliminating the need for an Apple Airtag.