Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner review

The Maxlite 5 is the budget pick and the lightest bag we compared. Travelpro lists it at 5.4 lbs, about 2 lbs lighter than premium peers, which matters for lifting into the bin and on international airlines that cap cabin bags at 15 to 22 lbs. Despite the low weight, it holds 46 L, the same as the Platinum Elite, and adds 2 inches of tapered expansion. You get four 360 degree spinner wheels, a PowerScope Lite handle that locks at 38 in. and 42.5 in., a full-length lid pocket, a side accessory pocket and hold-down straps. The fabric is water and stain resistant, and the ECOFAB lining is made from recycled plastic bottles. The list price was $160, on sale for $148 when we checked. Like its pricier sibling, it stands 23 in. overall, a bit above the common 22 in. limit, though Travelpro says it is sizer bin tested on most major US airlines.

Who it is for

Budget buyers and anyone who struggles to lift a bag into the overhead bin.

Price

$160 list price; $148 on sale when checked.

Regular price $160 Sale price $148
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• 5.4 lbs, which Travelpro says is about 2 lbs lighter than premium peers
• 46 L volume plus 2 in. of tapered expansion
• Four 360 degree spinner wheels and a two-position PowerScope Lite handle
• Water and stain resistant fabric with an ECOFAB recycled lining
• Full-length lid pocket, side pocket and hold-down straps

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The lightest bag on this list
• Strength: Same 46 L volume as the Platinum Elite for well under half the price
• Strength: 100-day trial with free returns
• Weakness: Overall height of 23 in. is above the 22 in. limit many US airlines publish
• Weakness: No built-in lock is listed in the features
• Weakness: Fewer extras than the Platinum Elite, such as USB ports and a wet pocket

Key facts

• Overall size: 23 x 14.5 x 9 in.
• Case size: 21 x 14 x 9 in.
• Weight: 5.4 lbs
• Volume: 46 L
• Expansion: 2 in.
• Trial: 100 days

Where it ranks

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner is No. 5 in our Best Carry On Luggage verdict.