Disclosure: Buytoplab is reader-supported. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never accept payment for a ranking or a review, and we publish the downsides as plainly as the upsides. How we rank products.
Spend this, not more: The honest spend band here is $175.00 to $695.00 across the eight picks. Arlo Skye prices four bodies at $175.00, $195.00, $350.00 and $475.00, and Monos prices four at $250.75, $310.25, $355.00 and $695.00.
Quick answer:
- Arlo Skye Original Carry-On Max: Arlo Skye’s page publishes 7.0 lbs empty, an exterior of 23.0 in H by 15.0 in W by 9.6 in D and an interior of 22.0 by 14.7 by 9.6 in, with 45 L of stated capacity. The maker describes the shell as polycarbonate and states the exterior figures include wheels, side bumpers and fixed handles.
- Arlo Skye Original Carry-On Max – Front Pocket: The maker publishes 8.1 lbs empty and an exterior of 23.0 in H by 15.0 in W by 10.3 in D against 9.6 in on the body without the pocket, with 47 L stated capacity. The added depth comes from the front compartment rather than from an expansion gusset.
- Monos Carry-On Pro: Monos publishes 7.80 lb / 3.54 kg, a 36 L volume and exterior measurements of 22 in by 14 in by 9 in, with a separate front pocket measured at 15.3 by 10 by 1 in. The page states the shell is aerospace-grade polycarbonate from partially recycled material and that a 16 in laptop fits the interior.
- Monos Expandable Carry-On Pro: Monos publishes 8.90 lb / 4.04 kg, 36 L closed and 41 L expanded, and exterior measurements of 22 in by 14 in by 10 in with a separate published set for the expanded state. The page states the wraparound zipper adds 1.6 in / 4.06 cm of depth.
- Arlo Skye New Expandable Carry-On Max: The maker publishes 7.0 lbs empty, an exterior of 23.0 in H by 15.0 in W by 9.6 in D, 48 L of capacity and 58 L expanded, with expansion stated as plus 2 in of depth. This is the largest capacity gain published by any pick on this list.
How much should you spend? Every price is the figure carried in each maker’s own product feed on the day the pages were checked, and each was matched against the price field on the product page itself. Empty weight, exterior dimensions and volume come from each page’s own specification block.
First: Answer These 3 Questions
- How much does a carry-on case cost? The two makers’ own stores price the eight cases here from $175.00 to $695.00.
- Which carry-on here is the lightest to carry? The Arlo Skye Original Carry-On Max at $175.00, published at 7.0 lbs empty.
- Which carry-on here holds the most? The Arlo Skye New Expandable Carry-On Max at $350.00, published at 48 L and 58 L expanded.
- Are aluminum carry-ons worth the extra money? The Monos Aluminum Carry-On is $695.00 against $250.75 for the polycarbonate Carry-On Pro, and its published volume of 34 L is 2 L smaller.
- Do these cases fit in airline overhead bins? Both makers state their cases fit overhead bins. Monos states it fits all major airlines in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, and Arlo Skye states its cases fit most medium and large overhead bins.
5 Checks Before You Buy
| Check | Target | Plain English |
|---|---|---|
| Empty weight | Stated weight of the empty case | Both makers publish it, from 7.0 lbs to 11 lb. |
| Exterior dimensions | Height by width by depth including wheels and handles | Published on all eight; Arlo Skye states the figures include wheels, side bumpers and fixed handles. |
| Interior dimensions | Inside height, width and depth | Arlo Skye publishes interior figures on the cases where it applies. |
| Usable volume | Litres, closed and expanded where published | Runs from 34 L to 48 L closed, with two expanded figures published. |
| Shell and frame | Polycarbonate or aluminum, zipped or zipperless | Seven bodies state a polycarbonate shell, one states an aluminum shell and two state an aluminum frame. |
| Price | $175.00-$695.00 on maker stores | Each pick quotes the figure carried in the maker’s own feed and page. |
8 Picks (By Empty Weight & Price)
Arlo Skye Original Carry-On Max – The Budget Class Pick
Price: $175.00 on the maker’s own store.
Why: Arlo Skye’s page publishes 7.0 lbs empty, an exterior of 23.0 in H by 15.0 in W by 9.6 in D and an interior of 22.0 by 14.7 by 9.6 in, with 45 L of stated capacity. The maker describes the shell as polycarbonate and states the exterior figures include wheels, side bumpers and fixed handles.
Honest take: The maker’s own store lists $175.00 for the Original Carry-On Max, and the page states the case is sized to fit in most medium and large aircraft overhead bins. Downside: At 7.0 lbs it is the joint-lightest case here, but 45 L is the smallest capacity on this list, so it is the pick that runs out of room first on a long trip.
Arlo Skye Original Carry-On Max – Front Pocket – The Front-Pocket Class Pick
Price: $195.00 on the maker’s own store.
Why: The maker publishes 8.1 lbs empty and an exterior of 23.0 in H by 15.0 in W by 10.3 in D against 9.6 in on the body without the pocket, with 47 L stated capacity. The added depth comes from the front compartment rather than from an expansion gusset.
Honest take: The maker’s own store lists $195.00, and the page states the case is sized to fit in most medium and large aircraft overhead bins. Downside: The pocket adds 0.7 in of depth for 1.1 lbs over the body without it, and the published exterior is already the second-deepest figure here at 10.3 in.
Monos Carry-On Pro – The Lightest-Published Class Pick
Price: $250.75 on the maker’s own store.
Why: Monos publishes 7.80 lb / 3.54 kg, a 36 L volume and exterior measurements of 22 in by 14 in by 9 in, with a separate front pocket measured at 15.3 by 10 by 1 in. The page states the shell is aerospace-grade polycarbonate from partially recycled material and that a 16 in laptop fits the interior.
Honest take: The maker’s own store lists $250.75, and the page states the case fits the baggage sizer and overhead bins of all major airlines in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Downside: 36 L is the lowest volume figure on this list, below all four Arlo Skye bodies, so the lightest-published case is also one of the smallest inside.
Monos Expandable Carry-On Pro – The Expandable Polycarbonate Class Pick
Price: $310.25 on the maker’s own store.
Why: Monos publishes 8.90 lb / 4.04 kg, 36 L closed and 41 L expanded, and exterior measurements of 22 in by 14 in by 10 in with a separate published set for the expanded state. The page states the wraparound zipper adds 1.6 in / 4.06 cm of depth.
Honest take: The maker’s own store lists $310.25 for the Expandable Carry-On Pro, shown alongside a separate expandable model that is not this case. Downside: It expands by 5 L, less than half the expansion the Arlo Skye New Expandable publishes, and the closed exterior is already 10 in deep against 9 in for the non-expandable Monos Pro.
Arlo Skye New Expandable Carry-On Max – The Expansion Class Pick
Price: $350.00 on the maker’s own store.
Why: The maker publishes 7.0 lbs empty, an exterior of 23.0 in H by 15.0 in W by 9.6 in D, 48 L of capacity and 58 L expanded, with expansion stated as plus 2 in of depth. This is the largest capacity gain published by any pick on this list.
Honest take: The maker’s own store lists $350.00 for the New Expandable Carry-On Max, and the page states the case is sized to fit in aircraft overhead bins. Downside: The closed exterior is identical to the Original Carry-On Max at 23.0 by 15.0 by 9.6 in and the stated empty weight is also 7.0 lbs, so the two cases share a platform and the extra cost buys expansion rather than a different shell.
Monos Hybrid Carry-On – The Frame Class Pick
Price: $355.00 on the maker’s own store.
Why: Monos publishes 9.70 lb / 4.40 kg, a 34.2 L volume and exterior measurements of 22 in by 14 in by 9 in. The page states a hard polycarbonate shell with a refined metallic finish, an anodized zipperless aluminum frame and anodized aluminum corner guards.
Honest take: The maker’s own store lists $355.00, and the page states the case is designed to fit in the overhead bin of almost any flight. Downside: 34.2 L is the smallest volume published here, 1.8 L below the Monos Carry-On Pro that costs less, and at 9.70 lb it is the second-heaviest polycarbonate-bodied case on this list.
Arlo Skye Original Frame Carry-On Max – The Zipperless Class Pick
Price: $475.00 on the maker’s own store.
Why: Arlo Skye publishes 8.7 lbs empty, an exterior of 22.8 in H by 15.0 in W by 9.6 in D and an interior of 20.8 by 14.0 by 9.6 in, with 44 L stated capacity. The body is the zipperless version of the Carry-On Max line, and the exterior figures are again stated to include wheels, side bumpers and fixed handles.
Honest take: The maker’s own store lists $475.00 for the zipperless Original Frame Carry-On Max, which is a separate body from the $895.00 aluminum-edition version of the same name. Downside: The interior is 20.8 in tall against 22.0 in on the zipped body, so the frame buys closure durability at the cost of 1.2 in of interior height, and 44 L is below four of the other cases here.
Monos Aluminum Carry-On – The Aluminum Class Pick
Price: $695.00 on the maker’s own store.
Why: Monos publishes 11 lb / 5 kg, a 34 L volume and exterior measurements of 22.2 in by 14.2 in by 9.3 in. The page states the shell is formed from a custom 5ZCT3 aluminum alloy at 0.9 mm, with riveted aluminum corner guards, a zipperless frame and TSA-accepted latch locks.
Honest take: The maker’s own store lists $695.00, and the page states the shell is designed to withstand travel and that it will develop a patina over time. Downside: At 11 lb it is 3.2 lbs heavier than the lightest case here and 4 lb heavier than the lightest Monos, and 34 L is within 0.2 L of the smallest volume on this list.
One-Line Decision Table
| Your situation | Pick this |
|---|---|
| A first case for budget flights | The Budget Class Arlo Skye Original Carry-On Max at $175.00 |
| The least weight to carry | The Lightest-Published Class Monos Carry-On Pro at $250.75, 7.80 lb |
| The most room when the case closes | The Expansion Class Arlo Skye New Expandable Carry-On Max at $350.00, 58 L expanded |
| A closure that does not depend on a zipper | The Zipperless Class Arlo Skye Original Frame Carry-On Max at $475.00 |
| An aluminum body and the budget for it | The Aluminum Class Monos Aluminum Carry-On at $695.00 |
Running Costs: What You Pay After You Buy
The purchase price is only part of the story. Here is what a pick in this category costs to keep running — ranges are typical for the category, and actual cost depends on use.
| Item | What it is | How often | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| The case itself | One-time | At purchase | $175.00-$695.00 on the maker’s own store |
| Nested storage | None | At home | Both makers state a carry-on nests inside a check-in case of the same line |
| Replacement wheels or handle | Warranty or service | Only if damaged | Neither maker publishes a spare-parts price list on these eight pages |
| Travel cover or registration | None | Never | Neither maker prices a registration plan on these case pages |
| Subscription or app | None | Never | Neither maker prices a plan or an app for a case |
Skip It If… (When Buying Nothing Is the Right Call)
This is the section most buying guides leave out. If any of these describe you, the honest advice is to keep your money.
- You want the lightest case with the most room. The lightest published body here is 7.0 lbs and holds 45 L, while the largest published body is 48 L and also weighs 7.0 lbs, so the two goals do not land on one case.
- You want the biggest capacity jump. The Arlo Skye New Expandable gains 10 L published; the Monos Expandable Carry-On Pro gains 5 L.
- You want a Monos body under $250. The lowest Monos figure published here is $250.75 for the Carry-On Pro, and the next two Monos bodies are $310.25 and $355.00.
- You want two independent designs from Arlo Skye at the top of the range. The $475.00 Original Frame Carry-On Max and the $895.00 Aluminum Edition share a product name and are separate bodies, so only the $475.00 frame body is ranked here.
- You want a warranty term quoted in this list. Neither maker publishes a warranty length on the eight case pages used here.
FAQ
How much does a carry-on suitcase cost The two makers’ own stores price the eight cases here from $175.00 to $695.00.
What is the lightest carry-on in this list Arlo Skye publishes 7.0 lbs for the Original Carry-On Max at $175.00, and 7.0 lbs for the New Expandable Carry-On Max at $350.00.
Which carry-on has the most capacity The Arlo Skye New Expandable Carry-On Max at $350.00, published at 48 L and 58 L expanded.
Are polycarbonate or aluminum carry-ons better On the published numbers here, the seven polycarbonate-bodied cases run 7.0 lb to 9.70 lb and 34.2 L to 48 L, while the one aluminum case publishes 11 lb and 34 L. The page does not claim either material lasts longer.
What is the difference between the Carry-On and Carry-On Pro On the Monos pages, the Carry-On Pro is the variant with the built-in front compartment, published at 15.3 by 10 by 1 in for the pocket, against a 22 by 14 by 9 in exterior for the case.
Do expandable carry-ons weigh more The Monos Expandable Carry-On Pro publishes 8.90 lb empty against 7.80 lb for the non-expandable Carry-On Pro, so the expansion adds 1.1 lb of body weight on the maker’s own figures.
Will a carry-on fit in an airline overhead bin Monos states its cases fit the baggage sizer and overhead bins of all major airlines in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Arlo Skye states its cases fit most medium and large aircraft overhead bins. Both statements are the makers’ own, and this list does not test either case on an aircraft.
Sources & Data
Prices in this guide are the figures each maker publishes on its own pages, all checked and reachable on the publish date.
- Arlo Skye Original Carry-On Max — $175.00 and the 7.0 lb / 23.0 by 15.0 by 9.6 in / 45 L figures quoted from the maker’s own page (HTTP 200).
- Arlo Skye Original Carry-On Max – Front Pocket — $195.00 and the 8.1 lb / 47 L figures quoted from the maker’s own page (HTTP 200).
- Monos Carry-On Pro — $250.75 and the 7.80 lb / 36 L / 22 by 14 by 9 in figures quoted from the maker’s own page (HTTP 200).
- Monos Expandable Carry-On Pro — $310.25 and the 8.90 lb / 36 L to 41 L figures quoted from the maker’s own page (HTTP 200).
- Arlo Skye New Expandable Carry-On Max — $350.00 and the 48 L to 58 L expansion figures quoted from the maker’s own page (HTTP 200).
- Monos Hybrid Carry-On — $355.00 and the 9.70 lb / 34.2 L figures quoted from the maker’s own page (HTTP 200).
- Arlo Skye Original Frame Carry-On Max — $475.00 and the 8.7 lb / 20.8 in interior height figures quoted from the maker’s own page (HTTP 200).
- Monos Aluminum Carry-On — $695.00 and the 11 lb / 34 L / 5ZCT3 alloy figures quoted from the maker’s own page (HTTP 200).
Specifications and availability change; the maker’s page is the current authority.
Real Pitfalls to Avoid
- Reading a price off a Monos page’s model switcher. Each Monos case page carries a change-model strip listing sibling prices, including $275 and $295 on the Carry-On Pro page, and none of those figures is the price of the case the page is about.
- Reading the Arlo Skye frame body’s material from its name. The $475.00 Original Frame Carry-On Max is the zipperless polycarbonate version; the aluminum edition of the same name is a separate $895.00 body.
- Comparing published volumes between makers without checking the measurement basis. Monos publishes litres against its own interior figures, while Arlo Skye publishes litres against stated capacity, and neither maker states a measurement standard on these pages.
- Treating exterior depth as the same across a pair. The Arlo Skye Original Carry-On Max publishes 9.6 in of depth and the Front Pocket body publishes 10.3 in, so the two are not dimensionally identical.
- Assuming a zipperless frame costs no interior room. The Arlo Skye frame body publishes a 20.8 in interior height against 22.0 in on the zipped body.
- Ranking these eight cases as independent designs. Four are Arlo Skye bodies sharing a platform and four are Monos bodies, and two pairs share published dimensions exactly.
Going deeper: Carry-on luggage sits alongside the rest of the travel gear class, and the same official-page method applies to each. Our hiking backpack guide reads published pack specs the same way, and our travel plug adapter guide covers the electrical side of the same trip. For gear that stays at the campsite rather than the airport, our camping tent guide prices shelter from maker stores. The ranking method behind every category on this site is written up in how we rank products.
Update note: refreshed quarterly. Prices checked Sep 2026 – verify at checkout. Rankings based on published manufacturer specifications (empty weight, exterior and interior dimensions, usable volume, shell and frame material, expansion travel) and maker prices on official pages, not paid placement.