Hello, readers. Do we see your scrolling through travel posts? Are you planning a holiday? Is it a business trip with loads of work and no fun? Or, are you going on an adventure trip? Those are exciting, aren’t they?
Wondering why we are talking about traveling? No, no, we are not giving you travel advice. Well, in a way, we are, but not what you think. Confusing, is it? Let’s clear it up. What’s the most important thing you need to travel? The ticket? Yes! Passport and visa? Yes, if you are going out of the country. But what else? Yes! Your luggage!
How else are you going to carry your clothes and essentials with you? Whether it is the carry-on bag or your suitcase, you will need to choose the ones that can hold all the items you need to pack for the trip.
While the size, model, shape, and durability of the luggage are some concerns, there is another we tend to forget. What’s that? The smartness of your luggage! Yep. Even luggage can be smart in today’s world. We’ve been seeing smart luggage for a while now. The news about airlines banning and restricting smart luggage, confusion between what’s allowed and not allowed, the changing rules, and miscommunication, etc. are at times overwhelming.
But we cannot deny the importance and advantage of using smart luggage for travel. With such attractive features, smart luggage makes it easy for us not to just track our bags but also to use it in many other ways. Isn’t that right? That’s why we put together a list of the best smart luggage available in the market for your convenience. Take a look at what they are and what factors you need to consider when buying smart luggage. Shall we get going then? We’ve got a trip to plan, after all. *wink*
Quick Comparison Table & Our Pick
Product | Dimensions | Weight | Material | Size | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W: 13.8" H: 21.7" D: 9" | 6.7 lb | 100% virgin polycarbonate | 22" | ||
W: 21” H: 14” D: 9” | 7.92 lb | High-quality ballistic nylon | 21" | ||
W: 14" | 9.3 lb | 1680D ballistic nylon | 22" | ||
Other Great Recommendations | |||||
W: 14.6” H: 21.7" D: 9.8” | 7.19 lb | 600D ballistic nylon | 22" | ||
W: 9” H: 14” D: 21” | 7.8 lb | Premium fabric and leather | 21" | ||
Best Top 5 Smart Luggage in the Market for the Money
Victorinox Lexicon Hardside - Editor’s Choice
We start our list with none other than a super smart suitcase by Victorinox. This brand is famous for manufacturing and selling some of the best smart luggage available in the market. Be it the sleek design or the huge compartment space or the easy of traveling with it; Lexicon Hardside has every reason to stay on top of the list. And guess what? This is actually an award-winning suitcase. We’ve got your fully hooked, didn’t we?
Take a look at the features mentioned below in detail, and you will know why we are praising this model as much.
Features & Benefits
Design
Lexicon is a 104-liter suitcase with stylish looks and a lot of space to use. This is undoubtedly one of the best investments you’ll ever make in smart luggage. Yes, we are sure of it. Do you know that the suitcase has been very carefully designed to withstand just about any kind of traveling? Yeah. If you are one of those who tend to be a little rough with the luggage, you don’t have to worry about damaging this one.
Lexicon is made of 100% virgin polycarbonate, has scuff-resistant double racquet coil YKK zippers, and a combination locked approved by TSA. You can buy the suitcase in titanium and black colors. The handle is made using aluminum and will not break easily. No part of the suitcase is fragile.
Compartmentalization
The bottom of the case has two zippered mesh pockets and X-shaped compression straps. There is another zipped slot along the wall of the top side. This helps in separating your clothes and other items. Or you could keep washed and unwashed clothes away from each other.
Ease of Use
The suitcase has large 60mm wheels, which turn in 360 degrees so that you can pull them easily on any surface. With eight such wheels, you don’t have to worry about lifting or pushing the suitcase. There will be no pressure on your shoulders and arms, even if you have filled the suitcase to the full.
The best part is the removable suiter inside the suitcase. You can hang your clothes neatly inside using the hanger. No need to worry about wrinkled or crumpled dress for the crucial meeting. And when you don’t need it, remove and keep it at home so that you get extra space for other items.
Pros
- TSA approved lock
- Lots of space inside
- Smooth maneuvering on any surface
- It has a USB port and an RF tracking device
Cons
- Is a little pricey
- The titanium suitcase doesn’t look as good
Check Victorinox Lexicon Hardside Price on Amazon
Travelpro Crew 11 Softside - Best for Comfort
Crew 11 is one of the lightweight smart luggage we’ve ever found. That too, without compromising on the durability or reliability! Is it a wonder that Crew 11 managed to grab the second position on our list?
Available in different sizes, you can buy a 3-in-1 Crew-11 set of suitcases if you need more than one smart luggage. The external USB port and the special side pocket to store the power bank are our favorite features of this suitcase. Being a soft side model, it manages to look classy and elegant. Would you like to know more about Crew-11? Here you go.
Features & Benefits
Design
What’s not to like with this design? All those compartments and slots allow you to pack so much stuff in them, don’t they? You don’t have to worry about mixing up things either. Each item can go into its slot and sit there nice and tight.
The handle has a special cushy contour patented grip that doesn’t hurt your hand as you pull the suitcase along with you. No need to flex your fingers to ease the pain anymore. And those wheels, all 8 of them, are just wonderful. With MagnaTrac technology that helps them stay aligned and the 360-degree rotation, you won’t have issues with misaligned wheels.
Compartmentalization
The suitcase is made of high-quality ballistic nylon that has been coated with DuraGuard to increase its lifespan and also prevent scratches. Special care has been taken to protect the corners.
The super zippers, the multiple compartments, and the smaller mesh sockets to hold tiny yet important items are just perfect. We had a fun time packing our bag for a holiday. Everything had a slot or place for it. And the straps on the inside make sure that none of the items on the inside move from their place. The suiter ensures that your clothes won’t be wrinkled.
Ease of Use
This 21-inch suitcase is marketed as a carry-on by the manufacturer. That’s because it does fit in most of the overhead bins, even the ones with tight spaces. However, you might want to check with the airlines to confirm.
Comfort is one of the main priorities of this suitcase. Pulling the suitcase even among the crowd is a simple task. Not once did we have any issues with navigating super busy airports using this one.
Pros
- Wheels use MagnaTrac technology to align themselves
- External USB port for charging
- Highly comfortable to handle
- Durable and reliable with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Available in only three dark colors
- Not acceptable as a carry-on by all airlines
Check Travelpro Crew 11 Softside Price on Amazon
Briggs & Riley Baseline Softside - Best Compression System
The third smart luggage on our list is this lovely model by Briggs & Riley. While this model is available in 2-wheel design as well, we preferred the one with four wheels. The wrinkle-resistant compartment, the zippers, and the numerous pockets are absolutely cool.
One thing you need to keep in mind is that the wheels don’t align themselves. However, you can pull the suitcase along without much difficulty. The biggest advantage is the compression system, which allows you to fit your extra outfit in the same external dimensions. It’s such a useful feature.
Take a look below to know more, shall we?
Features & Benefits
Design
The baseline is marketed as a domestic carry-on expandable spinner with a soft side design. The suitcases are available in three colors- black, navy, and olive. It is made using 1680D ballistic nylon, and has four rubber spinner wheels, corner guards, and YKK zippers for extra strength.
The special SpeedThru pocket in the front makes it easy to store your important items like keys, passports, and mobile phones. We’ve stowed our earphones and a book as well into this pocket. The overall design is simple and elegant (though some might find it boring), we totally like the extra comforts the suitcase offers in terms of slots and compartments.
Compartmentalization
Oh, well, what do we say about all those pockets? They are a godsend, really, for people like us who tend to stash so many things (which we may never even use). But the best part is the compartment to pack your suits and dresses for a wrinkle-free trip.
And do you know what the biggest plus point of using this suitcase is? We’ll tell you. The compression expansion design makes it possible for you to around 25% extra space if you tug the outer fabric to stretch it. Once you pack your stuff, give the suitcase a push from the top, and the extra space will be compressed. Impressive, right?
Ease of Use
The YKK self-repairing zippers are so easy to use. We’ve never had to fear about a damaged zipper when traveling with this one. The interiors are softer and lighter in color. While most airlines allow this suitcase as carry-on luggage, you might want to make sure it is allowed by the carrier you are flying with. That’s because the suitcase can be a wee bit long, according to some airlines.
Pros
- A lot of pockets
- The handle is outside the suitcase
- Lifetime warranty
- A special tri-fold compartment to hand dresses/ suits
- TSA approved lock
Cons
- Heavier than some suitcases
- The 4-wheel design is not always stable
Check Briggs & Riley Baseline Softside Price on Amazon
Victorinox WT 6.0 Softside - Best for Frequent Travelers
We have another model by Victorinox on our list. It’s none other than WT 6.0, which is known for comfort and durability. This 22” suitcase is best suited for those who fly quite regularly. It is easy to carry, use, and maintain. The TSA approved combination lock is another bonus.
While the battery is on the inside, we are not too worried about it. Yes, it does get a bit tough to charge our mobile phone when traveling, but it is a small factor to consider when the trip lasts only for a few hours. What to know what makes WT 6.0 one of the most preferred smart luggage in the market? Check below.
Features & Benefits
Design
The suitcase comes in three dark colors- blue, black, and grey. While they may not be appealing to everyone, they are classy and good to look at. The outer side is made from 600D ballistic nylon and is durable, along with being water-repellent (yay!) and abrasion-proof. That’s a big plus according to us. What say, people?
The top and side handles have a soft grip that makes it easy to carry the suitcase. The 4-wheel model is quite stable and allows for easy navigation. The 11-year warranty is a plus.
Compartmentalization
The two mesh pockets are so useful; we just adore them. They are strong and can hold a good number of items with ease. The suitcase has a padded 15.6” laptop compartment along with a wide expandable zipped compartment. Who doesn’t want wrinkle-free compartments, right? You’ve got that too with this suitcase.
The X-shaped straps keep everything in place, and the tri-fold removable suiter makes it easy to hand full suits and dresses when needed. Remove it, and you’ll get more space for storage.
Ease of Use
The suitcase has a capacity of 96 liters. The telescopic locking handle and smooth wheels make it an easy job of carrying and pulling this suitcase around the airport. It has this cute multi-tool that has a USB port, SIM card replacement tool, and ID-tag and a pen. Quite useful and effective, we say. What do you think? Good thinking by Victorinox, right?
Pros
- Intelligent and useful Pack More System
- 3-stop dual trolley handle
- Integrated with a multi-tool
- TSA approved combination lock
Cons
- Cannot access the battery from outside
- The USB slot is not user-friendly
Check Victorinox WT 6.0 Softside Price on Amazon
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside - Best Value for Price
We have Platinum Elite by TravelPro in fifth place on our list. While it does take the last slot, the smart carry-on bag is in no way inferior to the others. In fact, it one of the most durable and sturdy bags, considering it comes with four wheels, which can be unstable at times.
As a carry-on bag, Platinum Elite works very well to protect all your essentials and clothes for the trip safely. This is one of the best and most preferred bags used for regular and domestic travel. Whether it is the extra pouches or the easy USB slot, this bag has many attractive features. Shall we see some of those?
Features & Benefits
Design
The model is available in six different colors that are both classy and trendy. For those who like to own a different-colored bag, you have a few options to choose from. The wheels are quite sturdy, but in case you end with a broken wheel, you can replace it yourself. Yes. We’ve tried to remove and replace a wheel to see how it fits, and we have to admit it wasn’t hard.
Compartmentalization
Platinum Elite boasts of compression and expansion system, that allows you to pack more into the bag by pulling up the zippers. However, it doesn’t fully expand on all four sides. The hard-wearing nylon outer side keeps the insides safe. One point to remember is that you will need to register the luggage through the website or the app within 120 days of purchasing it. This will give you a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
Ease of Use
The power bank pocket on the side is super useful to charge devices through the USB port. When you pack the bag with a little care by putting heavy stuff at the bottom and lighter ones at the top, it takes hardly any effort to maneuver the bag through the crowds. The toiletries bag and the garment bag are a good addition.
But they don’t work as good due to the size of the suitcase. If you have a suit with broad shoulders, it might get a wee bit wrinkled if you are not careful. The toiletries compartment too, has a bit of an issue with the zipper. You need a while to work it out, so don’t open it when you are in a hurry.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- User-replaceable wheels
- TSA approved lock
- Easy to use the USB port for charging
Cons
- Expandable zipper doesn’t expand in full
- The toiletry bag attachment needs some adjustment
Check Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Price on Amazon
Best Smart Luggage Buying Guide
That was the list of the top 5 smart luggage based on how they work and what they offer. Now, that you’ve seen the names, let’s move further and see the benefits smart luggage has to offer. Why let the restrictions set by airlines stop you from buying what you want? There are many ways to travel, aren’t they? A smart bag or a suitcase will come in handy at any time.
Benefits of Smart Luggage
If we set aside the lithium-ion batteries for a while, literally and figuratively, we can see how advantageous smart luggage is when traveling. From not having to worry about misplaced bags to charging our mobile phones and even converting the luggage to a bedroom or a kitchen (yes!), there are so many things smart luggage can do.
- No More Missing Luggage
How many times have we had nightmares about missing luggage? We are sure it happened to most of us at one point in time or another. By using the simple RFID technology, you can now ensure that your luggage stays safe, thanks to the smart scanners that effectively capture the information stored in them, thereby making it easy to track the owner of the luggage.
- Locks and Security
Oh, dear. We don’t even want to think about lost keys or forgotten codes. Somehow saving the code on the mobile phone doesn’t seem to work always. We’ve more than once ended up messing up by not noting down the code. With smart luggage, you can unlock in various ways, depending on the model. Fingerprint, yes. Smartapp, yes! The locks use batteries, which are a cause of concern in some cases. But as long as the batteries are removable, smart luggage is being allowed (with certain restrictions that vary based on the airlines).
- No More Overweight Bags
The weight of our luggage is crucial when taking a flight. While we can pay extra for excess weight, we also need to see if it is really required or not. Some smart luggage have built-in weighing scales that send a notification to the mobile app about excess weight. You can know how much the bag weighs and how many of the items you can retain. That saves us the time and stress of weighing the bag multiple times, doesn’t it? This is one advantage we totally love.
- Control those Wheels
You don’t have to drag and heft your smart luggage if you choose the ones that come with controllable wheels. Yes. You can control the wheels of the luggage so that they can follow you around instead of you dragging them all over the place. Use a remote or the Bluetooth of your smartphone to direct the wheels and voila, turn the smart luggage into an obedient follower.
Do you know that some smart bags can ‘see’ obstacles? Yep! These bags can sense obstacles in their way and sidestep them. You don’t have to worry about your luggage knocking someone down or tripping over something.
Okay, that’s kind of misleading. These bags don’t necessarily provide you home. But they do serve more than just bags. While there are not many such models available, smart luggage made of aluminum or wood or leather can be used to carry items and then convert the luggage into sleeping bags, make-shift workstations, and mini-kitchen counters. Wouldn’t that be great? Imagine going on an adventure trip and carrying smart luggage such as this one. You don’t have to worry about not finding a place to sleep for the night (if things don’t go according to the plan).
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Smart Luggage
Shall we see the factors we need to consider when selecting the best smart luggage? We are going to check out both common factors (for all kinds of luggage) and exclusive factors (that deal with smart luggage). You might already know how to buy bags and suitcases for travel. But a small refresher wouldn’t hurt, right? And if you are not happy with the luggage you previously purchased, you can use these pointers next time.
- Type of Luggage
There are different types of luggage available on the market. We use each of them for different occasions, depending on how many days we are traveling, where we are going, what we need to pack, and how easy it would be to handle the luggage. Duffel bags, backpacks, soft-sided, and hard-sided luggage bags are some examples.
- Size
When choosing luggage for travel, you will need to check the standard sizes set by the airlines you prefer to travel with. For carry-on bags, it is better to choose something medium in size so that you don’t have to heft a huge one and carry it over your arm or the shoulder.
- Design, Weight, Material
All three elements are interlinked and play a crucial role in how your luggage would serve you. Not sure what we mean? The weight of the bag would depend on the material used (to an extent). With luggage weight restrictions levied by airlines, you don’t want a bag that is already heavy, do you? You want something light so that you can pack all that you need for the trip.
The design should be convenient on the outside and inside. If you are carrying your laptop, a separate slot would be easy and make it safe. For important items such as files and documents, you want a secret compartment or a secure zipped section.
- Wheels
Of course, you’d want luggage with wheels. But, do you want two wheels or four? Both have their advantages. How? Here’s how. While the two-wheelers can be folded easily to avoid damage, four-wheelers/ spinners reduce the pressure from your shoulders. Eight-wheelers are the best.
- Zippers, Locks, and Handle
Large zippers are said to be durable than smaller ones. They may not be your choice of preference, but they do their job well. The handle has to be sturdy and provide a strong grip. Retractable handles are the best kind, aren’t they? You don’t have to worry about it breaking off when traveling. If you always tend to carry heavy luggage, choose the one with two handles to distribute the weight. Locks are vital for every luggage. Choosing the one with an internal lock plus zipper would keep your items safe.
- Tracking
Tracking can be in two types. Smart luggage models use GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPRS to connect to your smartphone. You can see the location of your luggage and also get an alert when you get too far from it. Imagine rushing off without taking your luggage along. Wouldn’t that be scary? No more, though. The app will inform you that you forgot the most important item essential for your travel.
- Charging Devices
What’s better than traveling with luggage? Smart luggage that can charge your devices, of course! Isn’t that wonderful? The luggage comes with various USB ports for your convenience. With a built-in battery, you can either change your phone or tablet (full or half), depending on the capacity of the battery.
- RFID- Blocking
Do you know that a simple scanner can steal all your confidential information? Anyone can steal your credit card details, and you won’t even know. Smart bags have exclusive RFID-blocking compartments, which will prevent the scanners from reaching inside. You can safely hide your credit cards in these slots.
- In-built Weighing Scale
We already talked about in-built weighing scales, right? We love how convenient and easy they make it for us to pack our items. Instead of lifting the bag and placing it on the weighing scale every time, the bag shows its current weight and sends an alert through the app when you are nearing the final limit!
Conclusion
The color of the bag, the warranty provided by the manufacturer, and the type of batteries used (and how easy it is to remove and replace them) also play a role in deciding which smart luggage to buy. We hope you have collected the required information to make the right choice. Have you ticked smart luggage already? Did you place an order as well? Wonderful! Happy and safe traveling!
Current Best Selling Smart Luggage!
Editor Notes:
Are smart luggage allowed to fly?
Yes, you can fly with smart luggage, but the only exception is the luggage with lithium batteries. They are prone to explosions when it comes to contact with other explosives. This is why most companies have discontinued lithium-operated smart luggage.
Are smart luggage secure?
The smart luggage is secure thanks to the advanced features on the bags. You can use your smartphone and remote control to operate smart luggage, and this will allow you to have full control of the luggage. It is also easy to locate your luggage with ease and track it if you misplaced it.
Can the smart luggage get hacked?
The smart luggage depends heavily on a smart control system, and just like other smart home gadgets, the luggage is prone to hacking. All you need is to lock your apps, use complex passwords and update the smartphone apps to ensure you have the latest security features installed.
Is smart luggage affordable?
If you want to buy smart luggage, you'll come across different budget options. All you need is to check the features offered and maths with the prices. If it is worth the purchase, get the smart luggage and improve your luggage securing and overall operation.