Travel is different now. Airports are quicker, flights are longer, and staying connected has become a necessity. Whether you’re exploring a new city, keeping track of your boarding pass, or logging into Zoom from the airport terminal, there’s always something you need to do on your phone.
That also means that having a dead phone can completely ruin your travels.
This is precisely why having luggage with built-in USB charging has become one of the most useful upgrades as a traveler.
I have spent years testing different luggage configurations while going through airports, long flights, and weekend trips. Having easy access to charging instead of digging through your luggage for your power bank is night and day. Smart luggage has come a long way too. The term “smart luggage” doesn’t have to mean garbage quality suitcases anymore. When designed well, it absolutely upgrades your travel experience.
In this post, I cover:
- The best luggage with USB charging you can buy today
- My real world experience and what matters when picking
- How to choose the best USB charging luggage for you
- Benefits of USB Charging Luggage
- USB Charging Luggage Features To Consider
- KROSER Hardside Expandable Carry On Luggage
- Flight Knight Expandable Carry On Suitcase
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage
- Coolife Luggage Suitcase Carry-on
- LEVEL8 Road Runner Carry-On Luggage with USB Charging Port
- Wrangler Smart Spinner Hardside Luggage
- Traveler’s Choice Pagosa Hardshell Expandable Luggage
- Are USB Charging Luggage Bags Worth It?
- Questions to ask before purchasing
- Final Thoughts
Benefits of USB Charging Luggage
Before we jump into my recommendations, let’s talk benefits.
For me, convenience is the biggest plus. You never have to worry about searching for an outlet in the airport or plugging into a wall outlet while awkwardly squatting next to it. Just plug your phone directly into your suitcase while standing.
Another pro I’ve found is better organization. Most USB charging luggage includes an exterior compartment for your power bank. No more tangled wires or ripping through clothes just to grab your charger.
That being said, there is a clear difference between well-made luggage and dollar store luggage with USB charging thrown on.
USB Charging Luggage Features To Consider
I have personally tested and reviewed quite a few luggage over the years. Through trial and error, here are the features I look for:
Removable Power Bank
All airlines require you to remove your power bank before boarding. Luggage with USB charging that makes this easy are always best.
Shell Material
Look for luggage that uses a blend of polycarbonate or ABS. They provide the best durability while keeping weight down.
Spinner Wheels
This will be one of the first things you notice when rolling your luggage. Pick luggage with smooth spinner wheels.
Compartments
Smart luggage should have quick access pockets for your laptop, passport, and electronics.
Weight
Speaking of weight, not all smart luggage is created equal. Some smart luggage brands are notorious for being overweight. Stay away from these if you plan on checking your luggage.
Here are my top picks that I would recommend today.
KROSER Hardside Expandable Carry On Luggage
Why this is my top pick
There is a reason KROSER carry-on luggage is so popular. I have personally tested this across multiple vacations and business trips. If you’re looking for a premium smart luggage suitcase then this is it.
The battery easily ejects so removing your power bank at airports is quick. The overall suitcase feels high quality with a polycarbonate shell that doesn’t feel too heavy. Inside the luggage, Away has one of the best compression systems I have used.
Pros
- Sleek and premium style
- High quality removable battery
- Great interior compartments
- Smooth rolling spinner wheels
Cons
- Only a few pockets on the outside
Best for: Frequent travelers who are looking for a clean smart luggage design
Flight Knight Expandable Carry On Suitcase
Why this is one of the best
Flight Knight Smart carry-on is a fantastic option for USB charging luggage. The texture of the suitcase is micro diamond polished carbonte which in my experience scratches less than most hard shell luggage.
USB port is built into the suitcase nicely, and it doesn’t feel out of place like some smart luggage.
Pros
- Very durable scratch-resistant surface
- Lightweight
- Brand you can trust
- Great value
Cons
- Interior is pretty basic
- Doesn’t look as modern
Best for: Anyone that wants to buy from a trusted and proven brand
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage
Why this is one of the best
If you’re a fan of softshell luggage then this is one of the better smart luggage options out there.
Travelpro is a great brand that is known for their durability. After testing this suitcase I can confirm it lives up to its airline grade durability claim. This bag easily connects to your power bank via the USB port located on the suitcase.
You can also benefit from softshell if you’re someone that overpacks just a bit.
Pros
- Super durable fabric
- Expandable luggage
- Great pockets on the outside
- Super smooth rolling
Cons
- Heavier than the hard-shell luggage
- Not the flashiest
Best for: Business travelers and frequent flyers
Coolife Luggage Suitcase Carry-on
Why this is one of the best
Coolife has been killing it when it comes to value for money luggage that actually is great.
I was skeptical at first too but took a risk and got myself a Coolife smart luggage bag. For the price, it holds up great and is perfect for casual travelers. USB port works as expected and overall build quality is great for the price.
If you aren’t looking for something as high-end as Away or Samsonite then look no further.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Build quality is good for the price
- Looks very clean and modern
Cons
- Materials don’t feel as high-end
- Longevity unknown
Best for: Budget travelers that don’t want to break the bank
LEVEL8 Road Runner Carry-On Luggage with USB Charging Port
Why this is one of the best
LEVEL8 has been steadily growing over the years. They offer some fantastic features while still keeping the price reasonable.
I love how modern this entire suitcase feels. Front storage compartment allow easy access to your laptop and electronics. USB port is easily accessible too.
Pros
- Front compartment for laptop
- Super solid build quality
- Minimalist design
- Very smooth rolling wheels
Cons
- Front compartment makes it slightly heavier
- Not the most popular brand
Best for: Digital nomads who are constantly traveling with electronics
Wrangler Smart Spinner Hardside Luggage
Wrangler Travel also has a personal luggage stylist service if you need help picking
Why this is on the list
Wrangler offers some great smart luggage that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
What I love about this set is you get USB charging ports on all 3 pieces. The carry-on USB suitcase is my favorite of the three but having a whole matching luggage set is great for longer trips.
Pros
- Great price for a set
- Functions just as well as the others
- Looks very stylish and casual
- Great for families
Cons
- Not as durable as the premium brands
- Overall heavy set
Best for: Families that want a matching luggage set
Traveler’s Choice Pagosa Hardshell Expandable Luggage
Why this is on the list
Another great mid-range priced luggage that doesn’t compromise too much.
Traveler’s Choice Pagosa keeps this USB charging suitcase light and super easy to maneuver. Stylistically this is more for the trendy travelers but it does not disappoint.
Pros
- Extremely light
- Stylish looking luggage
- Super easy to maneuver
- Great value
Cons
- Not as durable as higher cost brands
- Interior is fairly basic
Best for: Trendy travelers that don’t want to spend too much
Are USB Charging Luggage Bags Worth It?
Lucky for you, I’ve tested enough smart luggage to give you my personal opinion.
Are USB Charging suitcases worth it?
They sure are. If you travel frequently like I do, then this is a must-have.
Just remember that charging should be the cherry on top. Don’t sacrifice build quality for a suitcase just because it has USB charging. All of my recommendations are built sturdy and roll extremely smooth.
USB charging luggage isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s becoming a necessity.
Questions to ask before purchasing
While I think USB charging luggage is worth it. There are some things you should know before buying.
Just like “traditional” luggage, make sure you check your airline’s policies. 99% of airlines require you to remove your power bank from the luggage.
Also, think about how you travel. Are you a light packer? Maybe a small USB carry on will do. Do you travel for work? Then you might want something with more compartments for laptops.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, here’s how I would personally rank each suitcase.
- Best Overall – Away Carry-On Smart Suitcase with USB Charger
- Best Value – Samsonite Omni PC Smart Carry-On
- Best for Business Travelers – Travelpro Platinum Elite Smart Spinner
The future of luggage is here. Don’t settle for dull and heavy bags that offer no functionality.
If you’re in the market for a new suitcase. Make sure to grab one with USB charging.
