We tested luggage from these two high-end brands to find out which one is worth it
Whether you’re headed off for a two-week European adventure or a weekend getaway to visit family, having the right suitcase can make all the difference in how your trip turns out. Away and Beis have both earned viral status for their luggage on social media in recent years, so you may wonder which bags are best for your next trip.
Away and Beis both make hardshell suitcases in various sizes, so they have options for checked and carry-on bags. Away bags are typically a bit larger and cost more than Beis bags. However, both brands offer a sleek aesthetic and a sophisticated muted color palette. The differences between the Away and Beis luggage are mostly minor, which can make choosing between the two a challenge.
The BestReviews Testing Lab tested carry-on bags from Away and Beis, including the Away Carry-On, the Away Bigger Carry-On and the Beis Carry-On Roller, to see how they stacked up against one another. Both brands impressed us with their simple, chic design and excellent maneuverability on all surfaces. However, we found that Away’s bags were lighter and more durable, making them ideal for the frequent traveler. But if you don’t travel too often and want a first-rate suitcase that’s a bit more affordable, Beis is the brand for you.
Away vs. Beis: What they do well
Away and Beis are both premium luggage brands that make bags you can rely on.
Away and Beis bags are both high-end luggage brands, so it’s no surprise that they share many of the same features. However, they also have their own unique advantages that set them apart.
Away benefits
- Polycarbonate shell: Away bags have a highly durable polycarbonate shell that resists damage and everyday wear and tear and protects the items inside. We accidentally dropped the Away Bigger Carry-On down an escalator at the airport during testing and only observed a few light scratches on the exterior afterward. Otherwise, the suitcase was in perfect working order afterward. Despite its durability, the polycarbonate shell is still lightweight enough to keep the weight down when packed.
- Fits most major airlines: All Away bags fit most major airline carry-on restrictions, so you don’t have to worry about checking your luggage. Some models can expand for extra space, but those bags only fit size restrictions when not expanded.
- Interior compression: Away luggage features the brand’s patented interior compression system that allows you to fill every bit of space inside the bags. Thanks to the compression features, we could fit two weeks’ worth of cold-weather clothes inside the Bigger Carry-On during testing.
- 360-degree spinner wheels: All Away bags have 360-degree spinner wheels that allow them to easily move forward and backward. Even when we filled the Away Carry-On with 20 pounds, it glided effortlessly over multiple surfaces. We had the same experience with the Bigger Carry-On, which even moved easily over cobblestone.
- TSA-approved lock: Away suitcases all have TSA-approved locks that allow you to secure your belongings while traveling. This means the Transportation Security Administration can open your bag during a security check without damaging the lock.
Beis benefits
- Polycarbonate shell: Beis bags have 100% virgin polycarbonate shells that offer excellent durability to protect your belongings and minimize damage during travel. The Beis Carry-On Roller only got slight scuffs when we traveled during testing, so it held up well to regular wear and tear.
- Organizational layout: Unlike the Away bags, which feature a clamshell design with limited specialty compartments inside, Beis luggage has pockets and compartments to help organize your belongings. We used the large pockets in the Carry-On Roller for socks and other smaller items and packed most other clothes in the large zippered compartment. The plastic zippered pocket worked well to hold shoes and toiletries.
- Compression technology: Beis bags have four-point compression straps that help maximize your packing space so you can fit as much as needed for travel. They also have a detachable compression strap for the other side of the suitcase, allowing you to organize it for the most effective packing.
- 360-degree spinner wheels: Like Away luggage, Beis bags feature 360-degree wheels for easy movement over most surfaces. During testing, we found the Carry-On Roller glided smoothly over various floors without jamming or getting stuck.
- TSA-approved lock: The Beis bags also have TSA-approved locks, which allow you to secure your belongings during travel while still allowing the TSA to examine your suitcase if necessary.
- Weight-limit indicator: Beis bags have a weight-limit indicator in their carry handle that lets you know if you’ve exceeded the weight guidelines. When we tested the Beis Carry-On Roller, we found the indicator very easy to use because the clear window turns red when the bag is too heavy.
What they could improve
Away and Beis are both premium luggage brands, and the Away and Beis bags we tested were pretty impressive. However, each brand has some issues worth considering before investing in a bag.
Away drawbacks
- Price: Away offers high-quality, premium luggage, but their bags are pretty pricey. They’re even more expensive than Beis bags, which offer nearly all the same features.
- Lack of organization: Unlike Beis bags, which feature many specialty pockets and compartments, Away luggage doesn’t have as many specialty compartments, which we found can make organizing your belongings more difficult.
Beis drawbacks
- Exterior damage: While the Beis bags have a durable polycarbonate shell that can protect your belongings from damage, we found the luggage’s exterior tends to scuff and dent during travel.
Top Away models
We tested the Away Bigger Carry-On and the Away Carry-On, and both blew us away with their easy maneuverability over all surface types. However, the Bigger Carry-On’s larger size makes it a more versatile bag.
Away Bigger Carry-On
The Away Bigger Carry-On comes with a luggage tag made from 50% recycled leather.
Product specifications
Dimensions: 15.4″ W x 9.6” D x 22.7” H | Capacity: 47.9 L | Weight: 7.9 lb | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No
The Away Bigger Carry-On may not be much larger than the standard Away Carry-On in interior dimensions, but its capacity is more than 8 liters larger. That makes it highly versatile since you can easily pack for short weekend getaways or longer trips. During testing, we fit two weeks’ worth of cold-weather outfits inside with careful packing. But despite its larger size, we had no issues storing it while flying. We flew Virgin Air and Delta during testing, and the bag easily fit in both airlines’ overhead bins.
However, the feature that impressed us the most during testing was the Bigger Carry-On’s wheel performance and maneuverability. We used it for an international trip, and its wheels glided easily over various surfaces, including uneven cobblestones. We were also impressed with the bag’s overall durability — it tumbled down the longest escalator at the Los Angeles International Airport during testing but only had a few minor scratches afterward.
Like all Away bags, the Bigger Carry-On has a simple, chic design that looked great when we wheeled it through the airport. While it was one of the pricier bags we tested, we felt that the durability and quality helped justify the investment, especially if you travel regularly and don’t want to worry about your luggage winding up at your destination broken or damaged.
Away Carry-On
Away luggage is designed at the brand’s headquarters in New York City and manufactured at locations across Asia.
Product specifications
Dimensions: 14.4″ W x 9” D x 21.7” H | Capacity: 39.8 L | Weight: 7.5 lb | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No
Like the Bigger Carry-On, the Away Carry-On stood out during testing for its multidirectional wheels, which made maneuvering it incredibly easy. We found that pulling or pushing it across various terrains was effortless, even when we filled it with as much as 20 pounds. The wheels never jammed, and the suitcase never tipped over, even on bumpy surfaces.
While it isn’t as large as the Bigger Carry-On, the regular Away Carry-On could still fit a week’s worth of clothes. The compression pad certainly helped maximize space inside, and we liked that it had three organizational compartments to help us sort our belongings. It also comes with an extra-large laundry bag, so we could keep our dirty clothes separate from the clean items. We loved that all the buckles, compression straps and other interior details were color-coordinated for a sleek look.
The Away Carry-On has an extremely smooth trolley handle that makes moving the bag even easier. It also has an easy-grip design that fits comfortably in your hand and is made of high-grade aluminum that can withstand regular travel.
Top Beis models
Beis bags are known for their simple, sophisticated design, which has earned them a cult following on social media. However, the luggage, including the Beis Carry-On Roller, offers many specialized compartments that make organizing your belongings a breeze.
Beis Carry-On Roller
The Beis Carry-On Roller is lined with a durable polyester material that’s easy to spot-clean when necessary.
Product specifications
Dimensions: 13.5″ W x 9” D x 21.5″ H | Capacity: 47 L | Weight: 8.6 lb | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No
The Beis Carry-On Roller impressed us with its simple, sophisticated design and hardshell exterior that protects its contents. It was extremely easy to pack because it features multiple compartments. We used the large pockets on the sides for socks, underwear and other small items, while the compartment with the plastic cover was ideal for shoes, toiletries and other items we worried might get the interior dirty.
The Carry-On Roller can hold up to 47 liters, but its weight indicator makes it easy to ensure you don’t overpack. During testing, the clear window on the handle turned red if we exceeded the weight limit. The TSA-approved lock was another feature we appreciated because we could secure our belongings while still having our bag accessible for security checks.
The bag’s 360-degree wheels made maneuvering it extremely easy. They glided smoothly over various surfaces and never got stuck or jammed. Its handle is also cushioned, so it was one of the most comfortable suitcases we’ve ever used. We had no trouble pulling and pushing it during our travels, making it an excellent choice for anyone who travels regularly.
Beis Front-Pocket Carry-On Roller
Beis was founded by actress Shay Mitchell in 2018, based on the principle that chic luggage should be more accessible.
Product specifications
Dimensions: 13.5″ W x 9” D x 21.5″ H | Capacity: 47 L | Weight: 8.6 lb | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No
The Beis Front-Pocket Carry-On Roller is all about convenience. Despite its hard polycarbonate exterior, it has a protected front pocket that you can easily access when traveling, so you don’t have to open the entire suitcase. It has a 47-liter capacity with a detachable compression flap and four-point compression straps to help you maximize the space inside. It also includes a set of pouches, so you can organize your laundry, shoes and other items.
Like the Beis Carry-On Roller, the Front-Pocket Carry-On Roller has 360-degree spinner wheels that help it glide easily over all types of terrain. The cushioned trolley handle also makes pulling and pushing the bag much more comfortable over long periods. But its side handle provides an additional carrying option, and the built-in weight indicator ensures you never overpack your bag.
We also love that it features a TSA-approved lock to keep the items inside secure while still allowing security access. The zipper tape along the bag’s sides also helps protect your items because it’s durable and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about the items inside getting damaged.
Away Bigger Carry-On vs. Beis Carry-On Roller
The Away Bigger Carry-On and the Beis Carry-On Roller are pretty similar bags. Both suitcases feature a hard polycarbonate shell to protect the items inside, 360-degree wheels for easy maneuvering and TSA-approved locks to secure your belongings. However, as its name might imply, the Away Bigger Carry-On is larger, with a 47.9-liter capacity compared to the Beis’ 47-liter capacity. The Away’s exterior dimensions are also slightly larger, though the empty bag weighs more than a half pound less than the smaller Beis.
On the other hand, the Beis Carry-On Roller offers more specialized compartments to help organize your items, making packing easier. It also costs over $75 less than the Away Bigger Carry-On, so it may be a better fit for your budget if you don’t need the extra space. But while both bags got some scratches during our testing, the Beis tended to scuff more easily than the Away. If you are a frequent traveler, you may prefer investing a bit more in your luggage and having a bag that will hold up to wear and tear more effectively.
Away Carry-On vs. Beis Front-Pocket Carry-On Roller
The Away Carry-On and Beis Front-Pocket Carry-On Roller share many key similarities, including their durable polycarbonate shell and smooth-gliding spinner wheels. However, the Beis Front-Pocket Carry-On Roller offers more packing space, with a 47-liter capacity compared to the Away’s 39.8-liter capacity. It also has a handy molded front pocket that can hold a laptop and other items you need to access more easily.
Additionally, the Beis Front Pocket Carry-On Roller costs $25 less than the Away Carry-On despite its larger capacity. If you’re on a budget, the Beis is clearly a better value. But both bags have a limited lifetime warranty, so you can feel pretty good about choosing either brand.
Away vs. Beis functionality
Away and Beis bags have earned quite a following on social media, which isn’t a surprise since the luggage from both brands is high quality. However, our testing has helped us determine how the two brands really stack up when it comes to things like durability, design and convenience.
Durability and build quality comparison
Away and Beis suitcases both have polycarbonate shells that increase their durability. During testing, we found that the bags from both brands had a sturdy, high-quality feel that gave us confidence in their ability to withstand wear and tear.
The Away Bigger Carry-On, Away Carry-On and Beis Carry-On Roller all suffered some minor scratches during our travels, and the Beis also experienced some scuffs, but overall, we found that they made it through without any significant damage. We were especially impressed with the Away Bigger Carry-On because it fell down a tall escalator at LAX and was still in perfect working condition afterward.
Both Away and Beis offer limited lifetime warranties on their luggage, so we have confidence that the bags will hold up well. Ultimately, though, we prefer the Away bags for frequent travelers because we found they don’t scuff as easily as Beis luggage.
Design and features comparison
Away and Beis suitcases both have a simple but sophisticated appearance and come in a range of neutral and seasonal colors to suit any wardrobe. Despite being the same material and roughly the same size, the Away bags we tested were lighter than the Beis, so they may be a better choice for travelers who tend to overpack. However, the Beis bags feature a weight limit indicator on their handle, so you always know if your luggage is over the weight limit.
While Away and Beis bags both feature a clamshell design, their interior organization is different. Away luggage doesn’t have as many specialized compartments as Beis, so organizing your belongings can be more difficult. The Beis Carry-On Roller features multiple pockets, including a plastic zippered pocket where we could pack toiletries and other things that might stain the bag. The Beis Front-Pocket Carry-On Roller has an easy-to-access front pocket that allows you to access items you need without opening the entire bag.
Maneuverability and travel convenience comparison
Away and Beis both use 360-degree spinner wheels on their luggage, so we found that bags from both brands were incredibly easy to maneuver over different surfaces while traveling. The Away Bigger Carry-On was particularly impressive because it glided smoothly even over cobblestones during a trip to London. The Beis Carry-On Roller’s wheels also offered easy maneuverability, and they never got jammed, even when traveling over rougher terrain. Its cushioned handle also made it particularly comfortable to pull.
The Away and Beis bags we tested all came with TSA-approved locks, too. We could easily secure our belongings inside the bag, but it was still accessible if necessary during security procedures.
Pricing
The Away Carry-On retails for $275 and is available at Away. The Away Bigger Carry-On costs $295 and can also be found at Away. Although they are a significant investment, their excellent durability and limited lifetime guarantee make them a worthwhile choice for frequent travelers.
The Beis Carry-On Roller costs $218 and is available at Beis. The Beis Front-Pocket Carry-On Roller retails for $248 and can also be found at Beis. They are a little less expensive than the Away luggage and offer many convenient features, like compartments for organization and a weight-limit indicator, that make them an excellent value.
Bottom line
Away and Beis both offer high-quality, premium luggage that can make travel more comfortable and convenient.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
Copyright 2024 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
