While 4 wheel luggage dominate the market, 2 wheel checked suitcases still have their uses. Here are the pros and cons to help you decide which is best for you.
Pros of 2-Wheel Suitcases
- Manoeuvrability: Two-wheel suitcases are easy to move around, especially on smooth surfaces like airport terminals or hotel lobbies. They allow you to pull the suitcase behind you with less effort.
- Versatility: These suitcases work well on various terrains, including sidewalks, pavements, and even bumpy surfaces. They can handle uneven ground better than four-wheel spinner suitcases.
- Lighter Weight: In general, two-wheel suitcases tend to be lighter than their four-wheel counterparts, making them a preferred option for travellers looking to minimize overall luggage weight.
- Better Balance: Two-wheel suitcases offer better balance when standing upright, making them less likely to tip over when packed unevenly.
- More Storage Space: The design of two-wheel suitcases often allows for more storage space inside, as there are no wheels encroaching into the interior space.
Cons of 2-Wheel Suitcases
- Limited Manoeuvrability in Tight Spaces: Two-wheel suitcases can be challenging to manoeuvre in tight spaces or crowded areas since they can only be pulled in a straight line.
- Need to Tilt: Unlike four-wheel spinner suitcases that can be pushed in any direction, two-wheel suitcases need to be tilted and pulled behind you.
- Strain on Shoulders and Arms: Pulling a two-wheel suitcase behind you can put more strain on your shoulders and arms, especially if the suitcase is heavy.
- No Hands-Free Option: Unlike some spinner suitcases, two-wheel models do not have a hands-free mode where you can push them alongside you.
- Potential Wear on Wheels: The two wheels on one side of the suitcase may wear down faster than four-wheel options due to increased friction on those wheels.
What to consider when buying 2 wheeled checked luggage
- Material – 2 wheeled luggage tends to be soft side only which has it’s pros and cons:
- Pros of soft side luggage vs hard shell are lighter in weight
- Cons of soft side luggage vs hard shell are provides less protection for your items and soft side materials can stain
- Duffle vs traditional style – rolling duffle bags have risen in popularity as they are easier to carry. Another advantage over traditional rectangle luggage is the ability to fold down for easy storage when not in use
2 wheel luggage not for you? See the rest of our luggage buying guides
- Affordable luggage: best suitcase deals | affordable luggage brands
- Carry-on: carry-on luggage with laptop compartments | easyjet cabin bag |
- Checked luggage: checked luggage for international travel | extra large suitcases | expandable suitcases | trunk luggage
- Durable luggage: most durable luggage | zipperless suitcases | aluminium suitcases
- Luggage brands: luxury luggage brands | European luggage brands | eco-friendly suitcases | luggage with lifetime warranty
- Misc luggage: ultra lightweight suitcases | Tripp suitcases | suitcases for cruises | 2 wheel suitcases | rose gold luggage
- Suitcase reviews: Horizn Studios M5 | Level8 Voyageur | Grams(28) 154 City Pack
- Travel accessories: packing cube alternatives | travel accessories for long flights | compression suitcase packing cubes | GPS luggage tracker | passport covers | travel vanity cases | wine suitcases
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Last update on 2025-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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