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
Elite Travel Blog is supported by our readers using affiliate links where we make a small commission at no extra cost to you (also helps to keep the site ad-free). Find out how we research and choose the best products for our lists.
Sale
Eastpak TRANVERZ L Suitcase, 79 x 40 x 33 cm, 121 L – Black (Black)
Eastpak are a leader in 2 wheel luggage. I’ve chosen the Eastpak Tranverz which is available in 19 colours. It also has a large 121 litre capacity. Made from durable polyester, it weighs just 3.6kg and features a TSA Approved lock and compression system. It has more than 30,800 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Samsonite Paradiver Light – Reisetasche/Rucksack mit 2 Rollen S, 55 cm, 51 L, Gelb (Yellow)
Samsonite are one of my favourite affordable luggage brands. My favourite 2 wheel checked luggage from Samsonite is the Paradiver. Made from durable Polyurethane and Polyester so it’s weather resistant, has a capacity of 121.5L and weighs just 2.9kg making it an ultra light checked suitcase. Organisation is minimal inside as it just has cross packing straps. Still, the Samsonite Paradiver is my editor’s choice.
£158.25
Buy on Amazon
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Upright 2 Wheel Checked Luggage, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Azure Blue, Checked Medium 26-Inch, Azure Blue, Checked-Medium 26-Inch, Maxlite 5 Softside
Another reliable affordable luggage brand name, the Travelpro Maxlite is another stand-out choice for best 2 wheeled checked luggage. The capacity is a little smaller than others on this list at 100L, but is expandable by 2 inches and weighs just 3.2kg. Travelpro also claim the exterior is water and stain resistant.
Sale
Briggs & Riley ZDX 69cm Medium 2 Wheel Upright Travel Duffle, Hunter
If you’re looking to upgrade, Briggs and Riley luggage will last you several years of travelling as it’s made from durable ballistic nylon. It’s also expandable by 2 inches, but is slightly heavier than other checked luggage on this list at 3.9kg. When not in use, the duffle folds down for easy storage.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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