When buying a suitcase, you’ll need to decide between a 2-wheel or 4-wheel model. It’s not an easy choice, as both have their pros and cons. But I definitely have a favourite!
About the author
My name is Sebastian, and I’ve been specialising in luggage since 2017. I test products, give honest advice, and help travellers find the best suitcases.
Suitcase with 4 wheels
4-wheel suitcases are the most common type today, and for good reason—they offer several key advantages. The biggest benefit is their excellent manoeuvrability. With 360-degree rotating wheels, the suitcase doesn’t need to be tilted, making it much easier to steer around corners. This is particularly useful in narrow aisles or crowded spaces.
Another advantage of 4-wheel suitcases is the wider range of options. There are far more models available compared to 2-wheel suitcases, and larger suitcases are often only sold with four wheels.
However, 4-wheel suitcases also have some drawbacks. On uneven surfaces or bumpy roads, they struggle over longer distances and can be harder to control.
Another downside is stability: If you leave a 4-wheel suitcase unattended, for example on the tube (subway) or a sloping street, it can roll away very easily, meaning you always have to keep hold of it.
Advantages of 4 wheels
Disadvantages of 4 wheels
Purchase recommendation for a 4-wheel suitcase
The Samsonite Neopulse, the test winner, has the best wheels in my suitcase test. Its four large, stable, rubberised wheels ensure a smooth and effortless rolling experience. Additionally, the wheels can be easily replaced if needed, adding to its durability.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Samsonite Neopulse Spinner 55, available in 4 sizes | £255.00 £196.35 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-06-24 at 01:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
The American Tourister Soundbox offers exceptional value for money. It features four large rubberised double wheels for seamless manoeuvrability. Made from high-quality polypropylene, it also boasts practical features and an impressively spacious capacity.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
American Tourist Soundbox 55, available in 3 sizes | £145.00 £103.56 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-06-24 at 01:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Suitcases with 2 wheels
Suitcases with 2 wheels have several key advantages. Their wheels are usually larger than those on 4-wheel models, making them more comfortable to pull over long distances and uneven surfaces. They also tend to be more durable, as the wheels are built into the frame and less exposed to damage. Additionally, 2-wheel suitcases remain stationary when parked, so they won’t roll away on slopes or public transport.
However, 2-wheel suitcases also have drawbacks. They must always be tilted to roll, which can quickly become tiring—especially with larger suitcases over 20 kg. Unlike 4-wheel suitcases, most of the weight is placed on your hand and arm, making them less manoeuvrable.
Another disadvantage is the limited selection. While some carry-on (S) models are still available, larger suitcases are rare—especially hard-shell designs, which are almost exclusively sold with 4 wheels.
Advantages of 2 wheels
Disadvantages of 2 wheels
Purchase recommendation for a 2-wheel suitcase
The Eastpak Tranverz performed exceptionally well in the suitcase test and was named the best value soft-shell suitcase. Its two large inline skate wheels ensure smooth and effortless rolling, even over long distances or uneven terrain. In addition to its spacious capacity, the Tranverz stands out with its lightweight design and high-quality craftsmanship. Unlike most two-wheel suitcases, it is available in four different sizes, offering maximum flexibility for any type or length of trip.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eastpak Tranverz L, 79x40x33 cm, 121 litres (available in 4 sizes) | £180.00 £114.05 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-06-24 at 01:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
If you’re looking for a compact carry-on suitcase with 2 wheels, the Samsonite Base Boost is a great option. Weighing just 2 kg and providing a generous 40-litre capacity, it ranks among the lightest in its class. Additionally, it offers excellent value for money given its high-quality craftsmanship.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Samsonite Base Boost Upright 55 | £101.25 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-06-24 at 01:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Conclusion: 2 or 4 wheels?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether 2 or 4 wheels are better. Your choice should depend on how and where you travel.
Personally, I prefer a 4-wheel suitcase for most trips. Since I usually travel by train or plane, I rarely have to pull my suitcase over long distances. A 4-wheel model is perfect for smooth surfaces, offering effortless manoeuvrability, especially in airports and train stations. However, it can struggle on rough terrain and needs to be held in place to avoid rolling away.
If you often have to pull your suitcase over long distances or travel on uneven surfaces, then a 2-wheel suitcase is the better choice. Its larger, built-in wheels are more robust and durable, making it easier to handle on bumpy streets, cobblestones, or outdoor paths. Unlike a 4-wheel suitcase, it stays put when parked, which can be a real advantage in public transport or on sloping streets.
More important than the number of wheels, though, is the overall build quality. When buying a suitcase, pay attention to the wheel size, material, and construction. Ideally, the wheels should be replaceable, so you can easily swap them in case of damage instead of replacing the entire suitcase.
Vote now: Which do you prefer?
Do you prefer 2 or 4 wheels? Cast your vote now and see the results instantly! Feel free to share your thoughts with the community in the comments.
Another disadvantage of 4-wheel suitcases is the wasted space around the wheels. This is particularly important for cabin luggage since the allowable onboard size includes the unusable space between the wheels.
That’s an interesting point you raise. It’s probably not possible to make a blanket statement, as 2-wheel suitcases don’t always automatically have more capacity than 4-wheel suitcases. However, within a luggage series, this is almost always the case.
For example, the Samsonite Base Boost featured in this post can be purchased with either 2 or 4 wheels. Despite identical dimensions, the Upright version with 2 wheels offers a whole 2 liters more volume.
Thank you for your addition.
Thank you for your excellent articles.
My own experience with four wheels has not been positive; two damaged four wheel (supposedly good quality) suitcases later and I would not get another one. Furthermore, I personally don’t find them as maneuverable or versatile as two wheels.
As you say, four wheels are good for short level distances but just can’t cope with rougher terrain. I rarely need to take a taxi from home as I live 10 minutes away from a tube station and even the short walk on the old London pavements causes problems.
My destinations tend to be smaller places or older European cities and even if I take a taxi from the airport an amount of walking on surfaces such as cobblestones or track is often necessary. I had a Samsonite four wheel that lasted one trip and the wheels got damaged, it was returned under warranty but the next one had similar issues just three trips later, so I went back to two wheels (I’ve never had these problems in 40+ years of travelling all over the world with two wheels, my previous suitcases have simply died of old age).
Maybe there’s a model out there with hybrid wheels? two larger and more robust ones at the back that can cope with rougher terrain?
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience!
It sounds like a two-wheeled suitcase is indeed more suited to your needs, especially considering the types of terrain you often encounter. Your feedback highlights an important factor for many travelers to consider when choosing luggage.
As for a suitcase with hybrid wheels, I’m not aware of any that combine different wheel types to address this issue. It’s an interesting idea, though likely technically challenging to implement.