Calpak vs Béis: Which Carry-On Is Worth It?
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Last updated: November 2026
Calpak vs Béis is one of the most common luggage match-ups for a simple reason: both brands sell good-looking polycarbonate suitcases at similar prices, and both are all over social media. But once you look past the colors, they differ in ways that matter a lot more at the gate: size, capacity, warranty and how easy it is to return a bag you don’t love.
In this comparison I put the CALPAK Ambeur Carry-On against two BÉIS carry-ons, The Carry-On Roller and The Small Carry-On Roller, using the specs and policies each brand publishes on its own website.
Quick verdict
- Choose the BÉIS Small Carry-On Roller if you fly American, Delta, United, JetBlue or Alaska and want a lifetime warranty. At 21 × 13 × 9 inches including wheels, it’s the safest fit of the three.
- Choose the BÉIS Carry-On Roller if you mostly fly Southwest or Frontier and want as much space as possible: 49 liters, expanding to 61.
- Choose the CALPAK Ambeur if you want an expandable bag that fits the standard limit, more color options, and the lowest price, and you’re comfortable with a shorter 2-year warranty.
Calpak vs Béis at a glance
| CALPAK Ambeur Carry-On | BÉIS The Carry-On Roller | BÉIS The Small Carry-On Roller | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular price* | $245 | $268 | $248 |
| Exterior size (in) | 21.5 × 14 × 9 | 22.83 × 15.7 × 10 | 21 × 13 × 9 |
| Fits 22 × 14 × 9? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Weight | 7.6 lbs | 7.81 lbs | 7.16 lbs |
| Capacity | 39.2 L | 49 L (61 L expanded) | 33.5 L |
| Expandable | Yes, up to 2 in | Yes, up to 2 in | Not listed |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| Returns | 30 days, unused | 45 days, unused | 45 days, unused |
*Regular US prices on each brand’s website in November 2026. Both brands run frequent sales, and discounted items are often final sale. Check the current price and return terms before you buy.
Size: which ones actually fit in the overhead bin?
This is the biggest difference between the two brands’ carry-ons, and it’s easy to miss because both are sold as “carry-on” bags.
The CALPAK Ambeur measures 21.5 × 14 × 9 inches, which fits within the 22 × 14 × 9-inch limit used by most major US airlines.
The BÉIS Carry-On Roller measures 22.83 × 15.7 × 10 inches. That’s larger than the standard limit in all three dimensions. It does fit Southwest’s and Frontier’s bigger 24 × 16 × 10-inch limit, but on other airlines you’re relying on the gate agent not to measure it.
The BÉIS Small Carry-On Roller measures 21 × 13 × 9 inches, and BÉIS states this includes the wheels and handle. It’s the most comfortable fit of the three, with room to spare in height and width.
For a full breakdown by airline, see my guide to the best carry-on luggage.
Weight and capacity
All three bags weigh between roughly 7 and 8 lbs empty, so weight isn’t a deciding factor here. The Small Carry-On Roller is the lightest at 7.16 lbs, followed by the Ambeur at 7.6 lbs and the Carry-On Roller at 7.81 lbs.
Capacity is where they spread out:
- BÉIS Carry-On Roller: 49 L, or 61 L expanded. The most space by far, which is exactly why it runs large.
- CALPAK Ambeur: 39.2 L, plus up to 2 inches of expansion. A good middle ground for a standard-size carry-on.
- BÉIS Small Carry-On Roller: 33.5 L. Best for weekend trips or for travelers who pack light.
If you want a bag that fits the standard limit and still holds a week of clothes, the Ambeur’s mix of size and expansion is hard to beat in this match-up.
Features and organization
BÉIS leans into practical extras. Both BÉIS rollers have a built-in weight indicator, which is genuinely useful if you also fly airlines with carry-on weight limits. You also get an internal AirTag pocket, compression straps, a cushioned trolley handle, and a strap or hook on the handle for hanging a second bag (rated to 30 lbs on the Carry-On Roller and 15 lbs on the Small Carry-On Roller).
CALPAK keeps things simpler: a built-in TSA lock, interior organizer pockets, 360° spinner wheels and expansion. Where CALPAK stands out is choice. The Ambeur comes in a wide range of colors and finishes, with matching medium and large sizes if you want a full set.
Both brands use polycarbonate shells and TSA-approved locks.
Warranty: the biggest difference
If you plan to keep your suitcase for years, this section matters more than color or capacity.
| CALPAK | BÉIS | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2-year limited (on the Ambeur) | Limited lifetime (the reasonable lifespan of the bag) |
| What’s covered | Defects in materials and workmanship | Shell cracks and breaks; broken wheels, handles and zippers; fabric tears beyond normal wear |
| Airline damage | Not covered | Not covered |
| Cosmetic wear | Not covered | Not covered |
| Claim cost | $24.95 servicing fee for luggage, and you pay shipping to CALPAK | No claim fee listed; BÉIS sends a prepaid label after approval |
| Remedy | Repair or replacement | Replacement |
BÉIS is the clear winner on paper: longer coverage, specific components listed, and no claim fee. Two caveats apply to both brands. Neither covers damage caused by airlines, so you’d need to file that claim with the airline at the airport. And BÉIS only covers luggage bought directly from BÉIS or an authorized retailer, so be careful with marketplace sellers.
Returns
CALPAK accepts returns of unused items within 30 days. For luggage in the contiguous US, there’s a $24.95 return shipping fee, and you get one free exchange.
BÉIS gives you 45 days to return new, unused items bought on its website. Refunds have a $10 handling fee deducted.
For both brands, sale items are usually final sale. At the time of writing, discounted colors on both sites were marked as non-returnable. If you’re unsure about size or color, it can be worth paying full price for the return window.
Price
At regular prices, the three bags are within about $25 of each other: $245 for the Ambeur, $248 for the Small Carry-On Roller and $268 for the Carry-On Roller. In practice, both brands discount often, especially around Black Friday, so the cheaper bag on any given day depends on the current sale. When prices are close, BÉIS’s lifetime warranty adds real long-term value.
Calpak or Béis: which should you buy?
Buy the BÉIS Small Carry-On Roller if you fly major airlines with the 22 × 14 × 9-inch limit, you pack fairly light, and you want the strongest warranty.
Buy the BÉIS Carry-On Roller if you mostly fly Southwest or Frontier, or you’re happy to check your bag when needed, and you want maximum space.
Buy the CALPAK Ambeur if you want a standard-size bag with expansion for longer trips, you care about color and matching sets, or you find it on a good sale. Just factor in the 2-year warranty.
How I compared them
I haven’t personally tested these three suitcases. This comparison is based on the dimensions, weights, capacities, warranty terms and return policies published on the CALPAK and BÉIS websites in November 2026. I’ll update it as products and policies change. If you own one of these bags, I’d love to hear how it has held up.
FAQ
Is Béis better than Calpak?
It depends on what you value. BÉIS offers a limited lifetime warranty and more built-in extras like a weight indicator and AirTag pocket. CALPAK offers expansion on a standard-size carry-on, more color options and a slightly lower regular price, with a 2-year warranty.
Does the Béis carry-on fit in the overhead bin?
The BÉIS Carry-On Roller (22.83 × 15.7 × 10 inches) is larger than the 22 × 14 × 9-inch limit at most major US airlines, but it fits Southwest’s and Frontier’s 24 × 16 × 10-inch limit. The BÉIS Small Carry-On Roller (21 × 13 × 9 inches) fits the standard limit.
Is the Calpak Ambeur carry-on size?
Yes. At 21.5 × 14 × 9 inches, it fits within the standard US carry-on limit when it isn’t expanded.
Which is lighter, Calpak or Béis?
They’re close. The BÉIS Small Carry-On Roller weighs 7.16 lbs, the CALPAK Ambeur 7.6 lbs and the BÉIS Carry-On Roller 7.81 lbs.
Do Calpak and Béis warranties cover airline damage?
No. Both brands exclude damage caused by airlines. If your bag is damaged in transit, report it to the airline before you leave the airport.
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