“Are 4 wheel suitcases better than 2?” It can feel like a tricky question since each have their pros and cons.
Below you will find all the answers to your questions on 4 wheel and 2 wheel suitcases. We will discuss the benefits and limitations of each, as well as some of our top recommendations. Then you can prepare for your trip with peace of mind, knowing that you are taking the best suitcase for your travels.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Yes, there are many reasons in favor of choosing a 4 wheel suitcase for your trip. Consider these:
- 4 wheel suitcases are much easier to maneuver and manage than a 2 wheel suitcase. They make life even easier if you have to navigate more than one case. This makes them an absolute win for getting through airports.
- 4 wheel suitcases require a lot less effort to wheel than a 2 wheel suitcase. More wheels means you don’t have to pull the case if you would rather push. Better yet you can let it glide calmly beside you.
- 4 wheel suitcases are designed for better overall balance and stability. This makes it a much better choice when it comes to packing. A poorly packed 2 wheel suitcase runs the risk of tipping over.
- 4 wheel suitcases can be pushed in front of you, unlike 2 wheel suitcases. This is perfect for when you want to keep your eyes on your belongings in crowded spaces.
Now let’s dive a little deeper in this 2 wheel vs 4 wheel luggage debate.
4 wheels are much easier to maneuver when travelling. If your top priority is navigating through airports quickly, then a 4 wheel suitcase is definitely for you. They can glide through surfaces effortlessly. This means much less work for you.
You can get places quicker because it is easier to push or pull a 4 wheel suitcase. If you are in a rush to get to your gate, this type of suitcase allows you to pick up the pace and never miss a flight.
Here are my recommendations of the Best Hardside Luggage in 2023.
What makes 4 wheel suitcases a better choice than 2 wheels, is the fact that less effort is needed to move them. No one wants to be struggling and grunting their way through an airport with a resistant 2 wheel suitcase.
If you choose a 4 wheel suitcase, you can wheel your suitcase beside you with very little effort.
4 wheel luggage have better design stability
Another reason to go with a 4 wheel suitcase over a 2 wheel is that it’s much more stable in design. This is because with 4 wheels there are 4 points of contact with the ground.
No one enjoys packing. But it will be a much more enjoyable experience with a 4 wheel suitcase. The weight in the 4 wheel suitcase is distributed evenly. So say goodbye to the stress of trying to pack larger or bulkier items.
Even if you pack your 4 wheel suitcase poorly, it still won’t tip over when standing up.
RELATED – Here are my recommendations of the Best Luggage for International Travel n 2023.
Visibility and safety is better with 4 wheel suitcases
Everyone has been worried about the safety of their suitcase. After all, it contains many important possessions. With a 4 wheel suitcase you can push it ahead of you and even keep your backpack or purse stored on top.
You can also move it down train or plane aisles in front of you which is an added bonus.
Having your case visible in front also means you can reduce the chances that will be damaged. Plus, it’s a lot safer – the risk of anyone tripping over your case is minimal.
When 2 wheel suitcases are better
Although using a 4 wheel suitcase is more often the much better option, there are some limitations which should be considered.
In some situations, it would actually be preferable to use a 2 wheel suitcase in favor of a 4 wheel. Consider the following:
- 2 wheel suitcases are more favourable for navigating around difficult surfaces. Imagine how much harder travelling across dirt roads or cobblestones would be with a 4 wheel suitcase.
- A 2 wheel suitcase is less likely to break its wheels compared with a 4 wheel suitcase. The design of a 2 wheel suitcase keeps the wheels flush with the body of the case for more safety.
- 2 wheel suitcases can’t roll away from you at higher speeds like a 4 wheel suitcase. If you let go of your 2 wheel suitcase, it won’t go very far, which reduces damage.
2 wheel suitcases are easier to maneuver on different surfaces
Different destinations means a range of different surfaces.
4 wheel suitcase wheels rotate 360 degrees and are housed in casing. This makes them more problematic on uneven surfaces such as dirt roads, cobblestones, or grass. In these situations, a 2 wheel suitcase would be much easier to maneuver around.
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No one wants to buy a brand new suitcase, only to risk it breaking on your first trip. The problem with 4 wheel suitcases is that the wheels are completely exposed. Luckily, the 2 wheel suitcases have wheels which sit more flush to the body of the case.
This means less chance of your wheels being broken in transit. No one wants the frustration of continuing their travels with a missing wheel.
4 wheel suitcases can move a lot quicker than 2 wheel suitcases if given the chance to run away! Imagine waiting on a sloped hill for a taxi, and you let go of your 4 wheel suitcase for just a second.
Before you know it, it’s flying downhill into fast-moving traffic. With a 2 wheel suitcase you don’t have this issue. If you let it go, it wouldn’t go very far and would quickly fall down.
Top 4 wheel luggage recommendations
Ready to purchase your 4 wheel suitcase for the most memorable trip yet? With lots of great choices out there, it can feel a little daunting to decide.
We have taken some of the guesswork out, with 4 excellent choices for a comfortable journey.
1. Away Carry-On
This is one of the best choices overall for a 4 wheel, rolling suitcase. It has a very sturdy shell but is designed in a way that makes it feel light.
There is a handy nylon bag inside the case as well as a USB charger. With the warranty Away will fix or replace any functional damage to the outside shell, wheels, handles or zippers.
Pros:
- Polycarbonate hard-shell
- Compression dividers
- 360-degree spinner wheels
- Limited lifetime warranty
Away is one of my best luggage set, and The Away The Large Aluminum luggage is one of my top recommendation of the most durable luggage for international travel.
2. Rimowa Essential Cabin Case
This is the top choice for those who fly frequently and has many excellent features like the Away Carry-On. Although a bit more expensive, it is definitely worth the price for those taking frequent trips.
The wheels spin exceptionally well, especially through airports and hotel lobbies. It also has a durable, yet lightweight design and will keep all your belongings highly protected.
Pros
- Polycarbonate hard-shell
- Compression dividers
- 360-degree spinner wheels
- 5-year manufacturer’s guarantee
Related- Are Rimowa Suitcases Worth It? Everything You Need to Know
3. Beis The Carry-On Roller
This 4 wheel suitcase is our top choice for those people who tend to overpack. The body expands up to 12 inches and has a built-in weight limit indicator. It activates when you lift the suitcase by the side-carry handle. This is a great feature to ensure you don’t go over checked bag limits.
With 360-degree spinner wheels it is easy to wheel throughout the airport and compression dividers help you to pack perfectly.
Pros
- Polycarbonate hard-shell
- Compression dividers
- 360-degree spinner wheels
- Limited lifetime warranty
RELATED – My top recommendations for the most durable and well-designed carry-on luggage!
4. Gurhodvo Kids’ Carry-On Luggage with Wheels
We couldn’t forget those families which travel with kids! This is the best choice of a 4 wheel suitcase for carry-on luggage and children. It can easily hold important items for kids such as clothes, books, and their favourite soft toys.
There are some great features like a built-in lock, smooth spinner wheels, and a telescoping handle.
Pros
- ABS and polycarbonate hard-shell
- Compression strap
- 360-degree spinner wheels
- 100 percent risk-free satisfaction guarantee
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How to take care of your suitcase wheels
After you purchase a quality suitcase you want to ensure its longevity. To do this you must take care of the inside and outside. The wheels in particular take quite a beating, being spun around frequently throughout your travels.
You probably think this job of cleaning the wheels would be irritating, but it is actually quite easy to do. Here are a few simple DIY steps.
- Take off the screws from your suitcase wheels by using a screwdriver.
- Next, you simply push away the bearings from the suitcase wheels. Your hands will get a little greasy here!
- After taking off the bearings, clean them with a cotton cloth. Never use any water to clean the wheels and make sure no dirt gets inside the bearings. Both of these would impact the wheels’ functionality.
- Once the bearings are all clean you can apply some sewing machine oil to ensure they are working smoothly.
- Now that the bearings are clean, it is time to take care of the wheels. Remove any dirt and use soap if needed to help.
- With everything clean, it is now time to reassemble the bearings back together and then the wheels. Use your trusty screwdriver again, and make sure you place the wheels in their correct position.
July makes the best luggage set for women, while the brand’s Carry-On Light is my top recommendation as one of the lightest carry-on luggage for travel.
Final thoughts – are 4 wheels suitcases are better than 2?
So which is better: 2 wheel or 4 wheel luggage?
In general, I think 4 wheels suitcases are better than 2 wheel luggage for a few reasons.
4 wheel suitcases tend to be more stable and easier to handle than 2 wheel suitcases. They’re less likely to tip over when you’re trying to roll them, and they move more smoothly overall. This can be especially helpful if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or need to navigate tight spaces.
2 wheel suitcases are however more favorable for navigating around difficult surfaces and are less likely to break the wheels compared with a 4 wheel suitcase.
Over to you.
Are 4 wheels suitcases better than 2? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
For any other general luggage-related questions, you are sure to find some answers in my Ultimate Guide to Carry-on Luggage and the Ultimate Guide to Checked Luggage posts.
