Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner Review

The Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner's greatest appeal is its price. It's a very basic double-wheeled spinner that offers ample space and performs well enough to get you through light travel.

Performance Comparison

Capacity

The Amazon Basics isn't going to offer up a lot of extra features when it comes to storing your gear.

Based on our measurements, this 6.6-pound spinner provides you with 36 liters of internal storage. This is on the lower end when directly compared against the rest of the bags on our list. However, it is still adequate real estate for most needs, but if you need a little more volume, the Delsey Paris Helium Aero (42.5 liters) or SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21-Inch (41.2 liters) are two reasonably priced hardshells that will get you there.

In standard form, one half of the bag is enclosed with a fabric panel, while the other is home to a small accessory pocket and two crisscrossed elasticized restraint straps.

A couple of additional mesh pockets are inlaid in that same interior panel as well, although we found they yielded limited benefits due to their smaller size. In short, the Amazon Basics does, in fact, serve up the basics.

Ease of Transport

The Amazon Basics isn't going to wow you with special features or a liquid-smooth ride. However, we were somewhat impressed with its large, double-wheeled spinner wheels. Generally, bags at this price point sport the same undersized, inadequate, rattly wheels.

During our testing, we found that this bag's wheels offered significant clearance and decent maneuverability across standard flat terrain. However, they definitely fell short on quality and performance when we compared them side by side with the double spinners on the Away The Carry-On — a moderately priced carry-on that was one of our favorites.

Reasonable haul handles make carrying the case a relatively comfortable task when dealing with spaces and distances or loading it into cars or planes. Additionally, the top and side handles sit high on the bag and double as impromptu bumper rails, if the bag takes accidental tumbles down a flight of stairs.

The Amazon Basics is pulled by a very basic trolley handle. It offers three height settings and is a little wobbly, although our tests proved it to be sturdy enough during many weeks of tugging, yanking, and throttling. On the negative side, this bag's shell has zero protection and makes direct contact with stairs and curbs. Many hard-sided carry-ons avoid this problem with a broader wheelbase, which allows the spinners themselves to act as bumper rails. The Amazon Basics wheels sit directly under the case, so the bag itself grinds against surfaces. The resulting damages are only cosmetic, but we still feel this lack of protection is not ideal.

During the weeks of rolling our Amazon Basics in airports, sidewalks, and even dirt roads, we noted it has a rather smooth, steady ride. This bag certainly doesn't have the cruising ability of the premium bags on our list, but it does roll rather well. Additionally, we appreciated not having to constantly correct its flight path, as it rolls relatively straight, without pulling to one side or the other. During our more controlled tests, we saw the same results. The Amazon Basics was able to walk the line well, though it did tend to twirl.

Construction Quality

The Amazon Basics we tested was passably durable. Generally, bags at this price point have flimsy shells that are easily damaged. However, for a short stint, our bag's shell was constructed of higher-quality polycarbonate. Unfortunately, current specs on the bag show the manufacturer has returned to using a weaker, inferior form of plastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which leaves us questioning its overall resilience.

The Amazon Basics performed well during our drop and tumble tests. We dropped this bag flat onto its back from three feet in the air and then pushed it down a flight of concrete stairs a few times. Neither test produced any major damage, but we did see some scuffs.

We also found the Amazon Basics to be somewhat watertight. During our water tests, we drenched it with hose water for six minutes and then checked its interior for moisture. We were very pleased to find it mostly dry. The paper towel we placed in its storage compartment was only slightly dotted with water.

Design and Functionality

As previously stated, the Amazon Basics holds true to its name: it's basic. It has a standard interior, average fabrics, common construction, and middle-of-the-road performance. Few bragging rights come to mind when we consider this bag for its overall design and function.

Although there are no stand-out features worth mentioning, we can say this bag has a nice look. In fact, its corrugated exterior makes it appear a little more expensive than its true cost. And although it doesn't stand out as excellent, it also isn't bad. It's simply a very basic bag made for very uncomplicated, infrequent travel.

Should You Buy the Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner?

If you don't travel frequently and you are looking for a cheap carry-on for that once-in-a-decade trip, the Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner performs well enough to get you where you're going. Additionally, if you're planning a family trip and are facing the daunting task of outfitting everyone with carry-on luggage, this bag is an affordable option, especially for kids. However, it is far from being indestructible, so use it with care. This bag isn't designed for extensive travel, so we wouldn't recommend it to jet-setters who routinely circle the globe.

What Other Carry-On Luggage Should You Consider?

Hitting the pavement with the Amazon Basics carry-on isn't particularly noteworthy for any reason other than price. So, if you'd prefer better construction quality, please note that for a small uptick in cost, you can score a sturdier bag that will hang equally well on quick work retreats or long weekends away with friends. Check out the versatile soft-sided SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21-Inch that offers similar quality and functionality at a reasonable price. We also really like the Delsey Paris Helium Aero. Some people are opting out altogether on traditional carry-ons. So, if a small traditional backpack is more your vibe, take a look at our review on the best daypacks.