Away luggage costs more than Monos, but is it better?
Anyone who tends to overpack knows how important it is to find the right suitcase. Two of the most popular brands online, Monos and Away, offer sleek, stylish hardshell suitcases that can make packing for your next trip a little easier. But choosing between the two lines can be tricky because they’re pretty similar.
Both brands offer a range of carry-on and checked bag sizes, so you can find a size that fits your needs. Monos and Away suitcases also feature polycarbonate exteriors designed to withstand the wear and tear of regular travel and interior compartments that help organize your belongings. Their multidirectional spinner wheels also allow them to glide over various surfaces, and their TSA-approved locks let you secure your belongings without running into trouble with airport security.
But how do the brands compare when it comes to actual travel? The BestReviews Testing Lab put bags from Monos and Away to work in real-world conditions to see which models are best for regular travelers. We tested how easy both were to pack, how durable their materials were, how easy they were to move over different terrains and how their design enhanced our overall travel experience.
Ultimately, we liked both brands’ luggage, but the Monos took our top spot for its high-quality, durable construction and organization options. Our favorite was the Monos Carry-On, which stood out for its efficient interior packing system and durable exterior that held up well to our travel tests.
Monos vs. Away: What they do well
Makers of beautifully crafted luggage, Away came first in 2015 followed by Monos in 2018.
Monos and Away bags have many of the same features, so it’s no surprise that many of their highlights match up. However, each brand has unique features that may make one a better fit for your next trip.
Monos benefits
- Durable polycarbonate shell: Monos luggage has a high-quality polycarbonate shell made from partially recycled materials. It’s water-resistant and helps protect your belongings from damage during travel. During our testing, we found that the Carry-On held up extremely well to air travel and didn’t scratch as easily as other luggage with similar exteriors.
- 360-degree spinner wheels: Monos bags have 360-degree wheels that allow the luggage to move easily over all surfaces. The Carry-On glided effortlessly over all types of terrain during our testing trip, and we found that they were some of the best we’ve seen on suitcases we’ve used.
- TSA-approved lock: All Monos suitcases have TSA-approved locks, so you can secure your belongings without worrying about the Transportation Security Administration ruining your bag during a check.
- Built-in compression pad: Monos bags come with a built-in compression pad and a zippered pocket to help you maximize the number of items you can fit inside the suitcases. The pad is removable, though, if you prefer to organize your luggage in another way.
- Four adjustable heights for telescopic handles: Like most roller suitcases, Monos bags have a telescopic trolley handle that makes them easy to maneuver. However, unlike other luggage with only two or three height options, Monos offers four height settings for their handles. We also found that the Carry-On’s handle was easier to expand and retract than other suitcases we tested.
- Included accessories: Monos luggage comes with accessories that similar luggage brands don’t include. They include an antimicrobial laundry bag and two shoe bags, which made our packing easier when using the Monos Carry-On.
- Limited lifetime warranty: Monos luggage is covered by a limited lifetime warranty, so you can feel comfortable investing in it, even if you travel regularly.
Away benefits
- Lightweight, polycarbonate shell: Away suitcases have an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell that is both lightweight and durable. During testing, our Away The Bigger Carry-On fell down a long escalator at the airport, and other than a couple of minor scratches, neither the bag nor its contents were damaged.
- 360-degree spinner wheels: Away luggage has 360-degree spinner wheels that allow it to roll smoothly over all surfaces and terrains. We were impressed by how well the Bigger Carry-On moved over cobblestones in London during a testing trip, but the Away Carry-On also glided effortlessly over multiple surfaces without tipping over or the wheels jamming.
- TSA-approved lock: Away bags come with a lock that protects your luggage while still providing easy security-check access.
- Interior compression system: Away suitcases feature an interior compression system that helps maximize the interior space to ensure you can fit everything you need. Thanks to the compression system, we fit two weeks’ worth of outfits in the Away Bigger Carry-On and a week’s worth of clothes in the Away Carry-on.
- Additional underside grab handle: Besides the traditional telescopic trolley handle, Away suitcases have an additional underside grab handle that makes them easier to pick up and lift. It’s especially handy when pulling your luggage from the baggage claim carousel.
- Limited lifetime warranty: Like Monos, Away offers a limited lifetime warranty on its bags, so you can have confidence in your purchase.
What they could improve
Monos and Away both make high-quality luggage that performed well during our testing, but each brand has some weaknesses. If you’re having trouble deciding between the two, consider whether these drawbacks are deal-breakers.
Monos drawbacks
- Scuffs easily: The polycarbonate shell on Monos bags features a smooth matte finish that looks incredibly stylish. However, the surface is highly prone to scuffs, and we found they showed up very easily on the shell during our testing.
- Sticky handle: While we love that Monos luggage’s telescopic handle has four height settings, we discovered that the Monos Carry-On’s handle tended to stick when we packed the bag completely full. To get the handle to move, we had to squeeze the sides of the suitcase with considerable force.
Away drawbacks
- Price: Depending on the model you choose, Away bags are slightly higher priced than Monos luggage. Since we don’t see a noticeable difference in quality, the added expense isn’t worth it.
- Fewer compartments: Away bags have fewer specialty compartments and pockets than Monos suitcases, making packing and organizing your belongings more difficult.
Top Monos models
Monos has made a name for itself with its premium luggage, which offers the perfect combination of form and function. The Monos Carry-On impressed us as a design-forward bag that was incredibly easy to travel with, and the Carry-On Pro Plus improves the design with more packing room and an external pocket.
Monos Carry-On
Monos is the first luggage brand to earn Climate Neutral Certification, so it is committed to eliminating carbon emissions in the manufacturing of its bags.
Product specifications
Dimensions: 14″ W x 9” D x 22″ H | Capacity: 39.9 L | Weight: 7.01 lb | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No
The Monos Carry-On is a hardshell bag with a polycarbonate exterior designed to withstand the rigors of regular travel. We were struck by its simple chic design that won’t look dated in a few years like some other trendier bags. But its high-quality construction is what really blew us away. The polycarbonate shell showed some scratches after our testing, but otherwise, it held up well, with no functional issues developing during our travels. The bag is a standard carry-on size, too, so we easily fit it in overhead compartments. Best of all, its lightweight materials made it very easy to lift into the bin during air travel.
With two compartments and three included bags, we also found the Monos Carry-On made packing very easy. We could easily fit two to five days’ worth of outfits in the bag, and it was easy to keep our clean clothes separated from our dirty items. The organizational layout also allowed us to unpack more quickly, which can be very convenient when you just want to start enjoying your trip.
The Monos Carry-On’s telescopic handle and spinner wheels are also standout features. The handle was easier to expand than those on other similar bags we’ve tried and offered four height options. We ran into some trouble when trying to extend the handle completely when the bag was overpacked, though, and had to push on the sides to get it to go up. The 360-degree wheels were some of the best we’ve experienced on luggage, so we could smoothly pull and push the bag over all surfaces, even when in a rush.
Monos Carry-On Pro Plus
Monos offers a 100-day trial for all its luggage, so you can test the size and design of any bag you’re interested in without committing to the purchase.
Product specifications
Dimensions: 15″ W x 9.5” D x 23″ H | Capacity: 46 L | Weight: 8.38 lb | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No
The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is very similar to the standard Carry-On but larger with more features. It has a 46-liter capacity compared to the Carry-On’s 39.9 liters, but it is still designed to fit the overhead bins of most major airlines. It weighs just over 8 pounds, too, so it’s easy to lift and carry when necessary.
However, what really sets the Carry-On Pro Plus apart is its built-in front compartment that provides easy access to items you might need while traveling. It can hold a 16-inch laptop or tablet and even has three zippered pouches to hold essentials like your phone and passport. The front pocket also has a lockable zipper, so your belongings are always secure. Best of all, the compartment is made with aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate like the rest of the bag’s exterior, giving you peace of mind that your items are protected.
Like the Monos Carry-On, the Carry-On Pro Plus also has high-quality 360-degree spinner wheels that make it easy to pull across all terrain types during your travels. It has a built-in removable compression pad with a zippered pocket to help you maximize space inside the bag, so you have enough room to pack for at least a seven- to 10-day trip.
Top Away models
Away is known for its simple, stylish luggage, which has gained favorite status across social media platforms. We tested the Away Carry-On and the Away Bigger Carry-On and loved how easy both were to maneuver even on rougher terrain.
Away Carry-On
Away bags are water-resistant but not treated to be waterproof. If you wind up traveling in the rain, though, you don’t have to worry about your suitcase getting damaged.
Product specifications
Dimensions: 14.4″ W x 9” D x 21.7” H | Capacity: 39.8 L | Weight: 7.5 lb | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No
The Away The Carry-On has a polycarbonate shell designed for durability, and we found that it mostly lived up to those expectations. When we performed drop tests, the bag never suffered any dents or functional issues. Its zippers and wheels never gave us any trouble, either. However, the exterior developed some scratches despite its rough texture. The overall build quality was impressive, though. The interior was large and had organization mesh pockets and compression straps to help maximize the space. We fit a week’s worth of clothes in the bag without trouble.
The Carry-On’s wheels and handle were also standout features. The 360-degree spinner wheels glided effortlessly over various terrains even when packed with nearly 20 pounds of items. They didn’t jam on uneven surfaces, and we never had any problem with the bag tipping over. Its telescopic trolley handle was equally smooth, pulling out quickly and easily whenever we needed it. Overall, walking while pulling the Carry-On was extremely comfortable, even when we were in a rush.
We were also very pleased with the large-capacity laundry bag that came with the Carry-On. We could easily fit all our dirty items inside to separate them from our clean clothes. Our only real issue with the bag is its price. Away bags are some of the most expensive, and the Carry-On is a great bag, but you can find many similar suitcases at a cheaper price.
Away Bigger Carry-On
Most stains and scuffs on an Away suitcase can easily be cleaned up with gentle soap and water. If you have a mark, you can’t remove with soap and water, you can usually use a magic eraser to get it off.
Product specifications
Dimensions: 15.4″ W x 9.6” D x 22.7” H | Capacity: 47.9 L | Weight: 7.9 lb | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No
The Away Bigger Carry-On is nearly identical to the Away Carry-On, only larger. It has a nearly 48-liter capacity, which we found was large enough to hold up to two weeks’ worth of cold-weather outfits. Its compression system certainly helped us maximize our space, but we did find ourselves wishing it had a few more specialty compartments to help us organize our belongings. The larger size didn’t prevent us from using it as a carry-on, though. It fit in the overhead bin on both Virgin Air and Delta flights without any issues.
Like the Carry-On, the Bigger Carry-On has a polycarbonate shell that can help protect your belongings from damage. During testing, it fell down an extra-tall escalator at Los Angeles International Airport. Afterward, it had no dents or significant damage other than minor scratches. The items inside weren’t damaged, either. But perhaps most impressive was the Bigger Carry-On’s wheel performance. It moved smoothly and easily over all terrain types, even cobblestones. Overall, it was one of the easiest suitcases to maneuver we’ve used.
We are also fans of the Away Bigger Carry-On’s simple but sophisticated appearance that doesn’t have any overly trendy details. So, while it is one of the more expensive suitcases we considered, its extra capacity and impact resistance make it a pretty good value, especially if you travel regularly.
Monos Carry-On vs. Away Carry-On
The Monos Carry-On and the Away Carry-On are pretty similar bags. They are nearly the same size and capacity, though the Away suitcase weighs just under a half-pound more. They both feature 360-degree spinner wheels that make pushing and pulling them over even bumpy surfaces incredibly easy. Both also have a durable polycarbonate shell and a TSA-approved lock to keep your belongings secure.
However, the Away Carry-On’s exterior seemed more prone to scratches than the Monos Carry-On. Yet, the Monos’ telescopic handle got stuck when the bag was overpacked during our testing, and the Away’s handle smoothly went in and out even when the bag was full. The Monos bag is $20 cheaper than the Away, so it seems a better value overall and the better option for most travelers. Overpackers may prefer the Away Carry-On, though, since its handle doesn’t get jammed when stuffed full of items.
Monos Carry-On Pro Plus vs. Away Bigger Carry-On
While the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus and Away The Bigger Carry-On share many similarities, they each offer unique features. Both bags have a durable polycarbonate shell, TSA-approved lock and multidirectional spinner wheels that make maneuvering effortless. They also feature compression details that help maximize the space inside.
However, the Away Bigger Carry-On is slightly larger than the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus. It has a 47.9-liter capacity compared to the Monos’ 46-liter capacity. Despite being slightly larger, it weighs almost a half-pound less, which can be a big difference when packing a larger bag. It also has an underside grab handle to make lifting it into an overhead bin a little easier. However, the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus has a convenient front pocket that can secure a laptop or tablet, as well as your phone, passport or other essentials, with easy access when you need to grab them. The Monos costs $20 more, though, so if you don’t use the pocket too often, the Away bag may be a better value.
Monos vs. Away functionality
Monos and Away bags are both quite popular on social media, so it’s no surprise that they share many common features. But if you’re trying to choose between the two, it helps to understand how they compare in key areas to figure out which is best for your next trip.
Durability and build quality comparison
Monos and Away suitcases both have polycarbonate shells to improve their durability. The bags we tested from both brands felt sturdy and well-made, so they held up well to regular travel during our testing.
The Monos Carry-On, Away Carry-On and the Away Bigger Carry-On all suffered minor scratches during our travels, which is pretty common among bags with a polycarbonate exterior. However, we were surprised that the Monos scuffed more easily than the Away bags because it has a smooth matte finish. The Away suitcases have a rougher exterior texture that can easily hide that type of damage.
Neither the Monos nor Away bags were dented during our testing, so we found them highly impact-resistant. The Away Bigger Carry-On was particularly impressive when it came to its dent resistance. It fell down a tall airport escalator during testing but only suffered a few scratches. All the bag’s components were still functional, and our belongings inside weren’t damaged, either.
Design and features comparison
Both the Monos and Away bags have fairly simple, sophisticated designs, so they are similar in appearance. However, the Monos bags’ exterior has a smooth, matte finish, while the Away bags’ shells are textured. The brands both offer mainly neutral or muted shades for their luggage, as well as seasonal and limited-edition colors that are bolder and more eye-catching.
The layout of Monos and Away suitcases are also similar. Both open into two compartments and feature zippered pockets to help you organize your belongings. The Monos Carry-On also came with three bags — a laundry bag and two shoe bags — which we found made packing and unpacking much easier. On the other hand, the Away Carry-On and Bigger Carry-On only came with a laundry bag, though the Away Carry-On’s had an extra-large capacity that was very convenient.
Maneuverability and travel convenience comparison
With 360-degree spinner wheels, Monos and Away bags are extremely easy to maneuver. The Monos Carry-On has some of the best wheels on a suitcase we’ve used, so we had no trouble pulling it over various floor surfaces. The Away Carry-On was just as impressive, smoothly gliding over all terrains. But the Away Bigger Carry-On may have been the easiest to maneuver — we easily pulled it across uneven cobblestones without the wheels getting stuck.
When it comes to travel convenience, though, the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus may take the cake. In addition to its high-performance wheels, it has a front pocket that provides easy access to essentials like your phone and passport. It even has a compartment large enough to hold a laptop or tablet, as well as a locking zipper to keep your items safe.
Pricing
The Monos Carry-On typically retails for $255 and is available at Monos. The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus usually costs $315 and can also be found on Monos. The Carry-On is an especially good value because it offers many of the same features as higher-priced competitors at a cheaper price. The Carry-On Pro Plus offers the same durability and quality construction as the Carry-On, but it isn’t as large as similar carry-on bags. The easily accessible front pocket may be worth the higher price if you travel regularly for work and need to bring a laptop.
The Away Carry-On regularly retails for $275 and can be found at Away. The Away Bigger Carry-On usually costs $295 and is also available at Away. Both bags are durable and easy to maneuver. However, The Carry-On is pricier than bags of a similar size, so it isn’t the best value among the bags we tested. On the other hand, the Bigger Carry-On offers a greater capacity than similarly priced bags, so it can be a smart investment if you usually take longer trips.
Bottom line
After testing bags from Monos and Away, we were impressed with the suitcases from both brands. Ultimately, though, we found Monos to be a better overall value. In particular, we love the Monos Carry-On for travelers who hit the road occasionally and tend to take shorter trips. For frequent travelers who usually go on longer excursions, though, the Away Bigger Carry-On may be a better option.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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