Your baggage is without doubt one of the most vital items of journey gear. Both Monos and Samsonite make wonderful suitcases, however they’re very totally different manufacturers with very totally different merchandise.
I examined and rated a complete of 26 suitcases from each manufacturers and in contrast the variations utilizing TravelFreak’s proprietary baggage ranking system. By combining real-world testing and our data-based analysis, I used to be in a position to take each a subjective and goal have a look at Monos vs Samsonite to find out the place every model excels.
Monos is a comparatively new startup Canadian baggage firm that builds glossy, minimalist suitcases for vacationers who worth premium supplies, understated fashion, and intuitive design. With a median general rating of 9.4, Monos is the highest-scoring model we’ve examined.
Samsonite, with a median general rating of 8.8, is just about a family identify. This is the biggest baggage model on the planet, they usually’ve been constructing suitcases for over a century. Samsonite has an enormous product vary, from budget-friendly to luxurious suitcases, so that they have one thing for each sort of traveler.
If you’re deciding between Monos and Samsonite, I’ll go over the primary variations between the 2 manufacturers, examine their professionals and cons, and spotlight which baggage model will greatest suit your wants.
Why You Can Trust Us
The TravelFreak editorial crew has examined dozens of suitcases over time, and we’ve discovered lots about what separates a top quality piece of bags from an overpriced, overhyped piece of plastic. We’ve examined and reviewed funds baggage, luxurious suitcases, and every thing in between.
We know the way exhausting it’s to seek out the proper suitcase, and we need to make the method simpler for you. So our crew of substances junkies and product engineers developed probably the most complete baggage check methodology attainable.
We examined and rated 11 Monos suitcases and 15 Samsonite suitcases, together with carry-ons and checked luggage from each manufacturers.
We evaluated each considered one of these suitcases on 31 metrics throughout eight classes. We gave all of them the identical therapy and rated them on the identical standardized scales. This makes it straightforward for us (and also you) to check the benefits and drawbacks of every.
At a Glance
Monos vs Samsonite: Quick Answers
- Durability: Monos baggage is extra sturdy and well-built than Samsonite general.
- Price: Samsonite gives each budget-friendly and premium choices, whereas Monos is a little more costly on common.
- Warranty: Most Samsonite baggage has a 10-year guarantee, whereas Monos has a lifetime guarantee on each suitcase.
- Sustainability: Samsonite makes use of recycled supplies for a lot of fashions, however Monos is Certified Climate Neutral and is a member of 1% for the Planet.
- Materials: Monos makes use of high-quality polycarbonate throughout the board, whereas Samsonite makes use of cheaper supplies on many suitcases.
- Design and Style: Monos baggage is fashionable, minimalist, and streamlined. Samsonite suitcases are available a greater variety, from conservative to high-tech.
- Interior Organization: Monos has a extra streamlined and intuitive inside setup, however Samsonite’s premium fashions have extra pockets, detachable organizers, and programs to maintain your stuff tidy.
- Expandability: Both Monos and Samsonite have expandable suitcase fashions.
- Wheels: Monos makes use of smoother, quieter, and extra sturdy wheels than most Samsonite baggage.
- Handle: The Monos baggage deal with is extra adjustable and sturdier than Samsonite handles.
- Color Options: Monos baggage has extra coloration selections than Samsonite.
Monos vs Samsonite: Which Should You Buy?
Buy Monos should you…
- are a frequent traveler.
- are a digital nomad or long-term traveler.
- primarily take home flights inside the US.
- prioritize aesthetics and fashionable design.
- are involved about sustainability and shopping for eco-friendly merchandise.
Buy Samsonite should you…
- are on a good funds.
- usually journey internationally on airways with strict measurement and weight limits.
- journey much less often.
- want baggage for cruises or summer season holidays.
- want baggage to hold a go well with, costume, or different formal clothes.
Materials & Quality
After testing suitcases from each manufacturers, Monos scored considerably greater for Build Quality: 9.2 vs Samsonite’s 7.9 Build Quality Score. The quick reply is that this: in order for you a sturdy, well-built piece of bags, you’ll be happier with Monos.
Of course, the quick reply isn’t the entire image. Samsonite does make some high-quality baggage. Their higher-end fashions (just like the Stryde, Proxis, and Cosmolite traces) are made in Europe and are impressively sturdy and well-crafted suitcases. I might say these particular fashions are much more sturdy than Monos, however you’ll be paying extra for that premium high quality.
Where Samsonite falls quick is with their mid-range and budget-friendly fashions. These have a tendency to make use of cheaper supplies (like ABS and polypropylene), and the elements are flimsier and extra breakable.
On the opposite hand, each Monos suitcase I examined was strong, with a high-quality polycarbonate shell, smooth-rolling wheels, and a deal with that didn’t rattle.
The one concern with Monos is that the hardshell simply reveals scratches and scuffs. It’s solely beauty, however it’s a bit disappointing to get your new suitcase again from baggage declare wanting prefer it went by way of a conflict zone. Fortunately, they embody a magic eraser that does a surprisingly good job at eradicating scuffs.
It’s additionally value noting that Samsonite sells each hardside and softside baggage, whereas Monos solely has hardside baggage. Hardside baggage is extra protecting, however a softside suitcase won’t ever crack.
Design & Features
Monos creates all their baggage with a really related design. Every Monos suitcase is a contemporary, minimalist hardshell with a easy characteristic set. The solely variations between totally different fashions are the dimensions and some totally different options.
Monos designs their suitcases to be easy, easy, and intuitive. Compared to most Samsonite baggage, Monos is only a bit extra streamlined. They don’t offer you many bells and whistles past what you really need. I particularly love how streamlined and practical the Monos Carry-On baggage is.
Monos scored 8.7 for Ease of Use on common, whereas Samsonite scored a bit decrease at 8.2. Where Monos is straightforward and intuitive, some Samsonite baggage is a little more sophisticated. Monos is a better option in order for you a no-fuss suitcase that’s extraordinarily straightforward to pack and use.
That mentioned, should you’re focused on high-tech options or revolutionary designs, Samsonite has extra to supply. Samsonite has an enormous vary of suitcases, and their designs are very numerous. You can discover fashions with detachable packing cubes, toiletry luggage, and garment folders; a number of exterior pockets, and even built-in LED lights.
Samsonite scored 8.9 for Functionality (a bit greater than Monos at 8.5) as a result of you may get Samsonite suitcases with extra superior options.
Essentially, Monos baggage does the necessities rather well, however Samsonite’s revolutionary designs have extra extras.
Value for Your Money
If you’re on a funds and try to get the perfect bang in your buck, Samsonite might be a greater possibility. They have extra inexpensive baggage, and you’ll usually get nice offers, particularly should you store in a bodily retailer or on Amazon.
On common, Samsonite baggage scored 8.6 for Price-to-Performance. Monos solely scored 6.7.
Monos baggage is unquestionably dearer on common, however you do get superior worth in your cash. Monos makes use of premium supplies. The Monos Carry-On is the least costly suitcase we’ve ever examined that also scored above 9.0 for construct high quality.
If you’re a frequent traveler, investing slightly extra money in a Monos suitcase is unquestionably value it.
Warranty and Buying Experience
Monos additionally provides you a 100-day trial to have your personal Monos baggage evaluation at residence and ensure it matches your way of life. You can pack it, run with it, wheel it round, elevate it—simply maintain it indoors, and if there are issues, you possibly can return it.
Monos has a lifetime guarantee that covers any practical injury to the wheels, shell, or handles. They don’t cowl beauty injury like scratches or dents, although.
Samsonite’s 10-year guarantee is dependable, however it’s extra restricted than Monos. Still, 10 years is a very long time, and Samsonite has an excellent popularity for upholding guarantee claims, so I wouldn’t be too fearful.
Both manufacturers have good customer support and construct baggage that’s meant to final. Neither has a guaranty fairly nearly as good as Briggs & Riley, however in addition they are far more inexpensive.
Brand Impact and Sustainability
If you care about sustainability and supporting firms which can be enhancing their impression on the planet, Monos is a better option than Samsonite. Monos scored 8.5 for Brand Impact, and Samsonite solely scored 6.2.
Both manufacturers use recycled supplies, however Monos is Climate Neutral licensed and a member of 1% for the Planet.
Yes, Samsonite is beginning to implement extra sustainability initiatives, however these Third-party certifications put Monos on a special stage.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the selection between Monos and Samsonite baggage comes all the way down to the place you’ll be touring, how usually you’ll be touring, and what you prioritize in your baggage.
You can purchase Monos baggage in case you are a frequent traveler and need to put money into a classy, high-quality suitcase that will probably be getting plenty of use. City-hopping, work journeys, and long-term journey are all proper up Monos’ alley. If you’re the kind of one that’s all the time on the go, I believe you’ll love Monos’ mix of fashion and practicality.
Samsonite is a better option should you’re a extra informal traveler who can’t justify shopping for top-notch baggage, however nonetheless needs a suitcase that’s practical and sturdy. Most Samsonite baggage prices considerably lower than Monos, and it nonetheless works rather well. I personally assume Samsonite is an ideal selection for checked baggage for week-long (or longer) holidays the place you’ll be staying in a single vacation spot for longer.
There is one vital exception right here. Monos carry-on baggage is technically too massive for a lot of funds worldwide airways, however Samsonite has a complete vary of carry-ons sized particularly for worldwide journey. I extremely advocate doing a little analysis into carry-on measurement limits before you purchase a suitcase.
Monos and Samsonite each make superior baggage, and you’ll’t go fallacious with both. If you need slightly extra steering for choosing a particular mannequin, take a look at our guides for locating the Best Carry-On Luggage and the Best Checked Luggage.
Monos vs Samsonite FAQs
What baggage is akin to Monos?
Is Samsonite baggage value it?
Samsonite baggage is unquestionably value it in order for you a sensible suitcase at an ideal value.
Does Monos scuff simply?
Unfortunately, Monos baggage does scuff and present scratches simply. This doesn’t have an effect on the perform, however it’s annoying.
Why is Samsonite so fashionable?
Samsonite baggage is fashionable as a result of it’s fashionable, inexpensive, and obtainable all over the place.
Is Samsonite baggage made in China?
Samsonite manufactures baggage in China, India, and Hungary.
Jeremy Scott Foster
Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear knowledgeable and journey photographer primarily based in Southern California. Previously nomadic, he’s been to ~50 nations and loves spending time outside. You can normally discover him on the path, on the street, leaping from bridges or on his laptop computer working to provide the perfect journey and outside content material at present.