Monos vs Away: Which Is The Better Luggage Brand?

Are you trying to decide which suitcase is right for you? With so many options available, it can be difficult to make the right choice. The good news is that we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll be comparing Monos and Away luggage, breaking down the differences in features, advantages, and disadvantages of each. In the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and choose the perfect suitcase for your needs. So, let’s get started – it’s time for the ultimate suitcase showdown!

Best Monos Luggage

• The Carry-On Plus
• The Check-In
• The Explorer

Best Away Luggage

• The Carry-On
• The Medium
• The Bigger Carry-On

Monos Luggage Company History

Monos was founded in 2017 by three friends who wanted to create a high-quality luggage brand that was both functional and stylish. They wanted to use innovative materials and modern design to make travel more enjoyable for their customers. One of the unique features of Monos luggage is its use of German-made polycarbonate materials, which are lightweight and durable. Monos also offers a range of customizable options, including colors, monogramming, and luggage tags.

In addition to their commitment to quality, Monos is also dedicated to sustainability. They use recycled materials in their packaging and strive to reduce their carbon footprint. Some of Monos’ top suitcases include The Carry-On Plus, The Check-In, and The Carry-On. These suitcases offer ample storage, durable construction, and sleek designs. Overall, Monos is a newer player in the luggage market but has quickly gained a reputation for high-quality, stylish products. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation sets them apart from other brands in the industry.

Away Luggage Company History

Away is a relatively new player in the luggage industry, but it has quickly made a name for itself as a trendy and functional brand. The company was founded in 2015 by Steph Korey and Jen Rubio, both former executives at Warby Parker. Since its inception, Away has aimed to disrupt the traditional luggage market by offering stylish and affordable suitcases directly to consumers. The company’s goal was to provide high-quality luggage without the exorbitant prices typically associated with well-known luxury brands.

One of Away’s first and most popular products was The Carry-On, a sleek and durable suitcase that quickly gained a following. It became the go-to suitcase for frequent travelers and digital nomads. The brand also offers larger suitcases, such as The Bigger Carry-On and The Medium, which have also gained popularity among travelers looking for spacious and functional options.
Away’s success can be attributed to its direct-to-consumer business model, stylish design, and thoughtful features. The brand quickly gained a loyal customer base and has since expanded its product range to include accessories such as packing cubes, garment bags, and travel totes. Away’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made it a leading player in the luggage market.

Key Differences Between Monos And Away

Size And Material

When it comes to size and material, Monos and Away luggage have distinct differences. Monos offers a range of luggage sizes, including carry-ons, medium and large checked luggage, and even duffel bags. All Monos luggage is made with aircraft-grade polycarbonate shells that are highly durable and scratch-resistant. The zippers are water-resistant, and the wheels are made of high-quality polyurethane material.

On the other hand, Away luggage is also available in a variety of sizes, including carry-ons, medium and large checked luggage, and even kids’ luggage. Their luggage is made with a strong and lightweight polycarbonate shell that is impact-resistant, making it great for long-term use. The zippers are waterproof, and the wheels are 360-degree spinner wheels, making it easy to maneuver.

While both brands offer luggage that is durable and of high quality, Monos edges out Away with its aircraft-grade polycarbonate shells, which are stronger than the polycarbonate shells used by Away. However, Away has the advantage when it comes to wheel quality, with 360-degree spinner wheels that are smoother and easier to maneuver. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and which features are more important to you.

Storage Components

When it comes to storage components, both Monos and Away luggage have their own unique features and designs. Monos luggage offers a variety of compartments and pockets that are specifically designed to maximize organization and ease of use. Their suitcases often include features like a removable laundry bag, a dedicated shoe compartment, and multiple interior pockets for smaller items. This allows travelers to keep their belongings neatly organized and easily accessible throughout their trip.

On the other hand, Away luggage takes a more minimalist approach to storage components. Their suitcases typically have a main compartment with a compression system to help maximize space, along with a hidden laundry bag that can be used to separate dirty clothes. While Away may not offer as many additional pockets and compartments as Monos, their focus on simplicity and efficiency may be appealing to travelers who prefer a more streamlined packing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between Monos and Away when it comes to storage components comes down to personal preference. If you value organization and having designated spaces for different items, Monos may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more minimalist approach and don’t mind a simpler storage system, Away could be the way to go. It’s important to consider your own packing habits and priorities when making this decision.

Overall Style

When it comes to overall style, Monos and Away luggage have distinct differences that cater to different tastes and preferences. Monos offers a more sophisticated, sleek, and minimalist design with fewer color options. Their luggage is geared towards a more business-oriented and professional audience. On the other hand, Away luggage offers a more playful and trendy design, with various colors and limited edition collaborations. Their luggage is designed to appeal to younger and fashion-forward travelers.

Monos and Away both offer customization options with their luggage tags, but Monos also offers personalized monogramming, which adds a touch of luxury to their luggage. Away, on the other hand, has a unique feature of a built-in battery for charging electronic devices. Overall, both Monos and Away offer high-quality and stylish luggage, but the difference in design and customization options may sway travelers towards one brand over the other. You may also want to check our Away vs Tumi guide.

Maneuverability

When it comes to maneuverability, both Monos and Away offer luggage options that are designed with ease of movement in mind. Monos luggage features four double-spinner wheels that rotate 360 degrees, allowing for seamless movement in any direction. The wheels are made from reinforced polycarbonate material, making them durable and long-lasting.

Away luggage also offers four double-spinner wheels that provide easy maneuverability through crowded airports or on uneven terrain. However, Away’s wheels are slightly larger and wider than Monos, which some travelers find provides additional stability and balance when navigating tight spaces.

In addition to wheel size, the handle design is also an important factor in luggage maneuverability. Monos luggage features a telescoping handle with three height settings, which allows travelers of all heights to comfortably maneuver their luggage. The handle is also covered in a rubber material that provides a comfortable grip and reduces slippage.

Away luggage also has a telescoping handle, but it has a single height setting. However, the handle is covered in a vegan leather material that adds a touch of elegance to the luggage and provides a comfortable grip. Overall, both Monos and Away offer luggage options with exceptional maneuverability. While Monos features slightly smaller wheels and a handle with adjustable heights, Away offers a wider wheel base and a luxurious vegan leather handle. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and travel needs.

Value For The Money

When comparing Monos and Away luggage, the value for the money is an important consideration. Monos luggage tends to be more expensive than Away luggage, with their carry-on size starting at $295 compared to Away’s starting price of $225. However, Monos luggage offers premium features that some travelers may find worth the extra cost. For example, Monos uses German polycarbonate for their hardshell material, which is lightweight and durable. Monos also includes a TSA-approved lock, compression straps, and a removable laundry bag with their luggage.

On the other hand, Away luggage offers a more affordable option for travelers who still want quality features. Their luggage also includes a TSA-approved lock, compression straps, and a removable battery for charging devices on the go. Additionally, Away offers a lifetime warranty on their luggage, while Monos only offers a 100-day trial and a limited warranty.

Ultimately, the value for the money will depend on the individual traveler’s needs and preferences. If premium features and durability are a priority, Monos may be the better investment. However, if a lower price point and lifetime warranty are important factors, Away luggage may be the better choice.

Warranty

When it comes to warranty, Monos and Away differ slightly in their offerings. Monos offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers any manufacturing defects and damages caused by airlines. If your luggage needs a repair, Monos will cover the cost of repair or replacement, including shipping fees.

On the other hand, Away offers a slightly different warranty policy. They provide a limited lifetime warranty, but it only covers defects in material and workmanship. Additionally, Away also offers a 100-day trial period, during which customers can try their luggage and return it for a full refund if they’re not satisfied.

Both Monos and Away have strong warranty policies that demonstrate their confidence in their products’ quality. However, Monos has a slight edge in terms of coverage since it also covers airline damages. Ultimately, warranty coverage is an important consideration when purchasing luggage, as it can provide peace of mind and protection against unforeseen circumstances. In this regard, Monos and Away are both strong options, but customers may prefer one over the other based on their specific needs and preferences.

The Bottom Line

In the end, choosing between Monos and Away luggage ultimately depends on personal preferences and needs. Both brands offer high-quality luggage with unique features and benefits. Monos provides a sleek and minimalist design with durable materials and ample storage space, but may lack some of the features offered by Away, such as the built-in battery charger. On the other hand, Away offers more size options, customizable colors, and features like the ejectable battery, but may come at a higher price point.

When it comes to maneuverability, Monos wins with its 360-degree spinner wheels, while Away offers the option to add a luggage tag with a built-in Tile tracker for easy location. In terms of value for the money, both brands are priced competitively for the quality and features offered. Additionally, Monos offers a lifetime warranty, while Away provides a limited warranty and 100-day trial period. Overall, both Monos and Away are great options for anyone in need of a reliable and stylish suitcase. It ultimately comes down to individual preferences and needs when choosing between the two.