Your baggage is likely one of the most vital items of journey gear. Each Monos and Samsonite make glorious 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 score system. By combining real-world testing and our data-based analysis, I used to be capable of 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 smooth, minimalist suitcases for vacationers who worth premium supplies, understated fashion, and intuitive design. With a median total rating of 9.4, Monos is the highest-scoring model we’ve examined.
Samsonite, with a median total rating of 8.8, is just about a family title. That 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.
In the event you’re deciding between Monos and Samsonite, I’ll go over the primary variations between the 2 manufacturers, evaluate their execs and cons, and spotlight which baggage model will finest suit your wants.
Why You Can Belief Us
The TravelFreak editorial group has examined dozens of suitcases through the years, and we’ve realized loads about what separates a top quality piece of baggage from an overpriced, overhyped piece of plastic. We’ve examined and reviewed price range baggage, luxurious suitcases, and every thing in between.
We all know how arduous it’s to search out the proper suitcase, and we wish to make the method simpler for you. So our group of substances junkies and product engineers developed essentially the most complete baggage check methodology doable.
We examined and rated 11 Monos suitcases and 15 Samsonite suitcases, together with carry-ons and checked baggage from each manufacturers.
We evaluated each certainly 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 match the benefits and downsides of every.
At a Look
Monos vs Samsonite: Fast Solutions
- Sturdiness: Monos baggage is extra sturdy and well-built than Samsonite total.
- Value: Samsonite presents each budget-friendly and premium choices, whereas Monos is a little more costly on common.
- Guarantee: 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 Licensed Local weather Impartial and is a member of 1% for the Planet.
- Supplies: Monos makes use of high-quality polycarbonate throughout the board, whereas Samsonite makes use of cheaper supplies on many suitcases.
- Design and Type: Monos baggage is trendy, minimalist, and streamlined. Samsonite suitcases are available in a greater variety, from conservative to high-tech.
- Inside Group: Monos has a extra streamlined and intuitive inside setup, however Samsonite’s premium fashions have extra pockets, detachable organizers, and methods to maintain your stuff tidy.
- Expandability: Each Monos and Samsonite have expandable suitcase fashions.
- Wheels: Monos makes use of smoother, quieter, and extra sturdy wheels than most Samsonite baggage.
- Deal with: The Monos baggage deal with is extra adjustable and sturdier than Samsonite handles.
- Colour Choices: Monos baggage has extra colour decisions than Samsonite.
Monos vs Samsonite: Which Ought to You Purchase?
Purchase Monos for those who…
- are a frequent traveler.
- are a digital nomad or long-term traveler.
- primarily take home flights inside the US.
- prioritize aesthetics and trendy design.
- are involved about sustainability and shopping for eco-friendly merchandise.
Purchase Samsonite for those who…
- are on a good price range.
- usually journey internationally on airways with strict dimension and weight limits.
- journey much less continuously.
- want baggage for cruises or summer season holidays.
- want baggage to hold a go well with, gown, or different formal clothes.
Supplies & High quality
After testing suitcases from each manufacturers, Monos scored considerably greater for Construct High quality: 9.2 vs Samsonite’s 7.9 Construct High quality Rating. The brief reply is that this: if you need a sturdy, well-built piece of baggage, you’ll be happier with Monos.
In fact, the brief reply isn’t the entire image. Samsonite does make some high-quality baggage. Their higher-end fashions (just like the Stryde, Proxis, and Cosmolite strains) are made in Europe and are impressively sturdy and well-crafted suitcases. I’d say these particular fashions are much more sturdy than Monos, however you’ll be paying extra for that premium high quality.
The place Samsonite falls brief 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 parts are flimsier and extra breakable.
However, 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 challenge 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 means of a struggle zone. Fortuitously, they embrace a magic eraser that does a surprisingly good job at eradicating scuffs.
It’s additionally price 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 & Options
Monos creates all their baggage with a really comparable design. Each Monos suitcase is a contemporary, minimalist hardshell with a easy characteristic set. The one variations between totally different fashions are the dimensions and some totally different options.
Monos designs their suitcases to be easy, simple, and intuitive. In comparison with 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. The place Monos is straightforward and intuitive, some Samsonite baggage is a little more sophisticated. Monos is a better option if you need a no-fuss suitcase that’s extraordinarily straightforward to pack and use.
That stated, for those who’re desirous about high-tech options or progressive designs, Samsonite has extra to supply. Samsonite has an enormous vary of suitcases, and their designs are very numerous. You’ll find fashions with detachable packing cubes, toiletry baggage, and garment folders; a number of exterior pockets, and even built-in LED lights.
Samsonite scored 8.9 for Performance (a bit greater than Monos at 8.5) as a result of you may get Samsonite suitcases with extra superior options.
Basically, Monos baggage does the necessities rather well, however Samsonite’s progressive designs have extra extras.
Worth for Your Cash
In the event you’re on a price range and are attempting to get one of the best bang on your buck, Samsonite might be a greater choice. They’ve extra inexpensive baggage, and you may usually get nice offers, particularly for those who store in a bodily retailer or on Amazon.
On common, Samsonite baggage scored 8.6 for Value-to-Efficiency. Monos solely scored 6.7.
Monos baggage is unquestionably dearer on common, however you do get superior worth on 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 just a little extra money in a Monos suitcase is unquestionably price it.
Guarantee and Shopping for Expertise
Monos additionally provides you a 100-day trial to have your personal Monos baggage evaluation at residence and ensure it suits your life-style. You’ll be able to pack it, run with it, wheel it round, raise it—simply hold it indoors, and if there are issues, you possibly can return it.
Monos has a lifetime guarantee that covers any practical harm to the wheels, shell, or handles. They don’t cowl beauty harm like scratches or dents, although.
Samsonite’s 10-year guarantee is dependable, however it’s extra restricted than Monos. Nonetheless, 10 years is a very long time, and Samsonite has an excellent status for upholding guarantee claims, so I wouldn’t be too nervous.
Each 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.
Model Impression and Sustainability
In the event you care about sustainability and supporting corporations which are bettering their affect on the planet, Monos is a better option than Samsonite. Monos scored 8.5 for Model Impression, and Samsonite solely scored 6.2.
Each manufacturers use recycled supplies, however Monos is Local weather Impartial licensed and a member of 1% for the Planet.
Sure, Samsonite is beginning to implement extra sustainability initiatives, however these Third-party certifications put Monos on a special stage.
Last Ideas
Finally, the selection between Monos and Samsonite baggage comes right 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 if you’re a frequent traveler and wish to spend money on a trendy, high-quality suitcase that will probably be getting quite a lot of use. Metropolis-hopping, work journeys, and long-term journey are all proper up Monos’ alley. In the event you’re the kind of one that’s at all times on the go, I feel you’ll love Monos’ mix of fashion and practicality.
Samsonite is a better option for those who’re a extra informal traveler who can’t justify shopping for top-notch baggage, however nonetheless desires a suitcase that’s practical and sturdy. Most Samsonite baggage prices considerably lower than Monos, and it nonetheless works rather well. I personally suppose Samsonite is an ideal alternative for checked baggage for week-long (or longer) holidays the place you’ll be staying in a single vacation spot for longer.
There may be one vital exception right here. Monos carry-on baggage is technically too massive for a lot of price range 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 dimension limits before you purchase a suitcase.
Monos and Samsonite each make superior baggage, and you may’t go unsuitable with both. In order for you just a little extra steering for choosing a selected mannequin, take a look at our guides for locating the Finest Carry-On Baggage and the Finest Checked Baggage.
Monos vs Samsonite FAQs
What baggage is corresponding to Monos?
Is Samsonite baggage price it?
Samsonite baggage is unquestionably price it if you need a sensible suitcase at an important value.
Does Monos scuff simply?
Sadly, Monos baggage does scuff and present scratches simply. This doesn’t have an effect on the operate, however it’s annoying.
Why is Samsonite so fashionable?
Samsonite baggage is fashionable as a result of it’s trendy, inexpensive, and obtainable in all places.
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 professional and journey photographer based mostly in Southern California. Beforehand nomadic, he’s been to ~50 nations and loves spending time open air. You’ll be able to normally discover him on the path, on the street, leaping from bridges or on his laptop computer working to supply one of the best journey and open air content material at present.
