Monos vs. Away Luggage – I Tried Both to Find Which is Better

If you’re like me, you may have been led to the decision between Monos and Away when researching the best suitcases with a lifetime warranty. After trashing THREE off-brand suitcases last year, I got over the idea of ever replacing another suitcase, and vowed only to buy ones that would be replaced gratis if they broke.

In the mid-range for pricing, Monos and Away seemed to be the two best options for hard-sided luggage that comes in everything from carry-on to large check in and even trunk sizes. I own the Classic Check in L from Away and the Hybrid Trunk from Monos, and have used both extensively. Here’s everything to know before you decide between Monos and Away.

TLDR: I found Away to be more durable (for check ins) but prefer the look and organization of Monos (for carry ons).

Monos vs. Away Durability

Before we get into it, I was gifted the Monos trunk and paid for the Away suitcase (but that doesn’t mean this review will favor Monos – I always review honestly).

Away is a US-based luggage brand that was started by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey in 2015 (we love a female-run brand!) and secured one of the largest rounds of financing for a female backed startup. The luggage has won numerous awards, has over a dozen locations around the US, and is a media darling.

Monos is a Canadian luggage brand by Victor Tam that launched in 2018 with the mission of creating something simple yet functional and durable. Their products are also climate neutral. Their flagship store is located in Vancouver and frankly looks stunning.

I’m a big Reddit and blog person when it comes to big purchases because you can’t quite trust the reviews directly from the website – they’ll always be overwhelmingly positive. During my research, I initially put my money behind Away since people raved about the customer service and seemed happy with the durability. Then I begged Monos to let me test theirs too in order to get a sense of both.

They have both held up without any issues for about a year. Most importantly, both have warranties that will replace broken parts for the lifetime of the bag.

Monos vs. Away Aesthetics

Let’s talk about the material each company uses:

Monos:

• Polycarbonate shell that is mean to be impact-friendly and virtually unbreakable.
• Hybrid polycarbonate and aluminum shell that features a refined metallic finish, zipperless aluminum frame, and anodized aluminum corner guards. (This is the one that I own).

Away:

• Polycarbonate shell that comes in both the classic and expandable, ‘Flex‘ variety. (I own this one).
• Durable aluminum hard shell and leather details. Some bags have USB chargers.

If you read reviews about either brand, you’ll see that the most common complaint is around the scuffing on the bag. It’s unrealistic to expect a bag not to get stuffed if you check it in, and it’ll show up unless the bag is black.

That said, I have to agree that Monos seems to be extra good at scuffing, and the metallic sides have dented slightly on mine. It comes with a magic eraser, but I cannot be bothered with removing scuffs from a suitcase. So far, I’ve taken it on flights to Sedona, Oahu, and a road trip to Mendocino and it’s emerged with the scuffs in the photos above. The Away has been to South Africa, Namibia, and Thailand.

It’s a bit of a bummer since I overall think that the look of Monos’ Hybrid is so much more chic and Monos has amazing colors, like lilac purple and sage green, but it has also dented, scuffed, and scratched more easily than the Away Polycarbonate.

Between all the options, I like Aluminum the most, but opted for other materials since it can be heavy, and I already tend to barely make it under airline weight limits.

Between the two that I own, I reach for the Monos more often because I think it looks more chic, but the more scuffed it gets, the less practical it becomes.

Monos vs. Away Sizes and Pricing

Both brands offer everything from a carry on to a trunk size, with a range of prices. Here’s what they each have:

Monos:

• Carry on: 23″ x 15½” x 9″ weighing 7.4 lb. priced at $275.
• Carry on pro: 23″ x 15″ x 9½” weighing 8.38 lb priced at $315.
• Medium: 26.5″ × 18.5″ × 10.5″ weighing 9.6lb with a 70L capacity priced at $325.
• Large: 30″ × 21″ × 11″ weighing 10.6lb with a 99L capacity priced at $355.
• Trunk: 29.9″ x 15.7″ x 14.3″ weighing 13.2lbs with a 89L capacity priced at $455.

Away

• Carry on: 21.7″ x 14.4″ x 9″ weighing 7.5 lb, priced at $275 (aluminum is $625).
• Bigger Carry on: 22.7″ x 15.4″ x 9.6″ weighing 7.9 lbs priced at $295 (aluminum is $665).
• Medium: 26″ x 18.5″ x 11″ weighing 10.4 lbs with a 68.8L capacity priced at $345 (aluminum is $725).
• Large: 29″ x 20.5″ x 12.5″ weighing 12 lbs with a 99L capacity priced at $375 (aluminum is $745).
• Trunk: 31.3″ x 17″ x 13.7″ weighing 12lbs with a 107L capacity priced at $435.

As you’ve probably gleaned, the two brands are remarkably similar in size and price, with very little difference between even the weight and capacity of most of their suitcases (with the exception of Away’s aluminum line). Some of Monos’ are ever so slightly cheaper, but not enough to be the decision maker, IMO. Both brands often offer deals if you purchase a set. Where they stand apart is the features.

Monos vs. Away Features

Both brands offer what you’d expect from a premium luggage brand: 360-degree spinning wheels, TSA-approved combination lock, and internal compression. But as you can probably see from the side by side above, with the Away bag on the left, there aren’t as many pockets on the internal panels. Monos has far more.

This is not something I make much use of either way, since the pockets are small and not that useful, IMO, other than to stash a tracker. I use packing cubes inside, which I recommend for organization. That said, if you do make use of inner pockets Monos clearly comes out on top.

They also offer smart features with their carry on pro like a front pocket that makes stashing a laptop and taking it out for TSA simpler.

You can read more about Monos in my dedicated review and more about Away in my review.

Monos vs. Away Final Verdict

Honestly, both brands are similar, and my experience with them has been more or less the same. I love that they’re lightweight for the space they provide, and that they each come with a lifetime warranty.

It’s a bummer that the Monos scuffs and dents so easily, because I like the look of it much more. But when it comes down to it, Away‘s amazing customer service, longevity, and durability make it the better choice in my book for checked luggage, especially if you opt for the aluminum.

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