Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear professional and journey photographer based mostly in Southern California.
Your baggage is likely one of the most vital items of journey gear. Each Monos and Samsonite make wonderful suitcases, however they’re very completely different manufacturers with very completely 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 capable of take each a subjective and goal take 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 type, and intuitive design. With a mean general rating of 9.4, Monos is the highest-scoring model we’ve examined.
Samsonite, with a mean general rating of 8.8, is just about a family identify. 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, in order that they have one thing for each kind of traveler.
Should you’re deciding between Monos and Samsonite, I’ll go over the principle variations between the 2 manufacturers, examine their execs and cons, and spotlight which baggage model will finest suit your wants.
Why You Can Belief Us
The TravelFreak editorial crew has examined dozens of suitcases through the years, and we’ve discovered quite a bit about what separates a high quality piece of bags from an overpriced, overhyped piece of plastic. We’ve examined and reviewed finances baggage, luxurious suitcases, and every thing in between.
We all know how laborious it’s to seek out the proper suitcase, and we wish to make the method simpler for you. So our crew of drugs junkies and product engineers developed probably the most complete baggage check methodology doable.
We examined and rated 11 Monos suitcases and 15 Samsonite suitcases, together with carry-ons and checked luggage 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 check the benefits and drawbacks of every.
At a Look
Monos vs Samsonite: Fast Solutions
- Sturdiness: Monos baggage is extra sturdy and well-built than Samsonite general.
- Value: Samsonite gives 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 Model: Monos baggage is fashionable, 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 techniques 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.
- Shade Choices: Monos baggage has extra coloration decisions than Samsonite.
Monos vs Samsonite: Which Ought to You Purchase?
Purchase Monos when 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.
Purchase Samsonite when you…
- are on a decent finances.
- typically journey internationally on airways with strict dimension and weight limits.
- journey much less ceaselessly.
- want baggage for cruises or summer time holidays.
- want baggage to hold a swimsuit, gown, or different formal clothes.
Supplies & High quality
After testing suitcases from each manufacturers, Monos scored considerably increased for Construct High quality: 9.2 vs Samsonite’s 7.9 Construct High quality Rating. The quick reply is that this: if you would like a sturdy, well-built piece of bags, you’ll be happier with Monos.
After all, 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.
The place 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 parts are flimsier and extra breakable.
However, each Monos suitcase I examined was stable, with a high-quality polycarbonate shell, smooth-rolling wheels, and a deal with that didn’t rattle.
The one subject 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 conflict zone. Fortuitously, they embody 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 function set. The one variations between completely different fashions are the dimensions and some completely 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 provide you with 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 difficult. Monos is a better option if you would like a no-fuss suitcase that’s extraordinarily straightforward to pack and use.
That mentioned, when you’re serious about high-tech options or modern designs, Samsonite has extra to supply. Samsonite has an enormous vary of suitcases, and their designs are very various. You’ll find 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 Performance (a bit increased than Monos at 8.5) as a result of you may get Samsonite suitcases with extra superior options.
Primarily, Monos baggage does the necessities rather well, however Samsonite’s modern designs have extra extras.
Worth for Your Cash
Should you’re on a finances and try to get one of the best bang to your buck, Samsonite might be a greater choice. They’ve extra reasonably priced baggage, and you may typically get nice offers, particularly when you 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 to 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.
In case you are a frequent traveler, investing a little bit more cash in a Monos suitcase is unquestionably price it.
Guarantee and Shopping for Expertise
Monos additionally offers you a 100-day trial to have your individual Monos baggage evaluate at residence and ensure it matches your way of life. You possibly can pack it, run with it, wheel it round, elevate it—simply preserve 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. Nonetheless, 10 years is a very long time, and Samsonite has fame for upholding guarantee claims, so I wouldn’t be too apprehensive.
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 additionally they are rather more reasonably priced.
Model Affect and Sustainability
Should you care about sustainability and supporting firms which might be bettering their impression on the planet, Monos is a better option than Samsonite. Monos scored 8.5 for Model Affect, 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 unique degree.
Last Ideas
Finally, the selection between Monos and Samsonite baggage comes right down to the place you’ll be touring, how typically you’ll be touring, and what you prioritize in your baggage.
You can purchase Monos baggage in case you are a frequent traveler and wish to put money into a trendy, high-quality suitcase that might be getting loads of use. Metropolis-hopping, work journeys, and long-term journey are all proper up Monos’ alley. Should you’re the kind of one who’s all the time on the go, I believe you’ll love Monos’ mix of favor and practicality.
Samsonite is a better option when you’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 assume 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’s one vital exception right here. Monos carry-on baggage is technically too massive for a lot of finances worldwide airways, however Samsonite has a complete vary of carry-ons sized particularly for worldwide journey. I extremely advocate performing some analysis into carry-on dimension limits before you purchase a suitcase.
Monos and Samsonite each make superior baggage, and you may’t go mistaken with both. If you would like a little bit extra steering for choosing a selected mannequin, try our guides for locating the Greatest Carry-On Baggage and the Greatest Checked Baggage.
Monos vs Samsonite FAQs
What baggage is similar to Monos?
Is Samsonite baggage price it?
Samsonite baggage is unquestionably price it if you would like a sensible suitcase at an awesome value.
Does Monos scuff simply?
Sadly, 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 standard?
Samsonite baggage is standard as a result of it’s trendy, reasonably priced, 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 outside. You possibly can often discover him on the path, on the street, leaping from bridges or hustling on his laptop computer working to supply one of the best journey and outside content material as we speak.
