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 necessary 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 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 model, 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 title. That is the most important baggage model on the earth, and so they’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.
When 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 Belief Us
The TravelFreak editorial staff has examined dozens of suitcases through the years, and we’ve realized rather a lot about what separates a high quality piece of bags from an overpriced, overhyped piece of plastic. We’ve examined and reviewed funds baggage, luxurious suitcases, and the whole lot in between.
We all know how exhausting it’s to seek out the right suitcase, and we need to make the method simpler for you. So our staff of substances junkies and product engineers developed essentially 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 one among 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.
- Worth: 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 Type: 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 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 coloration decisions than Samsonite.
Monos vs Samsonite: Which Ought to You Purchase?
Purchase Monos should you…
- are a frequent traveler.
- are a digital nomad or long-term traveler.
- primarily take home flights throughout the US.
- prioritize aesthetics and fashionable design.
- are involved about sustainability and shopping for eco-friendly merchandise.
Purchase Samsonite should you…
- are on a decent funds.
- typically 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, 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 quick reply is that this: if you need 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 strains) 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 challenge with Monos is that the hardshell simply exhibits scratches and scuffs. It’s solely beauty, however it’s a bit disappointing to get your new suitcase again from baggage declare trying prefer it went by way of a battle 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 characteristic set. The one variations between totally different fashions are the scale 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 provide you with many bells and whistles past what you really want. I particularly love how streamlined and purposeful 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 easy and intuitive, some Samsonite baggage is a little more sophisticated. Monos is a more sensible choice if you need a no-fuss suitcase that’s extraordinarily straightforward to pack and use.
That mentioned, should you’re interested by 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’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 greater than Monos at 8.5) as a result of you will get Samsonite suitcases with extra superior options.
Basically, Monos baggage does the necessities rather well, however Samsonite’s revolutionary designs have extra extras.
Worth for Your Cash
When you’re on a funds and are attempting to get one of the best bang in your buck, Samsonite might be a greater possibility. They’ve extra inexpensive baggage, and you may typically get nice offers, particularly should you store in a bodily retailer or on Amazon.
On common, Samsonite baggage scored 8.6 for Worth-to-Efficiency. Monos solely scored 6.7.
Monos baggage is unquestionably costlier 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 a little bit 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 evaluate at dwelling and ensure it suits your life-style. You’ll be able to pack it, run with it, wheel it round, elevate it—simply hold it indoors, and if there are issues, you may return it.
Monos has a lifetime guarantee that covers any purposeful 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 repute for upholding guarantee claims, so I wouldn’t be too anxious.
Each manufacturers have good customer support and construct baggage that’s meant to final. Neither has a guaranty fairly pretty much as good as Briggs & Riley, however additionally they are way more inexpensive.
Model Influence and Sustainability
When you care about sustainability and supporting firms which can be bettering their affect on the planet, Monos is a more sensible choice than Samsonite. Monos scored 8.5 for Model Influence, 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.
Remaining Ideas
Finally, the selection between Monos and Samsonite baggage comes all the way down to the place you’ll be touring, how typically you’ll be touring, and what you prioritize in your baggage.
You should purchase Monos baggage if you’re a frequent traveler and need to put money into a classy, high-quality suitcase that can be getting a whole lot of use. Metropolis-hopping, work journeys, and long-term journey are all proper up Monos’ alley. When you’re the kind of one who’s at all times on the go, I feel you’ll love Monos’ mix of fashion and practicality.
Samsonite is a more sensible choice should you’re a extra informal traveler who can’t justify shopping for top-notch baggage, however nonetheless desires a suitcase that’s purposeful 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 necessary exception right here. Monos carry-on baggage is technically too huge 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 may’t go flawed with both. If you would like a little bit extra steerage for selecting a particular mannequin, try our guides for locating the Finest Carry-On Baggage and the Finest Checked Baggage.
Monos vs Samsonite FAQs
What baggage is akin to Monos?
Is Samsonite baggage price it?
Samsonite baggage is unquestionably price it if you need a sensible suitcase at a terrific 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 widespread?
Samsonite baggage is widespread as a result of it’s fashionable, inexpensive, and accessible 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 professional and journey photographer based mostly in Southern California. Beforehand nomadic, he’s been to ~50 international locations and loves spending time open air. You’ll be able to normally 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 open air content material at the moment.
