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 in a position to 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 median general rating of 9.4, Monos is the highest-scoring model we’ve examined.
Samsonite, with a median general rating of 8.8, is just about a family identify. That is the most important 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 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 crew has examined dozens of suitcases through the years, and we’ve discovered lots 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 little thing in between.
We all know how laborious it’s to search out the right suitcase, and we wish to make the method simpler for you. So our crew of drugs 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 luggage from each manufacturers.
We evaluated each one in all these suitcases on 31 metrics throughout eight classes. We gave all of them the identical remedy 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 provides 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 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 programs 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.
- Coloration Choices: Monos baggage has extra shade selections than Samsonite.
Monos vs Samsonite: Which Ought to You Purchase?
Purchase Monos in case you…
- 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 in case you…
- are on a decent finances.
- typically journey internationally on airways with strict dimension and weight limits.
- journey much less steadily.
- want baggage for cruises or summer time holidays.
- want baggage to hold a swimsuit, costume, 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 brief reply is that this: if you would like a sturdy, well-built piece of bags, you’ll be happier with Monos.
After all, 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 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 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 elements are flimsier and extra breakable.
Then again, 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 concern 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 wanting prefer it went by means of a conflict zone. Luckily, they embrace a magic eraser that does a surprisingly good job at eradicating scuffs.
It’s additionally value 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 related design. Each Monos suitcase is a contemporary, minimalist hardshell with a easy characteristic set. The one variations between completely different fashions are the dimensions and some completely different options.
Monos designs their suitcases to be easy, easy, 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 useful 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 better option if you would like a no-fuss suitcase that’s extraordinarily straightforward to pack and use.
That mentioned, in case you’re excited by high-tech options or revolutionary designs, Samsonite has extra to supply. Samsonite has an enormous vary of suitcases, and their designs are very various. You could 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 will get Samsonite suitcases with extra superior options.
Basically, Monos baggage does the necessities very well, however Samsonite’s revolutionary designs have extra extras.
Worth for Your Cash
Should you’re on a finances and are attempting to get one of the best bang in your buck, Samsonite might be a greater choice. They’ve extra inexpensive baggage, and you’ll typically get nice offers, particularly in case 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 dearer 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.
In case you are a frequent traveler, investing a bit of more cash in a Monos suitcase is unquestionably value it.
Guarantee and Shopping for Expertise
Monos additionally provides you a 100-day trial to have your individual Monos baggage assessment at residence and ensure it matches your life-style. You’ll be able to pack it, run with it, wheel it round, carry it—simply hold it indoors, and if there are issues, you may return it.
Monos has a lifetime guarantee that covers any useful 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 a very good status 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 in addition they are rather more inexpensive.
Model Impression and Sustainability
Should you care about sustainability and supporting firms which are enhancing their influence 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 degree.
Closing Ideas
In the end, 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 will likely 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 feel you’ll love Monos’ mix of favor and practicality.
Samsonite is a better option in case you’re a extra informal traveler who can’t justify shopping for top-notch baggage, however nonetheless needs a suitcase that’s useful and sturdy. Most Samsonite baggage prices considerably lower than Monos, and it nonetheless works very well. I personally assume Samsonite is an ideal selection 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 large for a lot of finances worldwide airways, however Samsonite has an entire 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’ll’t go improper with both. In order for you a bit of extra steering for selecting 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 akin to Monos?
Is Samsonite baggage value it?
Samsonite baggage is unquestionably value it if you would like 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 widespread?
Samsonite baggage is widespread as a result of it’s trendy, inexpensive, and accessible in every single 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 nations and loves spending time open air. You’ll be able to often discover him on the path, on the street, leaping from bridges or on his laptop computer working to provide one of the best journey and open air content material right now.
