Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear professional and journey photographer based mostly in Southern California.
Your baggage is among the most essential items of journey gear. Each Monos and Samsonite make glorious 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 score 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 smooth, minimalist suitcases for vacationers who worth premium supplies, understated model, 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 this 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.
When you’re deciding between Monos and Samsonite, I’ll go over the principle variations between the 2 manufacturers, examine their professionals and cons, and spotlight which baggage model will finest suit your wants.
Why You Can Belief Us
The TravelFreak editorial staff has examined dozens of suitcases through the years, and we’ve discovered lots about what separates a top quality piece of bags from an overpriced, overhyped piece of plastic. We’ve examined and reviewed finances baggage, luxurious suitcases, and all the pieces in between.
We all know how exhausting it’s to search out the proper suitcase, and we need to make the method simpler for you. So our staff of substances junkies and product engineers developed probably the most complete baggage take a look at methodology potential.
We examined and rated 11 Monos suitcases and 15 Samsonite suitcases, together with carry-ons and checked baggage 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 simple 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.
- Worth: 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 Fashion: Monos baggage is fashionable, minimalist, and streamlined. Samsonite suitcases are available a greater diversity, 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 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 throughout the US.
- prioritize aesthetics and fashionable design.
- are involved about sustainability and shopping for eco-friendly merchandise.
Purchase Samsonite in case you…
- are on a decent finances.
- usually journey internationally on airways with strict measurement and weight limits.
- journey much less steadily.
- 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 brief reply is that this: if you need 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 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 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.
Alternatively, 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 subject 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 conflict zone. Thankfully, they embody 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 function set. The one variations between completely different fashions are the scale 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 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 need a no-fuss suitcase that’s extraordinarily simple to pack and use.
That stated, in case you’re all for 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 increased than Monos at 8.5) as a result of you may get Samsonite suitcases with extra superior options.
Basically, Monos baggage does the necessities very well, however Samsonite’s progressive designs have extra extras.
Worth for Your Cash
When 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 usually 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 certainly 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 certainly value it.
Guarantee and Shopping for Expertise
Monos additionally offers you a 100-day trial to have your personal Monos baggage evaluate at house and ensure it suits your way of life. You may pack it, run with it, wheel it round, raise it—simply hold it indoors, and if there are issues, you may 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 pretty much as good as Briggs & Riley, however in addition they are rather more inexpensive.
Model Impression and Sustainability
When you care about sustainability and supporting firms which can be bettering their impression 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 distinct stage.
Last Ideas
In the end, 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 in case you are a frequent traveler and need to spend money on a trendy, high-quality suitcase that will probably be getting loads of use. Metropolis-hopping, work journeys, and long-term journey are all proper up Monos’ alley. When you’re the kind of one that’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 practical 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’s one essential exception right here. Monos carry-on baggage is technically too huge for a lot of finances worldwide airways, however Samsonite has an entire vary of carry-ons sized particularly for worldwide journey. I extremely suggest performing some analysis into carry-on measurement limits before you purchase a suitcase.
Monos and Samsonite each make superior baggage, and you’ll’t go fallacious with both. In order for you a bit of extra steerage for choosing a particular 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 akin to Monos?
Is Samsonite baggage value it?
Samsonite baggage is certainly value it if you need a sensible suitcase at a fantastic 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 common?
Samsonite baggage is common as a result of it’s fashionable, inexpensive, and out there in every single place.
Is Samsonite baggage made in China?
Samsonite manufactures baggage in China, India, and Hungary.