Away vs Monos: We compared two of the internet's trendiest luggage brands
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Lauren Savoie/Business Insider
From the outside, luggage brands Away and Monos seem eerily similar. Both specialize primarily in hardshell suitcases. Both are known for their sleek designs and unique colors. And, both sit squarely in the mid-tier price range for luggage. So, what exactly sets these two brands apart?
After testing products from both Monos and Away, I've compiled their similarities and differences to help you find the right brand for your travel needs. You can find my thoughts, along with direct comparisons, below.
The best Away and Monos products we've tested
Overview
Away
Founded in 2015, Away made a splash on Instagram with its buzzy colors and trendy design. Away's notoriety goes beyond its status as a social media darling, though. The brand's standard of durability and efficient design consistently places it among the best luggage brands.
Away offers a variety of luggage, from checked bags to duffels to packing cubes. In June of 2024, Away even expanded into the soft-sided luggage market. The brand is probably best known for its hardshell carry-ons, which come in those signature bright colors.
Monos
Like Away, Monos is a big name in hardshell luggage. Founded in 2018, Monos stands out for its simplicity and sleek design. From durable shells to extra pockets, the brand's personal philosophy of mindfulness is apparent in every feature.
Monos is also well known for its carry-on models. In fact, we named the Carry-On Pro our best pick for extra space in our 2024 carry-on guide. That said, the brand also excels at totes, duffels, and checked luggage.
| Away | Monos | |
| Pros |
Excellent space efficiency Highly durable Range of colors, materials, and sizes |
Superior handling Range of unique and high-quality items Sleek designs Option for an exterior pocket |
| Cons | Not many features to help it stand out against competition |
Prone to marks Some carry-on bags may not fit airline specifications |
| Best product | The Carry-On | Metro Duffel |
| What makes this brand stand out | The original trendy hardshell luggage brand, with a range of color options | One of the few brands to offer hard-sided bags with exterior storage pockets |
Designs, compared
For both Away and Monos, carry-on bags are their most popular models. The two brands offer a variety of carry-on bags with different sizes, materials, and features. Away offers eight total carry-on bags in three different materials (polycarbonate, nylon, and aluminum). Similarly, Monos currently has eight carry-ons in polycarbonate or aluminum-polycarbonate hybrid material.
Kinsley Searles/Business Insider
When I tested Away's Carry-On in April 2024, I was impressed by the bag's packing capabilities, high-quality hardware, and outstanding durability. As someone who dreads the packing experience for every trip, I was shocked to find that packing Away's Carry-On was actually enjoyable. Each item fit with room to spare. Plus, if you are an overzealous packer, Away also offers larger versions of its standard carry-on. The Bigger Carry-On and Flex lines offer more space than the traditional model, but be sure to check that they are allowed on your favorite airline.
Kinsley Searles/Business Insider
Monos also offers a wide range of carry-on bags. The standard Monos carry-on offers built-in compression straps, TSA-approved locks, and smooth wheels and zippers. These same features can still be found in its larger models: the Carry-On Pro, the Carry-On Plus, and the Carry-On Pro Plus. After testing the Carry-On Pro and the Carry-On Plus, I found that the small details made these bags stand out. The Carry-On Pro, for example, offers an exterior front pocket that is perfect for holding a 15-inch laptop. And, the Carry-On Plus wheeled excellently across all surfaces, even grass. Like with Away, though, the larger models may not fit some airline specifications for carry-on luggage.
Comparing the two brands, Away carry-on bags are typically more efficient with their space than Monos carry-on bags. While Monos carry-ons are larger on average, I was actually able to fit more into my Away bag. Keep in mind, too, that a larger bag is not always a plus for carry-on luggage. While an extra few inches of space may seem helpful when packing, it could cause you to pay an unexpected fee to check your bag. That said, I found Monos carry-on bags handled better than Away bags. If you envision yourself frequently pulling your luggage onto the subway or across cobblestone streets, for instance, Monos might be a better fit for you.
| Away | Monos | |
| Carry-on bags offered |
4 polycarbonate hard-sided bags 2 soft-sided bags 2 aluminum hard-sided bags |
6 polycarbonate hard-sided bags 2 aluminum-polycarbonate hybrid hard-sided bags |
| Price range for carry-on bags | $245 to $645 | $255 to $345 |
| Size range | 21.7” x 14.4” x 9” to 22.7” x 15.4” x 9.6” | 22” x 14” x 9” to 23” x 15” x 9.5” |
| Weight range | 7.5 lbs to 10.6 lbs | 7.01 lbs to 8.38 lbs |
| Materials | Polycarbonate, aluminum, nylon | Polycarbonate, aluminum |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
Checked bags and other offerings
From checked luggage to crossbodies, Away and Monos offer a wide range of products outside carry-on bags. For checked bags, Away's lineup has more variety. Besides the standard hardshell suitcases, you can also find sturdy aluminum bags, a trunk, and a rolling duffel. You can also find an array of travel accessories like packing cubes, toiletry bags, and luggage tags to make packing a breeze.
There are fewer checked luggage options at Monos, but they are generally cheaper than Away. Like Away, you can find a plethora of accessories, with more unique options like a water bottle, jewelry case, and folio kit. Monos even has a clothing line that specializes in elevated basics.
I have tested a personal item from both Monos and Away: the Monos Metro Duffel and the Away Everywhere Bag. While both are excellent options for airline travel, overnight trips, or work, I personally preferred the Monos Metro Duffel. Its smooth vegan leather felt just right as I carried my laptop, Nintendo Switch, book, notebook, wallet, and keys comfortably. I was a huge fan of the interior water bottle pocket which fit my 24-ounce Owala while also keeping it out of the way.
Overall, Away provides more variety in their luggage offerings. That said, Monos still includes reliable features for a cheaper price.
| Away | Monos | |
| Checked bags offered |
5 polycarbonate hard-sided bags 2 soft-sided bags 2 aluminum hard-sided bags 1 rolling duffel |
3 polycarbonate hard-sided bags 2 polycarbonate-aluminum hybrid bags 1 polycarbonate-aluminum trunk |
| Price range for checked bags | $295 to $745 | $325 to $455 |
| Size range | 26” x 18.9” x 10.6” to 29” x 20.5” x 12.5” | 26.5” x 18.5” x 10.5” to 30” x 21” x 11” |
| Weight range | 7.96 lbs to 16 lbs | 9.59 lbs to 13.2 lbs |
| Materials | Polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, aluminum | Polycarbonate, aluminum |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
Durability, compared
Durability is a make-or-break factor for any piece of luggage. Each piece of a bag — from the handles to the wheels to the exterior itself — should be made to last for years of travel. Both Monos and Away are devoted to durability. Both brands provide a complimentary sponge with each of their hardshell bags to help erase scuffs and scratches.
When comparing the brands head-to-head, Away comes out on top for durability. During testing, Away’s The Carry-On sustained minimal damage. Plus, almost all scratches and scuffs were easily removed with the included sponge. On the other hand, Monos’ Carry-On Pro was prone to more significant dents and dings. While a bag from either brand should last you for years, Away has the edge in terms of durability.
Lauren Savoie/Business Insider
Who should choose Away
If you prefer bright luggage with excellent space efficiency, I recommend Away. You can rest easy knowing that Away’s bags are the most durable that I have ever tested. Plus, Away offers a number of size and material variations so you can choose the bag that works best for you.
Who should choose Monos
If you are looking for luggage with a sleek design that handles remarkably well, I recommend Monos. Monos is also an excellent option if you envision yourself utilizing the zippered front pocket as you travel. Plus, if you are looking for a quality personal item or other accessories, then Monos is the brand for you.
The bottom line
While offering similar products, Away and Monos are unique in their offerings and benefits. Monos has better handling, helpful design features, and superior personal items. On the other hand, Away offers excellent durability, unmatched space efficiency, and a wide variety of bags and accessories.
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