Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear expert and travel photographer based in Southern California.
Your luggage is one of the most important pieces of travel gear. Both Monos and Samsonite make excellent suitcases, but they are very different brands with very different products.
I tested and rated a total of 26 suitcases from both brands and compared the differences using TravelFreak’s proprietary luggage rating system. By combining real-world testing and our data-based research, I was able to take both a subjective and objective look at Monos vs Samsonite to determine where each brand excels.
Monos is a relatively new startup Canadian luggage company that builds sleek, minimalist suitcases for travelers who value premium materials, understated style, and intuitive design. With an average overall score of 9.4, Monos is the highest-scoring brand we’ve tested.
Samsonite, with an average overall score of 8.8, is pretty much a household name. This is the largest luggage brand in the world, and they’ve been building suitcases for over a century. Samsonite has a huge product range, from budget-friendly to luxury suitcases, so they have something for every type of traveler.
If you’re deciding between Monos and Samsonite, I’ll go over the main differences between the two brands, compare their pros and cons, and highlight which luggage brand will best fit your needs.
Why You Can Trust Us
The TravelFreak editorial team has tested dozens of suitcases over the years, and we’ve learned a lot about what separates a quality piece of luggage from an overpriced, overhyped piece of plastic. We’ve tested and reviewed budget luggage, luxury suitcases, and everything in between.
We know how hard it is to find the perfect suitcase, and we want to make the process easier for you. So our team of gear junkies and product engineers developed the most comprehensive luggage test methodology possible.
We tested and rated 11 Monos suitcases and 15 Samsonite suitcases, including carry-ons and checked bags from both brands.
We evaluated every one of these suitcases on 31 metrics across eight categories. We gave them all the same treatment and rated them on the same standardized scales. This makes it easy for us (and you) to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each.
At a Glance
Monos vs Samsonite: Quick Answers
- Durability: Monos luggage is more durable and well-built than Samsonite overall.
- Price: Samsonite offers both budget-friendly and premium options, while Monos is a bit more expensive on average.
- Warranty: Most Samsonite luggage has a 10-year warranty, while Monos has a lifetime warranty on every suitcase.
- Sustainability: Samsonite uses recycled materials for many models, but Monos is Certified Climate Neutral and is a member of 1% for the Planet.
- Materials: Monos uses high-quality polycarbonate across the board, while Samsonite uses cheaper materials on many suitcases.
- Design and Style: Monos luggage is modern, minimalist, and streamlined. Samsonite suitcases come in a wider variety, from conservative to high-tech.
- Interior Organization: Monos has a more streamlined and intuitive interior setup, but Samsonite’s premium models have more pockets, removable organizers, and systems to keep your stuff tidy.
- Expandability: Both Monos and Samsonite have expandable suitcase models.
- Wheels: Monos uses smoother, quieter, and more durable wheels than most Samsonite luggage.
- Handle: The Monos luggage handle is more adjustable and sturdier than Samsonite handles.
- Color Options: Monos luggage has more color choices than Samsonite.
Monos vs Samsonite: Which Should You Buy?
Buy Monos if you…
- are a frequent traveler.
- are a digital nomad or long-term traveler.
- mainly take domestic flights within the US.
- prioritize aesthetics and modern design.
- are concerned about sustainability and buying eco-friendly products.
Buy Samsonite if you…
- are on a tight budget.
- often travel internationally on airlines with strict size and weight limits.
- travel less frequently.
- need luggage for cruises or summer vacations.
- need luggage to carry a suit, dress, or other formal clothing.
Materials & Quality
After testing suitcases from both brands, Monos scored significantly higher for Build Quality: 9.2 vs Samsonite’s 7.9 Build Quality Score. The short answer is this: if you want a durable, well-built piece of luggage, you’ll be happier with Monos.
Of course, the short answer isn’t the whole picture. Samsonite does make some high-quality luggage. Their higher-end models (like the Stryde, Proxis, and Cosmolite lines) are made in Europe and are impressively durable and well-crafted suitcases. I would say these specific models are even more durable than Monos, but you’ll be paying more for that premium quality.
Where Samsonite falls short is with their mid-range and budget-friendly models. These tend to use cheaper materials (like ABS and polypropylene), and the components are flimsier and more breakable.
On the other hand, every Monos suitcase I tested was solid, with a high-quality polycarbonate shell, smooth-rolling wheels, and a handle that didn’t rattle.
The one issue with Monos is that the hardshell easily shows scratches and scuffs. It’s only cosmetic, but it is a bit disappointing to get your new suitcase back from baggage claim looking like it went through a war zone. Fortunately, they include a magic eraser that does a surprisingly good job at removing scuffs.
It’s also worth noting that Samsonite sells both hardside and softside luggage, while Monos only has hardside luggage. Hardside luggage is more protective, but a softside suitcase will never crack.
Design & Features
Monos creates all their luggage with a very similar design. Every Monos suitcase is a modern, minimalist hardshell with a simple feature set. The only differences between different models are the size and a few different features.
Monos designs their suitcases to be simple, straightforward, and intuitive. Compared to most Samsonite luggage, Monos is just a bit more streamlined. They don’t give you many bells and whistles beyond what you actually need. I especially love how streamlined and functional the Monos Carry-On luggage is.
Monos scored 8.7 for Ease of Use on average, while Samsonite scored a bit lower at 8.2. Where Monos is simple and intuitive, some Samsonite luggage is a bit more complicated. Monos is a better choice if you want a no-fuss suitcase that is extremely easy to pack and use.
That said, if you’re interested in high-tech features or innovative designs, Samsonite has more to offer. Samsonite has a huge range of suitcases, and their designs are very diverse. You can find models with removable packing cubes, toiletry bags, and garment folders; multiple external pockets, and even built-in LED lights.
Samsonite scored 8.9 for Functionality (a bit higher than Monos at 8.5) because you can get Samsonite suitcases with more advanced features.
Essentially, Monos luggage does the essentials really well, but Samsonite’s innovative designs have more extras.
Value for Your Money
If you’re on a budget and are trying to get the best bang for your buck, Samsonite is probably a better option. They have more affordable luggage, and you can often get great deals, especially if you shop in a physical store or on Amazon.
On average, Samsonite luggage scored 8.6 for Price-to-Performance. Monos only scored 6.7.
Monos luggage is definitely more expensive on average, but you do get awesome value for your money. Monos uses premium materials. The Monos Carry-On is the least expensive suitcase we’ve ever tested that still scored above 9.0 for build quality.
If you are a frequent traveler, investing a little more money in a Monos suitcase is definitely worth it.
Warranty and Buying Experience
Monos also gives you a 100-day trial to have your own Monos luggage review at home and make sure it fits your lifestyle. You can pack it, run with it, wheel it around, lift it—just keep it indoors, and if there are problems, you can return it.
Monos has a lifetime warranty that covers any functional damage to the wheels, shell, or handles. They don’t cover cosmetic damage like scratches or dents, though.
Samsonite’s 10-year warranty is reliable, but it is more limited than Monos. Still, 10 years is a long time, and Samsonite has a good reputation for upholding warranty claims, so I wouldn’t be too worried.
Both brands have good customer service and build luggage that’s meant to last. Neither has a warranty quite as good as Briggs & Riley, but they also are much more affordable.
Brand Impact and Sustainability
If you care about sustainability and supporting companies that are improving their impact on the planet, Monos is a better choice than Samsonite. Monos scored 8.5 for Brand Impact, and Samsonite only scored 6.2.
Both brands use recycled materials, but Monos is Climate Neutral certified and a member of 1% for the Planet.
Yes, Samsonite is starting to implement more sustainability initiatives, but these 3rd-party certifications put Monos on a different level.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between Monos and Samsonite luggage comes down to where you’ll be traveling, how often you’ll be traveling, and what you prioritize in your luggage.
You should buy Monos luggage if you are a frequent traveler and want to invest in a stylish, high-quality suitcase that will be getting a lot of use. City-hopping, work trips, and long-term travel are all right up Monos’ alley. If you’re the type of person who’s always on the go, I think you’ll love Monos’ blend of style and practicality.
Samsonite is a better choice if you’re a more casual traveler who can’t justify buying top-notch luggage, but still wants a suitcase that is functional and durable. Most Samsonite luggage costs significantly less than Monos, and it still works really well. I personally think Samsonite is a perfect choice for checked luggage for week-long (or longer) vacations where you’ll be staying in one destination for longer.
There is one important exception here. Monos carry-on luggage is technically too big for many budget international airlines, but Samsonite has a whole range of carry-ons sized specifically for international travel. I highly recommend doing some research into carry-on size limits before you buy a suitcase.
Monos and Samsonite both make awesome luggage, and you can’t go wrong with either. If you want a little more guidance for picking a specific model, check out our guides for finding the Best Carry-On Luggage and the Best Checked Luggage.
Monos vs Samsonite FAQs
What luggage is comparable to Monos?
Is Samsonite luggage worth it?
Samsonite luggage is definitely worth it if you want a practical suitcase at a great price.
Does Monos scuff easily?
Unfortunately, Monos luggage does scuff and show scratches easily. This doesn’t affect the function, but it is annoying.
Why is Samsonite so popular?
Samsonite luggage is popular because it is stylish, affordable, and available everywhere.
Is Samsonite luggage made in China?
Samsonite manufactures luggage in China, India, and Hungary.
Jeremy Scott Foster
Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear expert and travel photographer based in Southern California. Previously nomadic, he’s been to ~50 countries and loves spending time outdoors. You can usually find him on the trail, on the road, jumping from bridges or hustling on his laptop working to produce the best travel and outdoors content today.
