July vs. Monos: We Tested Both to Find Out Which is Better
You can’t go wrong, but Monos is better if you want the absolute best bang for your buck, and July is better if you want fancy features like built-in battery banks or removable laptop sleeves.
If you’re looking for a new suitcase that is durable, functional, and modern, you’ve probably come across these two luggage brands: July and Monos. Both brands offer sleek, feature-packed polycarbonate suitcases, but which is better?
My first luggage was a pair of cheap spinner suitcases that I used while living abroad in Europe. They both broke within a few months. Now I’m a lot more choosy about my suitcases, and Monos and July are two of the best luggage brands on the market right now. I’ve spent months digging into the details to see how they compare.
July and Monos both make great hardside luggage. Their designs look amazing, are super functional, are built to last, and compete directly in price. The difference comes down to the details. Which brand has better features and organization? Which is easier to use? Which suitcase will keep looking good after years of travel?
I’ll dive into the details on these two brands and show how they compare for real-world use. If you’re looking for the ultimate comparison between July and Monos, you’re in the right place.
Why You Can Trust Us
The TravelFreak editorial team is made of avid travelers, vanlifers, photographers, product engineers, and overall gear junkies. We believe that quality gear can greatly improve the quality of a trip. And while high quality gear isn’t always necessary, we do believe in investing in gear that will last a lifetime.
We only recommend products that we actually like and that we would use ourselves. We are not swayed by financial incentives to recommend products. Our recommendations are based on both real-world personal experience and in-house data analysis.
Our editorial team has owned and used multiple different suitcases from both July and Monos. We’ve taken them on real trips and tested them in airports, airplanes, hotels and cities around the world.
Additionally, we’ve analyzed objective data from 8 July and 11 Monos suitcases, including carry-ons and checked bags from both brands. Our proprietary luggage test methodology incorporates 31 data points for every suitcase across eight categories.
We rate every suitcase on the same standardized scales. This makes it easy for us (and you) to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each.
If you want to learn more about how we test and rate luggage, you can read a breakdown of our full luggage rating system here.
By combining these data-driven insights with our real-world experiences, we can give you a more detailed and objective comparison. Ultimately, our goal is to help you find a suitcase that will serve you well for years to come.
July vs. Monos At a Glance
July vs Monos: Quick Answers
- Durability: Both July and Monos suitcases are very well-built. July has stronger reinforced corners, while Monos has a sturdier handle.
- Price: July is slightly more expensive than Monos overall.
- Warranty: Monos has a slightly better lifetime warranty compared to July’s limited lifetime warranty.
- Sustainability: Monos is better for sustainability and brand impact. They are Certified Climate Neutral and are a member of 1% for the Planet.
- Materials: Both July and Monos use high-quality polycarbonate across the board..
- Design and Style: July and Monos have similar sleek and minimalist styles.
- Interior Organization: July and Monos have very similar interior organization, but July only has one Y-shaped compression strap while Monos has two straight straps.
- Expandability: Both brands offer expandable suitcases, but Monos has a wider range of expandable models.
- Wheels: Both brands use excellent high-quality spinner wheels that are smooth and reliable.
- Handle: The Monos luggage handle is slightly stronger and more rigid than the July handle, but both are better than cheaper brands.
- Color Options: Both brands have a similar range of color options with plenty to choose from.
July vs Monos: Which Should You Buy?
Buy July if you…
- Often travel internationally.
- Fly with smaller budget airlines.
- Travel with a laptop (get the Carry-On Pro SnapSleeve).
- Don’t want to be dependent on finding power outlets in the airport.
- Are a light packer or minimalist traveler.
Buy Monos if you…
- Want the best value for a top-notch modern hardside suitcase.
- Are a frequent traveler.
- Fly mainly with major airlines.
- Care about buying sustainable products.
- Are looking to save some money on your travel gear.
- Are a digital nomad or business traveler.
Materials & Quality
If you just compare the average Build Quality scores, it looks like Monos is the winner, but that’s only because those average scores include July’s Light models, which are designed to be lightweight and more affordable. They’re also a bit flimsier, and only score 8.5 for Build Quality. Monos doesn’t have anything comparable to these lighter, cheaper suitcases.
If you compare apples to apples, July actually scores higher for build quality. The July Carry-On scores 9.3 for Build Quality compared to the Monos Carry-On, which scores 9.2.
Both July and Monos build their suitcases with a high-quality German polycarbonate hard shell. This has become the gold standard material for hardside premium luggage because it is both lightweight and very durable.
Both brands also use durable YKK zippers and sturdy telescoping handles.
Where July stands out is that they add sturdy aluminum corner bumpers to their cases. These bumpers are visible on the outside of their standard suitcases, while their Carry-On Essential and Carry-On Pro have hidden internal bumpers. Corners are the most likely part of a suitcase to crack or dent, and this design adds a ton of strength in this vulnerable area.
I’ve never seen a Monos hard shell crack, but theoretically, July’s aluminum corners should make them more impact and damage-resistant. One downside is that the anodized coating on the external bumpers can scuff or scratch, showing some cosmetic wear over time.
Both July and Monos make some of the best spinner luggage out there, but July’s wheels are a bit smoother, have sealed stainless steel ball bearings, and seem slightly more durable.
You’ll get an incredibly reliable and durable suitcase with either brand, but July has a slight edge in build quality.
Design & Features
July and Monos suitcases have similar designs overall and many identical features. Both have a sleek, minimal exterior, a simple interior with a zippered divider and a compression pad, built-in TSA locks, and handles with multiple adjustment points.
But there are definitely some key differences between the two, and those differences will help determine which is best for you.
First off, though the internal designs are similar, they aren’t identical. Monos has two big straight compression straps, while July uses a single Y-shaped strap setup. July’s design is a bit easier to use since you only have to tighten one strap, but I’ve found that Monos’ design works better at keeping things in place. Monos suitcases also have a few extra zippered pockets on the inside.
Overall, I think the interior of Monos suitcases is more useful.
On the other hand, July includes removable USB battery banks with most of their Carry-On models (excluding the Light and the Essential), while Monos does not. Finding open outlets in an airport can be challenging, so being able to charge your phone on the go can be a god-send.
However, the built-in batteries won’t be worth it for everyone. July’s battery-equipped models cost significantly more than the Monos Carry-On, and all batteries go bad eventually. You can just as easily buy a separate battery bank to charge your phone. It’s not as convenient, but it’s definitely more economical.
July builds some of the best lightweight luggage on the market. The July Carry-On Light is the lightest carry-on suitcase in the world. If you’re the kind of person who loves simplicity and packing light, this is the way to go. This case is compact, featherweight, and easy to move and carry. Monos doesn’t have anything that competes.
July also has a Check-In version of their Light suitcase, but for a checked bag, I would rather get a sturdier (if slightly heavier) case.
Hardside luggage usually lacks external pockets, but the July Carry-On Pro and the Monos Carry-On Pro share an almost identical design with a large hinged pocket on the front that can carry a laptop plus other essentials you want quick access to. Both work well and can fit a 15-16” device, but it’s a tight squeeze in both.
If you often travel with a laptop, I recommend checking out the July Carry-On Pro SnapSleeve. Just like the normal Carry-On Pro, this can carry a laptop on the front. Unlike the normal Pro model, the laptop sleeve can be detached from the suitcase.
This is honestly my favorite solution for carrying a laptop with luggage. Once you get on your flight, you can keep the laptop sleeve with you with your devices and small items with you and then stash the suitcase away in the overhead compartment.
Value for Your Money
For carry-ons, Monos is a bit less expensive than equivalent July products, even when you consider July’s Carry-On Essential, which doesn’t have the USB battery bank. If I were shopping for a quality, stylish, modern polycarbonate carry-on, I’d pick the Monos Carry-On just because it has the best bang for the buck.
Of course, the exception would be that July Carry-On Pro SnapSleeve. Even though it’s more expensive, the functional and innovative design makes it worth it if you travel with a laptop.
However, July’s checked luggage hits the exact same price point as Monos. Because the July checked suitcases have the reinforced aluminum corner bumpers and slightly better strength, this would be my choice for checked luggage.
July’s Light Collection includes the least expensive suitcases between both brands.
Warranty and Buying Experience
July and Monos scored an identical 7.4 for Buying Experience. They have very similar policies for shipping, returns, exchanges, and customer service. Both brands offer a generous 100-day trial period, which can give you some peace of mind that you won’t be stuck with the suitcase if you don’t like it.
Monos’ warranty is slightly better than July’s. Monos explicitly states that they cover any functional damage to the wheels, shell, handles, or zippers. July only covers manufacturing defects.
Monos’ superior warranty is one of the reasons they scored higher in our overall rating.
Brand Impact
If you care about buying sustainable products, Monos is probably the better choice. Monos scored an impressive 8.5 for Brand Impact compared to July’s 5.5.
Monos uses a 100% recycled inner fabric, Away doesn’t. Even Monos’ polycarbonate hard shells are made of partially recycled materials, something that’s rare for hardside luggage.
Monos is Climate Neutral Certified (the first luggage brand to earn this distinction), which means they have to follow very strict requirements for measuring and offsetting their carbon emissions.
Monos is also a member of 1% for the Planet. Every year they donate 1% of their revenue (not just profit) to environmental nonprofits. So far the brand has donated nearly $2 million.
It’s easy to talk the talk when it comes to impact and sustainability, but reputable third-party certifications like Climate Neutral and 1% for the Planet require concrete, verifiable action.
July uses some recycled materials, but they just don’t have the same level of impact reporting, philanthropy efforts, or sustainability initiatives.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I love both July and Monos luggage, and I don’t think you can go wrong. Either way, you’re getting an incredibly durable, practical, and stylish suitcase.
But you’re here because you want to make a decision, so here’s my take:
If you want a sleek, high-quality carry-on suitcase, just get the Monos Carry-On. It will do everything you need it to without any unnecessary frills or any unnecessary cost. There’s a reason this is the highest scoring suitcase we’ve ever tested.
If you’re after checked luggage, I recommend choosing July. Their checked bags don’t cost any more than Monos, and the reinforced corners make them stronger.
If you need luggage for international travel, especially with smaller budget airlines, you may also want to consider July, because their carry-ons are slightly smaller than Monos, so they fit international size restrictions better.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Whichever suitcase you choose, make sure you get out there and put it to good use.
July vs Monos FAQs
Is July or Monos better?
July luggage is slightly more durable and has more features, but Monos luggage is the best deal you can get for top-notch polycarbonate suitcases.
Is July luggage made in China?
July luggage is made in China using components from around the globe.
Is Monos a Japanese brand?
Monos is a Canadian brand based in Vancouver.
Does the July Carry-On fit carry-on size limits?
The July Carry-On is sized to fit virtually all international carry-on size restrictions.
Is July worth the money?
July luggage is definitely worth the money if you need a durable, practical, and stylish suitcase.
