Monos is the number one suitcase brand we recommend, but Samsonite is the most popular luggage manufacturer in the world. Ultimately, which brand to choose depends on how you travel and what you prioritize.
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.
We tested and rated 11 Monos suitcases and 15 Samsonite suitcases, including carry-ons and checked bags from both brands and 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.
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.
| Scores |  |  |
|---|---|---|
Average Overall Score★ 9.4 and Above: Best in Class – It is very hard to earn this score. These suitcases perform well across every category, and we recommend them universally. These are the best of the best. ★ 8.9–9.3: Highly Recommended – These are excellent and high-performing bags. Depending on your specific needs, one of these may be a better fit than our best overall picks. ★ 8.3–8.8: Great for the Right Use – We typically recommend these bags for more specific use cases, because their outstanding performance in one area may have other tradeoffs. ★ 7.5–8.2: Good with Some Compromises – These are still good bags that we generally recommend. There are some compromises to be aware of depending on your use case. ★ 7.4 and Under: Not Recommended – We generally don’t review or recommend bags that score this low, except possibly as a budget pick. They typically have significant issues with quality or function. | 9.4 | 8.8 |
★ 9.4 and Above: Best in Class – It is very hard to earn this score. These suitcases perform well across every category, and we recommend them universally. These are the best of the best. ★ 8.9–9.3: Highly Recommended – These are excellent and high-performing bags. Depending on your specific needs, one of these may be a better fit than our best overall picks. ★ 8.3–8.8: Great for the Right Use – We typically recommend these bags for more specific use cases, because their outstanding performance in one area may have other tradeoffs. ★ 7.5–8.2: Good with Some Compromises – These are still good bags that we generally recommend. There are some compromises to be aware of depending on your use case. ★ 7.4 and Under: Not Recommended – We generally don’t review or recommend bags that score this low, except possibly as a budget pick. They typically have significant issues with quality or function. | ||
Average Build Quality ScoreAccounting for 30% of the Overall Score, we believe that Build Quality/durability is the single most important factor when it comes to rating and scoring a piece of luggage. It’s not the end-all-be-all, but we believe it should earn the highest weighting in our calculations. We rate luggage build quality on eight objective and subjective attributes. A backpack gets a 0-10 score for each attribute based on a standardized scale. Then we use a weighted average to calculate an overall Build Quality score. The six attributes we use to calculate the score are:
| 9.2 | 7.9 |
Accounting for 30% of the Overall Score, we believe that Build Quality/durability is the single most important factor when it comes to rating and scoring a piece of luggage. It’s not the end-all-be-all, but we believe it should earn the highest weighting in our calculations. We rate luggage build quality on eight objective and subjective attributes. A backpack gets a 0-10 score for each attribute based on a standardized scale. Then we use a weighted average to calculate an overall Build Quality score. The six attributes we use to calculate the score are:
| ||
Average Ease of Use ScoreAccounting for 20% of the Overall Score, Ease of Use refers to whether or not the suitcase is easy to pack, easy to move and easy to organize. We score Ease of Use based on four categories:
| 8.7 | 8.2 |
Accounting for 20% of the Overall Score, Ease of Use refers to whether or not the suitcase is easy to pack, easy to move and easy to organize. We score Ease of Use based on four categories:
| ||
Average Functionality ScoreAccounting for 20% of the Overall Score, our luggage Functionality rating is a subjective score based on how well the suitcase fulfills our needs during testing. | 8.5 | 8.9 |
Accounting for 20% of the Overall Score, our luggage Functionality rating is a subjective score based on how well the suitcase fulfills our needs during testing. | ||
Average Water Resistance ScoreAccounting for 5% of the Overall Score, we rate Water Resistance based on materials and zippers and how highly each is rated for water resistance. | 9.1 | 8.0 |
Accounting for 5% of the Overall Score, we rate Water Resistance based on materials and zippers and how highly each is rated for water resistance. | ||
Average Brand Impact ScoreIt is important to us to recommend brands that we believe are doing good in the world. Cheap and unethical mass production of consumer goods has created innumerable problems globally, and we don’t want to be part of the problem by promoting mass-produced goods. Because of that, we rate every brand we review based on their global impact. This score accounts for 5% of the Overall Score and incorporates:
| 8.5 | 6.2 |
It is important to us to recommend brands that we believe are doing good in the world. Cheap and unethical mass production of consumer goods has created innumerable problems globally, and we don’t want to be part of the problem by promoting mass-produced goods. Because of that, we rate every brand we review based on their global impact. This score accounts for 5% of the Overall Score and incorporates:
| ||
Average Buying Experience ScoreAccounting for 5% of the Overall Score, we value companies that implement specific policies to reduce the stress and risk of buying a product. We give higher ratings to companies with free shipping and no-nonsense satisfaction policies. This score is made of the following four attributes:
| 7.4 | 6.8 |
Accounting for 5% of the Overall Score, we value companies that implement specific policies to reduce the stress and risk of buying a product. We give higher ratings to companies with free shipping and no-nonsense satisfaction policies. This score is made of the following four attributes:
| ||
Average Warranty ScoreIt’s always a good idea to buy from companies that stand behind their products with solid lifetime warranties. The Warranty score is an objective metric based on the brand’s warranty policy which accounts for 5% of the Overall Score. | 10.0 | 5.0 |
It’s always a good idea to buy from companies that stand behind their products with solid lifetime warranties. The Warranty score is an objective metric based on the brand’s warranty policy which accounts for 5% of the Overall Score. | ||
Average Price-to-Performance ScoreWe rate products based on the bang for your buck they provide. We measure that using a Cost-to-Performance ratio, which enables us to evaluate whether a higher-end product is really worth the extra cost or whether it’s better to save some cash. We calculate the Cost-to-Performance ratio by comparing the MSRP to the testing and scoring of all the previous categories. A product that performs well at a lower cost has a higher Cost-to-Performance ratio. This is an important data piece to look at if you are on a budget but still want the best quality and design possible. | 6.7 | 8.6 |
We rate products based on the bang for your buck they provide. We measure that using a Cost-to-Performance ratio, which enables us to evaluate whether a higher-end product is really worth the extra cost or whether it’s better to save some cash. We calculate the Cost-to-Performance ratio by comparing the MSRP to the testing and scoring of all the previous categories. A product that performs well at a lower cost has a higher Cost-to-Performance ratio. This is an important data piece to look at if you are on a budget but still want the best quality and design possible. | ||
| Specs | ||
| Type | Hardside | Hardside, Softside |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10-year |
| Returns | Pay for return shipping, 100-day | Pay for return shipping, 90-day |
| Manufacturing Location(s) | China | India, China, Hungary |
| Browse Monos | Browse Samsonite | |
Buy Monos if you…
Buy Samsonite if you…
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, my Monos luggage review highlights their solid construction (it’s made of a high-quality polycarbonate shell), smooth-rolling wheels, and sturdy, rattle-free handle.
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's been roughed up. 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.
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 luggage comes in a wide range of styles and designs to suit every traveler. 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.
If you’re traveling 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 carry-on 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.
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.
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.
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.
Samsonite luggage is definitely worth it if you want a practical suitcase at a great price.
Unfortunately, Monos luggage does scuff and show scratches easily. This doesn’t affect the function, but it is annoying.
Samsonite luggage is popular because it is stylish, affordable, and available everywhere.
Samsonite manufactures luggage in China, India, and Hungary.
We hold ourselves to a rigorous standard. Financial incentives don’t sway our recommendations — real-world field tests, thousands of travel hours, and authentic wanderlust do.
As a Manchester City fan, he made it his mission to catch matches at legendary stadiums from Camp Nou to the Etihad. But Nick's travels go beyond football. He's explored 20+ countries across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, always chasing authentic experiences over tourist traps. Nick lives by a simple rule: the best stories come from saying yes to the unexpected. And TravelFreak is his biggest yes yet.
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