Deciding between Away vs Monos luggage? Our in-depth 2025 comparison, updated for July, breaks down 7 key differences in wheels, handles, interior design, and warranty to help you choose the perfect suitcase
In the world of modern travel, two names have risen above the rest to dominate our social media feeds and the airport carousel: Away and Monos. These direct-to-consumer giants have revolutionized the luggage industry with their minimalist designs, clever marketing, and promises of a seamless travel experience. On the surface, they look remarkably similar—sleek polycarbonate shells, four spinner wheels, and a rainbow of chic, muted colours.
This similarity leads to the ultimate question for any savvy traveler ready to upgrade their gear: which one is better? Is there a real difference, or is it just branding?
The answer is a resounding yes, there are crucial differences. While both are excellent choices, they excel in different areas and appeal to slightly different types of travelers. This is the definitive guide to the Away vs Monos luggage showdown. We are going beyond the aesthetics to dissect every component—from the wobble of the handle to the layout of the interior—to help you make a decision you’ll be happy with for many adventures to come.
For this comparison, we will focus on each brand’s most popular model: the Away Carry-On and the Monos Carry-On.
The Quick-Look Comparison Table: Away vs Monos
| Feature | Away The Carry-On | Monos Carry-On | The Winner |
| Aesthetics | Iconic, recognizable, bold | Understated, architectural, refined | Tie (Subjective) |
| Shell & Durability | German Polycarbonate | German Polycarbonate | Tie (Material is identical) |
| Wheels | Hinomoto 360° Spinner Wheels | Hinomoto 360° Spinner Wheels | Tie (Both use the best) |
| Telescoping Handle | Sturdy, some side-play | Ergonomic, less side-play | Monos |
| Interior Organization | Compression Pad + Mesh Side | Mesh Dividers + Compression Pad | Monos |
| Warranty & Trial | Limited Lifetime / 100 Days | Limited Lifetime / 100 Days | Tie |
| Price | Typically slightly higher | Typically slightly lower | Monos |
The Deep Dive: 7 Key Differences in the Away vs Monos Luggage Battle
Now, let’s break down each category in detail.
1. Design & Aesthetics: The Look and Feel
While both brands champion minimalism, they have distinct design languages.
- Away: Away is the original trailblazer, and its design is now iconic. The signature feature is the series of horizontal lines running across the shell. It’s a clean, instantly recognizable look that has become synonymous with the modern travel movement. Their branding is often more prominent, and their colour palette, while featuring core neutrals, often includes bold, limited-edition collaborations. Away’s aesthetic feels confident, established, and a little more “fashion-forward.”
- Monos: Monos, on the other hand, embodies a more understated, “zen” philosophy. Its design is softer, with clean, uninterrupted surfaces and subtly rounded corners. The branding is incredibly discreet, often just a small, elegant logo on the front. Their colour palette is inspired by nature and feels more calming and architectural. Monos’ aesthetic is for those who appreciate quiet luxury and meticulous refinement.
Verdict: This is purely subjective. If you want the iconic, recognizable look that started the trend, choose Away. If you prefer a more refined, understated, and architectural design, choose Monos. It’s a tie.
2. The Shell Game: Durability and Finish
This is a crucial point in the Away vs Monos luggage debate. Both brands proudly state they use German Makrolon polycarbonate for their shells. This is top-tier stuff—it’s flexible, durable, and lightweight, which is why both suitcases can withstand significant impact.
The key difference often lies in the finish. Both shells have a matte texture designed to minimize the appearance of scuffs and scratches, which are inevitable with any hardshell luggage. In real-world use, both hold up remarkably well. You can expect them to get marked up over time, which many travelers see as a badge of honor, but the structural integrity of the polycarbonate will remain intact. Because they use the same high-quality core material, this category is another dead heat.
Verdict: Tie. Both brands use the same excellent polycarbonate, offering fantastic durability.
3. The Wheels: A Smooth Ride or a Bumpy Journey?
Another area where both brands invest in quality is the wheels. Both Away and Monos use industry-leading Hinomoto 360° spinner wheels. These Japanese-made wheels are legendary in the luggage world for being incredibly smooth, durable, and whisper-quiet.
When gliding through a smooth airport terminal, both suitcases feel like they are floating in the air. You can push them with a single finger, and they will track perfectly straight. The performance is virtually identical, and both represent a massive upgrade from the clunky, noisy wheels found on cheaper luggage. You simply cannot go wrong with the wheels on either suitcase.
Verdict: Tie. Both use the gold standard, Hinomoto wheels, and the performance is exceptional on both.
4. The Handle: A Firm Handshake
Here we find our first clear point of differentiation. A telescoping handle might seem like a small detail, but you will use it every single time you travel, and its sturdiness contributes significantly to the overall premium feel of a suitcase.
- Away: The Away handle is sturdy and functional, but it is known for having a bit more side-to-side play or “wobble,” especially at its highest extension. This is a common point of contention in many reviews. It’s perfectly usable but can feel slightly less robust.
- Monos: Monos has put a significant amount of engineering effort into its handle. It features an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand and, most importantly, has significantly less wobble than the Away handle. It feels more solid, more precise, and more luxurious to use.
Verdict: Monos. The superior stability and ergonomic feel of the Monos handle give it a clear edge in this category.
5. The Interior: Where the Real Away vs Monos Luggage Battle is Won
The inside of the suitcase is arguably where the biggest and most important differences lie. This is where your choice will have the most impact on your packing experience.
- Away: The Away Carry-On features a classic 50/50 clamshell design. One side has a zippered mesh panel to hold items in place. The other side has an internal compression system—a floating pad with straps that you can tighten down to compress clothing and create more space. It also comes with a simple nylon laundry bag.
- Monos: The Monos Carry-On also uses a 50/50 clamshell design but offers a more feature-rich layout. One side has a zippered mesh panel, but the other side also features a full zippered panel, meaning both halves of your suitcase can be fully enclosed. On top of one of these panels is their compression system with straps. Furthermore, Monos includes not just a laundry bag, but also two shoe bags and an anti-microbial liner.
Verdict: Monos. With two fully zippered compartments for better organization and separation, plus the inclusion of shoe bags, the Monos interior simply offers more thoughtful features for the meticulous packer. This is a major victory in the Away vs Monos luggage showdown.
6. The Warranty & Customer Service Showdown
Both companies have built their reputations on strong customer support and standing behind their products.
- Away: Offers a 100-day trial period, allowing you to return the suitcase for any reason. After that, it is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. This warranty covers any functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, etc., but does not cover cosmetic damage like scratches.
- Monos: Also offers a 100-day trial and a limited lifetime warranty that is virtually identical to Away’s. It covers cracks or breaks in the shell and any functional damage to wheels, handles, and zippers.
Verdict: Tie. Both brands offer excellent, industry-standard trial periods and warranties, giving you confidence in your purchase.
7. Price and Value: The Final Calculation
Both brands operate in the same premium-but-accessible price tier. However, there is often a slight difference. Historically, Away’s pricing has been slightly higher than Monos for their comparable base models.
When you factor in the value, the argument becomes clearer. With Monos often being slightly less expensive and including more interior features and accessories (like shoe bags), it arguably offers a better value proposition straight out of the box. Both brands offer free shipping within Australia, making the final landed cost easy to compare. This is a crucial final consideration in the Away vs Monos luggage debate.
Verdict: Monos. While prices can fluctuate, Monos typically offers more features for a slightly lower or comparable price, giving it the edge in pure value.
The Final Verdict: So, Which is the Best in the Away vs Monos Luggage Debate?
So, after breaking it all down, which suitcase should you buy? There is no single winner, but there is a clear choice for different types of people.
You should choose Away if:
- You love the iconic, trendsetting design and want your luggage to be instantly recognizable.
- You value the extensive ecosystem of matching accessories that Away offers (like their packing cubes and bags).
- The slightly wobblier handle doesn’t bother you, and you prefer their specific interior layout.
You should choose Monos if:
- You are a meticulous packer who will benefit from the superior interior organization.
- You appreciate a more understated, refined, and architectural aesthetic.
- You want the sturdiest-feeling handle and the best overall value for your money.
Conclusion
In the great Away vs Monos luggage battle, the truth is that you cannot make a bad choice. Both companies produce exceptional products that are a massive leap forward from traditional luggage brands. They are both stylish, durable, and backed by excellent warranties.
The decision ultimately comes down to your personal priorities. Do you value the original brand identity of Away, or the thoughtful, feature-rich design of Monos? By focusing on the key differences we’ve outlined—the handle and the interior—you can confidently choose the perfect travel companion that will join you on your adventures for years to come.