Monos vs Away Luggage | Which Suitcase is Best?!

This is a review and comparison of the Monos Carry-on Plus suitcase and the Away Bigger Carry-on to determine which luggage is best. We will discuss the pros, cons and key differences of both the Monos and Away suitcases, and take them on some trips and tests to determine how they perform in the field so you can decide which is best to buy.
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Monos vs Away Luggage | Which Suitcase is Best?!
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[@user-fk5ib1lg3u]

Thank you for the comparison. Very detailed and specific. I purchased my fist AWAY suitcase 4 years ago.. now everyone has it. BUT. I do love my AWAY. I have it in Red/ Navy and now Coast. I have taken the bigger carry on to three trips to Europe and it has held up very very well.

[@cucumberslices]

Great review. I actually appreciate this one compared to others as you actually did a real world test in them. Others are more like “unboxing” type of videos.

[@jennyvu]

I got the monos too!! Thank you so much for the thorough review!

[@abraham5340]

Felt like you guys made the decision before even opening the boxes lol

[@bonniec8429]

I bought a Monos carryon last year and love it. It's light enough for this 4'11" person to lift into overhead bins. Well made. Love it.

[@ca6vtec]

Both cases are solid and I have no complaint on either. I agree on the handle on the away, even though it's study it doesn't feel sturdy. Feels like a rough jerk might snap it but It hasn't happened to me yet. As for the Monos Carry on, I don't recommend the Pro Plus model. The Pro Plus model has a nice outside pocket that you can slide a laptop, passport, etc in but it leads to slight less space inside. Both units share the same wheels and zippers, so both are solid. Nice video.

[@amymckee2306]

We have been travel living full time for almost two years with our Monos suitcases - the medium checked size- and really love them. Good choice!

[@user-fu5bv1yu6c]

Viewers should note the Away suitcase used in this comparison is not the updated version released this year. I've been going down the luggage rabbit hole and it seems Away addressed some concerns. In fact, the vast majority of reviews I found online in all channels are from the old version of the Away bag.

[@localizertwofive-qx9st]

Just curious - whats been updated in the newer bag?

[@r25m38]

I love my Monos! I got a limited addition pattern. Also I don't know where you guys, but I am Canadian and it's a Canadian product, love supporting my country :)

[@tb718w]

Yea but you never showed us how much fit on the inside 🤔

[@mrabdi]

Yub

[@dazeydaisy-pu6hl]

Glad this comment was here so I didn’t have to waste my time on this video 😂

[@connorhd3201]

Probably because they both have very similar capacities so there won't really be any difference. Plus packing largely comes down to the techniques you use. It's highly subjective.

[@JC-sf2qm]

I absolutely love my Monos medium suit case ... I have had it for 2 years ... it is so well organized! The handle is very steady. The medium is so roomier.... I packed for a 5 week road trip and had plenty of room for souvenirs! My next purchase will be the carry-on plus.

[@mimichow1966]

Thanks I'm thinking of getting it plus the small carry on :)

[@gingermele3111]

Thank you very much I needed this video I am trying to decide right now which carry-on luggage I should purchase. I appreciated your head to head discussion as to the monos versus away it was very helpful thank you

[@SharingtheRoad]

We're so glad you found it helpful! Thanks! 😃

[@samanthalegassick7965]

Loved this & found it really helpful. I've got an Away Bigger Carryon that hasn't held up as well as I'd hoped after only two-ish years and I'm definitely going Monos based on this video. Thank you!

[@SharingtheRoad]

We're glad you found it useful Samantha! We hope that your new Monos will go on some great adventures with you! 😃

[@graceescapes4637]

Great comparison! Both look great but If I'm to choose, I would go with the Monos too. Thanks for sharing.

[@Summermute7]

Just bought a Monos suitcase due to this video. I told them at checkout that I heard about their product from your channel. Thanks for sharing this review.

[@jennydechamplain1875]

Thank you for this video. I’ve been debating between these two brands, plus Beis, and am going to get the Monos carry-on.

[@SharingtheRoad]

Glad to hear we could help Jenny! We hope you love your selection! Do you have an exciting travel coming up for you to test it out on? 😊

[@TyHardNeNe]

I have both and yes, the Mono is better. The Away use to come with a dust bag; interesting that they no longer do. I have the lighter Monos as well so I purchase the protective covering, well worth it to keep it clean.

[@dannymac5623]

What good is a dust bag, when after you check it, it gets thrown around and left in the rain, while it wait’s to get thrown on the plane.

[@TyHardNeNe]

I'm team carry-on so I don't have that issue.@@dannymac5623

[@isaiahginder1760]

I’ve had away luggage from almost right after they came out they’ve been the best ever since and I recommended to every single person

[@JaypeaFoto]

We bought a Monos Carry-on Pro in the same color as yours. We also got the Metro Duffle in Saddle Tan ( AMAZING by the way). I want to buy my husband one too now.! Great video. Makes me confident in my decision.

[@morgann572]

what color did you get?

[@LYFE2Jays]

Great review! I went back and forth between these two also. I travel for work and my coworkers mostly have Away, i went with Monos and absolutely LOVE it. you have a new subscriber in me!

[@Paul-sm7cw]

On the Mono plus is there issues with overhead domestic or international?

[@SmartHomeMakers]

Great video guys! Loved the review!

[@livhwang2150]

This was a super helpful comparison. Thank you!

[@SharingtheRoad]

So glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@Anyone553]

Second video I’ve watched about carry on comparison. Mono is always the winner!!

[@julienguyen8304]

Great comparison on this!

[@mattsawchuk7000]

I agree, monos is an excellent carry on and 40+ flights I have taken this year alone. I have the plus and only run into checking it at the gate when I’m on a E140/145 regional flight. Do yourself a favor and grab one!

[@torontotom5151]

40+ flights? Wow! THat's a lot of flying. Cheers

[@Vicodxn]

I am going to Europe this summer and i was looking for a new carry on you guys helped alot! im going to get the monos thank you!!

[@SharingtheRoad]

Woohoo! Have the best time!! We're itching to get to Europe 😊

[@TheJamilee21]

Great review! Thanks

[@williamyates5863]

Recently got my wife a monos. Looks nice. But it scuffs sooo easily. It also came with 2 missing zippers on the inside of the suitcase. Customer service is not great. I like that Away has some in person stores.

[@OanhNguyen-zq6ud]

Thank you! I'm going with the Monos after watching your video.

[@SharingtheRoad]

Great Oanh! We hope you like it! 😊

[@bootscanlas9995]

I still love my travel pro but I’ll try mono for my 2nd carry on luggage

[@travelingRonman]

Very good breakdown. I feel like a lot of the suitcases are the same so being unique and able to stand out is a big plus.

[@SharingtheRoad]

So true! 😊

[@Alecia_thewanderer]

Love Monos! I started out with the Carryon Pro a year ago & have since added the large check-in & sling

[@denisebarragan9993]

I loved loved loved this review!

[@rgorell]

The Away aluminum handle is rock solid. Definitely recommend the Away aluminum bigger carryon over either of these.

[@annalau3487]

Thank you, very helpful.

[@davidthaler7018]

Everyone certainly has their preferences, but frankly, with the exception of the handle, I think your decision is based on very superficial criteria. Color, logo, lock location, and brand ubiquitousness don't mean much if the quality and functionality are poor. Were they both easy to pack? How many days worth of clothing did they accommodate? Did the compression systems make the bags easy to close after packing? What's the price of each? The trial period? The warranty?

[@Mariah306]

This!

[@anamk88]

100% agree

[@zaranapatel2135]

Completely agree. She seemed like she had her mind set from the beginning. She had no interest in the Away.

[@snoozegod8707]

I’ve read soooooo many reviews agreeing that the Monos is of higher quality compared to the Away. So even if she did have her mind set, it was set correctly from what I’ve been able to tell. Also, there are several other videos of packing the things…look one up. FFS…it’s just putting stuff in a box.

[@davidthaler7018]

@@snoozegod8707 Well…if it’s just putting stuff in a box, why be concerned with logo and lock location?

[@scottwallace1]

Curious if you’ve used the comparable Carl Friedrik? It to me is the best looking of the hard shells. But function of course is most important. Thanks for the thorough review.

[@WITYTRAVELS]

Really cool video. We don't like the look of all that branding on the away luggage either. Even gave them the "Drag test." Top notch breakdown.

[@SharingtheRoad]

Thanks!

[@rjzlwop3153]

Great video thank you for sharing, how do you feel about the mono bag versus the travel max pro?

[@dh7139]

OMG, I thought you were throwing away the Away bag at the end for a sec 😂 Nice review, well done

[@9ofcups915]

Im not an impulse buyer, but once i saw the monos i fell in love and immidiatly wanted to buy it (been looking for a suitcase for over 6 months) however i live in Europe and shipping costs more than the case itself. Im so dissapointed, there doesn't seem to be any shop who sells this here

[@miamiflorida6965]

Great video guys! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SharingtheRoad]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@marquitakey5555]

Great review thank you much 😊

[@SharingtheRoad]

Your welcome!!! 😊

[@kenishahammond3935]

Excellent review. I think I'm going to go with the Monos design! I love anything sturdy!

[@debsmostexcellentadventure5353]

Simply stunning video,new fan and have a lovely weekend and stay safe debs xx 💃💃.....

[@fb8015]

Great review did u see anything on warranties? I think the Mono has a lifetime one? That would a great selling feature for me too.

[@TheOhFamily4]

Hey Sharing the Road, what a great review! 👍 Both pieces of luggage look great, but you guys are right. It's a little tacky with the "Away" logo all over the luggage is a little bit much. Great review, guys, and keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing! 🤗❤️

[@SharingtheRoad]

Thanks!

[@davidthaler7018]

well, we all have our preferences, but the logo is on the INSIDE, not the outside, and no one sees it but you so I wouldn't reject it outright based purely on that.

[@Joe-lb8qn]

I'm looking for a new case but one of the things that both these two have in common is zips to close, which can be a weak spot. I saw a review of a case which was clamshell with clips unfortunately cant recall the name now but wondered what your opinion was on that type of case?

[@johnwick860]

given the price difference of Samsonite centric hardside ($150), do you still recommend spending more for the Monos large ($345) over the Samsonite Centric?

[@glammom415]

This is the kind of review i've been looking for. Thank u guys!

[@SharingtheRoad]

Thank you so much! We're so glad you found it useful! Hope you're having a great day! 😊

[@marcela.lalala]

It's interesting how each person can have a totally different experience with suitcases. I refused to buy Away it wasn't my favorite design and I wanted something with more attention to details. But now I can admit my husband's bag performed better than mine during out latest trip. When I found Monos, I was excited to get the Carry-On Pro Plus, since I love front pockets. But after purchasing it and using it, I can't say I am completely happy about my investment. I definitely think you need to read the pros and cons before buying! 😕 Reasons: 1) Handle does not feel as sturdy as others in the market. And I am actually surprised to see some reviews saying they felt it was the sturdiest? Very confusing to me, as my husband's Away handle seemed more robust. My Monos handle jiggles a bit and does not have the firmness that I was looking for. Do I think it will break? Not really. But I feel more confident with a handle that has more stability. And I agree with one reviewer who said the location of the button is not the best, as I feel I am always pressing it, even when just walking. 2) If you carry a medium-large backpack, the suitcase has a tendency to fall forward, when placing the backpack on top. This did not happen to the Away bag, and I think the reason is the extension zipper. It makes the bag wider, more stable, like a square block. 3) The laptop compartment!! I struggled to fit my 16'' computer in the designated slot (laptop doesn't even have a case!). Instead, I had to use the next pocket. Despite the specifications, it felt the space was very tight and that the laptop was being squished a bit, especially when closing the compartment. What if I had a case on it? 😓 Also, if storing a laptop, forget about adding any other device or chargers. No space. 4) Lastly, the available space within my bag was noticeably lacking in comparison to the capacity offered by my husband's Away suitcase (which extends in volume considerably after opening the zipper). As a frequent traveler, maximizing packing efficiency is of utmost importance to me, and unfortunately, Monos fell a bit short in this regard. Still better than other tiny carry-ons, but not as great as the other brand. If you're a light packer or business traveler, then I am sure this suitcase works great for you. I loved the style, details and color. But my husband and I often take only a carry-on, and while I am not a heavy packer, I do need to have flexibility in the space available. I feel this carry-on can evolve to include an extension zipper, and a larger front pocket, (maybe by digging more into the suitcase itself?).

[@rileyjoh19]

I've also heard similar complaints where the Monos bag handle gets stuck and won't extend all the way up if you really stuff the suitcase.

[@user-fu5bv1yu6c]

I read in one review where the Monos handle is longer with 4 stop points but that takes up more space inside the bag. It also appears the updated Away bag has a more sturdy handle. Perhaps your husband has the new one? Full disclosure, after going down the luggage rabbit hole and finding some info on the updates Away made, I just ordered an Away Bigger Carryon. Almost all reviews online for Away are on the old version of the bag.

[@laxinitup26590]

Super interesting, I might be getting a monos bag based off the of this review

[@SharingtheRoad]

It really is a great choice! 😊

[@leemoore9400]

Hey guys thanks for making this review. My wife and I are traveling to Europe later this summer and need new luggage and were trying to decided between Monos and Away. Your video definitely has helped us make up our minds.

[@Vicodxn]

me too haha! have a great trip!!

[@jlonzo]

LoL Im here for the same reason We're traveling to Europe in the next 4weeks. I've watched tons of videos and I think Monos is the way to go

[@Ish7Man]

Haha stumbled on to this for the same reason need a luggage for Europe in 2 months

[@jlonzo]

@@Ish7Man In the end I went with Away CarryOn Aluminum Ed Best purchase of the year!!

[@meghanelliott4422]

Same here!! If I get the larger carry on, has anyone had issues with it? I don’t want to have to check it..

[@fannishmarcia]

Well done and helpful!

[@SharingtheRoad]

Thank you so much Marcia! We're glad you found it useful! 🙂😊

[@audreyhrpr]

How do you deal with the zipper on the monos getting dirty? And the canvas part on the bottom?

[@tomkat907]

I have the light blue set and my bags were so scuffed up after only one trip! And there was a dent in the large suitcase. I used the cleaning sponge, but it didn’t help much. I tried the plastic covers, but they are kind of a pain and one ripped after the first use. I picked the bags as they looked so pretty but you can’t see that with the covers on. So I went back to no covers and the bags are getting very scuffed up after only a few trips. I have trouble extending the handle of the carry-on when packed. I read this same comment by several people in another review about Monos. I have the carry-on pro and it is very hard to get in and out of the overhead compartments, so I started checking it. Finally, I have read several reviews where people have said the warranty and customer service are terrible. Also, the 100-day guarantee is only if the bag has never been taken on a trip. I’m so upset as I bought sets for both my husband and myself and they look so bad after such a short time, I am going to replace them 😢

[@SenterStuff61]

Yes, I ordered one to check out for an upcoming trip. I didn’t feel that the bag was worth the additional $140 price tag (over the Level 8 I ordered for my husband) so decided to return it using their 100 day return promise. I had to send pics of all the parts of the bag including original packing to “prove” I hadn’t used it. And they charged me $40 to return it. I feel their 100 day return policy is misleading. Not happy at all...

[@mayachelsie4072]

So I have an AWAY and they must have changed things up since I got mine. I got it a few years ago and it arrived in a bag like the Monos, which I keep it in during storage, as well as a travel pack and leather luggage tag (and the magic eraser). It was a zipped pouch that came with a charger and international chargers. That travel pack may be because you purchased one without the battery pack (which I did), but that would have been a thing to have regardless.

[@chamaleonful]

Mine came in the same way. They must be a cost cutting. 🤷‍♂️

[@weeze3]

It's on their website now that they've removed the dust bag and the travel pack. I just got one and to read that on the website I felt pretty jipped knowing that previous people got a dust bag and travel pack but kept the luggage tag. Cost-wise I got the bigger carry on flex and I had a hard time justifying $415 before tax.

[@angelique_deltoro]

Loved the comparison. I am curious your thoughts on the layout of the compression straps. Did you notice a difference?

[@MaiSpy]

How much can each one hold? I've seen reviews that say if you overstuff the Monos even by a tiny bit the handle will get stuck and not pull up, is that still true? If a piece of luggage is amazing overall I'm not passing it up because it has logos on the inside where your clothes will cover up anyway. The fact that many people have Away probably means it's a good brand, you just need to get something unique to put on your luggage anyway to ID it right away.

[@Jay-zp7oh]

So informative and well done! Loved seeing the white case so now I know how dirty it gets!

[@SharingtheRoad]

Thanks so much Jay! We're glad you found it useful! Believe it or not we actually go the "Desert Taupe" color, which is slightly darker and more tan than the white. But it does show how the wear you can expect, though the magic eraser and some elbow grease really makes near-any markings go away. 🙂

[@escape183]

Great review!! I have the Away bigger carry on and still love it even after having it a few years. The handle has been solid in performance. I have been curious about the monos though. It looks like a great luggage. I like the look of it also. Any idea how monos customer service is? Away's customer service has been great.

[@MrTtaakk]

I've been considering purchasing Away.

[@francinejaninesarmiento1797]

This is a nice one! But would suggest the Bento Bag from Nomad lane for all your travels. I have been using it in all my travels, and since I travel light all the time, this bag has been a life saver, functional and very easy to bring with you anywhere.

[@shaylabond6526]

The most memorable thing from this video was the man bench pressing the Pomeranian but you still helped me choose between Monos and Away ;) Lol Thanks guys!

[@boykewids9345]

Love monos... have 2 getting another one today to complete the size and soon will get the 2nd set

[@SharingtheRoad]

Wooo hooo! Glad you like them like us! They make a great product! 😊

[@kelvincheah9574]

Thank you for the review video

[@SharingtheRoad]

Glad you found it useful! Thanks!

[@nancyzhang6790]

Great video! Is the Monos carry-on in rose quartz? Thanks!

[@sharonfauber2118]

I have the Monos luggage in light blue. I am just wondering how dirty the light blue suitcase will get as as checked luggage. I haven’t taken it on a flight yet.

[@maxdexpeditions]

Good comparison, and I love your presentation 👌

[@SharingtheRoad]

Thank you so much!

[@plmernie]

The Monos has 100 day trial and you can return it if you don't like it BUT you can't take it out, which is weird, just 100 days in house? Also would like to see just how much can fit into the Monos, no one is showing that part. When travelling to cooler climates, all the usual plus boots, & coats, will it hold it all? I just ordered the Carry -on Plus and the carry on bag, can't wait to check them out

[@zennawadawu4584]

Super helpful!

[@SharingtheRoad]

Thanks Zenna! We're glad you found it useful! 😊 🧳

[@launiewoodruff876]

I wish you showed the insides when full as well as how easy the scuffs were to remove, especially on the lighter coloured Monos.

[@kashlynwaggy6889]

how long did it take for the luggage to arrive once you placed the order?

[@CityMouseCountryMouse]

If you had to buy a third suitcase which one would you get?

[@heatherz1844]

Great review!!! And totally agree that the look of the Monos and simplicity is way better! The Away inside logos is overkill and I like the more minimalist style. 👍🏼

[@SharingtheRoad]

Glad you liked it Heather! Thanks! 😊

[@xinyuntea1836]

hi! I really like how your monos luggage look! Is that the stellar white?

[@hamster6093]

Monos Carry-on Plus SEEM TO BE A BIT LARGER than the standard carry on size 22*14*9 Do you have any issue to bring it as carry on? which airline do you fly for these?

[@billbecker5357]

The most important factor is how things store and whether there are efficient hidden pockets. This review doesn't even bother to address those factors. Sticking with my Genius Pack.

[@james22939]

I love this so I miss suitcase zipping so much

[@chstrackbeast]

Open Story from Target has a great carry on suitcase.

[@conniejose4383]

When I purchased my away luggage couple years ago, it came with a dust bag and a small bag with a set of plugs /adapters for international travel. Did they stop doing that?

[@marilynbrookins3818]

Yes, they no longer provide either.

[@nancymarananrealestate]

I just bought the Monos Pro Plus. I can’t wait to travel with it :)

[@RWM07001]

I love my Monos suitcase.

[@Lulaluna603]

Did the Monos fit in the sizer?

[@SimplyGloria]

What color is the mono? Is it white or taupe?

[@lisamintzer4516]

Have you gotten a chance to try the Monos Hybrid Carry On Plus? I love the look and the reinforced corners, though the thought of only latches holding it closed makes me a little nervous. My "perfect" carry on would have both the aluminum frame and corner guards and also a zipper closure and 1.5-2" expansion like the Away Bigger Carry On Flex has. Haven't been able to find a case quite like this.

[@Kevr007]

Did the airline ever told you to check in the MONO PLUS

[@joelberman5981]

Did you consider the away retail stores?

[@dbalexan]

Does Monos fit in the airline carry-on sizers? 🤔

[@brandonpatrick640]

I bought a 5 peice luggage set it's called tag you have to buy the name tags separately

[@stephenwright133]

Too funny, I think Google checked my searches. I was just comparing these two brands of cases and chose the Monos and then your video came up as a recommended item. Heading on a trip soon and hope to not have to check my bag.

[@SharingtheRoad]

Oh so exciting! We hope it's a great trip! Are you heading anywhere exciting?! ✈️ 🏝

[@stephenwright133]

@@SharingtheRoad We are headed to the UK. London, Edinburgh and many places in between. From what I'm seeing online, Heathrow airport has been a mess. This Monos carry on will hopefully do the trick.

[@antoniodelrey164]

Excellent evaluation and reviews! Which one stored more or both the same?

[@SharingtheRoad]

They were pretty much identical in terms of size/storage!

[@AustinCrow]

What color did you get on the monos?

[@isoplayers]

You can still send them back after you used them?

[@tubebunbun]

Any comment on the Monos on wheel noise? The Away wheels are so noisy on hard surfaces such as asphalt, brick and cobblestone sidewalks. Was the Monos any better?

[@SharingtheRoad]

Wooo hooo James! We hope it's a great trip! Let us know if you have any questions leading up to the trip! Is there anything in particular you're most excited about?!

[@Freddels1]

Any issues carrying them on being that they're both just a bit oversized (>22x14x9)?

[@meghanelliott4422]

Yes, I’m wondering too!

[@sassysay2201]

I love the color of the Minos I’m just worried about the scuff / how did it look after magic eraser clean up ? 😂😂😂

[@isaiahginder1760]

I check it all the time and I have luggage tags you never get confused I’ve travel to Brazil 11 times with my away bags it’s the best

[@walkingwithtamson]

Couple o nice pieces of luggage 😮😊

[@SharingtheRoad]

Certainly some excellent choices!

[@theresahutch168]

It is good to note that some of small planes in Europe have a max size that is smaller than the US. 22cm max in height so these are too big (but the smaller versions would work).

[@Kevinschart]

Durham, NC in the house!