Away vs Monos: Which Carry-On Should You Take on Your Next Trip?

Pitting similar offerings from the two popular luggage makers against each other, we reached a clear answer.

Published March 14, 2024

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Updated March 18, 2024

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Like many everyday goods, carry-on luggage has been direct-to-consumer-ified. Now, countless luggage brands offer as many options (in as many colors) as possible. But two in particular stand out from the crowd: Away and Monos.

They have quite a bit in common: the blanding associated with DTC startups, an extensive selection of colorways, add-ons and sizing, and similar pricepoints. However, there are a few key differences. Here’s what I found — and which carry-on I would take on a trip again.

Monos Vs. Away: What We Think

At $295, the Monos Carry-On Pro costs slightly more than Away’s Carry-On — and although it has a bit less storage in the main compartments, thanks to its smart storage, I was able to fit just as many of my belongings as I did in Away’s offering. The Monos Carry-On Pro rolls more quickly, feels more durable and is available in more color options than its competitor.

Don’t get me wrong: Away’s entry into the carry-on luggage category works just fine. But while I did appreciate the extra storage, I couldn’t get over the flimsy handle. For anyone debating between the two, here’s my two cents: Just get the Monos.

How We Tested

Whether for work or pleasure, I’m on the road at least once a month. Over the past year and a half, these suitcases has traveled thousands of miles with me to San Francisco, Orlando, Patagonia, Phoenix, Amsterdam, Paris, Montana and more. My extensive travel informed my opinion of how these specific carry-on suitcases perform.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Away The Carry-On

My first experience with this experiment was with Away. Founded in NYC in late 2015, the brand was touted as a female-founded, DTC phenom with ample funding and potential, with the Carry-On as its signature product. By late 2020, one of the co-founders was ousted, and a toxic company culture was exposed — yet the Carry-On continued to resonate with consumers and dominate the market. Today, Away manufactures and sells a whole suite of travel products, from a selection of polycarbonate luggage to backpacks, organizers and wellness items.

I decided to try the brand’s original Carry-On; I’m a light packer and enjoy taking just the right amount of clothing on a trip. Plus, I appreciated features like the built-in charging capability and the light weight of the suitcase.

The Internal Storage Is Well Designed

The internal storage system features multiple compartments for clothes and other items such as shoes and toiletries. Zippered pockets make it easy to stash smaller items, a drawstring laundry bag isolates dirty clothes, and buckles help you make sure everything fits.

The Extending Handle Feels Flimsy

The most noticeable thing I didn’t like about Away’s case was its handle — it feels flimsy and at odds with the rest of the construction. When the suitcase is packed, pushing it by the handle leaves you feeling like it’s about to snap off; it doesn’t feel sturdy when stationary.

Away The Carry-On

Away’s smallest suitcase is perfectly sized to fit all overhead bins. It features a rugged hard shell, the brand’s handy interior compression system, a telescoping handle, an underside grab handle, a TSA-approved lock and smooth-rolling 360-degree wheels.

Specs

Dimensions	21.7" x 14.4" x 9"
Weight	7.5 pounds
Capacity	39.8 liters

Pros

Extra handle eases loading into overhead bins
Generous internal space

Cons

The handle feels flimsy and cheap
No external storage pocket

$275.00 at Away

Monos Carry-On Pro

Arguably Away’s biggest competition, Vancouver-based Monos debuted on the travel scene in 2018 and sells design-forward suitcases and accessories in Canadian and U.S. markets. Since its launch, Monos has expanded beyond luggage and offers convenience and quality-based items, including clothing and accessories. The brand leverages the name recognition of Away and claims to build upon that model with a greater focus on quality and design.

Therefore, I decided to pit the Monos Carry-On Pro against Away’s counterpart.

A More Premium Feel

Right off the bat, I couldn’t help but agree with Monos’ marketing claim: Its carry-on is smoother and feels more durable. The most immediate takeaway was the telescopic handle — using it brought a welcome feeling of security and stability after using the Away case and left a lasting impression as I made my way through the airport.

I also enjoyed the interior organization. Though I appreciate Away’s system, the Carry-on Pro’s felt more practical and intuitive, and offered more division for my items. The Carry-On Pro also came with two shoe bags, something the germaphobe in me celebrated.

A Disappointing Front Pocket & Scuff-Prone Material

Although my first impression of the Monos made me consider it the superior case, it’s not perfect, for a couple reasons. The first is the front compartment, which doesn’t expand very well. When I put my laptop, sunglasses, keys and a slim book inside, it was tough to close. As a result, I found myself using it to store soft goods that could squish down, like a t-shirt or extra socks. Still, it’s a step up over Away’s Carry-on, which has no exterior pocket at all.

The other drawback to the Monos was the scuffing. On my first trip, after I pulled it out of the overhead compartment, I had two large white scuffs down the side of the case. Since then, I’ve unintentionally added about three more, even when I try to baby the case through my trip. My carry-on is black, so maybe the lighter colorways don’t have this issue, but it was annoying to see the marks after just one use.

That being said, the Monos ultimately feels like a more high-touch and smooth-functioning product, and for just $20 more, that makes it worth giving the final nod.

Monos Carry-On Pro

The Carry-On Pro features a tough polycarbonate shell, durable telescopic handle, quiet 360-degree wheels, a TSA-approved lock, vegan leather and a front compartment for quick access to travel essentials (with room for a 16-inch laptop).