Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Monos Carry-On
Best Mid-RangeSamsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On
Best BudgetPrice
$295-$395
$100-$180
Summary
A step up in build quality and aesthetics from Away without jumping to Briggs & Riley prices. Comes with laundry and shoe bags that most hardshell bags skip entirely.
Consumer Reports found that some of the cheapest hardshell carry-ons outperform expensive ones — and Samsonite's Freeform is the budget pick that keeps showing up in serious test roundups. Expandable, durable, and from a brand with real service infrastructure.
Pros
- Includes laundry and shoe bags — rare for hardside luggage
- Well-constructed shell that feels premium in hand
- Clean, minimalist aesthetic that stands out from generic luggage
- Hybrid Carry-On option skips the zipper for added security
- Expandable design adds extra packing capacity when needed
- Samsonite's established warranty and repair network
- Consistently appears in tested roundups from Travel + Leisure and Consumer Reports
- Significantly cheaper than premium alternatives with comparable durability scores
Cons
- Costs roughly $100 more than Away's standard Carry-On
- Interior organization is fairly standard beyond the included bags
- Less brand recognition means fewer repair/service options globally
- Heavier than some polycarbonate competitors at this price
- Interior organization is basic compared to premium bags
- Less stylish than newer DTC brands like Away or Monos
Our take
Monos is what you buy when you want Away-level convenience but care more about how your bag looks and feels. The included accessories and shell quality make it punch above its price.
Don't overthink budget luggage. Samsonite has been making reliable hardshell bags longer than most of these DTC brands have existed, and the Freeform delivers without the premium markup.
Buy
