Away vs. Quince Suitcase: Which brand should you buy?
Away is a modern luggage brand known for its sleek design and built-in features like USB chargers, positioning them at a mid-range luxury price. In contrast, Quince operates on a direct-to-consumer model, offering high-quality luggage with a minimalist aesthetic at a more affordable price.
Let's compare them side-by-side to help you decide which suitcase should be your next travel partner.
Away: The Modern, Feature-Rich Luggage Brand
Since launching, Away has gained a devoted following for its smart, functional, and stylish luggage. The brand appeals to frequent travelers and digital nomads who value both aesthetics and practical features. Away’s durable construction and thoughtful interior design make packing and traveling straightforward and organized.
- Product mix: Primarily known for their hard-shell polycarbonate suitcases. They also offer duffles, backpacks, and various travel accessories. Features like compression systems, laundry bags, and TSA-approved locks are standard.
- Price point: Mid-range luxury, with carry-on models typically priced from $225 and checked bags up to $375.
- Quality &, Materials: A durable and flexible polycarbonate shell designed to resist impacts. The suitcases are lightweight but built to withstand frequent use.
- Technology &, Innovation: The defining feature on many Away suitcases is the ejectable battery pack for charging devices, along with 360° spinner wheels.
- Sizing: Offers a full suite of standard sizes, including The Carry-On (~21 inches), The Bigger Carry-On (~22 inches), The Medium (~26 inches), and The Large (~29 inches). Available in retailers like Nordstrom.
Away is a smart choice for travelers who want premium features, modern style, and are willing to invest in luggage that looks as good as it performs.
Shop Away: awaytravel.com
Quince: The Affordable Luxury Luggage Option
Quince's mission centers on providing luxury-quality goods at budget-friendly prices by eliminating supply chain middlemen. Suited more for budget-conscious travelers, Quince focuses on creating suitcases that are durable, stylish, and highly functional.
- Product Mix: Offers a more curated lineup including polycarbonate carry-on and checked luggage, along with an aluminum suitcase line as a premium alternative. Their focus is on simplicity and fundamental features over extensive add-ons.
- Price Point: Highly competitive, with carry-on models starting around $150 and checked bags around $200, offering significant savings compared to competitors.
- Quality & Materials: Hard shell luggage utilizes virgin polycarbonate, which is impact-resistant yet lightweight. The bags also feature quiet, smooth 360° Hinomoto spinner wheels.
- Return Policy: A standout 365-day return policy gives you plenty of time to decide if the luggage meets your travel needs.
- Sizing: Sizing is directly comparable to other industry leaders, with a Carry-On (~22 inches) and a bigger option (~30 inches).
Quince is a brand perfect for practical customers who want a dependable and stylish suitcase for years to come.
Shop Quince: quince.com
Away vs. Quince Comparison
Price Comparison
There is no contest when it comes to price comparison. Quince's suitcases are almost always the less expensive choice. An Away Carry-On suitcase normally begins at close to $300, while the Check-In equivalent from Quince regularly sells for about half of that amount, a sizable difference.
For more budget-friendly customers, Quince delivers excellent value without losing the essential qualities most consumers require: durability and user experience. Nevertheless, if someone values integrated tech, brand recognition, and color variety, then Away will likely have the extra features and aesthetic that will satisfy that consumer.
Quality & Materials
Both Away and Quince use polycarbonate for their hard-shell suitcases, which is an exceptionally solid industry standard for strength with minimal weight burden. But Away’s models add smart touches, especially designed with packing requirements featuring an attached compression area with organized pockets. Quince focuses more on simple open storage.
Both suppliers use trustworthy hardware in their telescoping handles with 360-degree wheels and built-in TSA-approved locks. The key difference remains in style because Quince has a classic design to appeal to many consumers, while Away’s design focuses on a stylish consumer with several color options.
Style & Aesthetic
Aesthetics are a personal decision, and both brands are in style. Away bags often feature pops of color in trendy or soft pastels, appealing to a Millennial and Gen Z crowd. In contrast, Quince maintains a minimalist vision of less is more, making them a perfect alternative to the more vibrant offerings by Away.
Sizing
Away and Quince provide luggage sizing options that meet the needs of all kinds of travelers. What separates Away from the competition is the fact it sells an alternative size known as the Bigger Carry-On, which maximizes cabin space while still fitting within most airline limits.
Quince offers a comparable set of sizes, so either way, you can use these options for both weekend escapes and longer trips. Always double-check with your designated airline's website just in case.
Shopping Experience
As digitally native brands, both provide an easy shopping website experience with thorough product descriptions and professional photos. Away also has a nationwide presence, giving customers a chance to test its suitcase series firsthand.
Quince adheres to the classic direct-to-customer (DTC) model with a simple purchasing process for everyone. Quince has a very open returns policy, allowing a suitcase to be returned within twelve months, even if it was used.
Sustainability & Ethics
Over the last few years, a growing number of customers have placed extra value on buying products with an eco-friendly footprint. Quince excels by clearly defining its objectives for carbon neutrality and material sourcing, making it a preferred choice for ecologically conscious buyers.
Away is gradually moving towards greener initiatives but lacks comprehensive transparency. This can be a deterrent for environmentally conscious buyers.
Return Policies
Away provides customers with a 100-day return policy, giving a limited window for trying out unused items and returning or replacing them if issues are reported.
Quince, by comparison, offers a 365-day return window for testing their luggage, making it an ideal option for first-time buyers seeking assurances about the brand's commitment.
Which One Should You Choose?
While both brands make great luggage, your final choice will depend on your core priorities, such as budget or additional features.
Choose Away If:
- You're willing to pay more for advanced tech features like a USB charger, stylish design, and brand reputation.
- You appreciate a wide color selection.
- You prefer visiting stores to physically inspect luggage before purchase.
- You prioritize excellent service and a premium feel.
Choose Quince If:
- You prioritize savings while maintaining durable designs.
- You need a simple, functional suitcase focused on core utility.
- You prefer a minimalist style.
- The generous return policy is a significant factor in your purchasing decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Away or Quince cheaper?
Quince is considerably cheaper, with its carry-on and check-in suitcases often priced at almost half the cost of Away's comparable models.
Which luggage brand has better quality?
Both brands are known for excellent durability due to their use of similar polycarbonate shells. Quince provides the same strength at a lower price. However, if you value additional features like USB ports and organized interiors, Away may offer more value in those aspects.
Does Away or Quince have better features?
Away suitcases have better features, especially for tech-focused consumers, with built-in charging stations and better organizational compartments.
Is Quince luggage a good Away alternative?
Yes, Quince offers a solid alternative at a more affordable price, boasting quality materials and a simplified design. It's an appealing option if extra features are not a priority.
Are Away suitcases worth their money?
Many find the cost worth it due to the convenience of built-in batteries, color options, fashionable aesthetics, and strong manufacturer guarantees.
What sizing between Away & Quince?
Both offer industry-standard sizes, but Away also offers the "Bigger Carry-On" model, which provides extra room while staying within airline limits.
Which brand seems more eco-responsible/sustainable?
Quince holds the edge in terms of commitment to sustainability and transparent production practices.
The preference of style and aesthetic is subjective. Away is more suited for modern trends, while Quince appeals to those favoring a classic, long-lasting design.
