Quince Luggage vs. Monos: Which brand should you buy?

Quince offers surprisingly affordable direct-to-consumer luggage with a focus on minimalist design and functional quality, making it a strong contender against mid-range brands. In contrast, Monos operates in the premium space, offering sophisticated, high-end luggage made with aerospace-grade materials at a higher price point for style-conscious frequent flyers.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right travel companion for your journeys.

Quince: Affordable Luxury for the Modern Traveler

Quince is a direct-to-consumer brand that cuts out the middleman to deliver high-quality essentials, including luggage, at accessible prices. Their suitcases are designed for travelers who want durable construction and a sleek, modern look without paying luxury brand prices. The brand’s aesthetic is clean and functional, appealing to those who value simplicity, quality materials, and transparent pricing in their travel gear.

• Product mix: Offers a streamlined collection of hard-shell suitcases, including carry-on sizes and checked bags, alongside other travel accessories.
• Price point: Very competitive, with carry-ons and checked suitcases typically priced between $150 and $250.
• Quality &, Materials: Features durable polycarbonate shells, lightweight aluminum telescoping handles, quiet 360-degree spinner wheels, and dependable zippers.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Minimalist and clean with understated branding and modern matte finishes that appeal to those who prefer function over flash.
• Sizing: Provides standard carry-on and checked sizes that conform to the regulations of most major airlines, making packing simple and stress-free.
• Return policy: Known for a generous and customer-friendly return policy, enhancing the direct-to-consumer shopping experience.
• Sustainability: Emphasizes eco-friendly packaging and partners with factories committed to responsible manufacturing and employee welfare.

Quince provides excellent value by combining durable materials and timeless design with a price tag that is hard to beat, making it ideal for budget-savvy or occasional travelers.

Shop Quince: quince.com

Monos: Premium Craftsmanship & Minimalist Design

Monos is a premium Canadian luggage brand that excels at blending high-end materials with a thoughtful, minimalist design sensibility. Their luggage is built for frequent travelers who value superior craftsmanship, sophisticated aesthetics, and practical features that make travel seamless. The brand's focus on quality and detail puts it in a more upscale category, catering to discerning customers who are willing to invest in long-lasting, stylish travel gear.

• Product mix: Offers a complete range of sizes including multiple carry-on options (Carry-On, Carry-On Pro), medium, and large checked luggage, often with matching accessories.
• Price point: Sits in the premium segment, with prices generally ranging from $295 to $495 depending on the size and specific model.
• Quality &, Materials: Made with aerospace-grade, scratch-resistant polycarbonate shells, reinforced corners for extra protection, and high-end hardware, including ultra-quiet Hinomoto wheels.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Modern, refined, and undeniably sleek. Available in a variety of sophisticated matte or glossy finishes with subtle branding, projecting an elegant look.
• Sizing: Dimensions are precise and cater to various airline requirements, with options for both international and domestic travel to avoid any surprises at the gate.
• Return policy: Offers free shipping and a straightforward return process, giving customers confidence in their purchase.
• Sustainability: Committed to sourcing eco-conscious materials and responsible manufacturing practices. The brand is also a member of 1% for the Planet.

Monos is the choice for durability, thoughtful features, and a polished look, justifying its higher price with superior materials and refined design.

Shop Monos: monos.co

Quince vs. Monos Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between Quince and Monos is price. Quince luggage costs between $150 and $250, putting it in the highly affordable yet high-quality category. Their direct-to-consumer model allows them to offer this sharp pricing without cutting major corners on materials or construction.

Monos is decidedly premium, with prices from $295 to $495. This increase is justified by enhanced materials like aerospace-grade polycarbonate, designer details like premium hardware and wheels, and reinforced corners. While Quince provides excellent value for the money, Monos is an investment in luxe durability and refined style.

Quality & Materials

Both brands use durable, lightweight polycarbonate for their hard shells. Quince's luggage is resilient and built to handle the demands of regular travel, making it a reliable choice for most trips. The focus is on functionality and durability at an excellent price point.

Monos takes quality a step further with its aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, which offers superior impact resistance and a more scratch-resistant finish. Additional features like reinforced corners and world-class Hinomoto wheels give Monos a clear edge in overall durability and smoothness of use, making it better suited for the very frequent traveler who puts their luggage through serious wear and tear.

Style & Aesthetic

Both brands embrace a minimalist aesthetic, but with different results. Quince offers a clean, understated, and purely functional look. Its matte finishes and simple lines are timeless and practical, designed to blend in seamlessly without drawing too much attention.

Monos elevates minimalism to a sophisticated art form. Its design feels more intentional and polished, with sleek lines, carefully chosen color palettes in both matte and glossy finishes, and vegan leather details. For travelers who view their luggage as a style accessory, the refined and elegant aesthetic of Monos may be more appealing.

Sizing & Options

Both Quince and Monos offer a standard array of carry-on and checked luggage sizes designed to meet the requirements of most major airlines. Quince's sizing is straightforward and covers the essential needs of most travelers.

Monos provides a slightly more nuanced range of sizes, including options like the "Carry-On Pro" which features an external pocket for a laptop. This dedication to specific traveler needs - like those of business travelers - gives Monos more versatility for different itineraries.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both companies are committed to responsible business practices. Quince is known for its incredible transparency, providing details about its factories and manufacturing process. They focus on eco-friendly packaging and working with factories that provide fair wages and safe working conditions.

Monos is also committed to ethical manufacturing and is Climate Neutral Certified, meaning they offset their entire carbon footprint. Their commitment to using highly durable, long-lasting materials is also a form of sustainability, as it reduces the need for frequent replacement. This forward-thinking approach is a core part of their brand identity.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer fantastic hard-shell luggage, but they serve different priorities and budgets.

Choose Quince if:

• You're a budget-conscious traveler who refuses to compromise on quality and style.
• You travel occasionally or moderately and want a durable, reliable suitcase that looks good.
• You appreciate the value of a direct-to-consumer model that provides luxury-quality goods at a fair price.
• You prefer an understated, functional, and clean aesthetic.

Choose Monos if:

• You are a frequent traveler willing to invest in superior durability, reinforced corners, and premium materials.
• You view your luggage as part of your overall style and want a polished, sophisticated design.
• You appreciate thoughtful features like ultra-quiet wheels and well-organized interiors.
• You prioritize peak performance and are willing to pay a premium for a refined travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monos or Quince luggage cheaper?

Quince luggage is significantly cheaper. Their suitcases typically range from $150 to $250, while Monos luggage is priced between $295 and $495, positioning it as a premium brand.

Which luggage is better quality, Quince or Monos?

Both brands offer excellent quality for their price points. However, Monos has a slight edge due to its use of higher-end materials, such as aerospace-grade polycarbonate, reinforced corners, and premium Hinomoto wheels. Quince offers fantastic durability for its price, but Monos is built for maximum resilience for frequent travelers.

Are Quince and Monos suitcases carry-on approved?

Yes, both brands offer carry-on sizes that are designed to comply with the cabin luggage regulations for most major airlines. It's always a good idea to double-check the specific dimensions with your airline before flying.

What are Quince and Monos suitcases made of?

Both brands use lightweight and durable polycarbonate for their hard shells. Monos specifies that its shells are made from an aerospace-grade material, which is known for its exceptional strength and scratch resistance.

Do Quince and Monos have sales?

As direct-to-consumer brands, Quince and Monos do not run frequent, deep-discount sales like a traditional retailer. However, both may offer promotions or bundles during major shopping holidays like Black Friday.

Is Monos a luxury brand?

Yes, Monos is positioned as a premium luggage brand. Its higher price point is justified by its use of luxe materials, sophisticated design, thoughtful features, and meticulous craftsmanship.

Which luggage is more durable?

While both are very durable, Monos is generally considered to be more durable for heavy-duty, frequent use. The combination of its aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, protective corner guards, and sturdy telescoping handle is designed for maximum longevity.

Which brand is better for a casual traveler?

For a casual traveler who takes a few trips a year, Quince provides an exceptional combination of value, style, and durability. Its quality is more than enough to handle moderate use, making its lower price point a very attractive option.