Quince vs. Monos Suitcase: Which one should you buy?

The Quince Hard-Shell Suitcase and the Monos Carry-On are both minimalist hard-shell suitcases, but they cater to very different travelers. Quince delivers a highly durable polycarbonate suitcase at an incredibly accessible price point, focusing on value and function. Monos offers a more premium, design-forward experience with aerospace-grade materials, refined aesthetics, and a higher price tag to match.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which luggage from Quince or Monos is the right investment for your travels.

Quince Suitcases

Quince suitcases are designed for the smart traveler who wants a high-quality, durable piece of luggage without paying for luxury markups. By selling directly to consumers, Quince delivers a product with features often found in more expensive brands, like a tough polycarbonate shell and smooth spinner wheels, at a fraction of the cost. Its aesthetic is clean, simple, and functional, appealing to those who prioritize performance and value.

• What it is: An affordable yet durable hard-shell suitcase designed to offer premium features at an accessible price.
• Key features: Shock-resistant polycarbonate shell, Japanese-crafted Hinomoto 360° spinner wheels, interior compression system, water-resistant laundry bag, and a TSA-approved combination lock.
• Price: Around $150-$250, depending on the size.
• Materials/Construction: A lightweight yet sturdy polycarbonate exterior paired with a durable aluminum telescoping handle.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in standard carry-on and checked sizes that comply with most major airline regulations.
• Pros: Exceptional value for the price, durable materials comparable to premium brands, smooth and quiet wheels, thoughtful interior organization.
• Cons: A more basic design compared to Monos, fewer color options, less brand prestige.

This suitcase is perfect for the practical traveler who wants a reliable, stylish, and long-lasting bag without breaking the bank.

Shop this product: https://www.quince.com/travel

Monos Suitcases

Monos positions itself as a premium travel brand for the modern, style-conscious traveler. Their suitcases combine thoughtful design with high-end, long-lasting materials. The brand is known for its beautiful matte finishes, aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, and ultra-quiet wheels, creating a luxurious travel experience. Monos emphasizes longevity and timeless style, making it a favorite for frequent flyers who see their luggage as an investment.

• What it is: A premium, thoughtfully designed minimalist suitcase for travelers who prioritize aesthetics and top-tier materials.
• Key features: Unbreakable aerospace-grade polycarbonate, whisper-quiet Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360° wheels, vegan leather details, anti-microbial liner, and multiple interior pockets with a compression pad.
• Price: Generally priced between $295-$495.
• Materials/Construction: A resilient and scratch-resistant German polycarbonate shell built to withstand the rigors of frequent travel.
• Sizing/Fit: A range of sizes including multiple carry-on options (like a "Pro" version with a front pocket) and checked bags designed to meet airline requirements.
• Pros: Extremely durable and well-constructed, stunning, sophisticated design, whisper-quiet wheels provide a superior rolling experience, excellent warranty and customer service.
• Cons: Significantly more expensive than Quince, the matte finish can show scuffs and marks more visibly over time.

Ideal for frequent travelers who want a beautiful piece of luggage that performs flawlessly and is built to last for years.

Shop this product: https://monos.co/collections/luggage

Quince vs. Monos Suitcase Comparison

Price & Value

There is a clear difference in price here. A Quince carry-on is often priced under $200, while a similar-sized suitcase from Monos can easily be over $300. This is the central point of comparison: Quince offers incredible value, providing many premium features for a budget-friendly price. Its goal is to make luxury-grade luggage accessible.

Monos justifies its higher price with superior materials, refined design details, and a more polished brand experience. The extra cost gets you an aerospace-grade shell, whisper-quiet wheels, and a sense of owning a high-end travel product. For value, Quince is the undisputed winner. For a premium investment, Monos makes a strong case.

Quality & Materials

Both brands use polycarbonate hard shells, which is the industry standard for lightweight, durable luggage. However, Monos uses a German aerospace-grade polycarbonate, which may offer slightly better resistance to cracking and impact over the long term. Both brands also feature high-quality Hinomoto wheels, renowned for their smoothness and durability, though Monos specs the "Silent Run" version for an even quieter rolling experience.

The bottom line is that both suitcases are very well-made and durable enough for regular travel. Monos offers a marginal step up in material quality that frequent flyers might appreciate, but a Quince suitcase is more than capable of handling baggage claim.

Style & Aesthetic

Both Quince and Monos follow a minimalist design philosophy, but they express it differently. Quince’s design is functional, clean, and straightforward. It’s a timeless look that doesn't draw too much attention and looks great in any setting.

Monos leans more into a modern, refined aesthetic. With its sleek matte finishes, curated color palette, and subtle vegan leather details, it has a more distinct and polished look. If you see your luggage as a fashion accessory, Monos's elevated design will likely appeal more to you.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands produce excellent suitcases, but they're built for travelers with different priorities.

Choose Quince if:

• Your top priority is getting the best possible value for your money.
• You want a durable, reliable suitcase but don't want to spend over $250.
• You travel a few times a year and need a bag that will hold up without a huge investment.
• You appreciate a clean, simple design and care more about function than brand prestige.

Choose Monos if:

• Design and aesthetics are very important, and you want a suitcase that looks sophisticated.
• You are a frequent traveler and are willing to invest in premium materials for long-term durability.
• You value special features like ultra-quiet wheels and a highly polished finish.
• You see your luggage as a long-term investment and appreciate great brand support and warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Quince and Monos suitcases?

The main difference is price and brand positioning. Quince is a value-driven brand offering high-quality luggage at an affordable, direct-to-consumer price. Monos is a premium, design-focused brand that uses higher-grade materials and charges more for its refined aesthetic and durability.

Is Monos worth the extra money?

For frequent travelers who prioritize aesthetics and ultimate durability, many find Monos to be worth it. The aerospace-grade polycarbonate, silent wheels, and beautiful design create a superior user experience. For occasional travelers, the added benefits may not justify the significant price jump over Quince.

Which suitcase is more durable?

Both suitcases are very durable. However, due to its aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, Monos technically has a slight edge in material strength and is constructed to withstand the rigors of constant travel.

Which brand has a better warranty?

Monos is famous for its excellent customer service and limited lifetime warranty that covers cracks or breaks in the shell, broken wheels, handles, and zippers. Quince offers a generous 365-day return policy and a more limited warranty on defects.

Which is better for a first-time luggage buyer?

Quince is an excellent choice for a first-time buyer. It offers outstanding quality and durability at a price that is much more accessible, making it a smart way to get a great piece of luggage without a major financial commitment.

Do the matte finishes on Monos scratch easily?

While the Monos suitcase is designed to be scratch-resistant, any hard-shell luggage will show signs of wear and scuffing, especially after being handled by baggage carriers. Matte finishes can sometimes make these marks more visible than glossy or textured ones.

Do both brands fit in airline overhead bins?

Yes, the carry-on sizes from both Quince and Monos are designed to meet the size regulations for most major airlines worldwide. It's always a good idea to double-check with your specific airline before you fly.

Which suitcase is lighter?

Both brands prioritize lightweight construction. Weights are very comparable, with carry-on models from both Quince and Monos typically weighing between 7 and 8 pounds.