Monos

4.2 283 Reviews

Monos creates simplistic luggage, bags, clothing, and accessories inspired by the Japanese concept of mono no aware and are designed for travelers.

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Monos Reviews

Monos reviews and discussion

4.23

81% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • High-quality luggage
  • Stylish and durable
  • Good organization
  • Variety of colors
  • Easily scuffed and marked
  • Inconsistent customer service
  • Issues with warranty
  • Inconvenient refund process

Monos, a luggage brand known for its high-quality, stylish, and durable products with good organization and a variety of fun colors, has been praised for its smooth wheels and spacious compartments. However, it draws criticism for its susceptibility to scuffs and marks, inconsistent customer service, and issues regarding warranty and refunds.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

283 reviews and posts

  • Buyer beware! The 100 day TRIAL Monos advertises with their luggage only applies if it is NOT USED and in its original packaging! How are you supposed to TRY it????? The scuff marks and scratches are incredible after only one trip. Monos offered me a new “luggage cover” instead of a return or any compensation for buying their medium expandable bag for $375. I only hope a family member can use it because I plan to replace mine with a new Away bag (that was unfortunately out of stock when I made the Monos purchase). The Away bag offers a bottom handle grip (see photo for comparison) that allows me to lift it regardless of weight. Even though my Monos bag was not overweight, I was unable to lift it without assistance from other kind travelers. I was very disappointed with the Monos suitcase and its customer service.

  • Monos has completely redefined travel for me! Their luggage, bags, and accessories are the perfect blend of simplicity, style, and functionality. Inspired by the Japanese concept of *mono no aware*, the designs focus on elegance and a deep appreciation for the beauty of impermanence. The quality is outstanding—everything feels well-crafted and durable, yet lightweight. I especially love the luggage; it’s spacious, easy to maneuver, and looks sleek. Whether it’s for a short trip or a long adventure, Monos has thought of everything to make travel more enjoyable and hassle-free. If you're looking for travel gear that’s not only practical but also thoughtfully designed, Monos is a must-have!

  • I really wanted to say that these were over-priced, but so far, they are worth it! Really well-designed, have held up on several trips now, and the larger carry-on size plus packing cubes helped me fit a 2-week trip into 1 carry-on. The leather backpack is also very attractive and stylish for work trips.

  • Terrible luggage mine hit the dump after 4 trips gf only used once and looks like it went through a war zone ! I have trouble believing any positive review on this luggage is not from someone with a vested interest. IMO they are scam and should be investigated

  • I have a Monos and an Away and I can safely say STAY AWAY FROM MONOS!! I’m shocked by the good reviews! I bought the trunk and after one trip it looked like I’d had it for years and been on hundreds of trips!! Very poor quality. Millions of scratches and paint peeling on all the hinges and corner were scratched and dented. Customer service was -like others mentioned - very poor but I was persistent and eventually received a refund. (I had a zipper tab fall off my AWAY after 6 years and they sent me a whole new bag in 3 days. So that says it all)

  • I was so excited to receive the Magnolia Bakery purple icing check in bag and carry on bag for my birthday 5 months ago. After the first use of the check on bag, I noticed a tear on the fabric on the interior of the suitcase. After a lengthy wait time to hear back from Monos’s warranty dept. I was told that the bag wasn’t covered because I could have caused the tear. I used the suitcase once! Extremely disappointed in Monos especially since we have purchased other luggage pieces with them in the past. Also want to mention that the luggage scratches very easily so the nice finish won’t look so good after one use. Will not buy from them again. My 6 year old Heys suitcase is in better shape than my Monos Check On that I’ve used once…

  • Be careful before buying anything from them. They customer service are the best in the world. Email never responded and Instagram chat going to close my session because don’t want to help. But ok their luggage aren’t bad. But don’t break anything because lifetime warranty seems totally fake for me because impossible to contact them

    Nothing
  • Really loved the Carry-On Pro I bought for my trip! The built-in front compartment sold me on the brand and it seriously helped make the TSA security process less frantic - with everything stored right in front. Also, I didn't have to worry about lugging around huge bag like usual to store my documents, electronics, snacks, etc! The swivel action is hella smooth, too.

    Feedback

    The built-in front compartment could benefit from an additional expanding zipper because once you insert your laptop, you can't have too many bulky chargers inside all at once without struggling to close it... since it's not a flexible suitcase.

  • Loved my Monos Carry on suitecase. I bought it in Desert Taupe, which is a beautiful colour that is exactly what's seen on the website. I was aware that if it scratches or gets dirty, it would be obvious (and it is - I had to check in my carry on due to a full flight, and it definitely came out on the carousel scratched up). However, I was able to freshen it up using the provided magic eraser + baking soda and water for the more stubborn markings. It's not like how it was completely brand new, but it does look nice! Mostly docked off a point for how easily the suitcase scratches, which I expected, but not to the extent that it sustained (just rolling it around the airport/putting it in the overhead compartment will garner some scratches/scuffs). Keep in mind that if you need to check in your carry on, it WILL get significantly scuffed. I included the video of my suitcase after my trip, you can see some residual markings and scuffs (around handle area) that I could not get off, but it otherwise does look decent. Packing in it was a lovely experience, especially if you have compressible cubes. I also bought mine from Monos, but any average compressible cube from Amazon would probably do the same job.

  • I know Away has a cult following, but I really think Monos is the brand that learned from Away’s mistakes. The design is slim and fits in all the overhead storage (even the larger one), and the internal design allows you to flatten down everything inside the suitcase so you don’t have to injure yourself when you overpack. Multiple storage pockets and shoe bags means I’m always organized when I leave the house, and the flattener makes sure my laptop doesn’t ever risk damage inside. And can I say - the QUIETEST wheels in the game. Biggest problem: Sometimes when the bag is very packed I have trouble with the handle pulling out or adjusting in the back. it can be incredibly annoying when I can’t adjust the handle - not sure if this is a fixable problem by packing differently as it seems to happen only when I’ve really jammed the bag.

  • Monos luggage has a sleek and modern aesthetic that I really enjoy. The functionality of the hybrid carry-on luggage I purchased is great, with smooth wheels and ample storage space. However, the major downside is that the luggage scratches easily, which is frustrating given I’ve only owned it for a few months (I often travel for work, but still disappointing). I expect more durability from a luggage that costs $350+

  • I travel weekly and needed a new carry-on. After some home work I purchased a black MONOS Carry-on Pro. So far I have not had any issues with the bag, it rolls excellent, has great storage in the front for a computer. The bag is very stylish and holds up well to use. One thing to note, the CARRY ON PRO is much smaller (inside) than the standard carry-on due to the front zip compartment. On short trips it eliminates the need for a backpack as you can store your laptop and electrons in the front zip area.

  • The luggage is sleek and modern. I only use mine as a carry on and it has a slight few scratches and marks from the airplane. I love the price point and love that it’s more low key than away. My only con so far is that the button that allows you to bring up and down and handle is in the way of me pulling/moving the luggage. When I roll it I want to grab it from under the handle which is where the button is and because of that it’s hard to have control/slips settings often..

    Feedback

    The button of the handle adjuster should be placed elsewhere or on top…

  • I got the Monos metro backpack vs. the suitcases. First, they never sent a tracking number or even a receipt. So I basically just waited to see if it would ever arrive. Second, they sent the wrong product. They sent the metro duffel instead. I immediately was wary because a lot of other reviews online talked about how bad their customer service was and about how they had to pay to send things back. I sent an email giving my order number which was the only thing I had to prove I bought the backpack, told them I never got my receipt or tracking number, and told them of the mistake. They asked me to send photos of the duffel in and out of the box, which I did. They then said they'd send over the backpack (they took a screenshot of an order page to prove it) and that I could keep the duffel as well. Then they said they'd send my receipt and tracking number. I will say the customer service was nice, polite, and solved my problem, so I didn't experience the problems others seem to have. The receipt and tracking number never came but the backpack did eventually. I was excited about it, I wanted a lighter backpack that was easier to pack for work. I will say the worst thing about it is the QuickSnap™ Modular Kit System that they boast so much about. The metro kit attached to the front pops off so easily, I check it frequently when traveling and have learned not to put anything important in it. I've literally turned to check my seat and have seen it lying unattached or have had it fall on the ground randomly. My only guess is when packed too snugly, the system gets wonky, but then what's the point of having a backpack that's easy to pack if I can't pack it as I want? Also, for those traveling on planes, it doesn't fit under the seat unless you take off the metro kit, which again, is slightly annoying. I'd say this is just fine. Not worth the price unless you just want to look stylish while carrying the bare minimum. It has great compartments and I love that it fully opens, but the instability of the metro kit is its downfall.

    Feedback

    Get rid of or improve the QuickSnap™ Modular Kit System. Way too easy to lose things. I also wish there was an outside pocket for a water bottle (you have to just put the bottle inside with everything else, as it is now), but I knew that before I bought it. Still, wish it were different.

  • Bought the Monos Hybrid check-n Medium in July. On my first trip (United to Manila and back from NYC), the suitcase was scuffed so bad I thought it was defective. I contacted Monos, and they said wear & tear including scuffing was normal. I went on a second trip (NYC to Paris and back), and the scuffing looked even worse. Then a third trip, to India from NYC, and upon arrival I noticed cracks on the long side, opposite from the handle side. Almost like someone dropped it hard. There were 4 cracks, near all four feet on that long side. I contacted Monos support via email. Other than the auto-acknowledgement I heard nothing for over a week, then they replied and offered to replace the suitcase at no cost. I now wonder if I should invest in a suitcase cover. I don't know if the Monos cover will survive a trip. - it looks like thick but rippable plastic. This is my first Monos. I've owned many Tumi bags and suitcases, but for $400+ I expect better.

  • I bought two medium check in luggages from Monos. The first one is about a year old and the second bag was for my husband is about 8 months old. We have used them on various trips to Asia, Switzerland, Turkey, Australia. I like it for the boxy style and light weight. Even when fully packed, I rarely go over the weight limit. The handle is sturdy and adjustable. I had tried Away prior to Monos and found Away’s handle to be too shaky for my liking especially for dragging a 50lb bag. It may just be a defect of that particular bag but I returned it. I had a good experience with the Monos Customer Service when the Airline damaged my hardshell case on my recent Australian trip and I immediately wrote to their Customer Service and included some photos of damages and explaining I need a bag soon for my next trip. They send me a new replacement of my original color swiftly as it is covered under their warranty. Overall, I would recommend this brand due to the fact that they stand by their warranty and product. All their luggage comes in a variety of colors, the most recent offers were yellow (banana pudding) and light lavender (purple icing). They have different types of bags to suit different lifestyles like weekend bags, metro backpacks with changable snap on pouches, totes, crossbody etc. I recently added to my collection a Hybrid Carry On as they were doing a sale on Good Friday. I love the stylish look and the TSA combination locks. As I have not travel with it, I cannot comment on it’s hardiness.

  • I really wanted to love Monos! They have good marketing and great design. However, I would not recommend buying their luggage. I’ve purchased 3 suitcases from them (one carry-on and two medium check-in bags) and one of the suitcases got destroyed after the very first trip with Air Canada. The telescopic handle cracked (I’ve never experienced it with any other luggage) and the suitcase was so scratched and scuffed that now I’m embarrassed to use it again as it looks like it’s been through hell. Also, the customer service is non existent, they don’t offer phone or chat support and the email inquiries are left unanswered. I tried to leave a review on their website from my profile, but there is no option to leave a review so I assume their reviews are fake. Very sad as I wanted to support them as a Canadian brand.

  • Poor customer service. When I buy expensive products I expect exemplary customer service and this might be the worst I’ve ever had. They do not have a Contact number and use AI that you have to message on Instagram, Twitter or other forms of social media. I purchased luggage for a trip and was told 4-6 business days on the website. I did not receive an order confirmation and reached out only to be met with AI. The AI informed me that I would not be receiving my luggage within the 4-6 business days, but that they would express ship my luggage. 2 days later I checked back and I was told on Instagram messenger that what I ordered is out of stock and it would ship sometime in Jan. They offered me a different color that they said they would ship express so I agreed. I chose a color and then was told my new order would arrive in 8 days. That’s express??! Furthermore they delete all comments you leave on Instagram questioning where your luggage is or complaining then report you. 0-10 do not recommend.

  • Purchased the monos Hybrid Carry-On Plus for about $300. When I purchased the luggage I thought the suitcase was ALL aluminum and it’s NOT which I was bummed about. The luggage is plastic and the frame and latches are made of aluminum. Would I buy again probably not but for $300 I can’t complain I guess. One of the things I was worried about was the size being too big for carry on. I flew with United from LAX to Cancun and to my surprise it fit in their overheard compartment. I tried writing a review on their website but I was unable to do so. I contacted Monos and they told me that they would send me an email after 90 days of purchase which i thought was weird. I never received the link to write a review. I contacted them again and they said they didn’t have the ability to send me another link which I thought was suspicious. So it may be some of their reviews may be biased.

  • I was so disappointed when I received my monos backpack. It is not about any defect in the physical form, but the odor is beyond offensive. Has a chemical smell. I’ve written to them twice and they keep telling me to send pictures well how do you send a picture of an odor? It’s been really frustrating. I cannot use the bag.