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    Monos Carry On Pro, front laptop pocket suitcaseMonos, Away and Rimowa luggage in an airport lounge

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    Travel essentials · Luggage · 2026

    Monos vs Away vs Rimowa: which carry on wins in 2026

    Monos wins on value: the Monos Carry On Pro costs $295, weighs 3.5 kg (7.8 lb) and adds a front laptop pocket. Away The Bigger Carry On holds the most, 49 litres for $295, and its LifetimeCare now covers airline damage. Rimowa costs $990 to $1,550 but wins on durability, with a lifetime guarantee and walk in repairs.

    By Jack Williamson, the LHC house pen name · How we workPrices checked 15 October 2026

    6Models compared
    $275 to $1,550Brand price range
    2026Current warranties
    Compare Monos and Away

    The Short Answer

    Monos Carry On Pro, suitcase product photograph
    Monos Carry On ProBest value$295Read verdict
    Away The Bigger Carry On, suitcase product photograph
    Away The Bigger Carry OnMost space$295Read verdict
    Rimowa Original Cabin, suitcase product photograph
    Rimowa Original CabinMost durable$1,550Read verdict

    Monos vs Away: The Carry On Duel

    Monos Carry On Pro vs Away The Carry On

    Verdict. Buy Monos for the front laptop pocket and the price. Buy Away if you check bags often, because its warranty now covers airline damage and its shell resists scuffs better.
    Monos Carry On ProversusAway The Carry On
    Price
    $295
    Check price
    Empty weight
    3.54 kg / 7.8 lb
    3.4 kg / 7.5 lb
    Capacity
    36 L
    41 L
    Dimensions
    55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm / 22 x 14 x 9 in
    55.9 x 36.6 x 23.1 cm / 22 x 14.4 x 9.1 in
    Laptop pocket
    Front laptop pocket
    No front pocket
    Warranty
    Limited lifetime (airline damage only with paid Lifetime Warranty+)
    LifetimeCare

    Monos Carry On Plus vs Away The Bigger Carry On

    Verdict. Monos Plus is lighter, Away Bigger holds more. Both are US sized at about 58 cm, so neither suits strict 55 cm European limits.
    Monos Carry On PlusversusAway The Bigger Carry On
    Price
    $295
    $295
    Empty weight
    3.13 kg / 6.9 lb
    3.6 kg / 7.9 lb
    Capacity
    45.9 L
    49 L
    Dimensions
    58.4 x 38.1 x 24.1 cm / 23 x 15 x 9.5 in
    58.4 x 39.1 x 23.9 cm / 23 x 15.4 x 9.4 in
    Laptop pocket
    No front pocket
    No front pocket
    Warranty
    Limited lifetime
    LifetimeCare

    Independent long term reviews generally find Away's shell more scuff resistant, while scuffs show more on light coloured Monos cases. A cover helps, but cosmetic marks are not covered by either warranty.

    Rimowa vs Away and Monos: Is the Premium Worth It?

    Rimowa Essential Cabin vs Rimowa Original Cabin

    Verdict. Worth it if you fly often and keep a case for a decade. If you fly a few times a year, Monos or Away is the better buy.
    Rimowa Essential CabinversusRimowa Original Cabin
    Price
    $990
    $1,550
    Empty weight
    3.2 kg / 7.1 lb
    4.3 kg / 9.5 lb
    Capacity
    36 L
    35 L
    Dimensions
    55 x 39 x 23 cm / 21.7 x 15.4 x 9.1 in
    55 x 40 x 23 cm / 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in
    Laptop pocket
    No front pocket
    No front pocket
    Warranty
    Rimowa lifetime guarantee
    Rimowa lifetime guarantee

    The Essential Cabin costs $990 and uses polycarbonate at 3.2 kg (7.1 lb). The Original Cabin costs $1,550 and uses anodised aluminium at 4.3 kg (9.5 lb). Both have Rimowa's lifetime functional guarantee and access to boutique repairs. Neither warranty includes transport damage.

    Head to Head, Round by Round

    Three points for first place, two for second and one for third. These are comparative round points, not review ratings.

    Five rounds across Monos, Away and Rimowa
    RoundMonosAwayRimowaWinner
    Durability123Rimowa
    Weight (Pro / Bigger / Essential)213Rimowa
    Warranty132Away
    Price321Monos
    Style213Rimowa
    Total9912Rimowa

    Rimowa wins on points but costs three to five times as much. Between the two $295 cases, Monos edges Away three rounds to two.

    Weight and capacity at a glance

    Empty weights on a 0 to 5 kg scale, capacities on a 0 to 50 litre scale.

    Monos Carry On Pro
    Monos Carry On Plus
    Away The Carry On
    Away The Bigger Carry On
    Rimowa Essential Cabin
    Rimowa Original Cabin

    What each warranty covers

    Monos

    Limited lifetime
    Manufacturing defects
    Yes
    Airline damage
    Only with paid Lifetime Warranty+
    Scuffs and dents
    No

    Manufacturing defects are covered. Airline damage needs the paid Lifetime Warranty+.

    Away

    LifetimeCare
    Manufacturing defects
    Yes
    Airline damage
    Yes, free for 5 years
    Scuffs and dents
    No

    For cases bought from 14 April 2026: free repairs, free shipping and one replacement for five years, including airline mishandling, then repair support for life. LifetimeCare Pro costs $35 and extends free repairs to ten years.

    Rimowa

    Lifetime functional guarantee
    Manufacturing defects
    Yes
    Airline damage
    No
    Scuffs and dents
    No

    Functional damage is covered for cases bought since 25 July 2022. Transport damage is excluded. Walk in boutique repairs are the key advantage.

    Full Specs Compared

    Prices checked 15 October 2026. US prices in USD. Published model dimensions include both metric and US units.

    Six current carry on models
    ModelPriceWeightSizeLitresShellWarranty
    Monos Carry On Pro$2953.54 kg / 7.8 lb55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm / 22 x 14 x 9 in36PolycarbonateLimited lifetime (airline damage only with paid Lifetime Warranty+)
    Monos Carry On Plus$2953.13 kg / 6.9 lb58.4 x 38.1 x 24.1 cm / 23 x 15 x 9.5 in45.9PolycarbonateLimited lifetime
    Away The Carry OnCheck price3.4 kg / 7.5 lb55.9 x 36.6 x 23.1 cm / 22 x 14.4 x 9.1 in41PolycarbonateLifetimeCare
    Away The Bigger Carry On$2953.6 kg / 7.9 lb58.4 x 39.1 x 23.9 cm / 23 x 15.4 x 9.4 in49PolycarbonateLifetimeCare
    Rimowa Essential Cabin$9903.2 kg / 7.1 lb55 x 39 x 23 cm / 21.7 x 15.4 x 9.1 in36PolycarbonateRimowa lifetime guarantee
    Rimowa Original Cabin$1,5504.3 kg / 9.5 lb55 x 40 x 23 cm / 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in35Anodised aluminiumRimowa lifetime guarantee

    How I Tested

    I compare the same published price, material, weight, capacity, dimensions, warranty and repair information for every case. Affiliate availability does not change the order.

    This is the case I have owned longest and the one I would replace first if it disappeared. The grooved aluminium shell is the most recognisable object in any baggage hall, and the reason it holds value is not the badge but the repair network behind it: I have walked into boutiques in Paris and Singapore and walked out with new wheels the same day.

    That note concerns the Rimowa Original Cabin and comes from the full luxury suitcase rankings. The six model figures above are published specifications, not a new claim that every model was weighed or taken on a fresh test trip.

    Which to Buy for Your Trips

    Monos Carry On ProThe front laptop compartment keeps technology separate. At 55.9 cm, check a strict 55 cm allowance before buying.
    Monos Carry On ProChoose the laptop pocket for access on the move, or Away Bigger for its 49 litres when your airline accepts the larger dimensions.
    Rimowa Original CabinThe aluminium shell and walk in repairs suit frequent use and a decade of ownership.
    Away The Bigger Carry OnThe largest cabin option here holds 49 litres. For a checked case, use the full luxury suitcase rankings.
    Monos Carry On ProThe $295 case adds a front laptop pocket. Monos Plus is lighter at the same price if that pocket is not essential.
    Rimowa Original CabinThe $1,550 aluminium cabin case offers lifetime functional cover and boutique repairs, but transport damage is excluded.

    The three product verdicts

    01Monos

    Monos Carry On Pro

    Monos Carry On Pro, suitcase product photograph

    The Pro adds a front laptop pocket to a compact 36 litre shell. Its 3.54 kg (7.8 lb) weight includes that extra organisation.

    What it is good at

    • Front laptop pocket
    • $295 price
    • Compact 36 litre capacity

    The honest drawback

    • Airline damage needs paid Lifetime Warranty+
    • Scuffs show on lighter colours
    • 55.9 cm is above a strict 55 cm allowance
    Weight
    3.54 kg / 7.8 lb
    Capacity
    36 L
    Dimensions
    55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm / 22 x 14 x 9 in
    Warranty
    Limited lifetime (airline damage only with paid Lifetime Warranty+)
    My verdict

    Buy Monos for the front laptop pocket and the price. Buy Away if you check bags often, because its warranty now covers airline damage and its shell resists scuffs better.

    Prices checked 15 October 2026
    02Away

    Away The Bigger Carry On

    Away The Bigger Carry On, suitcase product photograph

    The Bigger Carry On provides 49 litres for $295. Its 58.4 cm (23 in) height suits US allowances better than strict European sizers.

    What it is good at

    • 49 litres for $295
    • LifetimeCare includes airline mishandling
    • Compression panel and laundry bag

    The honest drawback

    • 58.4 cm exceeds strict 55 cm limits
    • Scuffs and dents are not covered
    • Heavier than Monos Plus
    Weight
    3.6 kg / 7.9 lb
    Capacity
    49 L
    Dimensions
    58.4 x 39.1 x 23.9 cm / 23 x 15.4 x 9.4 in
    Warranty
    LifetimeCare
    My verdict

    Monos Plus is lighter, Away Bigger holds more. Both are US sized at about 58 cm, so neither suits strict 55 cm European limits.

    Prices checked 15 October 2026
    03Rimowa

    Rimowa Original Cabin

    Rimowa Original Cabin, suitcase product photograph

    The Original Cabin combines a 35 litre aluminium shell with walk in repair access. The lighter Essential Cabin costs $990 and uses polycarbonate.

    What it is good at

    • Lifetime functional guarantee
    • Walk in boutique repairs
    • Anodised aluminium shell

    The honest drawback

    • 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) before packing
    • Transport damage excluded
    • $1,550 is difficult to justify for occasional trips
    Weight
    4.3 kg / 9.5 lb
    Capacity
    35 L
    Dimensions
    55 x 40 x 23 cm / 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in
    Warranty
    Rimowa lifetime guarantee
    My verdict

    Worth it if you fly often and keep a case for a decade. If you fly a few times a year, Monos or Away is the better buy.

    Prices checked 15 October 2026
    1 of 3

    The lightest alternative worth knowing about

    Samsonite Cosmolite 3.0 Spinner vs Monos Carry On Pro

    Verdict.

    The Samsonite Cosmolite 3.0 Spinner is not one of the three cases compared on this page. It is the lighter option worth knowing about. At 1.7 kg (3.7 lb) it is 1.84 kg (4.1 lb) lighter than the Monos Carry On Pro and more than 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) lighter than the aluminium cabin on the page. It is reviewed in full in the luxury suitcase rankings, and set against Rimowa in the full Rimowa vs Samsonite comparison.

    Samsonite Cosmolite 3.0 SpinnerversusMonos Carry On Pro
    Cabin weight
    1.7 kg / 3.7 lb
    3.54 kg / 7.8 lb
    Cabin price
    $350
    $295
    Capacity
    36 L
    36 L
    Shell material
    Curv
    Makrolon polycarbonate
    Warranty
    10 years
    Limited lifetime
    Dimensions
    55 x 40 x 20 cm / 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in
    55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm / 22 x 14 x 9 in
    Check pricePrices checked 15 October 2026. We may earn a commission.

    Frequently asked questions

    • Monos wins on price, weight and organisation, and Away wins on scuff resistance and warranty. At the same $295, buy Monos for the laptop pocket and Away if you check bags often.

    • Rimowa is tougher and is backed by a lifetime guarantee and boutique repairs. Away gives you more capacity for a fraction of the price, and its LifetimeCare now covers airline damage.

    • The Monos Carry On is $275 and the Carry On Pro and Plus are $295. The Away Bigger Carry On is $295. Rimowa costs $990 for the Essential Cabin and $1,550 for the Original Cabin.

    • The Monos Carry On Plus is the lightest at 3.13 kg (6.9 lb), then the Rimowa Essential Cabin at 3.2 kg. The aluminium Rimowa Original Cabin is the heaviest at 4.3 kg (9.5 lb).

    • The Away Bigger Carry On holds 49 litres and the Monos Carry On Plus holds 45.9 litres. Both Rimowa cabin cases hold 35 to 36 litres.

    • Away LifetimeCare covers it free for the first five years. Monos covers it only with the paid Lifetime Warranty+, and Rimowa excludes transport damage.

    • Yes, for most people who fly up to about 30 times a year. Expect visible scuffs over time, which a cover reduces.

    • It borrows the minimal, grooveless look at a fraction of the price, but the Carry On Pro is polycarbonate, not aluminium.

    • Yes, the Essential line. The Essential Cabin weighs 3.2 kg, holds 36 litres and costs $990.

    • Series 3 is Away's redesigned range, launched in autumn 2026. The original Bigger Carry On compared here is still sold at $295.

    • The Rimowa cabin cases and Away The Carry On come closest. The Away Bigger Carry On and Monos Carry On Plus are US sized at about 58 cm.

    • Yes, if you fly often and keep a case for a decade. If you fly a few times a year, Monos or Away is the better buy.

    Monos for value, Away for space, Rimowa for long ownership

    Compare the wider market in the full luxury suitcase rankings, read Rimowa vs Tumi vs Away carry on, or read my Rimowa vs Samsonite comparison.

    Check price