Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside vs Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside
Both made our Best Luggage Under $300 shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner if you want front laptop compartment is the most convenient at-security access of any bag in this list. Choose the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner if you'd rather have hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price. Overall we rank the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Luggage Under $300 list.
Winner overall: Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner
Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner vs Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 3 in Best Luggage Under $300 | #2 of 3 in Best Luggage Under $300 |
| Pick label | Top pick | |
| Brand | Monos | Samsonite |
| Key features | 22-inch polycarbonate hardshell, 36L capacity; Padded front compartment fits a 16-inch laptop; 360-degree spinner wheels | 24-inch expandable polypropylene hardshell; Dual 360-degree spinner wheels; TSA-approved combination lock |
| Biggest strength | Front laptop compartment is the most convenient at-security access of any bag in this list | Hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price |
| Main trade-off | 22-inch size is on the larger edge of some tighter international carry-on sizers | Polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors |
| Best for | carry on only | international travel |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Top pick
Choose the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner if…
- Front laptop compartment is the most convenient at-security access of any bag in this list
- 36L capacity is genuinely usable for 4 to 7-day trips with compression cubes
- Highest owner rating in this category at 4.8 out of 5
Best for: carry on only
Prefer the alternative? See the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner section.
#2 pick
Choose the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner if…
- Hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price
- 8.5-pound empty weight leaves more of the checked weight limit for actual belongings
Best for: international travel
Prefer the alternative? See the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner section.
Pros and cons of each
Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner
Pros
- Front laptop compartment is the most convenient at-security access of any bag in this list
- 36L capacity is genuinely usable for 4 to 7-day trips with compression cubes
- Highest owner rating in this category at 4.8 out of 5
Cons
- 22-inch size is on the larger edge of some tighter international carry-on sizers
- No expansion panel, capacity is fixed
Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner
Pros
- Hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price
- 8.5-pound empty weight leaves more of the checked weight limit for actual belongings
Cons
- Polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors
- Single-caster style wheel housing wears faster than the double-swivel wheels on premium bags
- 10-year warranty is limited, not the unconditional coverage of Briggs & Riley
Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner vs Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner: common questions
Which is better, the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner or the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner?
Choose the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner if you want front laptop compartment is the most convenient at-security access of any bag in this list. Choose the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner if you'd rather have hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price. Overall we rank the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Luggage Under $300 list.
What is the difference between the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner and the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner?
The Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner stands out because front laptop compartment is the most convenient at-security access of any bag in this list, while the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner stands out because hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price. The trade-offs differ too: the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner's main caveat is that 22-inch size is on the larger edge of some tighter international carry-on sizers, and the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner's is that polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors.
Is the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner worth it over the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner instead if 22-inch size is on the larger edge of some tighter international carry-on sizers is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner instead of the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner?
The Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner suits international travel, while the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner is best for carry on only.