Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside vs Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable
Both made our Best Luggage Under $300 shortlist, at #1 and #3. 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 Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner if you'd rather have polycarbonate shell. Overall we rank the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner higher: #1 versus #3 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 Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 3 in Best Luggage Under $300 | #3 of 3 in Best Luggage Under $300 |
| Pick label | Top pick | Shortlisted |
| Brand | Monos | Samsonite |
| Key features | 22-inch polycarbonate hardshell, 36L capacity; Padded front compartment fits a 16-inch laptop; 360-degree spinner wheels | See full details |
| Biggest strength | Front laptop compartment is the most convenient at-security access of any bag in this list | Polycarbonate shell |
| Main trade-off | 22-inch size is on the larger edge of some tighter international carry-on sizers | Textured shell still scuffs |
| Best for | carry on only | carry-on travelers on a budget |
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 Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner section.
#3 pick
Choose the Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner if…
- Polycarbonate shell
- Built-in TSA lock
- Expands for extra capacity
Best for: carry-on travelers on a budget
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 Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner
Pros
- Polycarbonate shell
- Built-in TSA lock
- Expands for extra capacity
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Textured shell still scuffs
- Expanded size may exceed carry-on limits
- No front pocket
Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner vs Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner: common questions
Which is better, the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner or the Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On 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 Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner if you'd rather have polycarbonate shell. Overall we rank the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Luggage Under $300 list.
What is the difference between the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner and the Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On 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 Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner stands out because polycarbonate shell. 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 Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner's is that textured shell still scuffs.
Is the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner worth it over the Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On 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 Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner instead of the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner?
The Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner suits carry-on travelers on a budget, while the Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner is best for carry on only.