Béis vs. Monos: Which Game-Changing Luggage Brand Is Best for You?
Updated: Apr. 16, 2024
When it comes to Béis vs. Monos, each has its pros and cons to consider for your next trip. Here's what I found during my in-depth testing.
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Picking the right luggage is almost as difficult (and critical) as picking the right hotel on vacation. What size do you need? What’s the budget? How long is the trip? Travel accessories make any trip go a little smoother. But when it comes to the most popular luggage brands, which is the right choice?
When you search for the best luggage, chances are that you’ll come across Béis vs. Monos. They may not be heritage brands like Samsonite or Rimowa, but both carry a wide variety of bags, suitcases and accessories. Although they offer very similar products, there are some key differences.
What’s the difference between Béis and Monos?
In a nutshell, Monos is slightly more expensive and understated, as opposed to the trendy Béis pieces. Both have all the essentials—including carry-ons to luggage sets—but the final decision might come down to budget and personal style.
Béis is very deliberate with the features and marketing of its luggage. Key lanyards, built-in weight indicators and secret compartments are just some of the amenities offered. The soft bags flaunt canvas and vegan leather while the rolling luggage features a polycarbonate hard shell. There’s also a much wider range of bright colors for the Béis bags, targeting people who love to travel in bold style.
Monos luggage, on the other hand, answers to a more refined traveler. Its bags and suitcases are minimal, chic and maybe a bit more durable. Colors mostly stay in a neutral palette, but there’s a choice of nylon, vegan leather and polycarbonate hard shell for the luggage. Monos is also a climate-neutral brand and contributes 1% of revenue to fighting climate change.
All about Béis luggage
Béis was founded by actress Shay Mitchell in 2018. You might’ve seen it pop up on your social media feed or in the airport. It’s trendy, but for good reason. Each piece prioritizes functionality and style. Unique features are strategically placed around the luggage, solving some of the most frustrating packing mistakes.
Luggage options
Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or an international adventure, Béis has many cute luggage options. Polycarbonate suitcases protect belongings and shoppers love the built-in weight indicators and zippered pockets. Weekend warriors and commuters appreciate the portability of The Weekender bags—one of which we tested for this story—and work-approved totes.
Accessories range from packing cubes and makeup bags to toiletry bags and water bottle slings. It even sells luggage for kids. There are arguably more options than Monos, and the children’s, pets’ and babies’ departments are bonuses.
Special features
Béis is extremely functional. Depending on the piece, some of the luggage has built-in weight indicators, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) locks, compression pads and all kinds of separate pouches. The totes, diaper bags and Weekenders also have many hidden features, like key lanyards, hidden pockets and straps.
One of its best and most notable features is the extra storage compartments throughout the Weekenders, toiletry bags and accessory bags. I own The Weekender (the beige is so pretty!) and was surprised by how many items fit inside. And yes, it fits in the overhead compartment. I love the separate zippered compartment at the bottom of the bag to hold at least three pairs of shoes. It weighs just 3.86 pounds and has a 49-liter capacity. Just be mindful that canvas scuffs easily.
Shipping, return policy and warranty
Béis does a good job of packaging and shipping. The packaging does have a big “Béis” sticker, so beware of porch pirates. Its rolling luggage comes with a lifetime warranty if a zipper breaks or the shell cracks. There are 45 days to return or exchange an item if you’re not loving it. There’s also a $10 handling fee for returns, but exchanges are free.
All about Monos luggage
Monos is everything frequent travelers want in a sleek luggage brand. The sustainable bags look and feel luxurious, but many shoppers are shocked at the price. It’s affordable luxury without compromising quality. In fact, each piece undergoes a rigorous testing process. For every bump in the road, reviewers say Monos handles it all.
Luggage options
Monos has a series of models, so you’ll be covered whether you’re shopping for carry-on bags or checked luggage. Even though they’re made of aerospace-grade polycarbonate, the rolling suitcases are extremely light, leaving more room for clothes and souvenirs. For something more versatile, try weekender bags, duffels, backpacks and more travel accessories to complete pre- and post-flight packing. There may be fewer options, but Monos covers the basics—and covers them well.
Special features
Compression pads and straps in the rolling suitcases make sure everything’s tight and locked in. Just pick between the hard vs. soft luggage options. The handles are durable and light, and all the suitcases include a laundry bag, two shoe bags and a vegan leather luggage tag. Toiletry bags, suitcases and even a belt bag sport the same, no-frills look.
“I was impressed by the caliber of construction, lifetime warranty and careful attention to detail,” Caroline Lubinsky, senior shopping editor, writes in her carry-on review. I recently took my Metro Weekender in the saddle tan color and vegan leather option on a three-hour flight, and agree: Monos takes care of every detail. The fabric feels soft, durable and extremely luxurious. And the Metro Weekender has that separate shoe compartment at the bottom, so your dirty shoes don’t touch the rest of your items. This overhead compartment-approved bag weighs 5.18 pounds and has a 47.5-liter capacity, making it comparable to the Béis Weekender.
Shipping, return policy and warranty
Shipping is quick and I appreciated that my Metro Weekender arrived with a complimentary dustbag. A lifetime warranty covers all damage except cosmetic wear and tear, regardless of whether it was bought from Monos or a third-party retailer. To return a Monos bag, send the unused item with the original packaging intact. You have 100 days to make a return, too.
The bottom line
There are so many luggage brands to choose from. Trust us, we get it. But when it comes to Béis vs. Monos, both are options with many strengths. The price point on both is comparable and even more affordable than other brands. Plus, the features are travel lifesavers. From extra storage space to helpful add-ons, it’s tough to choose between the two.
For those who prefer to stay on trend, accessorize in bright colors and have an everyday bag, Béis may be the better option. Travelers who want to invest in solid, sleek and performance-forward luggage will appreciate the quality of Monos. At the end of the day, it might not be a battle between Béis vs. Monos at all. If you can’t choose between the two, who says you can’t mix and match?
Where to buy Béis luggage
Find Béis luggage on the brand’s website and at major retailers like Revolve, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. Bags start at $48, carry-on luggage starts at $188 and checked suitcases start at $308.
Where to buy Monos luggage
Monos luggage is available on the brand’s website and Ssense. Bags start at $60, carry-on luggage starts at $255 and checked suitcases start at $325.
Originally Published: March 14, 2024
