Raden and Away are two new companies that have taken the luggage industry by storm. Away provides well-designed luggage at an affordable price by cutting out the middleman. Raden follows a similar business model by adds a few more tech features to create truly “smart” luggage. As the companies have grown, people wonder how the two pieces of luggage compare to another. While certain aspects of comparison are subjective, we’ll try to go through the main objective points of difference here.
Note: We are comparing the carry on versions of each company. The checked versions will have almost all the same differences.
Dimensions
- Away- 21.7” x 13.7” x 9” (they also have a “bigger carry on” option that is 22.7” x 14.7” x 9.6”)
- Raden- 22” x 14” x 9”
Both should meet the carry on size requirements of the major airlines.
Weight
- Away- 7.2 lbs. (the bigger carry on option is 7.3 lbs.)
- Raden- 8.4 lbs.
Packing Space
Because the battery of the Raden is so big, the available packing space is more limited than in the Away.
Durability
Both suitcases use a polycarbonate shell. Raden offers both a gloss and matte finish. The gloss finish does mean that any scratches that occur will be more noticeable. The matte finish is much better for looking well-kept. The Away’s matte finish does a good job of looking good after the general wear and tear of traveling. In short, the durability of both are good, but the gloss finish Raden will look more beat up over time.
Price
The Raden carry on is $295, while the Away is $225 (and the bigger carry on is $245).
Tech Features
- The Away has USB charging.
- The Raden has USB charging, location tracking, and a digital scale. It also has an associated smartphone app.
Wheels
We would give a slight edge to Raden here, but the difference is very small. Both suitcases have four 360 degree wheels and roll smoothly.
Style
This is just a matter of personal preference. The ribbed design of the Away is a more classic look, while Raden’s style is more modern and futuristic.
Which Should You Get?
It’s tough to say which one is “better.” It really depends on what you value the most. The Raden costs more, but it comes with cool tech features. The Away is less expensive and it has more packing space, but it doesn’t have the tech features that Raden does. Similarly, the surface of the Away gives the appearance that it is more durable than the Raden. Ultimately, the choice will come down to what you value the most between style, packing space, durability, and tech features.
Make sure to check out our full Raden carry on review and check review as well as our full Away carry on review.