LEVEL8 Vs. Away Luggage: Which Should You Buy In 2024?

When buying new luggage, two of the top brands to consider are Level8 and Away. Both companies make high-quality suitcases designed for travelers who are looking for durability, style, and functionality all in one bag.

But should you choose Level8 or Away for your next trip? To help you decide, here’s an in-depth comparison of Level8 vs Away luggage across several categories. We’ll look at factors like price, dimensions, materials, warranties, and more.

Quick Comparison

Before diving into the full analysis, here is a high-level overview comparing major factors between Level8 and Away suitcases:

Specs	Level8	Away
Price Range	$195 – $375	$225 – $475
Materials	Polycarbonate & Aluminum	Polycarbonate & Aluminum
Carry-Ons	Standard, Overhead Bin	The Bigger Carry-On
Checked Bags	Medium, Large	Medium, Large
Warranty	Limited Lifetime	Limited Lifetime
Smart Features	TSA Locks, Laundry Bag, Battery Pack	TSA Locks, Laundry Bag, Battery Pack

As you can see, Level8 and Away have a lot of similarities when it comes to design, build quality, sizes offered, and included features. The main differences come down to their specific shape/dimensions, color options, accessories, and small pricing variances.

Keep reading as we explore each of these factors in more detail…

Prices Compared

First, let’s look at how Level8 and Away luggage pricing stacks up across comparable models:

Level8 Carry-Ons: $195-$245

• Standard Carry-On: $245
• Overhead Bin Carry-On: $195

Away Carry-Ons: $225-$475

• The Bigger Carry-On: $245-$475 depending on customization

So for carry-ons, Level8’s options are either priced the same or $50 less than Away’s comparable model.

Level8 offers a cheaper overhead bin bag while The Bigger Carry-On has more size/color options.

Level8 Checked Luggage: $295-$375

• Medium: $295
• Large: $335-$375

Away Checked Luggage: $275-$345

• Medium: $275
• Large: $295-$345

Here Away has a slight pricing advantage on its baseline faux-leather checked bag options, while Level8 edges out on the premium leather versions. Overall very comparable.

Pricing is very similar, but Level8 tends to keep things simpler with less size and customization variety. Away offers more color/material choices and collabs that increase costs, while Level8 leans into its core polycarbonates.

For both brands, you’re looking around $200-$250 for carry-ons and $300+ for checked sizes – reasonable given the quality and lifetime guarantees.

Build Quality & Materials

When buying luggage expected to last for years, you need something durable that can withstand getting tossed around through airports.

The good news is both Level8 and Away use premium materials designed to be both light and sturdy:

• Level8: Polycarbonate shell + aircraft grade aluminum frame
• Away: Polycarbonate shell + aircraft grade aluminum frame

Nearly identical! Yes, the shells on both Level8 and Away are made from 100% polycarbonate which is a very resilient plastic-based material.

It holds up well against cracking or scratches.

The aluminum frames are equally strong to avoid bending while allowing collapsible handles, wheels, and spinning functionality sure to last over thousands of miles.

For locks, zippers, wheels and more – you’re again getting reputable hardware known for quality and durability.

No corners were cut by either brand when it comes to structural integrity and resilience.

Size & Weight Options Compared

To quickly recap earlier sections into one snapshot:

Category	Level8	Away
Number of Sizes	4 – Carry-On, Overhead, Medium, Large	5 – The Bigger Carry-On, Medium, Large, Extra Large, Small “Kid’s Edition”
Heaviest Option	Large 11 lbs	Extra Large 15.7 lbs
Lightest Option	Overhead Bin 7.1 lbs	The Bigger Carry-On 7.3 lbs
Dimensions	Overhead Bin is best for smaller planes. Away XL has most volume at 35% bigger than Level8 Large.	Away wins on versatility with bigger and smaller options plus The Bigger Carry-On optimized to the inch.

So while both offer ample sizes to choose from, Away ultimately takes the cake when it comes to even more flexibility depending on your specific needs and plane restrictions. Their Bigger Carry-On is expertly maximized, while also having better sized options for children or extra large hauls.

But Level8 still checks the boxes for most with wise dimension choices and keeps things simpler. So unless you really need to customize capacity or regularly fly tiny commuters, their range works excellently.

Either brand is sure to have a size (or several) suited for you. But Away does cater better to extremes while Level’s focuses on key essentials.

Color & Material Options Compared

While the core suitcase construction is similar across Level8’s and Away’s lineup, there are some differences when it comes to aesthetics.

Level8 Color Options:

• White
• Black
• Navy

Nice and simple with 3 classy matte finish hues to choose between.

Away Color Options:

• Navy (core)
• Green (core)
• Sand (core)
• Mineral (core)
• Blush (limited release)
• Coast (limited release)

Plus loads of limited edition collaborations with brands like Rhye, Sandast, PHOTO etc. introducing unique prints/patterns into the mix.

So Away definitely takes the cake when it comes to offering more colors and aesthetic customization.

Level8 keeps it straightforward with the classics.

In terms of materials, Level8 has a couple premium leather offerings starting at $335.

Whereas some Away collaborations bring in special fabrics or textures beyond their core polycarbonate, but most collabs are still focused on print rather than construct.

So for core models, nearly identical materials from these brands that are tried and tested. But Away invites more self-expression with almost endless special editions alongside 3 unisex colorways from Level8 focused purely on function.

Also Read: Differences Between Level 8 And Samsonite Luggage.

Warranties Compared

Given luggage is an investment, it’s important to consider protection policies should anything happen to your suitcase. Here’s how Level8 and Away stack up when it comes to warranties:

Level8: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Away: Limited Lifetime Warranty

The verdict? Both Level8 and Away offer reassuring limited lifetime warranties. This covers manufacturer defects, breakages, damage to wheels/handles/zippers, and more. Unless deemed purposefully abusive, flaws or failures will result in free repairs or replacements.

This provides excellent peace of mind on pricey luggage expected to last years. Between Level8 and Away’s durable constructions and strong policies, your purchase is well-protected as accidents do happen.

For specifics on the warranty limitation definitions or process, check out Level8’s and Away’s websites which outline full policies.

But big picture – you can’t go wrong with either brand when it comes to standing behind their products with comprehensive lifetime warranties.

Also Read: How Solgaard And Away Luggage Stack Up?

Smart Features

Beyond just durable exteriors, modern travelers expect extra features that make luggage easier and more convenient to use. Here are some of the key similarities and differences between Level8’s and Away’s bags:

Both Offer:

• TSA approved locks
• Laundry bags
• Luggage ID tags
• Removable batteries

Nice to see both check the basic “smart” boxes travelers have come to expect. TSA-friendly 3-digit locks let security screeners open then relock your bag if needed without damage. Laundry bags help separate dirty clothes. Batteries power built-in chargers. And ID tags provide contact info if lost.

Unique to Level8:

• Vegan leather accents
• Matching leather luggage tags
• Premium leather exterior

Unique to Away:

• Ejectable USB charger
• 360° spinner wheels
• Compression panels

Away stands apart with tech focused features like an ejectable USB charger you can remove and use with your devices on-the-go. Their patented compression system helps pack in more. And smooth rolling 360 spinner wheels make Their bags uniquely effortless to maneuver next to Level8’s dual wheel setup.

Meanwhile, Level8 keeps things simpler but with luxe leather accents and tags lending unique sophistication. And their full-grain leather offerings provide unmatched craftsmanship for those willing to spend a bit more.

So in summary – both brands execute the luggage tech and extras you expect well, but Away goes the extra mile on seamless user experience while Level8 provides subtle luxuries.

FAQs: Level8 And Away Luggage Questions

Still debating Level8 and Away? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

Also Read: Comparison of Away And Open Story Luggage.

Wrapping Up

At the end of the day when choosing between Level8 and Away luggage, you can’t go wrong. Both offer high quality, smartly designed suitcases perfect for the frequent flyer.

Level8 is likely better if you:

• Prefer simpler, classic styles
• Appreciate luxury touches
• Want maximum cost efficiency
• Only need core sizes for air travel

Away is likely better if you:

• Want bonus tech features like ejectable batteries
• Need to customize exact size capacity
• Have a strong sense of brand style/aesthetic
• Travel often with smaller commuter planes

While their warranties, durability, and functional design are on par, aesthetics, sizing flexibility, pricing, and feature differences give one brand the edge over the other depending on travel habits and personal needs.

Hopefully the detailed comparisons above helped you determine whether Level8 or Away is a better brand for your luggage. Whichever you choose, both deliver huge value backed by strong company reputations in this modern luggage space. Any model is sure to last years enhancing every packing experience.

Safe travels!