Finding the right travel stroller to use on all your trips, from hikes to sightseeing in the city, can be tricky. However, once you find the right one and experience firsthand how lightweight they are, you’ll never go back to a regular stroller. Here’s a list of the best travel strollers for each of the various categories and uses that you may need them for.
| Stroller | Weight | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: Bugaboo Butterfly | 16.1 lbs | Details |
| Best For Air Travel: BabyZen YOYO2 | 13.6 lbs | Details |
| Best Budget: Kolcraft Cloud Plus | 12.8 lbs | Details |
| Best Double: UPPAbaby G-LINK 2 | 22.3 lbs | Details |
| Best Lightweight: Contours Itsy | 12.3 lbs | Details |
| Best Folding: UPPAbaby MINU V2 | 16.9 lbs | Details |
| Best Umbrella: UPPAbaby G-LUXE | 16.3 lbs | Details |
| Best Luxury: UPPAbaby VISTA V2 | 27 lbs | Details |
| Best Outdoor: Bugaboo Fox 3 | 21.8 lbs | Details |
1. Bugaboo Butterfly (Best Overall)
Price when article published: $449.00
Weight limit: 48.5 lbs
Stroller’s weight: 16.1 lbs
Size: 41 x 18 x 41 inches
Size when folded: 17.72 x 9.06 x 21.26 inches (48.04 linear inches)
Pros
- Very easy to fold and unfold with one hand
- Lightweight, compact, and maneuverable
- Stylish look
- Comfortable for the littles
- Large undercarriage basket
- Easy to steer
- High safety level with little chance of pinching
Cons
- The carry strap is hard to locate when folded
- Doesn’t work too well in rough terrains
- Doesn’t sit up very straight for exploring littles
- Suitable for ages 6 months+
There isn’t much to say about the Butterfly, except that it is number one on our list for a reason. Everything about the stroller screams comfort and class, from the reclining seat, extendable canopy, and adjustable leg rest to the large and easily accessible undercarriage storage basket. Plus, folding and unfolding have never been easier! All you need is a free hand and just ONE second, which makes this stroller perfect for single parents and those traveling alone with their babies.
There aren’t a lot of negatives when it comes to this stroller, but I would say that the fact that the seat lays quite far back in its most upright position certainly is a downer. As your children get bigger and more interested in their surroundings, they’ll probably get agitated with the laid-back seat. This is concerning since the stroller is only suited for children 6 months and older.
2. BabyZen YOYO2 (Best For Air Travel)
Price when article published: $449.00
Weight limit: 48.5 lbs
Stroller’s weight: 13.6 lbs
Size: 41.7 x 33.8 x 17.3 inches
Size when folded: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches (44.9 linear inches)
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Suitable for newborns
- Padded and comfortable
- Easy to push, steer, and fit into tight spaces
- Stylish look
- Very compact when folded and great for overhead bins
- Typically comes with a travel bag
Cons
- Not great on all terrains
- Unable to recline until completely flat
- Takes two hands to fold
- Sunshade doesn’t provide a great deal of coverage
The YOYO² is versatile and perfect for any type of travel, including air travel. It is compact enough for cabin-flying and it features a padded shoulder strap, so you can easily carry it through the airport. The undercarriage basket can take up to 11 lbs of your goods and the stroller is easy to maneuver.
Unfortunately, this stroller isn’t great for hiking in the mountains and you’ll need both your hands free to fold it. Plus, nap time won’t be as fun because the seat isn’t able to recline until it is flat.
3. Kolcraft Cloud Plus (Best Budget)
Price when article published: $79.99
Weight limit: 50 lbs
Stroller’s weight: 12.8 lbs
Size: 17.6 x 29.9 x 41.7 inches
Size when folded: 18 x 12 x 34 inches (64 linear inches)
Pros
- Works well on all terrains
- Remarkably affordable
- Includes two trays with cup holders
- Easy to fold
- Very lightweight
- Large and easily accessible undercarriage basket
Cons
- Can be tricky to unfold
- Stiff brake pedals that aren’t sandal or flip-flop friendly
- The peek-a-boo window doesn’t have a cover
If you’re looking for great value for your money but your budget is very strict, this is the stroller you should be looking at. The stroller was designed with both mom and baby’s comfort in mind, with two trays and a cup holder in each. The seat can recline into multiple positions and it comes equipped with a 5-point safety harness.
If you don’t plan on pushing the stroller barefoot or with flip-flops, you should have no problem with the stiff brake pedals. However, the peek-a-boo window may become a problem when the sun is very bright, especially if your baby is still very young. Fortunately, you can easily solve this problem by covering the window with a blanket or towel.
4. UPPAbaby G-LINK 2 (Best Double)
Price when article published: $679.99
Weight limit: 55 lbs
Stroller’s weight: 22.3 lbs
Size: 27.5 x 28.5 x 42 inches
Size when folded: 40 x 20 x 14.5 inches (74.5 linear inches)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very easy to fold and unfold
- Independent reclining seats
- Independent sunshades
- Narrow and easy to fit through most openings
- Large undercarriage basket
Cons
- Not too great on all terrains
- Tough to get into the undercarriage basket
The G-LINK 2 is a great option for twins and toddler-infant pairs. The seats are completely independent, which means that they can be reclined at different levels and the canopies can be adjusted to fit the needs of each child. Plus, the stroller features pop-out UPF 50+ sunshades for that extra protection. The pram isn’t too wide for supermarket aisles and door openings, so you can easily move through different spaces.
The large undercarriage baskets are very spacious but you may have some trouble getting into them. Fortunately, the stroller has extra storage pockets at the back of each seat, and a cup holder conveniently located in the middle.
5. Contours Itsy (Best Lightweight)
Price when article published: $169.99
Weight limit: 40 lbs
Stroller’s weight: 12.3 lbs
Size: 32 x 18.2 x 39 inches
Size when folded: 10.5 x 11 x 22 inches (43.5 linear inches)
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- UPF 50+ sun canopy with peek-a-boo window
- Very compact when folded
- Easy to open and fold
Cons
- Not too great on rough terrains
- Doesn’t recline
- Fairly small undercarriage basket
- Suitable for ages 6 months+
All travel strollers are designed to be lightweight, but the Itsy certainly stands out above the rest. It easily folds into a compact, comfortable size that fits into most tight spaces. You can take it with you on the plane and it should fit with the rest of your baggage in the trunk of your car. The UPF 50+ sun canopy includes a mesh window that you can use to easily watch your baby as you’re walking.
Unfortunately, this stroller can’t recline at all. This could become a problem when you’re out and about and your little one wants to have a nap. Plus, there are some negative online reviews about the size of the undercarriage basket. While it isn’t the smallest ever, you’ll struggle to fit a medium to large diaper bag in there.
6. UPPAbaby MINU V2 (Best Folding)
Price when article published: $449.99
Weight limit: 50 lbs
Stroller’s weight: 16.9 lbs
Size: 35.5 x 20.3 x 41 inches
Size when folded: 12.5 x 20.3 x 23 inches (55.8 linear inches)
Pros
- Comfortable seat
- Large undercarriage basket
- Very lightweight and compact
- Does well on most terrains
- Quick and easy to fold with one hand
- Stylish and luxurious look
- Suitable for newborns
Cons
- Not the cheapest when compared to competitors
- Tricky to access the undercarriage basket
The MINU V2 is remarkably easy and quick to fold, with just one hand! The leather bumper bar and handlebar add to both the stability and stylish look of the stroller. You can use this stroller from the birth of your baby to the stage that they reach 50 lbs. They’ll always be comfortable because this stroller features a snack tray and cup holder, multiposition recline and adjustable leg rest, and front and rear spring-action suspension.
There are many other options available at a much lower price but you get what you pay for with this stroller and this level of quality comes at a price.
7. UPPAbaby G-LUXE (Best Umbrella)
Price when article published: $199.99
Weight limit: 55 lbs
Stroller’s weight: 16.3 lbs
Size: 28.8 x 18.8 x 43 inches
Size when folded: 19.2 x 12 x 41.8 inches (73 linear inches)
Pros
- Seat pad is removable and machine washable
- Lightweight and compact umbrella fold
- Affordable compared to other options
- Easy to set up, fold, and unfold
- Very stylish look
- Extended sun canopy
- Three recline positions
Cons
- Both hands needed to push and steer
- Not suitable for infants younger than 3 months
This umbrella stroller comes packed with many fantastic features, like a removable cup holder, an extendable pop-out UPF 50+ sunshade, and a one-step brake. After one of those big unavoidable messes, you can easily remove all the fabric and pop them in the washing machine. Additionally, the stroller is extremely easy to fold and it can be reclined with one hand. The footrest is adjustable for maximum comfort and the undercarriage basket is easy to access.
Unfortunately, you’ll need to make a quick stop to take a sip of whatever is in your cup holder because you’ll need both your hands to push the stroller.
8. UPPAbaby VISTA V2 (Best Luxury)
Price when article published: $749.99 to $1349.99 (depending on color)
Weight limit: 50 lbs
Stroller’s weight: 27 lbs
Size: 36 x 25.7 x 39.5 inches
Size when folded: 17.3 x 25.7 x 33.3 inches (76.3 linear inches)
Pros
- Great on all terrains
- Able to expand to double stroller
- Spacious undercarriage basket
- Great quality fabrics and materials
- Easy to push and steer
- Very smooth ride
- Suitable from birth
- Stylish and luxurious look
Cons
- Large and bulky when folded
- Heavy compared to other travel strollers
- Prices differ considerably depending on the color
The VISTA V2 is a high-end, ultra-luxurious travel stroller designed for the most posh babies. If you want your baby to feel fancy while you’re walking through the airport or greeting neighbors on your morning stroll, this is the one! The fabrics and leather details are high quality and they contribute to the overall stylish look of the stroller. The undercarriage basket is easy to access and it can hold up to 30 lbs.
Unfortunately, the stroller is large and uncomfortable to carry when folded and it weighs a lot more than most other options. Plus, the price that you’ll end up paying for this stroller depends on the color that you prefer. A white marl stroller will cost you $600 more than the same one in a green mélange color.
9. Bugaboo Fox 3 (Best Outdoor)
Price when article published: $1011.75
Weight limit: 50 lbs
Stroller’s weight: 21.8 lbs
Size: 33-42 x 24 x 35-43 inches
Size when folded: 18.5 x 36.4 x 23.6 inches (78.5 linear inches)
Pros
- Does well on most terrains
- Good suspension
- Fairly easy to fold and unfold
- Very easy to push and steer
- Very comfortable
- Easy-to-use brake system
- Customizable chassis and canopy
Cons
- Costly compared to others with the same features
- Bulky when folded
The Fox 3 by Bugaboo is the perfect addition to your adventurous and outdoorsy family. The stroller features 4-wheel suspension and puncture-proof wheels that are ready to take on rough terrains. While it is designed for smooth trips over rugged surfaces, the seat is comfortable enough for your little one to nap and explore. You can choose between different canopy and chassis colors to suit your aesthetic needs.
Honestly, if you look hard enough, you may find a much cheaper all-terrain stroller with the same features. Plus, the stroller is rather bulky when folded, which means that you may struggle to fit it into snug spots.
FAQ
What’s the difference between travel strollers and regular strollers?
Regular strollers are typically designed to stay in an upright position, which means that you can’t switch the seat for a car seat or bassinet. On the other hand, travel strollers are designed to be used on the go. They are typically sold with adaptors to take both bassinets and car seats. Thus, you can take the entire car seat from the car and attach it to the stroller frame without waking your sleeping baby.
Plus, travel strollers are much smaller and lighter than regular strollers. They easily fold into compact sizes to make them easier to travel with.
How can I protect my travel stroller during my travels?
Travel strollers are generally expensive and you certainly don’t want them damaged on your next trip to another state or country. Many systems come with travel bags that protect your stroller from dust, dents, and scratches. If your travel system didn’t come with one, it is recommended to head out and purchase a bag that’ll fit your stroller.
For more tips and tricks and things that you should know before getting on a plane, have a look at our comprehensive guide on flying with a stroller.
What are the factors that I should consider when buying a travel stroller?
The first factor that you should consider is your budget because while there are very affordable options, some travel strollers can be very expensive. Next, you should determine what exactly you’ll be using the stroller for. Strollers for the sole purpose of shopping in the city and strollers intended for outdoor activities and flying are very different. Some other factors that you should consider include:
- Size and weight
- Single or double
- Weight and age limit
- Sun canopy size
- Undercarriage basket
- Reclining functions
Can I use my travel stroller in my everyday tasks?
Yes! Travel strollers aren’t meant to sit in the closet until your next flight or road trip. You can use your travel stroller to go shopping or stroll in the city. Not only are these strollers much easier to fold and maneuver, but they are also lightweight to make your trips easier, faster, and more comfortable.
