In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Searching for the best travel stroller available today? We considered over 50 popular competitors and purchased 11 top strollers for intense side-by-side testing for this review. Finding a great travel stroller for travel or commuting can be more challenging than it looks. We can help! We've tested more than 400 strollers since 2013, including more than 65 travel-ready options. We considered weight and folded size, quality, maneuverability, and ease of use to help you find the right lightweight stroller for your family and wallet. Read on for more details about each stroller.
If you need a travel stroller for twins or multiples, be sure to take a look at our double travel stroller review to find the best. And, if the lightest possible weight and folded size are not as important to you as ease of strolling, then take a look at some of the lighter weight best full-size strollers we've tested, as they could be just what you want. If you are researching strollers in general, be sure to check out our picks of top strollers of all types, which offers general browsing. If you're going to travel with older babies, you might need a travel-friendly top-ranked convertible car seats.
Editor's Note: On September 17, 2024, this review was updated with more details on how we tested the new travel stroller lineup. This lightweight stroller review was completely updated on June 9, 2024, with a completely new set of 2024 strollers tested side-by-side.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a lovely compact stroller with a thoughtful design and quality components. It is one of the smallest in the review, measuring 17.5"W x 10.3"H x 21.3"L in our tests, which is 3,355 cubic inches. This stroller looks sleek, has a removable pad, a 7-position reclining seatback (measuring 119-154 degrees in our tests), and a unique harness that stays propped open when waiting for a passenger. Plus, the Butterfly has one of the highest maximum capacity storage bins in the group of 18 lbs! This is virtually unheard of in a stroller of this type. It is easy to push and turn in our tests, with better maneuverability in our flat surface tests than off-road. It is one of the quickest to fold with one hand and folds small enough to fit almost anywhere. As our tester put it, “I think it's just the coolest little stroller and super fun to use.”
The Bugaboo is expensive and could be prohibitive, depending on your budget. If budget is a concern, we like the Zoe Traveler almost as much, and it will save you almost half the price. It is also on the heavier side for this kind of stroller, with a measured weight of 16 lbs in our tests, compared to an average closer to 14.7 lbs. If having the lightest possible option is your thing, the gb Pockit+ All City was one of the lightest in our tests, weighing 13.1 lbs. This option has smaller wheels (measuring 4.7 inches in our tests) and isn't going to be fun to push on rougher terrain off the beaten path. The Britax B-Free has larger wheels and rubber tires (measuring 7.4 inches) if your planned adventures take you there. Overall, if you want a travel stroller that works as it should without a moment of frustration on flat surfaces, we think the Bugaboo Butterfly is an impressive choice if your wallet allows it.
The UPPAbaby Minu v2 is a high-quality option that offers more versatility than the standard travel fare. This capable option can work with an UPPAbaby infant car seat or the UPPAbaby Bassinet. Being able to swap seating means this stroller has multiple uses and can increase the lifespan for those looking for a one-and-done approach. This stroller also has the highest maximum storage basket weight capacity at 20 lbs and folds in thirds to make a smaller package to carry and stow with a measured size of 5,894 cubic inches and measured dimensions of 20.5"W x 10.3"H x 23"L. As one parent tester reports, “I love that this stroller can be used from birth up and the storage bin means it is great for running errands.” The Minu v2 is also easy to maneuver with larger wheels measuring 5.4 inches, close to the measured average in our tests of 5.7 inches.
The Minu v2 is heavier than most of the options in this review. Measuring 17 lbs in our tests, it can't hold a candle to those that are closer to 13 lbs like the Zoe Traveler and gb Pockit. This could be a deal breaker for some in a category where size and weight rule. The gb Pockit+ All-City is 4 pounds lighter and significantly smaller than the Minu v2, with a measured folded volume of 2,215 cubic inches. This means the Pockit could be a good alternative if your top priority is something lightweight that is easy to carry. The Minu v2 is also expensive for a product that might be a secondary stroller. This could be acceptable if it is your only planned stroller, or you might consider the Zoe Traveler if you need to save money. The Minu v2 is an impressive travel stroller, providing some of the most seating versatility in the lineup.
The Zoe Traveler is a less expensive, lightweight stroller in a crowd of spendy options. With a measured weight of 13.2 lbs in our tests, it is one of the lightest options, only beaten by the gb Pockit+ All City that weighs 13.1 lbs. It has enough features to work for everyday use, like a storage bin with a 10 lb capacity, and still manages to be lightweight and small enough to be a great traveler. When folded, the Zoe measured 18.6"W x 10.3"H x 23"L in our tests, which is 5,134 cubic inches for folded volume. This stroller has a good-sized canopy, easy-to-access storage, and is easy to maneuver on most surfaces with wheels that measured 5.3 inches in diameter in our tests. Our tester reports, “You get a lot in a small stroller for a reasonable price, making it tough to beat.”
The Zoe has a small seat and not a lot of storage space only fitting our medium diaper bag during testing. Bigger seats and larger storage capacities (18 lbs for the Bugaboo) can be found on the UPPAbaby Minu v2 and the Bugaboo Butterfly, but the Zoe offers a wider recline range with measured values in our tests of 103-148 degrees. Outside of those hiccups, it remains one of our favorite lightweight choices, and we think the price makes up for whatever it lacks. Depending on your goals, it could be the only stroller you need, but it might not offer enough to replace an everyday full-size option and definitely isn't suitable for running or heading off the beaten path for longer periods.
The Britax B-Free is a full-size stroller masquerading as a travel stroller. While not technically a travel option, it is relatively lightweight (measuring 22 lbs in our tests) and folds flat (measuring only 10.3 inches thick), making it a potential crossover option that can do double duty if needed. When folded, it was only 6,674 cubic inches in volume. According to our tests, this stroller has a one-pull fold, is easy to carry, and has 7.4-inch wheels, helping it roll better than most of the true travel choices. With a comfortable seat, larger 10 lb capacity storage, and an ample canopy, it is easy to see why it won awards in multiple categories. Our tester reports, “This is a straightforward, no-nonsense stroller with the features you need for travel and everyday strolling.”
This option is not the lightest or the smallest, making it an unlikely choice for those who want something truly designed for travel or tiny spaces. However, the UPPAbaby G-Luxe was larger in our folded tests at 9,834 cubic inches. The gb pocket+ is lighter and smaller, but it means compromising on the things we love about the B-Free. The UPPAbaby Minu v2 offers features and functionality similar to the B-Free, with a measured weight of 17 lbs and a folded volume of 5,134 cubic inches in our tests. This makes it another crossover contender if your needs are smaller. However, if you have some wiggle room for size or need something for every day that can stand in for occasional travel, then the Britax could be the one stroller solution that meets your needs.
The gb Pockit+ All City is almost too good at being what it was designed to be. This 13.1 lb stroller folds and folds again like an origami dollar bill to create the smallest folded volume in our tests of 2,215 cubic inches. It is easy to use, easy to fold, and has a carry strap. This version of the Pockit also comes with a slightly better canopy than previous options we've tested and a small under-seat storage bin with an unknown capacity; in our tests, we just fit a medium-sized diaper bag inside. Our in-house tester said, “This stroller is uber small and kind of cool, but it's almost too small and sort of frustrating to push.”
The folding super-powers of the Pockit also make the frame super flexible and hard to push off the road on grass and gravel. We measured the wheels at 5.1 inches, which are some of the smallest for the group, where the average size is 5.6 inches. The Bugaoo Butterfly folds almost as small, with a measured volume of 3,355 cubic inches, and it has a rigid frame that helped it move more smoothly over all surfaces during our testing despite the smaller 4.7-inch wheels. It is also expensive for a product that really only has one use and is unlikely to fit the bill for daily life. The Zoe Traveler has larger wheels, a similar weight, and a price significantly lower, but we measured it at 5,124 cubic inches when folded, so it could be too large depending on your goals. The gb Pockit isn't perfect, but if you travel frequently or need the absolute smallest stroller that won't make you angry, then the Pockit is the one we'd choose. However, if you can spare some space, we think there are other contenders to like more.
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a basic lightweight stroller with a design and feel most associated with a lightweight or umbrella stroller. It weighed 10.1 lbs in our tests and, thanks to its longer folded design, had a measured folded volume of 6,327 cubic inches. This means it is one of the lightest options in our tests where the average was closer to 14.7 lbs. The Cloud has a reasonable price and is easy enough to use. It has a storage basket capacity of 10 lbs that fits our large diaper bag while testing. It is one of the lightest options in the review, and we can see why parents will be drawn to it over the more expensive contenders. Our tester said, “If I'm navigating the airport or maybe a museum, the Cloud can do the trick, but more than that could be frustrating.”
The Kolcraft is not a great stroller and didn't perform that well in most metrics. Despite its wheel diameter measurement of 6 inches, the flexible frame and soft wheel materials made it hard to maneuver, even on flat surfaces. The Cloud is generally blah and feels outdated compared to the other options in our review. However, we also recognize that the prices of the top-ranked strollers could be more than a new parent wants to pay. Especially if you plan to use it only a handful of times. While the Kolcraft did not score well enough to win an award, we think it could be a potential option for anyone who needs a stroller for a few quick adventures where a small pushing option will make things easier and the budget is tight. If you simply must have a small stroller on a shoestring and can't use your primary stroller, then this would be our choice. However, if your budget can stretch at all or you hope to use it more frequently or on longer adventures, we think the Zoe Traveler is the better choice.
While not an ideal travel stroller, in our opinion, the Kolcraft Cloud can fill a niche for the occasional travel plan for those with the smallest budgets.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
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Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Test Travel Strollers
We've purchased and tested over 200 strollers since 2014, including more than 65 lightweight travel strollers. As always, we accept no freebies or advertising from manufacturers and purchase each stroller ourselves to ensure complete independence. Our testing protocol for strollers is extensive and involves real-world, day-to-day use testing and a set of 50 individual lab tests to inform our ratings.
We tested each stroller through a course that included moving over thresholds and standard doorways.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our testing of travel strollers is divided into four rating metrics:
Transporting and Storing tests (30% overall score weighting)
Ease of Use tests (30% of weighting)
Maneuverability tests (20% of weighting)
Quality tests (10% of weighting)
Kid's Comfort (10% of weighting)
We measured each stroller when folded, so you know if it fits in your life.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
We handle each stroller from unboxing to in-house lab testing and hours of use to determine which offers the best combination of lightweight and compact folded size, which are the easiest to use, and how they handle in terms of maneuverability, and quality. The weight and folded size metric most influence this stroller style because finding a compact, travel-friendly product for baby is the primary reason parents look for a travel stroller.
We spend hours testing every aspect of travel strollers, including preparing an outdoor obstacle course.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
This travel stroller review is led by Dr. Juliet Spurrier, our founder and mother of two. Dr. Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician who uses her experience and medical background to help choose products with safety and functionality in mind. The team also includes our Senior Review Analyst, Bob Wofford, father of seven. Bob has been on the BabyGearLab team for ten years and has potentially assembled and tested more strollers than anyone on the planet. Bob is a strolling expert with over 435 stroller reviews under his belt across the best strollers. A newcomer to the test team is Sentry Kelly. Sentry is a Senior Review Analyst who double majored in applied manufacturing engineering and occupational safety and health management, concentrating in design and automation. As a stroller newbie, Sentry experienced testing and building strollers like new parents do. Senior Review Editor, Wendy Schmitz (mother of 2) completed the team. Wendy has been on the stroller testing team since 2014.
We tested strollers in the real world to get feedback from parents on what they liked and didn't like.
We compared features side-by-side to find the best travel stroller.
Analysis and Test Results
We tested top-ranked, lightweight travel strollers to determine which competitors are better than the rest. Each is observed, used, and rated on weight and folded size, ease of use, maneuverability, and quality to help you find the right stroller for your plans and budget.
Value
Travel strollers have a wide price range, with hundreds of dollars in difference between options. Which options are a good value depends on how often you use them. If this will be a frequently used item, then a higher price for a higher quality or easier to use option could make sense for you. However, if you only need it for a single trip or passage through an airport, a higher-priced item would likely be more stroller than you need. Because this category is typically a backup or secondary stroller for most families, the prices can feel high if your budget is tight or you have limited plans to use it.
While the Bugaboo Butterfly is our favorite and could be a good value over time with frequent use and multiple children, it is one of the more expensive options in the group. If you choose an option like the UPPAbaby Minu v2 or the Britax B-Free, they can be viewed as a good value because it could save you from buying a full-size stroller that is often twice the price of these award winners. However, if the budget is tight, the Zoe Traveler offers a lot for a very reasonable price. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 has similar scoring and pricing and shouldn't be ignored depending on your goals and style preferences.
While the travel stroller lineup is smaller than traditional strollers, there is variation in the sizes and shapes of each folded package.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Transporting and Storing
The factors that make or break a travel stroller are how much it weighs and how small it can fold. Whatever you choose, it needs to be easy to fold and transport. We tested sub-metrics like the folded dimensions, the folded volume, and the weight of each option. We also considered other features that make lifting or moving the strollers easier, like carry straps and automatic locking mechanisms.
The transporting and storage metric is the meat and potatoes of any travel stroller, with considerations that encompass loading and loading this stroller and how big it is when folded.
Our testing consists of objective testing of weight, size, and features that make lifting and moving the stroller easier and a more subjective test analysis based on several testers' comments about how hard they are to lift and shove into cars and tight spaces equivalent to overhead bins.
Each stroller in our review is measured in the same way, using the same device, by the same tester for a true apples-to-apples comparison.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The gb Pockit+ All City earned the best result for loading and unloading. With a measured folded volume of 2,215 cubic inches in our tests and dimensions of 13"W x 10.3"H x 21.3"L, it fits darn near anywhere you might need it to go. Weighing in at 13.1 lbs in our lab it is one of the lighter options in the group. It has a locking mechanism to hold it closed and a carry strap, so toting it is a breeze.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is hot on its heels with a measured folded volume of 3,355 cubic inches and dimensions in our tests of 17.5"W x 10.3"H x 21.3"L. The Butterfly weighs a full 3 lbs more than the Pockit, but it packs into a uniform shape, and you can grab it almost anywhere without fear that it will open or shift.
We measured the dimensions of all of the folded strollers to give you a better idea of where and how it might fit in your life.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The hardest option to load and unload in our tests is the Britax B-Free; this standard-size stroller struggled to keep up with the niche competitors, coming in with a measured weight of 22 lbs and folded volume of 6,674 cubic inches. However, we can't be too mad at it since it isn't marketed as a travel stroller.
Being able to fold a stroller swiftly is key for a travel stroller. The Bugaboo Butterfly fold with one hand and little practice to pull off quickly.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Transporting and Storage
Travel strollers should simplify travel by folding quickly, being easy to carry, and stowing easily at your destination or on public transportation.
A few of our lineup's products are heavy, making them more of a burden to carry. Others are lightweight but longer when folded. If you're looking for a travel option, this is the main metric to watch when deciding which stroller to buy.
The gb Pockit + All City is one of the smallest folded packages in the group.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The highest-scoring product for transporting and storing is the gb Pockit+ All-City. The Pockit is ridiculously small and lightweight. It stays folded when you pick it up and even comes with a travel bag to help keep it protected in the overhead bin or the back of your car.
The G-Luxe fold is long and narrow, and the design might make it more challenging for spaces that have limited length or heights, like an overhead bin or car footwell.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The lowest scoring option is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe with a weight of over 16 lbs and a folded size of 9,834 cubic inches, which is more on par with the full-size strollers. The G-Luxe is long when folded as it folds like a traditional umbrella stroller from days gone by. This style of fold hurt its score during testing because it makes it more challenging to find a place to put it. Even the Britax B-Free is smaller, with a folded size of 6,674 cubic inches, but it weighs over 22 lbs, and, in fairness, you won't fit the B-Free in an overhead bin.
The Butterfly has multiple easy to use features, including a harness that remains wide open until you clip the parts into place.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
Ease of use encompasses daily experience and the features that make a product easier to use or potentially versatile.
The ease of use metric is comprised of aspects that impact your everyday use of a stroller, including folding, storage, the harness features, and brakes.
The Devil is in the Details
Within our ease of use rating, we perform multiple tests that combine to make up the overall score. We weigh sub-metrics according to their value in creating a highly functional lightweight stroller. To better evaluate the unique features of each stroller, we show how each stroller stacks up when compared to the competition.
The Bugaboo offers a carry strap that makes carrying it hands free.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fold and Unfold
We fold, pick up, put down, unfold, and stroll with all the products. We take time to note which ones can be folded one-handed (with a diaper bag in your other arm or a baby on the hip) and which have convenient features like a self-stand or automatic lock.
Nothing folds as smoothly and easily as the Bugaboo Butterfly.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Travel strollers should be quick to fold and straightforward to operate. While a compact fold is essential, executing the fold quickly and without complications is just as important. We favor products that fold with one hand and have fewer steps. Strollers that lock automatically or stand on their own earn extra points.
The Summer Infant 3D lite folds more like a traditional umbrella stroller and includes a release latch and auto-lock clasp to keep it folded.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Several strollers excel in this sub-metric, but the Bugaboo Butterfly took top honors in our tests. It has a one-handed fold, self-stands, and locks in place. The process is simple and equally easy to unfold. The most challenging to fold and unfold in our tests was the Summer Infant 3D lite. This isn't a hard option to manipulate, but in comparison, it has a clunky process that isn't as smooth as competitors. It requires two hands to operate and does not self-stand. The process here includes unlocking a crossbar to initiate, which proved tricky with a potential for pinching. Unfolding required a little more oompf than the rest of the lineup.
The Summer Infant storage bin is small, and the access disappears when the seat is reclined.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Storage
The amount of useful stroller storage greatly influences its ease of use. The main storage area is typically an under-seat bin, and we look at the size and accessibility by attempting to slide diaper bags in when they are stuffed to the max. We also consider additional storage features such as parent pockets, cup holders, and child trays.
Those strollers not listed had storage bins without a maximum capacity listed by the manufacturer.
Most of the products offer some storage, but the main differences are in how much and where. Most have a traditional under-seat storage bin, but they vary widely in size, weight capacity, and ease of access, which has not been the case in years past. Several options did not include their maximum storage capacity, so you won't see them in the chart above.
The Butterfly has a spring-loaded back access to make getting items into the basket easier.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The best for those who gave information and performed well in our tests was the Britax B-Free, which is not a surprise since it is technically a full-size stroller. The runner-up option includes the Bugaboo Butterfly, which holds up to 18 lbs and is easy to use with a wider opening. The UPPAbaby Minu v2 can hold up to 20 lbs!
But the access isn't as useful as the Bugaboo. The most disappointing storage is found on the BabyZen Yoyo 2 and the Summer Infant 3D Lite. Both have hard-to-access bins and accept 11 and 10 lbs, respectively. The layout of the frame on the Babyzen makes access super difficult. The Summer Infant is even harder to access, with small openings that become useless when the seat is reclined.
The Kolcraft harness is cheap feeling and convoluted with a lot of parts that are not that easy to adjust or use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
All the products in this review have 5-point harnesses, but different adjustability methods exist. We check the stiffness of each buckle and note whether the straps have padding, or abrasive fabric or webbing.
We consider how difficult it is to adjust the straps for height and correct fit and how difficult it is to use the buckle. We also included whether the product has an adjustable crotch strap and whether the lowest shoulder height will work for smaller babies.
The Babyzen harness and buckle are easy to use and adjust with smooth webbing and a large release button.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
We believe parents are likelier to use a harness if it is easy. The easiest harnesses to use include those found on the BabyZen Yoyo 2, Bugaboo Butterfly, and the gb Pockit+ All City. These have smooth webbing, easy adjustments, including shoulder height changes, and easy-to-operate buckles. The worst harnesses in the group are the Britax B-Free and the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. The Britax has a rethread height adjustment, and the Kolcraft has a cheap buckle and rough materials.
The double-action Kolcraft brakes are hard to release with a lifting pedal that uses the top of your foot.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Brakes
All the brakes work. We did not experience any faulty brakes or accidental releases in our testing. However, some of the brakes are much easier to operate than others. Good brakes should be easy to set and release and pain-free for sandal-wearing feet. Color coding is also a plus. The brakes should engage without sticking or feeling locked if they aren't.
Some of the travel options we tested have double-action brakes requiring pressing two pedals for brake engagement. We worry that parents will forget or intentionally skip engaging a pedal, which could lead to preventable accidents or injuries. The double-action brake models in this lineup include the Kolcraft Cloud Plus and the Summer Infant 3D lite. We prefer single-action brakes that only require one pedal to set.
The Minu v2 has color-coded brake pedals, so you know where you stand at a glance.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The best brakes in our tests were several single-action brakes that were easy to set and release and had a sandal foot-friendly design. These include the Britax B-Free , gb Pockit+ All City , Inglesina Quid, UPPAbaby G-Luxe, UPPAbaby Minu v2 , and Zoe Traveler . Both UPPAbaby stroller pedals are color-coded, which makes it easy to tell which is pressed at a glance.
Adequate storage is important for any outing, and the Zoe Traveler has easy access to boot.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Ease of Use
Parents usually find that products with better results in this metric are good for a wider variety of activities or make life easier. A larger storage bin could translate to grocery shopping or an unexpected trip to a farmer's market. Alternatively, a quick fold can make a stroller better for commuting when speed and space are typically prized over bells and whistles. Depending on your specific goals, this metric could be important to your final decision.
The brakes should be easy to set and release, like this rocker pedal found on the gb Pockit+ All City.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The stroller with the highest scoring for ease of use is the Bugaboo Butterfly, while the hardest option is the Summer Infant 3D lite, which has features that are harder to use than much of the competition.
The gb Pockit+ All-City requires no assembly, making it one of the easier options to set up.
Credit: Sentry Kelly
Ease of Setup
Most of the strollers in our lineup come virtually fully assembled. Most of the strollers only require the wheels, canopies, or sometimes the seat to be attached. None of the options require full assembly, but the time to build them varies between 3-13 minutes, indicating different challenges with packaging and reading instructions.
Assembly of the Kolcraft Cloud Plus has more parts than most competitors and took us more time to complete.
Credit: Sentry Kelly
The hardest stroller to assemble in our tests is the UPPAbaby Minu v2 with a build time of just under 13 minutes. The Minu v2 took longer due to a confusing manual we think many new parents will also struggle with, as it set us off on the wrong path, and we had to backtrack. The gb Pockit+ All City comes assembled, and the 5-minute assembly time was our inability to find the white clip holding it closed. So, if you loathe the idea of putting something together, it doesn't get easier than this.
Car Seat Compatibility
Only a few of the lightweight options are compatible with the best infant car seats. For the most part, this stroller category isn't known for infant or car seat compatibility, so it isn't a strike against them. However, we know many parents will be looking to use a lightweight, travel-friendly stroller with their infant car seat of choice. The following strollers accept at least one infant car seat make and model (some are compatible with multiple makes and models): Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single, Britax B-Free, gb Pockit+ All City, and the UPPAbaby Minu v2. If your travel stroller will be your main option or will be used to carry infants, then choosing a stroller that works with a car seat is key. Luckily, there are more than ever before to choose from.
Newborn and Infant Strolling
Although some travel strollers claim to be suitable for newborns and infants, we do not recommend using one for children under six months unless it is compatible with a click-in infant car seat carrier.
Why?
This stroller type offers few features for infants and fails to provide the support and protection we believe babies who lack head and neck control need. Unless the stroller accepts an infant car seat, we don't think you should use them for children under six months. Ever. For safety, always watch your baby and regularly check to ensure the position and adjustment of the harness are correct. Check with your pediatrician and the owner's manual for more information.
Larger wheels make it easier to traverse bumps and traditions, as seen in this comparison of the Britax B-Free (single wheel) vs. the Bugaboo Butterfly with smaller wheels.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maneuverability
We believe maneuverability can make or break whether or not you love (or use) your stroller.
Most options move best on flat and hard surfaces, but those with less frame flex and larger wheels better manage grass and gravel.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Depending on the journey and the terrain you'll cover, the travel stroller you choose can make a big difference in getting your little one where you want to go frustration-free. Some of the products were easy to push and turn, while others felt clunky and struggled over grass and gravel.
The larger wheels and three-wheel design helped the Britax B-Free navigate flat surfaces and tight turns better than most competitors.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Flat Surfaces
While we assumed most of the strollers would struggle in the grass and gravel, we were surprised that some had difficulties on flat surfaces.
The products that struggled in this metric were those with smaller wheels, wheels with fake tread, and dual front wheel designs (2 wheels on one leg). Products with single front wheels and larger wheels performed better than most of the others.
The double wheel per front leg design of the Kolcraft causes the wheels to wobble as they get pulled this way and that.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The easiest to push and turn on flat surfaces was the Britax B-Free. This stroller is not a travel stroller by design, and the larger wheels make it easy to navigate indoors. The Summer Infant 3D lite performed the worst here with the double front wheels on each leg design that causes all kinds of handling problems and difficulty moving off flat surfaces. It has soft plastic wheels with fake tread and is unimpressive in most ways.
Stroller like the UPPAbaby Minu v2 performed better on grass and gravel thanks potentially to a flex-free frame, sturdy wheels, and suspension.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Off-Road
While most travel strollers don't see much off-road action (and with good reason), you might want to push it a short distance over grass at a park or gravel at a zoo.
None of the options we tested were smooth sailing in this test, but some did manage better than others. If your goal is a lot of off-the-beaten-path adventures, you're better off with a different stroller style.
The Inglesina is harder to push and seemed tippy when moving through the grass in our tests, but it still fared better than about half the products.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Summer Infant struggled in our tests for maneuverability, which could result from the poor multi-wheel design on a single-leg.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Maneuverability
Compared to other stroller types like our favorite jogging strollers, all lightweight options lack superior maneuverability, but a few were better than the competition.
The Britax B-Free earned the highest marks in this metric thanks to its bigger wheels and three-wheel design. It isn't a huge shock, but it is a full-size stroller at heart, giving it an edge over lightweight options that typically sport smaller wheels. In the traditional travel stroller world, the UPPAbaby Minu v2 earned a high score for maneuverability. This option performs well on hard, flat surfaces, but the rigid frame helps it push through the grass and gravel without too much extra effort.
The UPPAbaby Minu v2 is a high-quality option that is well-designed and manufactured.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Quality
During testing, we consider a product's construction, materials, and durability and how they may hold up over time for quality.
Quality often indicates how well a product will perform over time. If it uses durable fabric, has a solid frame with few connections and folding points, and has dense wheels, it could result in a better experience in everyday use that can translate to long-term use or the ability to use it more often.
The fabric feeling and how well it fits the frame of the stroller varies from one travel stroller to another.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fabric
The fabric on a stroller is important in multiple ways. Being skin-friendly and comfy on bare skin is one. Another is being easy to clean for inevitable messes, and last, being durable to avoid wear and tear over time. The gb Pockit+ All City earned top marks for fabric in our tests. The material is super soft, with a slight edge over the Bugaboo Butterfly, and it fits the frame well, being both functional and taunt enough to avoid a sloppy look. The worst in the group are the Kolcraft Cloud Plus and the Summer Infant 3D Lite. Both have a rougher canvas-type material that could chafe bare legs, and the Summer feels like it could easily tear or a snag could get bigger quickly.
The dense wheels on the BabyZen show an attention to detail that feels solid and less likely to dent than some competitors.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Wheels
Larger wheels are typically better for maneuverability, and dense wheels win out over softer plastic that could dent or deform over time. While wheels might be the last thing you consider in your travel stroller purchase, they could arguably be the make-or-break component for your pushing experience. The best wheels in the review are those on the Britax B-Free. They are larger and foam-filled rubber, the only rubber options in the lineup.
It is easy to see the poor wheel design on the Kolcraft Cloud Plus.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The worst in the group is a place shared by the Kolcraft Cloud Plus and the Summer Infant yet again. Both have soft plastic wheels with a fake tread that easily dents. They feel flimsy and cheap, as if they might not last long enough for a summer vacation.
Because this style of stroller folds small, it means more fold points and connectors on the frame, which can impact the overall frame quality and even how easy it is to push.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Frame
The frame of quality on travel strollers impacts how easy they are to push and how much flex and bending happen when trying to maneuver while moving through crowded and tight spaces. Because travel strollers are designed to fold small and be lightweight, their frames often have a tendency to feel flimsy and less sturdy than other stroller types. A great example is the gb Pockit+ All City, which has a unique fold that requires many joints in the frame. The excessive joints resulted in a rattly final product when pushing. The best frames in the group are on the Bugaboo Butterfly and the UPPAbaby Minu v2. Both options have sturdy frames with little flex and fewer visible connections or distracting components.
The Summer Infant is one of the cheapest options and the lowest quality.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Quality
The look and feel of the materials, design, and performance indicate the quality level of the construction and components. Other considerations include frame flex, wobbly wheels, exposed fasteners, errant stitches, and loose connections.
The Minu v2 uses quality materials that feel soft and durable.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The best quality option is the Bugaboo Butterfly, but it also has one of the highest prices. While high prices don't always translate to better quality, it often does. The materials and design of the Bugaboo are excellent, and they come together in a solid way with a nice fit and finish. The UPPAbaby Minu v2 is also impressive and shares the score with soft fabrics, little frame flex, and a thoughtful design for maneuverability and comfort. The lowest score in our quality tests is the Summer Infant 3D lite, which has flimsy plastic wheels, a flexy frame, and lots of visible fasteners and rivets with double-action brakes. It simply can't hold a candle to the higher-priced options.
The Bugaboo is a comfy seat where our tester tots enjoyed sitting.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Kid Comfort
Having a fuzzy kid needing a nap on travel can be hard. Providing a place to sit comfortably or nap can help soothe the savage beast who is out of the element and off their schedule.
We measure the recline angle of the stroller seat to help assess comfort for napping. The G-Luxe has a shallow recline that remains mostly upright.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
We consider the seat, leg rest, and canopy and how these features work in our kid's comfort metric.
Our little tester loved the Bugaboo's seat padding, soft harness, and giant canopy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Recline and Leg Rest
A reclining seatback and adjustable legrest are useful features to keep passengers comfy. Napping and being comfortable can differentiate between a successful journey and a disaster of epic proportions. We measure recline angles, note the presence of adjustable leg rest, check the footrest size, and rate seat padding.
Unfortunately, finding a comfortable seat is harder than you'd think regarding lightweight strollers. Some contenders offer a reclining seatback but lack an adjustable legrest; a few include both, and some don't have either. Some of the recline angles are shallow and not as nap-worthy as others. Depending on the sort of trip you take, a straightforward option with no comfort features may suffice, but if you're going to the zoo for the whole day, the trip will be much easier if your little one can snooze as the day progresses or gets hot.
The Summer Infant has a deeper recline, but the abrupt ending of the leg rest and smaller canopy aren't as comfortable for the passenger and other strollers we tested.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Bugaboo Butterfly wins with the best result for seating. The seat is plush and comfy despite not having the deepest recline. It is easy to operate up and down with only one hand. The leg rest is the stand-out part of this seat, and unlike other travel strollers we tested. It offers seven different positions, from fully extended to folded out of the way. It has a footrest for smaller kids, and when folded away, there's a larger, more stable footrest for taller kids. The second best seat is the Britax B-Free, which has a padded leg rest, a deep seat, and a nap-worthy recline. The least comfortable seating arrangement is the Summer Infant 3D lite. This option reclines but covers the storage bin when you do. There is no leg rest to speak of, and the footrest is floppy and could end up useless or damaged.
Canopies come in different sizes and sport different features.
Credit: Sentry Kelly
Canopy
While all the products offer sunshades, some have small sunshades, and many lack peek-a-boo windows. We note the UPF rating, the size of the shade, and whether it has a peekaboo window. The ease of extending and folding also plays a part. But ultimately, we test to see how well a sunshade can protect a baby from the sun.
The larger canopies come further down to cover more of your child's body. This image includes the Babyzen, UPPAbaby Minu v2, and the Bugaboo Butterfly from left to right.
Credit: Sentry Kelly
The Britax B-Free* has one of the biggest canopies and, together with the reclining seat, can create a private space free from prying eyes and safe from most sun. The Bugaboo Butterfly also scores well here with a more rounded shade style that offers ample coverage for the passenger. While it isn't as large as the Britax, it is ample enough and has a giant peek-a-boo window with a zip-out expansion.
A comparison of peek-a-boo windows in this lineup, including from left to right the BabyZen Yoyo 2, UPPAbaby Minu v2, and the Bugaboo Butterfly.
Credit: Sentry Kelly
The UPPAbaby Minu v2 is also large and has a mesh peek-a-boo window. It offers enough coverage for all but the lowest sunset or earliest sunrise.
The best options for kid comfort include a comfortable seat, nap-worthy recline, and ample shade under the canopy.
Credit: Sentry Kelly
Overall Kid Comfort
Keeping little ones comfortable can make or break any outing. We preferred strollers where little ones could be cozy, potentially take naps, and stay out of the sun and other weather events.
The top performers in our testing for kid comfort are the Bugaboo Butterfly and the UPPAbaby Minu v2. The Britax B-Free and the Zoe Traveler come in close behind. The worst options for kid comfort include the Kolcraft Cloud Plus and the Summer Infant 3D Lite.
Choosing a great travel stroller doesn't have to be a chore or guessing game.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Finding the best travel stroller can be frustrating as they are definitely not created equal, and the price range is vast. However, if you ask yourself some key questions, you can narrow the field to a couple that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Do you need a travel stroller?
The short answer is no; most families don't need a travel-specific option. The long answer is more complicated. In our experience, most lightweight strollers create frustrating circumstances where the benefits don't outshine the issues of lack of storage, poor maneuverability, or lack of child comfort features. Most traveling families (in our experience) claim they'd rather have a full-size stroller over the smaller options for the convenience and ease of pushing. Given that both will be a challenge through airport security and both might need to be checked when you get to the plane, we see their point. Also, most parents will prefer a larger stroller when they reach their destination. So, while we understand the idea of a travel stroller can be appealing, we aren't sold on the idea that everyone needs one and encourage you to consider your situation carefully before shelling out the extra cash.
Where you plan to stroll can impact your choice of which travel stroller to buy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Where Will You Stroll
Knowing where you plan to use your stroller makes a big difference in the kind of stroller you choose. If you only need it for inside pushing at the museum or the airport, then maneuverability might take a back seat over child comfort, and smaller wheels will be acceptable. Alternatively, if you plan to use your stroller on a world tour, then features and ease of pushing might take a bigger role in your search.
Longer strolling can create the need for more or better features.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How Long and How Often
Determining how long your trip might be and how often you might be using the stroller is important. If it is used frequently, finding a quality option with the features you need for comfort and convenience will be key. If you only need it for a one-off trip, you might get away with a lower-quality option with fewer features to save some money. You might even determine that a full-size stroller is a better choice if it looks like it will be used frequently.
Pick Your Budget
The travel stroller category has a price range that spans several hundred dollars. A high-priced option might be a no-go, especially if it is a second or third stroller you add to your lineup. While we know budgets can be tight, we recommend taking a hard look to ensure you even need a travel stroller at all, and if you do, ask yourself if you can get by with a slightly less flashy option to meet your needs and save your wallet.
We've tested more than 50 strollers suitable for travel since 2014.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Finding a useful travel stroller for travel or commuting doesn't have to be confusing. Our comprehensive review offers impressive lightweight and travel strollers for consideration. Whatever your goals or budget might be, we believe our test results and details can help you narrow your options and choose the best stroller for your needs. Between our award selections and the higher-ranking strollers, we believe there is a lightweight stroller (or two) that can meet most needs. Once you Identify your requirements, you can confidently choose the right stroller for your baby and budget.
