Make your trip comfortable and fun for all with these top picks
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A lightweight, collapsible travel stroller is a must-have accessory for parents on the move. There are many options to choose from, with the right stroller depending on your specific requirements. If you’re planning on traveling locally, a stroller that packs away into the trunk of your car may suffice; but if you're traveling overseas, you may prefer one that complies with airline carry-on restrictions. If you’re buying for a newborn, a fully reclining seat is necessary, while car seat compatibility is another factor.
We tested nearly two dozen strollers in our lab and rated each on their design, portability, maneuverability, durability, and overall value.
The Joolz AER earned some of the highest marks during our lab test. Our testers liked how easy this stroller is to fold—although you do have to push two buttons simultaneously to fold and unfold it. "But once you figure it out, it's not finicky," a tester noted. The AER also earned top marks for maneuverability. "It maneuvers really well on all surfaces and handles turns and U-turns smoothly," one tester reported. "The gravel did not give it much trouble at all. Perhaps most importantly, the AER scored well in our portability category thanks to a comfy shoulder strap with elastic stretch." It also fit easily into our simulated overhead compartment.
It wasn't the lightest stroller we tested, but neither was it the heaviest. It was one of the most expensive strollers. But, considering how well it performed and its superior durability, we think it's worth it.
Weight: 14.1 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 9.25 x 20.25 x 16.25 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 42 x 25 x 17 inches | Seat Dimensions: 10 x 15 inches
Gb's QBit+ All-City stroller scored nearly as high as the Joolz AER in our lab test but cost less. In particular, the QBit+ did best in our durability, maneuverability, and foldability tests. Folding requires pressing two buttons, but our testers could do it with one hand. "Locking it when unfolding takes a second, but overall it was really good," a tester noted. The QBit+ also passed our maneuverability tests with flying colors. And there was no damage to it during our durability tests.
Our testers noted that while the canopy has coverage and a mesh peekaboo window, it doesn't go down very far. It also didn't score best in our portability test since it did not come with a carrying strap. "We wouldn't want to carry it folded for long periods of time," a tester reported. But, for the cost, our testers thought the QBit+'s other features more than made up for it. "This stroller would be great as a regular stroller—not just for travel," a tester said.
Weight: 17.6 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 10.5 x 23 x 16.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 24 x 17 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 13 inches
Good foldability (once you figure it out)
Only option with a tray
If you're looking for a budget option, we like the Kolcraft Cloud Plus for its foldability, durability, and overall value. You're not going to get all the bells and whistles with this stroller. But you will get a functional item at a much more reasonable price than others on this list. Our testers liked how easy it was to fold and unfold, noting that this could be achieved with one hand (with some strength and coordination). The Kolcraft didn't have the smoothest ride, but our testers could push it through gravel even if the wheels stopped spinning because of its lightness.
You will sacrifice a few things with this option—mainly portability. While the stroller is one of the lightest we tested, it does not come with a case, strap, or handle. It also didn't fold down small enough to put in an overhead bin, meaning you'll need to check it at the gate if you fly with it. But, our testers were impressed with the durability of the stroller. Overall, we view this as the Honda Accord of the batch. Does it have the performance and features of the more expensive models on this list? No. Is it great value, and will it get you—and, more importantly, your little one—safely from location A to B? Absolutely.
Weight: 11.8 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 10 x 33 x 17.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 38 x 27 x 18 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 13 inches
Potentially unwieldy when removing from overhead bin
Our testers loved this stroller. "It was one of the best, if not the best, in the entire test," one tester concluded. But it's also one of the most expensive. The top marks begin with the fold and unfold, which was easy to do with practice. "Whoa! It folds for you! With alacrity," one tester reported. Our testers also liked smart features including easy and full reclining positions, good ventilation, a mesh window in the canopy, a big storage compartment, and a magnetic strap clasp.
But what really set this one apart from others was the smoothness of its ride. "It glides like a dream on every single surface," a tester reported. "There was no difference between the smooth hardwood and tile and the shag carpet. The gravel was also incredibly easy to maneuver, with little to no jolting or bumping up and down."
The nitpick our testers could find was that it wasn't the easiest to fit in the overhead bin space, and our testers were concerned it could flop open when retrieving it at the end of a flight. Sure, this stroller is expensive. But if you've got the budget, this was one of the best of the batch.
Weight: 15.4 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 11 x 27.25 x 20.25 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 26 x 20.5 inches | Seat Dimensions: 10 x 13 inches
Two heights for the handles
Best for fitting in an overhead compartment
Lacks storage and shoulder strap
If you prioritize lightness, compactness, and a minimalist design, the gb Pockit Lightweight Stroller is the correct pick. It weighs less than 11 pounds and folds down to a tiny size. With the compact size and lightness, however, do come some sacrifices. There is basically no canopy or storage and minimal padding. While there was no shoulder strap for carrying, it is so light that our testers thought the rubber carrying handles sufficed.
Despite the lack of features, our testers still thought the ride of this stroller was good enough. "The wheels glide pretty smoothly on hard and smooth surfaces," one tester pointed out. And while it was a bit tougher to push on the gravel and shag carpet, it was still manageable. "The wheels can switch directions easily and handle U-turns well," a tester said.
Again, this stroller doesn't come with bells and whistles. But if quickly lifting and fitting a stroller into an overhead bin is a big priority, there's no better one we tested.
Weight: 10.5 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 6 x 20 x 14 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 42 x 23 x 16.5 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9.5 x 10 inches
Heavy (somewhat expected in a double)
Canopy and shoulder strap could be improved
For those with twins, friends, or siblings close in age, our testers like the G-Link V2 Double Stroller best. Our testers liked how easy the fold is, noting it can be done with one hand (although unfolding was a bit tougher). They also liked how easy it was to recline the stroller and that the recline has two positions. It also maneuvered skillfully. "The shag carpet was pretty easy with little drag or resistance," one tester noted. "The gravel impressed me, too; it was relatively smooth and barely bumpy." Another tester liked that there were no wheels in the middle of the frame (like most double umbrella strollers have). "It makes it easier to push without kicking the wheels or frame," they noted.
While our testers reported they'd like to have seen windows in the canopy and pads on the shoulder straps, overall, they scored this stroller very well.
Weight: 21.8 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 14 x 40 x 17.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 25 x 28.25 inches | Seat Dimensions: 10 x 11 inches
Folding/unfolding is tricky at first
Not great for packing into small places
An adequate sunshade is an important feature for many caregivers. The G-Luxe stroller offers loads of extra shade with its oversized canopy. But that's not the only feature our testers loved about this stroller. They also enjoyed the large cupholder, which fits travel mugs, how easily the footrest worked, the location of the pocket behind the seat, its padding, and the five-point harness with an adjustable shoulder strap.
Folding was a bit tricky and annoying at first with a handle and ring combo, but once you get it, the folding is smooth, our testers reported. While the stroller wasn't very small when folded, our testers did like the strap. "It feels light when you sling the strap over your shoulder, and it's nice that it will leave your hands free to carry more things," one tester noted. It performed well in the maneuverability test. Bonus: This stroller can stand on its own when folded.
Weight: 16.5 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 15 x 41 x 11.75 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 42.5 x 23.5 x 18.5 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 11 inches
Lots of padding and support
Great value for its cost
Didn't fit in overhead bin space
Our testers raved about the maneuverability of the City Tour 2. "The maneuverability on the Baby Jogger is exceptional," one tester said. "There was little perceptible difference between shag carpet and smooth wood and tile surfaces. And while other strollers struggled a bit on the gravel, this stroller navigated it with ease."
While the maneuverability of this one is stellar, there's a lot more to it than just that. The folding and unfolding were relatively easy. Our testers loved the recline, structure, and padding. They also liked small touches like extra legroom and adjustable calf support. While the storage space was minimal and there was no cupholder, our testers liked the functionality of the canopy and that it has a window.
One issue: It didn't fit in the overhead bin space, so checking it at the gate is necessary. But overall, our testers thought it was a solid performer for the stroller's price.
Weight: 14.5 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 7 x 22.5 x 19.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 40 x 26 x 20 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 13 inches
Small and compact when folded
Not intuitive for folding and unfolding
For the best portability, our testers liked the Babyzen Yoyo2. It's not the lightest stroller we tested (but it's on the lighter side). And it's not the most compact (but it's close). But its compact size, relatively light weight, plush and comfy shoulder strap, and metal bar handle combined to make this the overall best for portability.
Our testers also liked the canopy window, back pocket, basket underneath for boosted storage, and how easily it fits in the overhead bin space. They also liked how well it handled. "There was minor resistance on the gravel, but it was smoother than many other strollers over the bumpier surface," one tester noted. "It maneuvers well for back and forth and changing directions."
Weight: 14.7 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 8 x 20 x 16 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 28.8 x 17 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9.5 x 12.5 inches
To make traveling as seamless as possible with a young companion, you'll want a travel stroller that's easy to fold and unfold, carries comfortably from place to place, and handles well over various surfaces. The Joolz AER Premium Stroller has all this plus top-notch durability. To maximize value for money, we also recommend the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller.
Doona: We liked that this was the one stroller tested that also works as a car seat. It also performed very well in the maneuverability test, as one tester noted being able to maneuver through the cones one-handed. However, it was tough to fold and unfold (we had to watch a video to figure it out). Overall, our testers concluded that it's a specific product, and while it was good, it wasn't great enough to make our top picks.
Cybex Libelle Stroller: The Cybex Libelle Stroller was another good, just not great performer. It was fine in our tested categories and will get the job done. Our testers just liked the other ones listed above better. Our testers particularly liked how easy it was to fold and unfold.
Jeep Scout Double: Folding the Jeep Scout Double was not intuitive and took some figuring out. "Once you get used to it, it does get easier, but it's not very intuitive," concluded one tester. While this one falls into the budget range, our testers didn't care for it.
Summer Infant 3D Lite: "It's very inexpensive but not equipped with nearly the features you can get from the others," one tester said of the Summer Infant 3D Lite. If you're not looking for additional features, this one will get the job done as it is easy to fold and unfold, and maneuvers just fine.
Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller: The Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller was lightweight and compact. It also did well in the maneuverability test on turns and with one hand. But this one had some quirks, like a reverse folding canopy and an unfolding process that was counter-intuitive enough to keep it off our favorites list.
Jovial Portable Folding Stroller: Overall, the Jovial Portable Folding Stroller wasn't a super strong performer in our lab tests. It did fine—just nothing to put it over the top. The folding and unfolding took some effort. The handlebar was a bit low, and the canopy felt somewhat flimsy. And it struggled on the gravel during our maneuverability test.
Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Stroller: Waking a sleeping baby is a big no-no. And while the Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Stroller had some features our testers liked (folding and unfolding, excellent maneuverability, and good reclining), it was loud, particularly the canopy. "It just didn't impress across the board for the price," one tester concluded.
Colugo The Compact Stroller: The Colugo Compact Stroller checked many boxes. It can be folded and unfolded with one hand. It has padded shoulder straps. And it was pretty good at maneuvering and handling turns. But it performed poorly on gravel. And the buckles for the straps hurt our testers' hands. Plus, the canopy's performance deteriorated throughout the test.
Our editors and testers tapped into prior knowledge of strollers and stroller brands and conducted internet research to select products. Once a group of products was set, we whittled the list down based on the strengths and price of each stroller to get a range of functions and price points.
All products mentioned in this roundup were tested in our Brooklyn, New York lab. Products were tested for the following attributes: folding/unfolding, design, portability, maneuverability, and overall value. We also weighed and measured each stroller.
We followed the instructions to fold and lock each stroller and then unfold it. We rated it based on how easy these actions were and if they could be achieved with one hand. The design was ranked based on the stroller's extra features and how well (or not) those features worked. We were looking for things like adjustable handle heights, reclining positions, storage space, and canopies, among other things.
For portability, we folded each stroller into its most compact state and carried it around our testing lab, up and down stairs. We also created a simulated overhead bin space using a baker's rack. Maneuverability was tested with a traffic cone obstacle course in our lab and on different surfaces including hardwood, tile, shag carpet, fake grass, and gravel.
Durability was tested by dropping the folded strollers from waist height and from on top of a table. Lastly, overall value was rated based on the cost of the stroller and how it performed in the tests compared to others.
If you're buying a travel stroller, you're after one that'll be lighter and more compact than your everyday model. Look for high-tech materials that are sturdy without adding extra weight. You'll find materials such as aluminum, polyester, and plastic are popular. Anything less than 15 pounds for an individual model is an excellent place to start, which applies to all the picks on our list. Fully collapsible models can be carried on board airlines, and weight restrictions for these are uncommon but not entirely nonexistent. Check your airline's requirements and restrictions before your trip.
A comfortable child on vacation is a happy child on vacation—so you'll want a stroller that will keep your child at ease during long days of sightseeing and exploring. Look for reclining seats, adjustable canopies, and padded harnesses. Keep in mind that features that add comfort often add weight. Consider a more minimalist design if you're planning to use a travel stroller primarily to get from point A to B or will be loading and unloading frequently. On the other hand, if you're road-tripping to natural or attraction parks, you and your little rider will appreciate those added comfort items.
Sure, you can go bare bones with a stroller that's little more than a nylon sling chair on wheels, but you may also want features like cup holders to stay hydrated (or caffeinated) or a rack underneath to hold larger bags. Your ideal travel stroller fits the specific needs of your family and the type of trip you have in mind. That extra storage space could save you from carrying another bag or two, which could turn a potentially stressful event into a relaxing and fun outing, depending on where you're headed.
The best travel stroller to take on a plane is one that fits in the overhead bin space, is lightweight, and is one which you feel comfortable using. When in doubt, check the folded dimensions of the stroller, matching it with the overhead bin space of the plane you'll be flying on.
You don't need a separate travel stroller. But if you do a lot of traveling—whether that's road trips or flights—we recommend having a travel-specific stroller. Many of the ones we suggested could double as your everyday stroller.
Jess Macdonald is a travel expert and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2016. She has honed her skills as a freelance writer specializing in travel, scuba diving, and wildlife conservation. She's also a mom-of-two who has traveled extensively (both at home and overseas) with her kids.
Nathan Allen is the Outdoor Gear Editor at TripSavvy. While not a parent himself, he's learned the importance of having a good travel stroller after spending a month road-tripping the Western US and Midwest with his four-month-old niece.
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