The Best Compact Travel Strollers of 2024

I LOVE compact travel strollers! They are truly the most versatile stroller type – able to safely carry newborns or convert to accommodate multiples. There is a lot of innovation in this space, and as increasing functionality gets squeezed onto even smaller frames, I highly recommend you check out the latest models.

Method: For context, take a look at this post on “What to look for in a stroller”. For this review of compact strollers, I’m focusing on folded size, weight, and functionality.

• Folded size
  • Every company will tell you their stroller folds up very small and fits in the overhead of “most” airlines. What they actually mean is that it folds up smaller than full-sized strollers. Most travel strollers are tri-fold and will fold up to within +/- 1 inch of 21 x 17 x 9. However, most domestic airlines (United, Jetblue, American, etc.) have a restriction of 22 x 14 x 9, so don’t be surprised if you are asked to gate check your “travel” stroller on your domestic US flight.
• Weight
  • Compact strollers weigh on average between 13 lbs and 17 lbs.
• Functionality
  • Functionality is a trade-off for size and weight. This is where you need to decide what matters to you most, depending on your child and your lifestyle. None of these factors may be deal breakers, but sometimes the added functionality can be a game-changer.
  • Can your child nap in the stroller without a near-flat recline and raised leg rest? Are you taller than average and need extendable handlebars? Is it very sunny where you live, and therefore require a decent canopy? Will you take your newborn on walks without taking the car seat? Do you need a large enough basket or to hang your bag? Would it make a big difference if it were 3 lbs lighter?
• Folding mechanism
  • Almost all strollers these days easily shake open with one hand. I fell for the slick Babyzen Yoyo marketing before realizing that they all flick open in one motion 🤡
  • In truth, no strollers fully open and close with one hand, due to the locking mechanism, seat recline, or removeable attachments. Besides, you need to empty the basket first before closing. It’s not a deal breaker though, because 1) you can still carry it without it being fully locked close, 2) newborns are usually transferred in a car seat. This might be a bigger consideration if I lived in a walk-up condo with no entryway space to leave my stroller.
  • A folded stroller that can stand on its own is a plus for me. After you close a stroller with a baby in hand, you don’t want to reach over and down to the floor to pick up the stroller. You also don’t want the stroller and its fabrics lying down on dirty and wet floors.

Best overall

1. Cybex Libelle

• Price: ~$260-300
• Weight: 5.9 kg (13 lbs) – lightest in this list
• Folded Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.9 x 18.9 inches (ultra-compact quad-fold)
• Age: From 6 months. From 0 months with car seat attachment
• Pros: The only ultra-compact stroller that can hold a car seat! Car seat adapters included. Adjustable leg rest. Handles are useful for hanging bags. Stands upright by itself when folded!
• Cons: Limited recline. Only compatible with Cybex and specific Nuna and Maxi-Cosi car seats. No bassinet option.

Runners up

The following strollers are not strictly listed in order of “best” to “worst”. They each have different pros and cons, but all pack a lot of functionality into a small package. These are also the ones most frequently recommended by moms, with each camp vigorously defending their strollers 😄

You can’t go wrong with any of these, so pick your trade-offs and choose one that fits your budget, or like the look of.

2. Joolz Aer

Lightweight and highly customizable with large canopy

• Price: ~$450
• Weight: 6 kg (13.2 lbs)
• Folded Dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches
• Age: From 6 months. From 0 months with car seat or bassinet attachment
• Pros: Lightweight and compact. ~145 degree recline. Extendable canopy. Stylish.
• Cons: Higher price point. Bassinet sold separately for $220. Adjustable leg rest sold separately for $45, car seat adapters for $45 (compatible with Joolz, Nuna, Clek, Cybex).

3. Bugaboo Butterfly

Adjustable leg rest that doubles as a handle

• Price: ~$400-$450
• Weight: 7.2 kg (15.9 lbs)
• Folded Dimensions: 17.7 x 9.1 x 21.3 inches
• Age: From 6 months. From 0 months with car seat attachment
• Pros: Premium brand and stylish. Easy one-handed folding, stands when folded, spacious basket. 145 degree recline. Extendable canopy. Easily removeable seat liner. Adjustable leg rest.
• Cons: On the heavier side. Car seat adapters are not universal and cost $60. No bassinet option available.

4. Ergobaby Metro

Comes with built-in bassinet and near-flat recline

• Price: ~$300
• Weight: 7.7 kg (17 lbs)
• Folded Dimensions: 20.9 x 16.9 x 9 inches
• Age: From 0 months
• Pros: Has a built-in bassinet with 175 degree recline! Adjustable leg rest and handlebar. Ergonomic padded seat. Stands when folded (but a little unstable).
• Cons: On the heavier side. Folding mechanism is less straightforward than marketed. Only compatible with Cybex, Nuna, BeSafe, Maxi-Cosi car seats. Car seat adapters ($30) must be removed for folding. Folds with the seat fabric facing out. Support bar sold separately for $30.

Check on Ergobaby for frequent sales!

5. Baby Jogger City Tour 2

Good value for near-flat recline and adjustable leg rest

• Price: ~$250
• Weight: 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs)
• Folded Dimensions: 23 x 19.4 x 7.1 inches
• Pros: Adjustable leg rest. Near flat recline. More affordable.
• Cons: Folds up flat, but longer and wider than average. Does not stand when folded. Logo, handlebar and fabric could be more aesthetic. Car seat adapters cost ~$50. Small canopy.

6. Babyzen YOYO

The OG travel stroller

This stroller is recommended by moms all over the world. The YOYO was released in 2012, and it is a pioneer in this category, leading to good brand name recognition, however, there has been a lot of innovation by other manufacturers since.

• Price: ~$420-$550. You can purchase gently used or discounted ones from Goodbuy Gear
• Weight: 6.2 kg (13.6 lbs)
• Folded Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7 inches
• Age: From 6 months. From 0 months with car seat or bassinet attachment
• Pros: Recognized by airlines to fit in the overhead. Internationally recognized “premium” brand. Stylish, light, small, with reliable quality.
• Cons: Basket is obstructed by a bar. Sunshade is small, and umbrella accessory is silly. NOT a one hand fold and you have to reach under the seat to close it. Separate leg rest for $40, bassinet for $250, car seat adapters for $55 (compatible with Cybex, Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, Clek). Limited recline of up to 140 degrees.

7. UPPAbaby MINU

Reputable brand’s compact offering

Despite Uppababy MINU’s awards, and the brand’s great reputation, the Minu is not at the top of my list, but worthy of being included. It is larger and heavier for this category, so it doesn’t exactly meet the purpose of a travel stroller. I never manage to fully lock it closed with one hand, the brakes disconnected on me, and the recline is limited. However, I would still choose this over the Uppababy Cruz and it is a decent choice for travel if you don’t mind gate checking it.

• Price: ~$400
• Weight: 7.7 kg (17 lbs)
• Folded Dimensions: 20.5 x 23.2 x 11.4 inches
• Age: From 6 months. From 0 months with car seat or bassinet attachment
• Pros: One-hand fold (mainly), stands when folded, premium brand. Comfortable seat.
• Cons: Heavier and bulkier than the most compact options. Dual side braking mechanism frequently breaks, so you have to brake each wheel separately. Car seat adapters cost $25.

Honorable mentions

• Car seat strollers
  • Car seat strollers don’t fit neatly into this category, but I 100% recommend them for families on-the-go. Whether you are active day-to-day, or frequently travel internationally, a car seat stroller removes the hassle of researching, purchasing, and transporting an additional car seat!
  • Check out the Doona and Evenflo Shyft Dualride
• Ultra compact strollers
  • These are even more lightweight and smaller than compact travel strollers (which is why the Cybex Libelle is my top pick). They have less functionality, but are terrific choices for those who are out of the newborn stage or have multiples.
  • Check out the GB Pockit, and Munchkin Sparrow

I hope you’ve found this post helpful! I enjoyed writing it. This post includes affiliate links at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting a mama 🤓