Best Compact Travel Strollers of 2025

1. Ergobaby Metro+ and Metro 3

Comes with built-in bassinet and near-flat recline. A bit heavier than the others but much more robust and has more functionality while still fitting into the overhead bin.

I wheeled my sleeping toddler twice down the aisle of long-haul flights with this slim but robust stroller!

• Price: Metro+: $180-$220 / Metro 3: $349
• Weight: Metro+: 7.7 kg (17 lbs)/ Metro 3: 7.6 kg
• Folded Dimensions: 20.9 x 16.9 x 9 inches / 22.05 x 17.32 x 9.06 inches
• Age: From 0 months
• Pros:
  • Built-in bassinet (Flat recline and flip up footrest)
  • 175 degree recline! Fits two kids in a pinch!
  • Large basket – fits a whole GB pockit Air inside
  • Adjustable leg rest
  • Adjustable handlebar
  • Ergonomic padded seat
  • Stands when folded
• Cons:
  • On the heavier side of travel strollers
  • Folding mechanism is less straightforward than marketed. But this is solved in the Metro 3
  • 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

2. Bugaboo Butterfly

Adjustable leg rest that doubles as a handle. Looks sleek.

• 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:
  • Expensive, and does not offer more functionality than the Ergobaby Metro+
  • Car seat adapters are not universal and cost $60
  • No bassinet option available

3. 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:
  • Very lightweight
  • Folds up small while retaining functionality
  • Recognized by airlines to fit in the overhead (but compact strollers are common now)
  • Handle bar can fold down so you can use it like a seat at the table
• 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

4. Joolz Aer

Lightweight and highly customizable with large canopy

• Price: ~$380-$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
  • Sleek design
• 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).

Travel Strollers removed from the list

• Cybex Libelle
  • The seat is too reclined even in the upright position, and, coupled with a narrow seat, it is too easy for kids to slide out, and the only thing holding them in place is the crotch part of the harness. This seems uncomfortable to me and unsafe.
  • The folded size is small, but it is not the smallest, and because it is small, it is not the most comfortable.

• Uppababy Minu
  • The one handed fold is nice, but it’s not perfect. The Fabric gets in the way, or the seat needs to be in the upright position.
  • The extendable canopy is kind of a pain. I find it ugly, and the extension doesn’t stay tucked in.
  • It’s heavy given the functionality. The Minu 3 is upgraded, but they are literally just copying Ergobaby’s Metro+! Trading on its strong reputation in strollers to charge a higher price but offering less value.
  • The wheels are not smooth compared to other strollers with similar wheel size. Literally the ONLY stroller I ever had steering issues with. Not acceptable.

• Baby Jogger City Tour
  • It’s ugly. It’s like the Subaru of strollers. There, I said it.
  • It doesn’t stand upright when folded. This is a HUGE pain when you are travelling, and need to stash the stroller under the table, or in a corner, but it keeps falling over on the dirty ground and creating a hazard because it can’t stand up.