Discover the best travel stroller of 2025 for US parents: lightweight, compact pushchairs and easy-fold umbrella strollers perfect for flying and road trips.
Compare top-rated models, including the Babyzen YOYO2, UPPAbaby Minu, Cybex Libelle, Bugaboo Butterfly, and Baby Jogger City Tour, as well as convertible doubles for growing families. Includes tips on airline-friendly designs, stroller weight, overhead bin fit, one-hand folds, and travel safety advice.
Travel strollers make life easier for on-the-go parents by combining portability with functionality. The best travel stroller is lightweight, ultra-compact when folded, and easy to maneuver—ideally with a one-handed fold, allowing you to juggle luggage or another child. Many top models (often referred to as umbrella strollers or compact pushchairs) boast features such as large sun canopies, reclining seats for sleeping toddlers, and straps or carry bags for easy transport. Our expert review covers the leading lightweight stroller brands and models, offers practical advice for airline travel, and guides you on choosing the right stroller for your child’s age and family size. We also look at double and single-to-double prams for growing families. Read on for our detailed comparisons and recommendations.
Key Features of the Best Travel Strollers
When shopping for the besttravel stroller, consider the following factors:
Weight and Compact Fold: Opt for a stroller that weighs under 15–17 pounds, making it a truly lightweight option for travel. Many models collapse into a tiny package (for example, the Babyzen YOYO2 folds to just 17.5″ x 10″ x 20″). The smallest will even fit in an airplane overhead bin—e.g., the GB Pockit is only 10.5 lbs and folds smaller than a carry-on.
One-Handed or Quick-Folding: Busy parents appreciate strollers that fold with one hand. The UPPAbaby Minu v2 and Bugaboo Butterfly both offer one-handed, easy-fold stroller designs. Umbrella-style strollers, such as the Maclaren Quest, fold very compactly, although they usually require two hands.
When choosing the best travel stroller for durability and comfort, Travel Gear withstands all terrain—from cobblestones to curbs and terminal floors. Look for lightweight stroller frames with quality suspension and wheels. The seat should recline and have padding for long naps, as YOYO2 and Minu are known for their padded seats. A big, UV-protective canopy and harness are also vital for comfort and safety.
When considering the best travel stroller, storage and accessories are key: Even travel strollers need room for snacks or diaper bags. A good basket is a bonus; Minu’s bin holds up to 20 lbs. Many travel strollers include or support accessories, such as travel bags, cup holders, and car seat adapters. For infants, ensure the stroller either reclines flat or accepts a car seat (such as a Maxi-Cosi or similar) to function as a travel system.
Airline-Friendliness: If you are flying, look for an airplane stroller (carry-on compatible) or at least a very compact one for gate-checking. Models like the Cybex Libelle fold small enough for overhead bins. Always check airline guidelines; some allow one free checked item for infant gear, but smaller strollers often ride in the cabin.
Age/Weight Range: Ensure the stroller suits your child’s age and weight. Most travel strollers can accommodate newborns (with full recline or a car seat adapter) and support weights of up to 45–50 pounds. When selecting a travel stroller for toddlers, look for sturdy wheels and a higher weight capacity.
Quick Tips for Best Travel Stroller Shopping:
- Use bullet lists for clarity—for example:
- Keep it under ~17 lbs for easy lifting.
- Test the fold, especially if you need one-handed closure.
- Check packed size vs. overhead bin dimensions.
- Ensure it locks securely when folded.
- If you need a lightweight travel stroller for jogging or rough paths, prioritize suspension and a handbrake (though most travel models are not robust enough for jogging).
Best Travel Strollers of 2025
Below is a comparison table of our top-rated best travel strollers, highlighting weight, folding style, capacity, and airline-friendliness. Detailed reviews of each model follow.
Stroller Model Weight Fold Type/Ease Max Child Weight Airline-Ready
Babyzen YOYO2 14.0 lb Two-handed fold-in-thirds; shoulder strap 48.5 lb (infant pack + toddler seat) Yes (fits overhead).
Cybex Libelle 13.7 lb Two-step, very compact; self-locks 55 lb. Yes (fits overhead).
UPPAbaby Minu v2 17.0 lb One-handed fold; self-stand 50 lb No (gate-check recommended)
Bugaboo Butterfly 16.0 lb One-handed fold; very compact at 44 lb. Yes (fits overhead).
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 14.0 lb One-step auto-fold (two-hand release) 20 lb (car seat up to 20 lb) Some airlines*
Maclaren Quest (2016) 12.3 lb Simple umbrella fold (two hands) 55 lb Yes (very compact).
GB Pockit/Pockit+ 10.5 lb Two-step fold; smallest fold 55 lb. Yes (ultra-compact)
Note: Some airlines allow the City Tour 2 as a cabin item if it fits the stroller bag.
Babyzen YOYO2—Best Overall Compact Stroller
The Babyzen YOYO2 is a perennial favorite in the compact stroller category. For many, it’s the best travel stroller due to its ease of use and maneuverability. In our tests, the YOYO2 folded to just 17.5″ × 10″ × 20″—one of the most minor folds available—and weighs only 14 pounds. This makes it a top choice for airplane travel: many parents report stowing it in overhead bins once you remove the seat. On the downside, the YOYO2’s folding mechanism is somewhat complex, as it requires two hands and a two-stage folding process, which can be tricky. It also has limited storage and lacks a footrest and peekaboo window. Still, its sturdy build, smooth ride, and convenient shoulder-carry strap make the YOYO2 ideal for frequent fliers and city trips.
Cybex Libelle—Editor’s Choice Lightweight Carrier
The Cybex Libelle earned the title of Parents’ Best Travel Stroller for 2025. At just 13.7 lbs, it’s one of the lightest full-featured strollers on the market. Parents rave that it “folds up easily to fit in a trunk, under a seat, or inside an overhead compartment.” In practice, the Libelle’s fold is straightforward: one pull collapses the frame into a slim pack. It features a generous recline and a large sun canopy despite its compact footprint. The seat fits children up to 50 lbs. The tradeoffs are minimal: storage is modest, and it’s not quite as padded as some bigger strollers. Overall, the Libelle is nearly as portable as an umbrella stroller but more robust, making it a standout lightweight stroller and an ideal choice for long trips.
UPPAbaby Minu V2—Best Multi-Use Travel Stroller
The Minu v2 is slightly heavier (17 lbs) but is versatile and full-featured. It ranks as a “top-ranked travel stroller” thanks to its high-quality build, spacious seat, and one-handed quick fold. The full recline and UV50+ canopy ensure a napping infant stays comfortable, and the storage basket can hold approximately 20 lbs. We especially like that the Minu can work as a car seat frame: with an adapter, you can click on an infant car seat (like Maxi-Cosi or UPPAbaby Mesa) for the baby’s first few months. The Minu’s pros are premium materials, a rigid frame, and a smooth ride. The cons: it isn’t the most compact (you’ll need to gate-check it on planes) and lacks a self-locking mechanism, requiring manual locking. For the best travel stroller for toddlers, though, Minu’s higher weight limit (50 lbs) and deep recline make it a go-to pick.
Bugaboo Butterfly—Premium Easy-Fold Stroller
The Bugaboo Butterfly impressed testers as a top-ranked travel stroller and a favorite among testers. It lives up to its name by folding almost instantly at the pull of a lever: “super easy to fold” into a highly compact form. Weighing ~16 lbs, it comes with a shoulder strap and a removable seat pad for easy cleaning. The ride is smooth, thanks to foam tires and a large sunshade. Its quality is “high,” with durable materials and a clever stay-open harness design. The Butterfly’s drawbacks are mostly price-related: it’s expensive, and some testers noted that the leg rest isn’t well-padded. However, if the budget allows, it’s arguably the best travel stroller ultra-compact pushchair that combines luxury with airline friendliness, as it often meets carry-on size requirements.
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 – Fast-Folding Carry-On Stroller
For budget-minded travelers, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 offers a wealth of features. The Tour 2 folds with one hand into a package 85% smaller than its full size—an “ultra-compact, one-step” fold—and weighs only 14 lbs. It includes a travel bag to protect it during airplane or train travel. The seat is padded and reclines, and the stroller accepts an infant car seat for the tiniest travelers. (Note: with a car seat adapter, it’s limited to 20 lbs per Baby Jogger’s specs.) Its canopy is decently sized, and the frame feels sturdy, given the low price. On the other hand, the wheels are small, making the ride bumpy on rough terrain. Still, it’s one of the best budget travel strollersfor air travel—many users gate-check it easily and appreciate that it meets most under-seat or overhead requirements, making it a strong contender for the best travel stroller overall.
Maclaren Quest—Classic Lightweight Umbrella Stroller
The Maclaren Quest is a longstanding favorite in the umbrella stroller category. The 2016 model (discontinued in 2015) weighs a mere 12.3 pounds yet supports children up to 55 pounds. It offers a one-handed recline and a huge extendable canopy, features often missing in cheaper umbrella strollers. As one reviewer notes, the Quest is “one of the best, if not the best, umbrella strollers on the market.” The fold is a traditional umbrella style, which means you’ll use two hands. However, the collapsed size is tiny, and it features a carry handle and strap for easy transport. Its simplicity is both a pro and a con: it has no suspension, tricky narrow wheels, and minimal storage. But for pure portability and strength (it’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum), the Quest is hard to beat. It remains a great, lightweight strolleroption when you need something you can almost stand on or pack in a trunk.
GB Pockit (+Air) – Pocket-Size Carry-On Stroller
If absolute compactness is your highest priority, the GB Pockit is in a league of its own. At 10.5 lbs and folding down even smaller than a cab company logo, it “has the best weight and folded size score.” BabyGearLab says, “If the small folded size is a priority… consider the GB Pockit. It earned the highest score in our [folded size] tests due to its unique combination of the smallest folded size and the 2nd lightest weight.” It will easily fit in an airplane cabin. The downside is the ride: it’s fundamental, with a tiny canopy and no suspension, so maneuvering over uneven ground is challenging. There are no recliners or extra features. In practice, Pockit is a tradeoff: you sacrifice comfort for convenience. It can be a lifesaver for short trips or as a second travel stroller.
Tips & Tricks for Airline Travel with the Best Travel Stroller:
Traveling by plane with a baby requires extra gear, including a stroller. Most airlines allow you to gate-check one stroller (free of charge) and one car seat per child. Here’s how to make it smoother:
Check the Fold and Size: A stroller like the Babyzen YOYO2 or GB Pockit can be carried on board. For others, plan to collapse them at the gate. When checking the best travel stroller, we recommend using a travel bag to protect it.
Use One-Hand Folds: When juggling a baby and boarding passes, strollers that fold with one hand are a lifesaver. The Bugaboo Butterfly and UPPAbaby Minu fold in one motion so that you can collapse them quickly in the jetway.
Consider an Umbrella Stroller: These are the lightest and often stand upright when folded. A Maclaren Quest or similar umbrella stroller might not recline fully, but it’s a breeze to carry through security.
Car Seat Travel: If you have an infant car seat (like Maxi-Cosi or Britax), bring a travel car seat adapter or a stroller that accepts your car seat. For example, the UPPAbaby Minu v2 can accommodate a Maxi-Cosi with an adapter, turning the stroller into a convenient carrycot. This allows your baby to nap in the car seat on the plane or during transit.
Double Stroller Breakdowns: Double or twin pram strollers (for two kids) usually won’t fit overhead—plan to gate-check them. If you need a double for travel, look for a modular double stroller or single-to-double system that can collapse compactly (see below).
Airport Navigation: Keep essential items, such as diapers and bottles, in a small backpack for easy access. Use the stroller’s basket if available, but avoid overloading it, as this can cause the stroller to become unbalanced. Many parents carry a baby carrier or sling as a backup in case the child needs to walk or the stroller is folded.
By planning, you can avoid the stress of navigating a bulky stroller on the boarding ramp. Remember: light and compact = happy traveling.
Traveling with Two: Convertible and Double Strollers
If you’re expanding the family, you might need a stroller that can convert to a double. There are two main types: inline tandem strollers, where one seat is positioned behind another, and side-by-side tandem prams. Key terms include “single-to-double stroller,” “convertible stroller,” or “modular double stroller.”
Top convertible stroller picks include the Cybex Gazelle S and UPPAbaby Vista V3. Parents who tested the Gazelle S found it to be the “Best Overall,” and the Vista V3 was deemed the “Most Versatile” for growing families. Both models can start as a full-featured single stroller and then be expanded to include a second seat or bench board. The Gazelle S can even accommodate three kids (bassinet + two seats) in its highest configuration.
Other notable options:
- Bugaboo Donkey5: Transforms from a spacious single to a side-by-side double in seconds (so it’s great for twins) with only a few clicks.
- Baby Jogger City Select 2: With over 25 configurations, this modular design can be used as a single or double stroller, accommodating up to three seats with a ride-on board.
- Nuna DEMI Next: A convertible that can attach a second seat or add-on board for an older child.
- Bumbleride Indie Twin: A rugged double stroller for twins or two toddlers, built for all-terrain use.
- Thule Urban Glide 2 (Twin Kit): A sporty tandem for two, ideal for jogging with both kids (often referred to as a single-to-double jogging stroller).
When shopping for convertibles for travel, consider the folded size. Most double strollers are bulky; many airlines will gate-check them. A clever trick is to remove one seat if it’s not needed, making the vehicle lighter and more compact for travel.
These double stroller options are fantastic once you’re on the ground, but remember: only a small single travel stroller can go in an overhead bin—a double or tandem stroller certainly cannot. Always plan to check with the airline to avoid stress at the gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
 What is the best travel stroller for flying?
For flying, lean towards ultra-compact, lightweight models. Many parents prefer the Babyzen YOYO2 or Cybex Libelle for cabin travel because they fold up very compactly. The GB Pockit (Air) is guaranteed to fit overhead. If you need a full-featured stroller but still fly frequently, choose one that gate-checks easily and has a one-handed fold, such as the Minu v2 or Bugaboo Butterfly. Always confirm your airline’s policies, but compact umbrella strollers and approved airplane strollers are generally considered the safest options for flying.
How do travel strollers differ from regular strollers?
Travel strollers prioritize portability over plushness. They are usually lighter, often featuring aluminum frames and minimal padding, and fold into smaller packages. Regular full-size strollers might have better suspension and storage, but they’re bulky and heavy. A travel stroller, also known as a compact stroller or lightweight stroller, should fold with ease and fit into tight spaces, such as the trunk or overhead bin. Umbrella strollers are a subset of travel strollers—they fold very compactly like an umbrella. They’re usually cheaper but typically not as feature-rich or smooth-riding as pricier travel models.
 Can travel strollers be used for newborns and infants?
Yes, many travel strollers are suitable from birth. Look for ones with near-flat recline or those that accept an infant car seat. For example, some models offer a bassinet accessory or accept popular car seats (like Maxi-Cosi) via adapters. Always check that the stroller’s harness and recliner meet safety standards for newborn use. If your infant is very young, you’ll want a travel stroller that fully supports the back or attaches a certified car seat for safe carry-on napping
Which stroller can fold with one hand?
 Several modern travel strollers feature one-handed folding, a valuable convenience when you have a baby in your other arm. The UPPAbaby Minu v2 and Bugaboo Butterfly are examples—testers noted their “one-handed fold” and self-standing design. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2’s one-step fold also effectively works with minimal effort. In general, most higher-end travel strollers highlight one-hand folding as a selling point, so you’ll often see this mentioned in reviews or marketing materials.
What is an umbrella stroller vs. a travel stroller?
An umbrella stroller is a type of travel stroller, typically the simplest and lightest option. It gets its name from folding up in half like an umbrella. Umbrella strollers, such as the Maclaren Quest and City Mini, are incredibly lightweight and easy to store but often have minimal padding and no suspension. More feature-rich travel strollers, such as the YOYO2 or Butterfly, may look similar but often have sturdier frames, larger canopies, and are slightly heavier. If you see the terms “umbrella stroller” or “small folding stroller,” it implies a minimal, no-frills design.
What about a stroller for two children (double or tandem stroller)?
If you need to accommodate two kids, look at “twin prams” or “single-to-double stroller” options. These can be bulky, so they’re not ideal for travel in terms of overhead bin size, but there are travel-friendly double designs available. For example, the Bugaboo Donkey5 is a “tandem pram” that clicks from single to side-by-side double, and the UPPAbaby Vista V3 can expand from single to double. None of these strollers folds as small as a single stroller; they require gate-checking. For jogging or active travel with two, strollers like the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 (with twin kit) are available, although they are heavy and large. In short, modular double strollers offer flexibility (often with reversible seats and extra adapters), but double strollers do not fit airplane bins—they must be checked.
Can I use a car seat with a travel stroller, such as the Maxi-Cosi travel stroller?
Yes, many travel strollers are travel-system ready. Brands often sell adapters for popular car seat brands, such as Maxi-Cosi and Nuna. For example, the UPPAbaby Minu supports the Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix or Nuna Pipa car seats via an adapter. This means you can quickly transfer a sleeping baby from a car to a plane to a stroller without disturbing them. (Note: the Mini City Tour 2 has built-in car seat compatibility up to 20 lbs.) When flying, you can check the car seat with the airline or use it on board (some parents prefer a “car seat stroller,” such as the Doona, which is an integrated car seat and stroller).
Are there strollers that collapse with one hand and can fit in overhead bins?
Yes—but usually single-seat, ultra-compact models. A GB Pockit or Babyzen YOYO2 (with the seat removed) are example of “fold-with-one-hand” strollers that meet carry-on size for many airlines. However, double strollers that fit in an overhead bin do not exist—a side-by-side or tandem stroller is always too wide to fit in an overhead bin. If you have a double, expect to gate-check it.
Just for Today Meditation 2025
Final Thoughts andRecommendations
Choosing the best travel stroller depends on your specific needs, including how often you fly, your child’s age, and whether you have one or two children. For solo travelers or couples with one child, our top picks for the best travel stroller are the Cybex Libelle and Babyzen YOYO2, both of which offer unbeatable portability. They both combine a compact fold with a sturdy design, allowing you to carry them like a piece of luggage. If you need more comfort (and don’t mind a slightly heavier option), the UPPAbaby Minu v2 is our recommendation due to its premium features and compatibility with car seats. For budget-conscious shoppers or those taking shorter trips, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 offers excellent value with its fast-fold feature.
For growing families, a convertible stroller like the UPPAbaby Vista V3 (which expands to accommodate two children) or the Cybex Gazelle S (the best convertible stroller) is a worthwhile investment. These allow you to add a second seat or bassinet when baby 2 arrives.
If you need something ultra-light for occasional use, consider the GB Pockit or a simple umbrella stroller, such as the Maclaren Quest. Finally, always test your stroller before travel: check that the fold works smoothly and that the size meets any airline restrictions.
In summary, the best travel stroller is the one that matches your travel style. Look for the perfect balance of weight, compactness, and functionality. With the right choice, navigating airports and city streets will be a breeze, letting you focus on adventures with your little one. Happy travels!
Sources: Expert reviews and manufacturer details from Parents, Baby Gear Lab, and product websites, as well as real-world parent testing feedback, were used to inform our comparisons.
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