When you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, a stroller can make the difference between a smooth trip and total chaos. The best travel strollers are compact, lightweight, and easy to fold — yet sturdy enough to handle cobblestones, curbs, or long airport walks. After comparing many models and looking at hands-on tests from experts, here are some of the travel strollers that really stand out in 2025.
1. Joolz Aer+ — The Premium Compact Choice
The Joolz Aer+ is one of the top travel strollers for parents who want a mix of design, comfort, and performance. It folds down in seconds with one hand and fits easily in most airplane overhead bins. The seat padding is generous, the canopy provides solid sun protection, and the stroller feels more stable than most ultralight models.
It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s built to last and offers one of the smoothest rides among travel strollers. Perfect for families who travel frequently or simply want a high-quality compact stroller for everyday use.
Key points:
- Weight: around 13 lbs (light but sturdy)
- Quick one-hand fold
- Excellent materials and build quality
- Reclining seat and extendable canopy
2. UPPAbaby Minu V3 — Smooth Ride, Everyday Ready
The UPPAbaby Minu V3 delivers a great balance between portability and comfort. It’s a little heavier than the Aer+, but the handling is exceptional. The suspension system absorbs bumps surprisingly well for a compact stroller, and the underseat basket is large enough for a day’s worth of essentials.
It’s compatible with infant car seats, so it can also work as a lightweight travel system — great if you’re flying with a newborn or want to skip a bulky full-size stroller.
Key points:
- Smooth ride and sturdy feel
- One-step fold with a carrying strap
- Compatible with several car seats
- Premium but practical for daily use
3. Graco Ready2Jet — Budget-Friendly and Ultra-Light
If you’re after simplicity and a low price, the Graco Ready2Jet is an easy win. It’s much lighter than premium models but still surprisingly solid. Parents love how easily it folds and how compact it becomes in car trunks or plane cabins.
While it doesn’t have all the premium finishes or deep recline of pricier strollers, it’s perfectly functional for vacations, errands, or grandparents who need an easy spare stroller.
Key points:
- Extremely lightweight
- Affordable without feeling flimsy
- Compact fold fits small spaces
- Best for occasional travel or backup use
How to Choose the Right Travel Stroller
When choosing a travel stroller, focus on:
- Weight: Under 15 lbs is ideal for air travel.
- Fold size: Check airline carry-on rules if you plan to bring it onboard.
- Ease of fold: You’ll appreciate one-hand mechanisms when holding your child.
- Maneuverability: Swivel wheels and good suspension make a big difference.
- Storage: A decent basket and a pocket for essentials save you from extra bags.
Final Thoughts
A good travel stroller should make your life easier — not add to your packing stress. Whether you go for the refined Joolz Aer+, the smooth and adaptable UPPAbaby Minu V3, or the lightweight and wallet-friendly Graco Ready2Jet, each of these options has been proven to handle trips, errands, and adventures with ease.
They all fold small, roll smoothly, and are built for parents who need freedom to move — because traveling with kids is already enough of a workout.
