Are you ready to ditch your bulky travel system that you spent a fortune on? LOL. Don’t feel bad. Most parents are trying to downsize after the first year.
Traveling and running errands will be a breeze if you can throw your stroller over a shoulder or toss it into the trunk of the car.
If you are still haunted by the nightmares of choosing a stroller and dreading the moment of starting the whole research process all over again, you have come to the right place.
I have a great list for you of the top 10 lightweight strollers that are the BEST on the market right now.
Unlike some other sites that have never seen or tested anything, I’ve tested all of them myself and also read all of the reviews from other parents.
My list below has a good mix of umbrella and compact lightweight models under 15 lbs that are great for an on-the-go lifestyle. I will be updating this list regularly as soon as I see better models.
And here is my ‘Top 20 Best Strollers For 2020‘ list which has models from all the categories.
BTW, I’ve noticed that non-umbrella models are becoming more and more popular among parents.
If you ask me, I do like non-umbrella models more too because they usually have a more manageable squire fold, larger basket, and single handlebar that is definitely better for one-hand navigation. Also, many of them now can be turned into a travel system, unlike umbrella models.
1. BabyZen Yoyo+ Plus – $499
The BabyZen was the first company that came up with a super compact stroller that was allowed as a carry-on. The Yoyo+ 2018 is one of the most popular models among traveling parents because it’s light (only 13 lbs), super compact, and can transform into a travel system.
The roomy seat has a deep recline and nice-sized side barriers. The seat can be used from 6 months and up to 40 lbs or if you want to use it from birth you can get an infant pack. All the fabrics are machine washable.
The canopy is a nice size with two panels, a pop-out sunvisor, and a peekaboo window. Surprisingly, the basket is a very decent size and easy to access. A big plus for such a compact model.
Aside from the compact fold, I think its best feature is amazing maneuverability! It’s very easy to navigate in tight spaces and push with one hand.
The wheels glide over any flat surface and can even handle some terrain thanks to the “soft drive” system, which enables you to navigate over rougher terrain without having to lock the wheels in place. The fold is very intuitive and one-hand. There is also auto-lock, but no standing fold.
At this point, you are probably wondering if this model is so good, and why it’s on the 4th place. This is mainly due to the outrageous price of $499 “from 6 months” and $674 (what?!) for the “from birth package” which doesn’t include the infant car seat btw.
I think for that price I can get three different strollers for each occasion. Here is my full review of Babyzen Yoyo+Plus.
Pros: single handlebar, compact fold, lightweight, deep recline, great maneuverability, large canopy, nice side barriers, large basket.
Cons: outrageous price.
Buy BabyZen Yoyo+ Plus Stroller »
2. Maclaren Quest Arc – $345
The Quest Arc is an updated version of my favorite Quest model. For 2019 Maclaren gave it some amazing features like a single adjustable handlebar (can you believe it? umbrella model with a single handlebar!), a huge canopy, a better peekaboo window, and new wheels.
All these changes resulted in the weight increase of 1 lbs and now it weighs 14 lbs (which is still pretty light). Despite the lightweight, it can still accommodate a child up to 55 lbs thanks to a durable aircraft-grade aluminum frame.
And, it still has adjustable leg rest, extra storage, a nice basket, all-wheel suspension, and a compact fold. The seat has a one-hand lever recline with 4 different positions including an almost flat one suitable for a newborn.
Although it does not take an infant car seat, you can use it with a Maclaren carrycot for a newborn. BTW, it also has that built-in newborn safety system.
The fold is super easy but did require both hands despite being advertised as a one-hand fold on the Maclaren website. There is also a carry handle and an adjustable carry strap.
The price has slightly gone up and now is around $345. I know it’s a little pricey, but believe me when I tell you this model can take a lot of beating and throwing. Here is my full review of Maclaren Quest Arc »
Pros: deep seat, wider sides, lightweight, adjustable leg rest, flat recline, newborn safety, huge canopy, carrycot option.
Cons: high price, no travel system option
Buy Maclaren Quest Arc Stroller »
2. Maclaren Techno XT – $370
When it comes to umbrella strollers Maclarens are the BEST! Yes, they cost an arm and a leg but will last you for many years and many kids. The Maclaren products are so durable they even offer a LIFETIME warranty.
How great is that? So, if this is your first child and you are planning on having more, invest in it! Sometimes I do think of a good stroller as an investment because you can use it for many years and then sell it.
The Techno XT deserves to be in the top 10 because it’s an outstanding umbrella stroller that is made out of high-quality materials. While weighing only 15 lbs, it has many features of a luxury full-size stroller like deep one-hand recline, huge canopy, adjustable handlebars, adjustable leg rest, and all-wheel suspension.
One-hand 4-position recline is suitable from birth and up to 55 lbs. There is also a built-in newborn safety system which includes a foot mesh and a head barrier that will protect your child from sliding out of the seat.
Although it does not take an infant car seat it works with a Maclaren carrycot that you can use from birth. The carrycot creates a sort of an umbrella pram. LOL.
But, my favorite feature of Techno XT is the maneuverability. The double hard rubber wheels glide over the surface. Very easy to push and navigate over terrain (for an umbrella model). Traveling will be easy with a compact fold, and a carry handle.
Another thing that I want to mention is the wide side “barriers” of the seat. Since there is no bumper bar, little kids tend to lean back and to the side. If you look at the photos of umbrella strollers, you will see that most of them have very narrow sides unless you recline the seat.
But, in the most upright position, many seats offer little support on the sides. Thankfully, all Maclaren strollers have very wide side “barriers” that make them very comfy for little kids. Here is my full review of Maclaren Techno XT »
Pros: adjustable handlebars, deep seat, wider sides, lightweight, adjustable leg rest, flat recline, newborn safety, huge canopy, carrycot option.
Cons: High price.
4. UPPAbaby G-Luxe – $279
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is almost as popular as the Maclaren models. All of the UPPAbaby products are super durable and made out of high-quality materials. The G-Luxe model weighs only 15 lbs but can accommodate a child from 3 months and up to 55 lbs. The seat is very roomy and well-padded.
Amazing canopy! The SPF 50+ sunshade is large and has a pop-out sunvisor that offers great protection. The canopy is also height adjustable and goes up to 27″ so a taller toddler will have no problem fitting in.
The one-hand recline is very deep but doesn’t go to the flat position that’s why it’s recommended from 3 months. The adjustable leg rest together with a full recline provides a pretty comfortable napping space.
The high-performance wheels together with all-wheel suspension provide a smooth ride (for an umbrella stroller). The fold requires both hands, but it’s your regular umbrella fold.
On the bright side, there is a standing fold, auto lock, and a carry strap for easy traveling. There is NO travel system option.
This buggy is not cheap retailing for around $279. I would like to see a $50 drop in price to make it more competitive with new models on the market.
For 2018 it got completely redesigned. There are too many updates to list here, but one thing I really like is that the sides of the seat are much wider now so your child will have much better side support.
For all updates check out my full review of UPPAbaby G-Luxe 2018 »
Pros: adjustable leg rest, large canopy, deep recline, nice padding, larger wheels, standing fold, flip-flop-friendly brake, easy compact fold, tall handlebars.
Cons: no peekaboo window, high price.
5. Joovy Groove Ultralight – $189
Joovy has pleasantly surprised everybody with its new updated Groove Ultralight 2018 model. Now, it has a lot of the same features as Maclaren and G-Luxe, but for much lower price.
My favorite Groove feature is the flat recline suitable for a newborn. The seat is very roomy with plenty of padding. It can accommodate a child from birth and up to 55 lbs (till college. LOL). Just like Maclaren, the seat has a built-in newborn safety system which includes a foot mesh and a head barrier. I think they’ve copied it from Maclaren.
Little babies will be able to stretch their little legs thanks to adjustable leg rest. The canopy is huge and sits high on the frame leaving a lot of headroom for a taller toddler.
There is also a nice peekaboo window with a Velcro closure in the canopy. Tall parents will be happy to see tall handlebars that leave plenty of legroom.
It rolls on four double 6″ (which is a max size you would find on an umbrella model) hard rubber wheels that together with all-wheel suspension provide great maneuverability. It has your typical umbrella fold that requires both hands.
The adjustable carry strap, automatic lock, and standing fold make it very easy to travel with. You can throw it over your shoulder since it weighs only 15 lbs. It comes in four colors and retails for only $189.
Now, you are probably wondering why would anybody buy Maclaren Techno XT if Groove has all the same features and costs less.
While they are very similar, Techno XT has adjustable handlebars, can take a carrycot for a newborn, and has deeper sides (wider side “barriers”) which make it much more comfortable for smaller babies.
There is also a little more padding on the Techno XT seat. While the wheels are the same size, the Techno XT has an easier push.
However, Groove does win in the storage department since it has good size basket, two mesh pockets in the seat, a mesh bottle holder, a zipper pocket, and comes with an included cup holder. The price is also very reasonable at $189. Here is my full review of Jooyv Groove Ultralight 2017/2018 »
There has been NO UPDATES for 2018.
Pros: lightweight, large canopy, plenty of storage, flat recline, adjustable leg rest, all-wheel suspension, tall handlebars, good price, standing fold.
Cons: narrow sides.
6. UPPAbaby G-Lite – $199
The G-Lite is a smaller brother of G-Luxe. If you want a lighter stroller (only 11 lbs!) with fewer features for an older child the G-Lite could be the answer.
The lower price also makes it more attractive for parents who are trying to downsize and already wasted all their money on the fancy travel system. LOL. Despite its lightweight, the aluminum frame is very durable and can accommodate a child up to 55 lbs.
The seat is roomy and deep with a nice padding at the bottom. For 2018 they’ve added a small zipper recline, but you still have to use it from 6 months. There is no adjustable leg rest nor the travel system option.
The back of the seat is made out of breathable mesh which is great during hot summer days but might be a little chilly in cold weather since there is no cover.
The side barriers are not as wide, but because there is no padding on the back of the seat there is enough side support. The G-Lite still has that large SPF 50+ sunshade with a pop-out sunvisor that is positioned high on the frame providing more headroom for an older toddler.
For 2018 the canopy has been redesigned a little and now has three panels instead of one, but still great coverage.
The basket is not a bad size and actually easily accessible thanks to the small recline. Surprisingly, it can hold up to 10 lbs (what?! It’s almost the weight of the stroller). You will also enjoy the included cup holder, tall handlebars, and all-wheel suspension.
The fold is easy but requires both hands. There is an auto lock, but in 2018 they took out the standing fold. The G-Lite rolls on 4.7″ plastic wheels that are ok for flat surfaces, but not going to handle much of any terrain. I wish the wheels were hard rubber-like on G-Luxe. Here is my full review »
Pros: lightweight, large canopy, compact fold, durable frame, tall handlebars.
Cons: small recline, no adjustable leg rest, small plastic wheels, no peekaboo window, no travel system option, no flip-flop-friendly brake.
7. Mountain Buggy Nano – $249
The Mountain Buggy Nano was one of the first strollers with a super compact fold that could fit in the overhead compartment on an airplane. That feature made it very popular among traveling parents.
There are a lot of things I like about Nano like a roomy seat, high large canopy, and adjustable leg rest. While it weighs only 13 lbs, it can still convert into a travel system which is unique for such a light weight.
The seat has a deep strap recline but doesn’t go to the flat position so you can use it from 6 months and up to 44 lbs. If you want to use it from birth you can turn it into a travel system or get a Mountaing Buggy soft-shelled carrycot that you put into the seat.
The rear wheel suspension together with 5.5″ EVA wheels provides a smooth ride (on a flat surface).
The handlebar is not adjustable and is located at 39″ (40″ is average). Because it’s a single handlebar, it’s much easier to navigate with one hand. Nano folds to a small size and has a standing fold.
Now, let’s talk about things that can be improved. The buckle on the harness is a puzzle piece that takes forever to put together. The basket is hard to access because of the crossbar.
The fold is compact but takes a lot of work. After folding it, you have to bend down to the ground to activate the auto lock and then it takes another step to secure the canopy. It comes in three colors and retails for around $249.
Pros: adjustable leg rest, travel system option, standing fold, large canopy, good venerability, one-hand push, rear suspension, deep recline.
Cons: hard to access basket, puzzle buckle, pain-in-the-behind fold.
8. GB Pockit+ Plus – $229
The GB Pockit really shocked everybody with its tiny fold and was recorded by the Guinness World Records as the ‘world’s smallest folding stroller’. Of course, parents went crazy over it. I think it’s a great stroller for traveling because it fits everywhere: small backpack – no problem! Small carry-on- no problem! Computer bag – no problem!
In 2018 GB came out with an upgraded version of Pockit called ‘Pockit Plus+’ that has the same compact fold but also a recline and can turn into a TRAVEL SYSTEM. Wow! The canopy got much better, but still has ways to go in my opinion.
The Plus+ model weighs only 13 lbs but has a roomy seat that can accommodate a child from 6 months and up to 55 lbs. The seat has a small strap recline so your child can take a nap.
The basket is medium size and easy to access since there is no recline. It has a very small footprint so navigating in tight spaces is easy.
Because the wheels are pretty small, it can only handle flat surfaces. This stroller is really designed for running errands or traveling.
The added recline and travel system option makes it usable from birth. It’s available in six colors and retails for around $239. Here is my full review of GB Pockit Plus+ »
Pros: smallest fold ever, lightweight, high weight limit, roomy seat, ok basket, travel system option.
Cons: small canopy, small wheels, from 6 months.
9. Summer Infant 3D Lite – $79
Summer Infant 3D Lite is the #1 best-selling stroller on Amazon. With over 1,000 positive reviews from parents, it has earned a 7th place on my list. So, why do parents love it so much? First of all, it costs only $79 which is a great deal for a real not-a-doll stroller.
The second reason is the light weight of only 13 lbs which makes it easy to travel with. It also has a deep recline so your child can take a comfy nap. The seat is very roomy and if you look at the photo, you will see that it has nice wide side barriers that offer plenty of support. I like that! It can accommodate a child from 6 months and up to 50 lbs. There is no travel system option.
The 6″ wheels do well on flat surfaces and can handle some cobblestone (for a short distance), but I wouldn’t go on rough terrain.
The maneuverability is not as good as on expensive strollers, but it will get you from A to B. There is also front-wheel suspension which is a big plus for such a budget-friendly stroller.
Most parents buy this stroller for traveling because they don’t want to risk damaging their expensive full-size models.
Despite the low price, 3D Lite is a very sturdy stroller that can withstand some abuse. And honestly, nobody will cry too much if it gets scratched or damaged after check-in.
Good storage includes a decent basket, a zipper pocket for small items, and a cup holder. One-hand fold is perfect for when you have your hands full. The canopy is on a smaller side. I would like to see a larger pop-out sunvisor. Here is my full review of Summer Infant 3D Lite »
Pros: budget-friendly, lightweight, one-hand fold, deep recline, plenty of storage, front-wheel suspension, good storage.
Cons: small canopy, two-hand recline, fold is not very intuitive.
10. Baby Jogger City Tour – $199
After seeing the popularity of Babyzen Yoyo and Mountain Buggy Nano, Baby Jogger decided also to come up with a super compact model called City Tour. This model has a very compact one-hand fold and meets carry-on requirements so you can’t take it on board any airplane.
It weighs only 14 lbs but is sturdy enough to accommodate a child up to 45 lbs. The seat is roomy with a deep recline that is suitable from 6 months. There is no travel system option so there is no way to use it from birth. The side barriers are not bad and offer support.
Baby Jogger is known for large canopies and City Tour has a very decent size UV 50+ three-panel canopy with a pop-out sunvisor and a peekaboo window. A tall single handlebar makes it easy to push with one hand.
The maneuverability is very good on a flat surface. The wheels are single, but decent size 5″ and 6″. It also features an auto-lock and standing fold. I do like a reasonable price of $199.
What I didn’t like is the lack of storage. The basket is small and hard to access. There are no additional pockets and this stroller is a little tippy so if you want to hang a diaper bag on it make sure you get clips and add them to the sides where the stroller folds.
Another thing that would be nice is a shoulder strap connected to the stroller. It does come with a backpack-style storage bag, but who has the time to put it in when you are using public transit?
Pros: one-hand compact fold, deep recline, large canopy, tall single handlebar, standing fold, good side barriers.
Cons: no carry strap, hard to access basket, from 6 months only.
Sorry for such a long post. I tried to make each description as short as possible while providing you with the most important info.
If have a question or need help narrowing down your choices, let me know by using the comment box below and I will do my best to answer it as soon as I can. I am here for you!
Would you pick the Mountain Buggy Nano over the GB Pockit Stroller? They are about the same price. The new Pockit can recline a little. Does it recline as much as the Nano? We do want to take it on the planes with us. We do care about the comfortness for the baby. We just can’t seem to choose between the two. The Baby Joggy City Tour seems to be angled in a weird way. Our baby seems to be only holding by the harness. Baby seems to be sliding down all the time. Is this also a problem? Thanks!
About the Chicco Ohlala ultra lightway stroller only 3.8 kilos super easy to fold and carry. The only downside are the wheels which are not strong enough. Two of my back wheels fell off
Hi, I love your reviews. I have a 17 month old, and I have a Uppababy Cruz. I previously had a City mini and a Chicco Liteway.
I am looking to either replace my Uppababy Cruz with 1 stroller that does it all, or to get a second stroller mainly for traveling and short trips. The main thing we need is a good stroller that is lighter than the Cruz, has a good canopy, is easy to fold, and allows for my daughter to sit in a more upright position (she hates being reclined, unless she is asleep).
We loved the City Mini when she was a baby, the fold is just awesome and easy, and the wheels do well in most terrains, but even at its most upright position its too reclined for her. I also didn’t like that the basket was too small. The mini travel very well (both in planes, trains, and cities).
The Chicco Liteway was annoying to fold and unfold, I dislike the fold of the typical umbrella stroller, and I also don’t particularly like that you need two hands to push it and very much prefer a one handle.
So in other words, I am looking for a stroller that is lightweight, but has some nice features like a good size canopy, an easy fold, and some storage (this last one is not a must). I also don’t want to spend too much on one.
My daughter likes the Cruz, the canopy is good size, and has ample storage, but I just don’t see myself traveling abroad with it. Is there a stroller out there that combines the awesome features of the City Mini with the Uppababy Cruz? I am open to either replacing my stroller, or getting a 2nd stroller just for travel and short trips mainly. Any advice here will be much much appreciated.
I just want to say YOU ARE AMAZING! I have spent months, weeks, days, nights and hours just researching strollers! Its crazy how a stroller can be almost perfect but its missing that ONE thing that the cheapest competitor might have. Its most frustrating and almost no one understands my plight except YOU! You give all the info needed when reading a review and the best comparisons BAR NONE! THANK YOU!
Hi Tanisha. Thank you! I am trying to do my best keeping up with all the new models. LOL.
Hi,
My husband and I are planning on a. Cruise with our 3 year old and 10 month old. We are thinking of bringing 1 stroller to minimize stuff to fly/in our cabin. Plan is to get a stroller they can share, when the toddler is in there I will carry the baby and when the baby is in there in toddler will walk. I need a reco on a stroller that is lightweight, good vetting for the Caribbean weather, good recline for napping and on the go diaper changes, can be a carry-on (gate checked) and really easy, fast and small to fold for the airport, cruise check in and cruise cabin. What stroller do you think would be best?
Thanks,
Alexis
Hi,
My husband and I are planning on a. Cruise with our 3 year old and 10 month old. We are thinking of bringing 1 stroller to minimize stuff to fly/in our cabin. Plan is to get a stroller they can share, when the toddler is in there I will carry the baby and when the baby is in there in toddler will walk. I need a reco on a stroller that is lightweight, good vetting for the Caribbean weather, good recline for napping and on the go diaper changes, can be a carry-on (gate checked) and really easy, fast and small to fold for the airport, cruise check in and cruise cabin. What stroller do you think would be best?
Thank you!!
Alexis
Hello. I have a Newborn and we want to travel. I have 2 favorites but it’s hard for me to decide. Need recommendations. Which stroller with Newborn Carrycot do you prefer Mountain Buggy Nano or Maclaren Quest? Thanks
Hi Katrin, I live in Chicago in a third floor walk up. I need a light weight stroller that can handle cracked sidewalks and snow. It’s also important to have something compact to maneuver through small restaurants and shops. I’m not sure the light weight strollers can handle the city, but I’m nervous to carry anything heavy up three flights of stairs. Any recommendations based on my situation? Thanks in advance!