Searching for the best strollers? We purchased and tested over 185 strollers to find the absolute best. For this update, we picked the top products across the full range of stroller types. We'll take you through the best of the best, one for every goal and budget. We used competitors from every category, from jogging to full-size and lightweight umbrella strollers, to help you find the right product for your family and wallet. Each stroller was used extensively and put through our battery of practical scientific comparison tests to determine the easiest, most straightforward, and most helpful for you and your family.
The Thule Spring is a full-size stroller that is surprisingly light and compact. It has an ultra-quick fold, comfortable seating, and uses quality materials. It is an easy-to-use, full-size stroller from Thule. It is one of the most compact folded options in its category, making it suitable for families with limited space. It includes a large storage bin, a deep recline, and a large canopy. It is compatible with multiple infant car seats from Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex.
This full-size stroller is relatively easy to push, but the plastic wheels make uneven terrain, gravel, and grass more challenging. While not the best in a group that includes rubber tires and joggers, the plastic wheels are still higher quality than most plastic competitors. We think this impressive stroller works well, is reasonably priced, and includes features parents and little ones will enjoy.
If we picked a single option for friends concerned with product quality, it would be the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. No question. The Cruz v2 is lightweight (comparatively), easy to use, and uses high-quality materials that feel durable. Plus, the Cruz v2 works well with infant car seats , including a few of our favorites, like the UPPAbaby Mesa and Chicco KeyFit 30. We love the vast storage basket with a 30 lb weight limit, the super large canopy, and the addition of suspension on the v2, making the new Cruz better than any full-size competitor.
The wheels on the Cruz are relatively small, and their disappointing size makes it more challenging to traverse uneven surfaces than the larger tires on joggers. However, the Cruz offers excellent maneuverability on smooth surfaces making it highly suitable for running errands and public venues. While the Cruz v2 is more expensive than most of the best full-size strollers and jogging competitors, many users feel its higher quality and easy-to-use features more than justify the higher cost.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is a fantastic high-end choice we recommend for parents that want a little more of everything and aren't worried about the price tag that comes with it. The Vista v2 is one of the best double strollers as it can grow with your family, carrying up to three little ones with ease (age-dependent). The Vista v2 is stylish, easy to use, and includes quality parts and attention to detail. This product has various seating configurations and consists of a toddler seat and bassinet in the original purchase. The Vista v2 works with two toddler seats, two infant carriers (seats and adapters purchased separately), two bassinets, or any combination of seating facing forward or backward. It features a giant storage bin and canopy with a nap-worthy seat recline. The Vista v2 delivers high functionality, a lower price tag, and unusually lower weight than similar competitors. The Vista v2 moves well for its size, and we think parents will enjoy its adjustable handlebar and giant under-seat storage bin with an unheard-of 30 lb max allowance.
The Vista v2 has one of the highest prices in our reviews, making it a potential no-go for families on a tight budget. Also, it is not suitable for running. However, we think it's tough to beat the Vista v2, especially for families with multiple children or plans to grow if your budget allows. If the price tag is not in your wheelhouse or a double option isn't necessary, then the less spendy, smaller, and lighter UPPAbaby Cruz v2 should make your list instead.
The Doona Combo is a unique car seat included in our best car seat review. This strolling combo combines a simple stroller with an infant car seat for a useful combination for city dwellers. This cool mash-up makes the Doona a ridiculously easy-to-use product that is good for those who frequent public transportation and sidewalks. This combo lets parents push their baby from place to place, from home to a day on the town, including public transportation. The car seat is easy to use, installs quickly without the base, and fills a niche for parents who live in the city and may otherwise choose to forgo a car seat for convenience.
The Doona Combo may not be ideal for every family, thanks to its relatively higher price, heavy carrying weight, and limited lifespan. Still, you can't beat it for city families that may otherwise legally skip using a car seat because they are a pain to carry or require a strolling companion. We think this is the easiest way to get your baby from an apartment to an Uber to strolling with ease and enviable style, making it a must-have for parents on-the-go, and those who frequent public transportation.
The Doona is an infant car seat with stroller capabilities. This product is unique in this gear category and means parents no longer need to hassle with transporting or juggling two products.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a lightweight umbrella stroller with a compact fold. This high-end, lighter product has many features parents want in a small package that is good for travel. While the Yoyo2 is more expensive than most secondary travel-friendly competitors, it is also a high-quality choice with excellent materials that function well. The Yoyo2 is easy to push and turn (a rarity in the umbrella world); plus, it is stylish and sleek.
While it is harder to push and a wee bit heavier than the smallest product, it is easier to use and earned a higher score for quality than most of the best umbrella strollers we tested. It is also more expensive than similar choices, so it isn't the best option for families on a tight budget or parents who only need a travel option for a single event. If budget isn't a concern, and you want the absolute best in a lightweight product, the BabyZen Yoyo2 stands out in its field.
The Zoe Traveler is a budget-friendly, lightweight option that folds compactly into thirds. This feature-filled product is an excellent option for traveling and city life with an adjustable leg rest, reclining seat, and practical storage features. We like the larger canopy and features for passenger comfort and think parents will appreciate the reasonable price tag.
This option is harder to push and turn off flat surfaces and may not be the best choice for heading off the beaten path. Also, it isn't a good substitution for a full-size choice as the storage features are limited. However, if a travel-friendly product is what you seek, this option has everything you need for shorter trips or commuting for a price your wallet will appreciate.
The Thule Urban Glide 2 is a great jogger that is easy to use, super maneuverable, and relatively lightweight (you know, for a jogger). This jogger works as well for serious runners as it does for casual errands with covered storage, tight turning radius, and comfortable seating for longer trips. These features make the Urban Glide 2 a product we recommend for families that want an option for double duty or dedicated runners that don't want to miss a step once their baby is old enough to go. The Urban Glide 2 is our favorite jogging stroller out-maneuvering the competition with adjustable straight-moving tracking, excellent suspension, a locking swivel front wheel, and an adjustable handlebar.
The Urban Glide 2 is not a good choice if you don't intend to run or go hiking off-road. The added weight and bulk make it harder to lift and stow, so you can avoid this hassle if jogging isn't your thing. However, we love that the Urban Glide 2 is so functional and thoughtfully designed that parents can use it for almost any outing. With a price tag lower than some of the competition and cheaper than many full-size options that offer less, this cool jogger is an excellent buy that fills multiple needs and saves you money in an enjoyable package. The Thule Urban Glide 2 also works with various infant car seats by purchasing an adapter, making it an option that fills three niches simultaneously.
The Thule Urban Glide 2 is a great jogging stroller that works well for everyday errands and outings.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Safety Note
Because younger infants lack the muscle strength or control to adequately absorb the jarring experience generated by running in a jogging stroller, parents should wait until their baby is a minimum of 8 to 12 months old before moving fast with any stroller.
The Baby Trend Expedition is an inexpensive jogging stroller easy to push and turn with pneumatic rubber tires and a locking swivel front wheel. This budget-friendly product is good on uneven terrain, has under-seat storage, and has a three-wheel design that is easy to turn in tight spaces. With a low list price, this jogger is less than half the price of most joggers, proving you can have an excellent moving product that is easy to push without the sticker shock. These features helped the Expedition win kudos for strong bang-for-your-buck in our Jogging Review.
This jogger lacks suspension and tracking adjustment, making it a poor choice for serious runners. It is also heavy and large if you hope to travel or have limited space. We would still recommend this product to a friend who wants a jogging look with large rubber tires (for greenbelt traversing) but may not really be interested in serious or regular jogging.
The Evenflo Pivot Xplore is a wagon that seats up to two. This push-or-pull wagon has a hanging storage container, dual canopies, and a footwell. It has a fairly quick fold, and one side dips down to help little ones climb on or get off on their own. The Xplore has a family-friendly price compared to other wagons and could be good for park adventures or visiting places that have wider paths that don't require shocks or other comfort features.
Wagons are harder to push and turn than some of the competition, and the fold can be harder to fit in some trunks or smaller spaces. While we liked this troller and think it is a good fit for those who want a wagon and nothing else will do, we do think some parents might be happier with a jogger or bike trailer for outdoor adventures and more rugged terrain.
The Thule Urban Glide 2 Double is an excellent jogging crossover for multiple passengers and works as an everyday option for two. We think this is perfect for parents who want to spend as much time outdoors as they need to run errands or go shopping with two kids in tow. This relatively lightweight and economical choice (compared to double competitors) is easy to push, turn, and use. It has some of the nicest features: large canopies, nap-worthy seating, and ample under-seat storage. Earning a top rating, the Urban Glide 2 Double proves it has what it takes to work for everyday adventures and regular jogging for daily runners. The Urban Glide 2 Double is one of the cheapest of the top double strollers we tested, making it the highest overall scorer and a great deal for budget seekers.
This double option isn't the best for travel as it is large and heavy compared to umbrella competitors with small, lightweight designs. However, it is tough to beat for any other kind of use and should be on the shortlist of any parent with more than one child.
The Baby Trend Expedition Double is a budget-friendly stroller for two that you can occasionally use for jogging. This double product is a good option for anyone looking for the jogger look and feels without the price tag that comes with a more traditional jogger. The Expedition Double sports pneumatic rubber wheels that work well on various terrains, and a locking swivel front wheel makes it suitable for jogging. Even if you don't jog, the features make it one of the better choices for moving over uneven terrains like grass and gravel. With identical seating, including stow pockets and canopy, and a helpful parent's tray and under-seat storage, this inexpensive product has features that make daily use easy and convenient, which helped it win an award.
Unfortunately, the Expedition Double lacks tracking and suspension, so you won't want to run with it regularly. Still, the ability to take it on a quick run makes it more versatile compared to traditional double products. It is also bulky and heavy compared to lightweight options, so it isn't suitable for travel. However, this economical choice is one to consider if you want a double with rubber tires and a three-wheel design for better maneuverability.
The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is an inline double stroller similar to higher-priced and higher-end options we've reviewed but with a budget-friendly price tag for two. The Pivot Xpand has two toddler seats and is compatible with some infant car seats, making it a potential contender for families with twins. The seats offer various forward and backward combinations, creating a versatile stroller that children like. We like that both toddler seats provide similar features to avoid sibling rivalry and include the ability to recline for cozy napping with great canopies for protection from the elements. This option is easy to use compared to the competition, and the quality fits the price.
Given the longer front-to-back length, the Xpand is harder to push and turn than some competitors. It isn't the best at moving off-road, but it isn't the worst either. Overall, we think it is suitable for growing families on a budget looking for similar features and functionality as the more expensive options.
The Delta Children LX Side by Side is among the lightest two-seaters. This double umbrella stroller has a traditional umbrella fold and is relatively compact compared to the competition for two. It has a fantastic price for what you get and could make a great travel choice or second product for tourist adventures or airport endeavors.
The Delta is not the best quality, with smaller everything that feels flimsy and toy-like. It is also harder to push on any surface that isn't flat, though most umbrella products we've seen lack masterful maneuverability. Despite these flaws, we think this is a contender for parents who need the occasional lightweight option for travel, have less concern for features and functionality than price, and need something easy to carry and stow.
The Joovy Twin Roo+ is a lightweight double-frame stroller that is easy to fold, fits almost anywhere, and works with nearly every infant car seat combination. With ample under-seat storage and the ability to install the seats facing either side, this economic infant car seat holder focuses on convenience and ease of use. The Joovy Twin Roo+ also has a cheaper price tag that can help you save money in babies' first nine months while determining what kind of double stroller will be your ideal in the long run. As a result, you'll have fewer limitations than choosing from the few double options that work with two car seats attached. We think this consideration alone makes the Twin Roo+ a no-brainer for parents of twins.
This Joovy isn't a smooth mover over all terrains, so you won't want to take it off-road (you shouldn't jostle young babies off-road anyway). The Twin Roo+ also has a nine-month lifespan, so you'll be back to the drawing board looking for something new. The Twin Roo+ is a cost-effective way to transport two at once without hassle or disturbing babies. While not winning any awards, we think this kind of product is excellent for new parents to transport twins without disruption.
The Joovy Twin Roo + is a great options for families with infant twins. This economical lightweight frame stroller will get two babies where they need to go with lots of storage and versatile seating arrangements.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Spring has a lot to offer and was one of the tester's favorites during our extensive testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why You Should Trust Us
Our testing protocol for strollers is extensive; we've conducted more than 9,200 individual tests to evaluate the more than 190 strollers we've tested since 2013. Our tests prove that strollers vary widely in their performance and best application. To help you find the perfect stroller for your needs, we buy each stroller ourselves, accepting no freebies from manufacturers to ensure complete independence. Then we perform a barrage of 50 scientific tests on each model.
Our GearLab testers, hard at work, folding strollers
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our testing of strollers is divided into four rating metrics with weightings that vary depending on the stroller type:
Ease of Use
Maneuverability
Weight & Folded Size
Kid Ride
Quality
Little ones seem to love the Xplore wagon, despite parents wishing for better maneuverability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Each rating metric's contribution to the overall score is weighted based on how important we believe it is for most people. Weights vary from one category to the next since, for example, for an umbrella stroller, Weight and Folded size are much more important considerations than for a full-size stroller. This exhaustive testing and rating process puts us in a unique position to help you find the right stroller for your needs.
Professional runner, Carrie Vickers, helped BabyGearLab test each jogging stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Jogging strollers get 8 additional scientific tests to determine their Run Ability score, the most heavily weighted rating metric in our review for the top-ranked jogging strollers. Our Run Ability tests include measuring rolling resistance, straight-line tracking ability, and other tests to evaluate ergonomics and running performance. All our joggers were assessed and tested by , our professional running expert, Carrie Vickers. With her background as a running biomechanics consultant and experience as a national-class runner, Carrie provides insight into each product's run-ability to ensure that serious and casual runners alike will be happy with our award winners.
One of 50 different stroller lab tests, our sideways tip-over angle test shown above gives us a measure of which strollers are more tippy than others
We put each stroller through a gauntlet of tests, including how well they fit through a standard-size 32-inch doorway, as seen here with the Joovy Zoom X2 Double.
Since 2013, BabyGearLab has purchased and tested more than 190 top strollers across every strolling category, including joggers, full-size, doubles, and umbrella products. Dr. Juliet Spurrier, founder and board-certified pediatrician, leads our selection process considering quality, performance, and ease of use when making competitor selections. Bob Wofford, our Senior Review Analyst, heads the in-house testing process by putting each piece through a series of specific tests comparing one to another in a side-by-side process unlike any other on Earth. Bob has led the strolling product testing since 2013, arguably laying hands on more products than virtually anyone else on the planet. Senior Review Editor and mom to two, Wendy Schmitz began working in the strolling realm in 2014. Running, strolling, folding, and lifting each contender gives Wendy a unique perspective to assess and comment on ease of use and other features in our final gear reviews for readers. The strolling team also includes Senior Review Editor Abriah Wofford, who joined in the fun in 2016, leading the charge starting in 2020.
Top-ranked strollers were put to the test to find the best jogging-style stroller on the market (not all are not shown).
We've purchased and tested more than 185 strollers, including more than 55 lightweight umbrella strollers.
Stroller Savvy
How do you decide which stroller(s) is the best for your family? Narrowing down the extensive competition by key considerations is the best way to determine what kind of product and specific products will fit your needs. The following questions will help provide a laser focus on what you need and want to make a good decision on which gear to add to your family.
A stroller as a gift?
Strollers can be expensive. Price is a great reason to put them on your registry and cross your fingers that someone chooses one as your baby gift. For some new parents, this piece of gear can be cost-prohibitive. However, it might be doable for a relative or friend, or co-workers could go in on one as a group present.
How Many Strollers Do I Need?
How many products you will need varies from one family to another. Some families may not even need one. Alternatively, you might like using different options designed for specific activities. If this applies to you, you might easily find yourself with three or more different products over the years; these could include a full-size choice for everyday use, a jogger for outdoor adventures, a travel-ready option, or a best bike trailer for kids.
Babywearing is a great way to go sans stroller. With new carriers offering more holding options and hands-free designs, it is hard to go wrong with these instant baby soothers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Baby Wearing
Wearing your baby in a top-rated baby carrier is an excellent alternative to strolling, especially with young infants. Holding your newborn and younger infant close to your heart is a great way to increase bonding, and in our experience, it is an excellent way to calm and soothe your baby. Most modern-day carriers are comfortable and safe, keeping your baby close while freeing your hands for other activities. You can do so much, from getting groceries to doing laundry while wearing your baby. Starting this practice early could develop a habit where you don't need a strolling option at all! This baby-friendly solution can save money, space, and frustration from purchasing and managing a space-consuming strolling apparatus.
The Zoe Traveler is a lightweight stroller with more features than a standard umbrella option.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Can One Stroller Do It All?
Wouldn't it be blissfully wonderful if a single product could fulfill all your strolling dreams and needs? We are sad to say that none of them can do everything, not a single one. However, some products cross the lines of type and could meet your needs in different areas, depending on what you want. For example, some full-size options are relatively light and small enough to be considered lightweight or umbrella products. They often have adequate running errands and napping features, but they quickly fold and fit in smaller spaces. If you want to jog, then you're still on the hunt.
The Flex works just as well for sidewalk strolling as it does for dirt trail running.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Jogging Stroller as a Full-size?
Yes, it can, and maybe it should! It turns out that many people find a jogger works just as well for daily outings as it does for running, but there are trade-offs you'll need to consider. Some joggers have ample storage and a locking swivel front wheel, allowing them to function well as a full-size product. If your vehicle has adequate space to transport it, you don't have trouble lifting around 25 lbs, and you don't frequent crowded locations, you could be all set. Because many jogging products have swivel front wheels, they also offer good maneuverability in small spaces (like freaky good!). Their rubber tires mean they can easily push and turn on uneven surfaces (can you say easy breezy?). Our top joggers have practical storage, comfy passenger seats, deep recline angles for napping, nice suspension, and large canopies. Many joggers are even similar in weight to some full-size competitors. Also, many joggers work with infant car seat carriers, so they can combine with a car seat, even if they are larger and heavy. These features mean joggers could potentially do the job of three products (jogger, full-size, and car seat carrier). Will a jogger ever be an excellent travel companion? Nope. They are too darn large to meet travel needs. But does it matter if you don't travel or need to stroll when you do? We don't think so.
The Yoyo2 has more features for comfort and convenience than a traditional umbrella stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Umbrella or Full-size Stroller?
This answer depends on your strolling plans. If you frequently commute or travel with your baby, you might benefit from a lightweight or compact stroller, making an umbrella stroller your best choice. While traditionally, they have fewer features and can be harder to push, the lighter weight and smaller size make them superior at traveling or navigating crowded city streets. If your travel days are long, your baby might need to nap, or you'll need extra supplies, you'll require more features, and not all lightweight options fit this bill. This means you need to make a thoughtful decision based on available features. Alternatively, if you want to invest in a single product that can "do both" (with a few compromises), then a few lightweight options with extra features or full-size choices weigh less and fold up small.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
What About Wagons?
Nowadays, you can't throw a sippy cup without hitting a wagon designed for hauling little ones about. It seems like the "cool parent" thing to have is a wagon for outdoor adventures. From days at the park to trips to get groceries, wagons are everywhere. While their popularity is rising and we see the fun in the marketing, we aren't totally convinced that a wagon is a good stroller choice for every family or that it is the right only stroller for anyone. We recognize that a wagon might have its place, but we worry that parents might be caught up in the advertising without considering the reality.
Getting your chosen stroller into a car for transport could be a challenge depending on your vehicle or available space.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our tests found wagons to be more challenging to maneuver than traditional strollers, large and hard to fit in smaller trunks, and they lacked any actual useful storage. If you have gear for more than one kid, you'll have to stack supplies on the footwell between the children. Also, they are easier to pull than push, which creates the opportunity for little ones to drop or throw items from the wagon without your knowledge, and you won't know if older toddlers try to jump out on the go until they fall. We've also heard parents remark that kids getting in and out on their own is the appeal for some. Still, in practice, toddlers climbing in and out can cause tipping from side to side if they do it unassisted, and you might be lifting them in and out multiple times in one outing (workout, anyone?).
We tested the Xplore indoors and outdoors on various surfaces for our maneuverability testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Overall, we see why the concept is interesting, and they might be good for park visits hauling sandbox toys or a picnic, but overall, we think a great jogger or bike trailer might be a better fit for most families.
The UPPAbaby Vista works with a variety of infant car seats making it a good choice for strolling with twins. This photo includes 2 UPPAbaby Mesa car seats.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Are All Double Strollers Suitable for Twins?
Depending on the age of your twins, there are different considerations. If your twins are infants and you hope to pair your infant car seats with a stroller, then only half of the doubles we've tested will work as many double strollers aren't compatible with two car seats simultaneously. This lack of connectivity means they are essentially useless for twin babies under six to nine months. To resolve this issue, you could consider a frame-style option as an excellent way to stroll with two infants until they outgrow their car seats. Choosing a frame stroller gives you additional time to decide which features or style you need for how you plan to stroll.
We've purchased and tested more than 185 strollers, including more than 40 double strollers, in our effort to compare performance through testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Unfortunately, we haven't discovered one stroller that can "do it all," but luckily, you don't have to figure it all out today. You can easily baby step into the strolling world. We recommend this to many parents. Going slow helps you determine what your strolling needs are before you make an expensive potential mistake. Some possibilities include one of the best baby carriers instead of a stroller, an ultra-lightweight frame stroller, or a budget-friendly, lightweight, full-size option that can fill two niches and be all you need if you don't jog.
The strollers highlighted in this article are all top-ranking, award-winning options in their respective categories. Using our rigorous process for narrowing potential alternatives, you can better determine if you need more than one and what type of stroller will work best for your needs. Using our detailed and comparative insight, you can find the best solutions as you travel through your strolling years. We welcome you to "stroll" through the winners to find the best choice for your family and budget.
BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.
