If you’re looking for the best stroller of 2021, look no further!
We’ve done the research, we’ve tested the models and we’re here to make this choice easy for you.
A good stroller can completely transform life with your child. The best strollers can make your day-to-day easier, more comfortable and certainly even more convenient.
A good stroller can be an investment, though. You’ve got to be sure that you’re getting the right stroller for you and your family. With this roundup, we’re hoping to help you make that complex decision a piece of cake.
We tested the most popular infant stroller brands to give you a real-life, hands-on review of our favorite recommendations!
We’ve noted specifics about baby safety, parent experience, how easily these strollers can be stored, folded, carried and more so that you truly have all of the information you need to choose the stroller that’s best for you and your family.
Before you look at the strollers in our lineup, take a moment to think about the type of stroller you need. Are you looking for a stroller that gives your newborn support? Do you live an active lifestyle and need a stroller that can keep up with you no matter where you need to go? Are you looking for the best travel stroller?
Some models will work better for your specific needs; however, there are no bad options in our lineup, and each one is safe for your child.
Overall, we found the Summer 3DLite to be the all-around best stroller for most people. It’s sturdy, yet sophisticated, and meets the needs of most lifestyles–and looks good doing it.
If you’re able to stretch your budget, we love the upscale style and luxurious features of the UPPAbaby Cruz V2. This model is also easy to put together, fold and maneuver around town, making it a highly convenient choice.
If you’re looking for a jogging stroller that can double as the one you use everyday, the Joovy Zoom Ultralight is the best option on the market right now. With an ultra-durable frame.
After our ranking, you’ll find a quick explanation of our methodology, so you’ll know how we tested each stroller. We also created a helpful list of the most important things to consider when shopping for a stroller.
The 9 best strollers of 2021
| Model | Editor’s Rating | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 3DLite | 9.8/10 | Best Overall |
| UPPAbaby Cruz v2 | 9.6/10 | Best Premium |
| Evenflo Pivot Xpand | 9.4/10 | Best Value |
| Joovy Zoom 360 | 9.2/10 | Best Jogger |
| Baby Jogger City Select | 9.2/10 | Most Practical |
| Graco NimbleLite | 9.1/10 | Most Lightweight |
| Babyzen YOYO2 | 9.0/10 | Best Travel |
| Kolcraft Cloud Plus | 8.9/10 | Best Budget |
| Chicco Bravo Trio | 8.8/10 | Best Travel System |
Summer 3DLite: Overall Best Stroller
We like:
- The 5-point harness system is easy to use and adjustable – grows with your child!
- The suspension system in the front wheels helps the stroller glide.
- The handlebars are padded and also adjustable.
- The design is very lightweight and compact.
- The seat reclines to multiple angles, including almost-flat.
We don’t like:
- The lack of canopy window for easy check-ins on your child.
- This stroller doesn’t stand up when it’s folded.
- The storage isn’t quite large enough to support large bags.
Where to buy: Check price on Amazon
If you’re interested in the stroller with the best balance of features and compact portability, the Summer 3DLite Convenience is an excellent option. We tested it to see if it delivers on performance for a low price, and are happy to report that the 3DLite provides excellent support for both parent and child.
For a low price, this stroller offers durable comfort and lightweight compactness. We love that it’s easy to use – and the suspension you get for the price is a great touch!
UPPAbaby Cruz v2: Best Premium Stroller
We like:
- The full-grain leather accents.
- The subtle visual indicators which provide intuitive instructions.
- The roomy storage basket.
- The absorbent suspension which gives the Cruz V2 a gliding feeling.
We don’t like:
- The slightly elevated price.
- The fact that it does not offer infant support out of the box.
Where to buy: Check price on Amazon
If you can stretch your budget to get the absolute best of the best, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 is our favorite premium stroller of 2021.
It looks and feels premium with its high-quality frame, comfortable seat and roomy storage space. And it gets bonus points for its sophisticated look and luxurious finishes. We absolutely love it!
Evenflo Pivot Xpand: Best Value Stroller
We like:
- The comprehensive versatility of this set.
- The low price: high value with a budget-friendly cost.
- One stroller system from infancy through young childhood.
We don’t like:
- Assembling and converting this stroller is not initially intuitive.
- Lesser-quality fabric (not as soft) as others we’ve seen.
- The heavy weight – can be bulky when all parts are in use.
Where to buy: Check price on Amazon
While not quite as high-end as other strollers we’ve seen, the Pivot Xpand is our favorite for value. For its price, the entire system is a great bargain. The car seat has excellent safety ratings, the stroller folds down compactly and it can grow along with your family.
Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight: Best Jogging Stroller
We like:
- The compact shape and size to which the stroller folds.
- The reliable brakes and wheel locks.
- The sturdiness of the lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum frame.
We don’t like:
- The tent-like feel of the fabric.
- The high amount of pressure needed to release the brake.
- The tires have to be monitored and kept fully pumped.
Where to buy: Check price on Amazon
Sometimes, you’re looking for a stroller that can match pace with your active lifestyle. A regular stroller might not cut it: You need something with upgraded suspension to cradle your child, tires that can handle jolts and bumps, and a durable frame for added stability.
You’ll find all that in the Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight! We love this stroller as the best jogging model on our list, and it’s versatile enough to act as a day-to-day stroller, too.
Note that you’ll likely find this a good option if your child’s a little older, as jogging with a very young infant may not be entirely safe.
Baby Jogger City Select: Most Practical Stroller
We like:
- The versatility of the various configurations.
- The ample amounts of storage.
- The durability of the fabric and frame.
We don’t like:
- The fact that it took longer to put together.
- The added bulk, which does take some time to get used to.
Where to buy: Check price on Amazon
If you have one child and are expecting another, the Baby Jogger City Select is the perfect option to support your family now – and in the future. Its durable fabric, convenient storage and its built-in versatility makes it one stroller that could support a growing family.
We love it for its practicality, but it also looks good strolling down the street. Its bright colors and slim frame made it a stroller we liked using in our tests.
Graco NimbleLite: Most Lightweight Stroller
We like:
- The NimbleLite is easy to assemble.
- This is a very lightweight stroller, the lightest in our roundup!
- Despite a good number of features, it’s simple to use.
- The sun shade is larger than many similarly-priced models.
- The parent organizer and dual cup holders are very convenient.
- The child seat reclines from a 90-degree angle to almost-flat.
We don’t like:
- The handlebars are quite tall, and you can’t adjust them.
- The two pedals for the brakes.
- The awkward handling of the belly bar (need to fully remove the bar to seat your child).
- There isn’t much cushioning in the seat.
- This stroller doesn’t stand when folded.
Where to buy: Check price on Amazon
Looking for something lightweight? If you’re like us, you need a stroller that does its job without weighing you down. This stroller makes life as a parent easier with its feather-light heft. No more struggling to stow a heavier stroller or trying to figure out storage.
With the Graco NimbleLite, you’ll be able to use your stroller and toss it in the car or storage without a second thought. We love how simple it can make errands, travel and more!
Babyzen YOYO2: Best Travel Stroller
We like:
- Its incredibly compact in size.
- With both color packs, this is a stroller which can follow your child from birth to toddler years.
- Its extreme ease of assembly.
We don’t like:
- The latch to hold your child in can be puzzling.
- Folding the Babyzen YOYO2 stroller takes a moment to figure out.
Where to buy: Check price on Amazon
The Babyzen YOYO2 stroller is a beautiful stroller with modern design that is so compact, it can literally be folded up and toted around over your shoulder!
With an included carrying bag and cushioned strap, this stroller is geared for easy travel. It can fit in most airplane overhead bins, and it unfolds easily so you can get going quickly once you’re ready to stroll.
With the inclusion of both color packs, it can follow your child from infancy through the toddler stage.
Kolcraft Cloud Plus: Best Budget Stroller
We like:
- The fact that this stroller comes with highly-durable all-terrain wheels.
- It’s extremely durable – seems like it’s made to last.
- It’s very affordable.
- The all-wheel suspension makes for a smooth ride.
- A storage basket accessible from the front and back.
- It includes cup holders and a removable kid’s tray.
We don’t like:
- Conversely, the fact that the storage basket opens in the front makes it easy for small items to fall out.
- The cup holders are shallow.
- The child’s tray can be hard to remove.
- The fabric is lower quality than some of this stroller’s competitors.
Where to buy: Check price on Amazon
This affordable stroller feels durable and safe – and comes with even more features than I’ve seen with strollers from luxury brands.
With all-wheel suspension for comfort, a kid’s tray to keep your child occupied and all-terrain wheels that make off-roading easy, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a great choice (especially for its extremely affordable price).
Chicco Bravo Trio: Best Travel System
We like:
- With the car seat, you can use this system from day one through toddlerhood.
- With this system, you can reduce the purchases you’ll have to make.
- The seat removes and doubles as a very portable carrier.
- Switching between the toddler and the car seat is easy, just a click!
- The adjustable handlebar.
- The large amount of storage.
- The parent organizer.
- One-hand foldability.
We don’t like:
- Does not offer one-handed pushing.
- Wheels are not all-terrain.
- Seat is not reversible.
Where to buy: Check price on Amazon
Searching for the best stroller and infant car seat bundle? Look no further. The Chicco Bravo Trio travel system includes everything you’ll need from day one until your child doesn’t need a stroller anymore.
The infant car seat, the Chicco KeyFit, is our overall best car seat of the year, and the stroller is just as good with its slim and good-looking silhouette.
This package deal costs slightly more than other mid-range strollers in our ranking. However, since you don’t have to buy another car seat, we believe the cost is well worth it!
How did we select the best strollers on the market?
When we set out to make this list, we wanted to ensure that it was as helpful as possible to all readers. This meant that we worked to stay as objective as possible. One way we did so was to remember that best can be relative.
What might be superior for one family might not work at all for another! We considered our own experience and that of our friends and family to list all the possible needs and lifestyles that you may have too.
For example, if you need a travel stroller, you’ll be looking for something with much smaller dimensions and a more slight build than will someone who has two children and requires a lot of storage. In our reviews, we have simply reflected our experiences of each stroller, as well as the information we know are crucial for your decision making.
This includes information about which strollers are compatible with the most popular car seats on the market; take a look at our ultimate infant car seat and stroller compatibility guide for more information.
Choosing the right stroller for you
A stroller is an important investment for your family, both in terms of transit and as a useful safety tool! It’s a good idea to take stock of your specific lifestyle (how active you are, how much you travel) before you look to purchase a stroller. It’s very possible that the decision will be simpler than you think it will be!
To make your choices easier, we’ve distilled the top five things to consider when buying a stroller into this easy-to-reference list:
- Price: Before you go stroller shopping, it’s a good idea to sit down and figure out how much you can comfortably spend. Fortunately, there are great strollers in every price bracket. With our roundup, we definitely have you covered. Still, you don’t want to make a purchase that you later regret. You’ll be able to find a good option no matter your budget, so take time to clarify that factor first.
- Versatility: Your stroller’s only a good investment if it can do at least a couple things, and do them well. You’ll want to look for a stroller that can perform well in rain or shine and that can handle a few different types of terrain. Looking for bonus points? Find a stroller that can switch from infant to toddler stages, or even support more than one child.
- Durability: Similarly, if you’re investing in a good stroller, you want that investment to last for more than one season. Look for frames made of good metal, fabric that can stand up to multiple washings and wheels that can handle daily walks for years to come.
- Safety: Your stroller needs to keep your child safe. Look for multi-wheel suspension to protect your child from jolts mid-stroll. 5-point safety harnesses are the standard du jour, so they’re always a good description to see! We personally are always excited to see straps that can easily accommodate a growing child, with easily-adjustable restraints.
- Ease of Use: Remember, a stroller is a tool that you’re going to use often to make transportation with your baby easy! Look for features that will really add to your life, such as a good storage space, cupholders, brakes that truly work, strollers that are easy to fold and simple to store.
We hope that this list of the best strollers was helpful for you! Please let us know if you would like us to review other models that weren’t mentioned above. We always love to hear from you!
Frequently asked questions about strollers
The best baby strollers are the Summer 3DLite, the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 and the Evenflo Pivot Xpand. Together, they each win our category of best overall, best premium and best value strollers of the year thanks to their safety features, practicality and comfort for your baby.
The best stroller overall is the Summer 3DLite. It provides the best balance of features and compact portability for your everyday needs.
Celebrities like to use strollers from brands such as UPPAbaby, Joovy and Baby Jogger. These strollers offer the absolute best options available on the market today if money is no object. They are also incredibly stylish.
The most expensive strollers of the year are the Baby Jogger City Select and the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. They offer uncompromising levels of style, comfort and quality. You can customize the colors and add additional accessories to personalize them to your needs.
