Top Picks for Lightweight Strollers in 2026

When shopping for a lightweight stroller, there are some key questions you’ll want to keep in mind: 

• How you’ll use it: If you need a lightweight stroller primarily for travel, look for models that collapse quickly, fit easily in the trunk of your car, are compact enough to fit in an overhead airplane compartment, or adhere to Disney Parks’ stroller size requirements. Or if you’ll use a lightweight stroller for errands around town, you may want to prioritize a slimmer design that can navigate narrow shopping aisles and doorways. 
• Storage space in your home: If space is limited, a stroller with a compact folded size or one that self-stands when folded can be easier to store. Some lightweight strollers also come with convenient carry bags, making them even easier to stash away when not in use.
• Storage space on the go: Because they’re more streamlined than full-sized strollers, lightweight strollers generally offer limited storage. But some have a bit more room for baby gear than others, and certain brands sell optional add-ons, such as a snack tray or parent organizer.
• Strong safety ratings: Though a lightweight stroller may not necessarily have all the bells and whistles of a full-sized model, you still want reassurance that the product you choose meets the latest safety standards.
• Ease of use: A big appeal of lightweight strollers is that they’re less heavy and bulky, and therefore tend to be easier to use. Features such as one-handed fold, one-touch brakes, and an adjustable handlebar or footrest can make a lightweight model even easier to push, fold and unfold, and adjust.

Consumer Reports tested 16 lightweight strollers, from Bugaboo to Uppababy, assessing ease of use, safety, and maneuverability. The three lightweight strollers that impressed our testers the most (and weigh just 17 pounds or less) are our Top Picks for Lightweight Strollers for 2026.

CR’s Top Pick for lightweight strollers, below, is the highest-rated widely available model from our rigorous lab tests. We’ve also designated a Value Pick for lightweight strollers; it offers a great score for a good price. And because not every family’s needs are the same, our Expert Pick is for families who want a lightweight stroller that’s hardworking enough for everyday use.

Weighing just 17 pounds with an ultracompact fold, the Uppababy Minu V3 is an excellent stroller for traveling or for city dwellers. Lightweight but sturdy, the Minu V3 earns top scores for safety and maneuverability in CR’s lab tests and is easy to use. Even with its streamlined design, the Minu V3 has a long list of nice-to-have features, “like one-touch brakes, a one-handed adjustable footrest, and even a hidden pocket for an AirTag tracker or similar device to help locate the stroller if it’s lost or stolen,” says Joan Muratore, the engineer who oversees stroller testing at Consumer Reports. And while some lightweight strollers can’t accommodate newborns, the Minu V3’s near-flat recline and pop-up enclosure make it appropriate for infants under 6 months.

Other features our testers appreciate include:

• Extra-large canopy with a mesh window
• Easy-adjust harness
• One-touch brakes
• Self-standing fold

“This stroller performed well on most surfaces, but had a tougher time on rough terrain—like many lightweight strollers, its front swivel wheels don’t lock—but it’s an otherwise good all-around option,” Muratore says. The basket is spacious enough for a diaper bag, though overall storage is more limited. There are no additional pockets, and you’ll have to pay extra for accessories like a cup holder and snack tray.

Our Value Pick in Lightweight Strollers for 2026 is a budget-friendly, versatile option that works well for traveling, and our Expert Pick is a test-lab favorite built for everyday use. Depending on your family’s needs and budget, one of these lightweight strollers might be right for you.