Best Budget Travel Stroller Under $250: Honest Mom of 2 Picks

When it comes to picking the perfect travel stroller for your needs you can often see the difference between the high-end luxury strollers and the budget ones.

We’ve owned over 50 travel strollers and test them all the time, because we’ve been traveling with our two kids pretty much ever since they were born. One thing that people always ask me is: is there a budget travel stroller under $200?

Unless you’re traveling frequently like us you can surely buy a cheaper travel stroller. Various of the budget strollers we tested do great for an occasional trip.

As usual, we aren’t paid to say amazing things about any models. If you follow me on Instagram you might know that I’m not afraid to provide constructive criticism of a product and we truly test the strollers ourselves.

Zoe Traveler vs Bombi Bebe vs Inglesina Quid vs Mamazing

Is it actually cheaper to buy a budget compact stroller?

Many people think that they won’t use a stroller enough to be able to justify the price of a luxury travel stroller, and I see the concern.

Even more budget-friendly options for travel strollers exist (example: Summer 3D Quickclose) and aside from it obviously not being of the same quality, once your child outgrows it you can’t resell a budget option for much if at all.

You can sell most used reputable strollers (like those mentioned above) for at least 50% of the original price, if not more (depending on the condition). In the end, you’re basically spending the same amount, but often can get better features.

Why I Picked These Top Budget Travel Strollers:

I tested a ton and these options stood out, because of a few factors: durability/quality, comfort, and reliability. These models don’t normally get stuck when folding or unfolding, which frequently happened when we used some other budget versions (eg. Joovy Kooper, Dream on Me, Delta Children Icon, Colugo).

The kids weren’t complaining about comfort in these models as the seats were padded enough and had a bumper bar. All these strollers fit both of my kids (ages 3 & 5) comfortably which was important to us as on long-travel days both of them could use the stroller to rest.

Between all these 4 models there’s no one clear winner, as it depends on what’s the most important to you.

For example, Bombi works almost like a full-size stroller on a smaller frame, which is what various parents want while others might not like the fact that it’s still quite big.

Mamazing is the only stroller that fits in the overhead bin without any issues. Inglesina Quid can fit in most airplanes, while Zoe Traveler will not fit (and is usually not allowed) on most European aircraft. On the other hand, due to its size, the wheels aren’t going to be as durable as on Bombi.

Then, when it comes to canopy and coverage Zoe Traveler has been unbeatable. Last, but not least Inglesina Quid offers the most fun designs and options to have a quirky stroller.

Newborn & Sibling Compatibility

Newborn compatibility might not be important to you if you start venturing on trips when the child is a few months old already. If that’s the case then it doesn’t matter that much.

The issue with newborn compatibility on lightweight strollers is that they mostly only offer car seat adapters, which isn’t a great solution as newborns shouldn’t be in a car seat for extended periods.

The only reliable newborn solutions are offered by three strollers: Babyzen Yoyo and Joolz Aer as they have a bassinet option. Ergobaby Metro can also be used from birth as the seat reclines flat and turns into a newborn cocoon.

If the recline is deep enough, you can use the fully reclined stroller from about 3 months old. This is the case with Mamazing and Inglesina Quid as these two have the deepest recline.

Unfortunately, sibling compatibility is something usually overlooked by the stroller producers. One of the best advantages of high-end strollers is the possibility of adding a ride-on board with a seat. That way we could use just one stroller with two under 2.

Best Budget Travel Stroller for Flying: Mamazing

Fits in the overhead? YES 

I admit that I originally didn’t include Mamazing stroller, because I thought it would be a cheaply made item. Yet, the stroller proved me wrong and it’s truly awesome.

Mamazing is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment and it folds and also unfolds one-handed and easily. The bumper bar is included which is a nice thing considering the already low price.

I honestly have zero complaints about this stroller, which is rare for me to say after testing so many strollers on the market. It has a big enough canopy, a sturdy seat that reclines well, there are ventilation options, and small pockets – honestly, it’s just as good as many luxury travel strollers.

The only true downside I noticed is that the straps are impossible to adjust, so when you need to move them it will take a while, but it’s not really a day-to-day issue. I know some parents had issues with the way you clip the harness (it’s the same mechanism as on Joolz Aer). Could it be better? Yes, but it’s not terrible.

Best Value Stroller: Zoe Traveler

Fits in the overhead? MAYBE ✘

Zoe Traveler is a smaller version of the popular Zoe Tour stroller that was already solid contented on the travel market. While the Traveler doesn’t expand to a tandem like the Tour, it folds smaller and therefore it’s easier to travel with.

Plus, it includes a bumper bar and cup holder which considering the price is amazing. The wheels never gave up on us and the kids enjoyed being able to hide under the canopy almost completely.

It’s a solid stroller with a big enough sunshade and deep recline. It locks and unlocks easily and I had zero issues with anything. I just wish that it was slightly smaller when folded.

While the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommended max dimensions of 22” by 18” by 10” as our guideline for carry-on luggage and this stroller technically fits within these limits, it’s about 1-2″ over the hand luggage size for most airlines. We took it on our European trip and for the vast majority of flights, we were told that it had to be gate-checked.

Even when it was allowed into the cabin at times, the Zoe was slightly too wide to fit in the overhead bin on inter-Europe flights and we had to squeeze it under the seat which only worked if the seats didn’t have dividers on the ground. It’s still not a deal-breaker to many people and I do think that Zoe offers the best value and durability.

Closest to Full-Size Compact Stroller: Bombi Bebe

Fits in the overhead? NO ✘

Bombi is what I would call a solid compact stroller that offers the functionality of a full-size model on a smaller frame. The V2 model of Bombi improved the seat, which now is almost fully upright (an unusual feature on a stroller!)

The biggest advantage of Bombi isn’t even the very deep recline or a big canopy, but the wheels. The improved wheels are extremely maneuverable and bigger so they can conquer more uneven surfaces than its competitors.

Bombi stroller is also car seat compatible for a newborn and it can surely become your day-to-day stroller, as its under-the-seat basket is incredibly spacious.

Most Visually Pleasing: Inglesina Quid

Fits in the overhead? YES

I admit that we all fell in love with Inglesina Quid stroller the second we got it. The unique design options with obvious to see at the first site quality were a massive selling point to us. Plus, it fits on most airplanes in the overhead bin as it folds very flat and compact.

The wheels of Inglesina did great when we took it to local farms and state fairs and drove on pavements, despite its small size.

Most important to many, the seat of Inglesina Quid can be put very upright so the child can sit normally and not in a semi-reclined position.