A stroller is one of the most important — and most expensive — purchases you will make as a new parent. With hundreds of models on the market, it can be difficult to know what is actually best. We have gathered results from trusted testing sources and expert reviews for 2025 and 2026 so you can make a good choice without spending weeks on research.
Prices in this article are approximate as of early 2026 and may have changed. Check current prices with retailers.
Types of Strollers — Which One Do You Need?
Before looking at test results, it helps to know which type of stroller suits your daily life. There are four main types.
Travel System / Combination Pram (2-in-1 or 3-in-1)
The most common solution for new parents. You get a chassis with a carrycot for newborns and a seat unit from around 6 months. A 3-in-1 package also includes a car seat adapter. Most of the top-rated strollers in this article are combination prams.
Best for: Families who want a complete solution from birth until the child is 3–4 years old.
Pushchair / Stroller
Lighter and more compact, with only a seat unit. Suitable from around 6 months and up.
Best for: Families who need a lighter second stroller for daily use, travel, or public transport.
Jogging Stroller
Three large wheels, robust suspension, and built for off-road use and exercise. Brands like Thule and Baby Jogger dominate here.
Best for: Active parents who run with their child or live in rural areas with unpaved paths.
Umbrella Stroller
The lightest and most compact type. Folds like an umbrella and often weighs under 7 kg.
Best for: Travel, public transport, and as a simple lightweight second stroller.
Tip: Most families start with a combination pram and may buy a lighter pushchair when their child is around a year old. Read our complete guide: How to Choose the Right Stroller.
Best Strollers 2025/2026 — Overview
Here are seven models that consistently score highly in independent reviews and parent tests.
| Model | Type | Price (approx.) | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Britax Smile 5Z | Combination pram | $900–$1,100 | 13.8 kg | Best overall — multiple test sources (2026) |
| Bugaboo Fox 5 | Combination pram | $1,400–$1,600 | 12.3 kg | Best premium — expert reviews (2026) |
| UPPAbaby Vista V3 | Combination pram | $1,300 | 12.3 kg | Best in test — Babylist & BabyGearLab (2025) |
| Cybex Talos S Lux | Combination pram | $700–$950 | 14.2 kg | Recommended — multiple parent reviews (2025) |
| Emmaljunga Sento Pro | Combination pram | $1,000–$1,300 | 12.5 kg | Highly ranked — Nordic reviews (2026) |
| Cybex Balios S Lux | Combination pram | $620–$700 | 12.4 kg | Best budget pick — multiple sources (2026) |
| Easywalker Zoey | Combination pram | $600–$800 | ~11 kg | Best value — expert tests (2026) |
The Seven Best Strollers — Detailed Reviews
1. Britax Smile 5Z — Best Overall
The Britax Smile 5Z has performed very well in multiple independent tests for 2025 and 2026. It combines solid everyday practicality with a competitive price point, making it the most consistently recommended combination pram across sources.
Price: Approx. $900–$1,100 for the complete pram. Travel System with car seat from approx. $1,400.
Pros:
- Puncture-proof wheels that handle varied terrain well
- Large canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection
- Reversible seat unit and full recline
- Adjustable handle (80–113 cm)
- 360-degree reflectors for low-light use
- Good storage basket
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- Somewhat large and heavy (13.8 kg with seat)
- Not the most compact when folded
Best for: Families who want a robust all-rounder that works equally well in the city and on rougher terrain. Excellent value for money.
2. Bugaboo Fox 5 — Best Premium
The Bugaboo Fox 5 is Bugaboo's flagship model and has been rated the best premium stroller by multiple expert reviewers in 2026.
Price: Approx. $1,400–$1,600. Travel system packages available.
Pros:
- Exceptional ride quality on all surfaces
- Extendable seat unit that grows with the child
- Long canopy with excellent protection
- Carrycot suitable for all seasons
- Light and responsive to push despite its size
- Wide accessory range (buggy board, cup holders, travel bags)
Cons:
- High price
- The update from Fox 5 to Fox 5 Renew edition is modest
Best for: Parents willing to invest in premium quality who want a stroller that combines design, functionality, and long-term durability.
3. UPPAbaby Vista V3 — Best in Test (BabyGearLab / Babylist)
The UPPAbaby Vista V3 was rated best in test by BabyGearLab and Babylist in their large combination pram tests for 2025.
Price: Approx. $1,300 for the complete pram.
Pros:
- Can be converted to a sibling stroller (great for families planning more children)
- Excellent ride quality and suspension
- Large and practical storage basket
- High comfort and spacious solutions
- Long usable life and flexibility
Cons:
- Large and takes up significant space, especially in sibling configuration
- Price is in the upper range
Best for: Families planning more children who want a stroller that grows with the family. An especially good choice if you want to avoid buying a new stroller for a second child.
4. Cybex Talos S Lux — Best Value Mid-Range
The Cybex Talos S Lux is among the most recommended strollers in several parent reviews. It offers a lot of stroller for the money.
Price: Approx. $700–$950 for the complete pram with seat and carrycot. Travel System with car seat from approx. $1,100.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Puncture-proof wheels
- Large seat unit with good space
- Memory buttons for easy seat removal
- Works well both in urban and rural settings
- Practical for travel
Cons:
- Somewhat heavier than competitors (14.2 kg)
- Does not have the same premium feel as more expensive alternatives
Best for: Families who want a solid all-round stroller without overspending. Very popular among parents who want quality at a reasonable price.
5. Emmaljunga Sento Pro — Nordic Quality
The Emmaljunga Sento Pro is Swedish-made and scores highly in Nordic tests. It is ranked among the best combination prams for 2026 by multiple expert sources.
Price: Approx. $1,000–$1,300 depending on variant.
Pros:
- Made in Sweden with Oeko-Tex certified textiles
- Adjustable suspension for different surfaces
- Two types of seat unit (Flat+ and Ergo+)
- XXL shopping basket with 10 kg capacity
- Ergonomic handle adjustable 86–109 cm
- Same carrycot and seat units can be used on the Emmaljunga Double Sento sibling stroller
- UPF 50+ protection
Cons:
- Somewhat higher price than comparable strollers from Cybex or Britax
- Can be harder to find in all physical stores
Best for: Parents who value Nordic manufacturing, durability, and flexibility. Especially good for families who use the stroller a lot outdoors in varying terrain.
6. Cybex Balios S Lux — Budget Favorite With Premium Feel
The Cybex Balios S Lux is rated a top budget pick by multiple review sources for 2026 and is one of the most sold strollers in online baby shops.
Price: Approx. $620–$700 for the complete pram.
Pros:
- Excellent suspension and ride quality
- Modern design that does not look "cheap"
- Good comfort for the child
- Works well in urban environments, on uneven pavements, and unpaved paths
- Practical in daily use with good adjustment options
Cons:
- Not as robust on very rough terrain as pricier alternatives
Best for: Urban parents who want a stylish and functional stroller without spending over $1,000. A strong first choice for many families.
7. Easywalker Zoey — The Most Affordable Good Option
The Easywalker Zoey was rated best budget combination pram by expert testers in 2026. A solid stroller for families who don't want to spend more than necessary.
Price: Approx. $600–$800.
Pros:
- Lowest price among recommended combination prams
- Good enough quality for daily use
- Relatively lightweight
- Easy to use and fold
Cons:
- Fewer adjustment options than more expensive prams
- Fewer accessory options
- Less well known as a brand
Best for: Budget-conscious parents who need a functional combination pram without paying for a premium label.
What to Look for When Choosing a Stroller
Wheels and terrain
Wheels are the single most important factor for everyday usability.
- Large wheels (25–30 cm) handle uneven pavements, gravel, and rough terrain better than small wheels
- Puncture-proof wheels save you from maintenance — all the top picks above have these
- Swivelling front wheels with lock option give agile city handling and stability on uneven ground
- Good suspension makes the ride comfortable for your baby on any surface
Practical considerations
- Measure your elevator door and car boot before buying
- Test the fold mechanism — can you do it with one hand?
- Check the weight — do you need to carry the stroller up stairs?
- Check accessory and spare part availability from retailers near you
Tip: Visit a baby store and test-drive at least three models. Pull them over a kerb, fold them, and lift them. You quickly notice the difference.
Price Guide — What Do You Get for Your Money?
| Price range | Models | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget ($500–$800) | Easywalker Zoey, Cybex Balios S Lux | Good all-round strollers for daily use. Some compromises on materials and adjustment options. |
| Mid-range ($800–$1,200) | Cybex Talos S Lux, Britax Smile 5Z | Top-rated with solid terrain performance, good comfort, and long durability. Best value for most families. |
| Premium ($1,200–$1,600+) | Emmaljunga Sento Pro, UPPAbaby Vista V3, Bugaboo Fox 5 | Top quality, best materials, most features. Often sibling stroller capability and long warranty. |
Second-hand strollers — a smart alternative
A stroller worth $1,500 new often sells for $400–$800 second-hand. Check that:
- The harness is intact and functional
- The wheels roll freely without damage
- The brake works properly
- The frame has no cracks or damage
- The fabric is not worn or damaged
Safety: All strollers sold in major markets should comply with EN 1888 or equivalent safety standards. If buying second-hand or from abroad, check for CE marking or relevant local safety certification. Avoid recalled models.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I buy a stroller?
Most parents buy a stroller between weeks 28 and 34 of pregnancy. This gives you time to research, order, and wait for delivery. Some popular models and colors have waiting times.
Do I need both a carrycot and a seat unit?
Yes. From birth until around 6 months, your baby must lie flat. All combination prams in our review include both. Some carrycots are also approved for overnight sleeping outdoors — check with the manufacturer.
How long is a stroller typically used?
Most children use a stroller until they are 3–4 years old. The combination prams in this review have a maximum weight of 22–25 kg, which corresponds to the average child at around 4–5 years of age.
Is it worth buying an expensive stroller?
It depends on your usage. If you push a lot on varied terrain, you will notice a significant difference between a $700 stroller and a $1,300 one — especially in suspension, wheel quality, and durability. For pure city use on flat pavements, the difference is smaller.
What is the difference between air-filled and puncture-proof tyres?
Air-filled tyres give a softer ride but can puncture. Puncture-proof (foam-filled) tyres require zero maintenance and are the standard on most top-rated strollers today. Modern foam tyres give almost as good cushioning as air tyres.
Can I take a stroller on a plane?
Most strollers can be taken on a plane and checked in free of charge. Lightweight pushchairs and umbrella strollers are the most practical for travel. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe and Babyzen Yoyo are popular travel strollers.
Summary — Which Stroller Should You Choose?
- Best overall: Britax Smile 5Z — solid all-rounder at a fair price
- Best premium: Bugaboo Fox 5 — for parents who want the very best
- Best for growing families: UPPAbaby Vista V3 — grows with the family
- Best mid-range value: Cybex Talos S Lux — lots of stroller for the money
- Best budget: Cybex Balios S Lux or Easywalker Zoey — good strollers under $800
Whatever you choose: prioritize wheels that suit the terrain where you live, and test the stroller in a store before you decide.
Further Reading
- How to Choose the Right Stroller
- Car Seat Guide: Safety and Rules
- Baby Carrier and Sling Guide
- Newborn Essentials Checklist