Best Strollers of 2025: Our Top Picks for Every Budget

Cribworthy Team··5 min read
Best Strollers of 2025: Our Top Picks for Every Budget

Best Strollers of 2025: Our Top Picks for Every Budget

Choosing a stroller is one of the biggest gear decisions you'll make as a new parent, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. We've spent hundreds of hours synthesizing expert reviews, real parent feedback, and long-term ownership reports on strollers to find the ones that actually make your life easier. Here are our top picks for 2025.

How We Evaluate

We assessed each stroller on maneuverability, fold size, weight, ease of use with one hand, storage capacity, and overall build quality — drawing from professional reviews, real parent feedback, and long-term durability reports from owner communities.

Best Overall: UPPAbaby VISTA V2

The UPPAbaby VISTA V2 continues to dominate for good reason. At around $1,000, it's a significant investment, but you get a stroller that genuinely grows with your family. The included bassinet is approved for overnight sleep, which is rare and incredibly useful in those early weeks when you want your baby close. The one-hand fold is smooth, the build quality is premium, and it expands to a double configuration when baby number two comes along.

The VISTA handles beautifully on sidewalks, through stores, and even on light gravel paths. The underseat basket is enormous, fitting a full diaper bag with room to spare. If you can swing the price, this is the stroller we recommend most often.

Why we love it

  • Bassinet approved for overnight sleep
  • Expands to double stroller configuration
  • One-hand fold that actually works
  • Premium materials that hold up over years

Best Premium Compact: Nuna MIXX Next

If you want luxury in a slightly smaller package, the Nuna MIXX Next delivers. The ride quality is buttery smooth thanks to all-terrain foam tires, and the one-hand recline makes adjustments effortless. The included merino wool insert is a nice premium touch. At around $650, it sits in the upper-mid range but feels worth every penny.

The MIXX Next pairs beautifully with Nuna's PIPA infant car seat using the ring adapter. For parents who want a high-end single stroller without the bulk of the VISTA, this is our pick.

Best for City Parents: Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller

The Doona is unlike anything else on the market. It's an infant car seat that transforms into a stroller in seconds — no adapters, no separate frame, no juggling two pieces of gear. For city parents who rely on rideshares, taxis, or public transit, it's an absolute game-changer. It's also FAA approved for flights.

The trade-off is that it only works up to 35 lbs and isn't ideal for long walks. Think of it as the ultimate convenience tool for the first year, especially if you live in an urban environment. Read our full Doona review for more details.

Best Value: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

The City Mini GT2 hits the sweet spot of features, portability, and price at around $330. Its legendary one-hand fold is genuinely the best in the business — you lift a strap and the whole thing collapses. The all-terrain tires handle sidewalks, parks, and light trails without fuss, and the adjustable handlebar accommodates parents of different heights.

It doesn't come with a bassinet and the basket access is limited when fully reclined, but for everyday use, it's incredibly hard to beat. This is the stroller we recommend to friends who ask "what should I get?" without specifying a budget.

Best Budget Pick: Graco Modes Nest DLX Travel System

Under $400 gets you a full travel system including the SnugRide 35 infant car seat. The Modes Nest DLX offers three riding modes, a height-adjustable seat, and an extra-large storage basket. It's bulkier than the premium options and the plastic wheels won't feel as smooth on rough terrain, but the value proposition is outstanding.

For families watching their budget, this Graco system covers you from birth through toddlerhood without needing to buy separate pieces. Check current prices on Amazon — this one goes on sale frequently. Note: As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.

Quick Comparison Table

Here's how our top picks stack up at a glance. For the full breakdown of every model we've reviewed, visit our strollers category page.

What to consider when choosing

Think about your lifestyle first. City dweller? The Doona or a lightweight option might serve you best. Suburban with plans for a second child? The VISTA's expandability is worth the investment. On a budget? The Graco travel system gives you everything you need. No single stroller is perfect for everyone, but one of these will be perfect for you.

The Bottom Line

Our top recommendation for most families is the UPPAbaby VISTA V2 for its versatility, build quality, and long-term value. But the best stroller is the one that fits your life. Consider where you'll use it most, how often you'll be folding it, and whether you need infant car seat compatibility from day one. Whatever you choose from this list, you're getting a stroller we'd confidently recommend to any new parent.

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