This article about the Best Budget Strollers for Travel was written by baby travel expert Celine Brewer and may contain affiliate links.
There are many reasons to invest in a cheap travel stroller. For example, I have traveled with strollers on many occasions, and I can tell you that I don’t like to risk damaging my day-to-day stroller on the flight. Likewise, if you are only going to use it occasionally, you may not want to shell out for a high-end travel stroller.
That’s why I put together this list of the best cheap travel strollers. I’m sure you’ll be surprised at how many great travel strollers under $100 there are that will fit within any budget. Many of these inexpensive travel strollers have good features such as near flat recline, or one that accommodates infant car seats.
At this price point, you are not likely that you’ll find one with all the bells and whistles. But, if there is a feature that is especially important to you, scroll to the bottom for my tips on how to make your cheap travel stroller the best it can be!
My Top Picks for the Best Affordable Travel Strollers:
I know you don’t always have time to read, so here are my top picks for the best inexpensive travel strollers:
Best Overall Cheap Travel Stroller:
Summer 3DLite Convenience – With extra storage and convenience features, the Summer 3Dlite stroller is my pick for the best value affordable travel stroller.
Inexpensive Travel Stroller with the Most Features:
Kolcraft Cloud Plus – I love how this affordable compact travel stroller under $100 has many useful features, including ample storage, a good canopy, and parent and child trays with cup holders.
Most Ultra-Compact Budget Stroller:
gb Pockit Air All-Terrain – The most compact stroller on my list, the gb Pockit Air All Terrain weighs only 10 lbs and will fold small enough to fit in an overhead bin on the plane.
What You’ll Find in this Article on the Best Affordable Travel Strollers
Best Travel Strollers Under $100
In my list of best budget travel strollers you’ll find a mix of umbrella strollers for travel and strollers with a more traditional fold. Keep in mind that while there are some excellent budget travel strollers, at this price point you can’t expect all the features found in high-end travel strollers.
There will be some trade-offs, which is why I recommend knowing which features are most important to you. I discuss this in more detail below. If there is one stroller feature which is especially important to you, I also provide some suggestions for stroller accessories you can purchase.
With so many travel strollers to choose from, how do I choose what’s in my list? In my list of travel strollers under $100 you’ll find highly rated strollers that are lightweight for travel. All my recommendation are under 20 pounds, though I recommend looking for a travel stroller closer to 15 pounds unless there’s a specific feature the cheap travel stroller has.
You may notice that I’ve included a couple of strollers over $100, but only because they are ultracompact and offer something the other strollers don’t in how compact they fold. They still fall at or under $150.
1. Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
The Summer #Dlite stroller is my top pick for an affordable travel stroller. With an extra large storage basket plus a side pocket and a cup holder, you’ll be able to carry everything you need using this compact travel stroller.
The Summer 3Dlite Convenience stroller is a budget stroller for travel that weighs only 13 pounds, has an umbrella style fold and a carry strap. While you won’t be able to store it in the overhead bin, you can bring it right to the gate of the airplane and easily fold it up.
With 4 recline positions to nearly flat, you’ll have no trouble getting your baby to sleep on vacation. This stroller is recommended for babies 6 months+ and up to 50lbs.
For a slightly higher price and at one pound heavier, you can get the Summer 3Dlite+ that has premium fabric, one hand multi-position recline, an oversized canopy, and a cell phone holder.
- Recline – 4 position recline to nearly flat.
- Storage – Extra Large storage basket.
- Wheels – Anti-shock front wheels.
- Sun Protection – Adjustable and removable canopy with sun visor.
- Height Adjustable Handles – No.
- Size/Weight – 13 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs.
- Easy Fold – 3 step umbrella style fold.
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat – No.
2. gb Pockit Air All-Terrain Ultra Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller
While the price on the gb Pockit Air All Terrain travel stroller isn’t below the $100 threshold, for only slightly more you can get one of the most compact travel strollers on the market. I love how this lightweight compact stroller can be collapsed in seconds and will fit in the overhead bin on the airplane.
At only 10 lbs, this compact travel stroller is easy to fold, lift and maneuver. However, what you get in compactness you sacrifice in features. This stroller doesn’t recline and the sunshade is going to offer very little protection. Rated up to a max weight of 55 pounds, this stroller is best for anyone who needs an ultra-lightweight travel stroller without all the extra features.
Recommended age for this compact travel stroller is from 6 months up to 55 lbs.
- Recline - No.
- Storage - Limited.
- Wheels – Double wheels to help make uneven terrain easier.
- Sun Protection – Small sun visor.
- Height Adjustable Handles – No.
- Size/Weight – 10.4 lbs / folds to 11.8 in x 7.1 in x 13.8 in.
- Max Weight Capacity – 55 lbs.
- Easy Fold - Yes.
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat – No.
3. Graco NimbleLite Lightweight Stroller
The Graco NimbleLite Stroller is an excellent budget travel stroller for anyone who wants to create a travel system with any Graco infant car seat. This stroller has two cup holders for parents and a tray for your little one. The tray has a cup holder and a belly bar to attach a few toddler travel toys.
While the seat does recline, it’s not a full recline. This stroller is suitable for newborns by using it with your infant car seat.
- Recline – Yes.
- Storage – Large storage basket.
- Sun Protection – Extendable canopy.
- Height Adjustable Handles – No.
- Size/Weight – under 15 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs.
- Easy Fold – One-step compact fold.
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat – Yes.
4. Jeep PowerGlyde Stroller
The Jeep PowerGlyde Plus stroller by Delta Children has an umbrella style fold and is easy to travel with. Not a feature I see often, the 43" long handles will be comfortable for even tall parents. While it's not the most affordable stroller on my list, it is a durable and well made stroller that your little one (and you) will find comfortable.
This travel stroller meets Disney size requirements and plenty of space in the basket to store what you need. It's recommended for babies 6 months+ and up to 50 lbs.
- Recline – 4 recline positions.
- Storage – Large storage basket.
- Wheels – Dual front and back wheels.
- Sun Protection – Extendable with sun visor.
- Height Adjustable Handles – Has extra long foam handles.
- Size/Weight – 13.7 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs.
- Easy Fold – Umbrella fold.
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat – No.
5. Kolcraft Cloud Plus Compact Travel Stroller
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a very popular compact baby travel stroller, with a great price point for anyone looking for a stroller under $100 for travel. It’s lightweight at only 11.8 pounds with a decent canopy and plenty of space to store all your baby travel essentials.
Available in red and slate grey plus it’s Disney size approved! What I really like is that the Kolcraft compact stroller has lots of features, including a parent and child tray, both with cup holders.
This affordable travel stroller should be used from around 6 months when your baby can sit up unassisted.
- Recline – Yes but not flat.
- Storage – Large storage basket.
- Wheels – Front suspension.
- Sun Protection – Three tier canopy with peek-a-boo window.
- Height Adjustable Handles – No.
- Size/Weight –11.8 lbs / folds to 18 in x 12 in x 34 in.
- Max Weight Capacity – 40 lbs.
- Easy Fold – One hand, self standing fold.
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat – No.
6. Summer Infant 3D Mini Convenience Stroller
The Summer Infant 3D Mini Convenience umbrella stroller for travel has an adjustable backrest and canopy (with a pop-out sun visor). It has two cup holders for parents plus a storage pocket and at only 11 pounds, it’s easy to carry around as needed. It doesn’t recline flat, so it’s best used for babies who can sit up unassisted and up to 45 lbs.
This is a pretty typical affordable umbrella stroller for travel at a great price, and despite it’s small size it does still have a full-sized seat.
- Recline – Multi position recline.
- Storage – Large storage basket.
- Sun Protection – Adjustable canopy with pop-out sun visor.
- Height Adjustable Handles – No.
- Size/Weight – 11 lbs / folds to 44 in x 15 in x 9.5 in.
- Max Weight Capacity – 45 lbs.
- Easy Fold – Umbrella style fold.
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat – No.
7. Pamo Babe Lightweight Stroller
For the most budget conscious, Pamo Babe is a basic umbrella style travel stroller that’s easy to travel with. For the most affordable travel stroller on this list, the Pamo Babe umbrella stroller is well rated, has a decent canopy and recline.
It has has a parent organizer on the back. My biggest complaint is that this stroller is only good up to a maximum weight of 33 lbs, so if you have a large toddler you might want to consider one of the other options (like the Summer 3Dmini which has a comparably low price).
- Recline – Yes.
- Storage – Under seat storage basket.
- Wheels – Dual front and back wheels.
- Sun Protection – Extendable canopy.
- Height Adjustable Handles – No.
- Size/Weight – 15.7 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 33 lbs.
- Easy Fold – Umbrella fold.
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat – No.
8. Baby Joy Lightweight Baby Stroller
The Baby Joy lightweight travel stroller comes at a price under $100, has multiple position recline and an extendable canopy to keep your little one comfortable. The adjustable footrest is a nice feature that isn’t often found in the budget travel strollers.
This travel stroller does not have a full flat recline, making it better for babies who can sit up unassisted and up to 40 lbs. Compared to many other lightweight budget strollers, a 40 pound weight limit will make for a shorter use period. That being said, it does come with a tray for your baby and at only 13 lbs it would be easy to carry as needed.
- Recline – Multiple position to 170 degrees.
- Storage – Large storage basket.
- Wheels – 360-degree swivel for maneuverability.
- Sun Protection – Extendable canopy.
- Height Adjustable Handles – No.
- Size/Weight –13 lbs / folds to 32 in x 18 in x 14 in.
- Max Weight Capacity – 40 lbs.
- Easy Fold – One hand fold.
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat – No.
9. Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller
The Baby Trend Rocket umbrella stroller is a budget travel stroller with just the basics. It folds up umbrella style. The canopy isn’t overly large and not likely to offer a ton of protection. This is a good option for anyone looking for a cheap umbrella stroller for travel when you don’t need all the bells and whistles.
This cheap travel stroller comes with a parent organizer with cup holders. The only cheaper stroller in this list is the Jeep North Star and Summer 3D Mini.
- Recline – Yes.
- Storage – Large storage basket.
- Wheels – Dual front and back for a smoother ride.
- Sun Protection – Canopy is small but removable.
- Height Adjustable Handles – Has taller handles.
- Size/Weight – 13.5 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs.
- Easy Fold – Umbrella style fold.
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat – No.
10. HONEY JOY Lightweight Stroller
The Honey Joy lightweight stroller has a near flat recline to 170 degrees and an easy one-hand fold. A budget travel stroller with just the basics, the Honey Joy weighs only 13 lbs, and makes an excellent travel stroller at under $100.
As an added bonus, this stroller comes with a tray for baby. This is a great option for giving (supervised) snacks on-the-go or a few baby travel toys. While it doesn’t fully recline (so I wouldn’t recommend it for newborns), it would be suitable for babies who have neck control and are close to sitting unassisted.
- Recline – Yes to near-flat recline.
- Storage – Large storage basket.
- Wheels – Dual front and back for a smoother ride.
- Sun Protection – Extendable Canopy.
- Height Adjustable Handles – Has taller handles.
- Size/Weight – 13 lbs / 32” x 18” x 14” folded dimensions.
- Max Weight Capacity – 40 lbs.
- Easy Fold – One-hand compact fold.
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat – No.
11. Safety 1st Step Lite Compact Stroller
The Safety 1st Step Lite umbrella stroller is a lightweight travel stroller for parents with a strict budget or who don’t want to spend a bunch of money on a second stroller. It folds up umbrella style but still has an extra large canopy and a peekaboo window.
This cheap travel stroller comes with a cup holder and a storage pocket. With a lightweight frame this compact stroller weighs 15 lbs, has a near flat recline PLUS has a max weight capacity of 50 lbs. This compact stroller will meet Disney stroller requirements.
- Recline – Yes.
- Storage – Under seat storage basket & parent storage pocket.
- Wheels – Dual front and back for a smoother ride.
- Sun Protection – Large extendable canopy.
- Height Adjustable Handles – No.
- Size/Weight – 15 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs.
- Easy Fold – Umbrella style fold.
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat – No.
What to Look for in a Budget Travel Stroller
Getting the best affordable travel stroller requires a little research, but a cheap stroller for travel doesn’t mean picking up a $25 umbrella stroller from Walmart.
I have traveled quite extensively with a stroller, and have learned a lot along the way. When looking for the best travel stroller under $100, here are some of my best tips to make sure you come home with a stroller that you are happy with.
1. Know Your Budget
Sure this list has plenty of strollers under $100 for travel, but even $100 may not be within your budget. Travel can be expensive, so know what you can afford before you start looking.
2. Know What Features are Important to You
Everyone has different needs and wants when it comes to finding the best travel stroller.
Do you need one that will roll over cobblestone streets while visiting Europe with a toddler? Are you visiting Disney with a baby and need a Disney-approved stroller? Does your baby or toddler nap on-the-go?
3. Do You Even Need a Travel Stroller?
If you explore the other content on my baby travel blog, you’ll discover that I often traveled without a stroller for my baby. Learn more about the pros and cons of traveling with a stroller in my post about traveling with a stroller vs. a carrier. You may discover, like me, that you prefer to travel with one of the best baby carriers for travel instead.
4. How Long Will It Last
If you are buying a cheap travel stroller for a baby, make sure that it will be durable and large enough to last through the toddler stage.
5. Are You Flying with Your Travel Stroller
If you are flying with a baby, and especially if you fly with a stroller frequently, consider getting a stroller that has a very compact fold that isn’t too complicated. For slightly more money, you can get one of the best travel strollers for airplane travel that fits in the overhead bin on airplanes.
6. How Old is Your Baby or Toddler
While some strollers are ideal travel strollers for infants, other make more sense for toddlers. There are some in this list that are compatible with infant car seats, if you plan to travel with a car seat.
If you are buying a travel stroller for a toddler, going with a budget option is a great idea. Look for one with a high max weight and also ensure it’s lightweight. Toddlers will start spending more and more time walking and you’ll end up pushing an empty stroller.
7. Safety Features
All travel strollers should have basic safety features like a 5-point harness and locking wheels.
Optional Travel Stroller Accessories
As I previously mentioned, it’s not likely that a stroller at this price point is going to have all the features you want. However, there are plenty of great add on accessories for travel strollers which will effectively fill any need you may have. If you wish to purchase one of these inexpensive travel strollers, but still want a specific feature such as a sunshade, rain cover, cup holder, etc., then check out my post on the best accessories for travel strollers.
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This post was written & edited by:
Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.