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, it’s 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!
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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.
I like the 3Dmini for trips where every pound counts. It’s around 11 lb with a compact fold, multi-position recline and a 5-point harness, which makes airport days and city breaks easier.
- Very light for carrying through airports
- Compact fold that fits small trunks and closets
- Recline and 5 point harness for naps and security
- Smaller canopy than pricier travel strollers
- No one hand self-stand fold
If price is the top priority and you want a familiar stroller feel, Cloud Plus is the value pick. It is about 13 lbs, has a multi-position recline, a decent canopy, and a simple fold. It is not an overhead bin stroller, but it travels well by car and transit.
- Low price
- Large canopy for the price
- Multiple recline positions
- Tray and storage options
- Bulkier fold than compacts
- Ride quality is basic
The 3Dlite is a proven traveler. The aluminum frame keeps weight to roughly 13 lbs, with a larger seat area, 4 position recline and 5-point harness.
- Aluminum frame feels sturdier than many budget picks
- Four position recline for on the go naps
- Large seat area for growing toddlers
- Frequent colour sales bring price down
- Not always below $100 in every colour
- Umbrella fold is longer than cabin sized ultracompacts
If sidewalk cracks and curbs are your nemesis, the PowerGlyde Plus is the comfiest push I’ve found under $100. You still get multi-position recline, a big basket and an aluminum frame without creeping into premium pricing, which is ideal for travel days and short city walks.
- Noticeably smoother push than most budget models
- Multi position recline for tired toddlers
- Large storage basket for day-out gear
- Longer folded length than cabin ultracompacts
- Seat padding is basic
When you need a basic compact that folds small and stays light, the Strollerette works. It lists under 16.5 lbs with a compact fold, big canopy and generous basket.
- Simple compact fold for trunk and closet
- Extra large canopy with peek window
- Lightweight frame under sixteen and a half pounds
- Fewer comfort extras than midrange strollers
- No car seat compatibility
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 an inexpensive travel 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. Traveling as a family 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.