I’ve been testing the new Joolz Aer2 for months, and it’s proven to be an excellent choice for parents who want something that’s lighter and more portable than a typical full-size stroller. Like the previous iteration of this stroller—the Joolz Aer+—the new model stands out thanks to its ease of use, compact size and sturdy frame.
The Joolz Aer+ is currently Forbes Vetted’s pick for the best travel stroller, but it has its trade-offs like any stroller. “We carefully listened to the feedback of Aer+ users,” says a spokesperson for the brand. “For example, people were missing an integrated footrest and would love bigger, more sturdy wheels.”
I’ve tested over 50 strollers, including many travel strollers, so I’ve developed an eye for what is most useful for families. Read on to learn more about the upgrades and how the new stroller fared in my testing.
Joolz Aer2: Travel-Friendly Features
Compact And Simple Fold
One of the most important features in a travel stroller is a simple, compact fold—and it doesn’t get much simpler than the Aer2. I can fold and unfold it easily in seconds, meaning I’m not wrestling with an unwieldy stroller in the middle of a busy street or on a crowded airplane. It also stands on its own when folded, which is a really useful feature when you’re on the go and just need to set something down—like in a waiting area or while standing in line.
As a frequent road-tripper, I appreciate how narrow the stroller is when folded. It’s not difficult to find a little spot to squeeze it into the trunk of my car, even when it’s fully loaded. If you’re traveling by plane, the stroller can fit through most airplane aisles and is designed to fold small enough for overhead compartments.
Newborn Ready Out Of The Box
Traveling with a newborn means bringing all the things. The first time I traveled with a baby, I rented a stroller at our destination because I just didn’t have room to pack one. But the compact fold of the Aer2 is ideal for travel with an infant, along with the fact that it’s newborn ready without any additional attachments. It eliminates one extra thing (like a carrycot or bassinet attachment) to make your travels lighter and easier.
Fully recline the stroller to use it with a newborn, and as with all kids, make sure they’re securely strapped in. If you prefer a bassinet-style stroller, an optional carrycot attachment is sold separately—which can be handy (and possibly more comfortable for your baby) if you plan for your baby to nap frequently on the go.
Lightweight Without Feeling Flimsy
About a pound heavier than the previous version, the Joolz Aer2 is still very lightweight—one of the lightest strollers I’ve tested. According to the brand, the heavier weight is due to larger front wheels, a larger basket and new footrest.
Some lightweight strollers can feel really flimsy, especially when you try to push them one-handed. I don’t get this sense from the Aer2. I have no problems steering it with one hand, and it doesn’t feel like a travel stroller when I’m pushing it. Though it’s light, it also feels sturdy, robust and complete.
The integrated shoulder strap and included travel bag are both nice features, and I can definitely hoist this on my shoulder to carry when needed. It does start to feel heavy after a while, which is to be expected for just about anything that weights nearly 15 pounds, but it’s much easier to tote around than most strollers on the market.
Joolz Aer2: Maneuverability And Ease Of Use
Smooth And Simple
Like the Aer+, the Aer2 is one of the smoothest travel strollers I’ve used. The new version continues to perform well on sidewalk bumps and gravel. When it comes to pushing it around, it feels more like a robust full-size stroller than a travel stroller.
I also appreciate that I can push or fold this stroller one-handed, and how easy the straps are to adjust. “Joolz knows that parenting often feels like you need at least three hands—one for the baby, one for the bags, and one to juggle it all,” says a spokesperson.
Get Kids In And Out Quickly
The ease of buckling kids in and getting them out is a hallmark of a good travel stroller. It’s so important to have kids well-secured when you’re toting luggage or trying to navigate an unfamiliar area, and sometimes you need to get your kid in and out of the stroller fast when your family is on the move. When buckling kids into the Aer2, a one-hand pull harness system works similar to a car seat harness and allows me to tighten the straps quickly. When it’s time to get them out, the top straps are separated from the side straps, meaning my kid’s arms don’t get caught or tangled.
Joolz Aer2: Comfort Features
A Nice Push For Parents
As a parent, when I’m pushing it, I find the handlebar to be at a comfortable position (some travel strollers have handlebars that are much too low for me). It’s also really smooth to the touch and just feels nice in my hand.
I always appreciate a little bit of storage, which can be hard to come by on a travel stroller. The basket on the Aer2 is definitely larger than that on many other travel strollers, and it has a small storage pocket behind the seat, which is the ideal place to slip my phone, keys, boarding pass or other small travel items. If you want a little more space, you can add on the Joolz Organizer bag (sold separately) that attaches to the handlebar, but has a sleek enough design to be carried as shoulder bag as needed.
Comfort Features For Kids
For little ones riding in the stroller, the seat is adequately padded, and my kids have had no complaints so far. The fabrics (which are made from recycled plastic) feel high-quality and durable. The canopy has nice coverage, and you can open or close a ventilation panel. I find this to be a nice perk to help keep your child comfortable if you travel to a different climate.
The new footrest is a welcome addition that makes the seat more comfortable for newborns while lying flat and for older kids. My 3-year-old twins weigh around 40 pounds, and they still fit comfortably in the stroller (many other travel strollers can make them look like giants now). This definitely gives it longevity, and makes the the stroller a better all-aound value.
Joolz Aer2: Minor Drawbacks
The new footrest is definitely an appreciated addition. However, I don’t find it as easy to adjust as it’s touted to be. While I can do it with one hand, it’s somewhat difficult, and it feels like I’m going to break it or force it too hard.
I also really appreciate the lie-flat recline (and so do my kids), but I think the recline is unnecessarily complicated. To reach the first recline level, you need to unzip the back panel then support your child as they move back so they don’t fall back suddenly. To reach the next level, you undo a clip on one side and again support your child on their way down. Especially for a stroller that has so many other seamless features, I would appreciate a simple one-handed lever recline.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a sturdy travel stroller that can do just about anything a full-size stroller can do, the Joolz Aer2 is a great pick. After testing over 50 strollers (including over a dozen travel strollers), I can confidently say that the Joolz Aer2 is the best travel stroller I’ve tested.
It does everything a good travel stroller should:
- It has features that are intuitive and easy to use with one hand
- It’s lightweight and has an integrated shoulder strap
- It’s sturdy and robust enough to be comfortable for babies and older toddlers alike
- The fold is nice and compact, making it ideal for overhead compartments or squeezing it into limited trunk space
- There is enough space in the basket to store a diaper bag along with other travel essentials
After using the stroller for months with my kids who are nearing the weight limit, it has proven durable, and it’s one of the go-to strollers that I keep in the trunk of my car. Because it folds so small, it’s nice to always have it on hand in case I need it, and once it’s unfolded, its features and push don’t stray too far from what I’d expect in a robust full-size stroller.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, the baby and kids gear team regularly tests and reviews strollers. We’ve tested the best full-size strollers, the best double strollers and the best jogging strollers.
- The author of this article, Alicia Betz, has tested over 50 strollers, including over a dozen travel strollers, putting them to the test during everyday life with her three kids. She has interviewed a variety of experts to learn more about strollers and stroller safety, including baby gear experts, pediatricians and child safety professionals.
- The editor of this article, Margaret Badore, is a mom to three and an experienced parenting journalist and editor. She has also tested a variety of travel strollers, including an earlier iteration of the Joolz Aer.
- We have plenty of experience with Joolz Aer strollers—we’ve now tested two different versions of the Aer across three testers. To gain insight on the new model, including what changes were made and why, we interviewed a Joolz spokesperson.
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