Travel strollers have quickly become a must-have for modern families. Lightweight, compact, and easy to handle, they are just as useful for airport travel and vacations as they are for everyday errands. From fitting into a crowded trunk to gliding through narrow store aisles or making quick school drop-offs, a good travel stroller saves time and space while keeping your child comfortable.
For 2025, two standout options are the Joolz Aer2 and the Bugaboo Butterfly 2. Both are stylish, easy to fold, and designed with travel in mind, yet each has unique advantages. In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at their differences to help you decide which stroller is the best match for your family.
Meet the Joolz Aer2, a travel stroller built to make life on the go simple and stress-free. Weighing just 14.3 pounds, it folds in a single second with one hand, stands upright when folded, and is compact enough to fit in most overhead bins—ideal for flights, errands, and quick trips in and out of the car.
Your child’s comfort is a priority with features like a full recline for naps, a new integrated leg rest, and larger wheels with improved suspension for a smoother ride. Parents will love the taller 42-inch handlebar, a spacious basket that holds up to 17.6 pounds, and an extended UPF 50+ canopy with ventilation to keep little ones cool and protected. With its easy one-pull harness and premium finishes, the Aer2 proves that a lightweight stroller can deliver both convenience and style.
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is made for families who want the freedom to go anywhere. At just over 16 pounds, it folds in one second into an ultra-compact package that fits in most overhead bins and pops back open just as quickly. Whether you are boarding a plane or running a last-minute errand, the Butterfly 2 is always ready.
Created with toddlers in mind, it features an ergonomic seat with improved back and leg support, a newly designed harness for easier adjustments, and upgraded wheels with enhanced bearings for a smoother, more responsive push. A roomy underseat basket gives you space for all the essentials, and a refreshed color palette brings a stylish, modern look.
Beyond convenience, the Butterfly 2 is recognized for its award-winning design and sustainable build, offering Bugaboo’s lowest CO₂ footprint yet. With the option to add car seat adapters or other accessories, it adapts easily to your family’s needs while delivering comfort, durability, and true travel-ready performance.
From Birth Options
Both the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 can be used from birth when paired with a compatible car seat. The Aer2 goes a step further by offering a stroller seat that is ready for newborns. Its seat reclines fully flat and is approved for use with newborns, featuring a built-in retention net to keep your baby secure in the flat position.
The Aer2 also provides extra options for newborn comfort. You can add the Aer Nest, an optional parent-facing seat that reclines for a cozy, snuggled-in ride, or choose a dedicated bassinet, sold separately.
Bottom line, if you need a travel stroller that can function from day one without relying only on adding a car seat, the Joolz Aer2 gives you the best options.
What Car Seats Are Compatible?
A major advantage of compact travel strollers is the ability to pair them with an infant car seat. Since these strollers often serve as your everyday “car stroller,” being able to click the car seat in and out makes errands, school drop-offs, and travel much easier. Both the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 offer this convenience with car seat adapters (sold separately), allowing you to move seamlessly from car to stroller without disturbing your baby.
Joolz Aer2
The Aer2 uses a single car seat adapter that is compatible with many premium infant car seats, including Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, and Clek.
Bugaboo Butterfly 2
The Butterfly 2 also uses a single car seat adapter that works with premium brands such as Bugaboo, Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, and Clek.
Bringing an Older Sibling Along
More premium travel strollers now offer ways to carry an older sibling, which makes school runs and family outings much smoother. Both the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 have ride-along boards that let a child either sit or stand for the ride. These are great options for families with about a 2.5+ year age gap!
The Aer2 Footboard and the Butterfly Comfort Wheeled Board each come with a small built-in seat, giving toddlers the choice to rest or hop on for some fun while standing. When not in use, the boards fold up neatly and can be removed quickly for storage or travel.
Made for Travel
Both the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 are built with travel in mind. They fold compactly enough to fit in most overhead bins, taking the stress out of airport navigation.
The Aer2 stands out with its one-hand, one-second fold that self-stands, along with an elastic carry strap and travel pouch so you can easily throw it over your shoulder on the go.
The Butterfly 2 is just as compact with a quick, durable fold approved for most airline cabins. It also offers a unique perk for families: a snack tray accessory that keeps little ones entertained whether you are traveling or just running errands.
Both the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 are built for families who want a lightweight, travel-friendly stroller that can keep up from the newborn stage through toddlerhood. They both fold with one hand, fit into most overhead bins, and feature ergonomic seating. Still, each stroller shines in its own way, depending on what you value most.
The Joolz Aer2 is all about portability and newborn flexibility. At just 14.3 lbs, it is among the lightest travel strollers on the market. Its one-second, self-standing fold makes travel simple, while the tall 42-inch handlebar keeps it comfortable for taller parents. The Aer2 also features an extended UPF 50+ canopy with ventilation, a long ergonomic backrest, and a one-pull harness system for quick adjustments. Parents get extras like a travel pouch, carry strap, and multiple newborn solutions, including a full flat recline, the optional Aer Nest parent-facing seat, and a foldable bassinet.
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 puts comfort and convenience first. At just over 16 lbs, it offers a roomy, supportive seat for toddlers while still folding into a compact, carry-on-ready size. It features upgraded wheels and bearings for a smooth, agile ride, plus a large under-seat basket for all your essentials. The Butterfly 2 also adds family-friendly touches such as a new snack tray, eco-friendly materials, and compatibility with Bugaboo’s full range of accessories. It is the go-to choice for parents who want a travel stroller with a bigger seat, excellent push, and thoughtful extras.
Quick Feature Highlights
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Ultra-compact, self-standing fold that fits in overhead bins
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Weighs only 14.3 lbs
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One-pull harness with 5-point buckle
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Extended ergonomic backrest with recline options
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UPF 50+ canopy with ventilation
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Tall 42-inch handlebar for parent comfort
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All-wheel suspension for smoother rides
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Eco-friendly, sustainable fabrics
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Storage basket holds up to 17.6 lbs
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Works with car seat adapters, foldable cot, Aer Nest, and more
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Compact fold that meets airline cabin requirements
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Weighs just over 16 lbs
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Spacious, ergonomic seat with improved backrest
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Newly designed harness for secure, easy adjustments
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Upgraded wheels and bearings for a smoother push
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Oversized under-seat basket holds up to 17.6 lbs
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Eco-conscious design with Bugaboo’s lowest CO₂ footprint to date
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Winner of the Red Dot “Best of the Best” award
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Available in new color options
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Compatible with car seat adapters, snack tray, footmuffs, and more
Key Specs
While both the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 are built for compact travel, their differences might make one a better match for your family. The Aer2 is lighter at just over 14 pounds, which makes it easier to carry or pack away. Its taller handlebar is a plus for parents who want a more comfortable push. The Butterfly 2 offers one of the tallest seat backs among travel strollers, giving extra room for bigger toddlers. Both models are designed to fit in airplane overhead bins for stress-free travel.
Let’s take a closer look:
Weight
Dimensions
Folded Dimensions
Both strollers meet the carry-on standards of the International Air Transport Association: 22″L x 18″W x 10″D.
Recommended Use
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Joolz Aer2: Birth to 50 pounds / 0-6 months: full lie-flat position only, with the retention net attached*; 6 months-4 years old: all recline positions can be used -
Bugaboo Butterfly 2: 6 months to 50 pounds
Seat Back Height
Seat to Canopy Height
Seat Depth
Wheel Size
Warranty
* The retention net is permanently attached under the leg rest and can be neatly stored in a dedicated pocket
Picking the Right Fit for Your Family
Both strollers shine in their own way. It’s a hard choice! Here’s a quick guide:
Choose the
Joolz Aer2 when:
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You plan to use the stroller from birth with its newborn-friendly features.
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You want a model light enough to carry easily but versatile enough for daily use.
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You need a taller handlebar that makes pushing more comfortable.
Choose the
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 when:
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You want a dedicated travel stroller that delivers maximum convenience.
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A roomy, supportive seat and a smooth push matter most for your toddler.
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You like the added storage and extras such as the snack tray.
More Questions?
Strolleria is dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents. If you have more questions about the
Joolz Aer2 vs.
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 debate, feel free to contact us at cs@strolleria.com.
