If you’re in the market for a stroller that’s small but mighty, a compact travel stroller might be just what you need. These lightweight rides make vacations easier and everyday routines more manageable. From quick errands to school drop-offs to weaving through crowded spaces, a compact stroller can be a real game-changer for parents on the go. With so many models now folding small enough to fit in an overhead bin, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Two of the latest options worth checking out are the Joolz Aer2 and the UPPAbaby Minu V3. Both are light, space-saving, and designed to work for newborns from day one.
Let’s dive into the details! But first watch our short comparison video:
The Joolz Aer2 makes life on the go easier, stylish, and stress-free. Its one-hand, one-second fold allows the stroller to stand on its own, making it simple to collapse and carry whether you’re moving between cars, navigating airports, or storing it at home. The seat reclines fully flat with an easy one-hand adjustment, and the integrated leg rest adds extra comfort for naps and longer outings.
Every detail of the Aer2 is designed for convenience. Larger wheels with improved suspension provide a smooth ride, a 42-inch handlebar offers an ergonomic push for taller parents, and the spacious under-seat basket holds up to 17.6 pounds. The extended UPF 50+ canopy with ventilation keeps your child shaded and comfortable, while the updated harness makes securing them quick and effortless. Lightweight, compact, and approved for carry-on travel, the Aer2 is a stroller that combines comfort, practicality, and premium design.
The UPPAbaby Minu V3 is made for families who want the convenience of a travel stroller while still enjoying comfort and quality. Its lightweight frame and easy one-hand fold make it simple to take anywhere, whether you are exploring the city, heading through the airport, or loading it into a busy car trunk. The compact design is small enough to fit in most overhead bins, helping travel feel effortless from start to finish.
Right from birth, the Minu V3 is ready to use. It includes a built-in foot barrier, multiple recline options, and an adjustable harness that adapts as your child grows. For even more versatility, it can be paired with the UPPAbaby Mesa Infant Car Seat or select models from Nuna, Cybex, and Maxi-Cosi using adapters. Parents will also love details like the extendable UPF 50+ canopy, three-position footrest, smooth suspension, and a hidden pocket for a tracker device. With premium fabrics, a sleek carbon frame, and leather accents, the Minu V3 blends style with everyday practicality.
From Day One: Newborn-Friendly Design
Most travel strollers are not truly newborn ready unless you add a bassinet or car seat. The good news is that both the Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 are designed to be safe and comfortable for newborns right out of the box. This is an exciting step forward in the travel stroller market since the healthiest position for a baby in a stroller is lying flat. While car seat compatibility is useful for quick errands and travel through airports, infants should not stay in a car seat for more than two hours at a time, making a flat recline the better option for longer outings.
The Aer2 and Minu V3 both feature a full recline so your baby can rest comfortably from day one. The Aer2 includes a built-in retention net that cradles your newborn securely while using the flat position, and it also offers the optional Aer Nest, a parent-facing seat that reclines to create a snug and cozy ride. The Minu V3 provides similar support with an integrated foot barrier that clips over the seat. These features give parents peace of mind while allowing even the youngest riders to travel safely and comfortably.
Car Seat Compatibility Made Simple
One of the biggest conveniences of compact travel strollers is their ability to work as an everyday “car stroller.” With the right adapters, you can quickly attach an infant car seat for errands, airport travel, or outings where you’ll need the seat at your destination. Both the Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 provide this flexibility, though their systems work a little differently.
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Uses one universal adapter
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Compatible with many popular car seats, including Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, and Clek
Travel-Friendly Design
Both the Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 are designed with frequent flyers in mind. Each stroller is airline-approved and folds compactly to fit in most overhead bins, making them easy to bring on board.
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One-hand, one-second fold that stands on its own
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Compact enough to fit in airline overhead bins
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Comes with an elastic carry strap and an included travel pouch for easy portability
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Quick one-hand fold
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Compact fold that fits in airline overhead bins
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Compatible with a padded travel bag (sold separately): Covered by the UPPAbaby TravelSafe program, which protects your stroller against damage when packed in the official travel bag
Options for Older Siblings
Many parents love the flexibility of bringing an older child along without needing a double stroller. Both the Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 make this possible with ride-along boards.
The Joolz Aer2 Footboard offers the unique option for kids to either sit or stand, giving tired toddlers a chance to rest during longer outings. The UPPAbaby Minu V3 PiggyBack provides a sturdy standing platform designed for older siblings who prefer to ride along upright. Both boards fold up neatly when not in use and can be removed quickly for added convenience.
Comparing Key Features
The Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 are both compact, travel-ready strollers that transition easily from newborn to toddler. They share essentials like overhead bin compatibility, one-handed folding, and full recline options, but each stroller highlights different strengths depending on your priorities.
The Joolz Aer2 focuses on portability and effortless handling. Weighing only 14.3 lbs, it is among the lightest in its class. The one-second, one-hand fold makes it quick to store, and it fits neatly into most overhead bins. Tall parents will appreciate the 42-inch handlebar, while the extended UPF 50+ canopy with ventilation keeps little ones shaded and cool. Its long ergonomic backrest supports growing children, and the one-hand pull harness allows for fast adjustments. With a travel pouch, shoulder strap, and optional foldable cot, the Aer2 is an excellent choice for families who travel frequently.
The UPPAbaby Minu V3 emphasizes comfort and versatility. Although slightly heavier at 16.7 lbs, it provides more plush support with a padded insert, deeper recline options, and a three-position adjustable footrest. The 20 lb basket is larger and easier to access than the Aer2’s, while thoughtful additions like a hidden tracker pocket, reflective wheel trim, and PFAS-free fabrics set it apart. The Minu V3 also pairs seamlessly with UPPAbaby infant car seats or select other brands with adapters. Parents who invest in the padded travel bag gain access to UPPAbaby’s TravelSafe program, which covers repair or replacement if the stroller is damaged during transit.
Side-by-Side Highlights
- Weight: 14.3 lbs
- Fold: One-hand, one-second fold (self-standing)
- Folded size: 17.3” x 20.8” x 9.2” (fits most overhead bins)
- Capacity: Birth* to 50 lbs (*fully reclined or with optional cot)
- Recline: 3 positions (seated, relaxed, sleep)
- Canopy: Extended UPF 50+ with ventilation
- Storage: Basket holds 17.6 lbs
- Harness: One-hand pull, 5-point buckle
- Handlebar: 42” height
- Suspension: All-wheel suspension
- Accessories: Travel pouch & shoulder strap included; optional foldable cot
- Eco: Fabrics made from recycled PET bottles
- Weight: 16.7 lbs (lightweight with carry strap)
- Fold: One-hand, one-step fold & unfold (self-standing)
- Folded size: Overhead bin compatible, IATA certified
- Capacity: Birth to 50 lbs
- Recline: Deep multi-position recline with newborn foot barrier
- Canopy: Extendable UPF 50+ with mesh peekaboo window
- Storage: Large, easy-access basket holds up to 20 lbs
- Harness: 5-point, no-rethread adjustable
- Handlebar: Full-grain leather
- Suspension: Shock-absorbing, all-wheel suspension
- Comfort: Padded, machine-washable insert; 3-position footrest
- Extras: Hidden tracker pocket, reflective trim, PFAS-free fabrics
- Travel: UPPAbaby TravelSafe program with official travel bag
Specs and Dimensions
Now that we’ve compared features, here’s how the Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 stack up by the numbers. From weight and dimensions to warranty coverage, these technical details can make a big difference in daily use.
*The Aer2’s retention net is permanently attached under the leg rest and stores neatly in a pocket. The Minu V3 also stores neatly under the seat.
Finding Your Best Fit
The Joolz Aer2 is ideal if your top priorities are lightweight portability and a fold that’s truly travel-friendly. Weighing just 14.3 lbs, it’s one of the lightest strollers in its class and folds smaller than the Minu V3—compact enough for most overhead bins. Beyond portability, it offers features rarely seen in travel strollers, like compatibility with the Aer+ Nest, a unique accessory that allows your child to ride parent-facing for those early bonding months. Add in a tall 42” handlebar, long ergonomic backrest, ventilated UPF 50+ canopy, and an innovative one-pull harness, and the Aer2 is designed to keep both parents and little ones comfortable as they grow. Joolz also includes a travel pouch and shoulder strap, and backs the Aer2 with a standout 10-year transferrable warranty, making it a top choice for frequent flyers or families who want a stroller built for the long haul.
The UPPAbaby Minu V3 shines if you’re looking for everyday comfort in a compact package. While slightly heavier, it delivers with a padded seat insert, deeper recline, 3-position footrest, and a large 20-lb basket that’s easier to access than the Aer2’s. It integrates seamlessly with UPPAbaby’s car seats and accessories, and the brand’s TravelSafe program protects against damage when using their travel bag. Thoughtful extras like reflective trim, a hidden tracker pocket, and PFAS-free fabrics make it a versatile choice for families who want one stroller that can transition effortlessly from daily outings to travel.
Quick Takeaway:
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Choose the Joolz Aer2 if you want the lightest, most compact fold, overhead bin compatibility, and the rare option to make it parent-facing with the Aer+ Nest.
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Choose the UPPAbaby Minu V3 if you want more comfort, storage, and a stroller that doubles as your everyday ride.
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. UPPAbaby Minu V3, feel free to contact us at cs@strolleria.com.
