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Nov 11, 2024

4 Best Double Travel Strollers | Tested & Rated

We researched more than 27 contenders before purchasing the top 5 competitors for rigorous side-by-side testing to find the best options for different uses. We tested essential factors like weight and

We researched more than 27 contenders before purchasing the top 5 competitors for rigorous side-by-side testing to find the best options for different uses. We tested essential factors like weight and folded size, ease of use, maneuverability, quality, and more to give you the details to decide what best fits your family and wallet.

Most families will be happiest with our favorite travel double, the Zoe Twin+. This option is a higher-quality choice than a traditional travel option for two, yet it is relatively lightweight, easy to push, and lower priced.

If your budget is smaller and your needs are fewer, the Delta Children LX Side by Side could be the answer you are looking for. While it isn't a high-quality choice or the easiest to push, it could be a lifesaver for a specific travel event that also saves you money.

Check out our full-size and double stroller review to find other options for the long haul. Not sure which kind of stroller to get? Our best strollers review is a great place to start. Are you hoping to pair your stroller with a great car seat? Find the perfect fit in our best infant car seat review.

The Zoe Twin+ is an impressive double stroller that performed well in our tests with a fast, easy fold, creating one of the smallest and lightest folded packages at 10,420 cubic inches. We love the passenger seating area with a good recline, adjustable leg rests, and some of the most extensive canopies that create a pod-like personal getaway for private napping. Our tester remarked, “My little one loved the ability to pull the canopy down for privacy.” This stroller has mesh peek-a-boo windows with magnetic closure covers and cup holders.

This stroller has harder-to-set brakes, and we had to wiggle our frame around to get the brakes to fully engage correctly. The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is somewhat higher quality and the brakes seemed more reliable to set without careful thought. It also isn't great for moving off flat surfaces, and it might be a poor choice if going off-road or over grass is part of your strolling plans. If that is the case, you might be stuck with a full-size double that has a three-wheel design like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double. Overall, we believe the Twin+ is a good quality option that combines impressive passenger comfort, a lightweight design, and accessories for a stroller most families will love.

Read more: Zoe Twin+ review

The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is a sleek, stylish, side-by-side umbrella stroller. This stroller is one of the smallest when folded, with a size of 7,484 cubic inches in our tests. Our tester said, “It is one of the smallest, and I was able to fit it in my car easier than most of the competition.” This helps it fit in spaces where other doubles can't fit, and this is where the Nano truly outshines most of the competition. Also, this stroller is relatively light, has a nice storage bin, and adjustable leg rests for comfort.

Some drawbacks of the Nano include the lack of peek-a-boo windows, medium-sized canopies, and a bar across the storage basket that limits access. If canopies or kid comfort is your goal, the Zoe Twin+ has giant canopies our testers loved. The price is higher compared to the competition. However, this stroller is an excellent quality choice that could be the only option for parents with smaller cars. While the Nano Duo misses the mark of functioning as a full-size stroller, it has enough of what you need for travel and quick trips where storage is less of a need.

Read more: Mountain Buggy Nano Duo review

The Delta Children LX Side by Side earned an eye-catching result for weight and folded size with a weight of 18.5 lbs and 8,211 cubic inches. It also came with one of the lowest prices in the lineup. This lighter product is bare-bones, with no frills, making it a good choice for tight budgets that need a travel stroller for occasional use or in places where space could be in short supply. Our tester said, “I wouldn't want this to be my only stroller or use it on longer trips, but it is great in the airport or occasional museum trip.”

Since the Delta has few features, it could be challenging for longer adventures. There is no storage bin, just pockets, and they are not very large, and you can't put much in them. So, you'll likely need to carry a diaper bag, especially with two kids. The Zoe Twin+ is a better bet if you need conveniences like storage and comfort. The ultra-small shades offer almost no coverage beyond high above sun shade. While the Delta won't work well as your full-size stroller, it can transport little ones from place to place for a wallet-friendly price in a package that is easy to carry, which makes it perfect for occasional use, indoor fun, or public transportation.

Read more: Delta Children LX Side by Side review

The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is an excellent double travel stroller with attention to detail and well-manufactured parts. This stroller goes together nicely and is sturdy in a way not often seen in umbrella-style products. We appreciate its large canopies, easy-access storage bin, and carrying handle, which all function as they should without any speed bumps. One tester said, “If quality is what someone wants, this would be the one, but it still isn't as easy to use as double strollers.”

The G-Link 2 is smaller and lighter than the old version, but at 21 lbs in our test, it is still somewhat heavy. Its overall size makes it less ideal for parents with lifting limits or who need to carry it further. The Delta Children is smaller and lighter, but it comes at the cost of convenience. However, the quality of the G-Link 2 justifies the higher price if your budget allows it or you plan to use it frequently. Parents looking for a lightweight stroller for two instead of a full-size product will find the G-Link 2 gets the job done with few sacrifices in features.

Read more: UPPAbaby G-Link 2 review

Our team scours the market before choosing impressive competitors. BabyGearLab purchases every product for rigorous in-house and real-world testing. With high standards and advanced testing protocols, we “push” each stroller to discover its abilities and limitations. We also complete side-by-side comparisons and examine features or lack of features to help you find the right stroller for your needs.

Our stroller testing protocol includes a detailed 50-point diagnostic and rating process. We use each stroller extensively hands-on to get a sense of day-to-day performance and combine that with a series of lab-style tests to compare each product using scientific measurements.

Our double travel stroller testing is divided across five rating metrics:

Over the years, we've purchased over 13 lightweight strollers for two. Our testing regime puts each option through multiple performance analyses . We've logged hundreds of hours roaming city streets, parks, zoos, museums, and more for our hands-on, extensive testing. We perform side-by-side testing at our in-house lab and in the real world with little ones on board to gather the data we use to drive ratings and rankings.

The BabyGearLab team has tested all types of strollers since our beginning in 2013. Our years of experience and dedication provide unique expertise and understanding regarding a top-performing stroller with more than 155 hands-on stroller tests under our belts. Leading our team is Dr. Juliet Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician and mother of two. Dr. Spurrier uses her education, background, and experience as a mom to develop BabyGearLab safety standards. Next up is our Senior Research Analyst Bob Wofford, who is a father of seven and instrumental tester in all of our stroller reviews. Bob has been involved in testing since 2013. Our team also includes Senior Review Editor, Wendy Schmitz. Wendy is a mother of two and a stroller evaluator since 2014, as well as Senior Review Editor Abriah Wofford who joined BabyGearLab's stroller test team in 2015.

To avoid a frustrating strolling lifetime, you'll want to consider your goals, expectations, the features you need, and your budget. The answers to these questions can help you narrow the strollers to those that best meet your needs. Our selection of lightweight double strollers isn't as large as single strollers, but it still requires thoughtful consideration. We don't believe there is a lightweight stroller that can work for every family, but our hands-on testing and reviews are designed to help you find the best one for your needs or to sway you into a larger double option you'll be happier with.

Unfortunately, most of the double travel products we tested were disappointing, especially in our tests for maneuverability. As a result, we suggest that you consider whether or not a full-size, double stroller could fill your needs as well as, or better than, a lightweight choice. We think full-size options give you more for your money and you'll have a better experience overall. Many parents report that a full-size double is not more annoying to travel with and provides additional storage and comfort when you need it the most. They also add that going through security at the airport and other transportation is about the same no matter what size stroller they use.

If you think you absolutely need one and don't want to heft a traditional double stroller while traveling, then the last consideration is how long you will need it, both the duration of any given trip and how often you will use it. If you are taking longer or more frequent trips, then an option with more features for comfort or convenience will be important. If you might use it only once or twice to get through a busy airport or museum, then a bare-bones double could be the right choice. Who needs a canopy when you are already inside? Who needs storage if you already have a carry-on?

Finding the right umbrella stroller for two depends on your goals and likely making some compromises to your expectations. Several strollers look similar and have look-a-like features, but their performance is vastly different. None of the lightweight options were that impressive.

Finding a top-performing, double, lightweight stroller that is also a great value is somewhat straightforward compared to other gear. A few top-performing options have wallet-friendly prices in this review, including the Delta Children LX Side by Side, with adequate functionality and one of the lowest prices. It is a good choice for indoor adventures on flat surfaces with less need for features for comfort and convenience. We also like the Zoe Twin+. While it is more expensive than the Delta, we believe it is a quality product for the price. You'll appreciate the better features for passenger comfort and parent convenience over the Delta, making it a better value overall if your budget can stretch.

After testing, we don't think everyone needs a lightweight double stroller. Whether the stroller is basic or has more features, a lightweight stroller theoretically should make travel easier, but not if using it causes frustrations. We found this gear type so challenging to maneuver that we think many parents should skip a double travel in favor of a lighter or smaller full-size double stroller. However, if you are traveling and a smaller or lighter stroller will make life significantly easier, finding a double travel stroller can increase your freedom and make day trips or tourist activities more enjoyable than skipping a stroller. This stroller type can help you round up little ones and get them where you need to go without the weight and clunkiness of a more robust product.

During testing, we emphasized weight and folded size as having the most impact on the final score; finding the lightest, easiest-to-carry stroller is the primary goal of purchasing this type of gear.

How much a stroller weighs and how small it is when folded is the heart of what makes one product stand out from the rest in a lightweight stroller. Many parents require a stroller compact enough to fit in small spaces for travel or commuting. It should be easy to carry, quick to fold, and fit on public transportation.

Some of the doubles we tested are relatively heavy, making them harder to carry and not a good trade-off for the lack of features you can find on our favorite double strollers.

Some are lighter but longer than average when folded, thanks to the accordion fold, common in umbrella products. This longer length can make it hard to fit in smaller trunks. This metric could be a make-or-break for parents with minimum space or limited strength.

The top-performing product in the review for weight and folded size is the Delta Children LX Side by Side. The Delta has one of the lightest weights in the group at 18.5 lbs, while the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo has one of the smallest folds at 7,484 cubic inches. The Zoe Twin+ is lighter than most at 19.8 lbs but larger at 10,420 cubic inches when folded. However, it is essential to note that being lightweight means the Delta is missing key features you might consider non-negotiable, such as storage or reclining seats and leg rests.

Ease of use encompasses the stroller features you use daily that make a stroller more straightforward to use or add versatility for convenience or comfort.

The higher-ranking options usually have more features than their lower-ranking counterparts, so you can potentially use them for longer adventures. Larger canopies or higher maximum weight limit storage bins potentially translate to a stroller that prevents carrying a bag of supplies and keeps passengers comfortable. The Zoe Twin+ has the highest ease of use score. It has an adequate storage bin, super-sized canopies, quick fold, and cup holders all around; it is hard to find a stroller more straightforward to use than the Zoe Twin+.

Lightweight strollers are supposed to be easy to fold and compact for traveling. Folding small is essential, but folding easily and quickly is also necessary. Strollers with straightforward folds and a few steps earned better scores—automatic locks and standing when folded also earned more points.

The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is the easiest to fold; it self-stands and has automatic locks. The Zoe Twin+ earned the same high score for folding with a quick two-handed pull-up on straps hidden beneath the seats.

Several lightweight doubles have double or even triple-action brakes that require multiple pedal engagements for the brake to be correctly engaged. We worry parents will grow complacent and either forget to press all pedals or choose not to. These kinds of actions could potentially cause unnecessary injuries. Therefore, we prefer single-action brakes that require only one pedal to be engaged. Good brakes are easy to set and release, without stiffness, do not disengage spontaneously, and won't hurt sandal-wearing feet. Some of the hardest brakes were on the Zoe Twin+; we had to work the wheels a little to get the notches in the grooves. It is a foot-friendly bar/pedal design, however.

We all know storage is essential, but storage for two can feel vital. If a stroller doesn't offer enough storage, you'll need to pack a bag, and someone must carry it. Most strollers provide storage, but how much, where, accessibility, and usefulness vary. Most options have a storage bin under the seats, but many of these were cut in two by a crossbar that prevents putting a larger diaper bag inside. Some have no basket and rely on small pockets or nothing at all. Of those that provide a bin, not all are easy to access, and some are very difficult to use.

The Zoe Twin+ has a good-sized basket for a product of this type with a 10 lbs weight limit and seatback pockets. The Delta Children LX Side by Side does not have storage bins and relies on pockets. The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 hits somewhere in the middle with a useful-sized basket, but the folding mechanism makes accessing storage challenging, and you'll be better off with two smaller bags than one large one.

The photos above show some additional storage features; from left to right, they are the back pockets on Delta Children LX Side by Side and the child tray on the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite with Rear Seat.

All double strollers offer a sunshade, though the coverage varies widely from barely there to cocoon coverage. The more basic strollers had smaller shades, with the Delta Children LX Side by Side sporting one of the smallest with a simple, direct overhead canopy and no peek-a-boo windows.

The strollers with more features generally have larger sunshades. The UPPAbaby G-Link, 2 canopies are some of the largest in the group.

These photos show the various sizes of canopies found on the double products, from left to right: the small shades on the Delta Children LX Side by Side and the giant shades on the Zoe Twin+.

The double strollers in this review have 5-point harnesses. Five points are much safer than three, with two extra straps on the shoulders that help keep little ones from falling or climbing out. We assessed how difficult the straps are to adjust for length and height and the difficulty level of using the buckles. Products earn more points for adjustable crotch straps, easy rethreading, and buckles requiring only one hand.

We think parents are more likely to routinely use harnesses without skipping them on shorter strolls if the harness is easy to use. The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 (above) is the easiest harness and buckle combination. The Delta Children LX Side by Side is the group's hardest harness and buckle combination.

Having a seat comfortable enough for napping earns products better scores. A reclining seatback and adjustable legrest go a long way in making passengers comfortable. Some double options offer reclining backs, while the in-line options have seats with different recline angles and levels of comfort. These tests make up 15% of the total ease of use metric.

Depending on the strolling you plan to do, a product with few features for comfort may work, but if your adventure may last longer, the trip will be more successful in a stroller that offers features for comfortable napping. The new UPPAbaby G-Link 2 has padded leg rests, but sadly, they are no longer adjustable like the old version.

The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 has the most comfortable seats in the group, offering the deepest recline, something most of the competition doesn't provide. The Delta Children LX Side by Side is the most uncomfortable, with almost upright seating, slight recline, and limited (to no) leg rest. The Zoe Twin+ is one of the most comfortable for passengers, with a padded seat, adjustable leg rests, relatively deep recline, and a body covering canopy for privacy and protection from the elements.

Why?

Only the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite with Second Seat accepts infant car seats. The Joovy comes with a universal car seat adapter that works with a variety of infant car seat manufacturers, including the Peg Perego and the Chicco options. The Caboose only accepts one car seat carrier, making it a poor choice for infant twins. In general, a lightweight product is not the best choice if you want to combine it with a infant car seat, and we suggest you consider a frame stroller (like the Joovy Twin Roo+) or full-size option instead.

Most double strollers are relatively easy to assemble and have manuals that get the job done, even if they aren't the best. The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 manual is straightforward. The components requiring assembly on most strollers usually include attaching wheels, canopies, and storage to the frame. None of the products require complete construction, and only the Joovy Caboose needs a tool. The Caboose took the longest to assemble, at almost 11 minutes. The Delta Children LX Side by Side took under 3 minutes.

None of the lightweight double strollers performed well in our tests for maneuverability, with only one stroller being an absolute pleasure.

Pushing and turning your stroller can make or break how you feel about a stroller. Depending on the ground type you hope to traverse, the stroller you choose can make a big difference in getting there frustration-free. The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is one of the group's easiest-to-push and turn strollers, yet only average compared to full-size strollers. The Delta Children LX Side by Side comes in closely behind, but it struggles to turn sharply, has trouble through doorways, or has the dual front wheel design that steers off-course over small bumps.

We assumed most strollers would struggle moving over the grass and gravel, but we were surprised that several options were a struggle to use on flat surfaces. These disappointing strollers all include small plastic wheels, several with a fake tread pattern, and a dual-wheel design (2 wheels on each leg equals 4 to 6 wheels in front). Plastic tires combined with a double-wheel design are traditionally more challenging to maneuver strollers in our tests.

Overall product quality encompasses product construction, materials, and attention to detail.

In this review, many double travel strollers include flimsy feeling frames and wobbly wheels, exposed rough fasteners, and cheap and uninspired construction. Other elements in our tests are flexing frames, rough edges, loose connections, and fabric that isn't skin-friendly.

For quality, it appears that you get what you pay for. Which we are happy to say isn't always the case. Sometimes, you can get an excellent product that is budget-friendly. The higher quality options are, somewhat unsurprisingly, the most expensive products. Our review's highest-scoring product for quality is the UPPAbaby G-Link 2. This stroller combines impressive materials with sturdy construction that feels durable and long-lasting. It is also one of the most expensive options in our tests. The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo also impresses and has a higher price. The Zoe Twin+ is cheaper than the other higher-scoring options, but it still manages a better quality package overall, and we think most parents will be impressed with such a sturdy stroller for the price.