In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Cybex Balios S Lux Review

Overall, this high quality has impressive features, including nice fabric, larger tires, and suspension on each wheel
gearlab tested logo
Cybex Balios S Lux Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $650 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Cybex
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Mar 31, 2024
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 18
  • Ease of Use - 40% 7.8
  • Maneuverability - 25% 7.1
  • Transport/Storing - 15% 6.8
  • Quality - 10% 8.0
  • Kid's Comfort - 10% 7.6

Our Verdict

The Cybex Balios S Lux is a top-ranked full-size stroller in our review. It is a high-quality choice with a nice overall look and skin-friendly fabric. We like the large storage bin and 22lb capacity, and the seat is cozy with three possible recline angles and padded leg rest. There is much to love about this stroller. However, the maneuverability really hurt this stroller because it doesn't perform well off-road. If you are a city dweller who plans to stay on sidewalks and in stores, we think it rolls well. However, if you want to move off-road, even at a play park, we think there are far better choices that are much easier to push on uneven terrains. The Cybex can have a more reasonable price depending on sales and could be a good fit for those who want to save a little money but still get a quality city-dwelling stroller.
REASONS TO BUY
High-quality fabric
Large Canopy
Bigger tires w/suspension
REASONS TO AVOID
Odd folder
Off-pavement handling is subpar
Editor's Note: We've updated our full-size stroller review for March 2024 with an all-new lineup of contenders.

Compare to Similar Products

 
cybex balios s lux
This Product
Cybex Balios S Lux
Awards Best Value Award
Lower Price Impressive Full-Size Stroller
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Full-Size Stroller
Editors' Choice Award
Best Double Duty Jogger
Best Value Award
Budget Full-Size For Growing Families
Best Value Award
Best Tightest Budget Stroller
Price $650 List
$519.96 at Amazon
$700 List
$699.99 at Amazon
$650 List
Check Price at Amazon
$350 List
$170.01 at Amazon
$173 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
75
83
78
66
63
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line While it performs well on flat surfaces, this high-quality option struggles off-road if those are your goalsA quality choice that uses thoughtful design to create an easy-to-use option, but it has a higher price and a larger foldThis jogger is a dual-purpose choice with better storage and easy maneuverability over most surfacesA budget-friendly expandable stroller with good storage but limited other features and a heavier weightBudget-friendly jogger with off-road capabilities, but the quality is on par with the price
Rating Categories Cybex Balios S Lux UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Thule Urban Glide 2 Evenflo Pivot Xpand Baby Trend Expediti...
Ease of Use (40%)
7.8
8.5
8.4
8.0
6.5
Maneuverability (25%)
7.1
8.3
8.5
5.4
7.8
Transport/Storing (15%)
6.8
6.7
5.7
4.2
5.4
Quality (10%)
8.0
9.3
8.0
6.7
4.0
Kid's Comfort (10%)
7.6
8.5
6.7
7.3
5.4
Specs Cybex Balios S Lux UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Thule Urban Glide 2 Evenflo Pivot Xpand Baby Trend Expediti...
Capacity Limits Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs
Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 50 lbs
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 49 lbs/ 44 in
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/43"
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Measured Weight 25 lbs 25 lbs 26 lbs 30 lbs 28 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 24"W x 16"H x 31"L 22.9"W x 16.5"H x 33"L 27.2"W x 15.5"H x 36.5"L 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L 24.5"W x 16"H x 36.5"L
Folded Volume 11,904 cu in 12,469 cu in 15,388 cu in 16,790 cu in 14,308 cu in
Handlebar Height Min/Max 39.5"/43" 40"/43" 30"/46" 33"/44.7" 41.5"
Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight 24 lbs 30 lbs 14 lbs 11 lbs 11 lbs
Car Seat Compatibility Cybex (All)
Maxi Cosi Mico 30, Maxi Cosi Mico Max, Maxi Cosi Coral XP
Nuna Pipa lite
Chicco KeyFit 35, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air
Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Aton M
Clek Liing
Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Mico Max Plus
Nuna PIPA, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r, PIPA rx, PIPA lite rx, PIPA urbn
UPPAbaby Mesa
BOB Unity
Britax Affinity Unity, B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone, Unity, Unity ISOFIX Compatible
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit Plus
Combi Shuttle 33
Evenflo Discovery 5
Graco SafeSeat, SnugRide, SnugRide Click Connect, SnugRide Click Connect 30, SnugRide Click Connect 35, SnugRide Click Connect LX 35, SnugRide Click Connect 40
Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix, Citi, Pebble
Nuna Pipa
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30, Primo Viaggio 4-35
Safety 1st Comfy Carry Elite, onBoard, onBoard Air
Safe-n-Sound Unity, Unity Neos
UPPAbaby Mesa
Chicco KeyFit/KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco all with SnugRide, SnugLock 30/35
Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35
Baby Trend (All)
Wheel Type Foam Filled Plastic Foam Filled Plastic Pneumatic Foam Filled Plastic Pneumatic
Brake Type Single Single Single Single Double

Our Analysis and Test Results

With German Origins, Cybex started in 2014 under the Goodbaby International Holdings Ltd. Cybex focuses on innovation, safety, and functionality in all its products, including carriers, car seats, and strollers.

Performance Comparison



The Cybex Balios has a lot going for it, even if it doesn't love moving in the grass.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


The Balios is easy to use, and while not a top-ranker, it performed well enough for parents to avoid frustration.


There is a lot going on in the Balios fold and several steps are easy to forget.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Fold and Unfold


The Balios folds with one hand and stands when folded. If you lock the front wheels, you can roll it like luggage which can be handy. The main gripe is the preparation required before folding. To get the most compact fold, you need to lock the wheels and recline the seat, and the seat will not lock in place when folded. If the leg rest on the seat isn't in the lowest position before the fold, it will cause a hiccup you must resolve before finishing. It all ends up being a lot of steps that feel convoluted.

cybex balios s lux - the storage bin on balios is a large basket with good access, but...
The storage bin on Balios is a large basket with good access, but the best part is it holds over 20 lbs.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Storage


The Balios storage bin is large and has good access. It has a respectable 22 lb weight limit, better than most of the competition.

cybex balios s lux - the bin on the cybex isn't as big as some competitors, but it holds...
The bin on the Cybex isn't as big as some competitors, but it holds up to 22 lbs, which is a better max weight than many competitors.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Our large diaper bag fits inside with no problem, and 22 lbs is plenty for baby supplies and some shopping. There is also a seatback pocket for quick access items like keys and a phone. The pocket can hold 2 lbs.

The harness webbing on the Balios is soft, and we love the padding behind the buckle to help avoid skin pinching and increase comfort.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Harness


The Balios harness is one of the best in the group. The shoulder height adjustment is infinite and slides on an exposed strap.

cybex balios s lux - the cybex harness and buckle are easy to use.
The Cybex harness and buckle are easy to use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Adjustments on the webbing are also easy with a single pull to tighten and release. The straps feel smooth and are wider. It looks and feels comfortable.

The Balios brake pedal is a rocking pedal that makes it easy to set and release without hurting your foot or marring your shoes.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


The Balios has single-action brakes with a rocking pedal that pushes forward to set, and you push the back to release.

cybex balios s lux - the balios rocking pedal is well-placed and easy to use.
The Balios rocking pedal is well-placed and easy to use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Not lifting the pedal from the bottom to release makes this design more foot and shoe-friendly.

Car Seat Compatibility


This Cybex is compatible with Cybex infant car seats only.

The Balios has a lot of protective packaging to remove before assembly can begin.
Credit: Graham Faulknor

Ease of Setup


There is a lot going on here, and it took us longer to put it together (10-15

minutes) than most, earning it an average rating for setup. There is a lot of packaging here to protect the stroller and it feels sort of like overkill. The sun shade has 8-10 button snaps that are small and tricky to snap. We think anyone with finger dexterity troubles might end up cursing this design. The instructions are multi-language and have lots of illustrations.

The Balios rolls well over flat surfaces and smaller thresholds.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


The Cybex scored a little below average for maneuverability in the group, but it isn't frustrating if you take care of what surfaces you choose.


Transitioning from sidewalks to rougher terrain like grass is not the strong suit of the Balios.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Cybex feels almost nimble for hard or flat surfaces and rolls well over smooth surfaces, even thresholds and cords.

Even crossing an occasional greenbelt to a play structure will be...
Even crossing an occasional greenbelt to a play structure will be frustrating in the Balios, in our opinion.
Those who stroll primarily on sidewalks and flat surfaces will...
Those who stroll primarily on sidewalks and flat surfaces will likely have no problem with the maneuverability of the Balios.

Off-road is where it falls apart and feels like a slog. In fairness, we don't think it was designed for adventure, but it would be nice to move across a park greenbelt to get to the play structures. It rolls fairly well on grass but took significant effort to make turns. Transitioning from one surface to the other was also disappointing. This Cybex might be a better choice for city dwellers who are unlikely to often move off the sidewalk.

The Cybex folds relatively small for the group and the style type.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transporting and Storing


The Cybex is about average for transporting and storing.


It is 25.31 lbs, neither heavy nor light for this group.


cybex balios s lux - the seat on the balios folds in, unlike other similarly styled seats...
The seat on the Balios folds in, unlike other similarly styled seats that stick out awkwardly.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

It folds reasonably compactly for a stroller of this type, with a measured size of 11,904 cubic inches.

cybex balios s lux - the balios has a nice attention to detail like the wrapped belly bar.
The Balios has a nice attention to detail like the wrapped belly bar.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


The Cybex performed well in our test for quality, with a higher than average result than that of competitors.

The wheels on the Cybex are smaller and foam-filled plastic, which...
The wheels on the Cybex are smaller and foam-filled plastic, which aren't our favorite and probably impacted its performance during maneuverability testing.
The Balios front wheels can be locked and have spring shocks.
The Balios front wheels can be locked and have spring shocks.

The material feels durable but still skin-friendly. Cleaning might be challenging with the mesh sides, but it can be washed and easily removed. The storage bin feels sturdy.


The wheels are foam-filled plastic, which isn't our favorite, but they are above average in diameter, and the rear wheels are wider than other plastic options. The frame is minimalistic and slightly flexed from right to left, but it isn't excessive or impedes functionality. The fit and finish of the final product have a clean look, and all the parts are well-laid together and have tight connections.

cybex balios s lux - the leg rest on the cybez is adjustable for comfort or preference.
The leg rest on the Cybez is adjustable for comfort or preference.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Kid's Comfort


The Balios offers more than the average stroller for kid comfort, with a higher score than most, but it isn't all spectacular.


The Cybex seat sits on rear shocks that can help prevent the transfer of feeling every bump in the road.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Balios has a recline button on the back of the seat, and the entire thing tilts, including the leg rest.

The back of the seat lever for recline adjustment on the Balios is...
The back of the seat lever for recline adjustment on the Balios is easy to use.
The entire Balios seat tilts as one with the recline adjustment but...
The entire Balios seat tilts as one with the recline adjustment but the leg rest can also rotate to find a comfortable position.

It tilts into three possible positions that encourage napping. The leg rest is lightly padded. The real problem here is that the leg rest is oddly short, and our toddler tester had legs dangling off the end. There is no frame or footrest. It feels like a design mistake not to give children a place to put their feet, and the end of the leg rest is only canvas, which is likely not durable enough to make it through multiple kids and many years.

The Balios canopy has a zip-open panel and visor to increase the...
The Balios canopy has a zip-open panel and visor to increase the coverage.
The Balios has a small, mesh, peek-a-boo window for spying on...
The Balios has a small, mesh, peek-a-boo window for spying on passengers.

The canopy is large and offers UPF 50+ protection. It has a mesh peek-a-boo window. It is large enough to create a nice privacy cocoon with ample protection from the sun. It includes a pop-out visor.

cybex balios s lux - the cybex balios is a sometimes less expensive quality stroller for...
The Cybex Balios is a sometimes less expensive quality stroller for one.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Should You Buy the Cybex Balios S Lux?


The Balios is a strong contender in this category, bringing a high-quality look and feel. It performed well for our tests in kid comfort and is easy to use compared to much of the competition. This full-size stroller is a sleek-looking option that can save you some money over similarly styled, higher-ranking choices. Our testers felt that most families won't know what they are missing by choosing the Cybex over spendier options, and this makes it one we think is a good choice for those who want this style but can't afford more expensive options.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?


The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 did score higher in our tests and is easier to push and turn. If you can afford the price difference and want the absolute best, it is hard to ignore the Cruz. However, if your budget is limited and even the Cybex is a stretch, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand gets you a similar style stroller, the ability to expand for multiple children, and enough features to keep everyone happy. However, while we like the Xpand, we acknowledge it is heavier, larger, and harder to push than the Cybex or the Cruz. Depending on your budget or goals, we still think it can meet goals and wallet constraints.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz