In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Britax B-Free Review

A smaller full-size that can do double duty and save you some money and frustration, avoiding a small or second stroller
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Britax B-Free Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $420 List
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Manufacturer:   Britax
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Research Analyst  ⋅  Jun 9, 2024
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 11
  • Transport/Storing - 30% 5.4
  • Ease of Use - 30% 7.7
  • Maneuverability - 20% 9.9
  • Quality - 10% 8.5
  • Kid Comfort - 10% 8.1

Our Verdict

The Britax B-Free is a full-size stroller we included in our best travel stroller review. We included it because it folds flat and is comparatively lightweight, making it a potential option for travel and everyday use. While it lacks the true compact size of the smallest travel option, it is still on par with other traditional travel choices and is one of the smallest travel choices. With good storage, a comfy seat, larger wheels, and a giant canopy, the B-Free checks a lot of boxes for everyday use and yet still manages to be small enough to work for many tight and busy spaces we associate with travel and being on the go. This makes the B-Free a great cross-over option for those who want to save money or space by buying one product over two. While not the smallest option in the group, it could be the right option for you if you value fewer products or multi-purpose options.
REASONS TO BUY
Large wheels
Ample storage
Roomy seat
REASONS TO AVOID
Large for a travel stroller
Leg lift doesn't adjust
Heavier

Compare to Similar Products

 
britax b-free
This Product
Britax B-Free
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Double Duty Stroller
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Travel Stroller
Editors' Choice Award
Best Lightweight for Car Seat
Top Pick Award
Most Compact Travel Stroller
Best Value Award
Best Budget Travel Stroller
Price $420 List
$269.99 at Amazon
$480 List
$479.00 at Amazon
$400 List
$399.99 at Amazon
$330 List
$239.99 at Amazon
$249 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line A bigger and heavier option that is still small enough to use for travel and includes the features you wantImpressive quality option with better maneuverability and unique features for comfort and convenienceA high-quality choice with impressive seating features, smaller fold, and lots of storageAn average but unique stroller that is super small when folded but harder to pushBetter performance and a durable design make this budget option an impressive contender
Rating Categories Britax B-Free Bugaboo Butterfly UPPAbaby Minu v2 gb Pockit+ All City Zoe Traveler
Transport/Storing (30%)
5.4
7.6
6.3
8.4
6.9
Ease of Use (30%)
7.7
8.5
7.9
7.8
7.2
Maneuverability (20%)
9.9
7.3
8.7
5.8
7.3
Quality (10%)
8.5
9.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
Kid Comfort (10%)
8.1
9.0
8.5
6.2
7.6
Specs Britax B-Free Bugaboo Butterfly UPPAbaby Minu v2 gb Pockit+ All City Zoe Traveler
Capacity Limits Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs
Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 50 lbs
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 5 years
Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 45 lbs
Measured Weight 22.5 lbs 16.0 lbs 17.0 lbs 13.1 lbs 13.2 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 24"W x 10.3"H x 27"L 17.5"W x 10.3"H x 21.3"L 20.5"W x 10.3"H x 23"L 13"W x 10.3"H x 21.3"L 18.6"W x 10.3"H x 23"L
Folded Volume 6,674 cu in 3,355 cu in 5,894 cu in 2,215 cu in 5,134 cu in
Handlebar Height Min/Max 32"/44.5" 41 in 41 in 41 in 40 in
Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight 11 lbs 18 lbs 20 lbs Not specified Not specified
Car Seat Compatibility Britax N/A UPPAbaby Mesa Max & Mesa V2 Cybex N/A
Wheel Type Foam Filled Rubber Foam Foam Foam Foam
Brake Type Single Single Single Single Double

Our Analysis and Test Results

Britax came to America from Europe in 1996. For more than 70 years, they've made award-winning car seats. The Britax company strives to create products that let families “live without limits.

The B-Free is a full-size stroller that can potentially offer everyday convenience in a travel-friendly package, saving money over buying two separate products.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Performance Comparison



britax b-free - the b-free might be one of the larger travel options, but it is...
The B-Free might be one of the larger travel options, but it is still comparatively small in the stroller world at large.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transporting and Storing


Because the B-Free is not a true travel stroller, it is larger and heavier than most competitors and, therefore, did not score as well in this metric as other options.

The B-Free fold is flat but wider than the competition.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

With a weight of 22.5 lbs, it is the heaviest option in this lineup. It is one of the lighter-weight full-size options. We included it here thinking it can ride the middle line since a few travel options are around 17 lbs.


The B-Free folds flat but is not as compact as competitors that fold in thirds or have the traditional umbrella fold. It measured 24"W x 10.3"H x 27"L in our tests. These measurements translate to 6,674 in^3. Even at this size, it is not the largest folded option in this group.

The B-Free is, in fact, a full-size stroller but folds small enough to compete with the travel options and could do double duty as an everyday stroller and travel option. At 6,674 cubic inches, it is not the biggest fold in the group.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Those options with a collapsing umbrella style fold create longer packages that are bigger and can be harder to stow, depending on the situation. The upside to the B-Free is it folds fairly flat and quickly, making it easier to use on public transport.

britax b-free - the b-free is easy to use and has useful features like an adjustable...
The B-Free is easy to use and has useful features like an adjustable handlebar.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


The B-Free is one of the easier options to use, but we do admit it has a slight edge over competitors as it is full-size and not a traditional lightweight travel option.


However, a few managed higher scores, showing it is possible to be an easy-to-use travel stroller.

Folding the B-Free handlebar fully upright before folding will allow...
Folding the B-Free handlebar fully upright before folding will allow it to self-stand.
The Britax folds in half by way of a pull handle in the center of...
The Britax folds in half by way of a pull handle in the center of the seat.

Fold and Unfold


The fold is an easy operation that includes an unlock release button and a pull handle that allows the stroller to fold in half.

The B-Free can easily be deployed with one hand and a swift flick outwards.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Deploying it is almost as easy, and it can be flicked out and opened after unlocking the auto-lock. It auto-locks and self-stands.

The B-Free has several pockets on the back of the canopy, including...
The B-Free has several pockets on the back of the canopy, including a zippered pocket.

Storage


The storage bin has open access in the back and unique access in the front via a lifting leg rest. It can hold up to 10 lbs, which, while on the lower side for a full-size it is better for a travel stroller.

The B-Free has front and rear access to storage and easily fits our large diaper bag.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

We fit our large diaper bag in the under-seat storage, but this option also has a pocket on the back of the canopy for quick access to smaller items like a smartphone or snacks.

britax b-free - adjustments on the b-free harness aren't the easiest to accomplish...
Adjustments on the B-Free harness aren't the easiest to accomplish, but the buckle is easy and straightforward.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Harness


The B-Free harness is a reathread adjustment for the shoulder straps and pushing the plastic parts through the back padding isn't as easy as we'd like; we had to use pliers to pull the parts through the back. The straps are easy to slide up and down. The buckle is solid and easy to operate.

britax b-free - despite being a lift-to-release brake pedal, the britax pedal is...
Despite being a lift-to-release brake pedal, the Britax pedal is easy to use and foot-friendly.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


The single action brakes on the B-Free are a single pedal on the right side of the rear axle. It is easy to set and release with only 5-10 lbs of pressure required. The pedal is sandal foot-friendly.

Ease of Setup


The Britax is easy to assemble, with no required tools and only a few components. The manual is easy to understand, and you might not even need it.

Car Seat Compatiblity


The B-Free is compatible with Britax infant car seats.

britax b-free - despite being wider and larger than a traditional travel stroller...
Despite being wider and larger than a traditional travel stroller, the B-Free is still nimble and moves well in tight spaces.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


The B-Free earned one of the best maneuverability results in our lineup. The three-wheel design, wider rear stance, and rubber tires make it a standout in this group of products that are largely plastic wheels and narrow frames.

The B-Free manages bumps in the road without trouble, unlike some of the smaller wheels in the competition.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The B-Free is a pleasure to use on flat surfaces moving over most transitions with ease. It is narrow enough for tight spaces and turns on a dime, thanks to the three-wheel design.


Off-road, it isn't a dream like a jogging stroller, but it did perform well and managed grass and gravel better than the travel competitors. The sturdy frame and rubber tires go a long way in making it easy to push and turn on uneven surfaces.

britax b-free - the b-free has an open-access storage bin.
The B-Free has an open-access storage bin.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


The B-Free is better quality than most in this lineup, and it scored above average in our tests for quality.


For the price, we think the B-Free provides exactly what you need and what you expect. It has larger wheels that are more capable of traversing different terrain. They are foam-filled rubber, and the back wheels are 7.4 inches in diameter. The frame is beefier and more sturdy than several competitors because it has fewer folding hinges. Overall, it has a clean, straightforward design that is neither showy nor underwhelming.

britax b-free - the b-free (center) canopy is significantly larger than competitors...
The B-Free (center) canopy is significantly larger than competitors like the BabyZen (left) and the Bugaboo (right).
Credit: Sentry Kelly

Kid's Comfort


The Britax offers a lot of passenger comfort, and we think most little ones will find the seat roomy and adjustable enough for napping and spending time in it.


It scores above average in this metric compared to the other options; its larger size and weight come into play here.

britax b-free - the b-free has a padded seat that is room and offers a good recline...
The B-Free has a padded seat that is room and offers a good recline for napping.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Seat


The sling-style seat is lightly padded and includes a padded leg rest and footrest. The leg rest is stationary with no adjustability, and the seat back has a deep recline to encourage napping. It adjusts with a one-handed plastic toggle for reclining and two hands to pull the straps to raise it.

britax b-free - the sun shade on the b-free has a zip open mesh panel that allows...
The sun shade on the B-Free has a zip open mesh panel that allows passengers to see out and parents to see in.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Sunshade


The sunshade on the B-Free is giant and covers down to the knees, giving great coverage to passengers. It has two peek-a-boo windows and a large top window with a magnetic cover. The second window is really a mesh zip open extension panel that offers airflow and visibility, allowing little ones to see out with full coverage.

britax b-free - if you'd like to limit the number or kinds of strollers you need and...
If you'd like to limit the number or kinds of strollers you need and you don't jog, the B-Free could be a good solution for everyday and travel activities.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Should You Buy the Britax B-Free?


If you want a good cross-over product you can use daily that works for travel, then the B-Free is a great choice. This option is comfortable for passengers and easy to push. It offers good storage and folds flat enough to fit in most places. We love that it can do double duty, potentially decreasing overall gear costs with one instead of two products. This reasonably priced choice could meet your needs depending on what they are, and as long as you don't need the smallest option possible, we think it is a strong travel contender.

britax b-free
Credit: Matt Lighthart

What Other Travel Strollers Should You Consider?


The Zoe Traveler would be our choice if you want a smaller stroller in this price range. This option has storage large enough for some daily activities and has a comfy seating space with a bigger canopy. It is easy enough to push, folds small, and offers quality that is good enough to last through multiple kids. The Bugaboo Butterfly is our favorite if your budget can stretch. The Butterfly folds even smaller and has unique features that make it a pleasure to use. If you don't need to head off the beaten path, it could be a one-and-done option, depending on your strolling needs.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz