REASONS TO BUY
Storage easy to access
Easy waist belt
Budget oriented
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't lock closed
Challenging off-pavement
Shoulder pads can slide
Joie Orzo Mini Review
A less-than-impressive, budget-friendly stroller for paved surface use only
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ September 28, 2026
RELATED: The Best Travel Strollers
Our Verdict
The budget-friendly Joie Orzo Mini looks good on paper but falls short in several areas. While we appreciate the generously sized storage and easy-to-use harness and buckle, the stroller struggles with maneuverability, has lower overall quality, and an overly complicated fold-and-unfold process. Once folded, it doesn't lock closed, so it opens depending on where it's grabbed; as a result, it will get mangled during travel without careful handling, particularly at airports. This defeats the purpose of a travel stroller. Even factoring in its lower price point, the quality and kid comfort are less than expected, and the maneuverability, even on flat surfaces, feels sluggish, especially during turns.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Joie Orzo Mini | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Travel Stroller |  Best Travel on a Budget Stroller | |||
| Price | $140 List Check Price at Amazon | $550 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $249 List | $93 List Check Price at Amazon | $100 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A less-than-impressive, budget-friendly stroller for paved surface use only | Thoughtfully designed stroller that performs well for travel and everyday use, but the fold is more complex, and it isn't the lightest | A great stroller for the price, with a good balance between performance and a durable feel | Budget option that can push a child but doesn't do anything particularly well | Poor-performing option that costs more than a better-performing choice with no real pros |
| Rating Categories | Joie Orzo Mini | UPPAbaby Minu v3 | Zoe Traveler | Kolcraft Cloud Plus | Summer Infant 3D lite |
| Transport/Storing (30%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (30%) | |||||
| Maneuverability (20%) | |||||
| Quality (10%) | |||||
| Kid Comfort (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Joie Orzo Mini | UPPAbaby Minu v3 | Zoe Traveler | Kolcraft Cloud Plus | Summer Infant 3D lite |
| Age Range | Minimum: Not specified Maximum: 50 lb or 45" |
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 50 lb |
Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 45 lb |
Minimum: Not specified Maximum: 50 lb |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 24 months/50 lb & 43" |
| Measured Weight | 15.5 lb | 16.7 lb | 13.2 lb | 10.1 lb | 13.0 lb |
| Measured Folded Size | 10.8" L x 20.6" W x 21.9" H | 21.6" L x 17.6" W x 9.2" H | 23" L x 18.6" W x 12" H | 33.3" L x 19" W x 10" H | 42.3" L x 12" W x 9.5" H |
| Handlebar Height | 40.5" | 41" | 40" | 38" | 43" |
| Storage Basket Capacity | 10.0 lb | 20.0 lb | 10.0 lb | 10.0 lb | 10.0 lb |
| Included Car Seat Compatibility | |||||
| Car Seat Compatibility | UPPAbaby Aria, Mesa Nuna PIPA, PIPA aire Cybex Aton 2, Aton M Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe, Mico Luxe+ Clek Liing |
||||
| Wheel Type | Not Listed | Polyurethane | EVA foam | EVA foam | EVA foam |
| Folded Volume | 4872 cu in | 3497 cu in | 5134 cu in | 6327 cu in | 4822 cu in |
| Brake Type | Single | Single | Double | Double | Double |
| Carry-on Compatible? | No | No | No | No | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Orzo is slightly heavier than average but will fit in the back of most vehicles with room to spare. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Transporting and Storing
The Joie Orzo just did not perform well in transport and storage, which are critical factors for a travel stroller.
The Orzo's carry handle is a poor alternative to a strap that would allow both hands to be free to carry other items. Credit: Matt Lighthart
At 15 lbs, it's slightly heavier than the average travel stroller, features an integrated carrying handle for transport, and conveniently stands on its own.
The Orzo's compact fold does not lock closed, which risks damaging the stroller during travel. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Orzo offers a nice compact folded square shape that measures 10.8"L x 20.6"W x 21.9"H or 4,772 cubic inches. Unfortunately, when folded and closed, it lacks a locking mechanism or strap to prevent it from opening. No matter where we grabbed it (outside of the carry handle), the stroller began to unfold. Make no mistake, the airline crew loading your items into the cargo hold will not carefully fold your stroller back up and gently place it inside the plane for travel. There is no point in investing in the convenience of a travel stroller if it breaks on your first flight because it doesn't lock closed and gets mangled during travel. And, it is too big to take on board, so it will end up being checked, no matter how you protest.
The Orzo's front wheels lock for stability over a variety of terrains. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The Joie Orzo is not the easiest travel stroller to use and really struggled in multiple areas compared to the other strollers we tested.
The steps for folding the Orzo are not ideal for those with full hands or trying to get on a plane. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fold and Unfold
Folding the Orzo isn't difficult, but it is more complicated than it needs to be. The one-handed fold requires two steps, which seems simple enough, but the calf rest slapped into our arm during the fold and subsequently sticks out, leaving the folded shape oddly long. You can fold this leg rest down later, but that is an additional step. Once folded, we had to yank up on the carry handle to get it to click closed; unfortunately, no strap or mechanism adequately secures that closed position. None of this is ideal with full hands or kids in tow when traveling.
Unfolding the Orzo requires bending way down and laying it on the dirty ground. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Orzo's two-step unfolding process from its self-standing position is not smooth or clean and requires two hands, as the wheels can get stuck when opening. Unfolding can also be accomplished with one hand, but you'll need to lay it flat on its back from the self-standing position, and this exposes it to dirt and/or getting wet. It's annoying that something designed for convenience requires you to be specific and careful when loading and unloading it for transport and storage.
The back wall of the Orzo storage bin lowers to make access even easier for extra-large diaper bags. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Storage
The storage bin on the Orzo is very easy to access from the front and back and holds up to 10 lbs, which is about average for travel strollers. We were able to fit an extra-large diaper bag in without jostling the seat; getting it out was also easy, but it might wake the passenger.
The Orzo's shoulder pads slightly get in the way, but don't prevent tightening or loosening the harness. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
The harness on the Orzo is easy to use, and the straps slide well without getting hung up. The height adjustment on the harness is a rethread, and although we are not a huge fan of this design, it was fairly easy to adjust. The shoulder straps have a fixed slide buckle that makes adjustments simple and headache-free. The shoulder and waist straps puzzle buckle together to form an easy-to-adjust setup for parents. The straps line up and stay put, so buckling and unbuckling the passenger into the seat is easier than with many comparable strollers.
Due to the brake's proximity to the tire, wide shoes or large feet may rub against the Orzo's tire when attempting to engage it. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Brakes
The single-action brake on the Orzo is easy to apply and even easier to disengage. The brake lever is located next to the right-rear wheel. To lock, simply push down. To unlock, lift the pedal with your foot. The process is sandal-friendly thanks to the pedal's smooth underside and the minimal effort required to release it.
The Orzo's instructions are easy to follow, and assembly is a breeze. Credit: Austin Palmer
Ease of Setup
Unboxing and getting on the road is easy and takes less than five minutes. Once you remove the packaging, the instructions are simple, straightforward, and there isn't much to do. We struggled slightly figuring out how to attach the storage bin, but it's three snaps underneath the frame.
Car Seat Compatibility
The Joie Orzo Mini isn't compatible with any car seat brand, so if that is important, you'll need to look elsewhere. Many other travel strollers offer this compatibility with various car seat brands. It doesn't even work with Joie infant car seats.
The Orzo navigates easily through doorways, although it's slightly sluggish on flat terrain. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maneuverability
Travel strollers are not designed to be your full-time cruiser, whether in town or off-road. Even with this in mind, the Joie Orzo performed very poorly compared to its competition in terms of performance and maneuverability.
The Orzo wasn't the hardest to maneuver on flat terrain, but it also wasn't the easiest. Credit: Matt Lighthart
On smooth, flat surfaces, the Orzo performs its best. However, carpet slows it down somewhat, but it's not too challenging. The turning capabilities are good, and it doesn't feel tippy, but the rolling resistance is higher than most in this category, making it feel somewhat sluggish when maneuvering, which is unfortunate but reflects its lower price point. Overall, it's relatively easy to push on pavement, but more challenging than some of its competitors.
The lack of tire tread and the Orzo frame's excessive flexing lead to a bumpy, rough ride on off-road terrain. Credit: Matt Lighthart
On any terrain that isn't flat, this option struggles and is frustrating to push, if we could push it at all. The tires have no tread, which would have helped slightly off-road on loosely packed dirt. Small, loose rocks stop it in its tracks, and cobblestone is a no-go. The Orzo feels very flimsy, with lots of frame flex off-road, almost like it would break apart, and at one point during our testing, it hit a crack in the ground and almost flipped over.
Curbs require careful maneuvering with the Orzo to prevent the stroller from tipping due to excessive frame flexing. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Going down a curb seems easy enough, but it gets dicey if it hits a crack or bump, which makes it feel like the whole thing is going to flip over because of its short wheelbase. Trying to maneuver up onto a curb is challenging because the excessive flex in the frame makes it feel like it's going to break apart. The Orzo is best on flat pavement, and any other terrain is just an ordeal or flat-out impossible, in our opinion.
The padding on the Orzo's shoulder strap covers is almost non-existent. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Orzo's harness straps are thin and feel cheaper than those of many competitors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Quality
The quality of the Joie Orzo is below average and a disappointment, even at this price point.
The Orzo's padded arm bar is flexible and moves all over the place, prohibiting a child from using it for much stability when leaning forward. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The fabric feels soft but is thin, prone to tearing, and water-absorbent (problematic in rain or snow). The padding is minimal and lumpy, adding to the overall cheap feeling of this stroller.
All the wheels wiggle, with excessive play in the rear tires, affecting the Orzo's overall maneuverability. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The wheels measure an average size: 5.5" in the front and 6" in the back. They feel sturdy, look durable, and will never go flat. However, expect wiggling and reduced stability when you push this throughout your day. The flexible aluminum frame has lots of large, visible plastic connectors and rivets, giving it a less-than-clean look.
The Orzo's adjustable lever-and-strap mechanism is easy to operate for a variety of recline positions. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Kid's Comfort
Passenger comfort is important anytime you're going on a stroll, and this stroller disappoints in this regard, whether it's a short or a long trip.
The Orzo's recline option can be operated with one hand, but two hands provide a more controlled experience for the passenger. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Seat
The seat on the Joie Orzo reclines easily, but it has thin, cheap padding that compresses under passenger weight until it is practically nonexistent. The recline options are good and sufficient to support a nap in the most reclined position; however, when reclined, there is no additional ventilation.
The Orzo's leg rest transition area looks uncomfortable, and the plastic support piece sticks up under the padding. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The leg rest can be positioned up or down, but there are no other comfort settings. The down position doesn't do much, except provide access to the footrest, which only taller children can reach. The leg rest transition area has a plastic support piece that sticks up, which, depending on a child's height, can be very uncomfortable, and the thin padding does nothing to lessen it.
The Orzo's canopy doesn't offer as much coverage as many competitors, but it provides adequate protection for most kids. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Sunshade
The easy-to-use canopy is smaller than that on many travel strollers but still provides good coverage, except during the early morning and early evening hours, when the sun is lower in the sky. Shorter children will be more affected by this inconvenience. The sunshade has a nice-sized peek-a-boo canopy with a Velcro clasp to keep an eye on little ones.
The lower price of the Orzo is appealing, but you just don't get as good a bang for your buck with this option compared to its competitors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Joie Orzo Mini?
No. While there are things to like about the Orzo Mini, even considering the price point, it failed to measure up to lower-priced strollers in our review. The dealbreaker is the inability to adequately secure this stroller closed; this feels like a massive design oversight that could have been remedied with a simple strap or locking mechanism. Either way, a travel stroller that can't secure closed is a non-starter. While we understand the desire for an inexpensive travel stroller, especially when it won't be used often, if staying within a budget is important, we recommend using your full-size stroller for travel instead of the Orzo Mini or another child travel option.
What Other Travel Strollers Should You Consider?
If finding a budget-friendly option is top of mind for your travel needs and you are set on a stroller, we recommend the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. While it didn't score higher in our tests overall than the Orzo Mini, it is a fraction of the cost and features a manual lock that keeps it closed during transport. If you are still set on a travel stroller but want a higher-performing one, we recommend the Zoe Traveler. With its improved maneuverability, quality, and ease of use, the Traveler is designed to last for years of travel fun.
Manufacturer Video
—Wendy Schmitz
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