REASONS TO BUY
Easy to transport and store
Great quality
Big shade
One-hand fold
REASONS TO AVOID
Easier to tip over
Only three recline settings
Smaller storage bin
Joolz Aer 2 Review
Well-rounded, luxury stroller with an easy fold and large canopy that takes more effort to maneuver one-handed
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ September 28, 2026
RELATED: The Best Travel Strollers
Our Verdict
The Joolz Aer 2 is a high-end stroller that offers a quick one-hand fold and unfold, easy transport and storage, exceptional quality, and good passenger comfort. However, at its price point, it lacks several features that comparable or less expensive strollers offer. Its indoor maneuverability isn't as smooth or easy as it could be, and it poses a tip-over risk on every turn, even with two hands on the handlebar. The harness adjusts smoothly, and the buckle is easy to latch, but the adjustment connection point is under the leg rest, a less-than-ideal location with a fussy child's feet near your face. While it is a solid choice and scored highly in our review, there are other options that perform better, offer more features, and cost less.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Joolz Aer 2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Travel Stroller |  Most Compact Stroller |  Best Travel on a Budget Stroller | ||
| Price | $580 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $550 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $330 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $249 List | $93 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Well-rounded, luxury stroller with an easy fold and large canopy that takes more effort to maneuver one-handed | Thoughtfully designed stroller that performs well for travel and everyday use, but the fold is more complex, and it isn't the lightest | A super small folded stroller that is otherwise largely average | 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 |
| Rating Categories | Joolz Aer 2 | UPPAbaby Minu v3 | gb Pockit+ All City | Zoe Traveler | Kolcraft Cloud Plus |
| Transport/Storing (30%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (30%) | |||||
| Maneuverability (20%) | |||||
| Quality (10%) | |||||
| Kid Comfort (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Joolz Aer 2 | UPPAbaby Minu v3 | gb Pockit+ All City | Zoe Traveler | Kolcraft Cloud Plus |
| Age Range | Minimum: Birth Maximum: 50 lb |
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 50 lb |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 5 years |
Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 45 lb |
Minimum: Not specified Maximum: 50 lb |
| Measured Weight | 15.4 lb | 16.7 lb | 13.1 lb | 13.2 lb | 10.1 lb |
| Measured Folded Size | 9.1" L x 17.7" W x 21.1" H | 21.6" L x 17.6" W x 9.2" H | 21.3" L x 13" W x 8" H | 23" L x 18.6" W x 12" H | 33.3" L x 19" W x 10" H |
| Handlebar Height | 42.1" | 41" | 41" | 40" | 38" |
| Storage Basket Capacity | 17.6 lb | 20.0 lb | 11.0 lb | 10.0 lb | 10.0 lb |
| Included Car Seat Compatibility | Cybex | ||||
| Car Seat Compatibility | Britax Römer Baby Safe 3 i-Size, Römer Baby Safe Pro, Römer Baby Safe 5z-2, Römer Baby Safe i-Sense Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna (USA & EU) Clek Liing Cybex Aton M, Aton 2, Aton S2 i-Size, Cloud T i-Size, Cloud G i-Size, Cloud G Lux, Cloud Q, Cloud Z i-Size, Cloud Z2 i-Size Joie i-Sung 2 Maxi-Cosi Pebble Pro, Pebble, Pebble 360 Pro 2, Coral 360, Cabriofx i-Size, Mico Luxe+ Kiddy Evolution Pro Nuna Pipa Next, Pipa urbn, Pipa Lite LX, Pipa Lite R, Pipa Aire RX |
UPPAbaby Aria, Mesa Nuna PIPA, PIPA aire Cybex Aton 2, Aton M Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe, Mico Luxe+ Clek Liing |
|||
| Wheel Type | EVA mix | Polyurethane | EVA foam | EVA foam | EVA foam |
| Folded Volume | 3399 cu in | 3497 cu in | 2215 cu in | 5134 cu in | 6327 cu in |
| Brake Type | Single | Single | Single | Double | Double |
| Carry-on Compatible? | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Aer 2 fold compact and fits nicely, with room to spare, in the back of vehicles. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Transporting and Storing
The Joolz Aer+ features a lightweight, compact fold that makes it easy to carry, transport, and store.
The Aer 2 has a nice carry strap, but it stretches, so it's not the best to hold onto when loading. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Joolz Aer 2 weighs 15.4 lbs; the average for travel strollers in this review is 1 lb heavier. However, because it securely locks closed, we could pretty much grab it anywhere without risking it unfolding while juggling diaper bags and a fussy child.
The Aer 2's compact size is nice, but it doesn't meet carry-on guidelines for airline travel. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Aer 2's sleek, folded shape makes it easy to stash away on travels without taking up much space. Credit: Matt Lighthart
When folded, it measures 20.9"L x 17.3"W x 21.1"H, or 3,399 cubic inches, resulting in a nice compact fold that also self-stands, with an included travel bag for protecting your cruiser.
The pocket on the back of the Aer 2 seat won't hold much, but it's nice for carrying a phone or wallet. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The Aer 2 is a popular stroller that scored higher than most of its competitors in ease of use.
The one-handed fold of the Aer 2 is super convenient for quick transport, leaving your other hand free to carry a child or a diaper bag. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fold and Unfold
Folding requires two steps and one hand; we noted that it isn't a super-smooth process and does take a little effort. Once we got the hang of it, it got easier, and we still feel that it's user-friendly for travelers already juggling too many items and a little one.
Unfolding the Aer 2 with one hand takes mere seconds, reducing the frustration of traveling with little ones. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The one-handed unfold is an even easier two-step process that many parents can do while holding their child. We love that it stands on its own once folded and comes with a travel bag. Overall, the fold and unfold of the Joolz is quick, simple, and free from frustration.
The back wall of the Aer 2 storage bin can be depressed to allow for the easy removal of items without jostling the seat. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Storage
The Aer 2 has a medium-sized storage basket with a 17.6 lb capacity. We were able to fit a large diaper bag inside, but given the overall smaller size, you'll want to stick to just must-have items, like diapers, wipes, and bottles. Access to the bin is good thanks to the basket's back wall extending beyond the seat. There is also a pocket on the back of the seat that can hold a few items, such as a phone, keys, or a wallet.
The Aer 2 shoulder straps have padded covers that clip into place so they don't move all over and get in the way. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
The harness is easy to use in practice, but its unique design may pose some challenges with a fussy toddler in the seat. The height adjustment works smoothly and is a non-rethread process.
Blindly tightening the Aer 2 harness from beneath is more challenging when a fussy passenger is involved. Credit: Matt Lighthart
To tighten the shoulder and waist straps, you'll need to use two straps under the calf rest, one for the shoulder and one for the waist. While we wanted to appreciate the innovative design and that the straps aren't in the way on the seat itself, this setup still poses a couple of challenges. When the calf rest is in its lowest position, it will be in the way, and anyone who has ever had to strap an overly tired or frustrated toddler into a stroller will probably realize that bending over in front of the calf rest to secure them to the seat will likely increase the chance that you get hit in the face by little flailing legs and feet.
The Aer 2 buckle clips only go in one way and are easy to release with the push of a button. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The 5 pt harness has 4 smaller connection points that need to be clipped into the padded crotch buckle. This can take a little extra time, but they are easy to secure and release.
The centrally located brake on the Aer 2 is easy to use without hitting a wheel or the bin with your shoe. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Brakes
The Joolz Aer 2 has a single V-shaped foot brake located in the center of the rear axle. To activate and release the brake, press the bottom down to lock, then press the top down to release. Its smooth, sandal-friendly design also lets you use the top of your foot to release the brake by lifting up the back of the pedal. We love that minimal effort is required to set and release the brake, but it lacks a color-coded indicator to show when the brake is engaged.
All of the time spent setting up the Aer 2 is spent removing the protective packaging. Credit: Austin Palmer
Ease of Setup
It doesn't get any more effortless to unbox and hit the road with a travel stroller than with the Joolz Aer 2. It comes fully assembled. Just remove the carry bag, tags, and protective packaging, and you are ready to go.
The Aer 2 handlebar has a nice, rubbery-feeling material that is comfortable to grip and looks durable Credit: Matt Lighthart
Car Seat Compatiblity
The Joolz is compatible with a wide range of infant car seat brands, including Britax, Bugaboo, Cybex, Joie, Maxi-Cosi, Kiddy, and Nuna, but adapters must be purchased separately.
On flat surfaces and cobblestone, the Aer 2 wasn't as easy to push as we had hoped. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maneuverability
The Aer+ has a narrower frame and EVA-coated tires, and it's just a smidge below average in maneuverability, but given the price point and how impressed we were with this travel stroller overall, this is disappointing.
On a flat surface, it offers average rolling resistance and feels heavier to push than many competitors. Also, unfortunately, when pushed one-handed, we found it poses a higher risk of tipping over on turns. Switching to two hands on the handlebar seems to make this more manageable, yet it still doesn't prevent the tipping motion. This is frustrating because your other hand is usually occupied with retrieving documents or carrying other items when traveling.
The Aer 2 easily navigates average off-road terrain much better than expected for a travel stroller. Credit: Matt Lighthart
When transitioning off-road onto more rugged terrain, the Aer 2 did much better. It navigated over grass, loose gravel, bumps, and cobblestone without getting hung up. There is adequate clearance room, which helps, and the rear wheels have a little tread that prevents them from sliding all over the place when turning on loose dirt.
The higher clearance of the Aer 2 helps it to go up and down curbs without hitting the storage bin. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Coasting onto and off curbs is a breeze with this stroller. The frame has almost no flex when going up or down, and it never felt like it was going to flip over. Despite this, the shorter wheelbase means you always risk it flipping forward, so use caution nonetheless.
The Aer 2's well-thought-out design uses higher-quality materials for a visually appealing result. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Quality
The quality of the materials and the thoughtful design on the Aer 2 is off-the-charts fantastic.
The Aer 2's smooth harness features comfortable padding on the shoulder straps and crotch buckles. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The 50+ SPF fabric on this cruiser is a durable water-resistant canvas-like material that withstands rugged travel yet remains skin-friendly and softer than you'd expect. The harness webbing is smooth, and the padding throughout is dense and more than adequate for maximum comfort.
The Aer 2's rear wheels are larger and more widely spaced than the front to increase stability on rugged terrain. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The EVA foam wheels on the Aer 2 are 5.7" in the front and a slightly larger 6.1" in the back. They have a straight tread pattern that should last for quite a while, even with travel over rugged terrain.
The Aer 2's lightweight frame has a sleek appearance with minimal visible rivets or loose fabric. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The durable aluminum frame is clean and sleek in appearance, with a few plastic components at the hinges, and a rubber-coated handlebar that appears capable of withstanding years of use.
The huge Aer 2's canopy offers full coverage and plenty of height clearance space for taller children. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Kid's Comfort
The passenger ride on this stroller may lack some of the additional features and options found on higher-end strollers, but the Joolz Aer 2 still delivers a comfortable enough experience.
Returning the Aer 2 seat to its upright position is a tricky two-handed process that involves a zipper and stuffing fabric back in place. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Seat
The nicely padded seat offers no extra ventilation and little recline customization for the passenger, with only three available recline settings. It will allow a little one to nap in its lowest, almost flat recline setting, but the adjustments themselves aren't the smoothest; they involve unzipping to lower it from upright to the middle recline setting, then unhooking the fabric further to get it to a flat recline, which can wake a sleeping child.
The customization of the Aer 2 leg rest position for comfort is limited to only three options. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The leg rest has three possible positions: up, down, or tucked completely under the seat. The transition from the seat to the leg rest is seamless, with a single padded fabric piece covering both sections to avoid any discomfort behind the kid's legs.
The small mesh panel on the canopy provides minimal ventilation and no visibility of the passenger. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Sunshade
The large UPF 50+ fabric on the sunshade has a zippered extension option, and extends far enough to cover a child's face when the child is upright. The frame is rigid and will withstand the elements without bending or breaking. There is a small mesh area that unzips for ventilation, but it sits too low to serve as a true peek-a-boo window, so you won't be able to use it to keep an eye on your passenger unless you unzip the extension panel. Even then, it's less than ideal.
The Aer 2 prioritized high-quality form over the more important function you'd expect at its price point. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Joolz Aer 2?
The Aer 2 has a luxury price tag, but the maneuverability isn't as good as you'd expect indoors; it has tip-over potential in turns, and the harness adjustment requires bending over, reaching under the leg rest, and risking a kick to the face from a fussy passenger. Even with these issues, we still recognized that there is a lot to love with the Aer 2, including ease of transport and storage, higher quality, and nice passenger comfort; but we would not recommend it to a friend, because there are comparably reviewed strollers available for less money, and why pay more for less?
What Other Travel Strollers Should You Consider?
If you are looking for high-quality design and materials, better maneuverability, more bells and whistles, and a larger storage bin, we love the UPPAbaby Minu v3. The fact that it's available at a lower price point than the Aer 2 is all the more reason to choose the Minu v3. If budget considerations have you wanting to save some coin, look no further than the Zoe Traveler. While it doesn't offer the same quality or passenger experience as the Aer 2, it's durable, has adequate passenger comfort, and offers better maneuverability for a much lower price.
Manufacturer Video
—Wendy Schmitz
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