REASONS TO BUY
Small
Lightweight
One-hand fold
Carry strap
Travel bag
Stellar maneuverability
Seat pocket
REASONS TO AVOID
No peek-a-boo window
Recline zipper
Hard to fit extra-large bags
Joolz Aer+ Review
While it doesn't have all the features, this stroller offers excellent quality and is one of our top travel choices
Credit: Natalie Kafader
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ September 29, 2025
RELATED: The Best Travel Strollers
Our Verdict
The Joolz Aer+ proves that a top travel stroller doesn't need every feature to shine. Its compact fold meets International Air Transport Association (IATA) carry-on size guidelines, and its lightweight design makes it easier to lift into overhead bins, tuck into car trunks, or carry up and down stairs. Its high-quality build is comparable to top-tier options, and its fold and unfold is easy to manage, even one-handed. It's effortless to push and steer, rolls smoothly over flat surfaces, and efficiently hops curbs. It might not be the ultimate for kid comfort, but it's above average, and our little testers enjoyed the ride. Though not a one-and-done stroller, the Joolz Aer+ makes an excellent travel buddy. It's practical, dependable, and worth thinking about for life on the go.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Joolz is a Dutch stroller brand founded in 2005 and based in Amsterdam. They focus on designing strollers and related accessories. Sustainability is part of their mission. They incorporate recycled materials into their fabrics, and for every stroller sold, a tree is planted in one of their Birth Forests around the world.
During testing, the Joolz Aer+ fit comfortably in the SUV's rear storage area, leaving space for additional gear.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Transporting and Storing
The Joolz has a lightweight design, compact fold, and carrying strap, which contribute to an impressive ability to travel well.
The folded Joolz meets carry-on size guidelines for airplane travel.
The Joolz Aer+ weighed 14.3 lbs. The lightest stroller weighs closer to 10 lbs, and the average weight is around 14 lbs. So, the Joolz is just slightly above average. We find the Joolz's weight acceptable for this stroller category.
The Joolz comes with a travel bag.
When folded, it measures 17.6"W x 8.6"H x 21"L, with a total volume of about 3,179 in^3. It's on the smaller side of the spectrum, with only a few being more compact. We love that it meets IATA carry-on standards, has a built-in shoulder strap, and includes a travel bag for convenience.
Adjusting the harness straps on the Joolz Aer+ is straightforward.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Use
The Joolz stroller is user-friendly compared to competitors.
You can unfold the Joolz using one hand while holding a child in the other.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Fold and Unfold
Folding and unfolding the Joolz is refreshingly easy. Our parent tester managed it with one hand while holding his child. To fold, press the handlebar buttons at the same time, and it collapses into a compact, self-standing shape.
Unfolding is just as quick: press the release buttons and lift until it clicks into place. The only small challenge is finding the buttons, but it becomes second nature with regular use. Overall, we consider folding and unfolding to be quick and fuss-free. This is important when you're juggling a child and you're counting on things to work smoothly.
The Joolz storage basket is smaller but can hold a diaper bag if not overstuffed.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Storage
The stroller has a smaller storage basket that can hold up to 11 lbs. It's easy to access and ideal for shorter trips or errands. A medium-sized diaper bag will probably fit best, and you'll want to stick to the essentials, like baby wipes, diapers, snacks, and toys. A slim pocket is located on the back of the seat, ideal for storing quick-access items such as your phone, keys, a book, or other smaller objects. It's a thoughtful feature, and we found it very useful during testing.
The Joolz features underseat storage as well as a pocket on the back of the seat.
Though the Joolz has several straps to click in, it's easy to use, and we appreciate the padding on the straps for child comfort.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Harness
The harness is comfortable, with soft padding on the crotch and shoulder straps. Where it gets more challenging is usability. You'll need to clip together four separate straps before strolling. It's not an unusual design, but it does take extra time, and when your child is fussy, those extra seconds can feel longer than they are.
With the Joolz, you can activate the brake by pressing down on the lever.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Brakes
The Joolz Aer+ has a single foot brake located at the center of the rear axle. It's simple to operate. You activate and deactivate the brake by pressing the lever down to lock it and pressing the top to release. We also like that it's sandal-friendly because you use the bottom of your foot instead of the top. Our only wish is that it included a visual indicator to show whether the brake is engaged.
With the Joolz arriving almost fully assembled, you’ll be ready to roll quickly.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Ease of Setup
The Joolz arrives almost fully assembled, so there's very little to do once you remove the protective packaging. This was refreshingly simple compared with strollers that require more time and effort to get going. The instructions were clear, and we were ready to roll in about five minutes. Quick and effortless setup like this is always a win for busy parents.
Car Seat Compatiblity
The Joolz Aer+ is compatible with a wide range of infant car seats. It can be used with select models from Avionaut, Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, and Clek car seats, but adapters must be purchased separately.
The Joolz is easy to push on flat surfaces and handles uneven terrain reasonably well but is best on smooth, level ground.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Maneuverability
The Joolz is easy and smooth to push, even with one hand. This stroller has EVA foam-coated wheels and a narrower frame and wheelbase, allowing it to roll smoothly over flat surfaces and navigate tight spaces like airports, museums, city sidewalks, or hotels.
While it's not designed for off-roading like most travel strollers, it handles mildly uneven surfaces well. It rolled over pinecones without fuss and continued to perform the same. Overall, its performance in this area matches that of other high-end travel stroller contenders.
The Joolz stands out for its quality and attention to detail.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Quality
While the Joolz Aer+ sacrifices a few features, it doesn't compromise on quality.
The materials and build feel premium, holding up well against most high-end options. The aluminum frame feels solid. The seat materials seem durable and well-padded. Unlike some competitors, we saw no scuffs or wear and tear after testing, which suggests it should remain durable for frequent use.
The Joolz Aer+ is comfortable for kids but doesn't offer every feature.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Kid's Comfort
The Joolz Aer+ could offer more in this department, as it doesn't have all the bells and whistles like some premium strollers we tested. It provides a decently comfortable ride.
The Aer+ does not have an adjustable leg rest. It features mesh panels in the canopy and on the side of the seat when reclined for additional airflow.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Seat
The Joolz Aer+ offers a moderate recline. It's not entirely flat at its lowest setting of 142.9°, but it's enough for a sleepy child to doze off comfortably. To recline, unzip the panel, which lowers the seat, then adjust the side straps for more customization. While it's not as adjustable as some competitors, it functions well. There's plenty of headroom in an upright position, though taller toddlers might find their heads near the top when the seat is fully reclined.
If your child's legs are long enough, they can rest on the Joolz's plastic footrest.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The stroller has no dedicated leg rest or calf support, only a plastic footrest near the storage basket. Children tall enough to reach can rest their feet, while shorter children's feet will probably dangle. The seat is evenly padded, and we saw no bumps or uncomfortable seams. However, dangling legs could be less comfortable on longer rides.
The Joolz Aer+ has an extendable canopy that provides excellent coverage when fully lowered, giving your little one plenty of shade.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Sunshade
The canopy is UPF 50+ sun protection and features a zip-out extension with built-in mesh ventilation for extra airflow. Since there isn't a dedicated peek-a-boo window, you'll need to extend the canopy to look through the mesh ventilation to check on your child.
The Aer+ fabrics are made from recycled PET bottles and feel smooth and premium.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Joolz Aer+?
The Joolz Aer+ trims some features to stay lightweight, compact, and travel-friendly, making it a strong contender in this stroller category. Its narrower frame may especially appeal to city-dwelling families who need a compact, easy-to-maneuver stroller for subway, doorways, stores, or elevators.
What Other Travel Strollers Should You Consider?
If you want to maintain premium quality and top-notch performance, the UPPAbaby Minu v3 is worth considering. It's thoughtfully designed, offers more features, and has a larger storage basket with a higher weight limit than the Aer+. Like the Joolz, it's IATA-approved and easy to maneuver, making it a strong choice for travel and everyday use. Otherwise, the Zoe Traveler is very budget-friendly and works well as a travel-only stroller when a high-end build isn't essential.
Manufacturer Video
Side-by-Side Comparison
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