🗽Best Travel Strollers for NYC Parents: Joolz Aer² vs Bugaboo Butterfly 2

Whether you’re strolling the streets of Soho or traipsing around Tribeca, lightweight travel strollers are a must in NYC. Joolz and Bugaboo make two of the most popular models out there. But which one compact stroller should you choose? Let’s figure out the big diff between the Joolz Aer² vs. Bugaboo Butterfly 2.

In this article, we’ll tell you why compact strollers are so important in NYC and then face off the Joolz and Bugaboo travel strollers point by point. Happy strolling!

Why Compact Strollers Matter in NYC

Having a compact stroller is key in the city because New Yorkers are always on the go. You want to be able to hop on a bus or the subway, grab a cab or Uber with ease. 

And small strollers aren’t just about travel. If you enroll your little one in nursery school or after school programs, you’ll probably want to leave your stroller there so you can be stroller-free until it’s time for pick up. If that’s the case, you’re gonna need a lightweight. 

Of course, then there’s the matter of closet space. Little travel strollers are much more NYC apartment friendly, tucking away without taking up too much precious floor space. 

Brand Overview

As we said, both Joolz and Bugaboo are trusted premium European brands. In fact they’re both Dutch and Joolz was originally started by ex-Bugaboo engineers. How’s this for the circle of life: as of earlier this year, the two brands have reunited again and are owned by the same company. 

Babesta Testing

At Babesta we test all of the models we choose to stock in the store for their durability and features for the NYC market. Can they handle the uneven terrain from cobblestones to sidewalks of Manhattan? Are they a snap to fold down to carry down the stairs of the 2-3 train?

With both the Joolz Aer² and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 the answer is a resounding yes!

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty: A Joolz Aer² and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 lightweight stroller comparison. Which is the best stroller for travel NYC? Here’s a quick snapshot on some of the key aspects of these rides.

So those are the basics, but let’s jump into some additional specifics.

Portability & Fold

When comparing the Joolz Aer² with the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 for their folding these two models are pretty similar. With both strollers you press two buttons on the handlebar and push down. The one-second fold is a snap.

Although both strollers have a carry strap, these straps are a bit different. The Bugaboo strap tends to hide in the underbasket and can be tricky to find (always pull it out and have your eye on it before folding). The strap is sewn in so cannot be removed. The Joolz carry strap is removable, however that makes it susceptible for loss. 

As for portability of these subway-friendly strollers, they’re both pretty easy to carry. However, the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is about 1.7lbs heavier than the Joolz Aer² which could make a difference for those who are seeking out the lightest option.

-->>Lighter, Joolz Aer², both have carry straps with their own peccadillos.

Comfort & Ride Quality

When it comes to the comfort of the ride between the Joolz Aer² with the Bugaboo Butterfly 2, we’re really splitting hairs. Strolling down the street, it’s hard to tell the difference and they both feel really good and smooth for lightweight strollers. 

Each stroller has a sweet spot when it comes to kids, however.

Newborns

The Joolz Aer² is newborn ready from the get-go with its fully reclining seat. That means if you have a really little baby, it’s more comfortable (with the Butterfly, children under 6 months can only ride in a car seat). 

Not only does Joolz offer a full recline with the seat and car seat adapters, but there’s a carry cot that you can purchase separately for an even better newborn experience. 

Toddlers

But for bigger kids, the Butterfly is the more comfy ride: It has a taller seat and a sturdier leg rest. In comparison, the Joolz Aer² seat is a bit smaller (though a bit more cushy) and the footrest doesn’t sit completely flat and does not seem quite as comfy. 

-->>The most comfortable stroller for toddlers is the Butterfly 2, but the most comfortable stroller for newborns is the Joolz Aer². 

Storage & Accessories

The underseat basket is another important feature to look at when choosing a lightweight stroller, as if you’re strolling around the city, you’ll want to have your stuff with you and space for extras (think diaper bag, groceries, dry cleaning, shopping). 

Both the Joolz Aer² underseat basket and the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 basket hold the same amount of goodies (17.6lbs) but the baskets are shaped a bit differently. The Bugaboo basket is wider and flatter, whereas the Joolz Aer²’s basket is taller and narrower. 

Both strollers have a shallow rear pocket built in on the back of the seat for a phone, wallet or other small item. We’d say the storage situation seems a bit nicer with the Bugaboo, but it may just be a personal preference.

The Joolz Aer² also has a basket bag extension for additional storage, sold as an extra accessory. Other accessories include car seat adapters, carrycot ($299 well spent if you have a newborn!), footboard, mosquito net, LED light, cupholder, organizer, rain cover, transport bag, and footmuff. 

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 offers extra accessories including a cupholder, organizer, rain cover, transport bag, seat liner, umbrella, smartphone holder, footmuff, and car seat adapter.

-->>As you can see for the accessory game, they’re pretty evenly matched. 

Sustainability & Warranty

From a sustainability standpoint, both stroller companies seem to be actively trying to be conscientious about the planet. 

Bugaboo’s Butterfly 2 eco-friendly stroller has a low CO₂ footprint (the lowest of all Bugaboos), with 37% reduced CO₂ as compared with the original Butterfly. It’s made of bio-based material and recycled aluminum as well as water-repellent PFAS-free fabrics. 

Handlebar grips are made of 100% vegan leather, it’s module design means that it’s easier to repair and be refurbished, and the Butterfly 2 ships to the warehouse with biofuels.

As for the Joolz there’s a bit less information from a sustainability standpoint. They do say that “Every Joolz on the street is a tree in one of our Birth Forests in Asia, Africa,Europe, or South America.” So it seems a tree is planted for every stroller sold. 

In addition, the fabric is made from recycled PET bottles. 

As for the warranty for both strollers, Bugaboo Butterfly 2 has a 4 year warranty, whereas the Joolz features a 10-year transferable warranty.

-->Bugaboo wins sustainability and eco-consciousness, whereas Joolz wins warranty for the transferability.

Price & Value

The Butterfly 2 by Bugaboo has an MSRP of $599, and the Joolz Aer² is just slightly cheaper at $579. 

-->> When it comes to price and value, these two strollers are pretty evenly matched. 

Final Verdict: Which Stroller Fits Your NYC Life

For New York families looking for the best lightweight stroller between the Joolz Aer² vs Bugaboo Butterfly 2, the best choice comes down to the details. Here’s our verdict: 

Best for frequent flyers, minimalists, and families trying to accommodate a newborn: Joolz Aer².

• Lighter stroller.

• Extended newborn options like recline flat seat, carrycot (sold separately), and car seat adapters.

• Longer, transferable warranty (10 yrs).

Best for comfort, storage, longer outings, and eco-friendliness  — especially for tall toddlers: Bugaboo Butterfly 2.

• Taller seat accommodating taller child.

• Wider underseat basket that feels a bit roomier.

• Comprehensive attention given to sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Now that you know everything there is to know about Bugaboo Butterfly 2 vs Joolz Aer², it’s time to give them both a spin. Visit Babesta in Tribeca to push them on the street or if you’re already convinced, shop online at babesta.com. 

We can walk you through everything from strollers and car seats to cribs, bassinets, gliders, and travel cribs. We even have a registry (and we work with Babylist). 

Are there other strollers you’re trying to compare? We try to write up our face offs as often as possible, making it even easier for you to make the best decision for your family.