Joolz Aer² vs UppaBaby Minu V3: Which Lightweight Travel Stroller to Choose?

Need a lightweight ride for subways, taxis, and travel? Two of our favorite stroller companies have new models on deck and we’re ready to face them off: Joolz Aer² vs UppaBaby Minu V3.

In this article we’ll tell you the differences between the two lightweight travel strollers. Once you know all the specs and features, you’ll be able to figure out the better fit for your family.

Key Takeaways

• The Joolz Aer² and the UppaBaby Minu are two great lightweight travel strollers that each have their own sweet spot. 

• The Joolz Aer² is lighter and smaller option with a taller handlebar. It’s easier to carry and good for a taller parent. 

• The Minu V3 on the other hand is a little heavier but is bigger and more suitable for a bigger child.

• As for features, both strollers recline suitably for a newborn, but the Joolz Aer² offers an additional carry cot that you purchase separately. The Joolz Aer² also has a more comfy carry strap, a mesh footwell, and a longer canopy.

• The Minu V3 offers a bigger underseat basket that carries more, a higher and wider seat, and a simpler buckle. It’s also made of real leather and is GREENGUARD Gold Cerfied.

Joolz Aer² vs UppaBaby Minu V3: Size and Dimensions

You’re on the go and don’t want to be struggling. You basically want the lightest, easiest model that has all the features you’re going to use. So let’s start by comparing the two strollers’ vital stats. 

Now before you make your decision just based on weight, it’s important to remember that generally speaking, with more weight you get more features. 

Joolz Aer² vs UppaBaby Minu V3: Features

Fold

One of the main things to look for with a lightweight stroller is a good and easy fold. Both the Joolz Aer²  and Uppababy Minu V3 have a one hand fold. 

We find the Joolz Aer² to be slightly easier to fold, especially if you have a baby in hand, though when you fold the Minu, it’s easier to grab the carry strap as it’s right there for the taking (no digging). Both strollers are travel-ready as they fold suitably for an airplane overhead bin.

Stroller Seat 

The seat of the Minu V3 sits up a bit higher than the Joolz Aer² and the seat seems a bit wider and larger for a bigger child. 

Handlebar

At 42”, the handlebar of the Joolz Aer²  is taller than the Minu V3, making it a more comfortable push for taller parents.

Newborn Readiness

Both the Joolz Aer² and UppaBaby Minu V3 accommodate children from 0-50lbs as both models lie flat for a nice snooze. The Joolz seems to recline a bit deeper however, its recline is done with a zipper. 

The Minu V3 reclines by pulling a tab on the back. When fully reclined, both strollers offer a foot cover to protect baby. The Joolz foot cover pulls from a zip pouch under the stroller seat and is made of a breezy mesh. The Minu V3 also comes in a pouch (not zipped) under the seat and is made of the same material as the stroller.  

Both strollers can be used with car seats by adding the car seat adapters. The UppaBaby Minu offers 2 different adapters, one that works with UppaBaby strollers and the other that can work with select Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Clek, and Cybex infant car seats. The Joolz Aer² offers one car seat adapter option that works with select Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Clek, and Cybex infant car seats.

Unlike the UppaBaby, however, the Joolz offers an additional option for newborns through a separately purchased carrycot. The carrycot is roomy and luxe and is a nice option for lying flat and facing the parent.

Canopy

The Minu V3 features a zip-out extendable UPF 50+ water repellant canopy with a mesh peekaboo window. This means it will be easy for you to see your little one whenever you want. The Joolz Aer² also has a UPF 50+ canopy with a ventilation panel which gives good airflow but is not quite as easy to see through.

Footrest

Both the Minu V3 and Aer²  have a built in footrest, but the Minu has a tab to press to move it up and down with one hand. With the Aer², you just force the footrest up and down which can feel a little barbaric. Don’t worry you won’t break it!

Carry Strap

It’s very important that your lightweight stroller is easy to carry. The Minu V3 features an integrated carry strap that’s easy to use. It’s located at the top of the fold and extends out quite a bit to make it easy. It snaps back into place when you open the stroller. The Joolz Aer² carry strap is a bit shorter, and is on an elastic band, making it a tad more comfortable.

Underseat Basket

Of course you’ll have stuff when you’re out and about with baby – this could be your diaper bag, groceries, or even a small dog. The Joolz Aer² underseat basket is deeper and narrower, holding up to 17.6lbs, while the Minu V3 is wider and shallower, holding up to 20lbs. 

Harness

Both harnesses are no-rethread and are pretty easy to adjust. The Joolz requires 4 clicks, and the Uppa requires an easier 2 clicks to secure your child in the seat. 

Materials and Certifications

When buying a stroller, it is important that it’s quality materials that will be good for both baby and the planet. The Minu V3 is made with 100% full grain leather and aluminum and is GREENGUARD ® Gold Certified. The Joolz Aer² is made of recycled PET bottles and leatherette details. The company also makes the commitment to plant a tree for every stroller sold. 

Warranty

Now let’s talk warranty. If anything goes awry you want to know you have a good company behind your stroller of choice. The Minu V3 features a 3 year limited warranty while the Joolz Aer² offers a 2 years and 10 year transferable warranty if you register within 6 months. 

Joolz Aer² vs UppaBaby Minu V3: Comparison Chart

The Verdict: The Best Lightweight Stroller to Choose

Comparing Joolz Aer² vs UppaBaby Minu V3, it’s clear that these are two very similar and excellent choices for travel. 

The Joolz Aer² is lighter, smaller, more suitable for a tall parent, and has more options for a newborn (namely the carrycot, sold separately). It’s the go-to for parents with newborns who are frequent flyers.

The Minu V3 on the other hand, is more price friendly at $80 less, is a little easier getting your child in and out of thanks to the streamlined buckle, has a wider, higher seat and feels a bit sturdier, bigger basket, and has a nice peekaboo window when you want to get a look at your little one on the go. 

Lightweight Stroller Shopping With Babesta

If you’re thinking of stroller shopping in NYC, come to Babesta. We have narrowed down the market to the best of the best for city families. Our team has been testing baby gear for over 20 years and is always on the look out for new models that can stand up to the city terrain. 

You can always give our strollers a spin at Babesta and see for yourself. And it’s not only strollers. If you’re in the market for car seats, cribs, gliders, travel cribs, beds, bunk beds, and anything else in the baby market, we’re here to help. 

At Babesta, you don’t have to lose your cool shopping the baby market. Babesta’s got your back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is the UppaBaby Minu V3 for?

The UppaBaby Minu V3 can be used for newborns up to 50lbs. If your baby is under 6 months, recliene the seat all the way and affix the foot cover. Once they’re over 6 months, you can sit them up and they can roll around until they’re 50lbs — basically full time walkers.

Can the Minu V3 be used with a bassinet?

No. Whereas the Minu V2 was compatible with UppaBaby’s Bassinet, the Minu V3 is not. For newborns, recline the seat or use your car seat adapters. 

Is the Joolz Aer² cabin approved?

Yes, the Joolz Aer² is cabin approved for most airlines. We always recommend checking the airline rules against the dimensions.