Joolz Aer2 vs. Bugaboo Butterfly 2 | Travel Stroller Comparison
Travel strollers are more popular than ever, and for good reason. Designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver, these strollers are not only perfect for flights and family vacations but also make daily life simpler. Whether you’re squeezing one into a packed trunk, navigating tight store aisles, or making quick stops at school drop-off, a compact stroller can save time and space without sacrificing comfort for your child.
Two refreshed models leading the way in 2025 are the Joolz Aer2 and the Bugaboo Butterfly 2. Both offer sleek designs, smart folding mechanisms, and travel-friendly features, but each brings its own strengths to the table. In this comparison, we’ll break down how they stack up so you can find the stroller that best fits your family’s lifestyle.
Look how they compare in this video:
Joolz Aer2
Meet the Joolz Aer2, a travel stroller designed to make every outing feel effortless. At just 14.3 pounds, it folds in one second with one hand, stands on its own, and slips easily into overhead bins—perfect for flights, errands, or quick trips in and out of the car.
Comfort comes built in with a full recline for naps, a new integrated leg rest, and larger wheels with upgraded suspension for a smoother ride. Parents will appreciate the taller 42-inch handlebar, roomy basket that holds up to 17.6 pounds, and an extended UPF 50+ canopy with ventilation to keep little ones cool and protected. Finished with an easy one-pull harness, the Aer2 combines lightweight portability with premium details, proving you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or style when you’re on the go.
Bugaboo Butterfly 2
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is built for families who want to explore without limits. Weighing just over 16 pounds, it folds in one second into an ultra-compact package that’s carry-on ready for most overhead bins. Just as quick to unfold, it’s always ready for your next adventure, whether that’s a trip abroad or an errand that must get done.
Designed with growing toddlers in mind, the Butterfly 2 features an ergonomic seat with enhanced back and leg support, an upgraded harness for easy adjustments, and new wheels with improved bearings for a smoother, more agile push. A spacious underseat basket makes it simple to bring along daily essentials, while the stylish new colors give the stroller a fresh, modern look.
Beyond convenience, the Butterfly 2 stands out for its award-winning design and sustainable build, offering Bugaboo’s lowest CO₂ footprint yet. Pair it with car seat adapters or accessories to customize your setup, and you’ll have a stroller that combines comfort, durability, and travel-ready portability all in one.
What Stroller Can I Use From Birth?
Both the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 can be paired with a compatible car seat for use from birth. However, only the Aer2 offers a stroller seat that’s newborn-ready. Its seat reclines fully flat and is approved for use with newborns, with a built-in retention net to keep your baby secure in the flat position.
For even more flexibility, the Aer2 also has unique newborn solutions: the optional Aer Nest (sold separately, pictured below), a parent-facing seat that reclines for a cozy, snuggled-in ride, and a dedicated bassinet (sold separately).
If you’re looking for a travel stroller that can truly function from day one without relying solely on a car seat, the Joolz Aer2 gives you the most options to suit your baby’s needs.
Car Seat Compatibility
One of the biggest advantages of compact travel strollers is the ability to use them with an infant car seat. Since these strollers often double as your everyday “car stroller,” being able to click your car seat in and out makes errands, school drop-offs, and travel much easier. Both the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 offer this convenience with the help of car seat adapters (sold separately), so you can transition smoothly from car to stroller without disturbing your baby.
The Aer2 offers a single car seat adapter that works seamlessly with many of our best-selling infant car seats, including Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, and Clek.
The Butterfly 2 also offers a single car seat adapter that works with our best-selling brands including Bugaboo, Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, and Clek.
What About Room for an Older Sibling?
A growing trend in premium travel strollers is the ability to accommodate an older sibling, making school runs and outings even easier. Both the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 offer this convenience with ride-along boards that allow a child to either sit or stand.
The Aer2 Footboard and Butterfly Comfort Wheeled Board both include a small built-in seat, giving tired toddlers the option to rest, or stand and ride along when they’re feeling more energetic. Each board folds up neatly when not in use and can be detached quickly for storage or travel.
What About Travel Features?
Both the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 are designed with travel in mind, folding small enough to fit in most overhead bins and making airport navigation much less stressful.
The Aer2 stands out with its one-hand, one-second fold that self-stands, plus an included elastic carry strap and travel pouch so you can easily sling it over your shoulder and go.
The Butterfly 2 is equally compact with a lightning-fast fold and durable build approved for most airline cabins. Bugaboo also adds a major convenience for families on the go: a snack tray accessory that keeps little ones happy and entertained whether you’re traveling or just running errands around town!
Full Feature Comparison
Both the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 are designed as compact, travel-friendly strollers suitable from birth (with car seat for the Butterfly 2) through toddlerhood. They share many key features, such as one-handed folding, overhead bin compatibility, and ergonomic seating, but each stroller has its own strengths depending on what parents value most.
The Joolz Aer2 focuses on lightweight portability and versatile newborn use. Weighing just 14.3 lbs, it is one of the lightest travel strollers available. The one-hand, one-second fold self-stands and fits easily into overhead bins. The Aer2 has a tall 42” handlebar for taller parents, an extended UPF 50+ sun canopy with ventilation, and an ergonomic long backrest to support growing children. Parents also get a one-hand pull harness for fast adjustments, a travel pouch, shoulder strap, and multiple newborn options, including a full flat recline, the optional Aer Nest parent-facing seat, and a foldable bassinet.
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2, on the other hand, emphasizes comfort, convenience, and a larger seating area. Weighing just over 16 lbs, it offers an upright, ergonomic seat that supports toddlers well. It also folds quickly with one hand into an ultra-compact, carry-on-ready package and includes upgraded wheels and bearings for a smooth, agile ride. Parents will appreciate the generous under-seat basket, the new snack tray, eco-friendly materials, and compatibility with car seat adapters and other Bugaboo accessories. The Butterfly 2 is ideal for families seeking a travel stroller with a spacious seat, excellent push, and practical extras for daily outings.
Side-by-Side Quick Features
- Travel-Ready – Ultra-compact, self-standing one-hand fold that fits in airline overhead bins
- Fresh Color Options – Available in stylish, contemporary colors
- Future-Proof Engineering – Thoughtful design with ergonomic seat, adjustable leg rest, and durable components
- One-Second Fold – Quick, one-hand fold for parents on the go
- Compact & Lightweight – Weighs just 14.3 lbs
- Harness System – One-hand pull harness with 5-point buckle for secure and easy adjustments
- Suspension & Wheels – All-wheel suspension for smooth, comfortable rides
- Eco-Friendly Materials – Built with sustainable fabrics and responsible production practices
- Spacious Underseat Basket – Holds up to 17.6 lbs for daily essentials
- Enhanced Ergonomics – Extended seat back, recline options, and optional Aer Nest parent-facing accessory for newborn comfort
- Accessory Compatibility – Works with optional foldable cot, Aer Nest, car seat adapters, travel pouch, and more
- Award-Winning Design – Winner of the Red Dot Best of the Best for groundbreaking innovation
- Sustainable Construction – Bugaboo’s stroller with the lowest CO₂ footprint to date
- Travel-Ready – Ultra-compact fold and lightweight build that meets airline cabin requirements
- Fresh Color Options – Available in new stylish hues
- Future-Proof Engineering – Enhanced comfort, safety, and durability with upgraded parts and intuitive design
- One-Second Fold – Quick, one-hand fold for parents on the go
- Compact & Lightweight – Weighs just 16 lbs and fits into overhead compartments
- New Harness Design – Smoother adjustability and added security for your child
- New Wheels & Bearings – Upgraded for a smoother, more agile ride
- Eco-Friendly Materials – Built with sustainability in mind to reduce environmental impact
- Spacious Underseat Basket – Generous storage with easy access for everyday essentials, holds up to 17.6 lbs
- Enhanced Ergonomics – Improved backrest and seat support for growing toddlers
- Accessory Compatibility – Works with car seat adapters, footmuffs, snack tray, and other Bugaboo gear
Specs at a Glance
When it comes to size and build, the Joolz Aer2 and Bugaboo Butterfly 2 are similar in many ways, but a few key differences may sway your decision. The Aer2 is the lighter option at just over 14 pounds, making it slightly easier to carry through airports or lift into the car, and it also features a taller handlebar for parents who need a little extra height. The Butterfly 2, on the other hand, offers one of the tallest seat backs in its class, giving growing toddlers more room and support as they ride. Both strollers are compact enough to fit in overhead bins. Let's take a closer look:
Weight
- Joolz Aer2: 14.3 lbs
-
Bugaboo Butterfly 2: 16 lbs
Dimensions
- Joolz Aer2: 33.5" L x 17.7" W x 42" H
-
Bugaboo Butterfly 2: 37.2" L x 17.4" W x 40.5" H
Folded Dimensions
Both strollers meet the carry-on standards of the International Air Transport Association: 22"L x 18"W x 10"D.
- Joolz Aer2: 20.8" L x 17.3" W x 9.2" H
-
Bugaboo Butterfly 2: 17.6" x 9.6" x 21.8"
Recommended Use
- Joolz Aer2: Birth to 50 pounds / 0-6 months: full lie-flat position only, with the retention net attached*; 6 months-4 years old: all recline positions can be used
-
Bugaboo Butterfly 2: 6 months to 50 pounds
Seat Back Height
- Joolz Aer2: 20"
-
Bugaboo Butterfly 2: 22"
Seat to Canopy Height
- Joolz Aer2: 28.5"
-
Bugaboo Butterfly 2: 26.8"
Seat Depth
- Joolz Aer2: 13"
- Bugaboo Butterfly 2: 9.4"
Wheel Size
- Joolz Aer2: 5.7" Front; 6.1" Rear
- Bugaboo Butterfly 2: 5.5" Front; 6" Rear
Warranty
* The retention net is permanently attached under the leg rest and can be neatly stored in a dedicated pocket
Which One is Right For You?
After all that, what stroller is best for your family? Let’s break it down.
Choose the Joolz Aer2 if:
-
You want a stroller that works from day one with multiple newborn solutions (flat recline with retention net, bassinet, or Aer Nest).
-
You prefer the versatility of maybe using it as your only stroller, not just for travel.
-
A lightweight build and taller handlebar height are priorities for carrying and pushing with ease.
Choose the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 if:
-
You’re mainly looking for a dedicated travel stroller with top-notch convenience features.
-
A very upright seat, roomy design, and smooth push are important for a growing toddler.
-
You value a larger underseat basket and the bonus of accessories like a snack tray.
Why should you trust Bambi Baby?
At Bambi Baby, our decades-long commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has established us as a trusted authority in the baby products' industry. With over 40 years of experience, we have developed a deep understanding of what parents require when choosing the perfect gear. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through this important decision with personalized recommendations, ensuring that the gear you pick perfectly matches your lifestyle and needs.
Still have questions?
Bambi Baby experts are ready to connect! If you have any more questions regarding the Joolz Aer2 or Bugaboo Butterfly 2, you can reach us at cs@bambibaby.com or chat with us on our website. We would love to hear from you!
We would also love to see you in store! Feel free to visit any of our store locations in New York, New Jersey, or Miami if you prefer personalized assistance from one of our experts. We're here to ensure you find the perfect gear for your baby with confidence and ease.