Joolz Aer2 vs. UPPAbaby Minu V3 | Travel Stroller Comparison

Looking for a compact travel stroller? Travel strollers make vacations easier and help simplify everyday life. Whether it’s quick errands, school drop-offs, or getting through tight spaces, a compact stroller can be a true lifesaver for busy parents. With so many models that fold small enough to fit in overhead bins, the choices can feel overwhelming. Two of the latest upgrades from brands we love are the Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3. Both are lightweight, compact, and newborn-ready right out of the box.

Let's take a closer look!

Joolz Aer2

The Joolz Aer2 is designed to make life on the go simple, stylish, and stress-free. With its one-hand, one-second fold that self-stands, it’s easy to collapse and carry whether you’re hopping in and out of the car, navigating airports, or storing it at home. The seat reclines fully flat with a smooth one-hand adjustment, while the new integrated leg rest provides extra comfort for naps and longer outings.

Parents will love the thoughtful details built in for everyday convenience, like the larger wheels with improved suspension, a higher 42" handlebar for an ergonomic push, and a spacious under-seat basket that holds up to 17.6 pounds. The extended UPF 50+ canopy with ventilation keeps your child cool and protected, and the updated harness makes securing them quick and simple. Lightweight, compact, and carry-on approved, the Aer2 is a travel-ready stroller that doesn’t compromise on comfort or quality!

UPPAbaby Minu V3

The UPPAbaby Minu V3 is designed for families who want the convenience of a travel stroller without sacrificing comfort or quality. With its lightweight frame and one-handed fold, it’s easy to take on the go, whether you’re navigating city streets, catching a flight, or fitting it into a packed car trunk. Compact enough to meet overhead bin requirements, the Minu V3 makes travel seamless from start to finish.

This stroller is newborn-ready right out of the box, featuring a built-in foot barrier, multiple recline positions, and an adjustable harness that grows with your child. For even more flexibility, it’s travel system compatible, working with the UPPAbaby Mesa Infant Car Seat or select models from Nuna, Cybex, and Maxi-Cosi (with adapters). Parents will appreciate thoughtful touches like the extendable UPF 50+ canopy, three-position footrest, shock-absorbing suspension, and a hidden pocket to store a tracker device. With premium fabrics, a sleek carbon frame, and full-grain leather details, the Minu V3 combines modern style with everyday functionality.

Newborn Ready?

YES!

Most travel strollers are not truly newborn ready without adding a bassinet or car seat. The good news is that both the Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 are designed to be newborn friendly right out of the box. This is a major step forward in the travel stroller market since the safest position for a baby in a stroller is lying flat. While car seat compatibility is helpful, especially for quick errands and airport travel, babies should not remain in their car seat for more than two hours at a time, making a flat recline the healthier option for longer outings.

Both the Aer2 and Minu V3 feature a full recline that allows your little one to rest comfortably from day one. The Aer2 includes a built-in retention net that cradles your newborn and keeps them secure while using the flat position, and it also offers the optional Aer Nest, a parent-facing seat that reclines to give babies a cozy, snuggled-in ride. The Minu V3 provides a similar level of support with an integrated foot barrier that clips over the seat. These thoughtful features give parents peace of mind while ensuring even the youngest riders can travel safely and comfortably.

Car Seat Compatibility 

Car seat compatibility is a major perk in the compact travel stroller category. These strollers often serve as everyday “car strollers,” so being able to quickly click a car seat in and out makes errands and outings much easier. It’s also essential when you need to bring your car seat along to your destination. Both the Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 offer this flexibility with the use of adapters, which are sold separately.

Joolz Aer2

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.

• Aer2 car seat adapter

UPPAbaby Minu V3

The Minu V3 has two adapter options. One is designed specifically for UPPAbaby infant car seats, while the other is a multi-brand adapter compatible with Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, and Clek.

• UPPAbaby adapter
• Multi-brand adapter (Nuna, Cybex, Clek, Maxi-Cosi)

Built for Travel

Both the Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 are airline-approved and fold compactly to fit in most overhead bins. The Aer2 features a one-hand, one-second fold that self-stands and comes with an elastic carry strap and included travel pouch for easy portability. The Minu V3 also folds quickly with one hand and can be paired with the sold separately padded travel bag. UPPAbaby goes a step further with its TravelSafe program, covering repair or replacement if your stroller is damaged while in the official travel bag!

Ride-Along Options

A growing trend in high-end travel strollers is the ability to bring an older sibling along for the ride. Both the Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 offer this convenience with ride-along boards.

The Joolz Aer2 Footboard stands out with the option to sit or stand, giving toddlers a chance to rest their legs when needed. The Minu V3 PiggyBack provides a sturdy standing platform for older siblings. Both boards fold up neatly when not in use and can be removed quickly if needed.

Feature Comparison

Both the Joolz Aer2 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 are designed as compact, travel-friendly strollers that can be used from birth through toddlerhood. They share many similarities, like overhead bin compatibility, one-handed folding, and use from birth with recline features, but they shine in slightly different ways depending on what parents value most.

The Joolz Aer2 is all about lightweight portability and effortless handling. At just 14.3 lbs, it’s one of the lightest in its category, folding in one second with one hand and fitting into overhead bins with ease. It has a tall 42” handlebar for taller parents, an extended UPF 50+ sun hood with ventilation, and an ergonomic long backrest to support growing kids. The Aer2 also features an innovative one-hand pull harness for quick adjustments and includes a travel pouch and shoulder strap, making it especially appealing for frequent flyers.

The UPPAbaby Minu V3, on the other hand, leans into versatility and everyday comfort. It’s slightly heavier but offers more built-in plushness thanks to a padded insert, deeper recline options, and a 3-position adjustable footrest. Its large 20 lb basket is easier to access than the Aer2’s, and it adds thoughtful touches like a hidden tracker pocket, reflective wheel trim, and compatibility with UPPAbaby’s TravelSafe program, which covers damage when using their travel bag. The Minu V3 also integrates smoothly into UPPAbaby’s travel system lineup with car seat adapters.

Side-by-Side Quick Features

Joolz Aer2:

• Weight: 14.3 lbs
• Fold: One-hand, one-second fold (self-standing)
• Folded size: 17.3” x 20.8” x 9.2” (airline overhead bin compatible)
• Seat capacity: Birth* to 50 lbs (*fully reclined or with optional cot)
• Recline: 3 positions (seated, relaxed, sleep)
• Sun canopy: Extended UPF 50+ hood with ventilation
• Storage: Basket holds 17.6 lbs
• Harness: One-hand pull system, 5-point buckle
• Handlebar: 42” (taller parent-friendly)
• Suspension: All-wheel suspension for smoother ride
• Accessories: Travel pouch & shoulder strap included; foldable cot available
• Eco: Fabrics made from recycled PET bottles

UPPAbaby Minu V3:

• Weight: Slightly heavier than Aer2 at 16.7 lbs (lightweight, portable design with shoulder strap)
• Fold: One-hand, one-step fold & unfold (self-standing)
• Folded size: Overhead bin compatible, IATA certified
• Seat capacity: Birth to 50 lbs
• Recline: Deep multi-position recline with foot barrier for newborns
• Sun canopy: Extendable UPF 50+ canopy with mesh peekaboo window
• Storage: Large, easy-access basket holds up to 20 lbs
• Harness: 5-point, no-rethread adjustable
• Handlebar: Full-grain leather
• Suspension: Shock-absorbing, all-wheel suspension
• Extra comfort: Padded, machine-washable insert; 3-position footrest
• Safety/Extras: Hidden tracker pocket, reflective trim, PFAS-free materials
• Travel perks: UPPAbaby TravelSafe program coverage; travel bag available
  

Specs at a Glance

Now that we’ve compared features, let’s break it down by the numbers. From weight and dimensions to storage capacity and wheel size, here’s how the Joolz Aer2 and  UPPAbaby Minu V3 stack up when it comes to the technical details that can make a big difference in daily use.

Weight

• Joolz Aer2: 14.3 lbs
• UPPAbaby Minu V3: 16.7 lbs
  

Dimensions

• Joolz Aer2: 33.5" L x 17.7" W x 42" H
• UPPAbaby Minu V3: 34.5" L x 18" W x 41" 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
• UPPAbaby Minu V3: 18" x 10" x 21.5" 
  

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
• UPPAbaby Minu V3: Birth to 50 pounds 
  

Seat Back Height

• Joolz Aer2: 20"
• UPPAbaby Minu V3: 21"
  

Seat to Canopy Height

• Joolz Aer2: 28.5"
• UPPAbaby Minu V3: 26"
  

Seat Depth

• Joolz Aer2: 13"
• UPPAbaby Minu V3: 8" (until the leg rest); 13.75" with leg rest extended fully straight out

Wheel Size

• Joolz Aer2: 5.7" Front; 6.1" Rear
• UPPAbaby Minu V3: 5.5" Front; 6.3" Rear

Warranty

• Joolz Aer2: 10 year transferrable warranty
• UPPAbaby Minu V3: 3 years (if registered within the first 3 months)

* The retention net is permanently attached under the leg rest and can be neatly stored in a dedicated pocket

So, which one is right for you? 

Choose the Joolz Aer2 if your top priorities are lightweight portability and a super-compact fold. At just 14.3 lbs, it’s one of the lightest travel strollers on the market and folds down smaller than the Minu V3—slim enough to fit easily in most overhead bins. With its tall 42” handlebar, ergonomic high backrest, extended sun canopy with ventilation, and innovative one-pull harness, the Aer2 is designed for taller parents and growing toddlers while still keeping things ultra-portable. Plus, it comes with a shoulder strap and travel pouch included, and Joolz backs it with an unmatched 10-year transferrable warranty, making it an especially strong choice for frequent flyers or families who need a stroller that can handle years of use.

Opt for the UPPAbaby Minu V3 if you want everyday versatility and comfort in a compact design. Though a bit heavier, it makes up for it with plush extras like a padded insert, deeper recline, adjustable footrest, and a larger, easy-access 20 lb basket—perfect for running errands or longer outings. The Minu V3 also integrates seamlessly into UPPAbaby’s car seat and accessory ecosystem, and offers travel perks like their TravelSafe program, which covers damage when checked in their travel bag. Add in thoughtful touches like reflective trim, a hidden tracker pocket, and PFAS-free fabrics, and the Minu V3 shines as the choice for families who want a small stroller that can double as their everyday ride.

In short:

• Choose the Aer2 if you want the lightest, most compact fold and maximum portability.

• Choose the Minu V3 if you want extra comfort, storage, and a stroller that transitions easily from travel to daily use.

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 UPPAbaby Minu V3, 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.