Based on 10,529 analyzed reviews
Table of contents
NerdWallet Shopping’s scoring of the best jogging strollers is based on our analysis of the opinions of experts and shoppers like you.
Choosing a stroller takes careful thought and consideration — after all, your baby’s safety while you’re out and about is important. We researched some of the most popular models on the market to help you decide.
To narrow down the field, we looked at expert opinions from review sites such as The Sweethome, CNET and Good Housekeeping. We then analyzed user reviews to get their opinions on each stroller’s best and worst attributes.
We recognize that consumers look for different qualities in strollers, so we scored these user observations based on a handful of features, including ease of use, weight, safety and accessories.
Our analysis
Our final stroller scores run from a low of 1 to a high of 10. Here’s how we came up with the numbers:
Overall score: This score shows reviewers’ overall satisfaction level with the stroller across 13 criteria, including functionality, ease of use, maneuverability, accessories and durability.
Functionality: This score, which factors into the overall score, reflects reviewers’ satisfaction with the stroller’s level of functionality, in particular how it relates to the baby. Categories that factor into this score include comfort, safety features and noise level.
Ease of use: This score, which also factors into the overall score, indicates reviewers’ satisfaction with how easy it is to use the stroller. Categories that factor into this score include the ease of folding the stroller, the stroller’s weight and its maneuverability.
These strollers are our top picks, ranked in order of overall score.
The strollers
1. Baby Jogger Summit X3
The Baby Jogger Summit X3, a highly maneuverable hybrid jogger/stroller, won high marks for its smooth ride and remote wheel lock, which allow a seamless transition from jogging and strolling, and the stroller’s expansive sun canopy.
Overall score | Functionality | Ease of use |
8.79 | 9.1 | 8.7 |
Buyers Like
- One-hand folding
- All-wheel suspension for smoother ride
- Maneuverability
Buyers Dislike
- Heavy
- Accessories need to be purchased separately
2. BOB Revolution Flex
Regardless of how tall or short you might be, the BOB Revolution Flex’s push bar adjusts to your height so you can run in comfort, while its state-of-the-art suspension, pneumatic tires and tubes, and five-point harness mean a smooth, safe ride for baby.
Overall score | Functionality | Ease of use |
8.78 | 9.3 | 8.7 |
Buyers Like
- Excellent maneuverability, even with one hand
- Smooth ride, regardless of terrain
- Oversized canopy and padded seat
Buyers Dislike
- Bulky and relatively heavy
- Lack of accessories
3. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger
With its locking front swivel wheel and pneumatic bicycle-style tires, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger maneuvers your child smoothly through any terrain. And when you’re done for the day, a trigger allows for easy collapse and storage.
Overall score | Functionality | Ease of use |
8.67 | 8.8 | 8.5 |
Buyers Like
- Light, sturdy and easy to fold
- Smooth ride with a wrist strap for safety
- Able to accommodate car seat
Buyers Dislike
- Relatively bulky
- Issues with durability
4. Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller
The Joovy Zoom 360’s suspension helps mitigate bumps and makes the ride more comfortable. Lightweight mesh provides ventilation, while the lockable front swivel wheel allows for maximum maneuverability when you break into a run.
Overall score | Functionality | Ease of use |
8.43 | 8.9 | 7.7 |
Buyers Like
- Bike-style wheels and shocks mean a smooth ride
- Folds easily with pop-off wheels for stowing
- Roomy storage basket
Buyers Dislike
- Relatively heavy
- Difficulty adjusting recline
5. Chicco Activ3
The sturdy Chicco Activ3 carries children from 6 months up to 50 pounds in a comfy, multiposition seat that reclines. It has an adjustable five-point harness, or you can snap in a Chicco Keyfit car seat for added convenience.
Overall score | Functionality | Ease of use |
8.41 | 9.8 | 8.0 |
Buyers Like
- Smooth, comfortable ride
- Push-bar-mounted brake and wheel lock
- Car seat clips in easily
Buyers Dislike
- Bulky and heavy
- Lacking cup holders and snack tray
6. BOB Sport Utility Single
The rugged yet lightweight BOB Sport Utility Single features a fixed front wheel and state-of-the-art suspension for a stable, smooth ride regardless of terrain; a padded seat with five-point harness to keep baby comfortable and safe; and an adapter so you can clip in a car seat and/or snack tray.
Overall score | Functionality | Ease of use |
8.39 | 9.6 | 7.3 |
Buyers Like
- Large shocks and chunky tires for a smooth ride
- Five-point harness and hand brake for safety
- Easy to fold and stow
Buyers Dislike
- Quite bulky, even when folded
- Cup holders and other accessories sold separately
7. Graco Relay Click Connect
Whether you “click connect” a Graco car seat or use it as is, the Graco Relay Click Connect’s pneumatic tires, suspension system and locking front swivel wheel contribute to this jogger’s smooth, steady ride. Its UV50 sunshade and reflective fabric keep baby safe from harm.
Overall score | Functionality | Ease of use |
8.39 | 9.7 | 8.1 |
Buyers Like
- Soft seat, smooth ride
- Sturdy and stable
- Easy to steer whether walking or running
Buyers Dislike
- Not very durable
- Accessories are subpar or lacking
- Bulky
8. BOB Revolution SE Duallie
You may not quite double your workout with the BOB Revolution SE Duallie stroller for two, but the state-of-the-art suspension, locking front swivel wheel and padded, adjustable seating make it easy to take both of your darlings out for a run.
Overall score | Functionality | Ease of use |
8.36 | 9.1 | 8.4 |
Buyers Like
- Effortless maneuverability
- Sturdy, smooth, stable ride
- Adjustable handlebar
Buyers Dislike
- Cumbersome size
- Very little storage
- Accessories cost extra
9. Schwinn Turismo Swivel Single
Whether you use it with a car seat or as is, the Schwinn Turismo Swivel Single’s wide-tread tires and locking 12-inch front swivel wheel provide a smooth, steady ride for children up to 50 pounds.
Overall score | Functionality | Ease of use |
7.59 | 8.4 | 7.5 |
Buyers Like
- Spring suspension, cushioned seat and harness
- Maneuverable and easy to steer
- Sturdy and secure
Buyers Dislike
- Low-quality MP3 speakers
- Durability issues, inadequate customer service
- Squeaks and rattles
Best jogging strollers buying guide
Jogger strollers are great for on-the-go parents who want to incorporate their children into their workout routine, or are simply looking to go off-road (or “off-sidewalk,” as the case may be). These strollers can navigate a variety of terrains, from urban cobblestones to forest trails, and are usually equipped with a suspension system that provides a smooth ride, regardless of the bumps along the way. But as we’ve demonstrated, not all jogging strollers are created equal, and finding the right one can be confusing. Here are a few factors to keep in mind while you’re shopping:
Safety
Whether you’re power walking or sprinting, keeping your child safe is obviously topmost in your mind. A three-strap harness might be all you need to keep a 3-year-old in place, but smaller toddlers and babies are going to need the security that a four- or five-point harness will provide. Straps that adjust as your child grows are also important so you can make sure they’re never too loose or too tight. And if you jog at night, a stroller with reflective tape or fabric, like the Graco Relay Click Connect, will help keep you visible to cars.
Portability
Because they need to be sturdier and have suspension systems that a simple umbrella stroller doesn’t need, joggers are generally bulkier than regular strollers are. Is this a stroller you’re going to roll in the front door and park in your spacious foyer or mudroom after a day at the park? If so, you can probably easily handle the heft of the top-rated Baby Jogger Summit X3, which is comfy for baby but definitely a two-hand carry. But if you’re going to need to pack your stroller in the trunk, and then carry it up a flight of stairs, you can either prepare yourself for some heavy lifting or look for a lighter model, such as the BOB Sport Utility Single or the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger.
Foldability
The ease with which you can open and fold a stroller can be one of its strongest selling points. Parents praised the Baby Jogger Summit X3 and the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger for their easy foldability.
Stowability
Once you’ve folded that stroller, is it small enough to stow? While joggers do tend to be a lot bulkier than other strollers, the Joovy Zoom 360 has quick-release wheels, allowing users to pop off tires to make it more streamlined and compact.
Terrain
Any stroller can navigate a lap or two around the mall with ease. But if you’re going be running or walking an obstacle course of potholes, curbs, dirt trails or unexpected dips, you’re going to want a stroller that offers excellent suspension, like the BOB Sport Utility Single or the Schwinn Turismo Swivel Single.
Accessories
Aside from holding your child, strollers can serve other purposes. For example, if you tend to shop while out with your kids, you’re going to want one that comes with a large, easy-to-access storage basket, like the Joovy Zoom 360. If you can’t deal without your Starbucks, a cup holder is going to be something you look for — though those usually are available as add-ons even if they don’t come in the standard package. Bear in mind that some bells and whistles aren’t worth the extra money; while consumers loved the idea of the Schwinn Turismo Swivel Single’s MP3 speakers, the reality was the sound was tinny and difficult to hear.
Compatibility
If you’re looking for a jogging stroller that will also allow you to strap in a baby car seat, make certain that your stroller is compatible with your seat’s brand. The Schwinn Turismo Swivel Single has an adapter that allows for several different brands, while the Graco models are compatible only with that brand’s car seats.
Special needs
Maybe your child is very small or you are very tall. In either case, you’re going to want a stroller that accommodates your needs. Users praised the BOB Revolution SE Duallie for its adjustable push bar, and if you’re going to be pushing two children, that double stroller is the perfect choice for you. Parents of a taller child should also take that height into consideration and, of course, make sure the child is within the weight range before trying to strap him or her in.
For more stroller roundups, check out:
- The best side-by-side strollers
- The best umbrella strollers
- The best double strollers
- The best travel system strollers
- The best strollers
Compare other popular strollers here:
- Graco Snugride vs Chicco Keyfit
- BOB Motion vs BOB Revolution SE
- BOB Revolution SE vs Baby Jogger City Mini GT
For more stroller buying advice, check out:
Top image via iStock.
No comments:
Post a Comment