In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Are you searching for the best double stroller? We researched over 79 contenders and chose 19 top doubles to purchase and test in our side-by-side, months-long comparison. Finding a great two-seater for your little ones shouldn't give you a headache. We test each stroller for ease of use, maneuverability, weight and folded size, quality, and car seat attachment so we can provide the details you need to find the right stroller for your family. There is no need to guess when choosing your double; with our detailed reviews, you can get what you need the first time and within budget.
Looking for a double stroller for travel? Check out our review of lightweight double travel strollers to find the best. If you are researching strollers in general, our review of the top-ranked strollers available today across all categories is a great place to start. You can also take a deep dive into bike trailers you'll love for outdoor adventures or one of the best full-size strollers if you only need a ride for one.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on April 1, 2024, to include new sections on how we test and to help you make a buying decision. We added five new strollers in October of 2023.
Minimum: Walk Only: 1-10 mo. with the Infant Sling
or 6 mo. Jogging & Off-Road: 6 mo.
Maximum: 49 lbs/44"
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/38"
Included Car Seat Compatibility
UPPAbaby
Mesa
None
None
None
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Click-in Car Seat Adapters
UPPAbaby
Mesa Chicco
KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air Maxi-Cosi
Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP & Micro Max Plus, Nuna
PIPA™, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r & PIPA lite rx Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q & Aton M
BeSafe
Izi GO Mod, Izi GO X1 Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30 Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton 4, Aton 5 Maxi-Cosi
CabrioFix, Citi, Mico 30, Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Pebble, Pebble Plus Nuna
Pipa
The Thule Urban Glide 2 Double is undoubtedly the most impressive side-by-side stroller we tested. Overall, it is high quality, has smooth maneuverability, and is easy to use. The Glide 2 is a 3-wheel jogger that folds quickly and easily and includes a self-stand feature that allows rolling when folded. The Urban Glide 2 Double is easy to turn in tight spaces and push over off-road terrain. It is also an excellent jogger and is excellent at moving off the beaten path and going over curbs. The passenger seats each have storage pockets, giant canopies, an independent recline for each seat, and padded 5-point harnesses to help keep little ones cozy and safe.
This stroller may not be the right choice for those expecting twins as it only accepts one infant car seat, unlike another favorite, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double. However, you can hold one baby in a baby carrier or use a frame stroller like the Joovy Twin Roo when your little ones are small. The Urban Glide is also somewhat heavy, but it is the lightest option in the top-scoring strollers. Overall, the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double is an excellent stroller for everyday use, loaded with features that let you run and run errands when the mood strikes while keeping your children comfortable.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a stylish, inline double stroller that quickly became the favorite for most testers. This easy-to-use option allows for various seating configurations that include two infant car seats, making it a superb choice for twins, multiples, a single rider, or three (with a riding scooter sold separately). The Vista features foam-filled rubber tires that can't go flat. It has the largest storage basket in this lineup, with an enormous maximum allowable weight of 30 lbs. The Vista v2 has a telescoping handlebar, easy-press brakes, and a straightforward fold. While the Vista v2 is not an all-terrain stroller, it does manage uneven terrain better than much of the competition thanks to all-wheel suspension and larger wheels, giving you the versatility you need to hit the play park, fair, or greenbelt.
This stroller is not the right option for anyone on a tighter budget or who has trouble lifting heavy things. Still, it could be one of the only choices if you have three children of different riding ages or need a stroller compatible with two infant car seat carriers simultaneously. You could use a frame stroller for car seat compatibility, like the Joovy Twin Roo. Overall, we feel the Vista v2 is worth the price if your budget allows it. If your budge tis tight but you like this look, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double might be a contender. The Vista has a higher quality, efficient design, and seating configuration versatility, indicating a longer lifespan than similar competitors.
The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is a full-size, double, inline stroller similar to some higher-end award winners. This versatile seating works with two infant car seats, two toddler seats, and two modified seats that act as bassinets. You can face these seats back or forward and use the seating options you need for twins or little ones of multiple ages. We love the versatility of this budget double and how similar it is to more expensive products that might be outside the budget of some growing families.
The Evenflo doesn't have the best quality; if you want that, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double should make your shortlist. It isn't bad, but it feels somewhat wobbly compared to the similar but more expensive strollers we've seen. The Evenflo is also fairly heavy, but it wasn't the heaviest stroller in our tests and not prohibitively heavy compared to some competitors. Despite minor flaws, we believe many families will appreciate the Pivot's features and functionality. We like that families on a budget can purchase a stroller that resembles the competition in looks and functionality but at a significantly lower price.
The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a fun wagon for two that you can push or pull to get where you are going. This wagon has dual canopies, an attachable storage bin, a child's tray with cup holders, and a push/pull handle that moves back and forth depending on how you choose to roll. This stroller has a fairly quick fold, and one end can squash down for easier self-climbing in and out.
This wagon has double-action brakes that require setting two pedals, not one. It lacks many features for comfort, with no head or neck support and no padding on the seats. It also has a bulky fold that could create problems depending on your trunk. The Veer folds flatter but didn't perform as well during testing in other metrics. While the Xplore Wagon is easy enough to push and pull, we worry parents will think this is an adventure or off-road stroller, and we don't think it is really. Overall, it was our favorite wagon in the review and the one we'd recommend to friends, but if your goal is off-road versatile adventures, a bike trailer or jogger like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double might be better.
The Baby Trend Expedition Double is one of the lowest-priced doubles we tested, and it earned an above-average performance. The Expedition is a jogging stroller with pneumatic rubber tires, padded seats, an easy-to-use recline, and impressive maneuverability. While the Expedition doesn't match the attention to detail or use the same quality materials as the higher-end competitors, it offers what we feel is a reliable double seater that works well for a reasonable price acceptable for many budgets. It also comes with extra features like a parent tray, cup holders, and cinch pockets on the back of each seat for more storage.
Sadly, the Expedition Double is not compatible with any infant car seats, so it isn't the best option for babies under six months. You can't jog with your baby until they are 8-12 months old (though you can walk with them). It also isn't as high quality as some other joggers like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double. However, suppose your budget is tighter, and you need the capability to go off the beaten path with the occasional jog. In that case, the Expedition Double is one you should consider adding to your shortlist.
The Hamax Outback is a wallet-friendly trailer/stroller combination you can use for strolling, jogging, or cross-country skiing (attachments sold separately). This trailer has enclosed seating, a large storage bin, and straightforward attachment changes. We like the easy-to-turn front swivel wheel that surprisingly manages tight spaces well. We think the adjustable suspension and new reclining seats create a comfortable pod for riders. This stroller is a high-quality option with durable materials that can keep you going on various fun adventures.
The Outback is somewhat more challenging to use than similar competitors, and its size and overall weight make it harder to lift and fit in smaller spaces. We believe the outdoor adventures possible with the Outback will draw many parents who want a stroller like this who have already considered the weight restrictions. However, if you want to get outdoors but don't have a bike or need a trailer, we think the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double or BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie might fit the bill and save you space and money.
The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie is a 3-wheel jogger with everything parents need for two kids, with the benefits of all-terrain rubber tires and adjustable suspension. The BOB has a high score for maneuverability and impressive results for quality and ease of use. While this jogger doesn't work with two car seats, so it isn't a good choice for infant twins, it will work for little ones up to 50 lbs (each seat) and works with one car seat using an adapter you can buy separately.
The car seat carrier adapter you need to use the BOB with your infant car seat requires a strap attachment, which isn't our favorite style. However, using the adapter can give you eight more months of strolling time (you should NOT jog with infants under eight months, and you should discuss it with your pediatrician before you start). The BOB is also awkward to lift and carry with no designated handle, while the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double is easier to move about when folded. It is an excellent choice for everyday use and moving off the beaten path with rugged tires and durable, long-lasting quality.
The Thule Chariot Cross 2 is a unique product designed for outdoor adventures, including strolling and bike trailer kits. The Cross 2 does not disappoint because it isn't an ordinary stroller but an adventure wagon with versatile adventure options. Though it isn't a traditional double stroller, it is an excellent choice for parents who like being outdoors and want to include their children in every fun adventure. This product has a lower weight, better storage, and reclining seats not found in the previous model. If you want to stroll, bike, ski, or jog, this product will not disappoint and is the only one in this review that can do it all.
The Cross 2 may not be a true contender for most families, as it wasn't designed to stroll through city streets or the local mall. It also takes up more space when moving, and it won't fit on public transportation. Something like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie might be a better choice for these activities. However, if you love the great outdoors, there may not be a better stroller for the adventurous family.
The Chariot Cross 2 earned the top score for maneuverability in part thanks to an adjustable suspension system, adjustable handlebar, and larger rear rubber tires.
The Joovy Twin Roo+ is a basic frame stroller that works with up to two infant carriers of almost any brand. We didn't include this product in our tests because it likely wouldn't fare well compared to the competition with more features and functionality. However, that doesn't mean it shouldn't have a place in your potential lineup, especially if you have twins. Many of the double strollers we've tested only accept a single infant carrier, while others don't accept any. The Joovy Twin Roo+ fills a niche with its two-car seat capability. This product is easy to use, lightweight, folds compactly, and has storage with four cup holders. The Twin Roo+ allows little ones to face either direction, and the carriers sit low enough for you to see both babies at once. This stroller is inexpensive, which means you can save some money by purchasing the Roo+ instead of the more expensive options that don't work with two car seats. The Twin Roo+ gives you time to make a more informed decision on the right stroller without tying you to only the choices that accept two car seats.
This frame stroller is an excellent option for infant twins, but the design and intention mean it has a short lifespan of about nine months. But, if you are expecting twins, your budget is limited, or you aren't sure what kind of stroller is best for you, then the Twin Roo+ can meet your needs without a significant expense. If you want something with a longer lifespan and know that strolling is a top priority, it might be best to invest in something like the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double that accepts two infant car seats and can work for many years with up to 3 kids.
The Joovy Twin Roo + is a great options for families with infant twins. This economical lightweight frame stroller will get two babies where they need to go with lots of storage and versatile seating arrangements.
The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is somewhat different from the competition in this review because it doesn't have two traditional seats. This option is the lightest selection in the test group, has an optional back seat, and offers a cover for the rear seat rider. The Caboose is easy to fold and lift and has everything a parent of two will need for a fun day outing without the hassle of a giant stroller.
This lightweight stroller didn't score well compared to the stiff competition in this lineup. However, the more we learned about it, the more we liked it and felt it filled a niche some parents may have. With a reasonably low list price, it is one of the cheaper products we tested, and it has enough functionality and features to meet the needs of most parents and passengers for fun or quick trips. It may not be the right option for those with two babies or little ones who might fight over seating arrangements. And it likely won't work well for all-day adventures or shopping. A better two-baby option with longevity and shop ability is the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double that accepts two infant car seats and has an optional running board available for mobile older kids. But, if you have children of different ages, with one that likes being on the go, then this sit-and-stand style may be a great fit.
The Caboose has a variety of seating options, but it isn't the easiest product to use.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Compare Products
Recent additions to the double lineup include wagons, inlines, joggers, and more.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Test Double Strollers
Our testing protocol for double strollers is extensive. We put each double stroller through 50 individual tests to inform our ratings. We've purchased and tested more than 190 strollers over the last eight years, including more than 40 double strollers.
No matter how we tried to get the Donkey 5 into our test trunk, we couldn't manage it without removing the seats and the wheels.
Both the wagon body and handle of the Veer easily go through the 32 inch doorway, but they had trouble later with a doorway that had a tight turn involved.
Our testing of double strollers is most heavily weighted on Ease of Use and Maneuverability since no other factors will impact your satisfaction with a double stroller more than those two rating metrics. Our complete set of 5 test metrics and their weighting is:
Ease of Use tests (40% of overall score weighting)
Maneuverability tests (25% weighting)
Transportation/Storing (15% weighting)
Kid's Comfort (10% weighting)
Quality tests (10% weighting)
We buy each stroller ourselves, accepting no freebies from manufacturers to ensure complete independence. We then use each stroller for several months in the real world and perform tests in our in-house lab. Overall scores and ranks were determined using individual metric results.
We Xplore was tested indoors and outdoors for maneuverability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why You Should Trust Us
We've been buying and testing strollers and all kinds of baby gear for ten years of every style and price point. We've performed hands-on testing of over 85 products for double strollers, including the 16 in this review. This process is led by our founder, Dr. Juliet Spurrier. Dr. Spurrier is a mother of 2 and a board-certified pediatrician. The team includes our Senior Review Analyst, Bob Wofford, father of 7. Bob tests each stroller side-by-side in our lab for a true comparison process. Wendy Schmitz, a Senior Review Editor and mother of 2, also helped during testing and analyzing the test results and worked with the team to select award winners and ranking of competitors. Our newest team member, Molly Bradac, got her stroller testing feet wet in the double stroller review update. The team's combined experience is over 18 years of stroller testing.
Finding the best double stroller for your family takes thoughtful consideration.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How to Choose a Double Stroller
Finding the best double stroller deserves some consideration because it can be expensive and be part of your daily life with multiple kids. Choosing the best option for your needs will be the difference between making your life easier and adding to your frustration.
Not all double strollers allow for two infant car seats, so if you have twins, this could be an important deciding factor in your choice.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Stages and Ages
The first consideration should be how old your kids are and how far apart in age they are. If you have twins, you'll likely want an option that accepts two infant car seats, and they don't all do this. However, if your favorite option only takes one seat, you can always pair it with a wearable baby carrier. Alternatively, if your two children have a wide age gap, the style of the stroller could impact which option you choose. Often, little ones close in age and ability will be better off in an option with similar seating and features. This helps prevent arguments about who sits where.
Duration and Frequency
If you're only making short jaunts in an airport versus longer outdoor adventures on rugged trails, it will definitely impact which stroller you choose. There is no reason to spend more than you need to on a stroller, and taking all-day trips will necessitate a nice stroller with more features for comfort and convenience. If you live in the city and hope to run errands, your needs will be vastly different than someone who hopes for a more versatile adventure pod.
The prices of double strollers vary widely.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Budget
There is a wide range of prices in the double stroller lineup. You should consider not only your personal budget and what you can afford but also how long you hope to use the stroller. Why? Because the longevity of a stroller might impact the quality, which often impacts the overall price. And you might need to stretch your budget or save up to find the right stroller to meet your long-term goals. Choosing the right stroller the first time can save you money over buying two over time.
Having child snack trays and large canopies, like those found on the ZOE XL2 BEST v2, can be good for longer trips or if you plan to use your lightweight stroller regularly.
Analysis and Test Results
Finding an excellent double stroller for two can feel more challenging than chasing the little children you want to strap in it. With so many potential contenders of various designs and features, it can be confusing to determine what is important or how one product compares to the rest. Toss in figuring out which strollers work for twins versus children of different ages, and you have a convoluted process that can be harder to navigate than a bulky stroller for two. In this review, we found significant differences between contenders. We discovered that a hands-on comparison is necessary to determine which double strollers stand out and only look good in marketing.
GearLab tests everything side by side for the best comparison possible.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Value
Double strollers can cost a pretty penny, and we suspect many families will search for a wallet-friendly choice or an option that provides the most stroller for the best price without buying a disappointment. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the Baby Trend Expedition Double both impressed our testers and sport lower price tags, which is a rarity in the doubles market. Each comes with popular features that offer comfort and convenience for passengers and pushers. Even our top-ranking option, the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, has a reasonable price compared to the competition. While doubling the size often leads to double the price, some of the best options offer significant value with top performance and lower costs. The Joovy Scooter X2 with trays is also an impressive, lower-price selection that just missed award-winner status in this update.
The handle on the Xplore has an adjustment button in the middle that makes it hard to pull the wagon despite the wagon being designed to do so.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
An easy-to-use stroller needs features that work well and benefit daily use. Products with limited features or that are challenging to use will likely cause regular frustration for parents.
The features and functionality of each product were tested, noted, and compared to determine which were easy to use and which lacked intuitive design or useful features for the real world. We derive the overall metric scores using a weighted formula that considers the test results of multiple smaller tests within the ease-of-use metric. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double and the Evenflo Pivot Xpand scored the highest in this metric.
The folding handle on the Urban Glide Double is under the seat and works with a slide-and-twist movement.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Fold and Unfold
Some of the products have an intuitive folding operation with a few steps. Some offer self-standing and automatic locking features. However, only a few manage to be easy to operate.
The Joovy folds easy enough, but the seats need to be fully reclined to start.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Because the folding process of a stroller is such a big deal and can make or break your love of a stroller. We prefer products with few steps that fold smoothly without awkward complications that result in banging body parts, sliding, or pinching. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2, Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon, and Joovy Zoom X2 Double have the easiest fold and folding operations in the review.
The Sleek's zippered cover helps keep the storage bin contents clean and onboard.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Storage
All of the strollers have storage. However, storage is a bit open to interpretation, with the size and weight allowance varying widely across products. Depending on how you plan to use your stroller, the lack of storage space could be a big deal as time goes on, especially when carrying supplies for two.
The Xplore detachable bin can work inside or outside of the interior space on the wagon.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
While no one has complained of too much storage, insufficient storage means limited ability to run errands or carry supplies. For example, the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite offers a small storage bin with questionable access under a sliding seat. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double sports a large, easy-to-access basket that holds 30 lbs.
The Xpand storage bin has good access for a product of this style.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Joovy ScooterX2 with Tray has additional zip pockets and cup holders on the canopy back and interior mesh pockets for passengers with dual child trays. The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie, Hamax Outback, and the Thule Urban Glide 2 also have passenger stow pockets and larger storage bins but can't carry as much weight as the UPPAbaby Vista Double. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore has a detachable storage bin, but we aren't sure it will hold enough for two.
The dual zippered pockets on the back of the Joovy Scooter X2 are a nice addition that can keep valuables safely in one place without fear falling out or getting dirty while strolling.
The Urban Glide 2 Double has a large storage bin with a zippered cover and outside pocket for quick access items.
These photos show some of the storage features found on some strollers. The Joovy ScooterX2's bottle holders and zippered pockets (above left) and the zippered pocket of the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double covered storage bin (above right).
The Vista harness is easy to use with simple adjustments and a multiple position crotch strap and shoulder strap height.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
Most of the options in this review have 5-point harnesses, with some offering padding or safety buckles that require two hands to operate. Others have an adjustable crotch strap and shoulder height strap adjustment with some non-rethread harnesses, and the rest rethread. While the rethread options aren't as hard to operate as those found on car seats, and you won't need to adjust them often, it is more complicated than the non-rethread options. The Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double has two shoulder strap positions, while the competition has more.
The plastic red loops on the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie's harness make adjustment very easy with a simple pull to tighten. The shoulder straps could be a little difficult to adjust due to the padding on the straps.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie earned the highest score for harness adjustment. We assume parents are more likely to use harnesses regularly according to the manufacturer's directions if they are simple, straightforward, and easy to fit. Both the Veer Cruise and the Evenflo Pivot Explore Wagon only offer 3-point harnesses, which means no shoulder straps.
The Pivot Xplore has double-action brakes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Brakes
We tested the brakes on each double stroller, assessing them for any difficulty setting or relating or any potential concerns about their functionality. There are two types of brakes: single-action and double-action. Single requires pressing a single brake pedal, and double requires pressing two pedals. We prefer single action because we worry parents will forget the second pedal or think one pedal is enough for quick stops. Most of the double strollers have single-action brakes with the exception of the Evenflo Pivot Xplore, Baby Trend Expedition Double, Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double, Baby Trend Navigator Double.
The Baby Jogger City Select 2 brakes are single action.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
We also had trouble with the brakes on the Joovy Zoom X2 Double. The brakes would feel like they were set and make a noise as the gears had clicked into a locked position, but sometimes it wasn't actually locked, and when bumped, the stroller would just start rolling. This gives us concern, and we think parents should take extra care if they choose this option. Some of the easiest brakes to set and release were found on the UPPAbaby Vista Double v2, and the Thule Chariot Cross 2.
The locking swivel front wheel of the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double helps provide impressive maneuverability for a wider product.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Maneuverability
Finding a great double stroller that turns on a dime and is easy to push can be challenging. However, after repeated pushing, turning, and tight negotiations, we discovered that some strollers are significantly better than others, and some are genuinely hard to use.
City Select 2 maneuverability is disappointing, thanks in part to the plastic wheels and the longer distance between front and back wheels.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Moving a double-wide or super-long stroller can be a struggle, and little can be done to decrease the size or weight of the average double product (which only gets more massive with little ones onboard). However, the kind of tires, wheels, and suspension can significantly impact how easy the products are to move. Overall, the side-by-side strollers performed better and were easier to maneuver than the inline options, which had trouble turning and moving in smaller spaces.
The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are some of the easiest to push in the bunch. These strollers earned a high score and proved that a wider stroller could be easy to maneuver. The 3-wheel design and pneumatic tires make the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double a breeze to push. Add on their great suspension systems, and they are as comfortable to be in as they are easy to push.
Dual front wheels like those on the Sit 'N Stand historically have not performed well in our tests for maneuverability. The plastic wheels and rims wobble and the dual front wheels get hung up on items and easily divert the stroller off the intended path.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Many of the products are difficult to push because they have flexing frames or wide-set wheels. Some were tough due to wobbly plastic wheels or dual front wheel designs (4 wheels on two front legs).
This design makes pushing nearly impossible over uneven terrains and transitions. The suspension is also crucial because pushing is more complicated, and your baby will feel every little bump in the road without useful shocks on at least two wheels.
The tires on the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie are air filled rubber and helped the stroller earn a high score in our tests for maneuverability. This stroller will easily roam over almost any terrain.
The Joovy Scooter x2 has the two wheels on each front leg design we find to be less maneuverable than single wheels per leg.
The photos above show the locking front wheel of the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie (left) and the dual front wheels of the Joovy Scooter X2 (right).
Getting a double stroller into your vehicle can be challenging.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Transporting and Storing
Double strollers can be bulky when folded, and they typically weigh more than single strollers. Considering the folded size and weight of your intended stroller is important if your living space or available car space is small. While many of the strollers are large, some can be made smaller by removing seats or wheels to help them fit in smaller spaces. However, we caution that taking your stroller apart in a parking lot mid-rain storm with a toddler and an infant just to pack it up to head home is more challenging than it looks, especially if anyone is hungry or tired.
The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is the lightest stroller in this review and the third smallest when folded.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Folded Size
There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a double stroller, which can result in overlooking the weight and folded size. However, we feel this is an essential metric as multiple passengers mean twice the work and passenger weight. The last thing you need is a stroller too heavy to move or too large to store. Nothing is more disappointing than purchasing your dream stroller only to discover it doesn't fit in your car. If you consider that each passenger might weigh up to 40 lbs, and the product could weigh over 40 lbs, the final pushing weight can easily be well over 100 lbs with supplies for two! This potential means weight should play a role in choosing a stroller for two, especially if you live near steep inclines or an up-and-down terrain like San Francisco.
Unfortunately, none of the double products are lightweight, so the goal is to find the right choice for you with the lowest weight. The heaviest stroller in the group is the Hamax Outback, weighing in at 40.4 lbs.
The City Select 2 Double has a very bulky fold, and we had to remove the second seat to fit it in our sedan trunk.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The lightest is the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite at close to 23 lbs, which is one of the reasons it earned an honorable mention. The average is about 32 lbs. The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie came in close with a weight near 34 lbs, while the Britax B-Lively Double is closer to 27 lbs, making it a good option if weight is a concern.
We measured and weighed each stroller using the same tools for apples-to-apples comparisons.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
We weighed and measured all products in the same way with the same equipment, so the comparison is apples-to-apples. Unfortunately, we've discovered that not all manufacturers provide accurate measurements, so we weigh and measure the products ourselves for consistency and accuracy.
The Veer has a flat fold and is easier to put in a trunk than the bulky competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The smallest folded product is the Britax B-Lively Double at 11,063 cubic inches. The largest option is the Hamax Outback at 33,667 cubic inches, which makes sense as it is a bulky bike trailer. Close on its heels is the Mockingbird Double, measuring 33,163 cubic inches. Smaller options include the Joovy Scooter X2 at 18,188, while the honorable mention Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is around 11,600 cubic inches. Some strollers can fold smaller by removing wheels, which isn't an enormous hassle if they are quick-release like those found on the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, and you don't need to carry them. The Veer Cruiser folds flat, but it is still pretty long.
Some strollers, like the Bugaboo Donkey 5, offer various seating arrangements like the toddler seat and bassinet shown here.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Kid Ride
Happy kids make happy adventures. We consider child comfort and amenities in our tests to help provide information on how comfortable your little ones might be. Padded or sling-style seats and overall shocks increase comfort while reclining seats and snack trays or stow pockets increase the overall experience when riding.
While the Pivot Xplore offers dual canopies standard, the seats are not very comfortable and lack full back and neck support or ample leg room. This is not a stroller for napping or long trips on rough roads.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Seat
Several of the products offer adjustable leg rests, and almost all have some degree of reclining seats. Finding a comfortable napping position can be of the utmost importance to keeping little ones happy on the go. You shouldn't overlook these features when choosing which product to buy, as they impact every outing, especially the longer ones.
The plastic recline toggle on the Urban Glide 2 Double works well with only one hand.
The Vista v2 recline is a button push to both lower and raise putting old-school toggle designs on the competition to shame.
The photos above show different recline options, including a plastic toggle for the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double (above left) and a button push on the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double (above right).
Some strollers offer a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment, like the front seat of the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double that came close to flat. Other products (many inline strollers) have different recline options for each seat, with one reclining further than the second that remains almost upright even when reclined. This disparity seems like a design flaw, and while it might work for children of different ages, it could cause a fight over who gets the more comfortable seat with a better view. This kind of position disparity is only found with inline products and means you'll be sacrificing functionality for the convenience of a narrower stroller. Depending on the age of the siblings and whether or not they are twins, this type of unequal arrangement may end up being more of a headache than it is worth.
You can see in this picture of the Baby Jogger City Select that the front seat is unable to recline without impinging on the rear passenger's seating space.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, Evenflo Pivot Xpand, Baby Jogger City Select 2 Double, and the Mockingbird Double have the most equal seating in the inline tandem lineup. However, some of the inline strollers have significant problems with seats rubbing on one another, an inability to recline with two children in the seats, and limited storage space or access, depending on the configuration.
The Vista canopies are made with a thick reflective canvas and they have large, mesh peek-a-boo windows with magnetic closure for silent peeking.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
Every stroller in this review has a sunshade for both passengers. Some have smaller shades for rear passengers, while some have a single shared canopy like the Joovy ScooterX2 with Tray. Because sunshades can be essential for passenger comfort.
The Pivot Xplore canopies provide over head coverage and side ventilation, but the full rotation might be too fun to ignore for curious kids.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Some canopies are small, with limited coverage, while others offer giant shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie that covers passengers past the knee. The canopies on the BOB and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double earned 10s. Most of the canopies provide adequate coverage. The inline options often skimped on at least one canopy. Some side-by-side options, like the Joovy Scooter X2 and the Baby Trend Expedition Double, have a single canopy for both passengers, which could cause issues between siblings who may want different coverage.
The Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand comes with 2 seats and will accomodate 2 infant car seats, but it still has enough variation in the toddler seating that it isn't the best for twins if you want to avoid bickering on who gets to sit where.
The BOB canopies are large and have big peek-a-boo windows with magnetic closure.
The photos above show some of the variations in sunshades across products like the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double (above left), the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie (above middle), and the Joovy Caboose Ultralight (above right).
UPPAbaby Vista uses impressive quality materials that work well and fit snuggly for decreased flex while pushing. The new Vista includes the option for upgraded textiles that include leather wrapped bumper bars and handlebar.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The strollers for two prove that quality is possible in almost every price range from various brands. However, it somewhat holds true that you get what you pay for, and in general, many of the cheaper options scored lower in our tests for quality. Except for the Joovy ScooterX2 with Trays and the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, the more affordable products (below two hundred and fifty) did not do well in our tests for quality. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand and the Joovy ScooterX2 are inexpensive for a double product and managed quality scores above average.
The high score for quality is the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the Hamax Outback, but they also have higher than average price tags. While the Urban Glide 2 Double is pricier, it is by no means the most expensive in the group (or on the market), with several strollers costing the same or more with lower quality scores. While a higher price might indicate better quality, there seems to be a price break where this is no longer the case, and a higher cost doesn't seem to correlate to a measurable increase in quality.
The quality of the Urban Glide 2 Double is virtually unmatched in both design and execution.
The quality of the Sit 'N Stand is on par with other Baby Trend strollers, but failed to compare to the other products in our review.
The photos above show the interior of the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double (left) and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double (right), the high and low end of the quality scale, respectively.
The Donkey5 makes tight turns on hard surfaces, but it was more challenging to move on uneven surfaces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double and the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie followed the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double; these strollers use quality materials designed to be functional and pleasing to the eye. The top products stand out with attention to detail and thoughtful features that are skillfully assembled. We consider the product's design, the materials, and how well the final product tolerates our testing process and everyday use over several months. If they can't survive our testing, they will not likely make it through your strolling years. We consider frames, fabric, connections, parts, comfort, and design when rating quality and the options with the highest scores offer better materials, solid connections, limited flexing, and durable stitching.
We tested our Mockingbird with the Chicco Keyfit 30 and 35 infant car seats. Both require a frame adapter and have strange instructions for Velcro straps we couldn't figure out.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Car Seat Compatibility and Attachment
This metric doesn't carry much count in the overall score because of the limited lifespan of this portion of a stroller's life (9-12 months). However, knowing more about car seat attachments can help you determine which strollers have the easiest attachments. If car seat attachment is something you are looking for, you should consider the attachment scores for the strollers you are most interested in.
Another consideration would be finding a stroller that works with two car seats if you have twins. Working with two top-rated car seats is something only half of the strollers can do. The top-scoring options that accept two infant car seats are the Evenflo Pivot Xpand and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
Car Seat Safety
Because car seat safety is so important, we recommend choosing a favorite infant car seat first. Then, you can choose the best compatible stroller that works with your chosen car seat.
The UPPAbaby Vista can work with an infant car seat and the toddler seat for children of various ages. The sunshade on the Vista toddler seat is large and covers to the knee with the visor open, which the infant car seat will need to rely on the canopy attached to the seat for sun protection.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Twins vs. Multiples of Different Ages
The primary consideration that makes these two situations different is that parents of twins will need the same or similar seating arrangements for both babies. In contrast, parents with children of different ages can often manage with varying seating styles and features. For instance, a sit-and-stand stroller won't work for infant twins as neither can stand. Alternatively, less than half of the strollers will work with two car seats simultaneously, something infant twins will likely need, while parents of different-aged children probably won't.
The options we tested that accept two car seats are the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, Baby Jogger City Select 2 Double, Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0, Mockingbird Double, and the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand. The remaining competitors accept only one infant car seat or none at all.
There are some things to consider when using two car seats with your stroller. Some brands only accept their native car seat, limiting your choices of car seats or strollers. For example, the Graco strollers only accept their brand of car seats. However, the Graco car seats didn't perform that well in our review, and many of the native brands were hard to install on their brand stroller.
The Vista works well with up to two infant car seat carriers while maintaining easy access to the storage bin.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
We prefer strollers compatible with various infant car seat brands, so you have a broader selection of options and aren't stuck in a particular brand or price point. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double accepts the UPPAbaby Mesa, but with the right adapters, several other brands will also work; the same is true of the Baby Jogger City Select 2 Double. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double also works with two bassinets, making it a versatile choice for infant twins; the Vista v2 comes standard with one bassinet, and the Thule bassinet is sold separately. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double has a lower price and accepts two infant car seat carriers or two toddler seats that can convert to bassinet-style seating, making it an economical choice for twins from birth well into toddlerhood.
Some of the standout double strollers in this review, including award winners and top scoring products.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
With so many interesting strollers for two available today, choosing the best stroller for your family can be a tricky proposition. Whether your little ones are twins or of different ages, we think there is a two-seater in our lineup that will work for your goals and budget. We present our test results, so you know what you can expect before you make a purchase. Our impressive group of award-winners includes features and functionality we think most families will be looking for. We aim to help you "crack the code" to find the perfect stroller. Whether you want to adventure off the beaten path or run errands, we are confident our details can steer you where you need to go.
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Juliet Spurrier, MD, Wendy Schmitz, and the BabyGearLab Team
