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For travel and city life, parents want the lightest stroller possible. But with many travel strollers, lightweight can also mean cheap, unreliable and limited in functionality—and a lightweight stroller doesn't do much good if it can't handle a city curb or breaks down in the middle of your vacation.
In a market crowded with lightweight stroller options, the Babyzen YOYO and UPPAbaby MINU are the high-quality standouts. They're two of the lightest options available, yet they're smooth and sturdy enough for everyday use, too.
At 13.6 pounds and 14.5 pounds, respectively, both strollers can fit in some airplane overhead bins. And both offer a wide range of features, ample storage space, and the ability to be used from birth up to 40-50 pounds.
So which stroller is better: the UPPAbaby MINU or the Babyzen YOYO? We'll explain all the details, benefits and drawbacks in this in-depth comparison.
This comparison references the Babyzen YOYO2, which was updated in 2020, and the current version of the UPPAbaby MINU, which has not changed since its release in 2018.
Released in 2018, the MINU is the most compact option in UPPAbaby's ultra-popular line of strollers.
The MINU (pronounced "min-YOU") is significantly lighter than UPPAbaby's full-sized strollers, and unlike its umbrella strollers, it can be used from birth with a car seat or bassinet.
With its all-wheel suspension and sturdy wheels, the YOYO was designed to provide the smoothest ride over the cobblestone streets of Babyzen's native France.
Babyzen offers two versions of the stroller: The 0+ version, which includes the bassinet that can be used from birth, and the 6+ version, which includes the seat fabric intended for babies who are at least 6 months old and can sit more upright in a stroller.
In 2020, Babyzen replaced the previous YOYO+ model with the YOYO2, which features upgrades like improved all-wheel suspension and a leatherette handlebar. See the YOYO2 in the video below.
As a complete stroller, the Babyzen YOYO2 costs $150 more than the UPPAbaby MINU.
One difference: The Babyzen YOYO2 frame and "color pack" (the canopy and seat fabric) can be purchased separately if you're planning to use only the frame with a car seat in baby's first months—or swap colors with the seasons. The UPPAbaby MINU is sold with the frame and seat fabrics together.
Both the Babyzen YOYO2 and UPPAbaby MINU come with a lightweight carry bag (padded travel bags are also available separately.)
For both strollers, the bassinet ("0+ newborn pack" in Babyzen terminology and "From Birth kit" in UPPAbaby-speak) is sold separately.
While both strollers are among the lightest on the market, the Babyzen YOYO2 is nearly one pound lighter than the UPPAbaby MINU.
Both strollers have an impressively compact fold and be carried comfortably with a built-in shoulder strap. But the YOYO is noticeably more compact than the MINU, folding to a size that's six inches more narrow and four inches shorter.
Both may be compact enough to qualify as carry-on luggage, allowing parents to avoid the hassle and the damage risks of checking or gate-checking the stroller.
Still, carry-on policies are unique to each airline, so be sure to check yours before planning to bring your stroller onboard. Babyzen says its stroller is accepted as cabin luggage by "most" airline companies, while UPPAbaby says the MINU will fit in "some" overhead bins.
Like most lightweight strollers, the seats of both the UPPAbaby MINU and Babyzen YOYO2 do not fully recline to a flat position. For that reason, neither seat can be used until the baby gains neck control and can sit more upright.
UPPAbaby says the MINU seat is safe to use from 3 months old, while Babyzen advises waiting until 6 months.
Either stroller can be used with a newborn by adding a bassinet or infant car seat.
Both strollers are easy to fold, but the MINU has a one-step fold, compared with the two-step fold required for the YOYO.
You only need one hand to fold the MINU. Using your thumb on one side of the handlebar button and fingers on the other, press in and down until the stroller collapses and auto-locks.
When the MINU is folded, the canopy and seat back remain unsecured. That means the fabric can be a bit floppy, especially if the seatback was reclined.
To unfold the MINU, simply undo the lock on the side of the stroller and pull up until it springs back into place.
The MINU also folds with the From Birth kit bassinet attached. Fold the MINU in the same fashion, using the snaps underneath the bassinet to secure it to the stroller frame.
Folding the YOYO requires two steps. First, press the white buttons near the top of the frame to collapse the canopy and handlebar. This step requires two hands but can be done while the child is still sitting in the stroller.
Next, reach underneath the stroller to find a red tab and black button. Press the button while pulling the tab, then grab onto the nearby metal bar to allow the stroller to collapse instantly. The canopy and seat fabric is compressed on the inside of the folded stroller, so unlike the MINU, no pieces will be loose.
To unfold the stroller, undo the lock near the front wheels and spring the YOYO back into place.
With the bassinet attached, the Babyzen YOYO2 folds in the same fashion, with no need to secure the bassinet fabric.
Both the Babyzen YOYO2 and the UPPAbaby MINU are compatible with car seats from leading brands. Adapters sold separately are required to attach a car seat to either stroller.
The storage baskets for the UPPAbaby MINU and Babyzen YOYO are similarly sized. The width of the MINU basket is about 11" in the front and 13.5" in the back, while the YOYO basket width is 15" in the front and 9" in the back. The YOYO basket has two support bars running through it that may get in the way of some items.
Additionally, the YOYO has two pockets: a zippered storage pocket on the back of the canopy, and a mesh pocket on the seatback. The MINU has an ample storage pocket on the seatback.
So which stroller is better: the UPPAbaby MINU or the Babyzen YOYO2? Only you can decide which is best for your family, but here are the benefits and drawbacks we see.
Both the UPPAbaby MINU and Babyzen YOYO2 are highly recommended, and both have pros and cons. The YOYO is lighter, more compact and more likely to qualify as an airplane carry-on. But with its one-hand, one-step fold, the MINU is easier to collapse, has additional features like a leather handlebar, and is less expensive.
Parents looking for a high-quality lightweight stroller for travel or everyday convenience can't go wrong with either choice.
Strolleria is a family-owned and operated retailer dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents.
If you have more questions about the Babyzen YOYO2 vs. UPPAbaby MINU debate, feel free to contact us at 480-442-9433 or customercare@strolleria.com.
Shop the MINU and YOYO below!
