The Best Double Strollers of 2018

Ultimate Side-by-Side

Thule Urban Glide 2 Double

Weight: 32.1 | Folded Size: 20,820 cubic inches

The Thule Urban Glide 2 Double earns the highest score in this review impressing us with the overall quality, maneuverability, and ease of use. This stroller has a 3-wheel jogger design, is easy to fold, and has a great self-stand feature. The Urban Glide 2 Double is easy to maneuver in tight spaces and over rougher terrain. You can use it to jog and take it up and over curbs with ease. The passenger seats have storage pockets, large canopies, independent recline, and padded 5-point harnesses.

This stroller isn't the best choice for parents expecting twins because it only accepts one infant car seat. It is also somewhat heavy, but it is the lightest in the top 3 scoring strollers, and it is lighter than the similar BOB Revolution Flex Duallie. However, the Urban Glide 2 Double is a great everyday stroller packed with features that let you run, and run errands when the mood strikes, while keeping your baby cozy.

Read review: Thule Urban Glide 2 Double

Best Inline Double

UPPAbaby Vista Double

Weight: 32.2 lbs | Folded Size: 28,264 cubic inches

The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a stylish stroller that quickly became the stroller of choice for our testers. This stylish, easy to use option offers a variety of seating configurations including two infant car seats making it a great choice for twins, multiples, a single rider, or for three (with riding scooter). This stroller has foam-filled rubber tires that won't leave you stranded if they get punctured. It features the biggest storage bin in the review with the largest maximum allowable weight (30lbs), a telescoping handlebar, and an easy fold. While the Vista 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 edge when hitting the play park or greenbelt.

This stroller is not the best choice for parents on a budget or those who have trouble lifting heavy things, but it could be one of the only options if you have three children of different stroller riding ages. The Vista also has a higher than average price which may make it difficult for some families to afford. However, it is one of the few accepts two car seats and we think it is worth the money if your budget allows given its higher quality, efficient design, and seating versatility.

Read review: UPPAbaby Vista Double

Best Bang for the Buck

Joovy ScooterX2 with Tray

Weight: 31.4 | Folded Size: 16,948 cubic inches

The Joovy ScooterX2 with Tray walks away with a Best Value award thanks to a great combination of lower price and useful features. This stroller is a user-friendly product that draws you in with a simple design, fun features, and functionality in a way you didn't think possible for a product with a price this low. The Scooter X2 is a quality stroller suitable for children of multiple ages or older twins because it does not accept infant car seats of any kind. The side-by-side design of the Scooter has inset front wheels to negotiate corners and narrow doorways. The shared giant canopy, passenger mesh stow pockets, large storage basket and dual zippered back pockets provide comfort and convenience for longer outings. The Scooter has deep reclining seats with individually adjustable leg rests, all-wheel suspension, and child trays.

This option isn't a good choice for parents with infant twins who want to stroll with them. It may also be a bad option for little ones who can't get along since it shares some features like the canopy. But, given its overall value and variety of features, it's easy to see why users like the Joovy Scooter so much.

Read review: Joovy ScooterX2 with Tray

Best Value on a Budget

Baby Trend Expedition Double

Weight: 30.6 | Folded Size: 18,401 cubic inches

The Baby Trend Expedition Double is the least expensive double option with above average performance at an affordable price point. The Expedition is marketed as a jogging stroller and has rubber air-filled tires, padded seats, easy to use recline, and an impressive maneuverability. While the Expedition doesn't have the same attention to detail or use the same quality components as much of the competition, it offers what we believe is a reliable double stroller that gets the job done for a reasonable price that matches almost any budget. It even has a few extra features like a parent tray, cup holders and cinch pockets on the back of each seat.

Unfortunately, the Expedition Double does not accept infant car seats, so it isn't a good choice for little ones under six months, and you can't jog with a baby until eight to twelve months. However, if the price is a factor, and you want the freedom of moving off-road with the occasional jog, then the Expedition Double is one to consider with the bonus of having a budget-friendly list price.

Read review: Baby Trend Expedition Double

Budget-friendly Adventure Pod

Hamax Outback

Weight: 39.1 lbs | Folded Size: 30,090 cubic inches

The Hamax Outback is a budget-friendly bike trailer you can use for strolling or jogging (with the right attachments). This stroller has an enclosed seating area, large storage bin, and simple attachment changes. We like the easy to turn front swivel wheel that negotiates tight spaces with ease, and we think the adjustable suspension and padded seating make for a comfortable ride for passengers. This trailer is a high-quality choice made with durable materials that will keep you moving for years to come for a variety of adventures.

The Outback may be more difficult to use than some of the competition, and its size and weight make it more difficult to lift and stow. But, we think the significant savings over the Thule Chariot Cross 2 will intrigue any parents looking for a stroller of this type who have already considered the weight restrictions.

Read review: Hamax Outback

Top Pick for All-Terrain

BOB Revolution Flex Duallie

Weight: 34.1 lbs | Folded Size: 22,507 cubic inches

The BOB Revolution Flex Duallie is a 3-wheel jogging stroller that has everything parents want for two kids with the bonus of all-terrain tires and adjustable suspension for comfort. The BOB has a high score for maneuverability and impressive results for quality and ease of use. While it doesn't accept two car seats, so it isn't a great option for twins, it does work for children up to 50 pounds in each seat and will take one car seat with an adapter (sold separately).

The car seat adapter for the BOB requires a strap attachment which isn't our favorite, but using the adapter buys you eight months additional strolling time with the BOB (you should not jog with children under eight months old, and you should check with your pediatrician before starting new adventures). The BOB is also awkward to carry with no real handle. But, overall, the BOB is a good choice for everyday use and getting off the beaten path with rugged tires and durable long-lasting quality.

Read review: BOB Revolution Flex Duallie

Top Pick for Outdoor Adventure

Thule Chariot Cross 2

Weight: 31.6 lbs | Folded Size: 24,452 cubic inches

The Thule Chariot Cross 2 is a unique product designed for outdoor adventures with strolling and bike trailer kits included. 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 a great choice for parents that 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 on the previous model. If you want to stroll, bike, ski, or jog, this product will not disappoint and is the only one in our 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 it and it won't fit on public transportation. But, if you love the great outdoors, there may not be a better stroller for the adventurous family.

Read review: Thule Chariot Cross 2

Best Frame Stroller for Twins

Joovy TwinRoo+

Weight: 24 lbs| Folded Size: 12,700 cubic inches

The Joovy Twin Roo+ is a frame stroller that is designed for two infant car seats of almost any brand. This product wasn't included in testing because it was unlikely that it would do well compared to products that offer more (like canopies and seats). However, that doesn't mean it doesn't have a place in your gear line up if you are expecting twins. Many of the double strollers only accept one infant car seat, and some don't accept any, the Joovy Twin Roo+ fills a gap with its two car seat capability. This product is easy to use, lightweight, compact when folded, with storage, and four cup holders. The Twin Roo+ allows babies to face either direction and the carriers sit low enough for parents to see both babies. This stroller is $130, which means you can save some cash by purchasing the Roo+ instead of the more expensive products that don't accept two car seats. The Twin Roo+ bridges the gap between birth and the end of infant car seat use so you can make a more informed decision on the best stroller for you without being tied to only the options that accept two car seats.

This is only a stroller for infant twins and the design and intention mean it has a shortn lifespan of about 9 months. But, if you are expecting twins, or your budget is tight, or you aren't sure what kind of stroller is best for twins, then the Twin Roo+ can meet your needs without the big expense.

Read review: Joovy Twin Roo+

Best Sit and Stand Lightweight Stroller

Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite

Weight: 23.4 lbs | Folded Size: 11,632 cubic inches

The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is somewhat different from the other options we tested because it doesn't come with two traditional seats. This stroller is the lightest option in the group, has a back seat you can purchase, and offers a cover for the back seat rider. The Caboose is easy to fold and lift and has everything a parent of two would need for a fun outing, without the hassle of a heavier ride.

At first blush, this option didn't score well compared to the competition. But the more we learned about it, the more we liked it. With a list price of $250, it is one of the cheaper options we tested, and it has enough functionality and features to keep most parents and passengers happy on fun or quick trips out and about. It is not the best choice for parents with two babies or little ones that might fight over seating arrangments. And it may not be the best stroller for all-day adventures or shopping. But, if you have children of different ages, with one that seems to be always on the go, then this sit and stand style may be a good fit.

Read review: Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite

Analysis and Test Results

Finding the best double stroller for your needs might be a bigger problem than juggling the little ones you want to use it with. With so many possible choices, each with different designs and varying features, it can be a struggle to figure out what matters or how one option compares to the competition. Throw in which products may be best for twins versus children of different ages, and you have a convoluted comparison that could be impossible to narrow down. In this review, we found big differences and discovered that an in-depth comparison is necessary to sort out which options work well and which only looked good on paper.

We purchased 20 popular double strollers to determine which products are the best in our comparative testing process. We used each stroller for several months in the real world and our in-house lab. Overall scores and ranks were determined using individual metric results with more emphasis on the ease of use and maneuverability results.

Value

Double strollers can be pretty expensive and many parents will be looking for a budget-friendly choice or an option that gives them the most stroller for the lowest price possible without buying a dud. The Best Value winners, the Joovy Scooter X2 with Tray and the Baby Trend Expedition Double, both impressed testers and sport prices under $300 which is rare for a double product. Each option comes with popular features that provide comfort and convenience for passengers and pushers. Even the top-ranked stroller, Thule Urban Glide 2 Double has a reasonable price compared to the competition with a list price of $680. While you can bet that double the size can lead to double the price, we found that some of the best options offer a lot of value with top performance and lower prices.

Ease of Use

An easy to use stroller needs to have features that work well and benefit everyday use. Products with few features, or difficult to use features, will likely be frustrating for parents on a daily basis.

The features and functionality of each product were noted, tested, and compared to the others to determine which options were easy to use and which lacked intuitive design or features we found useful in the real world.

Fold and Unfold

Some of the products have an intuitive folding operation with a few steps. Others offer self-standing and automatic locking features. However, only a few managed to be easy to operate. We prefer products with the fewer steps that fold smoothly without awkward complications that result in banging body parts, sliding, or pinching. The Peg Perego Book for Two performed the best in this test, because it is super easy with only one step, and it self-stands and auto-locks. However, you can't fold it with car seat adapters on which is a bummer.

Storage

All of the strollers have storage. However, this feature 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. While no one has ever complained of too much storage, not enough 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, while the UPPAbaby Vista comes with a large, easy to access basket that holds a maximum of 30 lbs. 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 Duallie, Thule Chariot Cross 2, 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.

These photos show some of the storage features found on some of the strollers. The Joovy ScooterX2's (above left) covered storage bin, zippered pocket of the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double (above middle), and parent tray on the Baby Trend Expedition Double (above right).

Sunshade

Every stroller in this review has a sunshade for both passengers. Some have smaller shades for rear passengers, like the Phil and Teds Dot, while some have a single shared canopy like the Joovy ScooterX2 with Tray. Some canopies are small, like the Graco Ready2Grow LX with limited coverage, while others offer giant shades like the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie that covers passengers past the knee. The Graco Ready2Grow LX shade earned the lowest score in our tests with a 3 of 10, while the canopies on the BOB and the UPPAbaby Vista scored 10s. Most of the canopies fell somewhere between the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and the Graco Ready2Grow, providing adequate coverage. The inline options often skimped on at least one canopy and the Joovy ScooterX2 and the Baby Trend Expedition Double both had a single canopy for both passengers, which could cause issues between siblings who may want different amounts of coverage.

The photos above show some of the variations in sunshades across products. From left to right they are the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand, BOB Revolution Flex Duallie, Joovy ScooterX2, and the Graco FastAction Fold Duo.

Harness

All 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 harness, 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 very often, it is more difficult than the non-rethread options. The Chicco Cortina Together and the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand only have two shoulder strap positions, while the rest have more than two height options. The BOB Revolution Flex 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.

The photos above show the easy to use harness of the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie (left) compared to the more difficult harness of the Phil and Teds Dot (right).

Seat

Several of the products offer adjustable leg rests, and almost all of them had some degree of reclining seat. 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 photos above show different recline options. From left to right they are a plastic toggle for the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, a button push on the UPPAbaby Vista Double, and a metal bar that sits in grooves on the front seat of the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand.

Some of the strollers offer a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment like the front seat of the UPPAbaby Vista Double that came close to flat. Other products like the Chicco Cortina Together (and most inline strollers) have different recline options for each seat, with one reclining further than the second that remains almost upright when reclined. This difference seems like a design flaw, and while it might work for children of different ages, it could potentially end up in a fight over who gets the more comfortable seat with the better view. This kind of position disparity is only with the 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 headache than it is worth.

Ease of Car Seat Attachment

This metric doesn't carry a lot of weight in the overall score because of the limited lifespan of this portion of a stroller's life (9-12 months out of a possible four years). However, knowing more about car seat attachment 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 car seats is something only half of the strollers can do.

Maneuverability

Finding a great double stroller that turns on a dime and is easy to push can be a challenging task. 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. Moving a double-wide or super long stroller can be a struggle, and there is little that can be done to decrease the size or weight of the average double product (which only gets heavier with little ones inside). However, the kind of tires, wheels, and suspension can have a huge impact on how easy the products are to move. Overall, the side-by-side strollers performed better and were easier to maneuver than the longer inline options which had trouble turning and moving in smaller spaces.

The BOB Revolution Flex Duallie, Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, and Thule Chariot 2 are some of the easiest to push in the bunch with a score of 9 of 10. These strollers earned the high score and proved that it is possible for a wider stroller to 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, and the large back wheels and inset front wheels make the Chariot Cross 2 smooth to move. Add on their great suspension systems, and they are as comfortable to be in as they are easy to push. Alternatively, the average product in our review only scored a 5. The UPPAbaby Vista and the Baby Trend Expedition Double both earned 8s.

Many of the products are difficult to push because they have flexing frames or wide-set wheels. Some were tough because of wobbly plastic wheels or dual front wheel designs (4 wheels on two front legs). This design makes pushing near impossible over uneven terrains and transitions. The suspension is also crucial because pushing is more laborious and your baby will feel every little bump in the road without nice shocks on at least two wheels.

The strollers we tested endured a course of twists and turns, narrow doorways, and tight corridors. We put drove them over hard floors, concrete, asphalt, grass, and gravel, then we dragged them up and down curbs. We assumed that some of the products would have trouble on gravel or grass, given that most are not designed with this in mind, but some of them had trouble on hard flat surfaces.

The photos above show the locking front wheel of the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie (left), and the dual front wheels of the Britax B-Agile Double (right).

Weight and Folded Size

There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a double stroller, which might result in overlooking the weight and folded size. However, we feel this metric is important because multiple passengers mean twice the work and twice the weight. The last thing you need is a product that is too heavy to move from place to place, or too large to store when not in use. Nothing will be more disappointing than purchasing the stroller of your dreams only to find out 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 30 lbs, this means the final weight might be over 100 lbs with supplies! This potential means weight should be a factor behind the stroller you choose, especially if you live in a location with steep inclines or an up and down terrain like San Francisco.

Unfortunately, none of the double products are truly lightweight, so the goal is finding the right option for you with the lowest weight. The heaviest stroller in the group is the Baby Trend Navigator weighing in at 39.7 lbss. The lightest is the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite at close to 23 lbs, which is one of the reasons it won an honorable mention. The average is about 32 lbs shared by the Peg Perego Book for Two and theMountain Buggy Duet. The BOB Revolution Flex Duallie came in close with a weight near 34 lbs, while the Baby Jogger City Mini Double and the Britax B-Agile Double are both close to 27 lbs making them good options if weight is a concern.

For this metric, we weighed and measured all products in the same way with the same equipment, so the comparison is indeed apples to apples. Unfortunately, we've discovered that not all manufacturers provide accurate measurements, so we weigh and measure the products ourselves for consistency across products.

The smallest folded products in this metric were the Britax B-Agile Double and Baby Jogger City Mini Double at under 10,700 cubic inches. The largest option is the UPPAbaby Vista at 28,264 cubic inches (down about 1000 cubic inches from the previous version). The smallest award winner is the Joovy Scoot X2 at 18,188, while the honorable mention Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is around 11,000 cubic inches. Some of the strollers can be made smaller by removing wheels, which isn't a large hassle if they are quick release like those found on the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double.

Quality

The strollers for two prove that quality is possible in almost every price range from a variety of different brands. However, 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. With the exception of the Joovy ScooterX2 with Trays, the cheaper products ($250 and under) scored a 4 or below. The ScooterX2 is $280 and managed a quality score of 6, the highest for any product with a price tag under $300. The Chicco Cortina Together and the Graco FastAction Fold both have a list price of $300 and scored lower than the Scooter, showing money isn't the only factor when it comes to quality.

The high score for quality is a 9 for the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, the Hamax Outback, and the Thule Chariot Cross 2 with a price of $650, $680, and $1000 respectively. While the Urban Glide 2 Double is on the pricier end, 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 higher cost doesn't seem to correlate to a measurable increase in quality.

The photos above show the interior of the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double (left) and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand (right), the high and low end of the quality scale respectively.

The average stroller earned a score of 6 of 10 for quality in this review. The UPPAbaby Vista Double and the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie tied for second place with 8s; these strollers use quality materials designed to be both functional and pleasing to the eye. The four top products stood out with attention to detail and features that were thoughtfully placed and skillfully assembled. We considered how well the products were designed, what kind of materials were used, and how well the final products tolerated our testing process and ordinary use over several months. If they can't survive our testing in one piece, they aren't likely to make it through your strolling years either. 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.

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, while parents with children of different ages can often manage with different seating arrangements and features. For instance, a sit and stand stroller won't work for infant twins as neither of them can stand. Alternatively, less than half of the strollers will work with two car seats at the same time; 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 UPPAbaby Vista Double, Mountain Buggy Duet, Baby Jogger City Select Double, Britax B-Ready Double, Peg Perego Book for Two, Chicco Cortina Together, Graco FastAction Fold Duo, Graco Ready2Grow LX, and the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand. The remaining options accept only one infant car seat or none at all.

There are some things to consider when using two car seats with your double stroller. Some brands will only accept their native brand car seat, which will limit your choices of seat or stroller. The Peg Perego Book for Two, both Graco options, and Chicco Cortina Together strollers will only accept their brand of car seat. Given that the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 and the Chicco Keyfit 30 both won awards in our Infant Car Seat Review, this may not be a problem if you are prepared to commit to these seats. However, the Graco car seats didn't score that well in our review, and many of the native brands were hard to install on their brand stroller.

We prefer strollers that can adapt to a variety of infant car seat brands, so you have a broader selection of options and are not locked into a particular brand or price point. The UPPAbaby Vista Double accepts the UPPAbaby Mesa (an award-winning seat), but with the right adapters, several other brands will also work. The same is true of the Britax B-Ready Double and the Baby Jogger City Select Double. The UPPAbaby Vista Double also works with two bassinets which makes it a versatile choice for infant twins.

The Competition

We considered more than 70 double strollers before choosing our finalists. A notable popular product that didn't make the cut for hands-on testing is described below. We reviewed this option in previous versions of our double review, and it didn't fare well enough to test again. Other strollers we didn't consider, received a significantly high number of negative reviews and comments on Amazon and other online review forums, leaving us to assume they wouldn't be able to keep up with the competition in this review.

Bugaboo Donkey Twin- $1885

As a luxury side-by-side system, the Donkey Duo (1 bassinet, $1719) and Donkey Twin (2 bassinets, $1885) are $620 to $785 more expensive than the Editors' Choice UPPAbaby Vista Double (the most expensive option in the review). Like the Donkey Twin, the Vista with the second seat can take twins from newborn through childhood for about 40% of the cost. In comparison, the Vista's inline system is around 3" less in width and about 10 lbs lighter. Plus, the Vista can be folded without removing the second seat, while the Donkey's seats must be taken off before folding the frame. For those looking for a luxury stroller with pneumatic wheels, the Donkey certainly has its place among the top-of-the-line elite, but for this review, it didn't feel like it could truly compete with the competition given the price and what it offers compared to the higher scoring strollers in this review.

Conclusion

With many double options in the stroller world, there is a product out there for everyone. Whether your passengers are twins or siblings of a different age, there is a stroller in this review that can handle whatever your little ones can dish out. With competition this stiff, we found several products deserving of special recognition. Because of this, there is an impressive lineup of award-winners in this review and a couple of honorable mentions that provide features or functions we didn't see in the competition.

No matter what your stroller budget or needs, at least one of the options in this review should fit the bill. Our goal at BabyGearLab is to help parents "crack the code," so they can find the perfect fit without the extensive time and legwork it takes to get there. Whether you are looking for a stroller to take off the beaten path, or one to take shopping, we feel confident this review and our article on How to Pick the Right Double Stroller can steer you in the right direction for finding the stroller of your dreams.