Nuna TRVL vs. UPPAbaby Minu vs. Bugaboo Butterfly: Which Stroller Is Best for Your Family?

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Compact strollers are no longer just for airplanes—they’re quickly becoming the go-to choice for city living, travel and everyday errands. With so many parents trading in their bulky rides for lighter, fold-and-go options, three models consistently top the conversation: the Nuna TRVL, UPPAbaby Minu and Bugaboo Butterfly. Each one promises portability without sacrificing comfort, but which is right for your family? We compared them side by side — looking at specs, features and real parent feedback — to help you decide. 

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Spec Comparison Table: Nuna TRVL vs. UPPAbaby Minu vs. Bugaboo Butterfly 

Nuna TRVL: The Compact Everyday Option

Best for: Parents who value a super-light design and effortless car seat compatibility. 

The Nuna TRVL stands out as one of the lightest compact strollers, making it effortless to carry, fold and store in tight spaces. It pairs seamlessly with Nuna PIPA car seats, giving families an easy newborn-ready setup without adapters. And while it doesn’t excel on grass, gravel and uneven terrain, parents praise the stroller’s smooth push and compact footprint for errands, car trips and travel. Overall, it’s best for families who prioritize portability and car seat compatibility over all-terrain performance.

• Weight + portability: At just 14.6 pounds, the Nuna TRVL is one of the lightest compact strollers on the market. Parents say this design makes it easy to carry up stairs, lift into trunks or navigate public transportation. It also has a convenient one-hand, self-fold mechanism that adds extra convenience for quick transitions like walking down subway stairs. 
• Newborn + car seat compatibility: The stroller pairs seamlessly with Nuna PIPA car seats — no adapters required. The seat itself reclines nearly flat, but most parents prefer to wait until their little one is at least 3 to 4 months old before using it without an infant seat. 
• Basket size + accessibility: The underseat basket holds up to 10 pounds, which is enough for a diaper bag and a few extras. While the space is useful, parents often say it’s harder to access when the seat is fully reclined. For quick errands, though, most find it roomy enough.
• Maneuverability + durability: With all-wheel suspension, the TRVL glides smoothly on paved sidewalks and indoor surfaces. That said, it’s less stable on grass, gravel or uneven terrain. Some parents also note additional frustrations with the fixed handlebar height and canopy brushing against the frame. 
• Parent insights: Families rave about the stroller’s one-hand fold and compact footprint, which makes it easy to use while juggling kids or bags. Many call it their go-to “secondary stroller” for errands, car trips and travel. Its lightweight frame also makes it less intimidating for grandparents and other caregivers to manage.

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Further Reading: The Best Strollers for City Life

UPPAbaby Minu V3: The City Stroller That Can Travel

Best for: Parents who want one compact stroller that can handle daily errands, long city walks and travel without compromise during infancy and toddlerhood. 

The UPPAbaby Minu V3 is designed for parents who need a stroller that’s compact enough for travel but sturdy enough for daily city life. It weighs more than the others, but the added durability, smoother suspension and large storage basket make it a versatile option from newborn through toddler years. Many families consider it their only stroller, because it covers both quick errands and longer walks with ease.

• Weight + portability: At 16.7 pounds, the Minu is heavier than the other strollers but still light enough to carry up stairs or lift into a car. The one-hand fold is quick and intuitive, and many parents say it fits in overhead bins on airplanes, making it a good option for travel, too. 
• Newborn + car seat compatibility: This stroller is newborn-ready right out of the box, thanks to a deep recline and foot barrier or an infant car seat with adapters. 
• Basket size + accessibility: The basket is one of the Minu’s standout features, since it can hold up to 20 pounds. Parents love that it easily fits a diaper bag or groceries with easy access from both the front and back.
• Maneuverability + durability: Built with all-wheel suspension and sturdier wheels, the Minu handles longer daily walks, rougher sidewalks and even cobblestones with ease. Parents say that it feels more solid and less “rattly” than other travel strollers, giving it better long-term durability. Many use it for 2 to 3-mile daily walks without issue.
• Parent insights: Families often describe the Minu as their do-it-all stroller, noting it’s easy enough to travel with but strong enough for daily use. Many also highlight UPPAbaby’s customer service and repair program, which adds peace of mind for long-term use.

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Bugaboo Butterfly: The True Travel Specialist

Best for: Families who prioritize light weight and portability over all else, especially frequent flyers and parents who need a stroller that stores in tight spaces. 

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is all about convenience and portability. It’s one of the lightest and most compact options, making it especially appealing for parents who fly often or need a stroller that fits in tight spaces. Despite its size, it still offers Bugaboo’s signature design and thoughtful details, though it’s not quite as sturdy as the other strollers for long, daily walks. 

• Weight + portability: Weighing about 16 pounds, the Butterfly 2 is impressively light and folds down in one second with a simple push, making it a favorite for quick transitions in airports and cars. It’s also  International Air Transport Association (IATA)-certified, meaning it meets the standard size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, so parents don’t have to gate-check. 
• Newborn + car seat compatibility: The Butterfly 2 is not newborn-ready out of the box, but it works with car seats when you purchase adapters. This makes it a strong choice for families who already have an infant car seat they love and want to use it in travel mode. 
• Basket size + accessibility: For such a small stroller, the basket is surprisingly spacious with a 17.6-pound capacity. Parents say it’s enough for a medium diaper bag, shopping bags or jackets, but note that access is easiest from the back.
• Maneuverability + durability: The Butterfly 2 is lightweight, easy to carry and store, plus handles flat sidewalks and indoor surfaces well, thanks to smooth front-wheel suspension. It is, however, less sturdy than the others for long daily walks on rough terrain. 
• Parent insights: Parents rave about how fast and compact the fold is — many say it’s the easiest fold they’ve ever used. It’s a top pick for frequent travelers or city families who take subways, cabs or need to stash the stroller in a small apartment closet.

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Which Stroller Fits Your Lifestyle Best?

Best for Travel Families → Bugaboo Butterfly

If you’re planning to fly often or need a stroller that can tuck neatly into a car trunk or overhead bin, the Bugaboo Butterfly is the clear winner. At just 16 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry with one hand, and the one-second fold makes it effortless to collapse while juggling kids and luggage. It’s also compact enough to fit in most airplane overhead bins, which saves the hassle of gate-checking. 

Despite this portability, there’s minimal sacrifice in practicality. Its underseat basket is surprisingly spacious and it handles flat sidewalks and indoor settings smoothly. While it’s not meant to be an everyday stroller, parents say it shines in airports, subways and tight urban spaces where bulkier models are tough to manage. For families who travel frequently and want stress-free portability without sacrificing Bugaboo’s thoughtful design, the Butterfly is the best match.

Further Reading: The Best Car Seats for Airplane Travel 

Best for Everyday City Life → UPPAbaby Minu

The UPPAbaby Minu V3 is ideal for parents who need a stroller that can handle the daily grind of city living. Its slightly heavier 16.7-pound frame provides the sturdiness and durability needed for 2 to 3-mile daily walks, while the all-wheel suspension keeps rides smooth over sidewalks, uneven streets and even cobblestones. Parents also love the large 20-pound basket, which easily fits a diaper bag, groceries or other essentials. 

Newborn-ready with a deep recline or bassinet and compatible with multiple car seats via adapters, the Minu grows with your child from birth to toddlerhood. Families also appreciate UPPAbaby’s responsive customer service and long-term reliability, making it a smart investment for a stroller that can truly do it all. 

Further Reading: Top Baby Products for City Parents

Best for Quick Errands + Compact Cars → Nuna TRVL

The Nuna TRVL shines for parents who need a lightweight, no-fuss stroller for short trips around town. At just 14.6 pounds, it’s easy to carry, lift into a car trunk or navigate up stairs. Its one-hand fold and compact footprint make it perfect for quick errands, coffee runs or car travel, while still providing a smooth push on city sidewalks.

Parents love that it’s newborn-ready with Nuna PIPA car seats — no adapters necessary — and offers a nearly flat recline, though the 10-pound basket is smaller than some other models. Overall, it’s an ideal secondary stroller, especially for families who prioritize portability and simplicity. 

What Comes in the Box?

• Nuna TRVL: In addition to the stroller itself, this option includes a carry bag and rain cover, making it a convenient all-in-one option right out of the box. Car seats are sold separately, but it pairs seamlessly with Nuna PIPA seats without adapters. Its included accessories give it strong value for the price, especially for parents seeking a ready-to-go, lightweight travel stroller.
• UPPAbaby Minu: This model doesn’t come with anything beyond the stroller itself, and accessories — including car seat adapters, rain cover and bassinets — must be purchased separately. This modular approach lets parents customize their setup, particularly if they already own UPPAbaby gear, but can increase the overall cost.
• Bugaboo Butterfly: Inside the box, you won’t find anything beyond the stroller itself. Car seat adapters, rain covers, travel bags and other compatible accessories are sold separately — even though the price point is higher than other models. That said, the stroller offers a premium experience, especially for travel. 

Choosing The Best Stroller For Your Family 

Picking the right stroller ultimately comes down to your family’s lifestyle. If you travel often and need a lightweight, ultra-compact stroller for airplanes and tight spaces, the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is a top choice. For daily city life with longer walks, a larger basket and newborn-to-toddler versatility, the UPPAbaby Minu V3 excels. And if you’re looking for a convenient, easy-to-store secondary stroller for quick errands and car trips, the Nuna TRVL offers portability and simplicity without sacrificing your little one’s comfort.

No matter which stroller fits your lifestyle, GoodBuy Gear’s curated selection of open box and gently used models makes it easy to find the perfect option for your family, while saving an average of 50% off retail. Happy shopping!

Still need help? Check out our Stroller Buying Guide for everything you need to know about choosing the best stroller for your family.

About the Author, Brigitt Earley

GoodBuy Gear Contributing Writer