Cybex vs Bugaboo: Which Is the Better Travel Stroller? A Frequent Traveler Puts Them to the Test

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Think the arrival of your baby means the end of your travel adventures? Think again. As intimidating as it may seem, traveling with your little one doesn’t have to be a waking nightmare, and that’s especially the case if you’re well-equipped with a great travel stroller. 

In recent years, the universe of options for these lightweight, compact strollers has grown infinitely large. Still, I’ve spent the last couple of months testing two in particular with my now four-month-old: the Cybex Coya and the Bugaboo Butterfly 2. Both are excellent options, though my baby certainly preferred one over the other. 

Cybex Coya

The sleek, luxe Coya from Cybex is one of the most aesthetically pleasing options I’ve seen on the market, which is what drew me to this particular stroller to begin with. Designed with the notion that baby gear can be just as chic as the adult equivalent, the Coya definitely prioritizes form above all else, though that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t function well, too. 

In terms of looks, it’s hard to beat the Coya. Frames don’t just come in standard colors like silver or blue – instead, you’ll get options like rose gold and chrome. The same goes for the seat and canopy – colors include Mirage Grey and Leaf Green. These colors really elevate the stroller’s overall look and feel, making the entire package a surprisingly eye-catching piece. 

The Coya is a super lightweight stroller, coming in at 14.6 pounds. And thanks to the convenient shoulder strap, this stroller is quite easy to carry once folded. Its slim profile allows it to fit easily not only in the overhead bin of most airplanes (which, honestly, is more or less a given at this point), but perhaps more importantly, in compact closet spaces if you’re an urban dweller looking to navigate tight corners of real estate. I’ll note that folding the Coya does take a little bit of practice (though it operates using the same two-button push system as most travel strollers), but it can sometimes require a bit more jiggling. I tend to need to use two hands to get the fold right and get the shoulder strap out. 

Despite its diminutive size, the Coya has a decent weight limit of 55 pounds, which should accommodate kiddos up to about 4 years old. The seat is also extremely well ventilated, thanks to built-in backrest ventilation and super plush padding; that means babies can stay cool and comfortable in humid or warmer climates. 

That said, in cooler climates, this actually may work against your little one. The first time we took our baby out in the Coya in the winter, it seemed meaningfully less cozy than other strollers, which led to more fussiness. The seat itself is also a bit small, with a shorter backrest, which makes it better for smaller or younger babies. 

If you’re pushing the Coya around indoors, it works beautifully thanks to its small, easily navigable wheels. But if you’re going over any kind of terrain, like cobblestones or even cracked sidewalks, the wheels and lack of suspension in the back will definitely create a bumpier ride. I’ve found that this limitation is amplified if you’re trying to use the underseat basket for excessive storage; don’t count on putting too much extra stuff in that space, as its weight limit is only 11 pounds. 

Bugaboo Butterfly 2

The first time my baby sat in the Bugaboo Butterfly 2, he settled in as though he and the stroller were old friends. It’s clear that the Butterfly 2 — despite being a travel stroller — was still built primarily with comfort and stability in mind. While it’s still lightweight at about 16.5 pounds, it’s noticeably heavier than the Coya. But in some ways, that works to the Butterfly 2’s advantage — it’s a much smoother ride for baby, thanks to the larger wheels as well as the better suspension. 

One of my favorite things about the Butterfly 2 is the truly easy fold – Bugaboo advertises a one-second folding time, and it’s true. Simply squeeze and press the dual button system, and the Butterfly 2 quickly collapses and locks into place without any additional jostling. Sure, it’ll take a bit more muscle to then get the stroller into your trunk or overhead bin, but it’s still manageable. 

When it comes to pushing the Butterfly 2, it’s about as easy as can be. Because the frame is heavier, it’s an easier ride not only for the baby, but for you as well. And thanks to a taller seatback, it seems to envelop its passenger a little bit better than the Coya. Indeed, my little one – who is indeed very little – seems to sink into the Butterfly 2 a little bit better, and feels more cozy in this seat than the Coya.  

I also appreciate that the underseat storage of the Butterfly 2 has a meaningfully higher weight limit at 17.6 pounds, which is really helpful not only for storing extra baby gear, but also for shopping bags or other knick-knacks from a quick trip. The canopy of the Butterfly 2 is also worth noting, as it feels more like a full-size stroller thanks to a little peekaboo window and an extremely adjustable shade. When we took our baby to the golf course on a sunny day, we were able to keep him almost completely shaded, even during the sunniest of moments. 

So, Which One Should You Buy?

Simply put, both the Cybex Coya and the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 are great travel strollers at essentially identical price points. If you’re in a situation where you need to carry your stroller around a lot without your baby in it, I’d recommend the Coya. But if the baby will be riding in the stroller more frequently, the Butterfly 2 is the way to go. 

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