Our readers wanted to know, and so we asked the experts to compare the two.
Having a comfortable and dependable stroller can be the factor that makes or breaks your everyday errands, day trips, and vacations – it makes traveling with little ones so, so much easier when you don’t need to check a stroller and can wheel it right onto the plane and stick it in the overhead bin.
When the post These Are the Top 5 Lightweight Strollers was first posted one year ago, it was before the Bugaboo Butterfly was available. Now that it’s a top contender, people want to know: how does it compare to the YOYO?
Note–there’s lots of great lightweight options in the other post (not only in the original post, but in the comments too!). So if you’re in the market for a lightweight stroller, and neither the Yoyo or Butterfly is for you, go back and check it out.
Bugaboo Butterfly was launched in Spring 2022, so it’s still selling strong. We’ve gotten lots of positive reviews from customers. Size-wise, the Butterfly is very similar to the YOYO2, and both even have the same price point at $449. Until the Bugaboo Butterfly came around, BABYZEN YOYO2 was the most popular in its category. And while YOYO2 is a couple of pounds lighter, and folds more compactly than the Bugaboo Butterfly (which makes it more likely to fit in an overhead bin on airplanes), the YOYO2 has a two-step fold, while the Butterfly has easy one-step collapsible fold. The Butterfly does weigh three pounds heavier, but that gives it a slightly sturdier push. The Butterfly’s sleek design also makes it easier to clean. Those are the main differences.
Here’s a handy comparison chart for those parents considering both of these strollers:
BABYZEN YOYO2 | Bugaboo Butterfly | |
Stroller weight | 13.6 lbs | 16.1 lbs |
Weight capacity | 48.5 lbs | 50 lbs |
Dimensions | 41.7 x 17.3 x 33.9 in | 36.42 x 17.72 x 40.31 |
Folded dimensions | 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1″ | 9.06 x 17.72 x 21.26″ |
Ease-of-fold | 2-step fold | Collapsible 1-step fold |
Footrest | Sold separately | Attached 5-position footrest |
Bumper bar | Sold separately | Sold separately |
Recline | Near-flat | Near-flat |
Wheel size | 5-inch front wheels, 5-inch rear wheels | 4.7-inch front wheels, 6-inch rear wheels |
Adjustable handlebar | No | No |
Price | $449.00 | $449.00 |
Dinah says
Curious how the joolz aer compares to these two. I have it and I’m thrilled with it. It’s a one hand fold and wheels amazing
Rikki says
Both these strollers are great! We found that because the Joolz Aer has a zippered recline, it’s more difficult to recline the seat while the child is in it, unless your child leans forward. The Butterfly has a great easy to use recline. There’s also a much bigger storage basket for the Butterfly. The Butterfly is a little heavier than the Aer though at 16.1 pounds. The Aer is 13.4 pounds, very lightweight, and with a wider seat. There’s also a little pocket in the back of the seat, which is so convenient.
B says
Thanks for this awesome roundup! One difference to mention is that the yoyo has a zip pocket in the back whereas the butterfly doesn’t, which can make a big difference for some! Also heard that the butterfly doesn’t have two detachable pieces to stick in the washing machine, whereas the yoyo has a separate seat that comes off really easily to wash
K says
The store told me the butterfly wheels break more easily
AS says
If using it for travel, some airlines only allow the yoyo. It may have changed since the butterfly is becoming more popular, but it may be worthwhile to keep in mind.
BR says
I love the butterfly! Wheels beautifully, strong and smooth. The one hand fold is super convenient!
Two additional factors that the article doesn’t say and I would say are worth mentioning; The back rest is taller making it usable for children up to the age of 4. Additionally the back rest sits more upright so it’s more comfortable than the yo-yo which is more of a reclining position and your child ends up sitting forward.
BR says
Also has larger basket and larger basket weight capacity. Overall it’s a sturdier stroller
N says
Am I the only one that finds it frustrating that none of these lightweight strollers has a 90 degree upright sitting position? They all recline even when in the most upright position. My toddler gets so frustrated. We always stuff our diaper bag between the back of the seat and the hood of the yoyo to push it upright. But why can’t they just make a stroller that sits fully up??
Rw says
Don’t have the butterfly, and it may have benefits over the YOYO but the YOYO’s back pocket is amazing! I totally keep my whole life in there lol. Fits wipes, bottles etc. Iv’e been using it for almost 6 years and still holding up.
Nancy says
I chose the butterfly because of the very high back of seat. My toddler can fall asleep comfortably without his head falling off the seat into the hood fabric.
123 says
I have the butterfly and I am super thrilled with it! It wheels so smoothly, has a big basket, folds easily and my baby/toddler is just so comfortable in it.
Miri says
Could you compare the joolz?
Sarah says
You also didnt mention the hood!
The hood on the Butterfly is much longer plus extendable which protects child from sun and wind, which is a very big plus!!
Leah says
If anyone needs a similar stroller but doesn’t want to pay these prices, check out the Cybex Beezy! Has most of these features and a strong sturdy push. One hand fold.
Devorah Hilman says
Talking from experience, the joolz aer beats both of these options by a mile. In ease, comfort for the child and parent, and durability. It’s by fast the best option on the market. I’ve tried so many of them!
ZS says
I absolutely love the Joolz Aer too!
Shaindy Weiss says
I have the Yoyo cause everyone recommended it. Im.an older Mom. But feel.like my child’s bottom which is petite does not fit properly. He can never sit as written above, and always looks like he’s falling out.
Anonymous says
Butterfly is new so airlines are not as familiar with it and might ask you about it but the stroller is made to fit airline regulations for the overhead compartment. The biggest plus for me with the bugaboo is the seat height is SO much better on the butterfly so taller kids fit much more comfortably. Additionally, the hood, large basket, foot rest, smooth push and one handed fold are all much better than the Yoyo!!
Shaindy says
I had the yoyo and now have the butterfly for nearly a year now and I love it. The butterfly seat has a liner that is easily removed and washable. The hood has an extra zipper that makes it expandable and it’s a different see through material so you can see your child. It’s super sturdy and I’m never scared it will topple. The basket holds a ton of stuff. The adjustable footrest is super strong and my 3 year old has sat with my one year old in the carriage together on a couple of occasions when she wasn’t interested in walking. The only real bummer that has nothing to do with the yoyo is that they didn’t make the buggy board from other bugaboos compatible with the butterfly which is really annoying. (They did make a new one that you can purchase for $100+). Also the butterfly’s one handed open and close is so easy and the 2 handed on the yoyo made me hate the yoyo and was my biggest pet peeve. Don’t remember if the yoyo comes with a rain cover but the butterfly comes with a great one. I highly highly recommend the butterfly though I’ve never flown with it just yet.
Sara M says
I flew with my baby solo and took the bugaboo butterfly stroller along. It was a dream! I was able to take it onto the plane. It fit in the overhead compartment. I was even able to open it up and walk off the plane with it! It has an easy fold and pushes so smoothly!
The only drawback is that it doesn’t fully recline and sit up.