Ergobaby Metro Stroller Review: A Compact Travel Companion
For parents navigating the urban jungle or frequent travelers seeking a reliable stroller solution, the Ergobaby Metro Stroller continues to be a standout option in 2025. The latest Metro+ and Metro+ Deluxe models have built upon the original design to create an even more versatile and parent-friendly compact stroller. This comprehensive review examines the features, performance, and real-world usability to help you determine if this popular stroller deserves a spot in your parenting arsenal.
Overview of the Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller
The Ergobaby Metro+ represents the brand’s commitment to creating thoughtfully designed baby products that combine functionality with comfort. Often described as an “ultra-compact stroller,” the Metro+ is the Muggsy Bogues of buggies: lightweight yet sturdy, with incredible suspension to absorb and redistribute shock, making it particularly appealing for city-dwelling families and frequent travelers.
Key Features and Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 14-16 pounds (varies by model) |
| Folded Dimensions | Compact enough to fit in most airline overhead compartments |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 50 pounds |
| Wheels | Rubber tires with built-in suspension |
| Recline | Multi-position recline, suitable from birth (with proper inserts) |
| Folding Mechanism | One-handed fold |
| Storage | Underseat basket plus additional pockets (more in Deluxe model) |
| Canopy | Extendable UPF 50+ sun protection |
| Handlebar Height | 39.5 inches (not adjustable on all models) |
Performance and Usability
Maneuverability and Ride Quality
The Metro+ has earned significant praise for its exceptional maneuverability in tight spaces, making it ideal for navigating crowded city sidewalks, narrow store aisles, and public transportation. The stroller’s relatively large rubber tires and built-in suspension system provide a surprisingly smooth ride for such a compact model.
Recent user feedback confirms: “The suspension is incredible—it absorbs and redistributes shock effectively, making it comfortable for my baby even on cobblestone streets.” This feature sets it apart from many other compact strollers that tend to transmit every bump directly to the passenger. The 2025 model maintains this excellent ride quality that has become a signature feature of the Metro+.
Folding and Portability
The one-handed folding mechanism continues to be a standout feature that consistently receives positive feedback. Parents juggling a baby, diaper bag, and other items appreciate the ability to quickly collapse the stroller with minimal effort. When folded, the Metro+ is compact enough to fit in most car trunks with room to spare and even qualifies as a carry-on for many airlines.
The stroller’s lightweight frame (14-16 pounds depending on configuration) makes it manageable to carry when needed, such as navigating stairs or public transit without elevators. Multiple 2024-2025 reviews specifically mention choosing the Metro+ for travel to Disney parks, where its portability proved invaluable when boarding trams and navigating crowded pathways.
Comfort and Adjustability
The Metro+ offers a multi-position recline that accommodates napping babies and curious toddlers alike. The latest models can be used from birth (with appropriate newborn inserts or compatible car seat) through the toddler years, with a weight capacity of up to 50 pounds.
The padded seat and adjustable leg rest contribute to passenger comfort, while the extendable UPF 50+ canopy provides excellent sun protection. Recent reviews consistently mention: “My daughter falls asleep comfortably in this stroller, which wasn’t the case with our previous compact model.”
Storage and Accessories
For a compact stroller, the Metro+ offers impressive storage options. The underseat basket can hold essentials like a diaper bag, small shopping items, or a light jacket. The 2025 Deluxe version includes additional storage pockets for keeping smaller items like phones, keys, and water bottles within easy reach—a significant improvement that addresses one of the few criticisms of earlier models.
Compatible accessories include:
– Weather shield (rain cover)
– Insect net
– Travel bag
– Cup holder
– Newborn kit for youngest babies
– Comfort cushion for added padding
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Truly compact when folded, ideal for travel and storage | Higher price point compared to some compact strollers |
| Exceptional suspension system for a smooth ride | Storage capacity, while improved in newer models, is still limited compared to full-size strollers |
| Sturdy construction handles various terrains surprisingly well | Some accessories that come standard on other models are sold separately |
| One-handed fold is genuinely easy to operate | Not suitable for jogging or serious off-road adventures |
| Can be used from birth through toddlerhood | Handlebar is not adjustable on all models, which may be uncomfortable for very tall or short parents |
| Comfortable for both baby and parent | May feel less substantial than larger strollers for everyday use |
| Extra storage in the Deluxe model addresses previous limitations | Premium price increases further with addition of accessories |
Comparison with Top Competitors
| Feature | Ergobaby Metro+ | UPPAbaby MINU V3 | Nuna TRVL | Bugaboo Butterfly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 14-16 lbs | 16.9 lbs | 13.6 lbs | 16.1 lbs |
| Folded Size | Compact, carry-on compliant | Slightly larger | Very compact, self-standing | Ultra-compact, carry-on compliant |
| Suspension | Excellent, all-wheel | Good, spring-action | Good, front-wheel | Very good, four-wheel |
| Recline | Multi-position | Multi-position | Multi-position | Multi-position |
| Storage | Good for size (better in Deluxe) | Excellent, larger basket | Moderate | Good |
| Price Range (2025) | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Standout Feature | Superior suspension | Larger storage basket | Lightest weight, magnetic fold | Premium materials, ultra-compact fold |
When compared to the popular UPPAbaby MINU V3, the Metro+ generally receives praise for its superior suspension system and slightly more compact fold, though the MINU offers a larger storage basket. A recent parent who chose the Metro+ over the MINU noted: “The ride quality was noticeably better on the Metro+, especially on uneven sidewalks. For us, that was worth the trade-off of slightly less storage.”
Against the Nuna TRVL, the Metro+ is slightly heavier but offers more substantial construction that many parents prefer for regular use. As one parent stated in a 2024 review: “The TRVL is lighter, but the Metro+ feels more durable for daily use. I don’t worry about it tipping when my toddler climbs in and out.”
The Bugaboo Butterfly, another high-end competitor, matches the Metro+ in quality and compactness but comes at an even higher price point. The decision between these often comes down to brand preference and specific feature priorities.
Real-World Testing Scenarios
Urban Navigation
The Metro+ continues to excel in urban environments, where its compact frame and responsive steering make navigating crowded sidewalks, tight store aisles, and public transportation relatively stress-free. Parents consistently report being able to steer one-handed while holding a coffee or phone in the other hand—a small but significant victory in the world of parenting.
Travel Performance
Many 2024-2025 reviewers specifically highlighted the Metro+’s performance during family vacations. One parent shared: “We took it to Disney World last month, and it was perfect—easy to fold when boarding trams, compact enough to store in hotel rooms, and comfortable enough that our toddler could nap during long days at the parks.”
The stroller’s ability to fit into overhead compartments on many airlines remains a major selling point for families who travel frequently, eliminating the worry of gate-checking a stroller and potential damage.
Varied Terrain Handling
While primarily designed for urban use, the Metro+ handles a variety of surfaces admirably. Smooth pavement is obviously its sweet spot, but the stroller manages well on grass, gravel paths, and even cobblestones thanks to its suspension system. As one 2025 reviewer noted: “It rides smoothly on most surfaces, though I wouldn’t take it on hiking trails or beach sand. For a compact stroller, it’s impressively versatile.”
Age-Specific Performance
Newborn to 6 Months
With the appropriate newborn insert or compatible car seat, the Metro+ can be used from birth. The multi-position recline allows for a nearly flat position suitable for newborns. Parents of young infants consistently appreciate the smooth ride that helps babies stay asleep during outings. The 2025 models have maintained this important feature that extends the stroller’s usable lifespan.
6 Months to 2 Years
This is where the Metro+ truly shines. Babies who can sit up enjoy the vantage point and comfortable seating position. The adjustable leg rest accommodates growing toddlers, while the sturdy frame supports active children who tend to wiggle and shift their weight. Recent reviews frequently mention how well the stroller contains and comforts children in this age range.
2+ Years
The Metro+ continues to perform well with older toddlers up to the 50-pound weight limit. While some taller children may outgrow the canopy height, the seat width and depth accommodate most children through age 3-4. Parents appreciate that this extends the useful life of their investment, especially important given the premium price point.
Value Assessment
Rating by Category (Out of 5)
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | 4.5/5 | Excellent materials and construction that hold up well over time |
| Ease of Use | 4.5/5 | One-handed fold works as advertised; intuitive operation |
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Improved padding and superior suspension system in 2025 models |
| Maneuverability | 4.5/5 | Responsive steering, handles well in tight spaces |
| Storage | 4/5 | Improved in Deluxe model, good for a compact stroller |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | Premium price but justified by performance and durability |
| Overall | 4.4/5 | Excellent travel/secondary stroller, very good daily driver |
Who Should Buy the Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller?
Ideal for:
- Urban Parents: Those navigating city life will appreciate the compact size and maneuverability
- Frequent Travelers: Families who fly or take road trips regularly will benefit from the easy fold and portability
- Public Transit Users: The lightweight frame makes it manageable on buses, trains, and subways
- Space-Conscious Households: Those with limited storage space will value the compact fold
- Parents Seeking a Secondary Stroller: Makes an excellent travel or car stroller even if you have a larger everyday model
- Parents Valuing Smooth Rides: The superior suspension system is perfect for those prioritizing baby comfort
Less Ideal for:
- Off-Road Enthusiasts: Those regularly tackling rough terrain would be better served by a stroller with larger wheels
- Joggers: Not designed for running (consider a dedicated jogging stroller instead)
- Heavy Shoppers: Despite improvements, storage capacity remains limited compared to full-size strollers
- Budget-Focused Parents: The premium features come with a premium price tag that may be prohibitive for some
- Very Tall Parents: The non-adjustable handlebar on some models may cause discomfort for parents over 6’2″
Final Verdict: Is the Ergobaby Metro+ Worth Buying in 2025?
The Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller continues to represent an excellent investment for parents seeking a truly compact stroller that doesn’t compromise on essential features or quality. While it carries a higher price tag than some competitors, its performance and durability justify the cost for those who will use it regularly.
As one parent succinctly put it in a recent review: “I haven’t yet found a compact stroller that ticks all the boxes, but the sturdiness of the Metro+ and the extra storage of the Deluxe version come pretty close to perfect for our family’s needs.”
The 2025 models have addressed some previous limitations, particularly with the Deluxe version offering enhanced storage options. The stroller’s core strengths remain intact: exceptional maneuverability, genuinely useful one-handed fold, superior suspension, and a comfortable ride for children from birth through the toddler years.
For urban families or frequent travelers, the Metro+ offers an impressive combination of portability, comfort, and durability that few other compact strollers can match. While it may not replace a full-featured stroller for all families, it excels in its intended role as a nimble, travel-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice too much functionality for its compact size.
If your lifestyle aligns with the Metro+’s strengths—city navigation, travel convenience, and space efficiency—this stroller represents a worthwhile investment that will likely serve your family well for several years.
Bottom Line
The Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller earns its place among the top compact strollers on the market in 2025. Its thoughtful design balances the seemingly contradictory needs for compactness and sturdy performance, making it an excellent choice for modern, mobile families who refuse to compromise on quality or convenience. While not perfect for every situation, it excels in its niche as a premium compact stroller that delivers where it counts most: reliability, comfort, and genuine portability.