Deciding between the yoyo3 vs yoyo2 is a tough call because, at first glance, they look almost identical. If you've spent any time in a city or an airport over the last five years, you've seen the Babyzen YOYO everywhere. It basically invented the "fits in an overhead bin" category. But now that Stokke has taken the reins and released the YOYO3, parents are wondering if the new version is actually a better deal or if they should just hunt for a discount on the older model.
I've spent quite a bit of time looking at both, and while they share the same DNA, the YOYO3 brings some small but meaningful changes to the table. It's not a total reinvention—the iconic silhouette is still there—but it addresses a lot of the nitpicks parents had with the YOYO2. Let's break down what's actually different and whether you need to spend the extra cash.
The First Impression: What's Changed on the Outside?
If you put the yoyo3 vs yoyo2 side-by-side without looking at the labels, you might struggle to tell them apart for a second. They both use the same lightweight frame and that signature "flick" to open it. However, once you start touching the fabrics and looking at the details, the YOYO3 feels a bit more "premium."
One of the biggest visual changes is the canopy. On the YOYO2, the canopy was fine, but it didn't always provide the best coverage when the sun was low. The YOYO3 has an extended canopy that offers a bit more shade, and it finally includes a peek-a-boo window that stays open or shut properly. It's one of those things you don't realize you need until you're trying to check if your toddler is finally asleep without stopping the stroller and walking around to the front.
Comfort for the Little One
This is where the yoyo3 vs yoyo2 comparison gets interesting for the passenger. The YOYO2 was always "good enough" for comfort, but it was definitely a stroller designed for portability over long-haul naps. The YOYO3 tries to bridge that gap.
The seat pad on the YOYO3 is noticeably redesigned. It's got better cushioning and, more importantly, a new ventilation system. There's a mesh section in the backrest and the fabric is more breathable. If you live somewhere hot or you're planning a summer vacation, this is a massive win. No one wants to pull a sweaty, cranky toddler out of a black stroller after a thirty-minute walk through the park.
They've also tweaked the harness. The YOYO2 harness was okay, but a bit fiddly. The YOYO3 has a slightly more intuitive buckle system. It's still a five-point harness, but it feels smoother to click in when you're dealing with a kid who is doing their best "stiff as a board" impression to avoid being buckled in.
The "Under the Hood" Upgrades: Ride and Handling
When you compare how the yoyo3 vs yoyo2 handles on the sidewalk, the difference is subtle but there. Both strollers use what they call "Hytrel" elastomer suspension. It's a fancy way of saying it's bouncy and absorbs shocks well for such a small frame.
However, the YOYO3 has improved shock absorbers. It feels just a tiny bit more stable when you're navigating cracked sidewalks or those annoying cobblestone streets you find in European cities. It's still a small-wheeled stroller, so it's never going to beat a full-sized jogger on rough terrain, but the YOYO3 feels less "rattly" than the YOYO2.
Another small tweak is the addition of reflective strips on the wheels. It's not something you'd buy a stroller for, but it's a nice safety touch if you're walking home at dusk.
The Storage Struggle
Let's be honest: storage on the YOYO2 was pretty mediocre. You could fit a diaper clutch and maybe a few loose items, but a full grocery bag? Forget it.
In the battle of yoyo3 vs yoyo2, the YOYO3 wins on storage capacity. The basket underneath is slightly larger and has a higher weight limit. It's still not huge—physics won't allow that on a frame this compact—but it's more functional. You can actually shove a small backpack under there now without feeling like you're going to break the mesh.
Practicality and the Fold
The fold is the whole reason people buy this stroller. The good news is that the legendary "one-handed" fold remains exactly the same on the YOYO3. If you've mastered the technique, you won't have to relearn anything.
In terms of weight, there isn't a massive difference between the yoyo3 vs yoyo2. They are both incredibly light and easy to sling over your shoulder with the carry strap. This is the stroller you want when you're boarding a crowded bus or trying to fit three suitcases and a kid into a small Uber.
One thing worth noting is that most accessories are backward compatible. If you already have a YOYO2 cup holder, leg rest, or parasol, they should fit the YOYO3 just fine. Stokke was smart not to change the mounting points too much, so you don't have to buy a whole new ecosystem of gear if you decide to upgrade the frame.
The Price Point: Is it Worth the Jump?
Since the YOYO3 is the new flagship, it comes with a higher price tag. Meanwhile, retailers are often clearing out YOYO2 stock at a significant discount.
If you're on a tight budget, the YOYO2 is still a fantastic stroller. It's a classic for a reason. You're not getting a "bad" product by choosing the older version. It still folds the same, looks great, and fits in the airplane bin.
However, if you're buying your first high-end travel stroller and you plan to use it daily, the YOYO3 might be worth the extra investment. The better ventilation, the larger basket, and the improved canopy are things you'll appreciate every single time you leave the house. It feels like the "final form" of the YOYO.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Get?
When looking at the yoyo3 vs yoyo2, it really comes down to your specific needs.
Go for the YOYO2 if: * You found a killer deal or a used one in great condition. * You only plan to use it occasionally for travel and don't care about the minor comfort upgrades. * You already have all the YOYO2 accessories and just need a replacement frame.
Go for the YOYO3 if: * This is your primary stroller for city living. * You live in a hot climate and want that extra mesh ventilation for your child. * You're a taller parent who might appreciate the slightly improved ergonomics and the peek-a-boo window. * You want the absolute latest safety and suspension tweaks.
At the end of the day, both are top-tier strollers. The YOYO2 set the bar, and the YOYO3 just nudged it a little higher. If you decide to go with the yoyo3 vs yoyo2, you aren't going to regret either choice—they both make traveling with a kid about ten times easier than it has any right to be. Just make sure you practice that fold a few times at home before you try to do it under pressure at the airport gate!