Note: There is no one universal “best,” especially when it comes to parenting. These are “The Best Standard Strollers” based on Also Mom's strict criteria, detailed here. 

In general, we don't love standard strollers because they are expensive for what they are. If you want to go big, go with a full-sized stroller. If you want to go small, go with a travel stroller. But hey, if you're committed to the in-between thing, then these are our favorite standard strollers, in loose order of preference…

1. Mutsy Evo ($599 and up including bassinet) – A fashion blogger favorite, the Mutsy Evo has been making the rounds on social media. It is very photogenic, after all, and functional to boot. It features vegan leather accents, a near flat recline, a European-style bassinet, and can be set up to be forward or parent-facing. The only downside is that it has no suspension, though it does have large, absorbent tires. This stroller is also listed in our full-sized stroller category because the wheels are quite large, but since the fold is pretty compact, we're going to go ahead and call it a standard stroller too. [full review]
2. UPPAbaby Cruz ($740 and up including the bassinet) – Beautiful and functional too, the newest UPPAbaby Cruz has modern look with leather accents and on trend colors. It rides smoothly, maneuvers well, is compatible with a ride-along board for older children, folds and unfolds simply, and comes standard with several accessories. Despite the Cruz's smaller wheels, it still has a large-ish footprint when folded, so make sure to measure your storage spaces (trunk/garage/etc.) before purchasing. [full review]
3. Mamas and Papas Sola 2 ($630 including bassinet) – The Sola 2 is similar in functionality to the Urbo 2, but is a couple pounds heavier and slightly bulkier when folded. It is also ~$200 cheaper and features all-terrain wheels that can handle significantly bumpier conditions. [full review]
4. Mamas and Papas Urbo 2 ($869.98 including bassinet) – A stroller very similar in size and functionality to the Bugaboo Bee 5, but for quite a bit less, the Urbo 2 has a nice flat recline and a significantly bulkier fold. We love the way this stroller looks, how well it maneuvers, and how easily it handles most terrain thanks to its all-wheel suspension. [full review]
5. Mamas and Papas Flip XT 2 ($769.98 including bassinet) – Featuring the most compact fold among standard strollers (it fits in the trunk of a Mini Cooper!), the Flip XT 2 also has an awesome flat recline, great maneuverability, and all-wheel suspension. On the downside, the bassinet is one of the smallest among standard strollers (your baby will outgrow it in 2-3 months) and the Flip XT 2 is one of the heavier standard strollers among those we prefer. [full review]
6. Bugaboo Bee 5 ($969 including bassinet) – A luxury stroller with a luxury price tag, the Bugaboo Bee 5 is a great option for those who want a super nice stroller that's– size-wise– half way in between a luxury travel stroller like the Babyzen YOYO+ and a full-sized stroller like the UPPAbaby Vista or Cybex Priam. The Bee 5 accommodates a gorgeous bassinet, has a nice deep recline, great suspension, comfortable padding, and is one of the lighter and smaller-folding among the standard strollers we prefer. On the downside, it does not have an adjustable footrest and the storage basket is somewhat difficult to access from the back. [full review]
7. Nuna Tavo ($349.95) – A basic, nice-looking stroller at a decent price point, the Nuna Tavo rides smoothly on many surfaces thanks to its all-wheel suspension, and it is suitable from birth with its flat recline and adjustable footrest. It is also not compatible with a bassinet, is forward-facing only, has a rather large fold, and is one of the heavier standard strollers out there. [full review] 
8. Mamas and Papas Armadillo ($339.99) – Similar in functionality to the Nuna Tavo, the Armadillo is a basic, great-looking stroller with somewhat limited functionality. It is newborn compatible with its flat recline and car seat compatibility, has all wheel-suspension for a smooth ride, and looks great, but it does not accommodate a bassinet and is forward facing only. Compared to the Tavo, the Armadillo is generally just smaller, weighing about four pounds less with its smaller wheels, smaller fold, and slightly smaller seat. [full review]

Why a Standard Stroller Might Be Right for Your Family

A standard stroller might be the best strategic purchase for you and your family if…

• You don’t have the storage space, trunk space or budget for a full-sized stroller. (Know that some standard strollers have similar folded sizes to luxury strollers, so always measure your trunk before purchasing!)
• You want something lighter than a full-sized stroller (~25-30lbs) but don't want a travel stroller (~13lbs), because you need something that can handle a bit of bump.
• You don’t need a convertible stroller that accommodates a second seat/bassinet.
• You aren’t regularly strolling on bumpy terrain that necessitates either the giant wheels and suspension found on a full-sized stroller or the stability of a three-wheeled all-terrain stroller.
• You don’t mind traveling with/gate checking a large-ish stroller OR you’re willing to purchase a secondary more compact travel stroller to make traveling a breeze.
• You are dead-set on having a bassinet/travel system, but you don’t want or have the budget for a giant full-sized stroller like the UPPAbaby Vista nor a super compact travel stroller like the Babyzen YOYO.

Which is the Best Standard Stroller for Your Family

If you want a standard stroller that accepts a bassinet… Mutsy Evo, UPPAbaby Cruz, Mamas and Papas Sola 2, Mamas and Papas Urbo 2, and Mamas and Papas Flip XT 2 are all good options.

If you want a big bassinet… the Mamas and Papas Urbo 2 and Mamas and Papas Sola 2 have longer bassinets than most.

If you want a standard stroller that can handle a bit of off-roading… the Mamas and Papas Sola 2 has all-terrain wheels. The Mutsy Evo is another option, with its large absorbent tires.

If you want a standard stroller that can accommodate a second, older kiddo… the UPPAbaby Cruz and Bugaboo Bee 5 both accept ride-on boards, sold separately.

If you want a lighter, more compact stroller… the Bugaboo Bee 5, Musty Evo, and Mamas & Papas Flip XT2 have pretty compact folds. If those are still too big, check out travel strollers.

If you want a larger, more full-featured stroller… the Mutsy Evo, Mamas & Papas Urbo 2, Mamas & Papas Sola 2, and UPPAbaby Cruz have a larger stroller feel to them. If those don't do everything you want them to, check out full-sized strollers.

Our Process

To us, a great standard stroller…

• Looks fantastic and suits your personal style
• Folds small enough to fit where you need it to fit (garage, trunk, etc.)
• Is compatible with your infant car seat
• Has a bassinet for small infants
• Has a seat that reclines significantly or completely
• Has the right type of wheels and maneuverability for your lifestyle
• Is all around versatile, with bonus points for being modular (parent-facing or forward-facing)

What Didn't Make the Cut

These are a few standard strollers we don’t love (there are so many standard strollers out there, but these are just a few of the popular ones we don't like)…

• Chicco Urban 6-in-1 ($399.99): For the price, we prefer the Armadillo or the Tavo. But if you have your heart set on a bassinet or a modular stroller, you may still opt for this more budget-friendly pick.
• Chicco Bravo ($249.99): Even though this is Chicco's “luxury” quick-folding stroller, it's still pretty ugly and does not have many features. If this price seems right to you, consider looking into travel strollers instead.
• Inglesina Trilogy ($500): A gorgeous stroller that even includes a bassinet, the Trilogy's fold is unfortunately super bulky with the seat attached. It's also quite expensive for what it is.
• Mamas & Papas Armadillo City ($300): Sort of a cross over between a travel stroller and a standard stroller, the Armadillo City folds too large to be considered a proper travel stroller, but lacks the cushy features we’d expect out of a standard stroller. There are better options out there.
• Stokke Scoot ($790 including bassinet): With a weight limit topping out at 33 pounds and an overall stroller weight of nearly 28 pounds, this stroller is just not practical. It looks great, has a nice bassinet option, has nice thick wheels and a cool high seat position that brings baby closer to eye level, but for the price, there are better options.