Quick Answer

If you prioritize a smooth ride, one-hand fold, and generous storage, the Ergobaby Metro 3 is a strong contender among compact travel strollers. However, if you need the absolute smallest fold or a stroller that doubles as a carry-on, competitors like the gb Pockit or BabyZen Yoyo may edge it out. Your choice ultimately hinges on which tradeoff—size versus comfort and convenience—matters more for your travel style.

When you’re comparing compact travel strollers, the Ergobaby Metro 3 often lands on the shortlist alongside the gb Pockit and BabyZen Yoyo. Each has its loyal fans, but they serve slightly different priorities. This comparison focuses on what actually matters for travel: folded size, weight, ease of use, and how your child rides.

We’ll break down the Metro 3’s standout features—like its one-hand fold and all-terrain wheels—and weigh them against the ultra-compact folds of its rivals. By the end, you’ll know which stroller fits your travel checklist, from airport sprints to city strolls.

Fold Size and Portability: The Core Tradeoff

The biggest reason parents choose a compact stroller is to make travel easier. The gb Pockit is famous for folding smaller than a backpack, fitting into overhead bins and tight car trunks. The BabyZen Yoyo also folds into a slim, carry-on-friendly package. The Ergobaby Metro 3, while more compact than a full-size stroller, doesn’t fold quite as small as either of those two.

Instead, the Metro 3 offers a self-standing fold that’s easy to manage with one hand, and it rolls when folded like a suitcase—a feature many parents appreciate when dashing through terminals. If your priority is the absolute smallest fold, the Pockit or Yoyo will win. But if you value easy rolling and a sturdier feel, the Metro 3’s fold is a practical tradeoff.

  • Measure your car trunk or overhead bin before deciding—folded dimensions vary more than you’d think.

Ride Quality and Comfort for Your Child

A compact stroller isn’t just about folding—it’s about how your child experiences the ride. The Metro 3 features all-terrain wheels and a suspension system that smooths out bumps, making it more comfortable for longer walks or uneven sidewalks. In contrast, the gb Pockit’s smaller wheels and lighter frame prioritize portability over ride comfort, which can feel bumpier on rough paths.

The BabyZen Yoyo offers a decent ride, but its seat is more upright and less reclined than the Metro 3’s. The Metro 3 has a multi-position recline, including a near-flat option for napping, which is a significant advantage for younger babies. If your child tends to doze off during outings, the Metro 3’s comfort features are worth the extra bulk.

  • Test the recline and legroom: if your child is tall, a deeper recline and longer leg rest matter more than a tiny fold.

Storage and Everyday Usability

Travel strollers often skimp on storage, but the Metro 3 bucks that trend with a large, accessible basket that can hold a diaper bag or groceries. The gb Pockit has minimal storage, and the BabyZen Yoyo’s basket is smaller and harder to reach when the seat is reclined. For airport or theme-park days, having easy access to your essentials can be a game-changer.

The Metro 3 also includes a one-hand fold and an adjustable handlebar, which are rare in this category. The Pockit and Yoyo have fixed handlebars, which can be uncomfortable for taller parents. If you’ll be pushing the stroller for hours, the Metro 3’s ergonomics and storage make it a more practical daily companion, even if it doesn’t fold as small.

  • Consider what you’ll carry: if you need a full diaper bag, prioritize storage over fold size.

Tradeoffs at a Glance

  • Fold size vs. ride comfort: The gb Pockit folds smaller, but the Metro 3 offers a smoother ride with better suspension and a deeper recline. Choose the Pockit only if you absolutely need the smallest possible fold; otherwise, the Metro 3 is more comfortable.
  • Carry-on compatibility vs. storage: The BabyZen Yoyo is cabin-approved, but its basket is small and hard to access; the Metro 3 has a large basket but may not fit overhead on all airlines. If you must bring the stroller into the cabin, verify dimensions; if storage is more critical, the Metro 3 wins.
  • Everyday usability vs. portability: The Metro 3’s one-hand fold, adjustable handlebar, and generous storage make it easier for daily use, but it’s heavier and bulkier than ultra-compact rivals. For families who need one stroller for both travel and local errands, the Metro 3 is the better all-rounder.

Ergobaby Metro 3 Accessories That Make Travel Easier

  • Metro 3 Sunshade: Made with high-quality UPF-50 material, magnetic mesh and peek-a-boo window, and an extendable zip-down sunshade for full coverage. When you're out all day, UPF-50 protection and a peek-a-boo window let you shield your child from sun while keeping an eye on them—useful for beach trips or long city walks.
  • Metro 3 Support Bar: Gives your little one something to hold onto, attaches quickly, folds with the stroller, and allows you to attach toys and blankets. A support bar adds security and comfort for toddlers who like to sit up and look around, and it folds with the stroller so you don't have to remove it at every transition.
  • Metro 3 Carry Bag: Keeps your stroller clean and scuff-free during travel, with padded backpack-style straps and wipeable fabric; rolls up small to fit in the storage basket. If you plan to check your stroller at the gate, the carry bag protects it from dirt and damage, and the backpack straps make it easy to carry hands-free.
  • Metro 3 Weather Shield: Provides all-season protection from rain, wind, and snow with advanced ventilation and coverage in all seating positions. For unpredictable weather, a weather shield keeps your child dry and comfortable, and it fits into the storage basket when not in use—ideal for travel.

Which Stroller Fits You?

Best for

  • Parents who want a comfortable ride and generous storage for long days out.
  • Travelers who prefer a self-standing, rollable fold over the absolute smallest package.
  • Families who plan to use the stroller for everyday outings as well as occasional trips.

Not for

  • Those who need a stroller that guarantees overhead bin storage on every airline—check dimensions first.
  • Parents who prioritize ultra-light weight and minimal bulk above all else, like the gb Pockit.

The Ergobaby Metro 3 strikes a smart balance between portability and comfort, making it a versatile choice for many families. While it doesn’t fold as small as the gb Pockit or BabyZen Yoyo, its superior ride, storage, and everyday usability make it a worthy contender. Assess your travel habits, storage needs, and your child’s comfort—then decide which tradeoff you’re willing to make.