Bugaboo Donkey, Fox, and Comet: Product Line Differences

The Bugaboo family approach

Bugaboo designs its strollers in distinct families rather than one universal model. The Donkey, Fox, and Comet each serve a different primary role, and understanding that intent helps you pick the right one. While all share a reputation for solid build and smooth handling, their differences are about capacity, fold size, and intended use. This overview compares the three lines so you can match one to your family's routine.

• Fox: a single-seat stroller for one child, with a focus on comfort and all-around performance.
• Donkey: a side-by-side double that can also run as a single with a generous basket.
• Comet: a compact, lightweight stroller for travel and quick trips in tight spaces.

Fox: the single-seat all-rounder

The Fox is Bugaboo's primary single-seat line. It is built to handle one child through toddler years, with a reversible seat so your child can face you or the world. The wheels are designed for mixed terrain, from city sidewalks to light off-road paths, and the suspension smooths out bumps for a comfortable ride. This is the model that most families with one child consider when they want a premium everyday stroller that performs well in many situations.

Because the Fox focuses on a single seat, it keeps a narrower footprint than the Donkey. That makes it easier to push through doorways and shop aisles. The seat also offers multiple recline positions for naps, and the canopy is designed to protect from sun and wind. If you plan to grow your family later, the Fox may not be the best starting point because it cannot convert to a double; you would need to switch to the Donkey. For families who know they are having one child at a time, the Fox offers a polished single-seat experience.

For more on comparing single strollers, see Single vs Double Stroller and How to Compare Strollers Side by Side.

Donkey: twin-first and expandable

The Donkey is Bugaboo's answer for twins or for families who expect to have two children close in age. It is a side-by-side double, meaning both seats sit next to each other and each child gets the same view. The Donkey can also be used with just one seat, in which case the other side becomes a large storage basket, giving you a versatile single stroller with extra capacity.

The side-by-side layout makes it easier to watch both children while pushing, and it keeps the stroller narrow enough for standard doorways in many cases. However, you should measure your own doorways and hallways, as some older homes may have tighter openings. The Donkey is also taller than the Fox, which can be an advantage for shorter parents but a consideration for very tall users. If you need a double that adapts as your family grows, the Donkey is the line to investigate.

For more on double strollers, see Stroller for Twins.

Comet: travel-first compact

The Comet is the most travel-oriented line in Bugaboo's range. It is designed to fold into a small, self-standing package that fits easily in car trunks or overhead compartments on trains and planes. The stroller is lighter than the Fox and Donkey, which makes it easier to lift and carry when you need to go up stairs or onto public transit. The seat is appropriate for a single child from around six months onward, though you can use an infant car seat adapter for newborns.

The trade-off for this portability is that the Comet has a simpler suspension system and smaller wheels than the Fox, so it is not meant for heavy off-road use. It excels on smooth pavements, in shopping malls, and while traveling. The fold is compact but not instant; you may need two hands to collapse it, but it stands when folded, which is handy in tight spaces. If you take the bus or subway regularly, the Comet's size and weight make it a practical choice. For more on lightweight travel strollers, see Lightweight vs Ultralight Stroller and Stroller for Small Cars.

How to choose between the lineups

Start by counting the number of children you need to carry. If you have one child and do not plan a second within the stroller's usable years, the Fox is the most straightforward. If you have twins or a toddler and a newborn who will both ride, the Donkey is the only Bugaboo line that seats two at once. If you travel frequently and want a single stroller that disappears into a closet or trunk, the Comet offers the smallest folded size and lightest weight.

Some families end up with two strollers: a full-featured model for long walks and a compact one for travel. That is often intentional, but it is not required. If you want a single stroller that can grow from one child to two, the Donkey is the one to consider, even if you start with only one seat. The added width when in single mode is a minor trade-off, but the flexibility may be worth it.

For a deeper look at matching stroller features to your needs, see How to Compare Strollers Side by Side and the best Bugaboo strollers guide.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Is the Bugaboo Fox suitable for newborns?

The Fox can be used from birth if you choose the bassinet option or an approved infant car seat adapter. The seat itself reclines to a near-flat position, but the bassinet provides a more secure lying surface for a newborn's back and neck. Check the manual for weight and height limits, and always follow the car seat manufacturer's guidance. For more on newborn stroller setups, see Stroller Bassinet vs Seat.

Can the Bugaboo Donkey be used as a single stroller?

Yes, the Donkey can be operated with only one seat installed. The unused side becomes a large storage basket, giving you extra capacity for groceries or diaper bags. This makes the Donkey a flexible choice if you anticipate having a second child later. The stroller is slightly wider than a dedicated single, but many parents find the trade-off acceptable for the future flexibility. See Single vs Double Stroller for more on this setup.

Is the Bugaboo Comet good for all-terrain use?

The Comet is designed primarily for travel and smooth surfaces. Its smaller wheels and lighter frame are not ideal for off-road trails or heavy gravel. If you regularly need to push on grass, sand, or uneven paths, the Fox or Donkey with larger wheels and more suspension is a better match. For a comparison of stroller capabilities, see Jogging vs All-Terrain Stroller.

Which Bugaboo is best for twins?

The Donkey is the only Bugaboo line that seats two children side by side. It is the clear choice for twins or for a toddler and a newborn who both need to ride. The side-by-side layout gives each child the same view and makes it easier to interact with both. For more on twin strollers, see Stroller for Twins.

Can the Bugaboo Fox convert to a double?

No, the Fox is a dedicated single stroller. It does not have a mechanism to add a second seat or a ride-on board. If you need the option to carry two children, consider the Donkey instead, which can start as a single and be expanded later.