Which is the Right Bee For Me?
Bugaboo made a lot of great upgrades to the Bugaboo Bee 5 when they released the Bugaboo Bee 6. However, you may be wondering if you really need the latest and greatest baby stroller from their line. Are the upgrades worth the investment?
Read on to find out all about the Bugaboo Bee 6 vs Bee 5, and why if you have the Bugaboo Bee5 you just may want to trade it in for the Bee 6.
The Contenders
Since its inception in the late 1990s, Bugaboo has been known for designing strollers with parents in mind. Their models are often nimble, compact, lightweight, and extremely easy to push. This is true for the Bee stroller line which launched in 2007 with the original Bugaboo Bee.
The Bugaboo Bee 6 is the latest model after the Bee 5. Note, the Bee 5 came after the Bugaboo Bee 3 stroller, there was no 4. The Bee 6 came out in October 2020 and they’ve made some awesome upgrades. Notably, improved performance as a result of bigger wheels and an added few minor convenience features.
The Bugaboo Bee 5 came out in March 2017, so it truly isn’t that old. And, as far as strollers go it is still a great option. It is compact, easy to use, and comfortable.
Bugaboo Bee 6
Pros:
- Larger wheels
- Includes bumper bar
- Upgraded fabrics
- Added peek-a-boo windows to the canopy
Cons:
- More expensive
- Shorter child seat
You can also check out our review on Bugaboo Bee 6.
Bugaboo Bee 5
Pros:
- Easily maneuverable
- Solid suspension
- Luxury look
- Compact
Cons:
- No footrest
- No self-standing fold
We have also written a Bugaboo Bee 5 stroller review, read to learn more!
Bugaboo Bee 6 vs Bee 5: Features Face to Face
Bassinet. Both the Bugaboo Bee 5 stroller and the Bugaboo Bee 6 stroller are compatible with the Bugaboo bassinet. However, the bassinet for the Bee 6 has been improved. Added features include a breezy window for ventilation, taller adapters that allow the bassinet to sit 1.5” higher and make it easier to remove from the stroller. Because of these improvements, the Bugaboo Bee 6 is the winner of the bassinet category.
Seat. The child seat is one area in which Bugaboo really focused their upgrades. Both seats are modular and can face forwards or backward. Additionally, both child seats can recline, have nice padding, and easy to adjust harnesses.
But, the Bee 6 has improved performance fabric and the textiles look and feel more luxury. A big addition is the inclusion of a belly bar or bumper bar which is important for both safety and comfort. Finally, the 6 the Bugaboo Bee weight limit was increased to 50lbs from 37.5lbs. A completely overhauled child seat makes Bee 6 the obvious winner here.
Car Seat Compatibility. So both Bee 5 and Bee 6 have a somewhat limited car seat compatibility. Originally, Bugaboo’s own car seat, the Turtle, only fit the Bugaboo Fox stroller models. Bugaboo recently announced the release of the Turtle One, and this is where the differences lie.
The Turtle One will be compatible with all full-sized Bugaboo strollers, including the Bee. As a result, the Bugaboo Bee 6 includes car seat adapters with the purchase of a stroller. So, unlike the Bee 5, you can have a travel system straight out of the box. While both have similar compatibility, the inclusion of the adapters gives the Bee 6 a slight edge to become the winner.
Wheels. Both Bugaboo Bee models have four wheels with front wheels that both swivel and lock. Each stroller also has independent four-wheel suspension to make the stroller extremely agile and easy to maneuver.
For the Bee 6 though, the wheels were redesigned. Instead of rubber, which was used for the Bee 5, the Bee 6 wheels are now polyurethane. Also, they are larger in size by one inch, coming in at 7” compared to the Bee 5’s 6”. Bigger wheels can make the stroller a bit bulkier to store, but the new material and increased performance from the size makes the Bee 6 the winner.
Canopy. The canopy was another area of focus for the redesign. If you look at Bugaboo Bee reviews for the 5 you notice that parents were unhappy with the canopy. Well, Bugaboo included two peek-a-boo windows on the Bee 6 canopy. They offer increased ventilation and provide visibility. One mesh window is located in the front and the other on the top. Each can be either covered or exposed.
Peek-a-boo windows have become a stroller staple and the fact that the Bee 5 didn’t have any seemed odd for such an expensive stroller. The Bee 6 is the clear winner here.
Foldability. The Bee 5 and the Bee 6 are both very easy to fold, though not one-handed. And, each stroller can be folded with the child seat on and facing in any direction. Even the Bee 6 folds with the bumper bar attached. When folded, the strollers become pretty compact.
The Bee 6 has a leg up here though, literally. It includes a self-standing leg mechanism so that it can stand upright on its own. It’s a win for the Bee 6.
Colors. The Bee 5 has five different color options for the child seat, three handle grip colors, and four-wheel cap colors in addition to 13 choices of canopy color. Surprisingly, the Bee 6 only has four color options and each as a one-box solution. The Bee 6’s lack of color customization means the Bee 5 is the winner of this category.
Bugaboo Bee 6 vs Bee 5: Stand Out Features
The Bee 6 has a few great features that the Bee 5 does not.
- Integrated Self-standing Fold: The stroller includes a small standing leg that can be popped out when folded. This enables the Bee 6 to stand upright on its own.
- Included Car Seat Adapters: The Bee 6 is a complete travel system upon unboxing thanks to the included car seat adapters.
- Peek-a-boo Windows: no Bugaboo Bee 6 review would be complete with mentioning the addition of two mesh peek-a-boo windows for ventilation and visibility.
- Bumper Bar: the Bee 6 has a padded bumper (or belly) bar for comfort and safety. It also effortlessly swivels.
Bugaboo Bee 6 vs Bee 5: Which Bee is Queen of the Hive?
Which Bugaboo Bee stroller should you get? It depends on your preferences.
Use the Bugaboo Bee 5 if:
- You already have it
- You are okay without a few convenience features (like a self-standing fold or peek-a-boo window)
- You want a lightweight and agile stroller
- You want a durable stroller that will last through many childhoods
If this sounds like you, be sure to check out Bee 5!
Use the Bugaboo Bee 6 if:
- You are looking to upgrade
- You want to buy a new stroller
- You appreciate user-friendly inclusions like a bumper bar and larger wheels for increased performance
- You are particular about performance fabrics and textiles
If you are ready for the latest and greatest, consider the Bee 6!
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