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The 8 Best Collapsible Wagons of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These game-changing wagons make hauling a breeze

Mac Sports XTender Wagon atop a decorative green background

The Spruce / Marcus Millan

Transporting beach essentials, gardening tools, or even children can be made easy with the use of collapsible wagons. Plus, when you're finished using it, simply fold it down and store it compactly in your trunk or closet.

We conducted thorough testing of 18 different models of collapsible wagons, ranging from basic to upscale designs, to help you find the best one that suits your needs. Our testing took place over a three-week period at the beach, where we put the wagons through different terrains, such as gravel and sand. We evaluated them on ease of use, performance, quality, and value.

Through our testing, we discovered that the most important factors to consider when shopping for wagons are their weight capacity and maneuverability. Decide what you will use the wagon for first. Touting kids or potting soil will require a larger storage and weight capacity than beach chairs and towels.

Also, consider the terrain you'll use your wagon on the most. Wagons with large, rugged wheels perform better on sand and gravel, while smaller wheels are great for grocery store aisles or paved sidewalks and roads.

No matter how you choose to use your wagon, all of these options fold down for easy packing into a trunk or closet. We evaluated each option on its durability, assembly, performance, collapsibility, and overall value to find the best of the best.

Best Overall

Sekey Collapsible Cart with Brake

Sekey Collapsible Cart with Brake

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Tread wheels

  • Compact footprint when folded

  • Durable fabric

  • Quiet 360-degree wheels

What We Don’t Like
  • Heavy on its own

If you're looking for a wagon that has it all, the Sekey Collapsible Foldable Wagon is the perfect choice. During testing, we were impressed by its durability and sturdiness. The wagon’s frame is made of alloy steel, so it will weather well in outdoor elements, especially in coastal areas where metals are susceptible to corrosion from the salty air.

The wagon’s fabric is also designed with outdoor use in mind. The durable 600 denier polyester fabric is commonly used to make backpacks and outdoor gear. This makes it an ideal material for withstanding the wear and tear of dirty gardening tools, sandy toys, and other items.

The wagon has four wheels made of polyurethane (PU) and has treads that are gentle on indoor flooring while allowing easy movement on pedestrian surfaces like sidewalks and parks. While moving the wagon through the sand, we noticed that the wheels rolled smoothly without any dragging sensation.

The wheels can rotate 360 degrees and come equipped with bearings specially designed for quiet operation. The wagon itself is pretty spacious with a 220-weight capacity. We were able to load up a good amount of beachwear and had no problems hauling it all.

The wagon’s frame folds flat like an accordion to just 8 inches. You can stop there or put on the wagon’s cover, which fits over the wagon’s body and fastens with velcro straps, which aren't as strong as clips and buckles on other picks. Still, the cover protects the wagon while you’re transporting or storing it. It also helps with safety by covering the metal frame and keeping it away from fingers and other items that could get tangled in the mechanism.

At 25.3 pounds, it is not the lightest wagon available, but even when collapsed, you can still roll it behind you. Overall, we highly recommend this wagon to individuals who frequently visit the beach or need assistance transporting items across various terrains.

Dimensions: 38.58 x 23.23 x 42.13 inches | Weight capacity: 220 pounds | Material: Alloy metal, PVC plastic wheels with rubber tread | Overall Weight: 25.3 pounds

Best Budget

Seina Compact Collapsible Wagon

Seina Compact Collapsible Wagon

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Performance
    3/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Small footprint

  • Sturdy steel frame

  • Easy to collapse

What We Don’t Like
  • Not great on sand

Looking for a reliable collapsible wagon that won't break the bank? The Seina Compact Folding Utility Cart is an affordable option that can easily transport a variety of items. At just 15 pounds, this wagon is the lightest on our list. We tested it out on various surfaces, including the sidewalk, sand, and rampway at the beach.

We discovered that the small tires were not ideal for sandy areas. Nonetheless, we think it's perfect for navigating sidewalks in dense urban areas or doubling as a shopping cart at the grocery store. It has a sturdy steel frame and 600D polyester fabric like our best overall pick, the Sekey Collapsible Cart, so it's just as durable at a fraction of the cost.

Setting up and folding the cart was a breeze. Once we were finished using it, it fit perfectly in our trunk without any problems. However, be cautious when handling it since the metal frame's mechanism is exposed when collapsed and could pinch fingers, especially with children around. The T-style handle is adjustable but might be more difficult to use than the traditional closed-loop wagon handle.

When deciding whether this wagon works for you, keep in mind that it can only bear a maximum weight of 150 pounds. However, we still believe it is a great solution for anyone who needs to transport items such as groceries or sporting equipment.

Dimensions: 29.5 x 17.9 x 18.5 inches | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Alloy Steel, 600D polyester fabric, rubber wheels | Overall Weight: 15 pounds

Best Oversized

Gorilla Carts Folding Wagon

Gorilla Carts GCSW-7P Collapsible Folding Wagon

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Performance
    4/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Step-and-lock brakes on front wheels

  • Multiple storage pockets

  • Two exterior side pockets

What We Don’t Like
  • Shallow cup holders

The Gorilla Cart Folding Wagon is a great choice for those looking for a spacious wagon with extra features at a price similar to its competitors. It comes ready to use straight out of the box. It was good to go after unwrapping the cushion and placing it in the wagon. We tested it out at the beach, filling it with items and pulling it across various terrains, including the parking lot, grassy areas, and sand. However, we did notice that the tires had some trouble moving on top of the sand and tended to drag through it instead. Apart from that, the wagon handled other surfaces well.

We were impressed by the step-and-lock brakes on the front wheels of this wagon, which were not present in other wagons we tested. These brakes are particularly helpful when navigating uneven terrains. The wagon also features expandable pockets on both sides that can hold long, vertical items such as umbrellas or pool noodles. The size of the wagon's bed is 25 by 8 inches, with a capacity of 7 cubic feet, providing ample storage space.

Additionally, there are zippered pockets to store valuables like keys. However, the drink holders are not very deep and are not suitable for holding drinks while the wagon is in motion. They are better used when the wagon is stationary.

This type of wagon is versatile and can be used for various activities, not just at the beach. For example, we also used it to transport photography equipment to and from various locations. The Gorilla wagon collapses in a quad-fold style. But instead of using Velcro straps to fasten the wagon’s cover for storage, the Gorilla’s straps clip together and can be tightened or loosened for more secure storage. There is also a handle on the outside of the cover, so the wagon is easier to carry. 

Dimensions: 36 x 21 x 15 inches | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Metal frame, polyester | Overall Weight: 21 pounds

Best for Gardening

Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon

Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Removable fabric

  • Oversize, wide wheels

  • High weight capacity

What We Don’t Like
  • Heavy

Most wagons can be cleaned with a hose or spot-cleaning, but the Beau Jardin (French for "beautiful garden") wagon is different. Its polyester material can be removed from the metal frame and washed, making it perfect for carrying and storing dirty gardening tools.

We didn't test it for gardening, but we tried it out at the beach, and it was effortless to transport sandy beach essentials back and forth. This is thanks to the heavy-duty 7-inch wheels that provide good traction on various surfaces. Folding and unfolding the wagon was a breeze and required no assembly.

Although it is one of the heaviest wagons on our list, the Beau Jardin weighs just under 30 pounds but can hold up to 300 pounds, making it ideal for carrying all your gardening tools. You can keep your gardening gloves, pruners, trowels, and other tools organized with several netted pockets. With its oversized wheels, moving it across grass, sand, and pavement is a breeze.

Dimensions: 35 x 20 x 30 inches | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Material: 600 denier polyester fabric, steel frame | Overall Weight: 27.8 pounds

Best for Beach

Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Beach Wagon

Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Beach Wagon

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Wide tread wheels

  • Mildew resistant fabric

  • Durable steel frame

What We Don’t Like
  • Heavy

The Mac Sports Heavy Duty Beach Wagon has 4-inch-wide wheels, which should provide better traction than skinny wheels on sandy or pebbly beaches. During our test of the wagon, we discovered that it performed exceptionally well in sand.

The wagon has 600 denier polyester fabric and a steel frame to weather harsh salty coastal conditions. The fabric can't be removed like our best for gardening pick, the Beau Jardin wagon, but can withstand a hosing down after a day at the beach because it is mildew resistant.

While the wagon has a weight capacity of 150 pounds, the manufacturer recommends only loading up to 50 pounds when hauling in deep sand. This will ensure smooth rolling and prevent the wheels from getting stuck. The telescoping handle is another standout feature that allows anyone in the family to haul the wagon comfortably.

While the bulky wheels were great for navigating different surfaces, they did prove to be difficult to store. We also found it to be a bit heavy to transport. Despite the inconvenience of its size and wheels to some, we had no trouble hauling our cooler, beach bag, toys, and drinks. We've used it several times at the beach, and it still looks brand new every time. If you're looking for a dependable wagon that can withstand deep sand and last for a long time, this option is a great pick.

Dimensions: 36.2 x 21.4 x 24.6 inches | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: 600 denier polyester fabric, steel frame | Overall Weight: 24.5 pounds

Best for Kids

Veer Cruiser Stroller Wagon

Veer Cruiser Stroller Wagon

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy folding

  • Rugged, oversized all-terrain wheels

  • Cup holder and storage space included

What We Don’t Like
  • Shade structures sold separately

If you're a parent, you know how challenging it can be to take your children shopping or on a stroll in the park. Keeping them safe while carrying all necessary supplies can quickly lead to a stressful experience. That's why you might find investing in a collapsible wagon helpful. We tested and loved the Veer Cruiser, a versatile wagon that combines sturdy sides with easy folding capabilities, making it a great option for families.

Setting it up was a breeze. We just had to attach the wheels, and it was good to go. It performed exceptionally well during testing, with rugged wheels that navigated through gravel without any issues. We even pulled it across 100 feet of sand without any trouble. Once we finished using the wagon, we were able to fold the seat backs and fabric sidewall flat against the bottom of the wagon. Storing this wagon in the trunk was easy, thanks to its simple folding mechanism that outshines other wagons that fold in a quadrant or accordion style.

While the wagon comes with two cup holders and plenty of storage space, a range of accessories are sold separately, such as canopies, storage baskets, toddler seats with five-point harnesses, weather covers, and a travel bag. It also accommodates infant car seats from all major brands, with adapters that are sold separately.

Kids can be messy, so parents can appreciate that all parts of the wagon are hose-washable. The weight capacity of the wagon varies depending on its intended use. The Cruiser can hold 55 pounds per seat for up to two children and 300 pounds of cargo when no children are on board.

Dimensions: 37 x 25 x 23 inches. 37 x 20 x 14 inches folded | Weight capacity: 110 pounds (55 pounds per seat) or 300 pounds of non-human cargo | Material: Aircraft grade aluminum frame, foam-filled tires | Overall Weight: 32.5 pounds

Best with Seating

Radio Flyer All-TerrainWagon with Canopy

Radio Flyer Off-Road EZ Fold All-Terrain Wagon with Canopy

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Performance
    4/5
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Unzips for bench seating

  • Removable canopy

  • Includes seatbelts

  • Effortless to operate

What We Don’t Like
  • Canopy fabric felt flimsy

The Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Off-Road EZ Fold Wagon with Canopy is a great addition for families because of its seating. During testing, we quickly discovered that the wagon one was capable of navigating through various terrains with ease.

With the zippers on the sides of the wagon, you can easily convert it from a hauling wagon to a bench seating wagon for your kids. This wagon comes with seat belts to ensure your little ones' safety during movement. It also can carry up to 150 pounds and has two front cup holders and a rear storage pouch for the canopy.

Although its storage capacity is slightly limited, the added feature of an overhead canopy made it a great choice for families with young children. It felt sturdy and long-lasting, but we did notice that the canopy's fabric may deteriorate quickly due to frequent attachment and detachment.

Assembly was a breeze, with the bulk of the work consisting of a simple attachment of the wheels. Once assembled, the wagon was extremely user-friendly and effortless to operate, collapse, and transport. We put it through its paces during our beach trip, where we were able to load it into our vehicle with ease, wheel it through the gravel, and even pull it along the beach for about 100 feet. We highly recommend this wagon if you have kids or pets to transport. However, if your goal is solely to have a beach canopy, this wagon may not be your optimal choice.

Dimensions: 32.7 x 39 x 18.5 inches | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Metal, polyester fabric, plastic wheels | Overall Weight: 22 pounds

Best Extra Long

Mac Sports XTender Wagon

Mac Sports XTender Wagon

Amazon

What We Like
  • Accommodates long items

  • Mildew and UV-resistant fabric

  • Durable powder-coated steel frame

  • Comes with protective cover

What We Don’t Like
  • Not designed to transport children

At 52 inches long, the Mac Sports XTender is the longest wagon on our list. We did not personally test this wagon, but we love that it’s made of durable outdoor fabric, and the powder-coated steel frames can be stored in their carrying cases when the wagon collapses.

It also includes two exterior mesh storage pockets designed for water bottles on the front of the wagon, but there’s a missed opportunity for another exterior storage pocket on the back of the XTender. Instead, the back houses an unsightly warning label. The wagon carries a maximum of 150 pounds and can hold 5.6 cubic feet of cargo. Since more of your load can be laid flat on the XTender rather than piled on top of each other, this can help keep everything steady.

Dimensions: 52.25 x 19.95 x 20 inches | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Mildew and UV-resistant 600 denier polyester fabric, powder-coated steel frame | Overall Weight: 25 pounds

Compare

Products Product Links Ease of Use Performance Quality Value
Sekey Collapsible Cart with Brake
Best Overall:
Sekey Collapsible Cart with Brake
5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5
Seina Compact Collapsible Wagon
Best Budget:
Seina Compact Collapsible Wagon
5/5 3/5 5/5 5/5
Gorilla Carts GCSW-7P Collapsible Folding Wagon
Best Oversized:
Gorilla Carts Folding Wagon
5/5 4/5 5/5 5/5
Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon
Best for Gardening:
Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon
5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5
Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Beach Wagon
Best for Beach:
Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Beach Wagon
4/5 5/5 4/5 5/5
Veer Cruiser Stroller Wagon
Best for Kids:
Veer Cruiser Stroller Wagon
3/5
Radio Flyer Off-Road EZ Fold All-Terrain Wagon with Canopy
Best with Seating:
Radio Flyer All-TerrainWagon with Canopy
4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5
Mac Sports XTender Wagon
Best Extra Long:
Mac Sports XTender Wagon

Final Verdict

After testing 18 wagons, our top pick is the Sekey Collapsible Foldable Wagon, because it’s a durable, reliable, and affordable workhorse that easily folds into a neat, portable flat rectangle when you’re done using it. If you’re looking for an affordable wagon that can handle most indoor and outdoor everyday tasks, the Seina Heavy Duty Wagon is an excellent value for an all-purpose starter wagon.

Other Options We Tested

Mac Sports Double Decker Wagon: During testing, we were impressed by all the extra space this wagon had to offer. While the upper part of the wagon acted as a basket, the lower part had an extendable shelf for stowing longer items like canopies, umbrellas, or collapsible chairs. We encountered some problems with the handle getting stuck once it was locked into place and having difficulty opening it.

How We Tested the Collapsible Wagons

To find the best collapsible wagons for any scenario, we tested 18 different models over three weeks, evaluating them on a variety of factors:

  • Assembly: We took note of the ease of assembly, whether it came preassembled, and how easy it was to open.
  • Performance: As part of our testing process, we evaluated the wagons on different terrains, including sand and gravel, focusing on the beach to see how they performed on different surfaces. Once assembled, we loaded the wagons with beach essentials such as towels, umbrellas, and coolers to test how well they moved.
  • Additional Features: We also considered any additional features the wagons had, such as pockets, adjustable handles, and brakes.
  • Durability: After each use, we thoroughly checked the wagons for any signs of wear and tear to evaluate their durability.
  • Collapsibility: We evaluated how easy it was to open and collapse each wagon since this is a pivotal feature of every option on this list. We took note of any struggles or hiccups we ran into.
  • Overall Value: After testing all of the wagons, we decided if the price was justified compared to other options we tested.

What to Look for in a Collapsible Wagon

Purpose

Before you choose a wagon, consider how you will use it. If you want an all-purpose wagon that can tout coolers and gear to the beach, groceries to your home, and camping and gardening equipment to your backyard, our best overall pick, the Sekey Collapsible Foldable Wagon is a versatile option that you can repurpose for different tasks.

Other wagons are suitable for transporting children and everything they need for trips to the park or store. “I’ve used it as my main transportation system for my triplets for three years,” says Anne Marie Hegler, general manager of WonderFold, an Irwindale, California-based company specializing in collapsible stroller wagons. Hegler says her collapsible wagon is a staple for trips to Target, Costco, and grocery stores. “None of those places have a cart that can fit all of my kids,” she adds.

But, keep in mind that the majority of wagons are not safe for transporting kids. Stroller wagons like the Veer Cruiser (our best for kids pick) are designed to the same safety standards as strollers, making them ideal for transporting young children. Another great option for kids is our best with seating pick, the Radio Flyer 3 in 1 Off-Road EZ Fold Wagon. It includes seatbelts to keep kids safe inside and a canopy to protect them from the sun.


Material

If you plan to use your wagon exclusively outdoors in a garden or for camping, consider wagons made of materials that will withstand harsh weather. The Mac Sports Beach Wagon, our best for the beach pick, features mildew, and UV-resistant fabric, which makes it a great option for your summer beach trips.

When it comes to material, choose an option with a removable fabric that can easily be washed and reinstalled, like our best for gardening option, the Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon. Therefore, even if your wagon does get dirty in the elements, it's easy to clean.

Weight Capacity

It's important to observe the recommended weight capacity when loading your wagon. This ensures you can push and pull it safely without damaging the wagon. Luckily, this list includes wagons that can hold anywhere from 150-300 pounds. Our best for gardening option, the Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon, and our best for kids pick, the Veer Cruiser, are tied for the highest weight capacity at 300 pounds,

Remember that whoever is pulling the wagon needs to account for the weight of the wagon itself as well. For elderly or young people who want to sell Girl Scout cookies door-to-door, there are lightweight wagons available. The Seina Folding Wagon, our best budget pick, is one of the lightest wagons on our list; it can carry 150 pounds but only weighs approximately 15 pounds. 

Storage Capacity

A wagon’s overall dimensions should include its frame, which can be vastly different from the wagon bed, where you’ll place most of your gear. If you’re using a wagon to transport things like soil that’s measured in cubic feet, you may be interested in the storage capacity of the interior as well as the wagon’s weight capacity. 

Our best oversized wagon, the Gorilla Carts Collapsible Beach Wagon has an impressive storage capacity of 7 feet and multiple pockets and compartments for carrying extra items.

Having a wagon that can be folded up and put away quickly will make using it much less of a hassle. Keep an eye out for wagons with flimsy locks. Some covers fit over wagons and are secured with a Velcro-like strap that is not strong enough to hold the wagon’s weight. We prefer covers with latches that snap securely together.

FAQ
  • How much weight can a collapsible wagon carry?

    Pay close attention to the maximum static and dynamic load weights specified in the wagon's user manual. As an example, if a wagon has a static load capacity of 265 pounds, that means it can support that weight when the load is not being moved. However, the same wagon might only support a 132-pound dynamic or moving load. 

    Stroller wagons that have individual seats for children may list weight maximums per seat. For example, the two-seated Veer Cruiser says the wagon will hold a 55-pound child per seat or 300 pounds of non-human cargo.

  • Do foldable wagons work on sand?

    Yes, but the type of sand is also a factor. Deep sand is more difficult to traverse than packed, wet sand. As a general rule, try to look for wagons with wide tires for extra traction. For this reason, beach wagons typically feature oversized, wide wheels.

  • How do you fold a collapsible wagon?

    Most wagons are either designed to fold like an accordion or a quad fold. The metal frame of an accordion-style wagon can be folded flat, as the name implies, by lifting a pull in the center of the wagon. A quad-fold wagon may also utilize a pull in the middle of the wagon’s floor to bring the four corners of the wagon into the center, where it can be secured by a strap or cover.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Laurie Mansfield Reiter, a journalist with years of experience in researching, testing, and recommending home and garden products. For more than five years, Reiter has personally owned and used our overall pick, the Mac Sports Wagon Classic, in a hilly Los Angeles beach neighborhood as well as on the urban streets and parks in Brooklyn, New York. For this story, she consulted the certification standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials and the safety standard for carriages and strollers from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Our Experts: