Bugaboo Bee 5 Vs 6

Trying to figure out what the difference is between Bugaboo Bee 5 vs 6?

Then let us help you decide which stroller will be best for you and your baby: Bugaboo Bee 5 vs Bee 6.

If you’re looking for a stroller that can navigate busy city streets with tight turns and a sleek design then the Bugaboo Bee range is for you!

The Bugaboo Bee 5 was released in March 2017 as the stroller solution to your city-based problems. While there were some flaws in the design, parents were impressed.

In 2020, Bugaboo released the new and improved Bee 6 and as such the Bugaboo Bee 5 has now been discontinued, but may still be available to purchase second hand.

So, in this guide, we’ll take a look at both the Bee 5 vs Bee 6, and see how they compare, focusing on functionality, versatility, durability, and cost, and decide how the two match up.

And if you love this guide on Bugaboo Bee 5 vs Bugaboo Bee 6, then you’ll love these guides on Bugaboo Butterfly vs BeeBugaboo Fox vs Bee, and Bugaboo Donkey vs Bee.

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Bugaboo Bee 6 Vs 5

Let’s dive in and look at the key difference between Bugaboo Bee 5 and 6!

All About The Bugaboo Bee 5

Released in 2017, the Bugaboo Bee 5 was a fast-moving city stroller, designed with small wheels and a compact build for easily navigating busy streets.

Using an advanced four-wheel suspension alongside extra padded seats, the Bugaboo Bee 5 delivered comfortable movement for both parents and babies.

The Bugaboo Bee 5 was an excellent stroller, particularly when it came to executing tight turns. Many parents know the stress of trying to navigate a stroller around grocery store shelves, but the Bee 5 made it easy with small swivel wheels.

While the Bee 5 was a smart design, there are a few areas where it was lacking. Ventilation across the stroller is a problem, and the bassinet and seat were hard to remove.

So, in 2020, Bugaboo released the new and improved Bee 6 as such the Bugaboo Bee 5 has now been discontinued.

All About The Bugaboo Bee 6

Like the Bee 5, the Bugaboo Bee 6 is a city stroller from Bugaboo that uses a compact design and easy-swivel wheels to navigate crowded streets.

Bigger and puncture-proof wheels increase the smooth handling of the stroller, and allow it to tackle more surfaces.

Impressively, Bugaboo have been able to up the wheel size without negatively affecting how the Bee handles tight corners.

The Bee 6 was created in response to feedback from parents. The seat and cover now come with improved ventilation, and the button release of the bassinet is much better. Despite this, there are still some issues, such as underseat storage.

You may also be interested in our full Bugaboo Bee 6 review.

Pros

  • Four-wheel suspension that allows the stroller to glide over any surface
  • Bumper bar in front of seat to prevent your child from slouching
  • Adjustable handlebars
  • The seat can fully recline to lie flat
  • Folds away easily with one simple motion
  • Comes with extendable canopy and under seat storage basket
  • Lightweight yet durable

Cons

  • Difficult to assemble
  • The seat isn’t as plush as those found on other Bugaboo products
  • Expensive compared to other strollers of its size 

Similarities Between bee 5 vs bee 6?

The Bugaboo Bee 5 and 6 are both variations on the same base model: a city stroller with a compact footprint. So, what are the similarities between the designs?

Build Quality

The Bee 5 and 6 are both Bugaboo stroller models, and you can expect a high build quality from both of them.

The basic frame is sturdy and durable, without any added bulk or weight. The materials used are impressive across the board, even if the Bee 6 does improve in places.

Compact Size

The Bee range is designed specifically for city streets, and a big part of this feature is the result of a compact build.

A small footprint allows the Bee to navigate corners and busy streets, and is particularly helpful when using public transport. Both the Bee 5 and 6 won’t get in the way when you visit your favorite cafés, and you can slip through the crowds when shopping.

Eye-Catching Design

The Bugaboo Bee got its name for a reason: partly because it can zip through the streets like a busy bee, and partly because its classic design features a yellow canopy and black body.

Bugaboo offers several color options for both the Bee 5 and the Bee 6, so you can create your own eye-catching stroller. The colors are more than just attractive. They help the stroller stand out on crowded streets.

Four-Wheel Suspension

Four-wheel suspension is key to the design of the Bee, absorbing shocks to deliver a smoother ride over city streets. The four-wheel suspension is exceptional on both the Bee 5 and 6.

World-Facing Or Parent-Facing?

Whether you want the little one facing you or observing the world, the Bee 5 and 6 can both accommodate either direction.

They also both come with an exceptional recline, for improved adjustability and added comfort.

Differences Between bee 6 vs bee 5?

The essentials of the design are similar between the Bee 5 and 6, but significant areas have been tweaked and changed.

Have these changes been effective? Let’s take a look at the differences between the Bee 5 and Bee 6.

Wheel Size

The Bee 6 has an extra inch of width to each wheel, increasing from 6 to 7 inches. This makes them more suited for tackling difficult surfaces, without reducing the maneuverability of the stroller.

It can still zip around the sidewalk, and it still has that tight 360-degree turning circle. But with the added inch of wheel, the stroller provides a smoother journey on even more surfaces.

The Bee is a city stroller, but cities don’t always have the flat ground we hope for. The Bee 5 can deal with lumps and bumps reasonably well, but the Bee 6 can absorb everything that bit better.

If you’re planning a trip to the park, you’d prefer the larger wheels of the 6.

Kickstand And Vertical Fold

Both the Bee 5 and Bee 6 have an easy one-piece fold that lets gravity do most of the work for you. However, the Bee 6 has added a bonus feature to the fold — a kickstand.

This kickstand can be used to balance the stroller upright when folded, which means you can store it in place wherever you go. In cafés and shops, you can simply prop the stroller up, and trust it won’t get knocked down.

The kickstand is even useful in the home. It stays in place in a crowded closet or busy hallway, so you don’t have to stress over storage.

Seat Fabric

The Bugaboo Bee 6 has improved the seat fabric for extra comfort on warm days. The seat now has added ventilation at the back, and a covering of high performance mesh fabric.

What this does is allow air to circulate, improving breathability while reducing the build-up of heat. When the sun is shining, your little one can stay cool, calm, and collected.

If you’re wondering how this extra breeze might come into play over winter, don’t worry. The ventilation will simply improve air circulation, without chilling the stroller.

Sun Canopy

One of the big issues with the Bee 5 was the sun canopy. The thick canopy was good at keeping out the sun, but it also trapped in the heat. In the middle of summer, the canopy could be uncomfortable.

But Bugaboo clearly heard the complaints, and have made some significant improvements. The canopy now comes equipped with a breezy panel and peekaboo window.

This allows the air to circulate, keeping everything cool when the hood is down. And with the peekaboo window, parents can quickly check on their children, and babies won’t feel enclosed.

Bumper Bar

The Bee 6 has increased the safety of the stroller with the addition of the rotating bumper bar.

It provides some extra support for your child when the stroller is moving around, so they can point and look without sudden breakaways. And when you’re done with the stroller, the bumper bar can be folded with the stroller.

Handlebar Comfort

Both the Bee 5 and Bee 6 have an adjustable handlebar, which is greatly beneficial for both shorter and taller parents. By adjusting height, you can comfortably grab the handlebar with no awkward bending or stretching.

The Bee 6 has improved the handlebar with comfortable cushioning, so it feels even better in your hands. The easy maneuvering of the Bee 6 is increased by the soft handlebar, as you can push and pull with your fingertips, and never lose grip.

Bassinet

The Bugaboo Bee can be used with a bassinet to increase the age range of the stroller, making it suitable from birth.

However, the Bee 6 has added a built-in breezy window for better ventilation, and improved the button release for one-handed unlocking. And they’ve even lifted the adapters, so you can reach your child easier — no more painful bending!

The good news is that the Bee 6 bassinet is compatible with the frame of the Bee 5. So, if you have the Bee 5 at home, you can fit it with the 6 bassinet.

Is The Bee 6 A Worthwhile Upgrade?

The Bugaboo Bee 6 has some problems of its own, but overall, this is a noticeable improvement on the Bee 5. And that’s impressive, considering the Bee 5 was already an exceptional stroller.

The Bee 5 and Bee 6 are both strollers for city streets, able to execute tight turns and stand out in a crowd.

The bigger wheels of the Bee 6 might seem like a drawback in this situation, but they actually move with the same ease as the Bee 5. Plus, they’re better for rough surfaces.

We love the performance of both the Bee 5 and Bee 6, but the 6 really does come out on top.

Final Thoughts on bugaboo bee 5 vs bee 6

Both the Bugaboo Bee 5 and Bee 6 were designed with city living in mind!

The Bee 6 improves on the already impressive design of the Bee 5, for a stroller that’s ideal for long shopping days, navigating public transport, and trips to the park.

As the Bee 5 has been discontinued, the Bugaboo Bee 6 is our obvious choice when it comes to deciding between these two strollers.

And if you loved this guide, then make sure to check out these guides on Bugaboo Bee vs Uppababy CruzBugaboo Butterfly review, best compact travel stroller, and best convertible strollers.

Mom with stroller looking out to the ocean with 'Bugaboo Bee 5 vs Bee 6' text overlay.