Our Top Picks for Shopping Carts: Tested and Reviewed for Your Convenience

Top Choice

The VersaCart Transit stands out as our top overall shopping cart, excelling in all the critical aspects we evaluated during testing. Its construction features a durable, waterproof canvas 'tote' bag and a solid alloy steel frame, earning it high marks for toughness. Thoughtful touches like a flap to shield your items from rain and wind push this cart ahead of others in terms of design and practicality.

This cart offers a generous 120-pound weight capacity, making it perfect for transporting large amounts of groceries or goods, whether you're using public transport or traveling long distances. After two months of heavy use—during which we loaded it with four 10-pound oxygen tanks—we observed no signs of wear. Even after six months, the cart held up well, although it might not be the best choice for those with stairs leading to their apartment, as it may be difficult to maneuver. Also, for quick errands, the cart's large size could feel a bit excessive.

Designed for easy navigation through crowded aisles and tight spaces, this cart comes with double spinning wheels at each corner, making it stable yet maneuverable. The clip-on design makes assembly straightforward, and the bag easily attaches to the frame. When it’s time to store it, the cart folds up with ease, allowing you to tuck it away in a closet or even your car's trunk. Though compact, it can feel a bit long and cumbersome to carry when folded. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent choice for those looking for a durable and roomy cart.

Capacity: 120 pounds | Weight: 9 pounds | Dimensions: 22.5 by 18.75 by 37.5 inches | Material: Polyblend canvas, alloy steel

Best Value Option

With one of the most affordable prices among the carts we tested, the Dbest Products Cruiser Cart With Bag Bundle and Shopping Cover delivers great value. It scores highly for durability with its cage-like protective design and stable wheels that glide smoothly with excellent maneuverability. The cart offers ample space for your items without overcrowding, though it lacks internal pockets or straps to secure items like bottles or delicate goods.

Though it doesn't offer height adjustments, the cushioned handle makes it easier and more comfortable to maneuver the cart. The bag is simple to attach and detach from the frame, making it convenient for storage and use as a standalone tote. However, the frame's design caused the bag corners to catch on edges when pulled, and it tends to collapse when it's empty.

Although this cart is easy to unfold, we were disappointed to find it doesn’t lay flat. Even when folded, the large wheels still take up significant space. We also wish the handle was adjustable, as we often find ourselves slouching our shoulders while using it. Despite these drawbacks, they aren't dealbreakers, and after two months of use, this cart has become a key part of our weekly routine. Primarily used for laundry, we believe it could also be useful for someone with a smaller, more curated shopping list. After six months, it's still in great condition, showing no signs of wear.

Capacity: 55 lbs | Weight: 6 lbs | Dimensions: 17.5 x 17.25 x 37 inches | Material: Plastic

Top Choice for Large Size

For those needing a larger cart for shopping, the Amazon Basics Foldable Shopping Utility Cart might be the perfect solution. Priced reasonably and featuring a sleek design, it boasts a weight limit of 70 pounds and the largest dimensions of all the carts we tested—40 by 24.5 by 21 inches. We were able to fit four bags of groceries in the main compartment alone. However, the added size also makes it the heaviest cart on our list, so moving it can be challenging, even when it’s empty.

Despite its bulk, the cart's design offers several features that enhance the shopping experience. The 360-degree swivel wheels provide excellent maneuverability, making it easier to navigate tight aisles or corners. Being made of metal, it’s a bit noisy when rolling, but that wasn’t a major issue for us. We also like how portable it is—it folds flat and has a hook to keep the sides together. After two months, it’s still in top shape, and after six months, it continues to perform just as well as when it was first used.

The cart is divided into several baskets, making it easy to organize items or store personal belongings while shopping. However, the baskets lack fabric liners and have large gaps, which means smaller items could fall through.

Weight Capacity: 70 lbs | Product Weight: 16 lbs | Dimensions: 21 x 23.3 x 40 inches | Material Composition: Metal

Top Metal Choice

For those seeking a straightforward metal cart, the Costway Folding Shopping Cart is a spacious and easy-to-store choice. It includes two basket sections, allowing for convenient item sorting and separation. The double-wheel front design enhances maneuverability around corners. Its solid build held up to two months of weekly use without showing wear. Even after six months, its performance and quality remained consistent.

This cart offers a large main compartment and a side basket that proved to be ideal for storing eggs, bread, or beverages. Despite its considerable size, it easily folds for convenient storage between shopping trips. The most cumbersome part is the rubber wheels, which are designed to tackle various terrains with ease.

The cart's metal bar design did cause some issues during testing, particularly as smaller items would slip through the gaps. Additionally, lifting and maneuvering it on stairs, especially when descending, proved to be difficult. However, its spacious design and high weight capacity make it suitable for carrying heavy loads or larger items, such as a packed cooler.

Weight Capacity: 88 lbs | Product Weight: 13 lbs | Dimensions: 24.4 x 24 x 39.6 inches | Material: Metal

Top Dolly Choice

Navigating stairs with any cart can be tricky, but the Dbest Products Stair Climber Trolley Dolly is specifically designed to tackle this challenge. Unlike traditional carts with four wheels, this one features three stacked wheels on each side, allowing it to 'climb' stairs while maintaining stability. During testing, the wheels handled concrete and rough terrain with ease, even crossing speed bumps with minimal impact. However, the absence of swivel wheels makes tight turns a bit more difficult. We also found the handle to be short, and since it’s non-adjustable, taller users might find it uncomfortable.

The canvas bag included with this cart impressed us with its thoughtful design. It’s insulated, includes multiple compartments, and has a Velcro closure at the top to keep everything secure. Additionally, the bag can be removed entirely, converting the cart into a dolly/utility cart with a weight capacity of up to 110 pounds. The cart also features a front stand, allowing it to stay upright when not in use.

After using this cart for two months, it’s become our top choice for trips to the farmer's market. Although it doesn’t offer the largest capacity compared to other carts, it’s better suited for light shopping than heavy grocery hauls. Its compact size makes it especially useful in crowded places where it won’t bump into others or cause a hassle. Even after six months of consistent use, it remains as reliable as ever, with the canvas bag still in great condition, and we continue to use it regularly.

Weight Capacity: 110 lbs | Product Weight: 5.4 lbs | Dimensions: 17.5 x 18 x 38.5 inches | Material: Polyester canvas bag, alloy steel frame

Top Insulated Choice

For grocery runs with items that need to stay cool, the Dbest Products Ultra Compact Cooler Smart Cart is a reliable option. Its leak-proof insulation makes it suitable for both perishables and ice, perfect for summer trips. After two months of use, we've had no issues with leakage or damage. Aside from a bit of wear on the wheels, it still functions like new after six months. The cart's versatile design, featuring several pockets, a secure zippable top, and an adjustable handle, ensures its continued usability.

This cart is incredibly easy to store, as it folds down completely and requires very little effort to collapse. With only two wheels, maneuvering it feels more like rolling a suitcase than pushing a traditional cart, but it remains easy to move. Although the top handle can make it a bit bulky and awkward to carry, the telescoping handle and wheels ensure you won’t need to carry it for long periods.

While the cart is somewhat small, and the side pocket may seem impractical—especially as we struggled to remove a water bottle from it—it did a great job of keeping the items inside secure and safe during use. It’s not built for hauling large quantities, but it’s perfect for light shopping or day trips.

Capacity: 120 pounds | Weight: pounds | Dimensions: 10 by 12 by 25.5 inches | Material: Polyester

Final Thoughts

Our top recommendation is the VersaCart Transit for its long-lasting build, smooth handling, and spacious storage capacity. Its simple assembly and disassembly make it highly practical for use and storage, and the top cover adds extra protection for your belongings. For a more budget-friendly option, we suggest the Dbest Products Cruiser Cart With Shopping Cover, which is easy to maneuver, durable, and offers secure storage.

Our Evaluation Methodology

We thoroughly examined twelve different shopping carts in our Des Moines lab and at home, testing them for their performance across various essential factors. To assess the overall design, we pushed each cart empty, folded them, and carried them upstairs to gauge their weight. Afterward, we loaded them with typical groceries to evaluate their capacity to handle the load of a typical shopping trip.

Once filled, we navigated the carts through an obstacle course to test their maneuverability. After completing the course, we inspected the groceries inside for any damage, such as squishing or breakage, which helped us evaluate the durability of the cart and its ability to protect its contents. Finally, we compared the price of each cart against its performance to determine its overall value.

For long-term insights, we took the top-performing carts home, using them for two months, and then reassessed them after six months to understand how they held up over time.

Expert Guide to Shopping for Carts

Maximum Load Capacity

When selecting a shopping cart, one of the key factors to keep in mind is its weight capacity. This aspect is closely tied to other features like the cart's materials and construction. Feldman advises evaluating the cart's frame, material, and wheels, and suggests choosing durable materials that can handle frequent use. A cart made with a robust frame material like alloy steel is generally better suited to carry more weight than a wire-framed model or one with a more fragile, soft bag-like interior.

Dimensions and Weight of the Cart

In addition to considering the weight capacity, it's crucial to take into account the cart's weight and size when making your decision. As Frederico suggests, the best carts are neither overly large nor heavy, and they should easily fold for convenience. If you anticipate needing to carry the cart up stairs, fit it into your car, or store it in tight spaces, look for compact, foldable options that enhance portability.

Material

Shopping carts come in a variety of materials, such as alloy steel, canvas, plastic, and various synthetic substances. As mentioned earlier, carts made from more robust materials like steel are typically more durable and can carry heavier loads compared to those crafted from lighter synthetics. When considering collapsible carts, don't forget to factor in the material of both the frame and the interior bag, as stiffer materials may be more challenging to fold.

Additional Features

Frederico and Feldman both emphasize the importance of handle design and ergonomic features when selecting a shopping cart. Key aspects to consider include handle padding, adjustable height, wheel count, and other attributes that can enhance comfort and ease of use during transportation.

Feldman suggests considering the organizational features of the carts you're evaluating, such as compartments, pockets, or dividers. According to her, 'Having the ability to organize your groceries and items within the cart helps shoppers separate and secure different types of products, making unloading much simpler.'

Additional Shopping Carts Worth Considering

Rolser Stair-Climbing Rolling Cart: This cart provides ample space for carrying goods and navigates stairs with ease. However, its wheel system proves less maneuverable on flat surfaces. The handle, while tall, lacks adjustability and padding, resulting in a less comfortable experience compared to other models.

Common Questions You Might Have

Is a shopping cart really worth it?

Feldman shares that the main benefits of owning a shopping cart are convenience, hygiene, and accessibility. She explains, 'Having your own cart means you can shop at your own pace while minimizing the risk of exposure to germs and bacteria from shared carts. If you have particular mobility needs or preferences, your personal cart can be customized to better suit your requirements.'

What distinguishes a wagon from a shopping cart?

In some places, 'wagon' and 'shopping cart' may be used interchangeably. The primary distinction lies in how they're used: wagons are typically pulled, while shopping carts are pushed. Additionally, wagons are often built to carry heavier loads, whereas shopping carts are designed more for lighter items.

How durable are shopping carts?

The lifespan of a shopping cart depends on factors like the materials used and frequency of use. However, the most significant factor in prolonging its life is proper maintenance. By avoiding overloading, cleaning the cart regularly, and handling it with care, your cart could last for many years.

Feldman advises, 'Move the cart gently, especially when going around corners, and when possible, try to avoid rolling the cart over rough ground, bumps, or uneven surfaces.' She also recommends, 'When the cart isn’t being used, keep it in a dry and cool place rather than leaving it outside.' If you don't follow these guidelines, or if you find yourself using the cart multiple times a day, it may need to be replaced within a year or so.

What is the price range for shopping carts?

Shopping carts are priced differently depending on factors such as material, capacity, features, and versatility. Budget-friendly carts typically range from $45 to $60 and are often simple in design, suited for regular shopping trips. Higher-end models can cost over $150 and offer additional features such as swivel wheels, extra storage pockets, or insulation.

Trust Our Insights

This article was authored by Amanda Prahl, a contributing writer for Mytour with over five years of experience in lifestyle writing, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Mytour. To compile these recommendations, we tested various shopping carts and evaluated them based on factors like capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, and overall value. For expert advice on selecting the best shopping carts, we consulted Missy Feldman, founder of the professional organizing company No Mess with Missy, and Camilla Frederico, founder of the organization and personal assistant company The Personal Helpers.