Silver Cross Jet 5 review: a compact, nifty stroller that's ideal for daily use

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Silver Cross Jet 5 has large storage pockets

How we tested the Silver Cross Jet 5 stroller

• Three months of testing with a 13-month-old

• Used regularly for city strolls and nursery runs

• Tested on trips abroad, including air travel (checked with airline before flying)

Michaela used the Silver Cross Jet 5 nearly every day for the nursery run, putting it through a full range of everyday scenarios. She also took it abroad and found it incredibly easy to travel with, as it fitted effortlessly under the seat in front of her on the plane. It’s important to note that this stroller isn’t ideal for use on grass or rougher terrain as the wheels are small and compact, so Michaela’s testing focused on urban pavements, airport environments and other smooth surfaces.

To ensure a thorough evaluation, Michaela scored the Silver Cross Jet 5 out of five across nine key criteria, including assembly, safety, stability, ease of use, ease of folding/unfolding, comfort, design, ease of cleaning, and value for money. These scores were then combined to provide an overall impression of the stroller's performance.

The Silver Cross jet 5 is easy to assemble

Silver Cross Jet 5: What’s in the box?

• Silver Cross Jet 5 stroller frame (with wheels and bumper bar detached)

• Rain cover

• Protective travel cover

• Instruction manual

Michaela says the stroller comes with a rain cover that’s quick and easy to fit, with breathable holes to ensure good airflow. It also includes a protective cover for when the stroller is folded, making it easier to carry and keeping it protected while travelling. There aren’t any extra accessories included as standard, but optional add-ons are available, such as a winter footmuff, snack tray and phone holder. The snack tray attaches to the bumper bar to encourage independent eating on the go, while the phone holder fits onto the handlebar to keep your device within easy reach.

How easy is the Silver Cross Jet 5 to assemble?

Very! Luckily, it’s a one-person job to assemble this stroller and Michaela says it takes minutes to assemble. Set-up is pretty straightforward - just release the safety latch, lift the stroller to unfold, and the handle and frame click neatly into place. The front wheels slot on easily too, so you’ll be ready to go in minutes.

Silver Cross Jet 5: how does it look?

The Silver Cross Jet 5 has a modern, compact design and comes in three colours – Mineral (blue), Space (black) and Cinnamon. The wheels are on the smaller side but feel sturdy enough for everyday use. Michaela says, “I particularly like the magnetic buckle which is very easy to clip into place and secure my child.” Silver Cross calls this the Genius™ buckle – the magnets guide the clips together, so it almost fastens itself, then locks firmly into place for peace of mind.

Other details stand out too: the harness straps have soft padding with neat stitching that makes them feel more premium, and the seat fabric is a soft, anti-crease jersey made from recycled plastic bottles with stylish vegan leather accents, giving it a modern, athleisure-inspired finish.

Silver Cross Jet 5: is it safe and sturdy?

Yes, for a lightweight stroller, it’s pretty sturdy. Throughout testing, Michaela’s favourite feature was the magnetic buckle which made it quick and easy to strap in her daughter even when she was in a rush. The brake is also secure, though Michaela noticed it’s harder to click on and off when wearing sandals.

She did find the small front wheels a little tricky on curbs or uneven pavements, but the compact design makes it great for hopping on and off public transport or weaving through busy streets. If you’re after something with bigger wheels and more suspension for regular rough-terrain walks, you might want to look at a more robust all-terrain pram, like the Bugaboo Fox 5 or the Silver Cross Reef 2. But as a lightweight city and travel stroller, the Silver Cross Jet 5 certainly holds its own.

Silver Cross Jet 5 can be stored under the seat on a plane

What is the Silver Cross Jet 5 like to use day to day?

Michaela says her daughter is “very comfortable in the seat and loves to lean forward, holding onto the bumper bar” - a feature she really values as not all lightweight strollers include one. She also found the seat recline simple but effective: “It lowers smoothly into a horizontal position, which can be done with one hand, so nap transitions are easy,” which is a relief when you’re out and about and don’t want to disrupt nap time.

At just 7.5kg, the Silver Cross Jet 5 is impressively lightweight, so it’s not bulky or awkward to carry, whether you’re lifting it into a car boot or navigating public transport. The steering feels smooth and it slips into tight spaces without fuss, but Michaela did find curbs more of a challenge. Because of the smaller front wheels, “it will often get stuck in tram lines or holes in the road, so you have to be extra careful.”

The handlebar has a smooth, comfortable grip but isn’t extendable, which isn’t an issue for Michaela, but could be if you’re particularly tall. And while the extended sun canopy gives a decent amount of shade, Michaela felt it doesn’t always cover enough at certain times of the day. The rain cover works well too, with breathable holes to stop it from feeling stuffy inside.

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Silver Cross jet 5 has two main storage pockets

Silver Cross Jet 5: what’s the stroller’s storage like?

The under-seat basket, while compact, is still a decent size and can hold up to 5kg, so it’s roomy enough for essentials. There’s a support bar across the middle though, which can make it tricky to fit bigger items like a changing bag. However, you can easily squeeze in a rain cover, a blanket, and a few toys or snacks.

When the seat is upright, the canopy creates a handy little pocket at the back that’s useful for keeping snacks or toys within easy reach.

Silver Cross Jet 5: what’s it like to fold and unfold?

As would be expected with a cabin-approved stroller, the Silver Cross Jet 5 has a great compact fold, especially when used with the protective cover, so it looks tidy when stored and is easy to wheel through a busy airport. Michaela says, “It’s easy to fold the stroller down, but I’ve personally found it a bit tricky to unfold on my own.” The Silver Cross Jet 5 has a compact, self-standing fold: you release a couple of latches and the frame collapses neatly into a slim, upright shape.

Unfolding takes a little more effort - once the latches are released, you need to lift and pull the frame until it clicks firmly into place. It’s not difficult, but you might want a hand if you’re juggling a baby or bags at the same time. Once open, everything locks securely and you’re ready to go.

Does the Silver Cross Jet 5 fit in the boot of a car?

Yes. Michaela says, “It easily fits in the boot of my car. I only have a small Polo and there’s still plenty of room for other bags and heavier items.” Because the Silver Cross Jet 5 folds down into a compact, self-standing shape, it doesn’t take up much space. Even with the protective cover on, it slips in without needing to be angled awkwardly, leaving room in the boot for shopping bags, a changing bag, or other essentials.

Is the Silver Cross Jet 5 easy to clean?

Yes, it’s very straightforward. Michaela says she’s been using it for a couple of months and there are no obvious signs of wear and tear. The fabrics are smooth and wipeable, so spills and crumbs don’t stick around, and the seat padding can be easily spot-cleaned if needed. Overall, it’s low-maintenance and keeps looking fresh even with regular everyday use.

Is the Silver Cross Jet 5 good value for money?

Yes, though at just under £300 it’s on the upper end compared with budget-friendly lightweight strollers like the Ickle Bubba Aries, which retails for around £139. That said, the Silver Cross Jet 5 is well made, with premium fabrics and thoughtful details throughout. It’s cabin-approved and travel-friendly, making it easy to take on planes or pack into a car. It’s also travel system compatible (using the Silver Cross Jet 5 car seat adapters) with a range of car seats including the Cybex Cloud G and Cloud T i-Size, Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro, Maxi-Cosi Coral i-Size, and Nuna Arra Next. On top of that, it comes with handy extras like a rain cover, protective cover and bumper bar, so it feels like a complete, ready-to-go package.

About the author

Tammy Jacks is a distinguished researcher and writer in the field of child safety, with a notable focus on the critical domain of travel systems including car seats and strollers. Her extensive expertise and commitment to child safety have made her a trusted authority in providing comprehensive insights and guidance to parents and caregivers looking for the right stroller, travel system or car seat for their children.

As a seasoned school runner and mum to a 10-year-old, Tammy has personally tried and tested numerous buggies, strollers and car seats over the years, across all age categories.