If you’re tired of dragging shopping bags across the parking lot or struggling to carry a few too many items up the stairs, one of the best shopping carts could make your errands a whole lot easier. Our top pick, the Versacart Transit Shopping Cart, is built to handle everything from a weekly grocery haul to your favorite farmers’ market finds. With a strong frame and smooth-rolling wheels, this versatile cart carries the load so you don’t have to.
The best shopping carts can help you transport your groceries and home staples from the store to … [+] your car or home.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers
“Whether you’re shopping by car or foot, having a great shopping cart can make doing errands more enjoyable,” says professional organizer and home expert Katrina Teeple. Today’s carts come in all shapes and sizes, with features like foldable frames for easy storage or all-terrain wheels to navigate bumpy sidewalks. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best shopping carts for every type of haul, whether you’re stocking up for the week or just grabbing a few heavier essentials. For more everyday shopping recommendations, check out our guide to the best reusable grocery bags.
120-pound capacity is more spacious than most carts
Removable and water-resistant canvas bag
Wheel design makes it easy to maneuver
Keep in mind:
Slightly bulkier when folded
Doesn’t have an adjustable handle height
Built for busy days and heavy loads, the Versacart Transit is full of features that make it hard to beat. The alloy steel frame on this shopping cart supports up to 120 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about it wearing down after a few months of use. Its detachable, water-resistant bag is made of heavy-duty canvas and can comfortably hold most grocery hauls with room to spare. The bag’s square shape makes it easy to pack your items efficiently, without worrying about things tipping over or getting squished. And the fitted cover on top helps keep everything dry in case of bad weather, while also giving a bit of privacy for personal items.
This cart’s eight-wheel design—with two wheels at each corner—allows for 360-degree rotation, making it easy to weave through grocery aisles or roll down narrow hallways. When you’re finished, the cart folds flat to tuck neatly into a closet or car trunk. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit bulkier than smaller models when stored, so consider your space if you’re tight on room.
Lightweight frame may feel less sturdy with heavier loads
Lower weight capacity than other models
This favorite of professional organizers like Teeple offers a lot for its relatively low price. The Kiffler Folding Shopping Cart comes with a sturdy waterproof liner that keeps groceries dry and organized while the three-height adjustable handle makes it easy to push, whether you’re hauling groceries, laundry or other essentials.
This cart’s wheel’s are especially great: the front wheels make it easy to navigate in tighter spaces, whereas the oversized back ones add stability on uneven paths. When you’re done using it, it folds flat and takes up only a few inches of storage space. At just under $65, this cart is a solid choice that doesn’t skimp on useful features.
Lightweight and portable for quick trips or outdoor activities
Keep in mind:
Smaller capacity than most standard carts
Works best for lighter grocery hauls or shorter outings
If you’re looking for a shopping cart to keep food and drinks cold on the go, the dbest Ultra Compact Cooler is a great choice. With a 4-gallon capacity, it’s sized for smaller outings—think a quick run to grab groceries or a kid’s sports game—but there’s plenty of room for what you need. The insulated liner keeps everything chilled, while the leak-proof design means you don’t have to worry about spills.
This cart is lightweight and pullable with a telescoping handle that locks into place. Meanwhile, a zippered front pocket keeps personal items secure, and side mesh pockets give you a place to store extra drinks. Unlike a traditional cooler, it folds flat and takes up minimal space, so it’s easy to tuck away until the next time you need it.
This cart is a reliable go-to for hauling heavier items without taking up much space when folded. Designed to hold up to 66 pounds, it’s built from durable metal yet weighs just over 10 pounds itself. The spacious basket can carry a full load of groceries—including bulkier items like laundry detergent—without feeling flimsy. Meanwhile, its padded handle provides a comfortable grip for longer shopping trips.
The whole cart collapses flat in seconds, which is especially helpful if you need something that won’t clutter up your hallway or car trunk. And the snap-on wheels are easy to attach and remove, adding virtually no time to the set-up or storage process.
If stairs are part of your daily routine, the dbest Stair Climber Trolley Dolly is designed to make hauling groceries up and down a lot easier. Its six-wheel design glides smoothly over everything from staircases to high curbs, sparing you the strain of lugging items by hand. Weighing just over 5 pounds, this cart is surprisingly sturdy: It’s built to carry up to 110 pounds.
The weather-resistant bag keeps items dry and secure with a combination of Velcro and a drawstring closure, and it includes seven compartments—like a beverage holder and front flap pocket—to keep smaller stuffer organized. Plus, the bag easily detaches, turning the cart into a dolly that can carry bulkier items or heavier boxes.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we spend hours researching, vetting and curating product recommendations you can rely on. From the best kitchen gadgets to essentials for every home office, we focus on delivering smart advice that’s grounded in expert insights and real-world experience.
This article was written by Kelly O’Sullivan, a regular Forbes Vetted contributor with more than a decade of experience writing about home and lifestyle products. She covers everything from the best wet cat food to the best kitchen towels.
For this guide, we consulted with Katrina Teeple, a professional organizer known for her practical approach to home solutions. Teeple’s background in organization and efficiency helped shape our recommendations, ensuring they meet the needs of different types of shoppers.
We update this article regularly to reflect the latest products and expert advice. It was most recently updated in November 2024.
How We Chose The Best Shopping Carts
To find the best shopping carts, we researched top-rated options, consulted with a home expert and focused on models that have practical features for real-life use.
We focused on highly-rated carts from trusted brands with reputations for quality, including Versacart and dbest Products.
We consulted Teeple, a professional organizer, to understand what features—like collapsibility, durability and maneuverability—make a shopping cart practical and easy to use. Her insights helped guide our selection process.
We carefully evaluated specs such as weight capacity, materials and size to ensure each pick is functional and easy to use.
Our list includes options tailored for different needs and lifestyles, whether you’re looking for something lightweight, heavy-duty or designed for specific terrains.
We prioritized carts with consistently positive customer reviews, sticking to models with average ratings of 4 stars or higher.
