4 Best Shopping Carts Under $40 in 2026
Four folding shopping carts and wagons under $40 compared on weight, stated capacity from 60 to 220 lbs, folded size and what a bigger budget buys.
At a Glance
The cheapest folding carts all solve the same problem, carrying groceries without carrying them, but they do it with very different trade offs. Some are true shopping carts with a tall handle and a basket, and some are folding wagons with a fabric bed. Both fit under this ceiling, so the real decision is how much you carry and how far you have to roll it.
We evaluated four distinct models: the Our Modern Space steel cart with a 60 lb rating, the DMI utility cart at 7.5 lbs with a 90 lb rating, the Blomoba folding wagon with a 220 lb rating and the ROSONG collapsible wagon at 12 lbs. Only four real models sit under this cap, so the list is short. The Blomoba and ROSONG are wagons, not carts, and we label them that way.
Each is compared on weight, capacity, folded size and the details the listings actually state, then placed against what a larger budget adds.
6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Shopping Carts Under $40
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Cart versus wagon
A cart has a tall handle and a basket, which you push ahead of you through aisles, while a wagon has a low bed that you pull behind you. Carts such as the DMI and Our Modern Space suit groceries and stairs, and wagons such as the Blomoba and ROSONG suit bulky cargo and outings. Wagons are usually wider, which matters in doorways and on public transit. Choose by what you carry most often. A cart that is pushed also keeps the load in front of you where you can see it, which suits busy sidewalks. A wagon pulled behind is easier on the back for long flat distances but harder to watch in a crowd.
Stated capacity and margin
Match the rating to your typical load plus about 20 percent. The Our Modern Space is rated for 60 lb, the DMI for 90 lb and the Blomoba for 220 lb, and the ROSONG states no weight limit. A grocery trip with bottled drinks and canned goods can pass 40 lb quickly. If your load is close to the rating, move to the next size up. A cart loaded to its limit also rolls worse, so the rating is a ceiling and not a target. Spread heavy cans low and light bread on top.
Weight of the cart itself
A light cart is easier to lift into a car or up a step. The DMI weighs 7.5 lb and the ROSONG weighs 12 lb. For anyone who lifts the cart often, every pound counts. The listing for the Our Modern Space calls it lightweight but does not give a weight. The DMI at 7.5 lb is 4.5 lb lighter than the ROSONG at 12 lb, which is a real difference when you carry the folded cart in one hand along with a bag.
Folded size and storage
Measure the space where the cart will live, such as a trunk, a closet or a space behind a door. The Our Modern Space folds to a little over 5.5 inch deep, and the ROSONG folds to 22 by 9.8 by 7.5 inch. The DMI folds flat and comes with a carrying case. The Blomoba listing text does not state a folded size. Add the handle to your measurement, since a folded cart is often longer than it is deep.
Wheels and handling
Swivel casters turn easily in aisles, while larger rear wheels roll over cracks and curbs. The Our Modern Space and Blomoba use 360 degree wheels, and the ROSONG has 360 degree front wheels. Several listings here do not give wheel size or material. Check the product page before buying if you have rough sidewalks. Rolling over a curb with a loaded cart is the hardest test, and small wheels stop at the edge. Tilt the cart back to lift the front wheels and roll the rear ones up.
What spending more adds
A bigger budget adds removable liners, larger rear wheels, taller handles and dual baskets. The SereneLife at a higher tier states a removable liner and 110 lb rating, and the Our Modern Space XL states 100 lb. If you carry more than 90 lb, those steps up are worth considering. Under this cap you accept short ratings, unstated wheel sizes and basic fabric, which is acceptable for light weekly use. Heavy daily use is where a higher tier repays the difference.
4 Best Shopping Carts Under $40 in 2026
DMI Folding Utility Shopping Cart, 90 lb
About this pick
The DMI is a folding utility cart that weighs 7.5 lb and is rated for 90 lb. The listing says it folds flat, comes with a carrying case and is compact enough for a car trunk or public transit. The title also describes use as a grocery, laundry or stair climber cart.
The weight to capacity ratio is the best here, since the cart weighs less than a 12 pack of soda yet carries up to 90 lb by the listing. That matters if you lift it into a car or up a step by yourself. The listing does not describe the wheel material or handle height, so check those on the product page.
In ownership, the carrying case keeps the folded cart tidy in a closet or trunk. Compared with the Our Modern Space cart at 60 lb, you gain 30 lb of rating, and compared with the Blomoba wagon at 220 lb you give up a lot of capacity but save on bulk. It is the pick for a person who wants the lightest cart that still holds a heavy grocery trip. Setup is described as easy, so it is a good fit for anyone who dislikes assembling hardware.
Best for: Carrying heavy grocery trips with the lightest possible cart.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Cart weight: 7.5 lb
- Capacity: 90 lb
- Folded: Flat, with carrying case
- Use: Grocery, laundry, stair use
Pros
- +Weighs only 7.5 lb
- +90 lb rating is the second highest here
- +Folds flat with carrying case
- +Fits a car trunk or transit
Cons
- −Wheel and handle details are not in the listing
- −Small compared with a wagon bed
- −Capacity is below the Blomoba wagon
Our Modern Space Folding Shopping Cart, 60 lb
About this pick
The Our Modern Space cart is a stainless steel folding cart rated for 60 lb. The listing says it collapses to a little over 5.5 inch and uses 360 degree swivel wheels. It is described as lightweight and suited to groceries, laundry and packages.
The 5.5 inch folded depth is the headline. A cart that thin slides behind a door or into a closet gap that a wagon would never fit. The 60 lb rating is the lowest here, which is fine for a weekly grocery run for one or two people, but it leaves less margin for bottled drinks and bags of dog food.
In ownership, the swivel wheels turn easily in aisles, though the listing does not state wheel size or material. Compared with the DMI at 90 lb, you lose 30 lb of rating but gain a slimmer fold, and compared with the Blomoba wagon you lose a large cargo bed. A larger Our Modern Space version with a 100 lb rating appears at higher budgets. It is the lightest on paper to store, though the listing never gives a carry weight.
Best for: Small apartments where the fold depth matters most.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 60 lb
- Material: Stainless steel
- Wheels: 360 degree swivel
- Folded depth: A little over 5.5 inch
Pros
- +Folds to a little over 5.5 inch
- +Stainless steel build
- +360 degree swivel wheels
- +Lightweight design
Cons
- −Lowest stated capacity here at 60 lb
- −Wheel size is not stated
- −Small basket for large shops
ROSONG Collapsible Folding Wagon, 120L
About this pick
The ROSONG is a collapsible wagon, not a tall shopping cart. It weighs 12 lb, folds to 22 by 9.8 by 7.5 inch and has 360 degree rotating front wheels with an extendable handle. The listing describes a 1.2 mm steel frame and 600D Oxford fabric for all weather use.
A wagon bed is the right shape for bulky items, such as bags of potting soil, camping gear and flats of water. It has no stated weight rating in the listing, and the 120L volume is a size figure, not a load limit. Do not assume it matches the Blomoba, which states 220 lb.
In ownership, a wagon is pulled behind you rather than pushed ahead, and the extendable handle helps. Compared with the Blomoba, it is lighter at 12 lb but gives you no capacity number. Compared with the DMI at 7.5 lb, it is bulkier and better for bulk goods than for stairs. Its 600D fabric is a heavier weave than the Blomoba's 300D, which favors rough use.
Best for: Garden, picnic and bulky cargo rather than grocery bags.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Weight: 12 lb
- Volume: 120L
- Folded size: 22 x 9.8 x 7.5 inch
- Frame: 1.2 mm steel, 600D Oxford fabric
Pros
- +120L bed holds bulky items
- +Folds to 22 x 9.8 x 7.5 inch
- +Extendable handle
- +Steel frame and Oxford fabric
Cons
- −No stated weight capacity
- −A wagon, pulled and not pushed
- −Heavier than the DMI cart
Blomoba Folding Wagon Cart, 220 lb
About this pick
The Blomoba is a folding wagon with a stated 220 lb capacity, a carbon steel frame and 300D Oxford fabric. The listing says it accommodates tents, sleeping bags and folding chairs, and uses 360 degree rotatable wheels with a flexible handle.
The 220 lb number is the highest stated rating in this lineup, more than twice the DMI at 90 lb and nearly four times the Our Modern Space cart at 60 lb. The 300D fabric is a lighter weave than the 600D on the ROSONG, which may matter for abrasion. As a wagon it suits outings rather than narrow store aisles.
In ownership, plan for the folded size, which the listing text does not state, and check it against your trunk. Compared with the ROSONG, it gives a clear capacity number but a thinner fabric. Compared with the Our Modern Space, it is bigger and heavier, so it is not the pick for tight storage. For loading, the wide bed makes it easy to drop in a cooler, chairs and a bag at once.
Best for: Heavy outings, camping and bulky loads.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 220 lb
- Frame: Carbon steel
- Fabric: 300D Oxford
- Wheels: 360 degree rotatable
Pros
- +220 lb stated capacity
- +Carbon steel frame
- +360 degree wheels
- +Folds for storage
Cons
- −Folded size not in the listing
- −300D fabric is a lighter weave
- −A wagon, not a store aisle cart
How We Evaluated These Shopping Carts Under $40
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Capacity and load honesty
We compared stated capacity from 60 lb on the Our Modern Space to 220 lb on the Blomoba, and noted that the ROSONG states volume rather than weight. We did not guess missing ratings. Clear numbers were credited. The gap between 60 lb and 220 lb separates a one person grocery run from a camping haul.
Weight and portability
The DMI at 7.5 lb and the ROSONG at 12 lb led on carry weight. We weighed how easily each can be lifted into a trunk. Models that did not state weight were scored on listing wording. We treated cart weight as a real cost, because the heaviest part of a trip can be lifting the empty cart into a trunk.
Folded size
We compared folded dimensions where given, including the 5.5 inch Our Modern Space depth and the ROSONG's 22 x 9.8 x 7.5 inch. A model with no stated folded size was flagged. A fold that is thin but long, like the DMI laid flat, suits a trunk, while a deep fold suits a closet.
Format and handling
We separated carts from wagons, since a cart rolls in an aisle and a wagon rolls on a path. Wheel layout, handle design and the push or pull motion were considered. A cart pushed in a store aisle needs a tall handle, so wagons scored lower for grocery runs.
Value inside the cap
Four models fit this budget, from the 60 lb cart to the 220 lb wagon. We weighed what each gives up, based on listing specs and buyer feedback, not hands on measurement. We also noted that none of the four states a wheel diameter, which limits comparison on rough ground.
How to Choose the Right Shopping Carts Under $40
By Typical Load
Pick by how heavy your usual haul is. The DMI and Our Modern Space are carts for aisles, while the ROSONG and Blomoba are wagons for outings, so the load question and the format question overlap.
| Typical load | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light groceries, up to about 40 lb | Our Modern Space Folding Shopping Cart, 60 lb | 60 lb rating leaves some margin |
| Heavy grocery trips, 40 to 70 lb | DMI Folding Utility Shopping Cart, 90 lb | 90 lb rating at 7.5 lb weight |
| Bulky outdoor cargo | ROSONG Collapsible Folding Wagon, 120L | Large bed, no weight rating |
| Camping or events, up to 180 lb | Blomoba Folding Wagon Cart, 220 lb | 220 lb stated capacity |
Leave about 20 percent margin below the stated rating.
By Budget
All four fit the cap, so tiers are relative.
| Tier | Pick | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | ROSONG Collapsible Folding Wagon, 120L | Large volume wagon, no stated rating |
| Entry plus | DMI Folding Utility Shopping Cart, 90 lb | Light cart with carrying case |
| Mid | Our Modern Space Folding Shopping Cart, 60 lb | Slim fold and stainless steel |
| Top of cap | Blomoba Folding Wagon Cart, 220 lb | Highest stated capacity |
Capacity per dollar is highest at the top of the cap.
Cart vs Wagon
Two shapes, two jobs.
Cart
A cart has a tall handle and a basket. The DMI and Our Modern Space are carts, and they roll ahead of you in store aisles and up pavements. Choose one for groceries and laundry.
Wagon
A wagon has a low bed you pull behind you. The ROSONG and Blomoba are wagons, and they carry bulky or heavy outing gear. Choose one for camping, markets and gardening.
Wagons are wider, so check your doorways. A cart wins in a store aisle, and a wagon wins on a long flat path with bulky cargo.
By Storage Space
Folded size decides whether you will actually use it. A closet, a trunk and a garage each reward a different fold, and the four picks here fold three different ways.
| Space | Pick | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow gap behind a door | Our Modern Space Folding Shopping Cart, 60 lb | Folds to a little over 5.5 inch |
| Trunk with a carrying case | DMI Folding Utility Shopping Cart, 90 lb | Folds flat in a case |
| Trunk with room | ROSONG Collapsible Folding Wagon, 120L | Folds to 22 x 9.8 x 7.5 inch |
| Large trunk or garage | Blomoba Folding Wagon Cart, 220 lb | Check its folded size on the product page |
Measure your trunk before buying a wagon.
For Apartment Grocery Runs Specifically
Elevators, stairs and short hallways change the math.
Look for
A light cart you can lift, a slim fold and a tall handle that avoids stooping. A wide wagon may not fit a small elevator or door.
In this comparison
The DMI at 7.5 lb and the Our Modern Space at a 5.5 inch fold suit apartments best. The wagons suit house and garden use instead.
Check your elevator or stair width before choosing a wagon.
When to Spend More
Where this budget shows its limits.
| Spend more if | Save if |
|---|---|
| You need more than 90 lb in a cart, since the DMI tops out here | Your trips stay under the Our Modern Space's 60 lb |
| You want a removable liner, as the SereneLife offers at a higher tier | You only carry dry goods |
| You need stated rear wheels for stairs | You push on flat paths |
| You carry over 220 lb, beyond the Blomoba | Your loads are camping gear and light |
Spend on capacity only if you regularly approach the rating. Otherwise the DMI already covers most grocery trips at 90 lb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shopping cart under this budget is best?
For groceries the DMI is best, because it weighs 7.5 lb and is rated for 90 lb. For tight storage the Our Modern Space is best, since it folds to a little over 5.5 inch. For bulky outings the Blomoba wagon is best, with a 220 lb rating. If you are unsure, weigh a typical grocery trip first, since that decides between 60 lb and 90 lb at a glance.
Is a wagon the same as a shopping cart?
No, a wagon has a low bed and is pulled, while a cart has a tall handle and is pushed. The Blomoba and ROSONG in this list are wagons. They suit camping and gardening better than store aisles. A wagon also needs a wider path than a cart, which matters in narrow aisles.
How much weight should I plan for?
Add up a typical trip and add about 20 percent. Bottled drinks and canned goods add up fast. The Our Modern Space at 60 lb suits light trips and the DMI at 90 lb suits heavy ones. Remember that wet laundry is much heavier than dry, so size up for laundry runs.
Does the ROSONG have a weight limit?
The listing gives a 120L volume and a heavy duty description but no weight rating. Do not assume it matches the Blomoba. Check the product page before loading it near its limit. Its 1.2 mm steel frame and 600D fabric suggest a sturdy build, but those are material facts and not a rating.
Will these fit in a car trunk?
The DMI folds flat with a carrying case, and the ROSONG folds to 22 x 9.8 x 7.5 inch. The Our Modern Space folds to a little over 5.5 inch deep. The Blomoba listing does not state its folded size, so measure first. A wagon with an extended handle sticks out of a trunk, so fold the handle too.
Can I climb stairs with a folding cart?
The DMI title mentions stair climber use, but the listing does not describe a stair climbing wheel system. Check the product page for details. A true stair climbing cart usually has a six wheel cluster, which sits above this budget.
How do I make a cheap cart last?
Stay below the stated rating and avoid carrying sharp loads on fabric. Dry the cart before folding it. Check the hinges and wheel mounts every few months.
Bottom Line
best overall: DMI Folding Utility Shopping Cart, 90 lb - best lightweight cart pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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