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5 Best Booster Seats 2025 in US

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Seasoned tester and reviewer delivering unbiased, detailed reviews of various products.
Updated

Main Features

  • Adjustable headrest for growing children
  • EPS energy-absorbing foam
  • Integrated belt guides
  • Open-loop belt guides
  • Removable and machine-washable seat pad

Product Overview

The Graco TurboBooster LX Highback Booster Seat is a top choice for parents looking for a seat that can grow with their child. This booster seat is equipped with an adjustable headrest that can be moved to accommodate your child's height.

Safety is paramount with features like the EPS energy-absorbing foam for effective impact energy management. The integrated belt guides help position the vehicle seat belt correctly, while the open-loop belt guides make it easy for your child to buckle themselves in.

The removable cup holders keep drinks and snacks within reach, and the seat pad is machine washable for easy cleaning.

PROS
  • Adjustable and comfortable
  • Easy to clean
  • Good safety features
CONS
  • Not suitable for younger children
  • Cup holders can be flimsy

Product Specifications

  • Weight 9.11 lbs
  • Dimensions 15 x 16.5 x 26.5 inches
  • Minimum weight recommendation 30 lbs
  • Maximum weight recommendation 100 lbs

Main Features

  • Double foam padding
  • Integrated lap belt guides
  • Built-in carry handle
  • Removable, machine-washable seat pad
  • Easy-to-clean armrest covers

Product Overview

The Chicco GoFit Plus Backless Booster Car Seat is ideal for families who need a lightweight and portable option. This backless booster seat is designed with double foam padding to provide maximum comfort for your child on long trips.

The contoured seat ensures a secure fit, while the integrated lap belt guides make it easy to position the seat belt correctly. The GoFit Plus also includes a built-in carry handle for portability, and the removable, machine-washable seat pad and armrest covers make cleanup a breeze.

It’s perfect for carpooling, travel, and everyday use.

PROS
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Comfortable padding
  • Easy to clean
CONS
  • No back support
  • Limited safety features

Product Specifications

  • Weight 5.5 lbs
  • Dimensions 15 x 17 x 5 inches
  • Minimum weight recommendation 40 lbs
  • Maximum weight recommendation 110 lbs

Main Features

  • Three layers of side impact protection
  • Energy-absorbing shell
  • Foam-lined headrest
  • Converts to backless booster
  • 10-position, quick-adjust headrest

Product Overview

The Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat offers superior safety and comfort for your child. This highback booster seat is designed with three layers of side impact protection, including an energy-absorbing shell and foam-lined headrest, to keep your child safe in the event of a collision.

The seat easily converts from a highback booster to a backless booster, accommodating your child's growth. The 10-position, quick-adjust headrest ensures a perfect fit, while the color-coded belt guides make it easy to position the seat belt correctly.

The plush foam padding and armrests provide comfort on long journeys, and the removable cover is machine washable for convenience.

PROS
  • Excellent safety features
  • Comfortable and adjustable
  • Easy to clean
CONS
  • Heavier than other models
  • Higher price point

Product Specifications

  • Weight 12 lbs
  • Dimensions 16 x 19 x 27 inches
  • Minimum weight recommendation 40 lbs
  • Maximum weight recommendation 120 lbs

Main Features

  • Ultra-compact and portable
  • Adjusts seat belt to child
  • Fits in backpack or glove compartment
  • Meets safety standards
  • Ideal for travel and carpooling

Product Overview

The Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat is a revolutionary booster seat designed for parents who need a highly portable option. This booster seat is 10x smaller than a traditional booster seat but just as safe.

It is designed for children aged 4 and up, weighing between 40 and 100 pounds, and 40 to 57 inches tall. The Mifold Grab-and-Go adjusts the adult seat belt to fit the child by pulling the seat belt down to the child's size.

It is perfect for carpooling, travel, and everyday use, fitting easily into a backpack or glove compartment. Despite its compact size, it meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

PROS
  • Highly portable
  • Easy to use
  • Meets safety standards
CONS
  • Less comfortable for long trips
  • Limited to older children

Product Specifications

  • Weight 1.7 lbs
  • Dimensions 10 x 4.5 x 2 inches
  • Minimum weight recommendation 40 lbs
  • Maximum weight recommendation 100 lbs

Main Features

  • Advanced side impact protection
  • Aluminum-reinforced side walls
  • Energy-absorbing foam
  • Convertible to backless booster
  • 11-position headrest

Product Overview

The Diono Monterey XT Latch 2-in-1 High Back Booster Car Seat is a premium option for parents seeking top-of-the-line safety and comfort for their child. This booster seat features advanced side impact protection with aluminum-reinforced side walls and energy-absorbing foam.

The seat can be used as a high back booster or converted to a backless booster as your child grows. The 11-position headrest provides a custom fit, while the expandable width ensures ample room for growing children.

The seat also includes integrated LATCH connectors for added stability and security. The plush, padded seat and armrests offer comfort, and the removable cover is machine washable for easy maintenance.

PROS
  • Premium safety features
  • Highly adjustable
  • Comfortable and stylish
CONS
  • Bulky and heavy
  • Higher price point

Product Specifications

  • Weight 15.3 lbs
  • Dimensions 26 x 20 x 16 inches
  • Minimum weight recommendation 40 lbs
  • Maximum weight recommendation 120 lbs

Understanding Booster Seats

Booster seats are designed for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats but are not yet large enough to use the vehicle's seat belt comfortably and safely. They elevate the child so that the seat belt fits properly over the stronger parts of their body, reducing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Types of Booster Seats

There are mainly two types of booster seats: high-back and backless.

  1. High-Back Booster Seats: These seats come with a backrest and often include side-impact protection. They are particularly useful for vehicles without headrests or with low seatbacks. The high-back design provides additional support and positioning for the seat belt.

  2. Backless Booster Seats: These are more portable and easier to move between different vehicles. They are suitable for cars with headrests and high seatbacks, providing the necessary elevation for proper seat belt positioning.

Key Factors to Consider

Safety Ratings and Standards

Ensure the booster seat meets or exceeds safety standards set by regulatory bodies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Look for models that have been tested for side-impact protection.

Fit and Comfort

The booster seat should fit well in your vehicle and accommodate your child's size and weight. Many booster seats come with adjustable features to grow with your child. Extra padding and ergonomic design can enhance comfort, especially for longer trips.

Installation and Ease of Use

A booster seat that is easy to install and use will encourage consistent and correct usage. Some models come with LATCH connectors for added stability, although they primarily rely on the vehicle's seat belt for securing the child.

Portability and Storage

If you need to switch the seat between different cars or store it when not in use, consider the weight and bulkiness of the booster seat. Some models are designed to be lightweight and come with carrying handles or storage compartments.

Additional Features

Look for extra features that can enhance the overall experience, such as cup holders, removable and washable covers, and adjustable headrests. While these features are not essential for safety, they can add to the convenience and comfort of the booster seat.

Top Recommendations

While there are numerous booster seats available on the market, some models consistently receive high ratings from experts and parents alike.

High-Back Boosters

  1. Britax Frontier ClickTight: Known for its safety features and ease of installation, this model includes a 5-point harness that can transition to a belt-positioning booster.

  2. Graco Highback TurboBooster: This seat offers good side-impact protection and comes with adjustable features to grow with your child. It also includes cup holders and a comfortable design.

Backless Boosters

  1. Graco Backless TurboBooster: Lightweight and easy to move between vehicles, this model provides excellent value for its price. It includes features like cup holders and a comfortable seat pad.

  2. Cosco Topside Booster: A budget-friendly option that is compact and easy to use. It provides the necessary elevation for proper seat belt positioning without additional frills.

Conclusion

Selecting the best booster seat involves balancing safety, comfort, and convenience. By understanding the different types of booster seats and considering key factors such as safety ratings, fit, ease of use, and additional features, you can choose the right seat for your child’s needs. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and your vehicle’s owner manual for proper installation and usage to ensure maximum safety.