8 Best Kids Booster Car Seats to Buy in 2025

The Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus stands out with its DuoGuard head and torso protection and 10-position height adjustment, delivering a level of safety and adaptability rarely seen in booster seats. Designed for children aged 4+ and weighing 40–100 lbs, this 2-in-1 seat transitions seamlessly from high back to backless mode, making it a long-term investment in child safety. The ErgoBoost contoured seat with double foam padding ensures comfort on long drives while addressing the common pain point of kids fidgeting due to discomfort. Parents will appreciate how it stabilizes with LATCH connectors, reducing seat shift during entry and exit—a real game-changer for daily use.

In real-world testing, the SuperCinch one-pull tightener makes installation smooth and secure, especially when switching between vehicles. The removable, machine-washable fabrics and dishwasher-safe CupFolders enhance practicality, while the 2-position recline backrest helps match the vehicle’s seating angle for better head support. It performs exceptionally well on longer trips and in compact cars, though the high-back mode can feel slightly bulky in very tight backseats. Still, the flame-retardant-free ClearTex materials add a health-conscious edge, appealing to parents mindful of chemical exposure.

Positioned as the best overall booster, the KidFit ClearTex Plus outshines the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 with superior LATCH integration and more thoughtful ergonomics, though it comes at a higher cost. It’s ideal for families who want a single seat that grows with their child and value safety, convenience, and cleanability. Compared to budget models like the Cosco Topside, it offers far more adjustability and protection—making it a premium pick that balances innovation and reliability.

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 earns its title as the best budget highback booster with ProtectPlus Engineering that’s rigorously tested for frontal, rear, and rollover crashes—offering peace of mind without breaking the bank. With height-adjustable armrests and head support, it adapts to children aged 4–10 (40–100 lbs, up to 57 inches), making it a smart choice for growing kids. The open-loop belt guides ensure proper seat belt alignment, solving the common issue of shoulder belts slipping off small frames. This model strikes a balance between affordability and essential safety features, making it a go-to for value-focused parents.

During daily use, the hide-away cup holders stay discreet when not in use, and the seat remains stable thanks to secure vehicle belt installation—though it lacks LATCH, which can make empty-seat positioning trickier. It performs well in mid-sized SUVs and sedans, with a slim profile that fits three across in many vehicles. However, without LATCH, the seat may shift when unoccupied, especially on bumpy roads. The fabric is durable but not removable, limiting cleaning options compared to premium models.

When stacked against the Evenflo GoTime LX, the TurboBooster 2.0 offers similar safety but fewer adjustment options—only the headrest height is adjustable, not the armrests. It’s best suited for families who prioritize crash protection and simplicity over bells and whistles. While it doesn’t match the Chicco’s long-term adaptability, it delivers solid performance at a fraction of the cost, making it a dependable highback choice for budget-conscious buyers.

The Chicco GoFit Plus redefines portability in backless boosters with its LATCH attachment and quick-release removal, making it the top pick for families on the move. Engineered for kids 40–110 lbs and up to 57 inches tall, this booster locks into place with a one-pull tightener, eliminating the frustrating slide that plagues many backless models. The ErgoBoost contoured seat with double foam padding delivers exceptional comfort, while the integrated belt guides and shoulder clip ensure proper seat belt alignment—addressing the core safety concern for backless designs.

In real-world use, the built-in carry handle makes it effortless to transfer between cars, and the machine-washable pad and pop-out armrest covers simplify cleanup after messy snacks or spills. The fold-away cup holders are dishwasher-safe, a rare and welcome feature. It excels in carpool scenarios and second vehicles, though the LATCH system requires compatible anchors—limiting use in older cars. Without a backrest, head support relies entirely on the vehicle seat, so it’s less ideal for long naps in low-back seats.

Compared to the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 backless model, the GoFit Plus offers superior stability and cleaning convenience, justifying its higher price. It’s perfect for parents who need a secure, travel-ready booster with easy installation. While the BubbleBum wins on compactness, the GoFit Plus delivers better everyday comfort and durability, making it the best LATCH-equipped portable booster for active families.

The BubbleBum is a revolution in travel-friendly safety, offering a fully certified inflatable booster that folds into a backpack—making it the ultimate solution for rideshares, taxis, and family getaways. Weighing just 1 lb and fitting in a glove box, this backless booster supports kids 40–100 lbs and inflates in seconds, solving the age-old problem of unreliable rental or borrowed car seats. Its narrow design fits three across, and the seat belt positioning clip ensures proper fit, addressing key safety concerns in unpredictable environments.

In real-world testing, the non-skid base keeps it stable on leather and cloth seats, and the buoyant foam-like feel is surprisingly comfortable for short to medium trips. It’s been independently crash-tested beyond federal standards, a rare validation that sets it apart from gimmicky travel seats. However, the need to manually inflate before each use can be a hassle, and it’s less supportive for long drives where lumbar and head support matter. It’s best for occasional use or on-the-go families, not daily commuting.

Versus the Hiccapop UberBoost, the BubbleBum offers better brand trust and lifetime guarantee, though both are similarly compact. It’s ideal for grandparents, Uber trips, or vacation rentals where space is tight. While it can’t replace a full-time highback booster, it delivers unmatched portability without sacrificing safety, making it the smartest compact booster for frequent travelers.

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 backless version is the most affordable booster on the market that still delivers ProtectPlus-engineered crash protection, making it a standout for budget-driven families needing a no-frills seat. Designed for children 4–10 years, 40–100 lbs, and up to 57 inches, it ensures proper belt positioning with height-adjustable armrests and open-loop guides. The hide-away cup holders stay out of the way when not in use, and the modern, low-profile design fits neatly in most vehicles—ideal for carpooling or secondary cars.

In daily use, the seat is lightweight and easy to move, but without LATCH or belt-tightening aids, it can shift when unoccupied—especially on uneven terrain. The fabric is durable but not removable, so spills require spot cleaning, a step down from machine-washable competitors. It performs reliably on short trips and in vehicles with high seat backs, but offers no head or neck support, relying entirely on the car’s seat design. This makes it less suitable for kids who fall asleep during rides.

Compared to the Cosco Topside, it offers better armrest adjustability and crash testing credibility, though both lack LATCH. It’s best for families who need a basic, safe booster for occasional use and want a trusted brand at the lowest price. While it doesn’t offer the comfort of padded rivals, it delivers essential safety with minimalist design, making it the most cost-effective backless booster for tight budgets.

The Evenflo GoTime LX strikes an impressive balance between value and versatility, offering a 7-position height adjustment and dual-mode use—transitioning from high back to backless—making it one of the longest-lasting boosters in its class. Built for kids 4+ and 40–120 lbs, it supports heavier children than most models, solving the common issue of outgrowing a booster too soon. The deep side wings provide overlapping head and torso protection, enhancing safety in side-impact scenarios, while the one-hand adjustment makes it easy to adapt as your child grows.

Real-world testing shows it installs quickly with the vehicle belt and stays stable during daily commutes. The two built-in cup holders are practical, though not removable, and the fabric is durable but not machine-washable—a drawback for messy eaters. It performs well in mid-size sedans and SUVs, though the high-back mode is wider than average, potentially limiting three-across seating. Without LATCH, positioning the seat before the child enters can require readjustment.

Pitted against the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 highback, the GoTime LX supports heavier kids and offers more height settings, but lacks LATCH and advanced comfort features. It’s ideal for families seeking a long-use, high-value booster without premium pricing. While not as feature-rich as the Chicco, it provides solid safety and extended usability at a mid-tier price, making it the best value highback booster for growing kids.

The Cosco Topside is the lightest and most budget-friendly booster available, making it a go-to for families needing a simple, no-fuss seat for occasional use. At just 25.99, it supports children 40–100 lbs and up to 57 inches, offering extra-plush padding for comfort on short trips. Its ultra-lightweight design makes it easy to carry between cars, addressing the need for a portable, second-car booster without the bulk.

In practice, the seat is stable when occupied, but shifts easily when empty due to lack of LATCH or belt guides. The fabric is hand-wash only, which can be inconvenient for parents dealing with spills. It fits well in most vehicles and helps protect upholstery, but offers minimal support for sleeping kids—best for alert, older children on brief rides. While it lacks advanced safety features, it meets federal standards and gets the job done.

Compared to the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 backless, it offers similar adjustability at a lower price, but with less brand recognition and no crash-test marketing. It’s best for families on a tight budget who need a basic, lightweight booster. While it doesn’t match the comfort or convenience of premium models, it delivers essential function at the lowest cost, making it the best lightweight budget option for no-frills transport.

The Hiccapop UberBoost is a space-saving marvel, designed for families who need a safe, packable booster that disappears when not in use. Inflating in under 20 seconds with just a few breaths, it’s perfect for Uber rides, school carpools, or weekend trips, solving the problem of bulky seats in compact trunks. Certified to FMVSS 213 standards, it supports kids 40–100 lbs and features a non-skid base and positioning clip for stability and proper belt fit—key for safety-conscious parents.

In real use, the narrow design fits three across in small cars, and the ultra-cushy foam feel is a hit with kids. It deflates into its own travel bag, making it easier to store than even the BubbleBum. However, like all inflatables, it requires manual inflation before each ride, which can be forgotten in a rush. It’s comfortable for short to medium trips but lacks lateral support for long naps.

Compared to the BubbleBum, it offers similar safety and portability but with a slightly more compact roll-up design. It’s ideal for soccer moms, carpoolers, or frequent travelers who need a discreet, reliable booster. While not for daily use, it maximizes space without compromising safety, making it the best space-saving inflatable booster for on-the-go families.