10 Best Booster Seats of 2025: Safety-Tested Options for Growing Children
Selecting the right booster seat is crucial for your child’s safety as they transition from a car seat to using your vehicle’s seat belt system. The best booster seats properly position the seat belt across your child’s chest and lap, significantly reducing injury risk in the event of a crash. After analyzing expert reviews, safety ratings, and parent feedback, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of the top booster seats available today.
Comparison Table of Top Booster Seats
| Booster Seat | Type | Weight Limit | LATCH System | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus | High-back convertible | 40-110 lbs | Yes | $130-$150 | 4.8/5 |
| Nuna AACE | High-back convertible | 40-120 lbs | Rigid LATCH | $250-$280 | 4.9/5 |
| Graco TurboBooster | High-back convertible | 40-100 lbs | No | $50-$70 | 4.6/5 |
| Britax Grow With You ClickTight | Harness-to-booster | 25-120 lbs | Yes | $280-$330 | 4.7/5 |
| Diono Monterey 5iST | High-back convertible | 40-120 lbs | Yes | $180-$200 | 4.5/5 |
| Clek Oobr | High-back convertible | 40-120 lbs | Rigid LATCH | $300-$380 | 4.7/5 |
| Graco RightGuide | Portable/Backless | 50-120 lbs | No | $40-$50 | 4.4/5 |
| Evenflo Big Kid LX | High-back convertible | 40-110 lbs | No | $40-$60 | 4.3/5 |
| Maxi-Cosi RodiFix | High-back only | 40-120 lbs | Rigid LATCH | $200-$250 | 4.6/5 |
| BubbleBum Inflatable | Backless/Portable | 40-100 lbs | No | $30-$40 | 4.2/5 |
1. Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus
The Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus consistently ranks as the top overall booster seat according to multiple expert reviews, including Wirecutter’s extensive testing of over 50 models.
Key Features:
– Converts from high-back to backless booster
– 10-position headrest adjustment
– DuoZone side-impact protection
– ClearTex fabric free of added chemicals
– Contoured ErgoBoost seat with double foam padding
– Two integrated cup holders that fold away
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Easy installation with SuperCinch LATCH system – Machine-washable seat pad – Excellent belt positioning – Comfortable for long trips | – Slightly bulkier than some competitors – Higher price point than basic models – Cup holders can be tight for larger bottles |
2. Nuna AACE
The Nuna AACE earned top marks in crash testing and is recognized for its premium construction and thoughtful safety features.
Key Features:
– 9-position adjustable headrest and 3D growth system
– Rigid LATCH connectors for secure installation
– Steel-reinforced frame for enhanced protection
– Ventilated shell for improved air circulation
– Converts from high-back to backless booster
– Side impact protection pods
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Superior crash test performance – Premium, chemical-free fabrics – Exceptional build quality – Adjusts to 9 different positions | – Premium price point – Heavier than many competitors – Wide base may not fit well in smaller vehicles |
3. Graco TurboBooster
The Graco TurboBooster offers exceptional value and has been a trusted option for families for years.
Key Features:
– Converts from high-back to backless booster
– Height-adjustable headrest
– Open-loop belt guides for correct seat belt positioning
– Padded, height-adjustable armrests
– Hideaway cup holders
– Lightweight design
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Budget-friendly price – Lightweight and easy to transfer between vehicles – Machine-washable cover – Easy assembly | – No LATCH system – Less padding than premium models – Plastic construction feels less durable |
4. Britax Grow With You ClickTight
This versatile seat transitions from a 5-point harness seat to a booster, offering extended use and excellent safety features.
Key Features:
– Forward-facing harness mode (25-65 lbs)
– Booster mode (40-120 lbs)
– ClickTight installation system
– Two layers of side impact protection
– Quick-adjust 9-position harness
– Color-coded belt paths
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Extended use period with harness-to-booster functionality – Incredibly secure ClickTight installation – Premium fabrics and cushioning – Built-in cooling channels | – Premium price point – Heavy and bulky – Takes up significant space in vehicle |
5. Diono Monterey 5iST
The Diono Monterey 5iST offers exceptional width adjustment, making it ideal for growing children.
Key Features:
– Expandable width (up to 20% wider)
– 12-position adjustable headrest
– Reinforced aluminum side walls
– LATCH connectors for secure installation
– Convertible from high-back to backless
– Foldable design for storage and travel
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Unique width adjustment for growing children – Folds flat for storage or travel – Memory foam comfort – 8-year lifespan from manufacture | – Fairly heavy – Takes up significant space when width is expanded – Higher price point than basic models |
6. Clek Oobr
The Clek Oobr is known for its exceptional build quality and innovative safety features.
Key Features:
– Rigid LATCH system
– Metal substructure with energy-absorbing foam
– Structural headrest with deep side wings
– Recline function in high-back mode
– Removable, washable crypton fabric
– 9-year expiration from date of manufacture
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Premium construction with metal substructure – Recline capability for comfort during naps – Greenguard Gold certified fabrics – Longest lifespan of any booster (9 years) | – One of the most expensive boosters on the market – Heavy and less portable – Limited color options |
7. Graco RightGuide
The Graco RightGuide is an ultra-portable, backless booster that’s perfect for travel or occasional use.
Key Features:
– Compact, portable design
– Weighs only 1.9 pounds
– Contoured design for comfort
– Integrated belt guides
– Removable, machine-washable cover
– Suitable for children 50-120 lbs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Extremely lightweight and portable – Affordable price point – Easy to transfer between vehicles – Perfect for travel | – Backless design offers less side-impact protection – Minimal padding – Not suitable for younger booster riders |
8. Evenflo Big Kid LX
The Evenflo Big Kid LX offers excellent value with its 2-in-1 design and multiple height adjustments.
Key Features:
– 6-position height adjustment
– Converts from high-back to backless
– Energy-absorbing foam liner
– Two integrated cup holders
– Machine-washable pad
– Lightweight design
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Budget-friendly price – Lightweight and easy to move – Simple to clean – Good belt positioning | – Less padding than premium models – No LATCH connectors – Feels less substantial than higher-priced options |
9. Maxi-Cosi RodiFix
The Maxi-Cosi RodiFix stands out with its exceptional comfort and secure rigid LATCH system.
Key Features:
– Rigid LATCH connectors
– Air Protect technology for side impact protection
– Premium padding and fabrics
– Recline adjustment
– Belt routing indicators
– High-back design only (does not convert to backless)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Superior comfort with plush padding – Secure installation with rigid LATCH – Excellent belt positioning – European design with enhanced safety features | – Higher price point – Does not convert to backless – Heavier than many competitors |
10. BubbleBum Inflatable Booster
The BubbleBum is an innovative inflatable booster that’s perfect for travel, carpooling, or occasional use.
Key Features:
– Inflatable design deflates for easy storage
– Weighs less than 1 pound
– Narrow profile for 3-across seating
– Positioning clips for proper belt placement
– Non-slip base
– Meets all U.S. safety standards
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Ultra-portable for travel – Affordable price – Fits in backpacks, purses, or glove compartments – Ideal for rental cars or taxis | – Requires inflation before each use – Less durable than hard-sided boosters – Minimal padding – Backless design offers less protection |
Understanding Booster Seat Safety Guidelines
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children should use booster seats until they’re big enough for seat belts to fit properly—typically when they reach 4’9″ in height and are between 8-12 years old. A proper fit means the lap belt lies across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt crosses the chest (not the neck).
Before transitioning to a booster, children should remain in their forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the manufacturer. Most children aren’t ready for a booster until at least age 5, and many safety experts recommend waiting until closer to age 6.
Choosing the Right Booster Seat for Your Child
When selecting a booster seat, consider these factors