Best Booster Seats
When your child outgrows the forward-facing harness on their car seat — typically around 40 to 65 pounds — a booster seat is the next step. Boosters lift your child so the vehicle's lap-and-shoulder belt fits correctly across the chest and hips instead of riding up over the neck and abdomen. Here are the best high-back and backless boosters based on independent crash testing and ease of use.
High-Back Boosters
Nuna AACE
Top crash-test performance with premium build
- Outstanding crash-test analysis scores in independent testing
- LATCH connectors keep the booster anchored when empty
- 12-position height-adjustable headrest
- Side-impact protection with deep energy-absorbing wings
- 40–120 lbs, 38–57 inches tall
Britax Grow With You ClickTight
Harness-to-booster versatility with easy install
- Starts as a harnessed seat (25–65 lbs), converts to booster (40–120 lbs)
- ClickTight installation system for secure seat-belt attachment
- SafeCell impact-absorbing base and steel frame
- Built-in harness storage when in booster mode
- Two layers of side-impact protection
Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus
Comfortable, well-priced, and easy for kids to use
- DuoZone side-impact protection at head and shoulders
- Push-style LATCH connectors with front tightening strap
- Converts from high-back to backless booster
- Dual cup holders plus a snack accessory box
- 40–110 lbs, lightweight at under 12 lbs
Diono Monterey 4DXT
Adjustable width and height for years of growth
- Nearly 10 inches of expandable torso width adjustment
- Huge headrest height range for tall kids
- Reinforced side-impact protection panels
- LATCH-equipped for secure anchoring
- 40–120 lbs, up to 63 inches tall
Backless Boosters
Graco TurboBooster 2.0
The best-selling backless booster for a reason
- Color-coded belt guides show correct belt positioning
- Hidden, retractable cup holders
- Machine-washable seat pad
- Lightweight and portable at under 5 lbs
- 40–100 lbs, 43–57 inches tall
BubbleBum Inflatable Booster
Ultraportable — deflates to fit in a backpack
- Weighs under 1 lb and rolls up in its own travel bag
- Inflates in seconds with no pump needed
- Ideal for carpools, taxis, travel, and grandparent vehicles
- 40–100 lbs
- Average crash-test analysis — better than going without a booster
Your child is ready to ride without a booster when they can: (1) sit all the way back against the vehicle seat, (2) have knees bend naturally at the edge of the seat, (3) the lap belt sits low across the hips, (4) the shoulder belt crosses the center of the chest, and (5) they can maintain this position for the entire ride. Most children pass this test between ages 8 and 12.