Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • Moms Run the World
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT
    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides with your most fertile ovulation days, you'll increase your chances of getting pregnant. Get to know each phase of your cycle to make conception faster and easier.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY
    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES
    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY
    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID
    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN
    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH
    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING
    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY
    19 Mother's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

    19 Mother's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

    Moms love nothing more than a handmade present on Mother's Day. Help the kids make mom feel special with a creative gift from the heart!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • Moms Run the World
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • #ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. Home
  2. Toddlers & Preschoolers
  3. Gear
  4. Car Seats
  5. The Best Booster Car Seats of 2021

The Best Booster Car Seats of 2021

By Nicole Harris
Updated March 17, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
kids in booster seats
Credit: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Booster seats help your child’s seat belt fit properly, which reduces the risk of injury if you get into a car accident. Get up to speed on booster seat safety requirements for kids of different ages and weights, and check out our picks for the best high-back and backless options on the market today. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Booster Seat Requirements

An image of a little boy in a carseat.
Credit: Getty Images.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, when children exceed the limits of a forward-facing car seat, they should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s lap and shoulder seat belt fits properly. This typically happens when they’re about 4 feet 9 inches tall and between 8 to 12 years of age. “Most children will not fit in most vehicle seat belts without a booster until 10 to 12 years of age,” says the AAP. 

  • The 20 Best Family Cars

1 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Types of Booster Seats

young girl in car booster seat
Credit: Shutterstock.com

Are you in the market for a new booster seat? Start by understanding the two standard types: high-back and backless. Use a high-back booster if your vehicle has low seat backs or no headrests. Backless boosters can be used in vehicles with high seat backs and headrests. 

Combination seats are also available for children. According to the AAP, “Many seats that look like high-back boosters are actually combination seats. They come with harnesses that can be used for smaller children and, later, removed for older children.”

2 of 12

3 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Best Booster Seats

Little boy using smartphone in car
Credit: ArtFamily/shutterstock 

We rounded up nine of the best backless booster seats and best high-back booster seats available today. They all received the "best bet" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which tests and evaluates booster seats to find the ones that best protect your child. Browse our list and check out more top-rated booster seat options from IIHS here.

  • How to Safely Match a Car Seat with Your Car

3 of 12

Advertisement

4 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat

Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
SHOP IT

Designed to grow with your child, this booster seat has three separate modes: forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds), high-back booster (40-100 pounds), and backless booster (40-100 pounds). It also has an adjustable headrest with eight positions, two cup holders, a machine washable seat pad, and open-loop belt guides for proper seat belt positioning. And let’s not forget that it's lightweight and easily portable—a major win for busy parents!

4 of 12

5 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster Car Seat

Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster Car Seat
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
SHOP IT

Kids grow quickly, and the Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster Seat accommodates them with 10 positions of DuoGuard protection. Parents can stabilize the seat with a “SuperCinch” one-pull tightener and premium LATCH connectors. Other features include belt guides, energy-absorbing foam that protects against impacts, and two levels of recline. As a bonus, you can remove the backrest to transform it into a backless booster seat, making it a versatile option for any family. 

5 of 12

6 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Britax Grow With You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat

Britax Grow With You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
SHOP IT

This easy-to-install product changes with your child; it easily converts from a forward-facing harness seat to a belt-positioning booster seat. Your child will be extra comfortable during road trips, thanks to soft pads and four-way stretch fabric. They’ll also be guarded by two layers of side impact protection around the head, neck, and torso—along with SafeCell Impact Technology that absorbs energy from a crash through a “crumple zone.”

6 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Graco TurboBooster Backless Booster Car Seat

Graco TurboBooster Backless Booster Car Seat
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
SHOP IT

Backless booster seats can help transition older children out of a high-back booster seat, and they’re also more portable and less expensive to boot. Our top pick is the Graco TurboBooster Backless Booster Seat, which has gone through rigorous crash testing to meet or exceed safety standards. Because comfort is essential during long road trips, it’s also equipped with padded armrests and hide-away cup holders for your little one (and don’t worry—the cushions can be removed for easy cleaning!)

7 of 12

8 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Highback Booster Car Seat

Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
SHOP IT

This best booster seat has two modes—forward-facing harness and high-back booster—that accommodate children from 22 pounds to 110 pounds. The five-point harness mode works for children 28 to 50 inches tall, and it comes with an easy front-access adjuster. The high-back booster mode, which is suited for those 44 to 57 inches tall, has a shoulder belt guide that automatically puts it in the proper position. Parents will approve of the machine-washable seat pads that make cleaning easy—especially since the booster seat has dual cup holders for drinks and snacks. Above all else, the Evenflo Maestro has undergone rigorous side impact and dynamic rollover tests, and it meets or exceeds industry safety standards. 

8 of 12

9 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Graco Affix Highback Booster Seat with Latch System

Graco Affix Highback Booster Seat with Latch System
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
SHOP IT

This booster seat will stay securely in place, thanks to a one-hand front-adjust Latch system that allows for independent self-buckling. While on road trips, kids can relax against the seat’s multi-layer adjustable headrest, and parents can breathe easy knowing that it will protect against frontal, rear, side, and rollover crashes. Cup holders and storage compartments are an added bonus, whether the booster is in high-back mode or backless mode. 

9 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Clek Oobr Booster Seat

Clek Oobr Booster Seat
SHOP IT

This modern booster seat markets itself as “oobr safe and “oobr cool.” It’s made with a magnesium frame that protects the torso during side-impact collisions, as well as a structural headrest that improves head protection. Other impressive features include seat belt guides, an energy-absorbing foam layer, and a rigid-LATCH system that locks the seat in place for added stability. The price tag on this booster seat is a little steeper than some other options, but since it can also be converted to backless mode, you might be able to justify it. 

10 of 12

11 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Graco TurboBooster High Back Booster Seat

Graco TurboBooster Highback Booster Seat
SHOP IT

If you’re looking for a high-back design, consider the Graco TurboBooster High Back Booster Seat, which also converts into backless mode. Parents love that it offers impressive features at an affordable price, including head support and armrests, open-loop belt guides, space-saving cup holders, and energy-absorbing foam.

11 of 12

12 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat

BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
SHOP IT

Sometimes you desperately need an easy-to-transport booster seat (carpooling or vacations, anyone?). Enter the BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat, made with foam technology to keep your little one safe. It has a fold-away design that children can carry themselves, and it can easily fit into backpacks or purses. Choose from a few different colors including black, pink, and green.

12 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Nicole Harris

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 12 Booster Seat Requirements
    2 of 12 Types of Booster Seats
    3 of 12 The Best Booster Seats
    4 of 12 Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat
    5 of 12 Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster Car Seat
    6 of 12 Britax Grow With You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat
    7 of 12 Graco TurboBooster Backless Booster Car Seat
    8 of 12 Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Highback Booster Car Seat
    9 of 12 Graco Affix Highback Booster Seat with Latch System
    10 of 12 Clek Oobr Booster Seat
    11 of 12 Graco TurboBooster High Back Booster Seat
    12 of 12 BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

    Login

    Shop | Parents

    • Diaper Bags
    • Maternity Clothing
    • Prenatal Vitamins
    • Car Seats
    • Breast Pumps
    • Maternity Dresses
    • Baby Shower Gifts
    • Baby Gates
    • Pregnancy Pillows
    • Kids Backpacks
    • Shop More Next

    Parents may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

    Parents

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
    • Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithParents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

    View image

    The Best Booster Car Seats of 2021
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.