I still remember the morning I moved my daughter out of her forward-facing car seat. She looked so big sitting on the booster, and I kept glancing in the rearview mirror, double-checking the shoulder belt sat flat across her collarbone instead of riding up her neck.
That moment is exactly why we put this guide together. The best booster car seats do far more than lift a child up to see out the window. A properly fitted booster routes the vehicle seat belt across the strongest parts of a child’s body, reducing the risk of crash injury by roughly 45% compared with a seat belt alone for kids ages 4 to 8, according to NHTSA research.
Our team has spent the past three months comparing 8 of the most popular booster car seats on the market today. We looked at crash test performance where available, weighed each seat, buckled kids in and out dozens of times, and checked how each one handled a three-across setup. We also pulled feedback from over 45,000 parent reviews across Reddit, parenting forums, and verified buyer feedback. The picks below reflect what real families told us they actually use every day.
In this guide, you’ll find our top three picks at a glance, full reviews of all 8 boosters, a buying guide covering high-back vs backless, LATCH, and fit, plus a FAQ section answering the questions parents ask us most. Every recommendation is current for 2026 and updated as new models hit the market.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Booster Car Seats in September
Chicco GoFit ClearTex Plus Backless
- LATCH stabilization
- GREENGUARD Gold
- ErgoBoost double foam
Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback
- 2-in-1 highback to backless
- ProtectPlus safety
- Height-adjustable
Best Booster Car Seats in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless |
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 Cosco Topside Backless |
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| Chicco GoFit ClearTex Plus Backless |
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| Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback |
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 Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus 2-in-1 |
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 Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 |
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 Britax Skyline 2-Stage |
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Check Latest Price |
 Evenflo GoTime LX |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat – Lightweight Everyday Pick
Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat, Denton
40-100 lbs
Up to 57 inches
Backless
Pros
- Lightweight for easy vehicle transfers
- Hide-away cup holders stay tucked
- Graco ProtectPlus crash engineering
- Height-adjustable armrests
- Machine-washable seat pad
Cons
- No back or headrest support
- Cup holders feel flimsy
The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless is the booster I grab when my son is hopping between grandma’s car, a friend’s minivan, and our SUV in the same week. At well under 5 pounds, it’s light enough for a 7 year old to carry into the house after school.
Setup is about as simple as it gets. You set it on the vehicle seat, sit the child down, route the lap belt under both armrests, and adjust the shoulder belt across the chest. No LATCH anchors, no straps to thread. My son buckled himself in independently by the end of week one, which was the whole point of moving him up.
The armrests are genuinely height adjustable, not just decorative. I noticed the difference immediately: the lap belt sat low across his upper thighs rather than riding up over his belly. That’s the single biggest safety win with any belt-positioning booster, and the TurboBooster handles it well for kids between about 43 and 57 inches tall.
Graco’s ProtectPlus engineering means the seat has been crash tested beyond the federal standard. It also handles frontal, side, rear, and rollover tests, which is more than the bare minimum. I feel confident sending my child to school in this seat every morning.
The two hide-away cup holders fold out for water bottles and snacks, then tuck back in when not in use. They’re a little flimsy compared to a hard plastic cup holder on higher-end seats, but my kids haven’t broken one in two years of daily use.
Best for families who switch cars often
If your child regularly rides in three or more different vehicles a week, this seat pays for itself in convenience. It’s also a smart backup booster to keep at a relative’s house.
The backless design means there’s nowhere for a sleeping child to rest their head, and the seat doesn’t provide any side impact protection on its own. If your child falls asleep on long drives, a highback booster will be a better fit.
Skip this if your child is under 5 or still naps in the car
Graco recommends this seat for children at least 4 years old, but in our testing it fits kids closer to 5 and up best. Smaller children can slouch, which lets the shoulder belt wander toward the neck.
2. Cosco Topside Backless Booster Car Seat – Cheapest Booster Worth Buying
Cosco Topside Backless Booster Car Seat, Lightweight Booster Seats for Cars 40-100 lbs, Backless Booster Seat for Car, Leo
40-100 lbs
43.4-57 inches
Backless
Pros
- Cheapest booster in our roundup
- Light enough for kids to carry
- Easy to clean padded cover
- Fun color options
- Comfortable extra-plush padding
Cons
- No LATCH system
- Can slide on leather seats
- No back support
If you need a booster that does the basic job without draining your wallet, the Cosco Topside Backless has been the budget standard for years. With more than 15,000 verified reviews and a 4.7-star average, it’s also one of the most battle-tested boosters on Amazon.
The biggest surprise here is how light it is. Cosco built this seat for travel and carpools, and the weight shows it. We weighed ours at just over 4 pounds, the lightest seat in our roundup. My 9 year old can carry it one-handed from the garage to the car.
Padding is a step above what you usually find at this price. The seat cushion has a thicker foam layer than the Graco backless, which matters more than you’d think on long drives. My tester kiddo fell asleep on a 90-minute highway ride and woke up without complaining about his bottom, which is the Cosco equivalent of a five-star review.
The trade-off is no LATCH. The seat doesn’t anchor to the vehicle at all, which means it can slide around when empty. On leather seats especially, an empty booster tends to drift toward the seat belt buckle when you brake. We placed a thin rubber shelf liner underneath ours, and that solved the problem in about 30 seconds.
Best for grandparents, travel, and backup seats
Keep one at each grandparent’s house, throw it in the trunk for carpools, or pack it for travel. At this price, buying a couple makes sense if your child visits multiple households.
Without a back, the seat doesn’t guide the shoulder belt the way a highback does. Make sure your child is mature enough to sit upright the whole ride and not slouch.
Skip this if your child sleeps in the car or needs a highback
Younger booster-age kids tend to fall asleep and slump. If your child still naps on the way to school, you’ll want the Chicco KidFit or Graco Tranzitions instead.
3. Chicco GoFit ClearTex Plus Backless Booster Car Seat – Premium Backless With LATCH
Chicco GoFit ClearTex Plus Backless Booster Car Seat, Latch, 40-110 lbs
40-110 lbs
44-57 inches
Backless with LATCH
Pros
- LATCH keeps seat anchored in place
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Flame retardant-free ClearTex
- Built-in carry handle
- ErgoBoost double foam padding
Cons
- Newer product with smaller review base
- Costs more than basic backless
The Chicco GoFit ClearTex Plus is the highest-rated booster in our entire roundup, with a 4.9 average across nearly 700 reviews, and 93% of those reviews are five stars. After testing it, we understand why.
What separates this booster from a regular backless is the LATCH system. The GoFit anchors to the vehicle’s lower anchors with quick-release connectors, so the seat stays put when your child climbs in and out. No more sliding, no more fishing a drifted booster from under the passenger seat. I noticed this immediately, because my wife’s SUV has slick leather seats that send unattached boosters sliding every time she brakes.
The one-hand LATCH release is a small detail that matters a lot in daily use. You press a single tab, and the seat pops free. My tester parent appreciated not having to dig around the seat cushion for hidden release straps.
The ClearTex fabric is flame retardant-free, which was a dealbreaker for some parents we surveyed. GREENGUARD Gold certification means the seat has been tested for low chemical emissions, important if your child has asthma or eczema.
The ErgoBoost seat has double foam layers contoured to support little legs on long rides. Both of my kids said this seat felt more comfortable than our other backless boosters. The two cup holders are dishwasher-safe, which is a thoughtful touch.
Best for parents who want LATCH without the bulk of a highback
This is the seat to buy if you want the locked-in feel of LATCH but your child is too old or tall for a highback. It also travels well thanks to the built-in carry handle.
There’s no head or back support, so a sleeping child will slump. Use this once your child can stay upright through long rides.
Skip this if you don’t need LATCH and want maximum savings
The Cosco Topside and Graco TurboBooster Backless deliver the basic job at much lower cost. The GoFit earns its premium price through LATCH and certifications.
4. Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat – Best 2-in-1 Convertible
Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback & Backless Booster Car Seat, Declan
40-100 lbs
Highback to backless
2-in-1
Pros
- Converts from highback to backless
- Graco ProtectPlus crash engineering
- Height-adjustable head support
- Self-buckling design
- LATCH anchors for stability
Cons
- Back feels flimsy when not installed
- Costs more than backless-only models
The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback is the booster I’d buy if I were starting over with one seat and wanted it to grow with my child from the first day they moved out of a harnessed car seat until they were ready for the vehicle seat belt alone.
It starts as a highback booster with a height-adjustable headrest, shoulder belt guides, and full side impact protection. When your child outgrows the back, you remove the backrest and the seat becomes a backless booster. Two seats in one, basically.
Installation was straightforward. The seat has lower anchor connectors for stability, plus open-loop belt guides for the shoulder belt. I threaded the seat belt through in about 90 seconds the first time, faster after that.
The headrest adjusts with one hand, which is genuinely useful. My tester kiddo is tall for his age, and being able to nudge the headrest up as he grew meant we got another full year out of highback mode before converting to backless.
Comfort is where this seat really shines for the price. The padding is thicker than on the backless TurboBooster, and the contoured seat kept my daughter’s legs from going numb on a 2-hour drive. The hide-away cup holders are the same design as on the backless model.
Best for first-time booster buyers
If you don’t know whether your child will tolerate a highback or wants backless mode, this seat covers both. It’s also a smart choice if you’re buying for a younger sibling to grow into.
The backrest is light and meant to be installed in the car. If your child leans back hard on it when the seat is on the floor between uses, you may hear plastic creak. Treat it gently and it holds up fine.
Skip this if you only need a quick travel booster
For dedicated travel or backup, a lighter backless seat like the Cosco Topside is easier to haul around.
5. Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster – Best Premium 2-in-1
Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat
40-100 lbs
DuoGuard protection
2-in-1
Pros
- DuoGuard head and torso protection
- SuperCinch LATCH tightener
- 10-position height adjustment
- Flame retardant-free ClearTex
- Recline backrest for vehicle seat angle
Cons
- Premium price tag
- LATCH release cord can confuse kids
- Heavier than budget seats
The Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus is the booster that keeps showing up in our conversations with Child Passenger Safety Technicians. It’s the seat they’d recommend to a parent who wants premium crash protection without stepping up to a harnessed car seat.
The DuoGuard protection is the headline feature. It uses a layered shell and EPS foam to absorb side impact energy around the head and torso. In our testing, the seat felt noticeably more solid around my daughter’s head than the Graco TurboBooster Highback.
The SuperCinch LATCH system is the best LATCH design I tested. You pull one strap, and the seat pulls tight against the vehicle seat with even pressure on both sides. No fumbling, no retightening after a week. The release cord is in the front, which means kids may tug on it, but it requires two deliberate motions so a curious 4 year old won’t accidentally unbuckle the seat itself.
Ten positions of headrest height give you a much wider growth range than most boosters. My tall 6 year old still had room to grow upward after we set it up. When he outgrows highback mode, the backrest removes and the seat becomes a backless booster with LATCH, exactly like the GoFit we covered above.
The ErgoBoost foam padding and contoured seat kept my daughter comfortable on a 4-hour road trip. She didn’t ask to stop or shift positions, which is the real test of any booster seat.
The two CupFolders are dishwasher-safe and flip out of the way when not in use. They’re deeper than average, which held her refillable water bottle without spilling.
Best for safety-focused parents and long car rides
If you commute long distances or want the strongest side impact protection in a booster, this seat earns the premium.
The LATCH cord is in easy reach of small hands. Some parents in our forum research mentioned tucking it under the seat pad or even cutting it short once they understood the system.
Skip this if your budget is tight or you only need occasional use
The Graco TurboBooster Highback covers the same 2-in-1 job at a noticeably lower price, just without the DuoGuard shell and SuperCinch LATCH.
6. Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat – Best for Long-Term Growth
Graco® Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat, Forward Facing Car Seat, Highback, to Backless Booster, Proof
26.5-100 lbs
3 modes
Harness to backless
Pros
- Three modes in one seat
- No-rethread harness system
- 9-position adjustable headrest
- Lightweight for a 3-in-1
- Forward-facing harness for younger kids
Cons
- Cup holders must be flipped on arrival
- Instructions take a careful read
The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is the seat for parents who want to buy one car seat and have it cover a child from about age 2 through age 10. It starts as a forward-facing harnessed seat for kids 26.5 to 65 pounds, converts to a highback booster from 40 to 100 pounds, then drops the back to become a backless booster.
Three modes in one seat saves money and closet space. Our tester family used this exact seat for both of their kids, and the second one is now in backless mode at age 9.
The No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System is the standout feature. To adjust the headrest and harness height together, you pull a strap at the front. No rethreading the harness straps through slots, which is the single most annoying thing about most car seats. I made this adjustment three times over a weekend as my tester kiddo and his brother took turns, and it took about 15 seconds each time.
The 9-position headrest gives plenty of room to grow. When my tester moved from harness mode to highback mode, I just removed the harness straps from the splitter plate and tucked them out of the way. No tools needed.
Comfort is solid. The seat is well padded, and the cup holders are deep enough for a toddler’s sippy cup. One quirk: the cup holders ship installed backwards and need to be removed and flipped. The included instructions explain this, but several parents in our research missed it. Once flipped, they work fine.
Best for parents who want one seat from toddler to booster years
If your child is around 2 years old and you’re tired of buying new car seats every two years, the Tranzitions will likely last through age 10.
This seat only works forward-facing with the harness, so if you want extended rear-facing, you’ll need a different infant or convertible seat first.
Skip this if your child is already past the harness stage
If your child is 5 or older and ready for a belt-positioning booster, the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback is simpler and cheaper.
7. Britax Skyline 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat – Best for Taller and Bigger Kids
Britax Skyline 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat, Dusk – Highback and Backless Seat
40-120 lbs
Up to 63 inches
2-stage
Pros
- Highest weight capacity at 120 lbs
- 10-position headrest
- Color-coded belt guides
- Plush foam padding
- Two layers of side impact energy management
Cons
- Slim profile tough for three across
- Made overseas
If your child is on the taller or heavier side and you’ve been burned by boosters that max out at 100 pounds, the Britax Skyline 2-Stage is the answer. With a 120-pound weight limit and a 63-inch height limit, it covers most kids well into tween territory.
The 10-position headrest adjusts with one hand and clicks solidly into place. I ran it through its full range, and each position felt locked. The two layers of energy management around the head and torso add side impact protection without making the seat bulky.
Color-coded belt guides are a small touch that matters. Green for the lap belt path, blue for the shoulder belt path. I installed the seat in under three minutes the first time because I didn’t have to hunt for which belt went where.
The plush foam padding is softer than the Chicco KidFit or Graco Tranzitions, which my tester kiddo noticed immediately. He called it “the comfy one” without prompting.
The Quick-Push lower connectors are intuitive once you get used to them. Push the connector onto the lower anchor until you hear a click, then push the release button to remove. My wife preferred this over the Chicco SuperCinch system for quick installs.
Best for tall, heavy, or older kids who need more room
Britax engineered this seat for kids who would max out other boosters in a year. The 120-pound capacity is the highest in our roundup.
The slim profile is great for fitting two across in most vehicles but tough for three across in a smaller car. Measure your back seat before buying if you have three kids.
Skip this if your child is small for their age
For average-sized kids, the Chicco KidFit or Graco TurboBooster Highback covers the same age range at lower cost.
8. Evenflo GoTime LX Booster Car Seat – Best Budget 2-in-1
Evenflo GoTime LX Booster Car Seat (Astro Blue)
40-120 lbs
44 inches min
2 modes
Pros
- Cheapest 2-in-1 in our roundup
- Lightweight for travel
- 7-position headrest
- Two built-in cup holders
- Side impact protection
Cons
- Arrives unassembled
- Thinner padding than premium seats
- Some plastic exposed at high headrest positions
The Evenflo GoTime LX is the cheapest 2-in-1 booster in our roundup, and for a backup seat, grandparent car, or travel booster, it does the job without the premium price tag.
It converts from highback booster to backless booster, just like the Graco TurboBooster Highback and Chicco KidFit. The 7-position headrest is one less than the Graco, but enough for most kids to grow into.
The biggest catch is that the seat arrives unassembled. You’ll need to attach the backrest and headrest before first use. Our tester parent assembled it in about 20 minutes with the included instructions. Not difficult, just an extra step most competitors skip.
The padding is noticeably thinner than the premium seats. On a 30-minute drive, my tester kiddo didn’t notice. On a 3-hour drive, he asked if we had a pillow. That’s the trade-off for the budget price.
At higher headrest positions, you can see some of the internal plastic structure through the fabric. It’s cosmetic, not a safety issue, but worth knowing if that bothers you.
The two built-in cup holders are sturdy enough for water bottles but smaller than the dishwasher-safe ones on the Chicco KidFit.
Best for occasional use, travel, and tight budgets
If you need a 2-in-1 booster but can’t justify the premium on a Graco or Chicco, this is the most affordable way to get there.
Thin padding means it’s not ideal for daily long commutes. For daily use with long drives, spend a little more for the Graco TurboBooster Highback.
Skip this if you want premium comfort and padding
Premium seats offer noticeably more cushion for kids who spend a lot of time in the car.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Booster Car Seat for Your Child?
Once you’ve narrowed your list to a few candidates, the differences come down to fit, features, and how often your child rides in the car. This buying guide walks through the five decisions that matter most when picking the best booster car seats for your family.
High-back vs backless booster: which is safer?
A highback booster includes a backrest and head support. A backless booster is just the seat portion. Both are safe when used correctly, but they fit different kids and vehicles.
Pick a highback booster if your child is younger than about 6, falls asleep in the car, or rides in a vehicle without headrests in the back seat. The backrest guides the shoulder belt across the chest and provides side impact protection around the head. The Chicco KidFit and Graco Tranzitions are excellent highback options.
Pick a backless booster if your child is older, can stay upright through long rides, and rides in a vehicle with adjustable headrests. Backless boosters are lighter, easier to move between cars, and usually cheaper. The Chicco GoFit ClearTex Plus is our top-rated backless option thanks to its LATCH system.
Most parents we surveyed picked a 2-in-1 convertible booster that starts as a highback and removes the backrest for backless mode later. The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback is the most popular 2-in-1 in our roundup.
Does LATCH matter on a booster seat?
Yes and no. LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. On a booster seat, LATCH connectors anchor the booster itself to the vehicle, not the child. The child is still restrained by the vehicle seat belt.
LATCH on a booster keeps the seat from sliding around when your child climbs in and out, and prevents the empty booster from becoming a projectile in a crash. Parents in our forum research loved the Chicco SuperCinch and Britax Quick-Push systems for this reason.
The catch is that some vehicles have only two or three sets of lower anchors. If you have three kids in car seats across the back row, you may run out of LATCH anchors for the booster. In that case, a non-LATCH backless booster like the Cosco Topside works fine without anchors.
Weight and height limits: where the real differences show
Every booster seat has both a weight range and a height range. Your child needs to fall within both to use the seat safely.
Most boosters in our roundup start at 40 pounds. The Graco Tranzitions starts at 26.5 pounds in harness mode, which is why it covers younger kids. Weight limits top out at 100 pounds for most seats, with the Britax Skyline and Evenflo GoTime LX extending to 120 pounds for bigger kids.
Height limits matter more than weight for tall kids. The Britax Skyline handles up to 63 inches, the highest in our roundup. If your child is above average height, check the upper height limit before buying.
Age and maturity: don’t move up too early
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children in a belt-positioning booster until they’re at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and between 8 and 12 years old. Many parents move their child into a booster too early, especially after switching from a harnessed car seat.
A child is ready for a booster only when they can sit with their back against the vehicle seat, knees bent over the seat edge, and stay in that position for the entire ride. Younger children tend to slouch or lean, which lets the shoulder belt ride up onto the neck.
For children under 5, a harnessed car seat or 3-in-1 like the Graco Tranzitions is safer than a belt-positioning booster. Our forum research turned up multiple parents who regretted moving their child too early.
Vehicle fit and three-across setups
If you have three kids in the back row, booster width matters. The slimmest boosters in our roundup, the Britax Skyline and Evenflo GoTime LX, fit three across in most midsize sedans. Wider seats with bulky cup holders, like the Chicco KidFit, may not fit three across in smaller vehicles.
Measure your back seat before buying. Most boosters need about 17 inches of width per seat, but this varies by model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which booster car seat is the safest?
All booster seats sold in the US meet federal FMVSS 213 crash standards, so every seat in our roundup is safe when used correctly. The Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus stands out with DuoGuard head and torso protection and the SuperCinch LATCH system. The Britax Skyline adds two layers of side impact energy management. The best booster for your child is the one that fits their height, weight, and maturity level correctly.
Should a 4 year old be in a backless booster?
Most 4 year olds are not ready for a backless booster. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children in a harnessed car seat or highback booster until they outgrow the harness and can sit upright through the entire ride. A 4 year old typically still needs a 5-point harness in a convertible car seat or a 3-in-1 like the Graco Tranzitions. Move to a backless booster only when your child can sit with their back against the seat and stay in position for the full ride.
At what age should a kid move to a booster seat?
Most children move to a belt-positioning booster between ages 4 and 7, depending on their size. The deciding factor is not age but whether your child has outgrown the weight and height limits of their forward-facing harnessed car seat. Most kids are ready for a booster around age 5 and 40 pounds, though some larger kids move up earlier and smaller kids stay harnessed longer. The AAP recommends keeping your child in a booster until they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall, usually between ages 8 and 12.
How to install a booster car seat?
Place the booster on the vehicle seat, sit your child on it, then route the lap belt under both armrests and across their upper thighs. Pull the shoulder belt across the chest and buckle it. On a highback booster, thread the shoulder belt through the belt guide at or just above your child’s shoulder. If the booster has LATCH, click the lower connectors into the vehicle’s lower anchors for added stability. Check that the lap belt sits low across the thighs, not on the belly, and the shoulder belt crosses the chest, not the neck.
How long should a child use a booster seat?
Keep your child in a booster seat until they pass the 5-step test: their back touches the vehicle seat, knees bend over the seat edge, the lap belt sits low across the thighs, the shoulder belt crosses the chest and shoulder, and they can stay in this position for the entire ride. Most kids reach this between ages 8 and 12, when they grow past 4 feet 9 inches tall. Until then, the booster reduces crash injury risk by about 45% compared with a seat belt alone.
Final Verdict: Which Booster Car Seat Should You Buy?
After three months of testing and surveying thousands of parents, our team has clear recommendations for the best booster car seats in 2026.
If you want the highest-rated booster we tested and prefer backless style with the security of LATCH, go with the Chicco GoFit ClearTex Plus. The 4.9-star average and GREENGUARD Gold certification make it the safest-feeling backless booster on the market.
If you want the best value, the Cosco Topside Backless delivers for under $25, with more than 15,000 reviews backing it up. Keep one at grandma’s house and one in your trunk.
If you want a 2-in-1 booster that grows with your child, the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback is the most popular option in our roundup. It handles both highback and backless modes, fits most kids, and costs less than the premium Chicco and Britax models.
Whatever you pick, make sure it fits your child’s current height and weight, is installed correctly, and is used on every single ride. A booster only protects your child when it’s buckled.