Here’s an overview of the Best Booster Car that we’ll explore today:
Booster car seats are a critical step in keeping older children safe on every road trip. They bridge the gap between harnessed seats and seat belts, ensuring proper belt placement, head support, and rider comfort as kids grow. This comparison analyzes five widely available booster options from Graco, Nuby, and Cosco, covering a price range from budget to premium to help families choose based on safety features, longevity, portability, and everyday usability.
1. Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat
- Brand: Graco
- Manufacturer: Graco
The Denton backless model is a value-forward option from Graco that emphasizes safety with Graco ProtectPlus Engineered and a sturdy, lightweight design. It targets big-kid use from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall, with an emphasis on a clean, modern aesthetic and practical features like hide-away cup holders and a height-adjustable armrest. Its lack of latches is a notable constraint in some vehicles, but the model adheres to FMVSS 213 standards and is positioned as a cost-conscious solution for parents who don’t need extra head or belt guides beyond proper belt fit.
In real-world use, this backless booster should excel for families with vehicles where install ease and belt positioning are straightforward. The absence of a harness means it relies entirely on the vehicle belt system, so in cars with awkward belt routing, the open-loop guides may help but won’t assist belt routing as a highback would. With a 4.8/5 user rating from over 9,000 reviews, it shows strong satisfaction, particularly around comfort and long-term fit as kids mature into the tallest category. The weight is light at about 5.09 pounds, contributing to portability within a family that rotates seats among cars.
Pros
- Strong safety reputation via Graco ProtectPlus Engineered
- High weight/height range (40-100 lbs, up to 57 inches)
- Low weight and portable design
- Hide-away cup holders and modern look
Cons
- No LATCH connectors on this backless model
- Relies entirely on vehicle seat belt for installation
- Backless only; no head/neck support options
2. Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat
- Brand: Graco
- Manufacturer: Graco
Declan is Graco’s premium highback variant in the TurboBooster 2.0 line, offering a 2-in-1 solution that can convert from highback to backless as a child grows. It features Graco ProtectPlus Engineered for crash testing across frontal, side, and rollover scenarios, plus a fully adjustable headrest and open-loop belt guides to aid proper belt positioning. The seat is designed for the same age/weight range as the backless option (40-100 pounds, up to 57 inches), but adds head/torso support and a more versatile form factor for growing children.
In day-to-day use, Declan delivers a more secure and comfortable ride with a 2-in-1 footprint, making it a longer-lasting choice for a single seat that can adapt from highback to backless. The open-loop belt guides assist with belt positioning, and the machine-washable padding can ease maintenance. However, it is heavier (around 6 pounds) and comes with a higher price point at $74.97, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Overall, it excels for families seeking growth longevity and stronger head/torso support.
Pros
- 2-in-1 highback-to-backless design for growth
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered safety
- Fully adjustable headrest and seat belt guides
- Machine-washable seat pad and material durability
Cons
- Higher price point
- Heavier compared to backless-only models
- Latches not included in this model
3. Nuby Easy Go Booster Seat – Travel Booster Seat for Babies
- Brand: Nuby
- Manufacturer: Nuby
The Nuby Easy Go is positioned as a portable travel booster with a lightweight, collapsible design and a 3-point harness for security. It’s rated for up to 50 pounds, which is slightly higher than some compact travel boosters, and it emphasizes ease of cleaning and compact storage with a foldable frame. This model emphasizes travel usability and quick setup, making it a strong option for families who need a booster for occasional trips or rental cars.
Real-world use highlights its portability and simple 3-point harness, which makes it straightforward for quick setup in unfamiliar vehicles. The trade-off is that it is not a full highback experience, and the comfort padding, while removable, may not be as plush as larger, fixed-seat boosters. Cleaning is straightforward due to water- and stain-resistant coatings, and its compact size is a clear benefit for travel-heavy households.
Pros
- Very portable and travel-friendly
- Lightweight (1.7 pounds) with foldable design
- 3-point harness provides secure fit for younger toddlers
- Water- and stain-resistant coating for easy cleaning
Cons
- Limited to 50-35 pounds range depending on model variant
- Backless/travel-only use may lack head/neck support
- Wipe-clean fabric may wear faster with heavy use
4. Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat
- Brand: Graco
- Manufacturer: Graco
Trisha is a backless variant in the TurboBooster 2.0 line that emphasizes easy maintenance with a machine-washable seat pad and a modern aesthetic. It shares the same core safety framework with Graco ProtectPlus Engineered and targets a growth range of 40-100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. The halfway cup holders are designed to keep drinks accessible for kids while reducing spills, and the overall build quality aligns with Graco’s reputation for durable, everyday-use boosters.
In practice, Trisha benefits families looking for a straightforward, easy-clean booster with strong crash-tested credentials. The absence of latches means relying on seat belt fit, which is common in backless designs, so belt routing in some vehicles may be easier than others. With a rating of 4.8/5 from over 9,000 reviews, user sentiment is high for comfort and security, and the accessible cup holders add practicality for snacks and drinks on the go.
Pros
- Excellent safety reputation with ProtectPlus Engineered
- Machine-washable seat pad for easy cleaning
- Hide-away cup holders and comfortable design
- Similar weight/size range to other TurboBooster models
Cons
- Backless design lacks head/neck support
- No LATCH on backless variant
- May not suit vehicles with tight belt routing as well as highback models
5. Cosco Topside Backless Booster Car Seat
- Brand: Cosco
- Manufacturer: Cosco
The Cosco Topside Backless offers a compact, budget-friendly backless booster designed for children 40-100 pounds and 43.4 to 57 inches tall. It emphasizes portability and a lightweight frame (2.2 pounds) with basic 3-point belt integration. The Leo colorway and fabric construction keep costs low while delivering essential booster function—height increase to position seat belts correctly and a simple, straightforward installation experience.
In daily usage, Topside provides good value for families who switch seats or need a portable option for carpooling. Its 3-point harness in a backless format means belt fit is vehicle-dependent; users should confirm proper belt routing and ensure the child meets height requirements. The 2.2-pound weight makes it exceptionally easy to move between vehicles, though the lower-end padding and fabric may not be as plush as higher-priced options.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point at $25.99
- Very lightweight and portable (2.2 lbs)
- Simple installation and compact footprint
- Appropriate weight/height range (40-100 lbs, 43.4”-57”)
Cons
- Backless design lacks head/neck support
- Fabric and padding are less plush than higher-end models
- Seat belt positioning depends on vehicle fit and belt path
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about booster cars to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
.
.
Final thoughts here.