Best Travel Booster Seats (Top 12 Picks That Will Astonish You)

$$ — Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Harness Booster Seat ~ 15.17 pounds - An exceptional model with maximum safety features, adjustable design, and high portability. It also offers a more extended lifespan and growing room for your children. But, it has tricky installation. Suitable for: 22-100 pounds kids.

$ — Graco TurboBooster Stretch Booster Seat ~ 11.28 pounds - Best for comfort benefits, including growing design and maximum ventilation. It's more stable with the LATCH installation process. However, it has specific open loops issues. Suitable for: 40-100 pounds children.

$ — BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Car Seat ~ 0.9375 pounds - The lightest travel car seats. It offers the most adjustable design. It quickly inflates and deflates for maximum portability and carrying around. Still, it can be unstable sometimes. Suitable for: 40-100 pounds kiddos.

$ — Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat ~ 10.2 pounds - Best for the Duo-zone protection and maximum support for your growing child. The seat also includes double foam padding with a particular system to offer better stability, comfort, and support. Suitable for: 40-100 pounds kids.

$ — Cosco Topside Booster Car Seat ~ 2 pounds - Fitting three across, with updated design and materials so that it won't harm your vehicle seat. Thanks to the additional soft content, it confirms more comfort for your kid. Yet, some find it too hard and unpractical. Suitable for: 40-100 pounds children.

$ — Evenflo Big Kid AMP High Back Booster Car Seat ~ 8 pounds - The lightest car seat on the market currently. It fits your growing children and adds more space and room for their development, offering more coziness and stability. Nonetheless, many find it uncomfortable. Suitable for: 22-110 pounds kiddos.

$$ — Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat ~ 12 pounds - A more expensive model, but with maximum safety and security standards. It offers complete side-impact protection and a durable frame to protect your kids in an accident. Nevertheless, it has specific color issues. Suitable for: 40-120 pounds kids.

$ — hiccapop UberBoost Inflatable Booster Car Seat ~ 1.3 pounds - Highly convenient and portable, suitable for carrying around. Filled with air for more robust use and is sturdier than other competitors. And due to the particular bottom part, it won't move around. But, not for everyday travel. Suitable for: 40-110 pounds children.

$ — Diono Cambria 2 Latch, 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Seat ~ 12.1 pounds - The best booster with a proper LATCH installation for more stability and security on the road. Six different headrest positions offer more softness and better body posture for your kid. However, it doesn't have padding, so it might be uncomfy. Suitable for: 40-120 pounds kiddos.

$$ — mifold hifold fit-and-fold Highback Booster Seat ~ 10 pounds - Offers a three-point harness system for more stability. Thanks to 243 individual adjustment settings, it's the most flexible car seat. And it fits three across. Still, it's somewhat pricey. Suitable for: 40-100 pounds kids.

$$ — Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 ~ 2.4 pounds - Best booster substitution. It fits three across and offers increased torso protection. More flexible than the standard 5-point harness system. Yet, the crotch strap is too tight. Suitable for: 30-60 pounds children.

$ — mifold Original grab-and-go Car Booster Seat ~ 1.7 pounds. Best foldable travel booster, extraordinarily portable, and effortless to carry. NHTSA tested, stable, and secure for more extended use. Nevertheless, it might be uncomfy and tricky to install with seat belts. Suitable for: 40-100 pounds kiddos.

#1. Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Harness Booster Seat - Maximum Safety Standards

Why should you opt for the Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 booster car seat?

Firstly, its design will wow you!

Аs you will find, the booster is perfect since it offers ideal accommodation for your kid, from toddler years to their youth. So, you can use it as a:

So, the car seat is flexible and versatile to last longer and provide more convenient use.

Also, to increase safety standards and meet all rules, the brand has increased the minimum weight limit from 30 to 40 pounds, so your kids can use it for an extended period and have better stability and security while on the road.

Moreover, the booster car seat includes the non-rethreading harness system that allows both the harness and headrest to adjust in one motion.

Besides, you don't have to install and reinstall the harness all the time - you can effortlessly move your baby in and out of the car seat.

You will love it since the car seat is lightweight and portable, so it's super-convenient for all active and busy parents who use it regularly and travel a lot.

In addition, you can quickly move it around more cars, and the booster will adjust to your needs.

Your kids will have maximum comfort, as the car seat includes a one-hand, 8-position adjustable headrest growing with your child. So, the kiddo can find the best body posture, and the seat will offer the best support.

Don't worry about the installation - it's super stable and manageable.

As you will see, the seat belt has loop guides, suitable for proper attachments and correct installation. So, the seat will be stable and balanced while on the road.

#2. Graco TurboBooster Stretch Booster Seat - Most Comfortable

What's so unique about the Graco stretch booster car seat?

Well, it will wow you, as the unit has the best adaption and adjustability for your growing child. How so?

Well, it includes nine different reclining positions of headrest and backrest; therefore, it easily adjusts to your developing kiddo.

In addition, the head and backrest are independent, offering an effortless adjusting process for you, but the child too since they can find a proper body position, and the seat will support them more.

However, that's not all, as the booster seat includes the complete ventilation process. 

Namely, the content is full of breathable mesh, with maximum airflow channels for maximum air circulation. So, it keeps your little one cool, calm, relaxed, and comfortable inside the car seat.

But, the most substantial benefit is the improved and advanced side-impact protection for your baby. It's adjustable, and you will moderate it well to offer more support and stability for your kiddo. Thus, the child will be safer and more secure.

Also, the booster car seat offers a wing design, protecting the head in all car crashes for more safety standards. So, your little one remains intact and untouchable even in accidents.

And, even if the frame cracks or breaks, the kid remains safe and stable. So, don't worry about their safety.

Your kiddo can self-buckle with the open seat belt loop guides. So, the belt will cover their shoulder and upper thighs instead of the neck and stomach part, which is dangerous. Thus, it will always fit them.

And, thanks to the integrated cup holder, the kids can store their favorite drinks and snacks there, keeping them close and enjoying the ride more. So, you can focus on the road better.

And, if they make a mess, you can easily clean it.

#3. BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat - Best Performance

The BubbleBum backless booster seat must have caught your eye in at least one of your booster reviews.

The inflatable design is increasingly popular among traveling parents nowadays since we are all looking for convenience and comfort at a budget-friendly price.

Are you looking for the lightest version of the booster seat possible? What does 1 pound sound like? Yes, you read that correctly.

This booster car seat is light enough for you not even to feel it in the backpack. Not only this but once it’s deflated and rolled up, you can have extra space in your bag for those travel snacks.

I tried my share of backless boosters, and BubbleBum always seems to find its way back to me.

I cannot tell you how convenient it has made all the hectic rides with a kid by my side. It’s a great booster to have with you when you need a quick installation in a taxi or an Uber, even during travels.

However, there is something I need to discuss with you. Since it is so light, it may not be the top choice for wiggly children. It’s known for slipping away if it’s overinflated or not appropriately secured.

Other than this, I find it to be one of the best travel booster options for parents who do not want heavy luggage every time they decide it’s time for a vacay with kiddos.

Since kids are known to get messy from time to time, the BubbleBum travel booster seat is straightforward to clean! There is no need for machine wash, just wipe the cover and let it air-dry.

You should also know that this backless booster seat is designed to support children between 40 and 100 lbs, and it meets all federal regulations, even when it’s deflated!

#4. Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat - Best Support and Stability

The following booster car seat will definitely win your heart due to its protection design.

Namely, the Chicco booster car seat is extraordinary due to its flawless duo-zone shoulder and head side-impact protection with ten different positions.

As a result, your kiddo will have maximum security and stability and maximum comfort, and the proper body posture.

Moreover, thanks to the effortless installation process, the booster car seat is ideal.

As you will see, the booster car seat includes the LATCH system and connectors with a super Cinch one-pull tightening system. Therefore, both the child and seat will be balanced and stable during the ride.

Of course, the seat also offers maximum support thanks to the double foam padding and the Ergo Boost contoured design that easily adjusts to your kid's needs.

So, the car seat will support your kid's correct body position and offer a more comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.

If you want more space, you can detach and remove two cup holders on both sides of the booster seat. However, your kids can place their favorite snacks and drinks inside and enjoy car travel more.

And, when they become too messy, you can clean the seat and holders easily. So, it saves your time and energy.

And, since the Chicco booster car seat offers a 2-in-1 one design, you can either use it as a highback booster seat or a backless booster seat. Both modes are safe for your kiddos, but you stick to the safety rules.

And, to choose the best position, you can remove the reclining backrest.

As I've already said, kids will have maximum comfort.

Another reason for this is the breathable and soft material the seat offers. So, they won't be pressured, sweaty, or repressed for more extended periods.

#5. Cosco Topside Booster Car Seat - Best Quality

If inflatable booster seats are not up to your alley of likings, how does a traditional plus booster car seat sound like?

There is no such thing better than going back to the roots and choosing a trustworthy model.

The Cosco Topside Booster seat offers secure support to children between 40 and 100 lbs and 43’’ to 57’’ inches in height.

The main advantage of this booster seat is that you will likely use this one for a very long time, and everyone loves getting a good deal!

Since inflatable and foldable booster seats are incredibly lightweight, they are also quite uncomfy for the little ones. A traditional model like this offers plush padding and gives your child "a boost" to reach those few inches of the car seat belt.

The lightweight design makes it that much lovable among travelers. It’s light to move it from car to car, as well as to pack it in a carry-on and to store it above your airplane seat.

According to the numerous parent comments, this backless booster seat is convenient for fit three across installations. It’s an excellent purchase for growing families looking to save up on both space and budget.

The ultimate benefit of the booster seat has got to be its design.

Now, you might think, what’s so special about it? It looks like a regular booster seat, right? Wrong! The bottom side of the booster is designed to leave the car seat unmarked.

Consider this one your best buy for all of you who are looking to protect your car seats as best as possible. No more marks or scratches on the car seat; the Cosco Topside has come to your rescue.

#6. Evenflo Big Kid AMP High Back Booster Car Seat - Best for Growing Children

The Evenflo highback booster car seat is an exceptional model with two modes of use.

The seat will effortlessly transform from a highback to a backless booster car seat and offer better stability and comfort for older and bigger kids.

The seat is also fantastic since it gives an extra boost for your kids when they need it for a proper vehicle seat belt fit.

So, it will restrain them adequately, covering the shoulders and upper thighs instead of stomachs and necks. And, you don't have to worry about their safety.

In addition, you will love it due to six different height adjustment positions. You can do it with only one hand and offer your kids a better fit as they develop and grow. And, as previously mentioned, the seat belt also provides a proper fit.

Your kiddo will be more convenient on the road with the two integrated cup holders where they can place their beverages or snacks and relax more in the seat. And if they become messy, you can easily clean them for subsequent use.

Of course, the seat will also be effortless to clean and maintain due to the removable car seat pad that is machine washable and effortless to maintain. Thus, it will save your time and energy, and you can dry it safely for more robust use.

Thanks to its dimensions and weight, the car seat will be adjustable and easy to move from one vehicle to another, so it's an ideal option for all on-the-go families. Therefore, you can set off on an adventure wherever you like.

And, due to the breathable materials, the car seat will offer ventilation and total air circulation to keep your kid cool, calm, and relaxed for an extended period.

#7. Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat - Best Side-impact and Overall Protection

The Britax booster car seat is a perfect model for all parents due to its top safety features. Trust me when I say that it's more advanced than any other car seat on the market!

The 2-in-1 booster is ideal since it offers both highback and backless modes for all toddlers and older kids. So, they can use the seat for an extended period, and you don't have to obtain different cores for different growing stages.

But, the seat offers the best protection and excellent safety standards.

As you will see, the unit has three layers of side-impact protection, offering more support to the torso, neck, and head. So, your kids remain untouchable in all crashes.

In addition, the 10-position quick-adjust headrest offers a better fit and better body posture for your kid. And, the fabrics and nap-friendly padding are comfortable and suitable for more extended use. So, the car seat will make them softer and cozier.

Of course, the car seat has a SecureGuard belt clip that correctly positions the vehicle seat belt and fits your little one.

Besides, the color-coded belt guides will show you where you will place the seat belt and add more safety and stability to your little one. Or they can do it alone.

Thanks to the lower anchors, the car seat will be well-balanced, stable, and fixed when installed in the vehicle's back. So, it cannot move around, and your kiddo will also be safe and sound on the road. The connectors lock into place with an audible click.

And, thanks to the removable cover, the car seat is easy to clean and maintain between rides.

The same goes with two cup holders - you can effortlessly clean them once the kids make a mess.

#8. hiccapop UberBoost Inflatable Booster Car Seat - Most Sturdy Inflated Model

An inflatable backless booster has caught my attention, and it makes me wonder. If there are numerous travel booster seats in the market, it must be a puzzle for making a first time purchase.

But, that’s what I’m here for, to make your choice easier. Let’s see how the hiccapop UberBoost inflatable booster compares to a similar model by BubbleBum.

Okay, so right from the start, these two differ in design.

While BubbleBum is filled with foam, the hiccapop is air-filled and constructed out of a thick vinyl bladder. However, it does feel sturdy once it is inflated and reaches full size.

The shoulder belt guides contain a clamp lock, which is always preferable when making adjustments. For parents who meet with the clamp lock for the first time, you are in for a treat.

Another difference between the boosters is that the BubbleBum supports little ones up to 100 lbs while the hiccapop has a 10 lbs advantage added. So if you feel like this makes a significant difference, go for the hiccapop backless booster seat.

The bottom cover is made of gritty material, ensuring the booster seat does not slide over to the other side. If your child gets restless after a few hours of traveling, you will need a secure booster seat that stays in place.

The booster served many when fit three across installation was needed.

Although it is quite roomy, the narrow design is just right when you need more than two boosters in the back seat.

On the side, you will find a metal belt loop designed to fit all types of three-point harness. Whatever type of ride you rent or book, the one and only hiccapop is made to work everywhere.

#9. Diono Cambria 2 Latch, 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Seat - Best for Ergonomic Design

And why should you never skip the Diono travel booster car seat?

Well, the Diono travel booster is ideal for your traveling needs, as the car seat has a newer, recently updated system technology.

So, it offers two modes of use - a high back and a backless mode, with removable and easy to clean and maintain fabrics.

The materials and content are machine washable and dry safe; therefore, the cleaning process will be quick and effortless. Therefore, the car seat is always fresh and ready for subsequent use.

The car seat fits all growing kids, offering more room and space for their development.

Also, your kids will have increased comfort in the XL ergonomically designed wide booster seat, as the unit will follow their body posture and reduce pressure, sweat and discomfort.

Also, with the extra length for better comfort, leg support, and non-slip materials, the car seat keeps your child stable and secure. It's offering more security and support for their growth and full development, So, the seat will fully adjust to their needs.

You will also love it, as the booster seat is highly portable, convenient, and extremely lightweight. So, you can quickly transfer and move it between vehicles and use it for different travel types.

The car seat will offer maximum comfort for your kiddo with the six different headrest positions and reclining options.

Also, it will follow their proper body posture and make it more convenient for more robust use. And, all this is possible with the easy, one-hand adjustment.

Finally, you will love it as it offers the most secure installation with the LATCH connectors and attachment points.

In addition, the same system will provide a self-buckling process for your kiddo, so they can fit it as they like.

#10. hifold fit-and-fold high back booster seat - Best Adjustment System

If your kiddo is not so little anymore and now needs a high back booster seat, I have prepared a few options.

One of them is the innovative hifold fit and fold booster seat that amazed many on-the-go traveling parents.

I’m not going to mull on the weight of this car booster seat. Let’s just say that 10-pound weight is a whopping number that you won’t find in many high back booster seats fit for traveling.

As for the size, when folded, it reaches 13,5 inches square. With this compact size, it can easily fit in a backpack or a carry bag without adding excessive weight.

Now here is the real x-factor. The high back booster seat offers 243 individual settings combinations. It is adjustable to fit children of most ages with the help of nine height settings.

I would recommend this travel booster seat to those who are transitioning from a car seat and older ones who are not ready for a seat belt yet.

That being said, both categories of children can enjoy the booster seat for a longer time, giving you a sound mind and a wise purchase choice.

Another great benefit of the travel booster seat is that you can easily fit three across the back seat. Due to its narrow design, it makes a perfect companion when you rent out a car.

The bottom line, I genuinely recommend this seat if you are willing to spend a couple of more bucks than usual. Its high price can sometimes reject parents, but the price is a fair point when you consider the prolonged use.

The only downside is that the booster seat does not have a 5 point harness or switches to a backless booster.

#11. Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 - Best Booster Alternative

Sure, inflatable and foldable booster seats are impressive but have you heard of Ride Safer Travel Vest. Yes! You read it correctly.

A travel vest is an excellent booster seat alternative but with an added torso protection. Hop on to see what’s so revolutionary about this product.

If you scroll to see the mifold booster seat, you will notice that they kind of work in the same way. They do not give children a boost to the car seat belt, but it brings the seat belt closer to them.

The way you put it on a child is like you would an ordinary vest. Strap it on with a velcro panel and secure the metal buckle in the back and the front. The whole process is pretty much self-explanatory.

Here is a video for a better explanation.

The travel vest is entirely safe for children with passing all the necessary Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, so you can legally use it in the U.S.

Though this is a vest in design, it’s still considered to be a booster mostly. It provides all the mobility that the 5-point harness usually wouldn’t.

Still, I’d let you be the judge whether your child is ready for this type of restraint system.

The best thing about this travel booster seat is that you can leave it attached to the rental you are taking. There is no need to attach it each time you need to use it. Simply unbuckle the seatbelt and secure the child.

I love the fact that you can just roll it up in a bag while you wait for your Uber to arrive. You know you will not waste time with installation after it comes. Ride Safer is all about helping parents under the cosh.

#12. mifold grab and go Car Booster Seat - Foldable Master

It seems as though the mifold Grab and Go Booster are taking the world by storm!

Although it may not offer superb comfort, it remains one of the most popular backless booster options. So, why is that exactly?

Much like the Ride Safer Travel Vest, mifold booster seat does not give the children "a boost" to their seat belts. It instead keeps them flat and pulls the seat belt down to secure them safely.

When it’s folded completely, the booster car seat is around 2 inches thick! Can you imagine just how convenient that is when your bags are already full of travel necessities?

However, many parents question mifold safety.

Let me tell you, this travel backless booster seat has been carefully tested and meets all the NHTSA standards and regulations.

But, quite a few had problems with installations, reporting that the travel booster seat is fiddly and did not fit their car seat belt guide.

So, to avoid any stressful situations as soon as you land, I recommend you give the mifold a try a couple of times at home.

Okay, so we need to discuss the most controversial issue of the backless booster seat, and that is comfort.

Since the seat lacks significant padding, you will hear a lot of complaints from the back seat. If this is something, you can deal with and look past at, great! I cannot, so I would recommend you opt for a padded seat instead if the comfort of your child is a priority.

Although the seat is made out of dense foam, I still wonder if the compact version is worth it due to poor comfort.

If you are to make a compromise, I am sure this will make an excellent portable booster seat for all your travel adventures.

1. Booster Seats Requirements & Types

Once your child outgrows its convertible car seat, it’s time to choose the best boosters for all of your family trips.

It is advised to keep children secure during transportation in a 5-point harness as long as possible. But, when you switch to booster seats, this may not always be possible.

Some of the market models will offer a 5-point harness, and some will only supply belt guides and seat belts.

If you feel like your child needs torso support for a little while longer, then I recommend you go for the Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5. (Check the full review HERE).

Some of the parents may still be in the blue when choosing booster seats, and for that reason, let’s review some of the most common types.

High back booster car seats are designed to offer kids extra head and back support. This type of seat is best recommended for cars that do not have a proper headrest or the ones with lower seat-backs. Either way, you cannot go wrong with them.

However, they can be quite bulky for travel.

That’s why I selected the most convenient types of high back booster car seats, and they are mifold hifold fit-and-fold or Graco TurboBooster Stretch Booster Seat.

Like high back booster car seats, backless ones are designed to give kids a proper boost to reach the seat belt. Even though they are a fraction of the large back size, you should be careful.

Check if your child is ready for this type of restraint system. You don’t want to secure them just for convenient travel purposes prematurely.

2. So, Which One is the Best for Traveling?

It all circles down to the type of journey, whether by a plane or a car.

Generally, high back booster car seats are safer, but they can be bulky. Nonetheless, a backless booster seat is better than no seat at all.

With the models I picked out for you, you will not feel like you packed it in your backpack.

3. How Should You Choose Travel Booster Seats?

First of all, lightweight is the key here!

Unlike traditional booster seats, whether backless or high back, travel booster seats need to be lightweight (ideally less than 15 lbs).

Choose a model that is compact and light to carry around. Although you do not know which type of ride you can end up with, there is one thing for sure.

You can make your trips a whole lot easier if you go for the compact option. Some of the models I reviewed here are foldable and inflatable.

Though they are not the world’s comfiest car booster seat, they sure are a lifesaver when traveling with kids.

4. Different Countries, Different Rules

Let’s face it; you will not only be traveling within U.S. states, sometimes the destinations may take you on an exotic island with kid-friendly retreat.

For this reason, you need to do your research before you purchase a booster travel car seat. Different countries have a different set of laws.

For example, did you know that children between the ages of 4 and 12 are required to use a booster seat in Costa Rica? This may not be the case in U.S. states, but it is useful to have it just in case.

You will also find that many states exclude taxis or any other form of public transportation from following the child restraint laws.

In Australia, booster seats are not required for a four years old child in taxis. However, you are obligated to bring your own if you are using another service such as Uber.

5. Is It Certified?

On the note of car booster seat laws, you also need to check whether the booster is certified and legal to use in the country you are traveling to.

While it may be the law in the U.S. for younger ones to ride in a car seat, this may not be the case in other states and vice versa.

You do not want to arrive unprepared and splurge money again for the appropriate car seat.

6. Taking Booster Car Seat On Board

Firstly, you should know that travel booster seats are not FAA approved, meaning you cannot use them as a child restraining device on an airplane.

Of course, you can take it along and use it as soon as you land, so let’s discuss the scenario.

A great thing about a travel car booster seat is that it’s relatively compact and light.

When you are not using it, roll it up (if it’s inflatable) or fold it and store it in the overhead head bin or under your plane seat.

Many parents worry about their car seats or booster seats being damaged by the airplane staff, but you should have no such problem with these travel size options.

Make sure you protect them the best way possible and enjoy your trip!