Expert Recommended High Back Boosters for 2023
CarseatBlog helps you find the best carseat for you! Below you’ll find the complete list of our recommendations for 2023 of belt-positioning boosters with a high back, including those that also covert to backless mode. The selection criteria are based on multiple factors, including our extensive hands-on experience installing and using each seat as well as the competition in each category and price point. We do not separate this list by price; however, our top picks in each budget category can be found in our Editors’ Picks section. This article gives you some background to these recommendations for what we feel will be the safest all-in-one car seats in many situations. If you’ve found this resource to be helpful, please consider purchasing through our affiliate links or from our exclusive DEALS TRACKER page. This supports CarseatBlog’s mission to deliver the most professional carseat reviews and child passenger safety resources.
Highback booster seats are dedicated belt-positioning booster seats that have a back and head restraint. They do not have a 5-point harness and must be used with the vehicle’s lap/shoulder seatbelt. Some models may also convert to a backless booster.
Britax Skyline
Specs & Features: 40-120 lbs.; 44-63″ tall. 10 height positions; dual cup holders; push-on lower LATCH attachments; converts to backless booster.
Drawbacks: Lacks some of the features found on the premium Britax Highpoint Booster model
Our comments: Designed for school-age kids who are at least 40 lbs., 44″ tall, and mature enough to sit properly in a booster seat. These versatile Britax boosters will grow with your older child. Very tall maximum height setting. Good head and torso support for sleeping kids and for enhanced protection in side-impact crashes. Skyline has a “Best Best” fit rating when used as a highback booster. See our Britax Skyline review here.
Chicco KidFit
Specs & Features: 40-100 lbs., 38-57″ tall, at least 4 years old; lower LATCH connectors; 10 height positions; EPS foam in headrest; dual cup holders; converts to backless booster, “Kidfit Zip Plus” models have machine washable zip-off pads and quick-release LATCH connectors.
Drawbacks: Minor assembly required; not as tall as other dedicated highback boosters
Our comments: Designed for school-age kids who are at least 40 lbs., and mature enough to sit properly in a booster seat. It’s reasonably priced, comfortable, LATCHable and tends to fit kids of different sizes well. We just wish it was a little bit taller! The Chicco KidFit has a Best Bet fit rating from the IIHS in both highback and backless mode. See our Chicco KidFit review here.
Graco Affix (Also sold as TurboBooster LX)
Specs & Features: 40-100 lbs., 43-57″ tall, at least 4 years old; lower LATCH anchor connectors; EPS foam in headrest; dual cup holders; converts to backless booster.
Drawbacks: Assembly required; not as tall as other dedicated highback boosters
Our comments: Designed for school-age kids who are at least 40 lbs., 43″ tall and are mature enough to sit properly in a booster. It’s budget-friendly, LATCHable and tends to fit kids of different sizes well. We only wish it was taller! The Affix has a Best Bet rating from the IIHS in both highback or backless mode. See our review of the Graco Affix here.
Graco TurboBooster Grow with RightGuide Seatbelt Trainer
Specs & Features: Main booster is rated for kids 40-100 lbs.; 43-57″ tall, and at least 4 years old. RightGuide Seatbelt Trainer is rated 50-120 lbs.; at least 43″ tall; lower LATCH anchor connectors on highback booster; EPS foam in headrest; dual cup holders; 7-position height adjustment
Drawbacks: None that we can think of!
Our comments: Designed for school-age kids who are at least 40 lbs., 43″ tall, and mature enough to sit properly in a booster seat. This innovative new booster is tall and we love the seat-within-a-seat feature which can be separated to accommodate two kids at once! The compact RightGuide Seatbelt Trainer pops out of the main seat so you can use it to seat a second child (who weighs at least 50 lbs.) for carpooling, playdates, etc., or throw it in a backpack when traveling. The RightGuide Seatbelt Trainer is also perfect for many tweens who just need a small boost in the car to achieve proper fit from the adult seatbelt. Full review coming soon!