Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Best Car Seats Under $100 for Your Baby’s Safety and Comfort.

Finding the Best Car Seats Under $100: Our Detailed Criteria and Process

Written by

Jason Mitchel

Jason Mitchel

Luxury,Baby,Car,Seat,For,Safety

Finding the best car seat under $100 can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be hard to determine which car seat will provide the safest and most comfortable ride for your child. To help you make the best decision for your family, we have compiled a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the best car seat under $100. We have researched the latest car seat trends, weighed the pros and cons of each model, and considered customer feedback to ensure that our recommendations are the most reliable and cost-effective. Our guide includes detailed information about the different types of car seats, safety features to look out for, and top-rated car seats under $100. We have also included helpful tips and advice to help you make the right choice for your family. Thank you for taking the time to read our guide and we hope that it helps you find the perfect car seat for your little one.

Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Extended Use All-in-One Car Seat: Rear-Facing 5-40 pounds, Forward-Facing Harness 22-50 pounds, and Belt-Positioning 40-80 pounds, Spring Petals

Best Features

Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Extended Use All-in-One Car Seat: Rear-Facing 5-40 pounds, Forward-Facing Harness 22-50 pounds, and Belt-Positioning 40-80 pounds, Spring Petals

Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat (Heather Onyx Gray)

Close Runner-Up

Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat (Heather Onyx Gray)

Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Rear-Facing 5-40 pounds and Forward-Facing 22-40 pounds and up to 43 inches, Black Arrows

Best Value for the Money

Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Rear-Facing 5-40 pounds and Forward-Facing 22-40 pounds and up to 43 inches, Black Arrows

Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster, Jubilee , 18x18.5x29.5 Inch (Pack of 1)

Best for Reliability

Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster, Jubilee , 18×18.5×29.5 Inch (Pack of 1)

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat, Denton

Top Performer

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat, Denton

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat, Freya

Next in line for Value

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat, Freya

Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat, Forward-Facing with Harness, 30-65 pounds and Belt-Positioning Booster, 40-120 pounds, Black Sparrow

Best Build Quality

Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat, Forward-Facing with Harness, 30-65 pounds and Belt-Positioning Booster, 40-120 pounds, Black Sparrow

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Rear-facing 5-40 pounds, Forward-facing 22-65 pounds, and Belt-positioning booster 40-100 pounds, Harvest Moon

Bang for the Buck

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Rear-facing 5-40 pounds, Forward-facing 22-65 pounds, and Belt-positioning booster 40-100 pounds, Harvest Moon

Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat, Chambers

Top Choice

Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat, Chambers

How We Chose

When it comes to choosing the best car seats under $100, we wanted to make sure that parents had access to the best quality options that would keep their children safe and comfortable. We began by researching the most popular and safest car seats in this price range, and then we consulted reviews from parents who had purchased and used those car seats.

We also read safety reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to ensure that the car seats we were considering were up to the highest safety standards. We paid attention to the ease of installation, comfort, adjustability, and features of each car seat.

We also considered the various types of car seats available in this price range. We examined convertible car seats, which can be used for both infants and toddlers, and booster seats, which can be used for children up to age 8. We also looked at combination car seats, which can transition from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat as your child grows.

We took into account the different sizes of car seats available, and the different designs, colors and patterns. We looked at the overall weight of the car seat and its ability to be easily transferred from one vehicle to another. We also looked at the height and width of the car seat to make sure it would fit into your vehicle.

We then compared the features and safety ratings of each car seat to the price. We considered the customer service, warranties, and return policies of each manufacturer. We also looked at the reviews from parents who had purchased and used the car seat, as well as reviews from independent testing agencies.

Finally, we considered our personal experiences with car seats over the years and compared them to the features and safety ratings of the car seats we were considering. We weighed all of these factors when choosing the best car seats under $100. We believe that our recommendations will give parents a safe and comfortable option for their precious cargo.

Best Features

Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Extended Use All-in-One Car Seat: Rear-Facing 5-40 pounds, Forward-Facing Harness 22-50 pounds, and Belt-Positioning 40-80 pounds, Spring Petals

Best Features

Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Extended Use All-in-One Car Seat: Rear-Facing 5-40 pounds, Forward-Facing Harness 22-50 pounds, and Belt-Positioning 40-80 pounds, Spring Petals

The Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a safe and versatile choice for your growing child, providing rear-facing, forward-facing, and belt-positioning up to 80 pounds, with Spring Petals for extra comfort.

PROS:

Multi-stage design grows with your child from 5-80 lbs, rear-facing to forward-facing to booster, and features side-impact protection and 5-position adjustable headrest. Spring Petals offer additional comfort and convenience.

CONS:

Can be difficult to install and adjust, may require assistance from a professional; fabric is not machine-washable; does not recline or adjust to accommodate growth; may not fit in all vehicles.

The Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is an excellent choice for parents looking for an all-in-one car seat that can accommodate babies from 5-80 pounds. This versatile seat can be used in rear-facing, forward-facing harness, and belt-positioning modes, making it a great option for growing families. The Spring Petals design adds extra comfort for the child and makes it easier for parents to quickly adjust the seat’s straps.

The Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a great value, as it is one of the few car seats under $100 to offer all three modes of use. At just under 10 pounds, it is also lightweight and easy to install. The seat also includes a five-point harness, which is easy to secure and helps keep your child safe in their seat. The seat’s fabric is also washable and easy to clean.

In conclusion, the Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable all-in-one car seat. With its versatility, comfort, and safety features, this car seat is an excellent value for parents looking for a quality, reliable car seat that won’t break the bank.

Close Runner-Up

Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat (Heather Onyx Gray)

Close Runner-Up

Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat (Heather Onyx Gray)

The Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat is the perfect choice for safety, comfort, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families on the go.

PROS:

Compact design for small spaces, 5-point safety harness, superior side impact protection, easily adjustable headrest, no-rethread harness system, 6-position recline, machine washable fabric, and certified for use on airplanes.

CONS:

Small cup holders are difficult to access, straps can be tricky to adjust and the handle is difficult to maneuver.

The Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat (Heather Onyx Gray) is an excellent choice for those shopping for a car seat under $100. This car seat is designed to accommodate children from 5 to 65 pounds and features a 5-point safety harness for maximum protection. The adjustable headrest offers five different heights to keep your growing child comfortable and secure, while the compact design makes it easy to install and store. The Heather Onyx Gray fabric is stylish and easy to clean, making it a great option for busy parents. Additionally, the seat is lightweight, making it easy to move between cars.

Overall, the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat (Heather Onyx Gray) is an excellent choice for those looking for a quality car seat that won’t break the bank. It offers safety, comfort, and convenience in a stylish and lightweight package. With a hassle-free installation process and easy cleaning, this car seat is an ideal choice for parents on a budget.

Best Value for the Money

Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Rear-Facing 5-40 pounds and Forward-Facing 22-40 pounds and up to 43 inches, Black Arrows

Best Value for the Money

Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Rear-Facing 5-40 pounds and Forward-Facing 22-40 pounds and up to 43 inches, Black Arrows

The Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is designed to keep your little one safe from 5 to 40 pounds rear-facing and up to 43 inches, and 22 to 40 pounds forward-facing. Perfect for growing kids!

PROS:

Ideal for children 5-40 pounds rear facing and 22-40 pounds forward facing, this convertible car seat provides superior side impact protection and grows with your child up to 43 inches. It has a simple one-hand, 6-position adjustable headrest and a 3-position recline for comfort.

CONS:

May be difficult to install, not suitable for infants under 5 pounds, only suitable for children up to 43 inches, may not be comfortable for larger children.

The Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is an ideal choice for parents looking for a car seat that is both reliable and affordable. This convertible car seat is made with high-quality materials and is designed to meet the latest safety standards. It has a rear-facing weight capacity of 5-40 pounds and a forward-facing weight capacity of 22-40 pounds and up to 43 inches in height. The car seat also has an adjustable headrest and adjustable side wings to give your child a comfortable and secure ride. The car seat also comes in a stylish black arrows print, giving your vehicle a modern and stylish look.

The Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is an excellent choice for parents looking for a car seat that is both reliable and affordable. It has all of the features you need in a car seat, including adjustable headrest, adjustable side wings, and a comfortable and secure fit for your child. The car seat also comes in a stylish black arrows print, giving your vehicle a modern and stylish look. Plus, the car seat is under $100, making it a great value for parents on a budget.

Overall, the Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is an ideal choice for parents looking for a car seat that is both reliable and affordable. It has all of the features you need in a car seat, including adjustable headrest, adjustable side wings, and a comfortable and secure fit for your child. Plus, the car seat is under $100, making it a great value for parents on a budget.

Best for Reliability

Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster, Jubilee , 18x18.5x29.5 Inch (Pack of 1)

Best for Reliability

Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster, Jubilee , 18×18.5×29.5 Inch (Pack of 1)

Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster is the perfect solution for growing kids, providing comfort and safety in a convenient, easy-to-use package.

PROS:

Lightweight and compact design with adjustable headrest and padded straps for maximum comfort, 5-point harness system for easy adjustment, certified for use in aircraft, machine washable seat pad, and cup holders for convenience.

CONS:

This booster seat is quite bulky and may not fit in all cars, is not suitable for children who weigh more than 110 pounds and may not be comfortable for long periods of time.

The Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster, Jubilee, 18×18.5×29.5 Inch (Pack of 1) is an excellent choice for parents looking for a car seat under $100. This car seat offers great safety features and comfort for your little one, as well as being easy to install. The Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster is designed for children who are at least two years of age and weigh between 22 and 65 pounds. It features a 5-point harness system, which provides optimal protection for your child in the event of an accident. Its two removable cup holders make it easy to keep drinks and snacks within reach while on the go.

The Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster is made from durable, reinforced plastic and comes with a machine-washable pad for easy cleaning. It also features a 6-position adjustable headrest, which allows your child to remain comfortable as they grow. The Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster is compatible with most vehicles and can be easily installed using the LATCH system. Additionally, the booster is designed to be used with the Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster Base, which provides added stability and protection.

Overall, the Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster, Jubilee, 18×18.5×29.5 Inch (Pack of 1) is an excellent choice for parents looking for a car seat under $100. It offers excellent safety features, comfort, and ease of installation, making it a great option for parents on a budget.

Top Performer

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat, Denton

Top Performer

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat, Denton

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat offers superior safety and comfort, making it an ideal choice for children to travel safely and securely.

PROS:

Lightweight, comfortable design with adjustable head rest to accommodate growing children; cushion system designed for superior comfort; Latch system for easy installation; meets or exceeds all US safety standards for children ages 4-10.

CONS:

May not fit all cars and needs installation; no cup holders; seat cushion may not be comfortable for extended periods; not suitable for children under 40 pounds; not recommended for small cars.

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat, Denton, is a great option if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable car seat. It is designed to accommodate children 30-100 lbs., and features a one-hand front adjust system to ensure the perfect fit. The seat also has a hideaway cup holder to keep drinks and snacks within easy reach. The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 is a great choice for parents looking for a car seat on a budget.

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 is designed for comfort and safety, with an adjustable headrest and padded armrests. It also has a 5-point harness system which can be easily adjusted with one hand. The seat is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry and install. The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 has been crash tested to meet or exceed US safety standards, and it is Easy to Clean with machine-washable seat cushion and pad.

Overall, the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat, Denton, is an excellent choice for parents looking for a reliable and affordable car seat. It offers a safe and comfortable ride for children, and its easy to install and use. The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 is an excellent option for families who are looking for a car seat under $100.

Next in line for Value

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat, Freya

Next in line for Value

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat, Freya

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat, Freya provides optimal safety, comfort and convenience for your child, making it the perfect car seat for your family.

PROS:

Provides optimal safety with its adjustable headrest, 2 layers of side impact protection and 5-point harness system; easy to install; comfortable, padded armrests; lightweight design for easy portability; built-in cup holder for convenience.

CONS:

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat is somewhat bulky, making it difficult to store in small cars, and the straps can be difficult to adjust to fit certain body types. The seat cushion is not removable for easy cleaning and the cup holders are not adjustable.

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat, Freya is a great choice for parents looking for a reliable and affordable car seat. This seat is designed for children aged 4 to 10 and up to 100 pounds, and is perfect for smaller cars due to its compact size. It features a two-in-one design, so it can be used as a highback booster to provide a secure seating position, or as a backless booster for a more comfortable ride.

The seat is designed with Graco’s proven safety features, such as a five-point harness system and side impact protection. It also has an adjustable headrest to help keep your child’s head in the proper position for a comfortable ride. The seat is designed with a LATCH system for easy installation and a one-hand adjustable headrest for added convenience.

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat, Freya also offers great value for money. It’s available for under $100, making it an ideal choice for budget-minded parents. The seat is also backed by a one-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind that you’re getting a quality product. All in all, the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat, Freya is a great choice for parents looking for a reliable and affordable car seat.

Best Build Quality

Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat, Forward-Facing with Harness, 30-65 pounds and Belt-Positioning Booster, 40-120 pounds, Black Sparrow

Best Build Quality

Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat, Forward-Facing with Harness, 30-65 pounds and Belt-Positioning Booster, 40-120 pounds, Black Sparrow

The Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat is the perfect choice for safety and convenience, offering two levels of protection for children aged 30-120 pounds.

PROS:

Compact design fits in most vehicles, adjustable 5-point harness system securely holds child up to 65 lbs, two-in-one design transitions from forward-facing harness to belt-positioning booster, no-rethread harness for easy adjustments as child grows, side-impact tested for superior protection.

CONS:

Limited to 30-65 lbs in forward-facing mode, not suitable for larger children; no adjustable headrest for belt-positioning booster; does not recline; requires assembly; may not fit in smaller vehicles.

The Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat, Forward-Facing with Harness, 30-65 pounds and Belt-Positioning Booster, 40-120 pounds, Black Sparrow is an excellent choice for car seat shoppers who are looking for quality and value. This car seat provides two car seat modes in one, allowing for both forward-facing and belt-positioning booster accommodation. The forward-facing mode with harness holds up to 30-65 pounds and the belt-positioning booster accommodates up to 120 pounds.

This car seat is designed with safety and comfort in mind. Safety features include a 5-point harness with adjustable headrest, side impact protection, and energy-absorbing foam. Comfort features include an adjustable armrest, two cup holders, and padded cushions. The seat is easy to install and features a simple to adjust headrest with one-hand adjustment.

Overall, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat, Forward-Facing with Harness, 30-65 pounds and Belt-Positioning Booster, 40-120 pounds, Black Sparrow offers a great combination of safety, comfort, and value for car seat shoppers. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a quality car seat under $100.

Bang for the Buck

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Rear-facing 5-40 pounds, Forward-facing 22-65 pounds, and Belt-positioning booster 40-100 pounds, Harvest Moon

Bang for the Buck

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Rear-facing 5-40 pounds, Forward-facing 22-65 pounds, and Belt-positioning booster 40-100 pounds, Harvest Moon

The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat provides maximum safety, supporting rear-facing up to 40 lbs, forward-facing up to 65 lbs, and belt-positioning booster up to 100 lbs in the Harvest Moon color.

PROS:

This car seat provides multi-stage protection, suitable for rear-facing newborns up to 40 pounds, forward-facing toddlers up to 65 pounds, and belt-positioning booster up to 100 pounds, making it an ideal choice for growing families. It is also equipped with Safety 1st’s Grow-with-Baby pillows for an extra layer of comfort and side impact protection.

CONS:

The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is bulky and may be difficult to install without help, the fabric is not removable for cleaning, and its narrow base makes it unsuitable for larger vehicles.

The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable car seat that won’t break the bank. It can be used for rear-facing from 5-40 pounds, forward-facing from 22-65 pounds, and as a belt-positioning booster from 40-100 pounds. The Harvest Moon color option adds to the aesthetic of the seat, giving it a chic and modern look.

The Safety 1st Grow and Go car seat is designed with safety in mind. It includes side impact protection and an adjustable five-point harness with three buckle locations to help ensure a secure fit. It also features a removable cup holder, so you can keep drinks and snacks within easy reach. The seat is lightweight and easy to install, making it ideal for parents who need to switch between cars often.

Overall, the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable car seat. Its three-stage design allows it to grow with your child, and its safety features ensure your child will be safe and secure. With its Harvest Moon color option, it’s sure to look great in any car.

Top Choice

Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat, Chambers

Top Choice

Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat, Chambers

The Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat provides superior protection and comfort for your child, giving parents peace of mind.

PROS:

This Safety 1st car seat has a 5-point harness system and side impact protection for added safety, adjustable headrest and harness to accommodate growing children, and is simple to install with LATCH connectors. Its removable cup holder and machine-washable seat pad make it easy to clean and maintain.

CONS:

Seatbelts may be difficult to adjust, and the overall size of the car seat may be too bulky for smaller cars. Additionally, installation can be more challenging than other models and may require additional tools.

The Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat, Chambers is an affordable car seat option with plenty of features and safety benefits. The car seat is designed with a 5-point harness system, which keeps your child securely in place during any kind of car ride. It also has adjustable headrest and shoulder straps, so you can customize the fit for your child. The car seat is also designed with an easy-to-remove cover, making it easy to clean and maintain. It also features side-impact protection and an adjustable base that can be adjusted to three different heights.

The Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat, Chambers is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a car seat under $100. It provides all the safety features you would expect from a more expensive car seat. The adjustable headrest and shoulder straps provide an optimal fit for your child, and the adjustable base ensures a comfortable ride. The car seat is also designed to be easy to install and remove, making it a great option for parents on the go.

Overall, the Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat, Chambers is an excellent choice for parents looking for a car seat under $100. It provides all the safety features and adjustability you would want from a more expensive seat, and it is easy to install and remove. With its 5-point harness system, adjustable headrest and shoulder straps, and adjustable base, this car seat provides all the safety and convenience you could need for your child.