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Finding a car seat is hard enough with all of the different features, models, and brands out there, and it's even harder to find the best budget convertible car seat that still offers the same top-of-the-line features that expensive car seats have.
But that's okay! Because in this article we cover some of the top-rated, budget-friendly convertible car seats on the market today:
- Best overall budget convertible car seat: Safety 1st Multifit Ex
- Best budget convertible car seat for infants: Safety 1st Grow and Go
- Best budget convertible car seat for small cars: Graco My Ride 65
- Best budget convertible car seat for grandparents: Cosco Might Fit 65
- Safest budget convertible car seat: Evenflo SureRide
We'll also explore some helpful tips and things to keep in mind that'll help you find the right, affordable car seat for you and your little one!
Let's jump in!
At a Glance:
Image | Name | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Best For | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety 1st MultiFit EX Air | 24.5" | 19.25" | 24.25” | 18.5 lbs | Budget-friendly | |
| Safety 1st Grow and Go | 24.5” | 19.2" | 24.2” | 18.7 lbs | 3 Infants Insert Pillow | |
| Graco My Ride 65 | 21.1" | 17.28" | 34.49" | 15.8 lbs | Kid & Parent Conveniences | |
| Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX | 17" | 22" | 23.5" | 12.76 lbs | Plush Padding & Premium Fabric | |
| Evenflo SureRide DLX | 19" | 19" | 28.5" | 9.8 lbs | Machine-washable |
Top Picks
Best Budget Convertible Car Seat (Overall)
Safety 1st MultiFit EX Air | |
|---|---|
Height | 24.5" |
Width | 19.25" |
Depth | 24.25” |
Weight | 18.5 lbs |
The Bottom Line:
The Safety 1st MultiFit Ex Air 4-in-1 is perfect if you’re looking for something long-lasting with premium features at a reasonable price. What’s so great about this car seat is that for other 4-in-4 models with similar features, you’ll find yourself paying anywhere from $200 - $400. But, with the MultiFit Ex Air, you’ll won’t break the bank in exchange for a car seat that’ll last for 10 years.
Included in this exchange are features that are specifically designed to give your little one superior protection while also making installing/uninstalling their car seat quick and easy. Additionally, the MultiFit Ex Air has a compact design that not only frees up spack in the back seat, but it also creates up to 7 more inches of legroom for the front seat. The bottom line is that you won’t find many 4-in-1 car seats with so many features for under $200.
Pros of the Safety 1st MultiFit Ex Air 4-in-1
Pros
Cons
Safety 1st MultiFit Safety Features
The MultiFit Ex Air 4-in-1 is equipped with Air Protect - a patented cushioning system that provides superior side impact protection in the event of a car crash. This car seat does NOT have a metal frame or an energy-absorbing base, but the side impact management system offers your child the most advanced security.
Safety 1st MultiFit Ease of Installation
The MultiFit Ex Air 4-in-1 measurements are listed below.
The MultiFit Ex Air is manufactured with a QuickFit Harness System that makes fastening the harness quick and easy in both the rear-facing and forward-facing positions. With this system, you’ll be able to adjust both the harness and headrest in one easy step. For your convenience, the MultiFit Ex Air also comes with harness holders to keep the harness open and out of your way.
To add to the efficiency of the MultiFit Ex Air, it’s outfitted with a machine-washable seat cover that’s also dryer safe. Additionally, the seat cover can easily be removed without removing the harness.
You can refer to the product manual for more instructions on how to install your car seat.
Safety 1st MultiFit Longevity
Rear-facing
Forward-facing
Booster
Safety 1st MultiFit Ease of Use
The MultiFit Ex Air can quickly be installed using both the LATCH system and your vehicle seatbelt.
It does NOT have a no-rethread harness system, so you DO have to uninstall the car seat and rethread the harness in order to get a proper fit.
Safety 1st MultiFit Comfort & Quality
The MultiFit Ex Air 4-in-1 contains a decent amount of padding throughout the car seat. It’s also fitted with 3 grow-with-baby insert pillows that can be easily removed and adjusted to ensure that your little one is getting a nice, snug fit as they grow.
Best Budget Convertible Car Seat for Infants
Safety 1st Grow and Go | |
|---|---|
Height | 24.5” |
Width | 19.2" |
Depth | 24.2” |
Weight | 18.7 lbs |
The Bottom Line:
As the name suggests, the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 convertible car seat is designed to grow as your child does. From infancy up until they’re 10 years old, the Safety Grow and Go can be easily adjusted to comfortably seat your growing child. If you have a newborn or infant, and you’re looking for a car seat that’s under $200 and will offer the ultimate protection for them in the early years of their life, then the Grow and Go 3-in-1 is the right choice for you.
It’s equipped with 3 grow-with-baby insert pillows that provide extra comfort and security for your little one. These pillows can easily be adjusted and removed so that your growing child gets a cozy ride in every car seat position. The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 convertible car seat is manufactured with features that will keep your infants snug and protected at an affordable price.
Pros of the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1:
Pros
Cons
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Safety Features
The safety ratings provided by the NHTSA are as follows:
The Grow and Go 3-in-1 is designed with side impact protection to give your growing child the proper head and neck support. It is NOT equipped with a metal frame or energy-absorbing base.
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Ease of Installation
The Grow and Go 3-in-1 measurements are listed below.
The Grow and Go has a QuickFit harness that lets you easily adjust the harness and headrest in one quick step. There are harness holders to keep the harness in the open position and out of your way. It’s also clothed in an easy-to-remove seat cover that’s machine-washable and dryer safe, so clean-up is super simple.
This short video will demonstrate how to properly install a Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 convertible car seat.
The product manual will also have instructions on how to properly install your car seat.
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Longevity
Rear-facing
Forward-facing
Booster
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Ease of Use
The Grow and Go 3-in-1 can easily be installed using both the LATCH system and your vehicle seatbelt.
You can also adjust the harness positions with ease WITHOUT rethreading the harness. This makes buckling in your child super quick and easy.
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Comfort & Quality
The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 is designed with enough padding in the car seat to ensure that your child is always riding comfortably. There is excess padding located in the headrest to add more head and neck support for your little one. Also, the fabric of the Grow and Go 3-in-1 is soft and breathable, ensuring that your child is kept cool and comfy no matter the season.
Best Budget Convertible Car Seat for Small Cars
Graco My Ride 65 | |
|---|---|
Height | 21.1" |
Width | 17.28" |
Depth | 34.49" |
Weight | 15.8 lbs |
The Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a car seat that’s affordable and compact with standard features that work to keep your child safe, then the Graco My Ride 65 convertible car seat is the seat for you. It’s lightweight and not as bulky and wide as most models, so it’ll comfortably sit in your car without taking up too much space in the back. Additionally, the dual cup holders are removable, which frees up even more space for your back seat.
All in all, the Graco My Ride 65 will satisfy all of your budget and compact needs while also keeping your child snug and secure.
Pros of the Graco My Ride 65:
Pros
Cons
Graco My Ride 65 Safety Features
The safety ratings provided by the NHTSA are as follows:
The My Ride 65 has been Side Impact Tested to ensure that this seat meets and exceeds the applicable federal safety standards. It’s outlined with energy-absorbing foam to add to the strength and durability of the car seat. The My Ride 65 is NOT built with a metal frame.
Graco My Ride 65 Ease of Installation
The My Ride 65 measurements are listed below.
The My Ride 65 has a 5-point harness with an upfront harness adjust that’ll make getting your baby in and out of their car seat easier. It’s also equipped with a machine-washable seat cushion to help clean-up go by quicker.
To see how to properly install a Graco My Ride 65 convertible car seat, check out this short video.
The product manual also contains instructions on how to install your car seat.
Graco My Ride 65 Longevity
Rear-facing
Forward-facing
Graco My Ride 65 Ease of Use
The My Ride 65 is LATCH-equipped with an easy-to-read level indicator that provides a hassle-free installation. It can also be installed using your vehicle seatbelt.
To change between harness positions, the harness DOES need to be rethreaded.
Graco My Ride 65 Comfort & Quality
The My Ride 65 has a removable headrest and infant insert pillow to ensure that your growing baby remains comfortable on every car ride.
Best Budget Convertible Car Seat for Grandparents
Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX | |
|---|---|
Height | 17" |
Width | 22" |
Depth | 23.5" |
Weight | 12.76 lbs |
The Bottom Line:
If you’re a grandparent who's looking for a car seat that’s lightweight, easy to install, easy to buckle, and has a compact design, then the MightyFit 65 DX is just the car seat for you. Weighing at only 12 pounds, the MightyFit 65 DX will reduce the strain of carrying your car seat from one place to another. It’s also one of the few models that’s priced under $100 with a good amount of premium features that are easy to use and adjust.
This car has a compact design that leaves enough room in the back seat to sit 3 across. There’ll also be enough room for your other grandchildren to sit in the backseat comfortably with plenty of arm and legroom. Also, the compact design of the MightyFit 65 DX provides more legroom for the front seat.
The Cosco MightyFit 65 DX is very simple and easy to use. Additionally, it’s lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry around and install/uninstall. To the grandparents out there that need something sturdy, comfortable, and easy to manage, the MightyFit 65 DX is the ideal choice to meet your car seat needs.
Pros of the Cosco MightyFit 65 DX:
Pros
Cons
Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Safety Features
The safety ratings provided by the NHTSA are as follows:
The MightyFit 65 DX has side impact protection built right into the car seat to ensure that your child is always riding safely. It’s NOT equipped with a metal frame or an energy-absorbing base.
Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Ease of Installation
The MightyFit 65 DX measurements are listed below.
The MightyFit 65 DX is equipped with a 5-point harness that can easily be adjusted using the upfront harness adjustment. It also includes 5 harness positions and 3 buckle positions to ensure that your growing child is always getting the most comfortable fit.
You don’t have to worry about messes with the MightyFit 65 DX because the seat cover is machine-washable and dryer safe, which means clean-up time is quick and easy.
This short video will show you how to properly install a Cosco MightyFit 65 DX convertible car seat.
The product manual also includes instructions on how to install your car seat.
Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Longevity
Rear-facing
Forward-facing
Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Ease of Use
The MightyFit 65 DX is LATCH-equipped and can also be installed using your vehicle seatbelt. To switch between harness positions, the harness needs to be rethreaded.
Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Comfort & Quality
The MightyFit 65 DX is outfitted in plush padding and superior materials to ensure that your little one is always comfortable. There is no infant insert pillow, but the excess padding will guarantee that your child is cozy and snug at all times.
Safest Budget Convertible Car Seat
Evenflo SureRide DLX | |
|---|---|
Height | 19" |
Width | 19" |
Depth | 28.5" |
Weight | 9.8 lbs |
The Bottom Line:
What makes the Evenflo SureRide unique is that it’s inexpensive and goes through extensive crash seat testing to ensure that it’s one of the safest car seats on the market. So if you’re looking for a car seat that offers maximum security at a low price, the Evenflo SureRide is the car seat for you.
In regards to their crash testing, the Evenflo SureRide is tested at 2X the Federal Crash Test Standard. This means that the engineers go above and beyond to ensure that your safety concerns and expectations are met and exceeded. The Evenflo SureRide also meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Standards and the Canada Motor Vehicle Standards for child safety and car seat flammability.
The Evenflo SureRide goes through a lot of in-depth testing to certify that it exceeds federal safety expectations. It’s manufactured to put your child’s safety 1st, and maintain that safety and security when transitioning from the rear-facing to the forward-facing position. So, if you need a safe, reliable car seat that won’t hurt your pockets, then the Evenflo SureRide convertible seat will be perfect for you.
Pros of the Evenflo SureRide DLX:
Pros
Cons
Evenflo SureRide DLX Safety Features
The safety ratings provided by the NHTSA are as follows:
The SureRide DLX is Side Impact Tested and can reduce the impact force of a car crash by up to 50%. It’s outlined with 3 layers of energy-absorbing foam that also works to minimize the force of a collision. The SureRide DLX does NOT have a built-in metal frame.
Evenflo SureRide DLX Ease of Installation
The SureRide DLX measurements are listed below.
Known to have one of the broadest harness adjustments, the SureRide DLX comes with 6 harness positions that can easily be adjusted using the central upfront harness adjustment. Also, for your convenience, the seat cover is machine-washable and dryer safe so that clean-up can go by quickly.
This short video will show you how to properly install your Evenflo SureRide convertible car seat.
You can also refer to the product manual for more instructions on how to install your car seat.
Evenflo SureRide DLX Longevity
Rear-facing
Forward-facing
Evenflo SureRide DLX Ease of Use
The SureRide is LATCH-equipped for easier installation, but it can also be installed using your vehicle seatbelt. To switch between harness positions, you DO need to rethread the harness.
Evenflo SureRide DLX Comfort & Quality
The SureRide is designed with just enough padding to give your little one a comfortable car ride every single time. It’s not equipped with an infant insert pillow, but the 3 layers of energy-absorbing foam provide extra cushion and security for your child’s head and neck.
Additionally, the SureRide undergoes Evenflo Temperature Testing to ensure that the car seat is breathable at both high and low temperatures.
Best Tips for Saving Money on a Convertible Car Seat
If you’re not careful, buying a car seat can run you a pretty penny. It can be hard finding a good, durable car seat at an affordable price!
So here are a few tips and things to keep in mind when searching for a budget-friendly convertible car seat.
Fitting a Convertible Child Car Seat
Affordable & Cheap Car Seat for Kids User Review
Conclusion
Finding the proper car seat for you and your little one can be hard, confusing, and very expensive if you’re not careful.
Keep in mind when you’re doing your search, that just because a car seat is cheap, it doesn’t always mean that it’s lacking in quality and performance.
Also, remember that car seats that grow with your child will save you money in the long run.
Hopefully, after reading this article, you feel well-informed and better prepared to find an affordable car seat that will meet all of your car seat needs and expectations!
With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!
To contact me directly please click here.
