10 Best Portable Booster Car Seat 2026 in the United States

The RideSafer Small Black portable booster features a vest-type design that improves how the adult seat belt fits a small child, differing from traditional car seats. It is designed for kids aged 3 and up, weighing between 30 and 60 pounds, covering many preschoolers and small school-aged children. This forward-facing seat meets all US safety standards, making it safe and legal for use in any state.

One of the key strengths of this booster is its compact and lightweight design—at just over 2 pounds and with small dimensions, it is easy to carry and ideal for families on the go, including travel, ride-sharing, or use with caregivers like grandparents. Installation is straightforward, as it can be used with the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belts alone or with an added tether for extra security, depending on the car.

Regarding comfort, while the booster doesn’t offer reclining positions or plush padding like some traditional models, the vest is designed to keep the child securely positioned and comfortable during rides. This style may feel unusual for children accustomed to padded seats and might not provide the same cushioning on long trips. Additionally, the weight and height limits mean it’s not suitable for older or larger children. For those needing a portable, easy-to-use booster focused on safety and convenience for smaller kids, the RideSafer is a solid option, though traditional boosters might be preferable for bigger kids or more cushioned seating.

The Graco Turbobooster 2.0 Backless Booster Seat is designed for kids aged 4 to 10, fitting children who weigh between 40 and 100 pounds and are up to 57 inches tall. This seat is lightweight at just over 5 pounds, making it easy to move between vehicles, which is ideal if you need a portable booster. As a backless booster, it relies on your car’s seat belt for installation, so there are no latches or harnesses to fuss with, but this means it’s best used once your child can properly fit a seat belt on their own.

Safety is a strong point here, as the seat meets or exceeds US safety standards and has passed rigorous crash tests for front, rear, and rollover impacts. Comfort features include height-adjustable armrests and hide-away cup holders for drinks and snacks, plus a machine-washable seat cover which helps with cleanup.

Since it’s backless, it may not offer as much support as booster seats with backs, which some parents prefer for added head and neck protection. Also, the single reclining position means less flexibility in seating angle. This booster is an excellent choice for parents seeking a safe, easy-to-carry seat for older kids transitioning out of harness seats.

The RideSafer Extra Small car seat is a unique, vest-style booster designed for young children aged 2 and above, weighing between 22 and 40 pounds. Unlike traditional booster seats, it uses a special harness vest that helps position the adult seatbelt correctly on smaller kids, improving safety. This makes it especially handy for travel or situations like rideshare and taxi rides, as it’s very lightweight (just 2.2 pounds), compact, and easy to install—great for grandparents or caregivers who need something portable and simple.

You can use it with just a lap belt, or with a shoulder belt and tether, adding flexibility depending on the vehicle. It meets U.S. legal safety standards. This seat is best suited for smaller children due to its size and weight limits; it won’t work for older or heavier kids. Comfort features are basic, focusing more on safety and portability than plush padding.

If you want a lightweight, travel-friendly booster for a young child that’s easy to carry and install, this seat is a smart choice, but it’s not meant for extended use as your child grows bigger.