3 Best All-in-One Car Seats of 2025, Lab-Tested and Reviewed
New models are getting better with less of a compromise, but they still may not be right for everyone
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As the name implies, all-in-one car seats are meant to be an all-in-one solution: Rather than buying an infant car seat, then moving your child up to a convertible car seat and eventually a booster, all-in-one child seats are designed to take children from birth to booster-seat age. The seats we previously tested didn’t do well in our ratings because each mode showed compromises when compared with seats dedicated to specific age ranges.
But this category has come a long way. Our latest tests show that some of the newest all-in-one seats are better all-around performers than previous models. And while the idea of paying for just one seat is tempting, there are still important pros and cons to weigh for a seat designed to do it all.
You can read on to learn about the top three all-in-one car seats in CR’s ratings, or check out full car seat ratings for other types we test. For more information as you shop, see our child car seat buying guide.
Best All-in-One Car Seats
Based on CR’s evaluations, three models stand out for their balance of crash protection, ease of use, vehicle fit when used as a harnessed seat, and seat belt fit in booster mode. Our scale for crash protection ranks seats for additional safety from least to most on a scale of Basic, Better, and Best.
How Consumer Reports Tests Car Seats
We contract with an outside lab to conduct simulated 35 mph frontal crashes, evaluating a seat’s potential for providing an additional margin of safety beyond the federal standard. Our scale ranks seats from those that have the least to the most additional safety on a scale of Basic, Better, and Best.
CR’s certified child passenger safety technicians install each seat in all unique rear-seat positions of five vehicle types. We look at how easy it is to install in each allowable orientation and using LATCH anchors and a vehicle’s seat belt.
At our Auto Test Center, CR’s certified child passenger safety technicians evaluate how easy each seat is to use. This includes, among other factors, the clarity of instructions, installation, adjusting the harness, and the seat’s weight.
We combine the results of these tests to determine the Overall Score. Car seats are ranked in relation to how they perform within a group of seats of the same type. You can visit CR’s dedicated car seat testing hub to learn more about our testing standards and methods.
Pros of All-in-One Car Seats
Value: The average cost of the all-in-one seats in CR’s ratings is roughly $235, with the most expensive option being $450. When compared with the average $600 cost of three individual seats (an infant car seat, a convertible car seat, and a booster seat), the value potential of buying a single seat is clear.
Familiarity: Properly using and securely installing your car seat can come with a steep learning curve.
Cons of All-in-One Car Seats
Weight: Because they’re designed to do so many things, all-in-one car seats can be fairly heavy. They average around 22 pounds, and the heaviest seat in our ratings is 35 pounds. The seat’s weight really comes into play in two main areas: LATCH usability and booster mode.
The lower LATCH anchors are limited to 65 pounds total (child plus car seat), so a heavier seat means switching to a seat belt installation sooner. And while most people aren’t moving their car seat between vehicles as often while their kids are in the harness stage, they’re more likely to move their booster between vehicles for play dates, sports practice, or school pickups. Lugging around a heavy all-in-one car seat adds a level of difficulty to any of those situations. A smart alternative is to have a more portable spare booster seat for those occasions.
Convenience: A dedicated infant seat that includes a carrier with a handle is helpful during that stage, for carrying an infant more easily, transferring a sleeping baby, or connecting the car seat easily to a compatible stroller. You won’t get that convenience with an all-in-one car seat. These seats stay installed in the vehicle and don’t have a detachable carrier like infant car seats.
Cleanliness: Ten to 12 years is a long time to use the same car seat. Many have machine-washable covers. Nonetheless, that’s years of food crumbs, diaper explosions, spit-ups, and potty training accidents. Even the most conscientious parents may struggle with stubborn stains or smells.
Features and technology: Safety technology and ease-of-use features are rapidly evolving in today’s market. By the time your child is ready to use the all-in-one in booster mode, there may be newer features that you won’t benefit from.
When an All-in-One Car Seat Works Best
As a second seat: Although all-in-ones can be used for newborns, we think that the fit and carrier convenience provided by a dedicated infant seat still make it your best bet. So perhaps after an infant car seat, you switch to an all-in-one instead of a traditional convertible car seat to keep your child rear-facing, then transition to forward-facing and ultimately a booster.
As a spare seat: All-in-ones can also be used as your safe alternate seat, perhaps to keep with the babysitter or installed in a grandparent’s car for occasional use.
