Britax Highpoint vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Highpoint and the Safety 1st Guide 65.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!

At A Glance

Britax Highpoint Safety 1st Guide 65
Type High Back Booster Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
Currently unavailable
-
Rating 4.70 4.58

Our Thoughts

Being a parent brings great joy and some tough decisions—selecting the right car seat for your child is one of them. Two noteworthy options that cater to children of varying growth stages are the Britax Highpoint and the Safety 1st Guide 65.

The Britax Highpoint provides a 2-stage belt-positioning booster seat suitable for children between 40 pounds and 120 pounds. This car seat brings together convenience and safety. It promises that installation will be straightforward with easy-to-use connectors, and the removable cover makes cleaning a breeze. The car seat scores high on safety, featuring multiple layers of side impact protection—among the many reasons why Britax is a reputable brand. Constructed for longevity, it can grow alongside your child for a considerable time. But like anything, it has a few downsides. The seat being a tad too deep and the backrest’s movement can be issues for some children.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is a convertible car seat catered for babies from 5 to 65 pounds. The car seat can be positioned rear-facing for smaller children and then transitioned to forward-facing when the child is over 22 pounds. Despite being compact and lightweight, this car seat entails features like side impact protection and a 5-point harness system for maximum safety. Apart from the convenience of being able to fit three of these car seats in most vehicles, it comes at a very affordable price. But alas, no car seat is perfect! The primary concern for parents was the cumbersome installation, particularly in the rear-facing mode. In addition, taller kids may find the legroom insufficient when rear-facing.

Now, if we were to choose, our endorsement lies with the Britax Highpoint. Although the Safety 1st Guide 65 holds its own, especially for an economical option, its strenuous installation process can be off-putting for some. Furthermore, the Britax Highpoint’s superior safety features give us greater peace of mind. Yet, the decision remains a family one. If compactness and affordability outweigh ease of installation, the Safety 1st Guide 65 could be your preference. However, if you are willing to invest a little more for a hassle-less installation and durability, the Britax Highpoint is the car seat to go for.

Key Details

Highpoint Guide 65
Britax Highpoint Safety 1st Guide 65
Brand Britax Safety 1st
Type High Back Booster Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.70 4.58
1 yr Price Range $144 - $199 $74.99 - $99.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
Currently unavailable
-
Value

Britax is a reputable brand that offers quality and durability, which can justify the investment.

Priced under $100, this seat is lauded for its quality relative to cost.

Safety

With its high safety standards, Britax Highpoint provides peace of mind.

Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability.

Features

It includes user-friendly components like color-coded belt paths and retractable cup holders.

Basic features with no significant standout extras.

Installation

It's straightforward to install, with clear instructions and easy-to-use connectors.

Installation, especially rear-facing, is noted as cumbersome by parents.

Cleaning

The removable cover and dishwasher-safe cup holders are convenient for parents.

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

Size

While not the smallest booster, it's designed to fit well in most vehicles without taking up excessive space.

Its small footprint is a significant advantage in compact cars.

Review Click here Click here

Comparison of Specifications

While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.

We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Britax Highpoint and the Safety 1st Guide 65. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.

Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.

Height and Weight Limits

Rear-facing

Britax Highpoint Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 19 - 40 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Highpoint Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 34 - 52 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Britax Highpoint Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 0 - 63 inches
Weight Range 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Highpoint Safety 1st Guide 65
Width 16.0 inches 19.0 inches
Height 21.0 inches 22.8 inches
Depth 27.5 inches 27.3 inches
Weight 12.0 pounds 11.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Highpoint Safety 1st Guide 65
Model Year 2018 2015
Made In USA USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Britax Highpoint Safety 1st Guide 65
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes High Back Booster
Backless Booster
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Booster Mode
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Labels 5 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Britax Highpoint Safety 1st Guide 65
Attachment Methods Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type N/A 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Britax Highpoint Safety 1st Guide 65
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats See all Safety 1st car seats
Full review of the Britax Highpoint
Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65