Britax Marathon ClickTight vs. UPPAbaby Alta: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the UPPAbaby Alta.

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

Our Thoughts

When it comes to your child's safety, choosing the right car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Let's discuss two popular options: the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the UPPAbaby Alta.

The Britax Marathon ClickTight is a convertible car seat, known for its remarkable safety features and versatile usage. Its key highlight is the ClickTight installation system, which helps secure the car seat in your vehicle with ease. Designed to transition from a rear-facing seat for infants to a forward-facing seat for toddlers and older kids, its maximum weight capacity in forward-facing mode is 65 pounds. When it comes to safety, this seat shines with its side impact protection and reinforced steel frame. FAA-approved for both rear and forward-facing modes, the Marathon ClickTight ensures your child's safety during air travel as well. Its fabric is free of flame-retardant chemicals and the cover is machine-washable, adding to its convenience. However, it may not be the best fit for larger children due to its size.

On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Alta is a high-back booster seat designed for older kids, specifically those between 5-10 years of age. Its rigid LATCH connectors and SecureFit belt routing system make for easy and secure installations. Notably, this seat boasts a maximum weight capacity of 100 pounds. It is also equipped with side impact protection pods for added safety. Yet, unlike the Britax, the UPPAbaby Alta has not been FAA-approved for air travel. In terms of comfort and convenience, the Alta offers a seven-position headrest, spacious, padded seating, and a machine-washable seat pad. Despite this, some users have reported shoulder belt issues and potential difficulties fitting it into smaller cars because of its wide base.

While both the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the UPPAbaby Alta are excellent choices, they cater to different stages of your child's growth. The Britax Marathon's adaptable design is a perfect choice for parents looking for a car seat that transitions smoothly from infancy to toddlerhood, with its straightforward installation, superior safety features, and FAA approval. Alternatively, if your child is older and requires a roomy booster seat, the UPPAbaby Alta providing appropriate support and comfort for their size might be a better fit.

However, should your primary concern lie with the car seat's flexibility during air travel and ease of installation, the Britax Marathon ClickTight would be the top recommendation. If your kid is older and ready for a booster seat, and you're not concerned about the potential shoulder belt problem and your car has ample space, go for the UPPAbaby Alta.