Britax Highpoint vs. Graco Contender 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Highpoint and the Graco Contender 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

Our Thoughts

As a parent, you want to ensure the utmost safety for your child on every car ride. Britax Highpoint and Graco Contender 65 are both commendable choices for this purpose, each with unique features that cater to specific needs.

Britax Highpoint is an exceptional booster seat built with safety as its cornerstone. It offers remarkable features such as multiple layers of side impact protection, which is indispensable for protecting your child during a collision. It also stands out for its intuitive design, with color-coded belt paths that simplify seat belt routing, ensuring correct installation. Highpoint is highly praised for its easy maintenance, boasting removable covers that transform cleanup into a hassle-free task. However, it is worth noting that some child users find the seat depth of the Highpoint uncomfortable, and the high back might limit their view out the windows— a potential boredom-buster on long rides.

In contrast, Graco Contender 65 is a well-rounded convertible car seat designed to accommodate your child from infancy to toddlerhood. Its main strength lies in its adaptability. It offers rear-facing and forward-facing options, flexible for children weighing between 5 to 65 pounds. Also, parents note its straightforward installation and adjustable harness system. However, it's not all rosy; the Graco Contender 65 misses a beat when it comes to cleaning. Parents grapple with removing the seat cover, and the straight straps can be uncomfortable, potentially scraping against the child's neck.

Regarding suitability for travel, a key discrepancy to consider between these two car seats is the FAA approved modes. Britax Highpoint is not approved for travel in its high back booster and backless booster configuration, limiting its suitability for air travel. In contrast, Graco Contender 65 is FAA approved in both its forward and rear-facing configurations, making it a more travel-friendly option.

Both car seats are reputable options, drawing upon the strengths of their manufacturers. Britax, recognized for its quality and durability, offers compact comfort and safety in the Highpoint. Meanwhile, Graco, known for affordability, and practicality, provides a seat that grows with your child in the Contender 65.

Which one to get? If longevity and superior safety are your main considerations, Britax Highpoint will suit you better. However, if you value a car seat that can transition alongside your child with approving nods from a broad budget range, the Graco Contender 65 is a fitting choice. If you travel frequently, Graco Contender 65 once again takes the cake. It’s ultimately about understanding your family's distinctive needs and choosing the car seat that's best tailored to meet those.