Britax Marathon ClickTight vs. Chicco KeyFit 30: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Chicco KeyFit 30.

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 Marathon ClickTight Chicco KeyFit 30
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Current price
In stock (3 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
In stock
$209.99
Rating 4.65 4.87

Our Thoughts

The Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Chicco KeyFit 30 car seats are two reliable choices for parents seeking safety and convenience. The ClickTight design in the Britax Marathon ensures a secure installation, minimizing any margin of user error. The seat transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing modes as your child grows. With a maximum weight limit of 65 pounds for the forward-facing mode, it caters to the needs of toddlers and older kids. It also offers safety features like a steel frame and side-impact protection making it a resilient option also approved for both forward and rear-facing travel modes.

On the other hand, the Chicco KeyFit 30, a lighter option, weighing only 9.5 pounds is designed specifically for infants and smaller babies. It has a maximum weight limit of 30 pounds in the rear-facing mode, making it an ideal option for infants and smaller babies. It is compatible with Chicco strollers, adding to its convenience factor. Despite lacking a forward-facing mode, it's nevertheless FAA-approved for rear-facing travel, offering a safe and secure option for parents on the go.

In terms of easy cleaning and maintenance, both car seats come with a removable cover. While both seats offer admirable safety features, the Britax provides a slight edge in terms of the child's weight accommodation and versatile usage as it is convertible from rear to front facing modes. It also boasts additional safety with its steel frame.

While the Chicco car seat is a fantastic choice for new parents and offers user-friendly installation, its usage is limited to the infant stage because of its weight restriction. However, if you are planning to invest in a car seat specifically for the infant stage, the Chicco KeyFit 30 with its lightweight design, comfort, and compatibility with Chicco strollers makes an excellent choice for new parents.

In terms of a longer-term investment spanning across different stages of early childhood, the Britax Marathon ClickTight may be a better choice. Depending on your needs, either could serve as an excellent investment in your child's safety. If you’re planning for long-term and versatile usage, the Britax may be the way to go with its forward-facing and higher weight limit. Yet, for those focusing on the infant stage, the Chicco is a reliable and user-friendly choice that offers peace of mind with comfort and safety designed specifically for babies.

Key Details

Marathon ClickTight KeyFit 30
Britax Marathon ClickTight Chicco KeyFit 30
Brand Britax Chicco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.65 4.87
1 yr Price Range $224.99 - $339.99 $160.99 - $229.99
Current price
In stock (3 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
In stock
$209.99
Value

Offers durable construction and long-lasting use, justifying its price point.

Offers great quality and features for its price.

Safety

Includes superior side impact protection and a steel frame for enhanced safety.

Highly praised for its safety features in various reviews.

Features

Equipped with the ClickTight installation system and multiple recline positions.

Well-equipped with necessary features for comfort and safety.

Installation

The ClickTight system simplifies installation, making it straightforward and reliable.

Noted for its ease of installation in multiple reviews.

Cleaning

Features machine-washable padding, offering convenience in maintenance.

The removable cover makes it relatively easy to clean.

Size

While not the most compact, its size is typical for convertible car seats.

Compact and lighter compared to many other models, making it suitable for small cars and easy carrying.

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 Marathon ClickTight and the Chicco KeyFit 30. 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 Marathon ClickTight Chicco KeyFit 30
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 30 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 4 - 30 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight Chicco KeyFit 30
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds

Booster

Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Marathon ClickTight Chicco KeyFit 30
Width 18.5 inches 16.5 inches
Height 23.0 inches 24.0 inches
Depth 23.7 inches 27.0 inches
Weight 28.5 pounds 9.5 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Marathon ClickTight Chicco KeyFit 30
Model Year 2021 2018
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Plastic

Safety and Compliance

Britax Marathon ClickTight Chicco KeyFit 30
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 2 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Britax Marathon ClickTight Chicco KeyFit 30
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Base
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders No cup holders
No cup holders

Warranty and Durability

Britax Marathon ClickTight Chicco KeyFit 30
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 6 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats See all Chicco car seats
Full review of the Britax Marathon ClickTight
Full review of the Chicco KeyFit 30