Britax Marathon ClickTight vs. Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster: 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 Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster.

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 Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Current price
In stock (3 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
In stock
$83.99
Rating 4.65 4.77

Our Thoughts

The Britax Marathon ClickTight and Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster are both versatile car seats designed to grow with your child, but they offer somewhat distinct features that could sway a family in one direction or the other.

As a parent, the Britax Marathon ClickTight’s innovative ease-of-installation feature, the ClickTight system, is a winner. It's perfect for those sometimes hectic family days when you're quickly moving the car seat between cars. It truly simplifies securing the car seat, ensuring that your child is safe in no time at all. The Marathon ClickTight, engineered with a reinforced steel frame, offers peace of mind in terms of durability and safety, and the comfortable, chemical-free fabric is a bonus for any health-conscious parent. The car seat transitions from a rear-facing seat for infants to a forward-facing seat for older children, with a maximum weight in the forward-facing configuration of 65 pounds. However, some parents have noted that it may not be the best fit for larger children.

In contrast, the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is a well-known budget-friendly workhorse of a car seat, designed to see you through from the toddler years into the later childhood years. It can transition from a forward-facing seat to a high back booster, and even further to a backless booster, accommodating children up to 100 pounds. It's incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for transfers between vehicles, and the machine-washable parts simplify clean-up after those inevitable spills. Despite being generally loved by parents, the Tranzitions model has been noted for its complicated installation process. It only allows for the forward-facing configuration to be used during aircraft travel.

Comparing these two models, I would recommend the Britax Marathon ClickTight for families who have the budget for it and prioritize easy installation and enhanced safety features. On the other hand, the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 offers long-term value and versatility for families on a budget. It will last well into your child's growth but may require some patience during the installation process. Both seats have their merits, and the ultimate choice depends on your family's specific needs.

Key Details

Marathon ClickTight Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Brand Britax Graco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Weighted Rating 4.65 4.77
1 yr Price Range $224.99 - $339.99 $97.99 - $139.99
Current price
In stock (3 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
In stock
$83.99
Value

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

The price point combined with its 3-in-1 versatility offers significant savings over time.

Safety

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

It meets Graco's ProtectPlus Engineered safety standards, which is a rigorous test for safety.

Features

Equipped with the ClickTight installation system and multiple recline positions.

The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System and portable design are standout features.

Installation

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

Some parents find the installation process difficult and frustrating.

Cleaning

Features machine-washable padding, offering convenience in maintenance.

Easy to remove and washable parts make cleaning a breeze.

Size

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

The lightweight and compact design make it convenient for transfers between vehicles.

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 Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster. 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 Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 27 - 57 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 30 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Width 18.5 inches 19.0 inches
Height 23.0 inches 26.5 inches
Depth 23.7 inches 17.4 inches
Weight 28.5 pounds 20.0 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Model Year 2021 2018
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
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
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 2 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 1 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders No cup holders
Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 7 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats See all Graco car seats
Full review of the Britax Marathon ClickTight
Full review of the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster