We’ve learned firsthand the many ways kids can damage a vehicle’s seats. Whether it’s muddy boot prints, spilled milk, the after-effects of a carsick child, Goldfish crumbs ground into the seams, or slime smeared across the upholstery (don’t ask!), we’ve been there. We will no longer own a vehicle we haven’t fitted with car seat protectors for every child’s seat.
But car seat protectors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, so it’s best to know what features you need before shopping.
We’ve tested many styles over the years and will explain the differences between designs and how each will protect your vehicle from spills, stains, and scratches and keep your vehicle’s seats in pristine condition. We’ll review our favorite brands, considering factors such as durability, ease of use, overall effectiveness, ease of cleaning, and additional features.
Whether you’re trying to avoid stains, pet fur, or car seat indents on your upholstery, we’ll help you find the perfect car seat protector to meet your needs.
- Lots of storage
- Easy to clean
- Satisfaction guaranteed
- Comfortable cushioning
- Water-resistant
- Compatible with LATCH system or seat belt
- Multiple color options
- No slipping or sliding
- 1 year money-back guarantee
- Dual grip traction technology
- One-piece design
- Adjustable headrest attachment
- Covers entire bench
- Machine washable
- Durable fabric
- Dual-layered
- Sold in pairs
- Multiple attachment points
- Sturdy, cushioned seat protector
- Includes a front pocket
- Nonskid textured surface
The Best Car Seat Protectors of 2024
Here are 7 great car seat protectors to consider.
Helteko Car Seat Protector and Organizer
Great for Long Trips
If you spend a lot of time in the car, take a look at this car seat protector and organizer combo. Each unit comes with a full car seat protector and a back-of-the-seat protector.
Both pieces come with storage. On the car seat protector, the front piece that shields the seat from children’s feet has mesh pockets for items like books, tissues, or wipes.
The seat-back protector offers additional storage, including beverage storage and a place to hold a tablet. The viewing portion is transparent, so you can safely keep your little one occupied with a movie during drives.
These units come in black and feature waterproof material. They’re easy to clean by wiping down when needed. They’re extra thick and comfortable to sit on.
Pros
- Lots of storage for travel needs.
- Easy to clean by wiping with a damp cloth.
- Comfortably padded for those sitting directly on the seat.
- Satisfaction guaranteed.
Cons
- No color choice.
Product Specs
Color | Black |
Material | Waterproof fabric |
Dimensions | Back seat: 25 inches x 19 inches, other: n/a |
Construction | Two pieces |
Features | One car seat protector, one back seat protector with organizer |
Our Ratings
Smart Elf Car Seat Protector And Backseat Car Organizer
Best Package Deal
This handy set pulls double duty. With each unit, you’ll receive a car seat protector suitable for use under a bucket seat or standard car seat and a back-of-seat protector. It’s an excellent choice for a traditional driver and passenger seat when you have young children in the back.
These are designed to be a seamless addition to your car since they’re a neutral black color and not overly bulky. The seat-back protector also offers storage and organizing compartments for your little ones. They keep your child’s items within reach while you’re focused on driving.
The durable design also lets you keep up with your family’s frequent messes. It wipes clean easily, so you can spend less time on maintenance. Its nonslip grip also keeps the protector where it belongs.
Finally, you can access LATCH connectors and use seat belts with this unit, which is always a big plus.
Pros
- Comfortable cushioning.
- Water-resistant fabric keeps messes at bay.
- Wipes clean easily.
- Compatible with LATCH system or seat belt.
Cons
- Installation instruction not included.
- If your child isn’t in a car seat, the lower storage pockets will be behind their legs.
Product Specs
Color | Black |
Material | Waterproof 600D Oxford Fabric |
Dimensions | 18 x 19 inches, 18 x 26 inches |
Construction | Two pieces |
Features | One car seat protector, One seat-back protector with organizer |
Our Ratings
Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector
Most Comfortable
If you spend a lot of time in a car, you know how important a comfortable seat can be. This car seat protector features extra-thick padding that promises a comfy drive.
The top is waterproof and dirt resistant, making accidental spills no big deal, and cleanup is fast and easy. Its attractive design is suitable for bucket seats and bench seats with a headrest.
Though they’re available in multiple colors, they all use black as an accent color. The materials are odor-free, environmentally friendly, and designed for use with car seats and LATCH systems.
The underside is heat resistant and equipped with a nonslip surface. This protector won’t leave marks or residue or discolor your existing interior upholstery or leather.
Pros
- Multiple color options to match your vehicle seats.
- Nonslip bottom means no slipping or sliding.
- One-year money-back guarantee.
Cons
- The base may be too narrow for some children’s car seats.
Product Specs
Colors | Black, black with red stitching, gray, tan |
Material | Waterproof 600D fabric and PVC leather |
Dimensions | 18.75 inches x 49 inches |
Construction | One piece |
Features | One car seat protector |
Our Ratings
Brica Car Seat Protector
Best for Rear-Facing Child Seats
This car seat protector features heavy-duty material perfect for continual kicks from small, dirty feet. Its unique construction prevents dirt and debris from collecting in seams, and it’s easy to wipe clean.
This seat protector is made from durable vinyl and won’t absorb odors, food, or moisture. It will keep your car looking spotless. It’s designed for use with bucket seats, larger car seats, booster seats, standard seats, or bench seats with a headrest.
When using this car seat protector, you’ll still have access to your LATCH system and seat belts, and there’s an anti-slip feature on both the top and bottom of the unit. This keeps the protector in place and prevents any unwanted car seat movement. Though it’s not available in multiple colors, it features a color-safe construction that guarantees no color will transfer to your car’s interior.
Pros
- Durable materials.
- Easy-to-use one-piece design.
- Thick padding.
- Nonslip design keeps child car seats secure.
Cons
- Rubber grips may leave indentations on the seat.
Product Specs
Color | Gray with aqua |
Material | Vinyl |
Dimensions | 20 inches x 45 inches |
Construction | One piece |
Features | One car seat protector |
Our Ratings
Viewpets Bench Seat Protector
Best for Total Coverage
Do you use all your back seats? While single-seat covers designed for the backseat are nice, they frequently don’t include coverage for the middle seat. Middle seats are generally a different size and shape than the outer seats and can be hard to find a cover for.
Fortunately, this protector can keep that middle seat as protected as the outer ones. It’s designed to fit securely across the entire back bench seat, using the headrests as attachment points. These units can be used with both LATCH system points and seat belts.
These machine-washable, quilted fabric covers are available in black, a gray/black combo, gray, khaki, sage green, or tan to complement your car’s interior.
The nonslip feature keeps everything firmly in place. Elastic straps and additional flaps help prevent bunching and excess slipping.
Pros
- Offers full coverage.
- Machine washable.
- Durable fabric.
- Allows LATCH system and seat belt use.
Cons
- It’s challenging to remove pet hair from the cover.
Product Specs
Colors | Black, gray, gray/black, tan, khaki, sage |
Material | Waterproof quilted fabric |
Dimensions | 56 inches x 49 inches |
Construction | One piece |
Features | One car seat protector |
Our Ratings
Enovoe Kick Mats
Best in Style
Looking for something that will protect your front seats from little feet? Consider a kick mat like this one from Enovoe.
This unit straps onto the back of a front seat via the headrest. A lower strap helps provide additional security and keeps the seat protector from moving.
These units are sleek and attractive. However, they don’t provide pockets or organizers and will obstruct access to the seat’s back pocket. If you need storage, this may not be the right fit for you.
But if you’re looking for something that cleans easily and holds up to abuse from small feet, this is a solid option. The mats are sleek and visually unobtrusive, offering a universal fit with heavy-duty elastic straps to help keep everything in place.
These back-of-seat protectors include a lifetime no-questions-asked money-back guarantee. They’re available in black in a pack of two.
Pros
- Easy to clean.
- They are sold in pairs.
- Multiple attachment points for a secure fit.
Cons
- No pockets.
- No color choice.
Product Specs
Color | Black |
Material | Waterproof fabric |
Dimensions | 18 inches x 24 inches |
Construction | One piece |
Features | Two back-of-seat protectors |
Our Ratings
Munchkin Auto Seat Protector
Best Backless Car Seat Protector
If you have an older child who’s facing forward in a car seat or booster seat, you may not need full-seat coverage. You may be more concerned with the seat leaving a mark or damaging the car. If so, this backless seat protector from Munchkin might work.
Made out of heavy-duty water-resistant material, it features a base piece that sits directly under your child’s car seat. It also has a small raised back flap to help keep the seat protector in place.
A front flap hangs down over the edge of the car seat to protect upholstery from dirty shoes. The ample pockets keep your child’s items handy while you’re driving.
It’s available in black and designed for use with children’s car seats because it allows full access to LATCH system tether points. It can be used with seat belts as well.
Extra-large, thick corners ensure everything stays in one place. If it gets dirty, wipe it to spot clean.
Pros
- Prevents indents or marks on your car seat.
- Allows use of LATCH system.
- Includes a front pocket.
- Resists slipping.
Cons
- Can only be spot cleaned.
- May be slippery on leather.
Product Specs
Color | Black |
Material | Vinyl |
Dimensions | 11.2 inches x 9.7 inches x 2.5 inches |
Construction | One piece |
Features | One car seat protector |
Our Ratings
Product | Award | Color | Material | Dimensions | Construction |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Helteko Organizer | Great for Long Trips | Black | Waterproof fabric | 25″ x 19″ | 2 piece |
Smart Elf Car Seat & Back | Best Package Deal | Black | Waterproof Oxford Fabric | 18 x 19″; 18 x 26″ | 2 piece |
Lusso Gear | Most Comfortable | Black, black/red, gray, tan | Waterproof fabric; PVC leather | 18.75″ x 49″ | 1 piece |
Brica Protector | Best for Rear Facing | Gray & aqua | Vinyl | 20″ x 45″ | 1 piece |
Viewpets Bench | Best for Total Coverage | 6 colors | Waterproof quilted fabric | 56″ x 49″ | 1 piece |
Enovoe Kick Mats | Best in Style | Black | Waterproof fabric | 18″ x 24″ | 1 piece |
Munchkin Auto | Best Backless Protector | Black | Vinyl | 11.2″ x 9.7″ x 2.5″ | 1 piece |
What Are Car Seat Protectors?
If you haven’t seen them in action before, a car seat protector is a product that covers and protects your car’s interior. They can prevent the transfer of mud, dirt, crumbs, and spills; increase the life expectancy of your upholstery; and keep it all looking new.
There are a few kinds of car seat protectors to choose from. Let’s explore their differences and find the one that best suits your needs.
Types of Car Seat Protectors
Do you have kids who like to kick the back of your seat? Do you find yourself carpooling from sporting events with snacks in the car? How you use your car, the locations you drive to, and the people you drive around most will help you determine which type of seat protector is best for you.
Bench Seat Protectors
If you have a traditional back seat, you’re likely looking for a bench seat protector — usually a one-piece cover that hooks on behind the headrest. These typically cover a large area and prevent debris from collecting in the seat.
Worried about access to belt buckles? Some car seat protectors may not come with buckle access. Ensure you choose a car seat protector that’s the right fit for your vehicle.
Pros
- Full coverage.
- One piece.
Cons
- Not compatible with split bench seats.
Seat Back Protectors
Children are notorious for kicking the seats in front of them, which is a nightmare in wet or snowy weather. Using a seat protector that covers the back of the seat in front of your child can help keep your car in great shape.
These back-of-seat protectors frequently come with storage pockets. This can be a great feature when you’re traveling with muddy little ones!
Pros
- Protects upholstery from dirty footwear.
- Suitable for any car.
Cons
- May block access to storage.
Bucket Seat Protectors
A bucket seat (also called a captain’s seat) is a self-contained seat made for a single person. Protectors made for bucket seats may be molded in a similar shape to your seat — you can even find covers specific to some vehicle makes and models.
Those made for bucket seats are usually shaped to cover as much of the exposed seat as possible. You’ll find them in a variety of materials and at multiple price points. If you have captain chairs in a three-row SUV, these may be just what you’re looking for.
Pros
- Available in many styles.
- Suitable for most vehicles.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer full coverage.
- Not for middle seats.
How to Choose a Car Seat Protector
Keep the following in mind while you’re searching for the best car seat protector for your vehicle:
- Do you plan on using your car seat protector with children’s car seats? Carefully check both the car seat you own and the car seat protector to ensure you can use them together.
- Are your car seat protectors airbag compatible? If your vehicle has side airbags, choose a protector that won’t inhibit them.
- Does your car have heated seats? If you use a heated-seat feature, this may impact which car seat protector you can use.
- Will the car seat protector interfere? Have a split bench that gives you access to a third row? You’ll need to ensure your car seat protector allows the seat to move freely when needed.
- What material is it made of? Common options include vinyl and nylon. Vinyl can be easy to care for and looks high-end. Nylon can be pretty durable but more difficult to clean.
- What other features do you need? Many car seat protectors may feature storage for travel items like cups, tissues, or tablets. Identify which features will be most useful to your family.