Best Car Seat Protector
Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- The best car seat protectors in 2024 are the Munchkin Brica, Helteko Car Seat Protector, Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector, Enovoe Kick Mats, and Active Pets Dog Car Seat Protector.
- Car seat covers are typically inexpensive, costing around $20 to $30 for a cover that will protect a single seat.
- It’s smart to choose a car seat cover that is comfortable and easy to clean.
car Seat protector
A childproof car seat cover that handles kicks and more.
value
A pair of car seat covers with room for essentials.
An effective car seat protector that is easy to use and available in four color options.
for Pets
A seat protector that pets can comfortably enjoy.
All it takes is a hike on a rainy day or an overzealous toddler to scuff the back of your brand-new car’s upholstery. Car seat protectors act as a barrier that protects your seats from such damage. Some are also designed to support child car seats, pets, and luggage.
In this review, we break down our top picks for the best car seat protectors on the market. We tested these protectors for durability, ease of installation, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Car Seat Protector Reviews
For this review, our team tested and evaluated each car seat protector based on the ease of use, value, and material quality. The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars.
Each car seat protector’s ratings, including their scores in each review category, are highlighted below:
What Is The Best Car Seat Protector?
We named the Munchkin Brica, Helteko Car Seat Protector, Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector, Enovoe Kick Mats, and Active Pets Dog Car Seat Protector as the best-rated car seat protectors on the market in 2024.
| Brand/Model | Cost | Overall Rating | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Munchkin Brica |
$35 |
4.5 |
Best Car Seat Protector |
|
Helteko Car Seat Protector |
$30 for 2 (or $16.50 each) |
4.3 |
Best Value |
|
Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector |
$30 |
4.3 |
Best Color Options |
|
Enovoe Kick Mats |
$10 for 2 (or $7.50 each) |
4.0 |
Best Kick Mats |
|
Active Pets Dog Car Seat Protector |
$15 |
3.7 |
Best for Pets |
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
Car Seat Protector Ratings: Our Testing Process
After looking at factors such as design, material, customer ratings, and prices, our product testing team ordered a variety of promising car seat protectors. A team member tested each seat protector, taking note of ease of installation, comfort, and material quality. Each car seat protector was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.
Learn more about how we tested car seat protectors here.
1. Munchkin Brica: Best Car Seat Protector
- Cost: $35
- Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
- Easy-clean grime guard
- Extra-tall back panel
- Designed for children up to eight years old
Using dual grip traction technology, the Munchkin Brica sits securely on car seats with little risk of sliding. Its vinyl padding provides complete back seat coverage for both front- and rear-facing car seats.
Thanks to its color-safe construction, this car seat protector won’t bleed onto upholstery. The Brica’s unique one-piece design is compatible with all car seat models, making this one of the most versatile options in our lineup.
You can see how the Munchkin Brica performed in each category below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 5.0 |
| Material Quality | 5.0 |
| Value | 3.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Munchkin Brica:
- Fastens securely to seats
- Compatible with all car seat types
- Very durable material
- Won’t protect against spills or mud
- Not a ton of padding
The Brica had the most durable design of any protector that we tested. We were able to set it up in about 10 seconds and found the no-slip design works great. This car seat protector is a little more expensive than similar products, but it stands out when it comes to material quality. We’d expect the Brica to outlast any car seat you’d use it with.
The Munchkin Brica doesn’t do much else besides prevent your upholstery from being scuffed by a car seat. It won’t protect from mud or spills.
Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (approx. 9,500 ratings)
Despite having such high ratings, the most shared review claims the Brica damages leather seats by leaving deep indentations. A majority of other reviews praise the Brica’s water-resistance and scuff retention against overactive toddlers.
2. Helteko Car Seat Protector: Best Value
- Cost: $30 (for two)
- Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5.0
- Multiple mesh storage pockets
- Includes front and back seat covers
Made with heavy-duty thick padding, the Helteko Car Seat Protector is both water– and stain-resistant. It is designed with extra-strength straps that can withstand both beatings and extra weight with ease. Because it is sold in sets of two, the price per kick mat is under $20, making the Helteko one of the least expensive options on our list.
Like the Munchkin Brica, the Helteko seat protector is designed for use with a child car seat. Unlike the Brica, the Helteko includes a kick mat with pockets for toy and snack storage.
You can see how the Helteko Car Seat Protector performed in each category below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4.0 |
| Material Quality | 4.0 |
| Value | 5.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.3 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Helteko Car Seat Protector:
- Water- and stain-resistant
- Includes kick mat with plenty of storage
- Thick, durable padding
- Not much coverage for spills and mud
- Doesn’t secure perfectly
We were impressed by the material quality of the Helteko car seat. It features thick padding and easy-to-clean, faux-leather material. The kick mat is thick and effectively covers the seat, protecting it from muddy shoes.
Installing the Helteko is simple and both parts can be installed in under 30 seconds. The kick mat component secures well, but the seat protector slides some. This shouldn’t be much of an issue once the car seat atop is fully attached.
To keep children entertained during longer rides, Helteko’s protector has an extra-large clear storage pocket for tablets. The mesh storage pockets make it easy for small hands to grab toys, water bottles, and more in a pinch.
Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 (approx. 5,000 ratings)
Satisfied customers love this cover thanks to its storage capacity. There are various reviews that cite how children use the pockets to keep snacks and games readily available. The only frequent complaint from reviewers is these covers don’t work well on rubber seats.
3. Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector: Best Color Options
- Cost: $30
- Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5.0
- Waterproof 600D Oxford Fabric
- Non-slip backing
- Includes mesh storage pockets
The Lusso Gear car seat protector features a standard design. It attaches around the top of the headrest and is kept in place with a tab that you tuck into the seat cushions. A non-slip backing also helps keep this protector in place.
This protector features thick material quality and mesh storage pockets. It is comparable in many ways to the Munchkin Brica, though available in more color options. You also have the option to purchase the Lusso Gear protectors in sets of two.
You can see how the Lusso Gear performed in each category below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 5.0 |
| Material Quality | 4.0 |
| Value | 4.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.3 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Lusso Gear Waterproof Car Seat Cover:
- Thick pidding products seats
- Three color option
- Includes additional snack storage
- Small size doesn’t cover entire seat from spills and mud
Installing this car seat protector takes seconds. A tab in the back tucks into the seat, and a headrest strap keeps the protector upright. We found this strap simple to adjust but cheaply constructed. The cover itself is thickly padded and not likely to be scratched by a car seat.
The cost of this car seat protector is about average if you purchase just one, but Lusso Gear also offers two packs, which offer a bit better deal. We think the Munchkin Brica—with its vinyl and leather construction—is slightly more robust. However, the Lusso Gear Car Seat protector offers comparable quality with more color options, for those looking to cover their car seats in style.
Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (approx. 24,000 ratings)
Reviewers like this protector because it is lightweight, durable, and simple to install. Many use it for their child car seats and their pets, claiming it protects seats from dogs and children’s kicking.
A good number of positive reviews mention the front storage pockets, which can be used to store blankets, a muslin, or other accessories necessary for keeping your baby comfortable.
A number of reviewers complain that this seat protector is too small. Even three covers wouldn’t completely cover the back bench.
4. Enovoe Kick Mats: Best Kick Mats
- Cost: $10 for two ($7.50 each)
- Overall rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
- Dual-layer padding
- Elastic buckle straps
Each Enovoe Kick Mat is made to hang from the back of the front seats to protect against scrapes and scuffs. Thanks to their adjustable elastic straps, these mats maintain a snug fit without discomforting anyone sitting up front.
Because they’re dual-layered, each Enovoe Kick Mat is easy to clean using a damp cloth. Their sleek, stylish design won’t compromise the integrity of your car’s interior design, either.
You can see how the Enovoe Kick Mats performed in each category below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 5.0 |
| Material Quality | 3.0 |
| Value | 4.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.0 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Enovoe Kick Mats:
- Easy to clean
- Stylish design
- Relatively thin padding
- Difficult to adjust
Installing these kick mats takes no time at all. They clip around the bottom of the front seat for a secure fit. Since the clips are low on the seat, they cannot be felt by seated passengers.
The material quality of these mats is average. They don’t stand out in design but should be strong enough for their intended purpose (to hold up against toddler shoes). While most of the seatback is covered, these mats don’t cover as much area as the Helteko kick mats.
The pricing for these kick mats is below average compared to others.
Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 (approx. 16,000 ratings)
One of the most common praises for these mats is that they sit high enough to prevent kicks from toddlers sitting in booster seats. They also find installing these to be a breeze. A complaint from some customers is that these don’t fit well on bucket seats.
5. Active Pets Dog Car Seat Protector: Best For Pets
- Cost: $15
- Overall rating: 3.7 out of 5.0
- Sits hammock, bench, or trunk-style
- Velcro seat belt openings
- Adjustable clips and seat anchors
The Active Pets Dog Car Seat Protector is designed for a universal fit across any back or bench seat. Made with Oxford waterproof cotton, this protector seeps up dirt, water, and fur, making vacuuming messes a simple task.
To prevent your furry passenger from jumping to the front seat, this car seat protector can double as a pet hammock. Its four heavy-duty headrest anchors and two seat connectors prevent it from slipping on bumpy or uneven roads, as well.
You can see how the Active Pets Dog Car Seat Protector performed in each category below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4.0 |
| Material Quality | 3.5 |
| Value | 3.5 |
| Overall Rating | 3.7 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Active Pets Dog Car Seat Protector:
- Provides full back seat coverage
- Non-slip rubber buttom
- Comes in two size
- Build for large vehicles and come bunch up when used in a compact car
Installing the Active Pets dog car seat cover is simple once you figure out the proper orientation. Straps wrap around the headrests in both the front and back, forming a protective hammock over your entire back seat area. There are holes for the seat belt buckles so you can properly secure your pet with a dog seat belt.
This car seat protector doesn’t offer much in terms of padding, so pets are left to rely on the comfort of the car seat itself for comfort. However, we found the entire backseat was well-protected from potential dirt and grime.
Active Pets offers two versions of this car seat cover—one that has thicker padding. This less expensive option has thinner materials that would hold up to a small- and medium-sized dog, but it may not withstand the claws of larger animals despite having positive reviews for dogs of all sizes.
Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 (approx. 20,000 ratings)
Customers rave that this car seat protector works great for small and big dogs alike. Many say the front-facing protector prevents larger dogs from jumping up front. The most common complaint from customers is that this cover doesn’t pair well with baby car seats.
Car Seat Protector Buying Guide
Car seat covers come in different sizes and materials. Some cover a single seat while others are designed to protect the entire back half of your vehicle. Some feature storage pockets while others do not. Whichever option is best for you, you’ll want to choose a car seat protection that is comfortable and easy to clean.
Compare Car Seat Protectors
| Brand/Model | Coverage | Cover Material | Storage Pockets? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Munchkin Brica |
Single seat |
Vinyl and leather |
No |
|
Helteko Car Seat Protector |
Single seat |
Oxford fabric |
Yes |
|
Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector |
Single seat |
Oxford fabric |
Yes |
|
Enovoe Kick Mats |
Seatback |
Oxford fabric |
No |
|
Active Pets Dog Car Seat Protector |
Rear cabin |
Oxford fabric |
No |
Before your next purchase, consider the following information regarding car seat protectors to help you make an informed decision:
Materials
Car seat protectors are made from high-quality materials including PVC leather, rubber, and polyester. These are all water-resistant surfaces to a degree and are thick enough not to compromise the comfort of the seat itself.
Storage Pockets
A feature on most car seat protectors is extra pockets for holding tablets, drinks, and other items that make a road trip more enjoyable. These are typically placed on the back of the seat and act as a seat organizer.
Straps
Each car seat protector is designed with at least one set of straps to fasten it to the car seat. These are typically buckle straps that wrap around the headrest of the seat it’s sitting on.
Are Car Seat Covers Worth It?
Luxury vehicle owners or automotive enthusiasts may want to consider car seat covers. They can help preserve leather car seats or make sure the original cloth vehicle seat remains untarnished.
If you’re an SUV owner who frequently sees the car full, the best car seat covers can assist in keeping grime and debris off the upholstery. Some car seat protectors are designed to offer a more breathable feel as well.
Best Car Seat Protectors: Bottom Line
Finding the best car seat protector for your vehicle will depend on your driving habits and lifestyle, but we like the Munchkin Brica for most drivers. The Helteko Car Seat Protector offers an excellent mix of comfort, storage, and style at a low price point. For vehicle owners who want more extensive coverage and protection from pets, the Active Pets Dog Car Seat Protector is fairly affordable and has a universal fit.
- Best Car Seat Protector: Munchkin Brica
- Best Value: Helteko Car Seat Protector
- Best Color Options: Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector
- Best Kick Mats: Enovoe Kick Mat
- Best for Pets: Active Pets Dog Car Seat Protector
Car Seat Protectors: FAQ
Below are some common frequently asked questions about car seat protectors:
How do I clean a car seat protector?
Most manufacturers recommend wiping down your car seat protector with a damp cloth to clean it of spills and stains. Some covers are even machine-washable, depending on the brand and model.
Is a car seat protector safe to use with infant car seats?
Accessories made by car seat manufacturers are held to a higher standard of safety than aftermarket companies and must be crash-tested before they can be sold. Therefore, purchasing a car seat protector from a car seat manufacturer is considered to be safe.
Can I store items in my backseat if I have a car seat protector installed?
Yes, you can store items in your backseat with a car seat protector laid down. Be wary of storing large items such as strollers on top of them, as items like these are heavy enough to leave indentation marks on your seat even with a protector.
What can I put on my car seats to protect them?
While there are plastics, seat cushions, and quilted items you can place over your car’s interior, the best car seat protectors are made of durable materials that are washing machine friendly.
Full Car Seat Protector Testing Methodology
To test car seat covers, we installed each product and used it for its intended purpose—we kicked the kick mats, sat on the seat covers, and took a dog for a joyride with the dog seat cover installed.
The car seat protectors we recommend are all designed to protect your upholstery, but each has a slightly different use. All good car seat protectors should be easy to install and remove, have durable construction, and be reasonably priced.
After carefully inspecting and testing each car seat protector, we rated the protector for ease of use, durability, and value.
Ease of Use
Our ease of use score is based on the relative ease or difficulty of installing and removing a car seat protector. Protectors that can be attached quickly, and which are secure once attached, score best in this category.
Generally, a car seat protector should take a couple of minutes to attach or remove.
Material Quality
The material of a car seat protector can impact not only durability but how easy it is to clean. We give the highest material quality scores to car seat protectors made from long-lasting, durable materials that are easily maintained. We also consider stitching quality and waterproofing.
Value
Our value score is based on the cost of a car seat protector relative to its performance in the other categories. Value-per-performance is also relative to its intended purpose. For example, kick mats don’t need to be comfortable to be a good value, but a seat cover should be.
How We Score Products
Every car seat protector we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:
- 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a car seat protector is among the best you can buy.
- Ease of Use: The seat protector can be installed or removed easily in under 30 seconds by a single person. It is completely secure once installed.
- Material Quality: The seat protector is made with strong materials expected to last over a decade. These materials are easily cleaned with a simple wipe-down, feature double-stitched seams (if there is stitching), and are effectively waterproof.
- Value: The car seat protector is less expensive than similar products while excelling at its intended purpose.
- 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a car seat protector performs better than average in a category.
- Ease of Use: The seat protector can be installed or removed by a single person in under a minute. It is secure once installed and requires little adjustment. Or it may be installed even more quickly but does not remain perfectly in place.
- Material Quality: The seat protector is made with strong materials expected to last at least five years. These materials are easy to clean. They may feature double-stitched seams or waterproof materials.
- Value: The car seat protector is priced averagely compared to similar products while excelling at its intended purpose, or it performs averagely while being especially low-priced.
- 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a car seat protector, based on our testing experience.
- Ease of Use: The seat protector takes over a minute to set up and adjust, though is completely secure once installed. It may be removed just as easily.
- Material Quality: The seat protector is made with materials expected to last a couple of years. It typically does not include waterproof materials.
- Value: The car seat protector is of average price and performance compared to similar products.
- 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the car seat protector performs poorer than average.
- Ease of Use: The seat protector is installed with difficulty and does not stay in place, requiring regular readjustment. It may take over five minutes to install or remove.
- Material Quality: The seat protector is made of low-quality materials and is unlikely to last longer than a year.
- Value: The seat protector is especially expensive compared to similar products while not offering stand-out quality.
- 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the car seat protector performs well below expectations.
- Ease of Use: The seat cover does not fit or stay in place once installed.
- Material Quality: The seat cover features poor stitching, easily torn materials, or is otherwise ill-constructed.
- Value: The seat protector is both overpriced and performs worse than similar products.
Why Trust Motor1.com
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
