Whether your kid loves to throw cereal or your dog endlessly sheds, car seat protectors are the best way to keep your car seats clean. That’s why we’ve searched the web to bring you a list of the finest car seat protectors. Now, instead of fretting about the mess, you can keep your seats looking first-rate. The best car seat protectors increase the longevity of your car seats while making messes much easier to clean up.

Car seat protectors help shield your seats from stains, scratches, and general wear and tear. They’re ideal to use in conjunction with front-facing or rear-facing child car seats. With car seat protectors, you can easily remove and clean them in the event of spills, dirt, or grime. And car seat protectors will save you both time and money, making it easy to clean up messes and helping preserve the resale value of your car.

To learn more about car seat protectors and a more in-depth analysis of how they can vary, check out our comprehensive buyers guide, FAQ, and comparison chart below.

Editor’s Note: On July 23, 2024, we published an updated version including a fact check for technical product changes. We pared down the list, added a comparison chart, and upgraded the format for an easier reader experience.

The Best Car Seat Protectors of 2024

Best Overall Car Seat Protector: Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector
Best Budget: Lyork Car Seat Protector
Best Premium: iBuddy Dog Seat Cover
Best Bucket Seat Protector: Active Pets Front Seat Dog Cover
Best Back Car Seat Kick Mat & Organizer: Carisma Car Backseat Organizer
Best LATCH-Friendly Car Seat Protector: Munchkin Brica Elite Seat Guardian
Best Child Seat Protector: Skip Hop Clean Sweep

Pros

Protects the seat bottom and seat back
Added protection and handy storage compartments
Affordable

Coming in at the top of our list, the Lusso Gear car seat protector ($30) is a simple, high-quality option. The durable, thick material is waterproof, and the corners are made of reinforced PVC leather to keep it securely in place. Depending on your car’s interior and personal preferences, you can choose black, tan, red, grey, or brown. The materials are completely odor-free and easy to clean.

In terms of installation, this car seat protector has a user-friendly adjustable headrest strap and anti-slip seat straps that hold it in place. Whether you have a leather or fabric interior, you’ll be protected from scratches, tears, UV rays, and spills with this amazing car seat protector. And thanks to its three built-in pockets, you can also optimize storage in your car.

Lusso backs all its products with a 1-year money-back guarantee. Depending on your needs, you can pick the Lusso Gear car seat protector designed for sitting comfort or use with a child’s car seat.

Pros

Multifunctional and great for use if you have kids and dogs or need added protection
A front apron has two spacious mesh storage pockets
Constructed of water-resistant material
Easy cleanup with a damp cloth or mild cleaner

If you’re looking for a simple car seat protector that blends style and functionality, these sleek and durable car seat protectors from Lyork ($27) should fit the bill. You can choose black, gray, or brown to complement your interior.

Installation is quick and easy. To secure the car seat protector, simply buckle the adjustable safety strap to the headrest and tuck in the fastening pads. The backside of the cover has a nonslip mesh — the perfect material for gripping and protecting leather seats.

It is important to note that these car seat protectors are not a universal fit. Although, they should fit most vehicles with standard measurements, such as compact sedans, medium or large SUVs, and trucks.

They are guaranteed to fit the following popular vehicles including the Toyota Sienna, RAV4, 4Runner, Highlander, Corolla, Honda Accord, Odyssey, CR-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Wrangler Limited, Ford F-150, as well as most models from VW, Tesla, Subaru, Chevrolet, Audi, and BMW.

If your car make and model are not listed, check the car seat protector measurements for this Lyork design before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

Pros

XXL size measures 64 inches wide and is specially designed for RAM full-size trucks
Thick 900D Oxford coating resists scratches and is 100% waterproof
Hammock-style seat cover offers full protection, keeps pets off the floor, and prevents them from jumping into the front seat

Full-size trucks and SUVs need full-size protection. The iBuddy Dog Seat Cover ($66) is a hammock-style seat protector specifically designed to meet the needs of truck owners that can’t leave home without bringing along their furry BFF. Plus, it offers nearly absolute protection over the backseat, doors, and side panels of any truck.

The iBuddy has a mesh window that allows airflow to the back seat and helps reduce your pet’s separation anxiety. A thick scratchproof 900D Oxford and water-resistant coating will hold up to big dogs. It also serves to shield your truck seats from stains and muddy pet paws.

From XL to XXL sizes, which are 60 inches and 64 inches respectively, the width is enough to fit most full-size trucks and SUVs. This includes the Ford F-150 and F-250, Ram trucks, Toyota Tundra, Chevy Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and more.

Also, the iBuddy Dog Seat Cover is incredibly easy to install. Simply lay out the cover in the backseat, tuck the seat anchors in, and buckle the adjustable straps around the headrests.

Pros

4-layer fabric is durable and waterproof
Easy-to-clean material with a damp cloth or vacuum
Heavy-duty buckles, seat anchor, and non-slip bottom securely holds seat cover

Why leave your dog in the back of the car when they can happily ride shotgun? This car seat protector from Active Pets ($19) is waterproof, durable, and the answer to your messy pet problems. With this car seat protector, your lifelong companion can go everywhere with you, and you can keep the dog hair and slobber to a minimum.

For easy and secure installation, it has an adjustable headrest buckle, a middle snap buckle, seat anchors, and non-slip backing. In terms of maintenance, you can easily clean it with a wet towel or vacuum. Or if you need a deeper clean, Active Pets advises you to rinse it in the shower.

While this Active Pets seat protector is designed to fit most cars, check the measurements to be certain you will have a proper fit. You can choose from a black car seat protector with orange, black, or pink accents.

Pros

Wide 24" x 16" coverage area
Multiple storage pockets and cup holders
One holder with touchscreen window for iOS and Android tablets up to 10"
Water-resistant PU leather

With the Carisma Car Seat Protector and Kick Mat Car Seat Organizer ($23), you truly get the best of all worlds when it comes to coverage and value. The front car seat protector and kick mat are made of high-quality Oxford fabric and PVC leather. To install, buckle the quick-release adjustable strap to the headrest. The anti-slip bottom grips the seat with no additional tie-downs.

The car seat protector has slots that accommodate LATCH anchors and seat belts. This set is also great if you want added storage and a way to stay organized on the road. The front apron has two pockets in addition to the rear storage pockets, ideal for small toys, books, electronics, snacks, and more.

Both the Carisma Car Seat Protector and Kick Mat Car Seat Organizer fit most vehicles. Nonetheless, check the measurements to ensure a proper fit for your car. And in the event of any messes or mishaps, you can easily spot-clean the protectors with a mild cleaner, a towel, and water.

Pros

Easy-to-clean material is resilient
Raised edges help contain spills
Cut-outs accommodate LATCH connectors
Easy to install and remove

Made from highly durable vinyl, this is one of the best car seat protectors to guard your car’s interior against damage done by child car seats. The Munchkin Brica Car Seat Protector ($38) is safety-rated and crash-tested. This is a great choice, especially for rear-facing car seats, because the long back also serves as a kick mat.

Along with the adjustable headrest buckle, it also has dual-grip traction to help keep your child’s car seat securely in place. The thick vinyl material can withstand kicking, spills, and more. It is effortless to spot clean using a towel, mild soap, and warm water.

The Munchkin Brica Car Seat Protector is guaranteed to keep your child’s car seat more secure. The protector is 45 inches long by 20 inches wide, so measure your car seat and child seat before purchasing to make sure this protector will work for you.

Pros

2 ways to use: Infant (rear-facing) and toddler (forward-facing)
Includes brush within easy reach for a quick sweep
Removable crumb catcher

The Skip Hop car seat protector ($31) is crash-tested for safety and is the perfect solution for a clean and organized car. In addition to the car seat protector, it also comes with a cleaning brush and a removable crumb catcher.

It can easily attach to most car seats with the adjustable headrest buckle. It is suitable for use with both rear-facing and front-facing car seats. The cushioned foam material is very durable and thick enough to protect your car’s interior from spills, dirt, and other messes.

Along with the Skip Hop car seat protector, Skip Hop also makes a high-quality backseat organizer that has two insulated bottle pockets, clear pockets, and mesh pockets if you are looking for additional storage.

Pros

Durable construction that’s 100% waterproof and scratch resistant
Versatile applications
Mesh window
Easy installation
Two size options: standard (54" W x 58" L) and XL (60" W x 64" L)

The URPOWER dog car bench seat protector ($35) is incredibly versatile and durable. This car seat protector is an absolute must for any pet owner. Basically, if you bring your four-legged companion with you anywhere, your car will get dirty. And while it’s worthwhile to take your pup along for all your adventures, no one wants to deal with a damaged and dirty interior. Luckily, you can have the best of both worlds with a car seat protector designed with dogs in mind.

Options abound as this car seat protector can convert between a “dog hammock,” a bench seat protector, a front seat cover, and even a cargo liner. If your dog tends to jump on your lap while you’re driving, the “dog hammock” feature will keep both of you safe and keep him secure in the backseat. And there’s even a mesh window so your dog can have peace of mind and keep an eye on you on all your road trips.

The material of the URPOWER dog car bench seat protector is 100% waterproof and scratch-proof. It has four headrest snap buckles and two seat anchors to keep it secure. When cleaning the cover, you can tackle the job with a vacuum and a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, drop it in a laundry bag, toss it into a washing machine, and air dry it.

Pros

Protects the seat back from unwanted scuff marks, dirt, and mud
Premium materials made to last
Easy-to-clean waterproof material is also machine washable
Large coverage area

If you already own car seat protectors or car seat covers but still looking to protect the backs of your seats, these Lusso kick mats ($23) make a great addition. In addition to preserving the longevity of your car’s interior, these back seat protectors also provide additional storage.

Each kick mat has an adjustable headrest strap and seat strap, so they don’t move around. The reinforced corners prevent sag, especially when the storage pockets are full. Plus, three large mesh pockets can hold electronics, toys, and snacks. For good measure, the waterproof material allows for easy maintenance and cleanup.

This two-pack of Lusso kick mats will fully cover the backs of your front seats for the best protection, regardless of your child’s age. Depending on your style and car interior, you can choose either tan, black, red, grey, or brown kick mats. With each purchase, Lusso offers a lifetime money-back guarantee.

Car Seat Comparison Chart

Car Seat	Price
Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector	$30
Lyork Car Seat Protector	$27
iBuddy Dog Seat Cover for Trucks	$66
Active Pets Front Seat Dog Cover	$19
Carisma Car Backseat Organizer	$23
Munchkin Brica Elite Seat Guardian	$38
Skip Hop Clean Sweep	$31
URPOWER 4-in-1 Car Bench Seat Protector	$35
Lusso Gear Heavy-Duty Kick Mats	$23

Why You Should Trust Us

We get that people want the best value on gear before spending their hard-earned money. Our expert team carefully selects the products we cover and vigorously researches (and tests) our top choices.

Bottom line: The GearJunkie staff is dedicated to exhaustive analysis and helping our readers make informed choices.

munchkin auto seat protector — (Photo/Munchkin)

Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Car Seat Protectors

Life is more fun when you don’t constantly stress about the messes that are bound to happen. With the best car seat protectors, cleaning and maintaining your car’s interior become much easier. After all, kids are kids, and dogs are dogs!

When it comes to finding the best car seat protectors, the options truly come in all shapes and sizes. Here, we’ve outlined all the best car seat protectors that money can buy. We’ve included single-seat and bench-seat protectors, “bucket” seats for the front seat, kick mats, car seat protectors for pets, and car seat protectors for kid’s car seats.

Many car seat protectors have added pockets and compartments for storage. The material, design, and other features are unique to each product, so read through the product specifications to get a good understanding of all the features.

Along with our comprehensive buying guide showcasing a variety of all the best car seat protectors, we’ve answered your most frequently asked questions surrounding the best car seat protectors. After this article, you’ll be able to confidently buy the ideal car seat protector to fit your unique needs.

munchkin brica elite guardian car seat protector — Munchkin Brica Elite Guardian seat protector; (photo/Munchkin)

FAQ

The installation process depends on the particular car seat protector that you purchase. Typically, car seat protectors fasten around the headrest. Along with that, there are anchors that fit between the seat bottom and backrest to hinder movement. Look for designs that allow for easy access to the seatbelt receptacles and LATCH anchors. Often, there are anti-skid features to help keep the car seat protectors in place. Your car seat protector should have instructions on installing it properly and securely.

The best car seat protectors do not hinder the deployment of side airbags. Check with the manufacturer prior to purchasing if the product description is unclear.

No, not all car seat protectors have extra pockets for storage. A few car seat protectors only cover the bottom of the seat and do not have storage compartments. As a precaution, check the product photos and description if you need additional storage features. If you have kids, storage pockets work conveniently for storing toys, food, bottles, and more for road trips.

The best material for car seat protectors is neoprene if you’re especially worried about liquid spills. It is easy to clean and water-resistant. PVC, or Polyvinyl chloride, is a versatile thermoplastic polymer that’s also commonly used as a waterproof material for seat protectors. The resistance to tears and extra durability of PVC seat protectors make them a solid choice when pets and kids are involved. However, neoprene is more comfortable in hot weather and more expensive to produce than PVC.

Yes, you can. Numerous car seat protectors are specifically designed to work well with car seats — rear-facing and front-facing. When finding the right car seat protector for your child’s car seat, check to ensure it is suitable for use with a car seat and the correct size. Watch for LATCH-compatible seat protectors, which allow easy hookup of child car safety seats. You’ll want to look for protectors that won’t slip, have easy access to safety belts, and have strong crash-test ratings.

Many car seat protectors are easily spot-cleaned and machine washable. If you just need to spot-clean the cover, you can use a microfiber cloth, lukewarm water, and mild soap.