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.
Editor’s Note: On December 16, 2024, we tested and added the Sanmitti Car Seatback Organizer, Owley’s Hexy Car Seat Protector Mat, Paw Jamboree Car Front Seat Cover, Shodu Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover, Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Car Seat Cover, Lusso Gear Dog Car Seat Cover for Back Seat, cons, and an additional FAQ.
The Best Car Seat Protectors of 2025
Best Back Car Seat Kick Mat & Organizer
Sanmitti 2 Pack PU Leather Premium Car SeatBack Organizer
Pros
- Protects the seat bottom and seat back
- Added protection and handy storage compartments
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn't fully wrap over the top of the 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
Cons
- We wish there was a little more padding
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
Cons
- Doesn't stay in place very well
- Not the most durable
Pros
- Easy-to-clean material is resilient
- Raised edges help contain spills
- Cut-outs accommodate LATCH connectors
- Easy to install and remove
Cons
- Not the best universal fit
Pros
- 2 ways to use: Infant (rear-facing) and toddler (forward-facing)
- Includes brush within easy reach for a quick sweep
- Removable crumb catcher
Cons
- Fit is not the most secure
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)
Cons
- Economy construction
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
Cons
- We'd prefer a bit more storage space
- Fit: Universal
- Set: One rear seat cover
- Material: Polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Wrap-around coverage
Cons
- Colors can be UV-sensitive
- Fit: Universal
- Set: One rear seat cover
- Material: Recycled polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Packable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Little padding
Car Seat Protectors Comparison Chart

How We Tested Car Seat Protectors
Our Expert Testers & Testing Grounds
Our Testing Process
Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Car Seat Protectors
Single-Seat, Bench-Seat, Back Seat
Pockets & Compartments
Price & Value
Budget
Mid-Tier
Premium

Frequently Asked Questions
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, like the Owley’s Hexy Car Seat Protector Mat, 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. Some product guidelines, like those for the Paw Jamboree Car Front Seat Cover, suggest spot cleaning and vacuuming rather than routinely machine-washing, since washing can reduce the effectiveness of waterproofing treatments.
A few quick questions can narrow the selection from a sea of choices for dog seat covers. First, does your dog tend to ride in the front or back seats? Rear seats can be a safer option — unless you have a dog-specific harness and seat belt attachment.
Then, consider how much cover you’ll need, whether you’d prefer a model that clips up like a hammock to encourage staying in the back seat or lays flat like a blanket across the seat bench. Some models, like the Shodu Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover For Back Seat, even wrap up the sides, so your doors are protected, too. Waterproof treatments are almost a given, but it’s worth double-checking. And consider how stowable this cover is if your dog only tags along occasionally.
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