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Britax Emblem Vs Allegiance Vs Marathon Vs Boulevard Vs Others

About Britax Emblem

The Emblem is one of Britax’s new Essentials lines designed to offer Britax top quality and safety at more affordable pricing than their high-end version. It is not the cheapest of all Britax’s line of convertible car seats but is among the most popular brands with excellent safety ratings. You can also read more on their website here.

Features

  • Seat dimensions: 26 H x 18.5 W x 21 D inches
  • Weight: 19.50 lbs
  • Weight Capacity: rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds with an infant
  • Forward-facing 20 to 65 pounds with a toddler
  • Installation: uses Easy on-off Latch connectors and built-in lock-offs for installation. The Latch connectors use lower anchors that lock in place with a click and release with a push of a button.
  • Britax SafeCell Impact Protection consisting:
  • Impact-stabilizing steel frame- accounts for strength and durability of the car seat.
  • Impact-absorbing base minimizes force of the collision
  • V-shaped tether- minimizes seat rotation in the rear-facing mode while also reducing forward movement during a car crash
  • Dual side impact protection consisting of:
  • One layer of foam lined shell for side impact protection
  • Quick-adjust head protection that offers protection for your baby’s head.
  • 10 position adjustable harness without rethreading: provides a comfortable fit as your child grows.
  • 3 recline positions: provide a comfortable riding position and the right installation angle for your child.
  • Easy buckle System: keeps straps out of your way for easy placement of the baby in and out of the car seat
  • Easy Remove Cover: makes it easy to clean when the car seat becomes dirty

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Lower anchors make latch installation easier
  • Includes a removable body pillow for a snug fit for infants
  • Dual-layer of side impact protection
  • The headrest and harness can be adjusted without rethreading
  • Buckles straps stay out of the way while you take the baby in and out of the car seat
  • Affordable pricing compared to other Britax convertible seats

Cons 

  • A bit hard to install using the car seat belt
  • It would be much easier to clean if the covers were machine washable

Video Reviews

Britax Emblem Safety Rating

The Emblem is one of the highly-rated convertible car seats by various manufacturers. After Baby Gear Lab crash testing, the Emblem got an excellent score. The Consumer Reports commended the Emblem for its extra safety and comfort features but gave it an average rating, while The NHTSA gave the Emblem 4-star rating for overall ease of use. See all convertible car safety ratings here.

How To Install Britax Emblem 

Before installing any car seat, it’s important to first read its manual carefully. Secondly, place your car seat in the right mode for your child’s height and weight limit requirement- infants and newborns should ride in the rear-facing mode until they attain the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit to ride in a forward-facing position.

Third, create room for installation by loosening the harness at the hip and placing the buckle in the forward buckle position.

If you have those three covered, you are all set to install your car seat.

Britax Emblem can be installed using either LATCH or vehicle seat belt.

Installation using the LATCH system

  1. Place the car seat in the forward-facing position
  2. Locate your vehicle’s lower anchor
  3. Connect the lower anchor attachments to the lower anchor making sure there are no twists
  4. Use your body weight to press down and tighten
  5. Attach the tether at the back of your car seat to the tether anchor and tighten. This prevents forward movement in case of a car crash.

Installation using the vehicle seat belt

  1. Place the car in the forward-facing configuration
  2. Thread the car seat belt through the forward-facing belt path and ensure there are no twists
  3. Buckle and lock the seat belt
  4. Using your weight, press down firmly to tighten
  5. Attach the tether found on the back of your car seat to your tether anchor to reduce forward movement during a collision.

How To Install Rear Facing 

Rear-facing install also uses either LATCH or Seat belt. Again before you install, make sure to read the manual carefully. Here are the steps to follow.

Installation using LATCH

  1. Place the car seat in the rear-facing position
  2. Connect the lower anchor attachments to the lower anchors in your car
  3. Use your weight to push down on the car seat and tighten
  4. Ensure that the car seat is positioned at the correct recline angle

Installation using seatbelt

  1. Place the car seat in the rear-facing position
  2. Thread the seat belt along the rear-facing belt path, making sure there are no twists
  3. Buckle and lock the seat belt
  4. Use your weight to press down on the car seat and tighten

Where is the Britax Emblem Made – Us/America?

Like all other Britax car seats, Britax Emblem is manufactured in Fort Mill, South Carolina in the USA.

Britax Emblem Canada

You can get the Britax Emblem from Amazon Canada at around $299. Britax Emblem sold in Canada has a 7-year expiration date shown on the label under the seat cover.

Britax Emblem Vs Allegiance

Both Emblem and Allegiance are part of the Britax Essential line. They are very many features in common, with only a few differences that set them apart.

The differences

Colors

This is one of the most obvious differences between the two car seats. The Emblem is available in Fusion and Baxter colors, while the Allegiance comes in Azul, Luna, Static, and Confetti colors.

Safety

While both car seats are very safe thanks to Britax exclusive Safecell protection, the Emblem offers more protection.

The Allegiance has only one layer of a foam-lined shell for side impact protection, but the Emblem has 2 layers of side impact protection, which include foam-lined shell and quick-adjust head protection.

Padding

The Allegiance has a bit more padding on the sides and headrest, so it may be more comfortable for your baby.

Price

Allegiance is the lowest priced of all Britax convertible car seats (around $190 but can check price on Amazon today here), but the Emblem costs slightly more ($200- check price today here) but is generally still more affordable compared to Britax’s high-end models.

They have these features in common

Same dimensions: 26 H x 18.5 W x 21 D inches

Same weight: 19.5 lbs

Same Weight capacity: Rear-facing 5 to 40 lbs/Forward-facing 20 to 65 lbs

Britax SafeCell impact protection that includes: stabilizing steel frame, impact-absorbing base, and v-shaped tether.

Installs using LATCH connectors that click into place with a click and are released with a button’s push

Infant body pillow

10 quick-adjust harness position

Three recline positions

Click & Safe harness indicator

Easy Buckle System

Easy Remove covers that are cleaned by hand washing

Which one is a better choice?

While there is not much difference in their price tags, we would consider the Emblem a better car seat. This is because we value the extra head protection it provides.

Britax Emblem Vs Boulevard

$369.99
$318.99
 in stock
5 new from $318.99
Amazon.com
as of September 25, 2023 8:14 am

The Emblem and Boulevard are very different models. Boulevard is a high-end Britax model with advanced safety, comfort, and convenient features.

Differences

Installation

Britax Boulevard comes with a ClickTight installation system, which is a more advanced but simpler installation system by Britax. It involves just opening the front part of the car seat, then threading the seat belt through the indicated path, and then clicking the seat shut. Britax Emblem uses Easy on-off Latch connectors to install. The Latch connectors use lower anchors that lock into place with a click and release at the push of a button. This process is not exactly very hard to do, but most people trying to locate the latch is a bit of a hassle.

Quick-adjust harness position

While both models come with quick-adjust harness positions to provide a comfortable fit for your growing child, the Boulevard harness has more positions. It has 14 positions vs Emblem’s 10 harness positions. More harness positions give your child just the perfect fit.

Recline Positions

Both Boulevard and Emblem are designed to provide multiple recline positions. Multiple position options allow proper installation angles to ensure your child is comfortable when riding and napping.

The difference comes in that Boulevard offers 7 recline positions (so more comfortable) while Emblem has only 3 positions. Plus, Boulevard has an automatic level indicator that helps you get the right installation angle every time.

Comfort 

Boulevard has a luxurious feel to it, with premium fabrics and foam padding. Emblem has quality fabrics but not as plush padding as the Boulevard.

Price

Obviously, Boulevard comes at a much higher price ($335) than the Emblem ($200).

Similar features

Same weight capacity: Rear-facing 5 to 40 lbs/Forward-facing 20 to 65lbs

Dual side impacts protection with foam-lined shell and quick-adjust head protection.

Britax SafeCell impact protection comprises: impact stabilizing steel frame, impact-absorbing base, and V-shaped tether.

Easy buckle system

Easy Remove cover for easy cleaning

Which one is a better choice?

By any standard, Boulevard is an excellent car seat. Premium quality, simple installation, advanced safety, more comfort with more harness and recline positions, easy to clean; this car seat has ticked all the boxes. If you can afford it, the Boulevard is the best.

Britax Emblem is perfect if you have a more strict budget. The Easy on-off Latch installation is easy, and the seat is safe and comfortable enough for your child.

Britax Emblem Vs Marathon

Britax Marathon comes to you at the middle price range of all Britax convertible cars. Here is how it compares with the Emblem.


Britax Emblem

Britax Marathon
No products found.No products found.
Comes in 5 different color varietiesComes in 4 different color varieties
Has more advanced safety protection with dual side-impact protectionHas only one layer of side-impact protection
Uses easy on-off Latch Connectors Uses ClickTight installation system which makes installation very easy
14 harness adjustment positions10 harness adjustment positions
3 recline positions7 recline positions
No products found.No products found.

Differences

Safety

Britax Emblem provides more advanced protection because it has dual side impact protection, consisting of a deep foam-lined shell and quick-adjusted head protection. The Marathon has only one layer of side impact protection.

Installation

Britax Marathon comes with a ClickTight installation system while the Britax Emblem installs using Easy on-off Latch Connectors. The ClickTight technology is incredibly easy to use.

Harness positions

While both car seats come with a quick-adjust harness position, Britax Marathon is more adjustable to up to 14 positions while Emblem has only 10 positions harness.

Recline 

Britax Marathon offers 7 recline positions while Emblem only offers 3-positions

Price 

Britax Marathon is more expensive than the Britax Emblem. Its currently retailing at $300 vs Emblem at $200

Similarities

Same weight capacity-Rear facing 5 to 40 lbs/Forward-facing 20 to 65 lbs

Britax SafeCell Impact Protection consists of an impact stabilizing steel frame, impact-absorbing base, and V-shaped tether.

Easy buckle system

Removable cover

Which one is a better choice?

Britax Marathon seems a better choice if you consider its hassle-free ClickTight system. Plus, it has more comfortable options for your child with more recline and harness position.

Britax Emblem is better in terms of more advanced protection for your child and has great pricing too.

Check the price of Emblem here and Marathon here.

Britax Emblem Vs Graco Extend2fit

When it comes to convertible cars, two brands stand out: Britax and Graco. Picking between these two can be really tricky as each has its unique advantages.

Let’s see how the Britax Emblem compares to Graco’s most popular convertible car seats.

Dimensions and weight

Britax Emblem: 26H x 18.5 W x 21 D inches, 19.5lbs

Graco Extend2Fit: 22.1 H x 19.2 W x 25.2 D inches, 19 lbs

Both seats are some of the lightest when you factor in that most convertible car seats range from 25 and 30 plus pounds. The Graco Extend2Fit is a bit bulky to haul around, but Emblem is more compact.

Differences

Rear weight limit

While both accommodate kids from about 5 pounds all the way to 65 pounds, the Graco Extend2Fit has a higher rear-facing weight limit of up to 50 pounds, which is 10 pounds more than what Emblem allows. An extended rear-facing weight limit is highly recommended by the AAP, NHTSA, and other Child Passenger Safety organizations because it keeps your child comfortable and safe longer.

Extra legroom

Graco Extend2Fit comes with an extension panel that gives up to 5 inches more room for your child. The downside is that it takes a bit of room for the front passenger. The Emblem is a compact seat but provides sufficient room for the child and the Front passenger to sit comfortably.

Safety

As you would expect, Britax shines in the area of safety features. The Emblem boasts unique SafeCell Impact Protection and a dual-layer of side impact protection. Graco Extend2Fit is also safe with ProtectPlus Engineering, which encompasses frontal, rear and side-impact protection.

Comfort and style

Britax Emblem is classy in terms of color schemes and fabrics’ quality, but Graco Extend2Fit has more color options, adequate cushioning and is likely to last longer as reflected by the 10-year expiration date.

Graco Extend2Fit also beats the Emblem in terms of movement ability as it offers 6 recline positions for maximum comfort while ensuring your child is seated at the proper angle for them. The emblem is limited with only 3 positions to offer.

Installation 

While both car seat models use the LATCH installation system, the Extend2Fit is also equipped with a level indicator bubble to let you know if you have installed the car seat correctly. On the other hand, Britax Emblem has easier installation using a seat belt because it has a lock-off device that Graco Extend2Fit doesn’t have.

Convenient features

Graco Extend2Fit comes with two cup holders while Emblem does not.

Pricing

Graco Extend2Fit and Britax Emblem are in the same price range but can check Graco Extend2Fit Price on Amazon here and Britax Emblem here.

Similarities

Both Graco Extend2Fit and Emblem are designed to provide a comfortable fit as your child grows. They come with a 10 position harness that can be easily adjusted without the hassle of rethreading the harness.

Both Graco Extend2Fit and Emblem come with harness storage to keep the buckle straps out of the way. This allows easier placement of your baby in and out of the car seat.

Both Graco Extend2Fit and Emblem have removable covers for easier cleaning when the seat gets dirty.

Which one is better?

Both car seats are very safe and comfortable for your child. The Britax is more compact, hence easier to move between cars. It is also easier to install. On the other hand, Graco is bulky, but it also gives you extra legroom with the extension panel out. And, it comes with two cup holders for convenience. So, it will depend on the features that matter the most to you.

Britax Emblem Vs Graco 4ever

These are both reliable car seats, but they have some major differences. Let’s see how they compare.

Dimensions and weight

Both of these car seats are generally lighter compared to other convertible car seats. The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 is heavier, weighing in at 22.8 lbs, while the Britax Emblem weighs only 19.5 lbs. Still, it’s surprising that 4Ever would hold up to 120 of weight and only weigh so little.

Their dimensions are 24 H x 20 W x 21.5 D inches for the Graco 4Ever, and 26 H x 18.5 W x 21 D inches for the Britax Emblem. So as you can tell, the Britax is slimmer but taller.

Weight limit

This is one of the biggest differences between the two car seats. While the Britax Emblem is a 2-in-1 convertible car seat, the Graco 4Ever is a 4-in-1 car seat designed to accommodate your child longer. The Emblem has a weight limit of up to 65 pounds, which means you will need a booster seat later. But, the 4Ever is a one-time investment that converts into a booster seat and accommodates kids up to 120 pounds.

Harness system

Britax Boulevard comes with a 10 position harness that easily adjusts without rethreading as your child grows. On the other hand, Graco 4Ever convertible seats use a 5-point harness in both the rear and forward-facing position, up until your child reaches 65 lbs. You then switch to using the vehicle seatbelt to ensure your child is in the booster seat.

Recline seat positioning

Graco 4Ever is more comfortable with 6 position recline versus Emblem’s only 3 positions.

Convenient features

Graco 4Ever comes with two cup holders to keep drinks and snacks within your child’s easy reach. Emblem lacks this feature, but you can buy it separately.

Price

Understandably, because of the longevity and multi-use capabilities of Graco4Ever, it’s more expensive ($310) than the Britax Emblem.

Similarities 

Safety level

Both car seats use steel frames and provide advanced protection for your child using their own unique engineering designs. Graco 4Ever uses its ProtectPlus Engineering, which encompasses frontal, rear, and side-impact protection. In comparison, the Emblem boasts SafeCell Impact Protection and a dual-layer of side impact protection.

Installation

Both car seats can be installed using LATCH or Seatbelt to secure the seat. The LATCH system is easier, but you have to keep in mind that you will have to switch to install using the seatbelt when you exceed the Latch weight limit. This is why Britax Emblem is advantageous because it already comes with automatic lock-offs, which makes the process easier.

Removable covers

Both Britax Emblem and Graco4Ever come with removable car seat covers for easier cleaning. But, Graco covers are machine washable, while Emblem’s are required to be hand washed.

Which one is better?

Since these two are so very different, it will depend on your needs. Both are safe, easy to install, comfortable with adequate padding and multiple recline positions. We feel like the Emblem would provide a better fit for a newborn and will last a while. But, 4Ever 4-in-1 is highly versatile and will give you more value in the long run as you won’t need to invest in a booster seat later.

Britax Emblem Vs Britax One4life

These two are top among Britax’s most beloved car seats. Let’s see how they compare.

Dimensions and weight

One4Life measures 25H x 19.5 W x 20.5 D while the Emblem measures 26 H x 18.5 W x 21 D inches. As you can see, One4life will take about one more inch of space across, while the Emblem is about an inch taller and may take slightly more space when rear-facing. 

The second difference is their weight. The Emblem is ultra-light (19.5 lbs) compared to One4Life (30 pounds).

Weight capacity

One4Life is designed as the only seat you will need from birth until your child can use a car seat. Therefore it is used from 5 to 65 pounds in the rear and then forward mode, and later converted to a high back booster seat to be used up to 120 pounds. The Emblem lasts until your child is 65 pounds.

The One4Life has another advantage: it can be used rear-facing up to an impressive 50 pounds, whereas the Emblem allows only up to 40 pounds.

Installation

The One4Life car seat utilizes Britax’s innovative ClickTight technology, which is an easy and secure way of installing the car seat. You pinch the two sides of the ClickTight door found at the front of the car seat, then thread the seatbelt through and insert it into the seat buckle. The seat automatically snaps into place to secure the straps tightly.

The Emblem installs using either LATCH or vehicle seatbelt but lower anchors and built-in lock-offs make installation easier.

Harness positions

Both Emblem and One4Life have headrests and harnesses that adjust up and down in one motion using a lever on top of the headrest. But, One4Life offers up to 15 positions compared to only Emblem 10 positions. With more positions, your child has just the perfect fit as they grow.

Recline positions

This is another area where One4Life shines the most as it comes with up to 9 recline positions. The Emblem, on the other hand, has only 3 positions. Again, more recline position options allow you to find the best installation angle for your child’s comfort.

Safety 

Both car seats have Britax Patented SafeCell Impact Protection, dual side impacts protection for head, neck, and torso protection, and V-shaped tethers to minimize seat rotation.

But, the One4Life provides extra safety because it also comes with an anti-rebound mesh, which reduces rotation in the rear-facing mode during a collision.

Convenient features

The One4Life uses an easy-to-follow arrow system to guide you on installing the seat correctly. Britax Emblem does not have indicators to help you with installation.

The One4Life includes two cup holders, but the Emblem does not have these.

Both car seats have removable covers, but the Emblem’s covers require hand washing, whereas One4Life covers can be machine washed.

Pricing

The One4Life is currently retailing at around $380, while Emblem is about $200.

Which is better?

All things compared, Britax One4Life is an unbeatable winner-designed to be the only one you will ever need, superior safety and comfort features, incredibly easy installation, and all the convenient features you desire in a car seat.

You can check Britax Emblem’s price on Amazon here

Britax Allegiance vs Boulevard

Britax Boulevard has ClickTight installation system and 2 layers of impact protection while Britax Allegiance lacks ClickTight installation and relies on Latch installation and has only one layer of side impact protection. Britax Boulevard also has 7 recline positions while Britax Allegiance only has 3 recline positions.

Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat | 2 Layer Impact Protection - Rear & Forward Facing - 5 to 65 Pounds, Circa

$369.99
$318.99
 in stock
5 new from $318.99
Amazon.com
as of September 25, 2023 8:14 am

Britax Allegiance Convertible Car Seat, Prism

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of September 25, 2023 8:14 am

Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API