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Quick verdict
Choose the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat if you want lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal. Choose the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat if you'd rather have long rear-facing limit to 40 lb. Overall we rank the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Car Seats Under $150 list.
Winner overall: Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat
Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat vs Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
Keep researching
- Best Car Seats Under $150
- Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat review
- Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat review
- All car seats
Bottom line
Choose the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat if you want lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal. Choose the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat if you'd rather have long rear-facing limit to 40 lb. Overall we rank the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Car Seats Under $150 list.
Evenflo
Evenflo LiteMax 35 for a genuinely lightweight carrier at the lowest price in the category.
- Fits infants 4 to 35 pounds
- 8.7-pound carrier, one of the lightest in its class
- Belt lock-off for base-free installation
- Dual weight range recline indicator
- Removable infant head and body pillow
✓ Pros
- Long rear-facing limit to 40 lb
- Harness and headrest adjust together
- Affordable convertible seat
- Machine-washable cover
✕ Cons
- Bulky in compact cars
- Heavy to move between cars
- No booster mode
Graco
A convertible seat used rear-facing from 5 to 40 lb and forward-facing in a harness up to 65 lb.
✓ Pros
- Long rear-facing limit to 40 lb
- Harness and headrest adjust together
- Affordable convertible seat
- Machine-washable cover
✕ Cons
- Bulky in compact cars
- Heavy to move between cars
- No booster mode
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better, the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat or the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat?
Choose the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat if you want lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal. Choose the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat if you'd rather have long rear-facing limit to 40 lb. Overall we rank the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Car Seats Under $150 list.
What is the difference between the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat and the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat?
The Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat stands out because lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal, while the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat stands out because long rear-facing limit to 40 lb. The trade-offs differ too: the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat's ma in caveat is that still needs to be checked or gate-checked without a base, since the base itself is bulky to travel with, and the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat's is that bulky in compact cars.
Is the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat worth it over the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat instead if still needs to be checked or gate-checked without a base, since the base itself is bulky to travel with is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat instead of the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat?
The Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat suits one-seat-for-years value, while the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat is best for travel.
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