Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car vs Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat
Both made our Best Car Seats for Travel shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
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 Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat if you'd rather have light and easy to move between cars. Overall we rank the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Car Seats for Travel list.
Winner overall: Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat
Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat vs Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Car Seats for Travel | #3 of 4 in Best Car Seats for Travel |
| Pick label | Best overall | Shortlisted |
| Brand | Evenflo | Evenflo |
| Key features | 8.7-pound carrier shell; Fits infants 4 to 35 pounds; Belt lock-off for base-free installation | See full details |
| Biggest strength | Lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal | Light and easy to move between cars |
| Main trade-off | Still needs to be checked or gate-checked without a base, since the base itself is bulky to travel with | Fewer padding and convenience features |
| Best for | travel | second cars, grandparents and travel |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best overall
Choose the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat if…
- Lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal
- Belt lock-off means it installs securely in a rental car without needing to bring or check the base
- Typically the least expensive seat here, lowering the stakes if travel handling causes wear
Best for: travel
Prefer the alternative? See the Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat section.
#3 pick
Choose the Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat if…
- Light and easy to move between cars
- Budget price for a convertible seat
- Rear- and forward-facing use
Best for: second cars, grandparents and travel
Prefer the alternative? See the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat section.
Pros and cons of each
Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat
Pros
- Lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal
- Belt lock-off means it installs securely in a rental car without needing to bring or check the base
- Typically the least expensive seat here, lowering the stakes if travel handling causes wear
Cons
- Still needs to be checked or gate-checked without a base, since the base itself is bulky to travel with
- Fewer premium comfort features than the pricier picks
- Height limit means it will not last as long for an older, taller toddler
Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat
Pros
- Light and easy to move between cars
- Budget price for a convertible seat
- Rear- and forward-facing use
- Compact enough for smaller back seats
Cons
- Fewer padding and convenience features
- Harness height adjustment requires rethreading
- Less legroom rear-facing than extended-legroom seats
Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat vs Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat: common questions
Which is better, the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat or the Evenflo Sonus 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 Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat if you'd rather have light and easy to move between cars. Overall we rank the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Car Seats for Travel list.
What is the difference between the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat and the Evenflo Sonus 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 Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat stands out because light and easy to move between cars. The trade-offs differ too: the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat's main 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 Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat's is that fewer padding and convenience features.
Is the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat worth it over the Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Evenflo Sonus 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 Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat instead of the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat?
The Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat suits second cars, grandparents and travel, while the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat is best for travel.