In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Britax One4Life ClickTight Review

A helpful lock-off for belt and LATCH installation helped the overall score overcome the lower crash test result
gearlab tested logo
Britax One4Life ClickTight Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $400 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Britax
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Nov 27, 2024
70
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 22
  • Crash Test - 35% 6.7
  • Ease of Installation - LATCH - 20% 7.3
  • Ease of Installation - Belt - 15% 7.8
  • Ease of Use - 15% 6.5
  • Comfort/Quality - 10% 7.0
  • Weight/ Size - 5% 6.7

Our Verdict

The Britax One4Life ClickTight is a safety seat in our best convertible car seat review. It is the top-performing Britax option in this review, and the ClickTight lock-off/tensioner makes installation using the vehicle belt easy to accomplish. This option offers a nice seating area and some higher-quality materials. Still, unfortunately, they chose the hook-style LATCH connectors that make life complicated and typically are seen on less expensive seats. The One4Life did not perform well enough in crash tests to earn an average analysis metric score, and it is harder to install using LATCH. Overall, we weren't that impressed with this option, and we think there are better seats for the price. While it earned an average score overall, it struggled in key metrics we feel are important, making it one that struggled to win an award.
REASONS TO BUY
Accessible recline
Large belt pathway openings
Smooth sliding harness adjustment
REASONS TO AVOID
Pricier
Resistance tightening harness
Lower crash test analysis

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Convertible and Crash Testing
Best Value Award
Best Value for Crash Test Analysis
Best Value Award
Rotating on a Budget
Best Value Award
Best on the Tightest Budget
Price $400 List
$317.50 at Amazon
$330 List$250 List
$198.00 at Amazon
$350 List
$318.02 at Amazon
$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
70
79
77
77
60
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line Lower crash test analysis results make it disappointing overall even if installation is easierEasy to install and use and one of the best crash test analysis scores make this seat a winner for most familiesBetter crash test analysis and a lower price make this easy-to-install seat an award contender that just missed the markThis bigger seat rotates and has an easy-to-install belt method and better crash test analysis, but it is still spendier than non-rotating seatsDespite a lack of padding and a harder LATCH install, this inexpensive option earned impressive crash test results, making it a winner for budget-limited families
Rating Categories Britax One4Life Cli... Graco 4Ever DLX Graco Extend2Fit 3... Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Evenflo Tribute 5
Crash Test (35%)
6.7
8.7
8.5
8.7
8.5
Ease of Installation - LATCH (20%)
7.3
7.8
7.5
6.8
4.0
Ease of Installation - Belt (15%)
7.8
7.0
6.3
8.0
5.3
Ease of Use (15%)
6.5
8.0
7.0
7.4
5.0
Comfort/Quality (10%)
7.0
6.5
8.5
6.2
3.0
Weight/ Size (5%)
6.7
7.7
7.7
7.4
7.8
Specs Britax One4Life Cli... Graco 4Ever DLX Graco Extend2Fit 3... Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Evenflo Tribute 5
Min/Max Rear Facing Passenger Weight 5-50 lb 4-40 lb 4-50 lb 4-40 lb 5-40 lb
Min/Max Forward Facing Passenger Weight 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 22-40 lb
Rear Facing Maximum Height Top of head must be 1 in below the
top edge of headrest
Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle 49 in 37 in
Forward Facing Maximum Height 49 in 49 in 49 in 49 40 in
Weight 28.1 lb 21.8 lb 20.5 lb 26.1 lb 9.4 lb
Harness Type No-rethread No-rethread No-rethread No-rethread Rethread
Anti-rebound Device No No Yes No No
Measured Minimum Rear Facing Length 28 in 25 in 26 in 27 in 29 in
Measured Minimum Seat Width 19 in 19 in 19 in 18 in 18 in
Headrest/Shoulder Harness Positions 15 10 10 10 4
Crotch Strap Positions 3 2 2 2 2
Number Of Recline positions 9 6 6 4 1
Head Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Infant Positioning Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Rear Facing Level Indicator On Seat Dial, both sides Bubble, one side Bubble, one side Level indicator, both sides Line on decal, both sides
Booster Mode Available Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Foam Type Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned EPP EPS
Seat Lifespan 10 years 10 years 10 years 10 year 6 years
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Aircraft Certified Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes Yes
Warranty 1 year limited 1 year limited 1 year limited 1 year 90 day limited

Our Analysis and Test Results

Britax, a European company, is more than 70 years old. British Accessories and Romer joined in Germany in 1971. They launched the company's first car seats in 1973. Britax acquired other safety seat companies in Australia and New Zealand. Britax began selling seats in the US in 1996. Britax sells multiple types of car seats, top-ranked strollers, and accessories.

Performance Comparison



We commission crash testing for all of the safety seats we review, including the Britax One4Life, seen here.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Test


The crash test analysis result for this Britax is below the average, with sensor scores that weren't impressive compared to better-performing options. While all of the seats in this review are considered safe and should have passed the federal standards, we ran our tests a little faster and on a more modern sled to find the best of the bunch.


While the One4 Life was not a standout in our tests, it also wasn't a disappointment; there are simply better options in this review if your main goal is the best crash test analysis result.

This graph shows the sensor results from one of the best in the...
This graph shows the sensor results from one of the best in the group compared to the One4Life.
This graph shows one of the best crash test sensor results in the...
This graph shows one of the best crash test sensor results in the group compared to the results of the One4Life.

This Britax had higher G forces recorded on the HIC (head sensor) and chest sensors in the crash dummy than the average seat in our tests. A lower value is preferable, and the higher results hurt its overall analysis result.

The One4Life has a useful side button for angle adjustment that was a big step over the foot placement handles you can't access after installation.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Install - LATCH


The LATCH installation method isn't too shabby, with a better-than-average result than the other convertible options we tested. This seat has hook-style LATCH connectors, a dial level on both sides, and a lock-off.

The level dial on the One4Life is harder to use than most, and the...
The level dial on the One4Life is harder to use than most, and the acceptable level range is limited.
The One4Life has a push button angle adjustment, which makes it much...
The One4Life has a push button angle adjustment, which makes it much easier to use than the foot position handle on most seats.

The recline adjustment is a side button that is much easier to operate than the typical handle on the foot portion, making adjustment after installation difficult. The indicator is confusing with color coding based on your child's neck control and rear vs forward-facing directions, and it isn't obvious. The diagram for threading the LATCH strap is also unclear, and we think they've made this more complicated than needed. The hook connectors easily get twisted, and we hate how hard they are to remove. It feels like a backward direction to take from the easy-to-use push-on connectors we usually see on higher-end models.

The pinch mechanism of the ClickTight features works well and might...
The pinch mechanism of the ClickTight features works well and might be easier for some parents than other ClickTight features on other Britax.
The One4Life entire seat bottom lifts up and out of the way for the...
The One4Life entire seat bottom lifts up and out of the way for the forward-facing pathway.

The lock-off is a pinch-style button that is wide enough for most fingers, and the tensioner helps you get a tight fit you couldn't otherwise get without it. The final installation was stable and passed the wiggle test handily.

The One4Life is so wide it can make it challenging to attack the...
The One4Life is so wide it can make it challenging to attack the LATCH hooks to the LATCH anchors as it is wider than the anchor points.
Pulling the One4Life LATCH connectors tight is hard because the...
Pulling the One4Life LATCH connectors tight is hard because the angle is awkward, it requires getting into the vehicle, and the seat is wider than the anchor points.

The forward-facing installation of this Britax has a wide angle range with an easy-to-thread strap and angle rotation. The pathway is clear under the seat, and the seat bottom stays out of the way. Removing the LATCH hooks is a chore, and for the price, it is a miss for us. It is something more acceptable on seats at half the price. The seat bottom doubles as the lock-off tensioner again and is easy to operate. There is minimal wiggle when installation is complete. We accidentally installed it incorrectly on our first attempt, so follow directions closely and double-check.

The One4Life ClickTight method includes lifting the seat bottom to route the pathway and use as a lock-off.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Install - Belt


While installing using the LATCH method is not challenging, using the vehicle belt is easier, and this Britax performed better in this metric than LATCH. It would be our chosen method for this seat.

britax one4life clicktight - the rear-facing belt installation of the one4life uses the seat...
The rear-facing belt installation of the One4Life uses the seat bottom belt pathway.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The One4Life has a dial-style level indicator on both sides for easy viewing. It includes a color-coded belt pathway with a lock-off. The level isn't as smooth moving and could take a little patience to use, and we often felt like it wasn't moving or adjusting when the seat did. We wish it had a wider range of acceptable positions. This seat has a button adjustment for reclining, which is much easier to use than most. The seat rotates back and forth smoothly. This seat has the ClickTight tensioner, and a button pops up the seat bottom. The pathway is wide and easier to identify and thread than other Britax options we tested. The seat was larger, and we had to get in the car to buckle the belt. Closing the seat bottom to engage the tensioner is easy, and the seat feels stable. There is some resistance pushing the seat bottom of the One4Life down as the padding collides with the vehicle seat. Overall, we felt the process was smoother than some of the other Britax options.

The One4Life ClickTight lock-off uses the seat bottom to lock the...
The One4Life ClickTight lock-off uses the seat bottom to lock the strap in place.
The rear-facing pathway on the One4Life is near the foot of the...
The rear-facing pathway on the One4Life is near the foot of the chair under the ClickTight seat bottom.

Uninstalling the seat is easy enough with the pinch open of the belt lock-off/tensioner. It is easy to unbuckle the belt and to unthread it from the pathway.

For forward-facing installation, it includes the same dial on both sides, pathway indicators, and the ClickTight lock-off/tensioner. The pathway is not truly color-coded, but there are colored sticker indicators that have arrows. You must raise the seat bottom first before you initiate the installation. Everything threads easily without too much finagling, and the slots are large and easy to access. The recline rotation is smooth, and the seat bottom pushes down without a problem locking the seat in place. It feels tight, and there is no wiggle in our tests.

britax one4life clicktight - unlike other clicktigh options with a twisting button, the one4life...
UNlike other ClickTigh options with a twisting button, the One4Life uses a pinch mechanism to release the seat bottom.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


While it isn't “hard” to use, it is more complicated than most, with a below-average performance in this metric compared with other seats.

britax one4life clicktight - the one4life doesn't offer any kind of comfort padding for the...
The One4Life doesn't offer any kind of comfort padding for the harness straps, but there is a crotch buckle pad.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The prongs slide down the harness straps all the way to the bottom with nothing to hold them up or out of the way. The process is below average for the group and the One4Life as it seems thinner than most, and it was challenging to get the straps around our baby with the smaller working space and shorter webbing. We had trouble fitting little arms back to go under the shoulder straps. The buckle and chest clip were easy to use.

Tightening and loosening the One4Life is below average compared to the others in our test group. Tightening was difficult, and the right side tightened more than the left. There is tension on the straps, and we had to give it somewhat of a jerk to get it tight enough. Loosening isn't much better, and we had to tug hard on the straps to get them to release. Both processes were such a pain, and it just doesn't need to be this hard, in our opinion.

britax one4life clicktight - the one4life harness height adjustment is a pinch mechanism on the...
The One4Life harness height adjustment is a pinch mechanism on the top of the headrest assembly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The harness height adjustment is better than the average for the One4Life, and it has a non-rethread height adjustment with 15 positions and a crotch strap with three positions. It is different than the other Britax we looked at. The assembly moves smoothly up and down after clasping the button fully. The button is super easy to operate and not a workout. The three crotch strap positions sound nice but have a similar range to those with two, so we think it is more of a minor help than a useful one for bigger kids.

britax one4life clicktight - the latch hooks on the one4life clip under the seat to keep them out...
The LATCH hooks on the One4Life clip under the seat to keep them out of the way.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

LATCH Storage


Latch connector storage is under the seat, which flips up for installation. The space is big enough and easy to access and feels like a better design than other Britax options we looked at. The connection hooks are within reach and not too far back.

Cover


There are a lot of loops and pegs on this cover, and most are in tight spaces where it can be hard to find or reach them. If you want a finished look, the sides also require pushing in the material.

britax one4life clicktight - the one4life offers two integrated cup holders, but if you look...
The One4Life offers two integrated cup holders, but if you look close at the cover and other features, it fails to meet the same level of quality we saw in some of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


This seat has a somewhat better-than-average result for comfort and quality. While these results might be impressive for a cheaper seat, this option is on the spendy side and feels like a disappointment compared to other options.

Given the hook design on the LATCH connectors of the One4Life, it...
Given the hook design on the LATCH connectors of the One4Life, it takes much finessing to remove it from the vehicle anchors.
The hook-style LATCH connectors are safe, but the design is...
The hook-style LATCH connectors are safe, but the design is frustrating to attach and a pain to remove from the anchors.

The main seating material isn't as comfy as the infant insert. The shoulder pads are seen together, so there is no adjustment as little ones grow. The seating area has breathable material down the side, which might be useful in hotter weather without adding anything abrasive. The infant insert has separate head and body components. The head padding isn't as much as the remainder, but the outer headrest is well-padded. It feels like a great combination of comfort and cooling.

Overall, the padding is significant and better than that of most of the competition. It has padding on padding on padding. The back padding can be halved and folded in infant mode or unfolded for bigger children. The two layers slide over one another, and there is great padding in the back area where many competitors skimp.

The shell itself is relatively smooth, but the Britax Safecell red design below the seat has a bunch of small honeycomb-type exposed areas where messes will likely migrate. You'll have a heck of a time getting vomit out of this area or a spilled smoothie. The seat has two integrated cup holders that sit pretty flush with the seat shell and twist out for cleaning. If you don't show your little ones how you remove them, you might get some extra time before they figure them out.

britax one4life clicktight - the one4life is both heavy and wide compared to the competition.
The One4Life is both heavy and wide compared to the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


With a weight of 28.1 lbs and a width of 19.4, the ONe4Life convertible seat is neither lightweight nor narrow. Depending on your car seat goals, this might be a poor fit for your car or travels.


The average seat in this group weighs 24.3 lbs and is 18.6 in wide. Given that the low for the group is a smidge over 9 and the width closer to 17 in, you can see why this option did not stand out in our review.

Should You Buy the Britax One4Life ClickTight?


The Britax One4Life is a generally average seat with a higher-than-average price. This seat offers below-average crash test analysis, and the terrible clip-style LATCH connectors we equate to cheap and frustrating. Why would a brand with this history of quality make this choice on a seat priced above the average? We don't know, but frankly, it is somewhat of a deal-breaker. Installation is hard enough without making it harder to save money while not passing the savings on to the user. Overall, the lackluster performance of this seat results in just about the average score for the group, with no actual standout features or reasons to recommend it. It is the highest-scoring Britax in this lineup. Still, higher-scoring options from other brands cost less and provide an additional margin of safety, as indicated by their crash test results.

What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?


If your goal is quality, safety, or ease of use, the Nuna Rava is a top performer. This option has higher crash test scores, is easy to install, has straightforward features, and has a comfy seating spot. If the price is out of your budget (as it is one of the most expensive options), then the Graco 4Ever DLX is a good choice that excels at just about everything. The high crash test score is reason enough to love it, and the price is lower than the Britax. No matter your goals or budget, there is a top-ranking option in our lineup that is probably a better fit for you. Alternatively, if you love Britax and don't want to stray, the Britax Poplar S scored higher overall and performed slightly better in our crash test analysis.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz