After rigorous testing – at our lab site and from personal use – our choice for the best overall car seat cover is the Zone Tech Cooling Car Seat Cushion.
With its ability to circulate air through hundreds of tiny spaces in the microfiber and mesh material, cool air flows through the cushion and absorbs body heat to reduce perspiration. Additionally, it has temperature control, is a universal fit, and is easy to use.
Best Products Review rates the Zone Tech as a 9.5 on their scale due to its easy installation, value for money, and its built-in temperature control.
We’ve compiled a guide for five of the best cooling car seat covers, from compatibility to price, warranty, and cooling technology – we cover it all right here.
The Best Cooling Car Seat Covers Out There
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Cooling car seat covers and cushions like these work by utilizing a cooling technology such as cooling gel, ventilation with air fans and massage, or even wood beads. Electric cooling seats even allow you to change settings and customize the cushion as you see fit.
When searching for a cooling car seat cover, it’s important to weigh the options. Do you want a cushion that only gives you 20-minutes of cooling before it’s back to square one? Do you want a massager with cooling abilities for pain relief? How about fans, do you really need one? Do you want softer cushioning or do you like a firmer feel like beads?
With that in mind, let’s review our top picks.
Best Cooling Car Seat Covers
Let’s start things off with the coolest cover I could find.
Pick #1: Zone Tech Cooling Car Seat Cushion – Best Overall
I was immediately impressed with the Zone Tech's smart air intake method. It's intake fan works quickly and consistently by recirculating the cool air around it. It also features a handy control switch that allows you to personalize the level of cooling you need.
Most importantly, it's reliable. Just plug it into your 12V lighter plug (or buy a cheap 24V adapter or USB adapter for any other power source you may need) and you're good to go for hours. That's something you can't say for a number of the lower-quality, unproven product models that have a reputation for failing.
- Worked quickly and consistently in very hot temperatures
- Proven product with a large number of positive experiences
- Well engineered cooling intake fan
- No auto shut-off
- May need an adapter
- No massage feature
I was immediately impressed with Zone Tech’s innovative air intake method. Its intake fan works quickly and consistently by recirculating the cool air around it. It also features a handy control switch that allows you to personalize the level of cooling you need.
Most importantly, it’s reliable. Just plug it into your 12V lighter plug (or buy a cheap 24V adapter or USB adapter for any other power source you may need), and you’re ready for hours. That’s something you can’t say for a number of the lower-quality, unproven product models with a reputation for failing.
Pro tip: Direct more of your air-conditioning toward the feet section of your car, and the Zone Tech circulation fan will gather tons of cool air and make your fanny an air-conditioned paradise!
You can also easily install and remove this universal cover (that fits any car or truck seat size) using its elastic straps and bring it into your home or office for relief while you work.
Pick #2: Doingart Cooling Seat Cushion – Best Budget
This Doingart cover came in a close second to the ZoneTech. It gets the job done and cools plenty, but I didn’t find it to be quite as good where it counts.
That said, it is a less expensive option and boasts some extras like its leather-like trim and breathable mesh material, giving it a more polished look than our top pick.
A cooling cover like this is ideal for keeping your car seat protected from cracks and fading, without sacrificing ventilation. It features hundreds of spaces within the leather and mesh material that helps the air circulate.
The Doingart includes 3 fans that provide you with 3 power levels to choose from. That's more than the ZoneTech, but I didn't find it resulted in a cooler ride. In fact, more fans makes the cover bulkier and a little less comfortable (one of the fans hit my knee a few times). Not a deal breaker, but something to consider.
I did like the control interface, with the button conveniently located to the side of your leg. Simply press the button and adjust to your preferred cooling level. The seat cushion also has an anti-slip back with elastic straps to keep the seat safely and comfortably in place.
- 3 fan powered cooling source
- Sleek leather-like trim looks and feels good
- Universal fit, and uses a commonly found 12V plug
- Fan is a little noisy
- Vibrates a little while operating, which can be annoying
This Doingart cover came in a close second to the ZoneTech. It gets the job done and cools plenty, but I didn’t find it as good where it counts.
It is a less expensive option and boasts some extras like its leather-like trim and breathable mesh material, giving it a more polished look than our top pick.
A cooling cover like this is ideal for protecting your car seat from cracks and fading without sacrificing ventilation. It features hundreds of spaces within the leather and mesh material that helps the air circulate.
The Doingart includes three fans that provide you with three power levels to choose from. That’s more than the ZoneTech, but I didn’t find it resulted in a cooler ride. In fact, more fans make the cover bulkier and a little less comfortable (one of the fans hit my knee a few times). Not a deal breaker, but something to consider.
I did like the control interface, with the button conveniently located on the side of your leg. Press the button and adjust it to your preferred cooling level. The seat cushion also has an anti-slip back with elastic straps to keep the seat safely and comfortably in place.
Pick #3: EXCEL LIFE Wood Beaded Seat Cover – Most Durable Option
The EXCEL LIFE Natural Wood Beaded Seat Cover is wide and long enough to fit on bigger truck seats. This product’s dimensions are also fit vans, semi-trucks, and buses. Overall, the EXCEL LIFE is the best option if you drive more than one vehicle regularly.
To attach, simply slide the top around the headrest. The lightweight and easy on and off makes for a conveniently portable cover. As a bonus, a non-slip mat is attached underneath to prevent movement.
This seat cover has 1684 natural beads and over 1182 feet of double-strung nylon thread for quality. Upholstery is protected from sweat, the wood doesn’t hold odor, and the beads won’t unravel.
- Durable
- Long-lasting
- Full coverage
- No sliding when entering and exiting the vehicle
- Great for vehicles with side airbags in the seat
- Expensive
- No way to attach the body of the cover to the seat
Okay, please don’t laugh at me for this one.
Until you’ve tried a beaded car seat cover, you’ll never understand how much cooling relief one can provide.
Now, wood beads can’t blow air on you and cool you off like our first two picks, but the EXCEL LIFE beaded cover is an excellent option if you want to avoid the electrically driven models while still getting some extra ventilation.
Remember, wood DOES NOT conduct heat, which makes this cover perfect for unbearable hot black leather seats in the middle of the summer. Yuck.
Also, because it’s made of beads, there are countless gaps for air to flow freely, which means your hiney stays elevated off the hot surface and avoids a sweaty mess.
Another plus from the EXCEL LIFE is the massaging sensation of sitting on beads. It’s not for everyone (my husband hated it), but I enjoyed it.
The EXCEL LIFE cover effortlessly drapes onto any seat and includes a non-slip mat that helps it stay in place. Unlike other beaded covers, this one is big enough to cover any seat (even bigger truck and SUV seats).
If you have any reservations about buying a fan-driven cooling seat, get this one—sometimes, simple works.
Pick #4: ZATOOTO Car Cool Seat Covers
This cover is about as basic as it gets, but it does its job.
It won't blow air on you. You won't get back support. It doesn't elevate and massage you as well as a beaded cover.
Here's what it does do...
It creates a very effective layer of breathable mesh to protect you from scorching hot car seats. If you're someone spending a lot of time in a car who needs a simple solution to that problem, this cover is super inexpensive and gets the job done.
The only thing I didn't like is how much it slides. If you go with this option, you may want to use a nonslip mat to help keep the cover stable. It also has a slightly rough-to-the-touch feeling on bare skin, which some people may not like.
This is a complete no-frills option, but it may be a good fit for some.
- Breathable mesh keeps you separated from hot seats
- Cheap
- Slips around on the seat
- Feel a bit scratchy on bare skin
This cover is about as basic as it gets, but it does its job. It won’t blow air on you. You won’t get back support. It doesn’t elevate and massage you as well as a beaded cover. Here’s what it does: It creates a very effective layer of breathable mesh to protect you from scorching hot car seats. If you’re someone spending a lot of time in a car who needs a simple solution to that problem, this cover is super inexpensive and gets the job done.
The only thing I didn’t like is how much it slides. If you go with this option, you may want to use a non-slip mat to help keep the cover stable. It also has a slightly rough-to-the-touch feeling on bare skin, which some people may not like. This is a complete no-frills option, but it may be a good fit for some.
Pick #5. COMFIER Cooling Seat Cushion
COMFIER Neck and Back Massager with Heat is a luxurious and therapeutic device that provides a soothing massage experience for the neck, back, and other body areas. With its advanced shiatsu massage nodes, adjustable intensity levels, and optional heat therapy, this massager helps to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote deep relaxation for a rejuvenating experience.
- Multi-spot vibration massage
- 10 motors
- Heat function
- Several intensity levels
- Pick one spot or all of them to massage
- Does not have massaging nodes for Shiatsu
- Vibration may be weak for some individuals
Rounding our list is the Comfier Cooling Seat Cushion.
It features ventilated 3D mesh material. This provides you with unbelievable support and ventilation between your body and the vehicle’s seat, no matter if it’s leather or vinyl.
The cool airflow comes from the air fan at the bottom of the seat. It sucks in the air from the surrounding environment and disperses it throughout the seat cover. Additionally, a lower back massage function utilizes two vibration motors. This is perfect for lower back tension and pain relief.
For your convenience, you can use a 12V or 24V plug in a car, truck, boat, RV, etc. Additionally, there is a home adapter. You can also set the 30-minute timer for your safety.
I don’t think it’s better than our other fan-cooled picks, but it’s worth considering if you want another option.
Benefits of Cooling Seat Cushions
You may not realize it, but cooling seat cushions offer more than just a cooled-off bottom and back. Here are some other benefits of cooling seat cushions:
Comfort
We all know that being hot and sweaty can become uncomfortable and annoying, especially if stuck in a car. The cooling seat cushions help relieve this discomfort while driving or riding.
Reduces Fatigue
Being in a hot car can make you tired and irritated. If you’re fatigued at the wheel, it could be dangerous for you and your passengers. These seat cushions keep you cool and alert for as long as you are in the vehicle.
Pain Relief
If you drive for a living or have a long commute to and from work, you know how much pain you could be in at the end of the day or even while driving.
The cooling air from the cushions and vibration in some cushions can relieve pain. It can work similarly to a heated seat cover. However, heated seats don’t work well with covers.
Hypoallergenic
Your car seat can collect various allergens. They get stuck in there, leading to sneezing and itching, especially if you’re prone to allergic reactions. The car seat cover can provide the proper ventilation to keep allergic reactions at bay.
Cleaner
As you sweat in your seat, moisture can soak into your seat, especially if made from cloth fabric. This can lead to smelly, stained seats that are uncomfortable to smell and unattractive. The cooling car seat cushion stops the sweating and keeps moisture away from your seats.
Buyers Guide: What Makes a Good Cooling Car Seat Cushion?
There are a few options you can look for in an excellent cooling car seat cushion:
Breathability
A good cooling car seat cushion is either breathable or ventilated and made from a porous material, such as mesh, for ideal airflow. Furthermore, this kind of material helps your body breathe better and reduces the amount of sweat that can come from the heat and humidity in your vehicle.
Fan
The fan feature is one of the more expensive cooling car seat cover options. These cushions will have a fan built-in to the bottom of them. You can turn it on using a button, and it will pull the air in from the vehicle. Likewise, it will help keep moisture away from your body and can have pain-relieving benefits.
Cooling Gel
If you can, look for a cooling gel material for your car seat cushion. Pair it with memory foam or another type of air foam for optimal comfort. The cooling gel will keep your body heat from building up inside the cushion by using conduction. It will transfer heat from your body to the cooling gel and instantly relieve your cooling.
Vibration
This isn’t necessary, but it can make you feel more comfortable and offers excellent pain relief. The vibration acts as a massage, relieving tension, stress, and fatigue and making you feel more alert and relaxed. Paired with the cooling, you may enjoy your car ride even more.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that cooling car seat covers can have extraordinary benefits. This is especially true if you pair it with other functions that relieve pain, reduce sweat, and improve overall comfort.
We like the Zone Tech Cooling Seat Cushion because it can be used at home and in the car, truck, or SUV. It’s versatile, has the functions needed for cooling relief, and is affordable.
