Is it more expensive? yes! Is it worth it? absolutely!!!! Straps that dont twist, super safe, easy in and out the Britax companion is the ultimate car seat for an infant. Comes in dark patterns (hides stains) and has the best recline positions of any other car seat ive used and im on my third child. Its durable and of an obvious high quality that other cheap car seats just dont have. The head support is sturdy and actually does its job.  The worst i can say is its really heavy. The front bar is also an innovation unique to the britax companion any safety feature that works is a good safety feature....