WayB Pico vs. Cosco Scenera Next – I Tried Both to See Which is Better

Let’s talk about two popular car seats that claim to make travel easier, especially if you’re navigating airports with a toddler on one hip and three bags on the other. The WayB Pico and Cosco Scenera Next are both lightweight, compact, and fit-for-travel seats, but each has its quirks. I’ve used both—on planes, in taxis, and even on a road trip or two—so let’s break down the real pros and cons of each.

TLDR; They are good for different things. The WayB is convenient but napping is easier in the Cosco.

Ease of Use: Setup, Breakdown, and Fast Installs

If ease of use is at the top of your list, the WayB Pico is hard to beat. This thing opens and folds up in about three seconds flat. It’s like origami for car seats, and I can easily get it set up in a taxi while my toddler is distracted by… anything nearby that’s not the car seat.

On a recent trip to California, I used the Pico to keep my son contained while we sat across the aisle from each other on the JSX flight, and it was ready to go without a fuss. The Cosco Scenera Next (read my review), on the other hand, is a bit more standard when it comes to setup. It’s straightforward enough but takes a few more minutes and some wiggling to install securely, especially if you’re in a cramped rental car or a plane seat. So, for the sheer speed of install, the Pico wins this round.

The Fold-and-Go Factor: Who’s the Most Compact?

The WayB Pico is a tiny powerhouse. It folds down small enough to fit in overhead bins on larger planes, which is honestly a huge perk when you’re trying to travel light or want the option of not using it on an entire international flight.

The Cosco Scenera Next, while pretty light and manageable itself, doesn’t fold. This means that if you’re not using it, you’re still carrying it in its full, standard seat form, which isn’t as convenient. The Pico easily slips in with other luggage, and you can even sling it over your shoulder, making it a little champion when you’re racing to your gate.

Light as a Feather (Almost)

Both seats are extremely light, but the WayB Pico is next level. At just over 8 pounds, it’s ridiculously easy to carry—even when I’m also toting snacks, toys, and whatever other “essentials” we’re hauling.

The Cosco Scenera Next, though lightweight at around 10 pounds is bulkier. However, it’s been a great place to pack extra diapers and wipes when we travel and check the car seat, so it has its own merits. While both are good for travel, the Pico’s featherweight build gives it an edge in ease of handling, but the Cosco wins big in the next, very important, category.

The Nap Test: Can They Sleep in It?

And here’s where the WayB Pico’s glow starts to dim a bit. The Pico is super upright. Great for keeping my son safely contained, but it’s not ideal for naps—at all. On our most recent road trip in the Dolomites, I opted for the Cosco Scenera Next for that very reason. My son could settle in, tilt his head, and actually get some decent sleep. The Scenera Next reclines slightly more, which helps keep him comfortable for longer rides and makes it way better for napping or even extended drives. So, if you’re planning for your kiddo to actually sleep in the car, the Scenera is the better choice here.

Forward-Facing vs. Rear- and Forward-Facing Flexibility

The Pico is forward-facing only, so it’s not an option if your child still needs to be rear-facing (and keep in mind, this is recommended for safety for as long as possible). The Scenera Next, however, has both rear- and forward-facing options, which gives it more flexibility and makes it a bit more practical for younger toddlers or those still transitioning.

That versatility gives the Scenera Next a leg up in terms of longevity and broader usability. That said, it tops out at 40lbs and my son is almost too tall to keep using the Cosco at 27 months, so we’ll be in a bit of a pickle soon.

Price Tag: The Cost to Convenience Ratio

Let’s talk numbers. The WayB Pico is pricey—it’s usually around $380, though I found a deal on GoodBuy Gear that made it a bit more affordable. It’s an investment, for sure. The Cosco Scenera Next? It’s usually under $70 and widely available. If you’re not flying frequently or don’t need the ultra-compact fold of the Pico, the Scenera Next gives you a ton of value for the price, especially if you’ll also be using it for day-to-day driving.

Final Verdict: When to Choose Each Seat

So, here’s the rundown:

• Choose the WayB Pico if you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-install, ultra-compact seat for quick flights, city-hopping, and short trips where naps are less of a priority. It’s a little splurge-y, but it’s worth it for convenience alone.
• Choose the Cosco Scenera Next if naps, longer car rides, or road trips are on the agenda, or if you need a versatile option that works rear- or forward-facing. It’s affordable and does the job, even if it’s not as compact or travel-friendly as the Pico.

In the end, both seats have become regulars in our travel kit, with the Pico shining for short, easy trips and the Scenera Next winning for anything that involves extended time on the road.