Newborn months: setup friction matters
Both carriers should be judged by the correct inward-facing newborn setup, airway visibility, head support, and how confidently each caregiver can load the baby.
Middle months: outward carry is milestone-bound
Do not compare outward-facing as a simple age feature. Check each manual's head, neck, height, and weight requirements before using that position.
Later months: support and back carry separate them
For longer outings, compare waistband support, shoulder pressure, back-carry workflow, and whether the carrier remains comfortable as the child gets heavier.
The better carrier is the one you can adjust correctly
A feature-rich carrier loses value if one caregiver cannot get a secure fit. Return policy, instruction clarity, and real fit testing are part of the buying decision.