10 Best Shower Curtain Liners – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
- Kristin Hitchcock
- Last updated:
If you have a shower, a shower curtain liner is essential. Without one, your floor will end up soaked and your shower curtain ruined. While purchasing a liner may seem like a pretty straightforward decision, there are actually a lot of factors involved.
Some shower curtain liners don’t do an excellent job of keeping your floor dry. Others may mold or tear quickly.
When you shower, you want everything to go as smoothly as possible. The last thing you want is a shower curtain that rips or simply doesn’t work. Therefore, you must purchase only the best shower curtain out there.
We’ve included our review of ten of the best shower curtain liners so that you can select the best option for your purposes.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Alyvia Spring Waterproof Fabric Shower Curtain Liner |
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Best Value
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Downluxe Clear Shower Curtain Liner |
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CHECK PRICE | |
Premium Choice
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LiBa PEVA Shower Curtain |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Enzhzie Clear Shower Curtain Liner |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Amazon Basics Clear Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner |
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CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Shower Curtain Liners
1. Alyvia Spring Waterproof Fabric Shower Curtain Liner – Best Overall
Material: | Fabric |
The Alyvia Spring Waterproof Fabric Shower Curtain Liner is the best overall shower curtain liner. It includes just about everything you need in a shower curtain liner for most people. It is extremely soft and completely waterproof. It is made of fabric, but it uses a waterproof coating to resist wear and keep your floor dry.
We also liked that it was extremely lightweight, which makes it easier to install. It features reinforced eyelets, which prevent rust and rips. With three magnets at the bottom, the liner naturally stays in place and does not billow while you are in the shower, preventing water from ending up on your floor.
The fabric is completely odorless and BPA-free. It does not overly smell like plastic like some other liners out there. Plus, the waterproof liner helps prevent mold growth.
- Fabric construction
- Three magnets to prevent billowing
- Lightweight for easy installation
- Rust-proof eyelets for durability
- Magnets are not terribly strong
2. Downluxe Clear Shower Curtain Liner – Best Value
Material: | PEVA |
Compared to other shower curtains out there, the Downluxe Clear Shower Curtain Liner is extremely affordable. It’s the best shower curtain liner for the money, especially if you don’t mind the plastic construction. Because it is plastic, it is naturally waterproof. However, it also tends to mold easily and does not hang as well as a fabric liner.
The grommets are rust-proof and durable. The liner does not seem to pull off of them easily, which helps it last longer. You can use this liner behind a curtain or as the curtain itself. However, it does need to be placed inside the shower to prevent water from ending up on your floor.
There are magnet inserts along the bottom that help keep it weighted. These don’t necessarily stick to anything, but they do prevent the curtain from billowing while you’re in the shower.
We liked that this curtain came in a few different colors and designs. You can pick whatever option works best for you.
- Rust-proof
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Magnet-inserts
- Made from PEVA
3. LiBa PEVA Shower Curtain – Premium Choice
Material: | PEVA |
Despite being made from PEVA, the LiBa PEVA Shower Curtain is more expensive than most. However, it seems to be high-quality compared to other shower curtains, so it may be a good premium choice for those looking for only the best shower curtain liner.
It has a great thickness. It is lightweight, so it isn’t hard to move around. However, it also isn’t so thin that it moves too easily while you’re in the shower. It also seems to resist mildew and mold better than many options out there. Still, it isn’t perfect, and you’ll likely end up with mold eventually.
This curtain is made to fit any standard shower. It has magnets on the bottom to help it stay in place. Plus, the metal grommets are completely rust-proof and quite durable. You don’t have to worry about randomly pulling this curtain off of its hanger, for instance. The header is reinforced.
While it is made from PEVA, this curtain should not have a plastic smell. It does not include any PVC or chlorine, which are the common causes of these smells.
- Lightweight
- Magnets along the bottom
- Reinforced header for extra stability
- No plastic smell
- More expensive than most
4. Enzhzie Clear Shower Curtain Liner
Material: | PEVA |
Made from PEVA like many other shower curtains, the Enzhzie Clear Shower Curtain Liner was carefully tested to ensure that it could survive in a bathroom environment. It is completely waterproof and easy to clean with a damp cloth. You can also throw it in the washing machine, which allows you to continue using it. You won’t need to purchase a new one constantly just because this one gets dirty.
It does not have a plastic-like smell, as it does not contain PVC. In fact, it is practically odorless. It also shouldn’t emit any harmful chemicals when wet or warm.
The curtain itself is clear but highly textured. Therefore, it promotes water bead formation, which prevents the curtain from soaking. The grommets are reinforced and designed to promote smooth sliding. They are designed to withstand rust so that this curtain can last for an extended period of time.
Plus, we liked that this shower curtain was extremely easy to install. It comes with everything you need to quickly hang it up in your shower.
- No plastic-like smell
- Waterproof
- Highly textured to prevent soaking
- Easy to install
- Made from PEVa
5. Amazon Basics Clear Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner
Material: | Vinyl |
This Amazon Basics Clear Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner is completely waterproof and clear. You can use it alongside a shower curtain or by itself. Made from heavyweight vinyl, it has reduced movement and stays firmly in the shower. The top is made with reinforced mesh to prevent ripping and help the liner last much longer. 12 rust-proof grommets are included as well.
The main problem with this curtain liner is that it gives off an odor. However, this odor should fade with time. Many people still complained about it, however. You may want to air it out in a larger room before placing it in your bathroom.
This liner is independently certified to ensure that it meets safety and environmental standards. Therefore, you can rest assured that it is a safer option than others out there.
- Heavyweight vinyl
- Reinforced mesh top
- Independently certified
- Odor when first installed
- Expensive comparably
6. Harborest Clear Shower Curtain Liner
Material: | PEVA |
Like most shower curtain liners on our list, the Harborest Clear Shower Curtain Liner is made with 100% PEVA. This means it looks and feels like plastic. However, it does not have a plastic smell like vinyl. Therefore, it is preferred by many.
This particular shower curtain liner comes with three magnets at the bottom, which helps ensure that it won’t bunch up or cling to you while showering. Instead, it sticks to the side of the tub while you’re bathing. You can use these alone or with a fabric shower curtain.
There are 12 plastic holes on the top that are reinforced to prevent tearing or ripping. These holes prevent your curtain from ripping and promote a long-lasting curtain. Plus, they come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Therefore, if you are not pleased with the curtain, you may be able to get your money back.
- 12 reinforced plastic holes
- Three magnets on the bottom
- No plastic smell
- Not mildew resistant
- Very thin
7. Amazer White Shower Curtain Liner
Material: | Polyester |
This Amazer White Shower Curtain Liner is made from polyester, which is an unusual material for a liner. It is ultra-soft and completely machine-washable. There is a waterproof coating on each side that promotes bead formation, which prevents the liner from getting completely soaked. Heavy stones are also attached to the bottom to prevent billowing.
There are a few different colors available, which allows you to choose the best option for your bathroom. However, we specifically reviewed the white model, as it appears to be the most popular. Some did complain that the white is a bit dull, though. It is not the brightest color out there.
Despite being made of fabric, this liner feels closer to a tent or a tarp. Therefore, if you’re looking for a liner that feels more like cloth, you may not want to pick this one
- Made from fabric
- Different colors available
- Waterproof coating
- Feels like plastic
- White is a bit dull
8. Lovtex Clear Shower Curtain Liner
Material: | Vinyl |
Vinyl is a pretty popular option for a shower curtain liner. It is water-proof, which makes it a good option. However, it can be a bit smelly right out of the package and is not a favorite material. However, luckily, the Lovtex Clear Shower Curtain Liner does not include any harsh chemicals or unpleasant smells. It features a waterproof design that prevents mildew and keeps your flooring nice and dry.
We particularly like that this shower curtain liner is extra-long, which is great in some situations. However, they are also designed to fit on a standard-sized shower. It includes 12 grommets that are completely rustproof for longevity.
Plus, this shower curtain also comes with three magnets that keep the bottom in place. It won’t cling to you while you’re taking a shower, as the magnets stick to the side of the tub. However, they are not super strong, which helps ensure that the liner is still easy to move around.
- Three magnets on the bottom
- Extra-long design
- 12 rustproof grommets
- Thin and lightweight
- Grommets are not metal
9. Biscaynebay Fabric Shower Curtain Liner
Material: | Fabric |
According to the website, the Biscaynebay Fabric Shower Curtain Liner is hotel-grade. For the most part, it is a pretty good liner. It has a weighted bottom to prevent billowing and help keep the shower curtain liner in place when you are showering. It is made from premium polyester, which makes it a bit softer than other options out there. Plus, it is much more eco-friendly than other liners.
The fabric is covered in a waterproof layer that prevents mildew from forming. It is designed to last a long time in the moisture-heavy environment of the bathroom. Plus, there are also quite a few colors and sizes available, making it easier to pick the best curtain liner for your purposes.
You can wash this liner easily in a washing machine, which helps it last longer.
However, there are reports that these curtains don’t work as well as others. With that said, it is possible that these were from bad batches, but that is something to be aware of. They are also extremely thin, so you do need to place them with another curtain. We wouldn’t recommend using them alone.
- Machine-wash safe
- Made from premium polyester
- Waterproof
- Thin
- Possible bad batches
10. Basic Beyond Clear Shower Curtain Liner
Material: | PEVA |
The Basic Beyond Clear Shower Curtain Liner is made of completely safe PEVA materials. It is free from any smells and harsh chemicals, making it a good choice for most families. This curtain fits most standard shower curtains and hangs on all shower curtain rods. It works well in just about any setting and has three magnets to help keep it in place.
It is completely waterproof and somewhat resistant to soap scum. Therefore, it lasts a bit longer than most options out there. You can use this curtain alone or you can use it alongside another shower curtain.
With rustproof grommets, this shower curtain is quite durable and should last for some time.
There is nothing special about this shower curtain. It functions just like most. It is a clear, lightweight shower curtain that helps keep your floor dry – that’s it. There are some reports that it is a bit wider than most other shower curtains out there, which can be a bit of a problem. The material is also very thin, so we wouldn’t recommend using it by itself.
- Waterproof
- Rustproof grommets
- Resistant to soap scum
- Nothing special
- Wider than most shower curtains
- Very thin
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Shower Curtain Liner
Purchasing a shower curtain liner may seem like a pretty straightforward and simple thing to do. However, it is actually a bit more complicated than you might think. There are a lot of things that can go wrong with these liners. They can soak through and make the floor wet, or they may develop mildew in only a few weeks.
Therefore, it is vital that you stay vigilant when you’re making your purchase. Below, we’ve discussed some of the most important factors to keep in mind when purchasing a shower curtain liner.
Types of Shower Curtain Liners
There are several types of shower curtain liners that you’ll need to be familiar with when purchasing one for your home. Many of these liners are very similar, but they have key differences that set them apart from other shower curtain liners out there.
Vinyl/PVC Shower Curtain Liners
These shower curtain liners are the usual ones you’d likely find at your local store. They are extremely cheap and cost-effective, which is likely why they are so popular. However, they have several disadvantages.
Firstly, they can have a strong smell when you first pull them out of the package. Usually, this smell airs out in time. However, they can linger for weeks, especially when you’re in a small bathroom. While these fumes are often cited as being “harmless”, they can be very annoying.
Secondly, these curtains contain high levels of phthalates, which have been shown to damage health. While not all phthalates are currently shown to cause health damage, we are learning more and more about the potential health effects.
PEVA Shower Liners
These shower curtains are often pushed as a healthier alternative to vinyl. They are made from an eco-friendlier material that does not contain phthalates. They also do not contain chlorine, which is why vinyl curtains tend to smell so strongly.
These liners tend to feel and look like vinyl liners. However, they do not have the same strong smell. These can cost a bit more than a vinyl liner, but many people consider the extra price worth it. However, they are not extremely expensive.
Fabric Shower Liners
As the name suggests, these liners are made completely out of fabric. They are much softer and can be more visually appealing than other liners out there. However, they have a coating on them that makes them water repellent, which helps keep your floor dry.
Plus, you can find them in many different fabrics, ranging from polyester to cotton.
However, you do have to wash these curtains regularly to prevent mildew buildup. They are not naturally mildew-resistant. Still, because you can continuously wash them, they can last longer than other options out there.
Sizes
Shower curtain liners come in many different sizes. Many people don’t realize this, which can cause them to purchase the wrong liner. The average liner measures 70” x 72”. However, there are extra-long and extra-wide liners that extend past these measurements.
You can also purchase shower curtains for shower stalls, which usually have a much shorter width.
If you’re using the liner with another shower curtain, then you should find a liner that matches the dimensions of that curtain. You don’t want the liner extending past the curtain or not covering it completely, after all.
If you’re using the curtain independently, then measure your shower to ensure that you purchase the correct size. For those that have previously purchased liners and never worried about sizing, you’re probably going to need a standard size. However, if you’ve noticed that the size is never quite right, you may need to measure your shower.
Durability
There are a lot of things that contribute to the durability of a shower curtain liner. For instance, you’ll need to consider the grommets – or lack therefore. Some curtains only have plastic holes, which leads to holes and rips. Therefore, these curtains tend to break rather quickly.
Instead, curtains with metal grommets are preferable. These grommets should be rustproof to prevent rust and breakdown. Reinforced grommets are even better, as it means that there is extra material around them to prevent rips and tears around the grommets.
Of course, mildew resistance is also vital for durability. While mildew doesn’t break the curtain, no one wants to use a curtain that is covered with mildew. Therefore, curtains that are resistant to mildew or can be washed are the best option, as these tend to hold up the best.
Versatility
Typically, the average shower curtain liner can only be used alongside a regular shower curtain. Usually, they are clear and quite heavy, which makes them not suitable for use by themselves.
However, there are some liners that are solidly colored and can be used by themselves. Usually, fabric liners are used primarily for this purpose.
Conclusion
For most people, we recommend the Alyvia Spring Waterproof Fabric Shower Curtain Liner. It has effective magnets that prevent billowing and is very lightweight. We liked that it is made out of fabric, which is a higher-quality material. It is also very easy to install and should last quite a while. You can wash it in the washing machine, which helps prevent mildew.
For those looking for a budget-friendly option, we recommend the Downluxe Clear Shower Curtain Liner. It features rustproof grommets to help the curtain last as long as possible. It is also much cheaper than most other options on the market, though it is made from PEVA and not vinyl. Therefore, it does not have the usual bad smell.
We hope that our reviews helped you decide on the best shower curtain liner for your needs. If in doubt, read through our buyer’s guide to help determine which option is best for you.
Featured Image Credit: Andrea Davis, Pexels
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