8 Best Window Tints in 2023: Reviews & Top Picks
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Pete Ortiz - Last updated:
If you are on the market for window tints, you should first review the various types of window tints and their pros and cons. Keep in mind that some are better than others based on your unique situation, and they all come at different prices. Ultimately, the type of window tint you get should depend on why you want one.
The reviews in this article are meant to help you pick the right window tint for your car windows. Let’s dive in!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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FormulaOne Stratos Nano-Ceramic Window Tint |
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Best Value
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3M Crystalline Window Tint |
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CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice
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Super Optic i3 Ceramic Window Tint |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Mkbrother |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Lexen Max 2Ply Carbon Tint |
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CHECK PRICE |
The 8 Best Window Tints Are:
1. FormulaOne Stratos Nano-Ceramic Window Tint – Best Overall
This window tint is a top-of-the-line ceramic window tint, and it’s made with drivers who won’t settle for low quality in mind. It offers complete privacy for you and any belongings inside the car. It also has a sleek look in whichever color you buy, giving it more points for being aesthetically pleasing. It is the best overall at protecting against harmful UV rays.
The tint is non-metallic with a hybrid-matrix construction that offers maximum protection against heat, making the car’s interior more comfortable. This quality also ensures that the car upholstery and dashboard don’t get overheated, cracked, or faded. It is a tested and tried brand that exceeds most user expectations.
- Blocks almost all of the sun’s harmful UV rays
- Reduces glare
- Enhances privacy
- Scratch-resistant
- It comes in a wide range of colors
- Holds shattered glass together
- It’s a bit expensive compared to other window tints
2. 3M Crystalline Window Tint – Best Value
Chances are high that you’ve heard of the 3M brand of automotive window tint. It’s so popular that it comes with its own certified installers—using professionals ensures that the window tint lasts longer. Crystalline also comes with a high-performing ceramic window film that makes the glass on the window stronger.
It blocks more heat than most other dark films while maintaining your car’s original appearance. This feature makes it a superior choice since it fits within most people’s aesthetics while also offering comfort. You should get this window film if you want to get the best value for your money.
- Rejects up to 64% of solar energy
- Offers protection against 99% of heat
- Does not interfere with the satellite and radio waves
- Guarantees no color fading
- Blocks out the majority of glare
- Best installed by professionals
3. Super Optic i3 Ceramic Window Tint – Premium Choice
Super Optic ceramic window tint is one of the pioneers in ceramic technology. It has exclusive access to the top-grade ceramic available on the market, which translates to atomic-fine, high-performance, and durable film that is dye and metal-free.
This film works great in keeping the sunrays from overheating your car’s interior. If you live in a hot place, this window tint is the premium choice—the inside of your car will stay cool even on hot days.
- Stops heat from getting into the car’s interior
- Blocks most dangerous UV rays
- Does not fade
- It’s durable
- It doesn’t interfere with radio and mobile networks
- Changes the appearance of the window
4. Mkbrother
Mkbrother window tints are one of the most affordable brands. It supplies mostly uncut films, and you can trim it to fit your windows before applying. However, there are precut options that often come with an extended warranty.
These tints are scratch-resistant, making them a good choice if you have small children or pets. They are also environmentally friendly since they don’t contain any metallic particles, plus, they won’t interfere with mobile or radio networks.
- Don’t interfere with radio and mobile networks
- Durable
- Have a 5-year warranty
- Affordable
- You have to cut them yourself
5. Lexen Max 2Ply Carbon Tint
The Lexen Max Carbon window tint has many tiny carbon particles, which improve its quality. This tint is an excellent balance between price and quality. It also comes with a precut installation kit, and you can install it yourself. It blocks more infrared radiation and heat than some of the other dyed films.
This film comes in various shades and has a lifetime warranty, making it a worthy investment. You can cut the film to fit the window size and since it has two sheets of polyester, it is scratch-resistant and quite durable.
- Easy to install
- Less expensive compared to ceramic films
- Blocks heat from getting into the car’s interior
- More expensive compared to dyed window tints
- It doesn’t block as much heat as ceramic films
6. Gila Heat Shield Basic
The Gila heat window film only has one layer of dyed film, which makes it super affordable. This brand is a subsidiary of Eastman performance films and comes with all other basic benefits that you would get from other window tints.
This window tint comes with a 2-year warranty. One roll measures 24″ by 78″. However, this window tint does not offer nighttime privacy, so keep in mind that people can see inside when you put your lights on at night.
- It costs less than other window tints
- Blocks around 99% of UV rays
- It comes with an installation kit
- It does not block out as much heat as other films
- It’s only available in one size
7. True Black Box Tint
The True Black Box Tint window film has over a hundred pre-cut films available in various shades. They are made to fit most car models. These window tints come in three categories which all have different qualities. They are Ultimacool, Ultimacool Duo, and Alpine.
Ultimacool window tints are the most affordable and offer medium heat protection while also blocking harmful UV rays. The Alpine category, on the other hand, offers high-quality film since it has a two-ply structure and selective coating.
- Durable
- It dissipates heat and offers a cooler car interior
- Blocks harmful UV rays
- Excellent warranty
- Don’t offer complete protection
- Expensive
8. Motoshield Pro Premium Precut Ceramic Kit
The Motoshield Pro ceramic film has a double, high-quality window tint and doesn’t require a licensed professional to install. It uses ceramic non-particles and blocks harmful UV rays which helps protect people and any belongings inside the car.
It comes in various shades, which allows car owners to pick whichever fits their needs and aesthetic. The protection against heat and dangerous UV rays is between 5% to 75%. It also offers a more premium option than most of the other traditional tints as using ceramic makes the window tint more durable.
- Blocks most dangerous UV rays
- Dissipates heat
- Comes in a wide range of shades
- Has a short warranty period
- Pricy compared to dyed and carbon tints
Buyer’s Guide: Considerations for Buying the Best Window Tint
You should consider several factors when picking your car’s window tint. They are crucial in ensuring you pick the perfect window tint for you. They include:
- The look and feel of the film: When buying window tint, you need to consider whether it fits into your aesthetics. Most of the tints in the market are available in various colors for you to pick from.
- Warranty: It’s crucial to check if the window tint you are getting has a warranty, especially if it’s expensive. Find out what it covers precisely and what the warranty period is.
- Heat blockage rate: Different window tints have different UV blockage rates varying between 10%–100%. You can get a low percentage if you live in a relatively cooler place, and vice versa.
Benefits of Getting Window Tint
Some of the benefits of having a good window tint include:
Protects Against Sun Damage
UV rays, in particular, can cause damage to the upholstery of the vehicle by fading it. It can also crack the dashboard when it gets in through the window.
Privacy
Some window tints offer complete privacy from prying eyes. If you are uncomfortable with people being able to look into your car or house, getting window tint is a pretty inexpensive way to achieve that.
Keeps the Car Cool
If you have a problem with your car interior overheating, getting window tints that reflect heat instead of absorbing it might be a good idea. It is also a form of conserving energy.
Safety
Bright light may blind the driver’s vision and prevent them from seeing oncoming cars. Window tint ensures the driver’s and the car’s safety by reducing the windows’ reflective properties.
Less Hail Damage
If you live in an area that experiences a lot of hail, getting tint for your car windows can help protect them from the damage caused by hail. Doing this also increases your car resale value since the windows don’t have huge dents.
Conclusion
The type of window tint you get should depend on what you want your windows to look like, where you live, and your budget. It’s best if a professional installs the window tint to prevent it from bubbling and peeling after a short period. The FormulaOne Stratos Nano-Ceramic Window Tint is our favorite choice overall, while the 3M window tint overs great value for money.
Regardless of the window tint you pick, your car will have a more comfortable interior with one of the choices above.
Featued Image Credit: pablo martinez, Unsplash
Contents
- 1 A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
- 2 The 8 Best Window Tints Are:
- 2.1 1. FormulaOne Stratos Nano-Ceramic Window Tint – Best Overall
- 2.2 2. 3M Crystalline Window Tint – Best Value
- 2.3 3. Super Optic i3 Ceramic Window Tint – Premium Choice
- 2.4 4. Mkbrother
- 2.5 5. Lexen Max 2Ply Carbon Tint
- 2.6 6. Gila Heat Shield Basic
- 2.7 7. True Black Box Tint
- 2.8 8. Motoshield Pro Premium Precut Ceramic Kit
- 3 Buyer’s Guide: Considerations for Buying the Best Window Tint
- 4 Benefits of Getting Window Tint
- 5 Conclusion