Tinting your car windows with the best window tint makes your car cooler.

Bad puns apart, it does make your car look sleek and stylish. That’s not all.

The right kind of tint can block UV rays and depending on where you live, keep the temperature in the interior of your car much lower, even when its parked in the hot midday sun.

But, there’s a catch.

There’s so much that can go wrong with window tints. Some of them are excruciatingly cumbersome to work with. Despite being advertised as ‘easy to use’, they are anything but.

What was intended to be a fun weekend project can quickly seem like a bad decision.

To make things easier for you, we have handpicked 10 of the best car window tints in the market and listed the pros and cons of each one in small, bite-sized chunks.

Motoshield Pro Ceramic Window Tint

Last update on 2021-08-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Motoshield Pro is a precut window tint that’s available for sedans, trucks, mini vans, coupes, SUVs and a few Tesla models.

Computer precut translates into lesser elbow grease and an easier install. You just have to order the right tint for your exact car model and install it, rather than having to cut and heat the tint yourself.

The tint itself is a ceramic film that’s made from nonconductive and nonmetallic nano ceramic particles. Without sounding like technical gibberish, that means that it will not interfere with radio signals or electronic devices in the car, such as the GPS for example. Ceramic tints are top of the line

Also, it is an environment friendly product. A reduced environmental footprint is always welcome, isn’t it?

The tint is available in 7-shades that get increasingly darker, blocking out visible light transmission.

You have the option to customize your shade, making the two windows on the front darker than the rest and so on. Do ensure that you check the legality in your state.

Motoshield pro blocks out 99% of UV rays and 99% IR rays as well, which is phenomenal.

While we love the features that the Motoshield Pro offers, it is prone to creasing if you are not careful with the installation. There have been at least a couple of instances, where the product was creased already during shipping.

So you’d want to keep an eye out for that.

Pros

• Ceramic film with no metallic particles
• Does not interfere with electronic signals
• Reduces IR by 99% and UV by 99%
• Can reduce the temperature by 25 Fahrenheit
• Available in 7 shades
• Computer precut for easier installation

Cons

• Can crease if installed incorrectly

Tview T2BK0540 5% Tint

Last update on 2021-08-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a 2-ply film that’s more forgiving than single ply ones.

That said, it is slightly darker than what’s commonly used with automobiles. We know that the ideal shade of dark is subjective.

But this can block out a substantial amount of light unless it’s a bright and sunny day. You’d want to consider night visibility as well.

One of the best things about it is the price. Most branded films will cost at least 3x more than this one. So if you are unsure whether the best window tint film will work for your car or not, then this is a great option to try it out.

It is reasonably easy to install if you have straight windows. But if the windows are curved, there might be a little creasing and peeling. It ships in a roll, so it still needs to be measured and cut mind you.

In a nutshell, you need skilled hands to install this.

Overall, it’s an economic choice. But if you are looking for easy installation as well as custom shades, there are better choices in this list.

Pros

• 2-ply film offers enhanced temperature reduction
• Blocks out UV and IR rays
• Economical
• Ships in a roll, which means you can use this for house windows

Cons

• Slightly darker and cuts out a lot of light, which may or may not be a con
• Installation is cumbersome since it needs to be measured and cut

Diablo Sol X Dark Charcoal

Last update on 2021-08-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Diablo Sol X is a 2-ply window tint made of polyester film layers.

It’s non-metallic and does not interfere with electronic signals originating from your car. Also, polyester is high tensile and incredibly durable which prevents tearing, peeling and curling.

The film has a self-adhesive layer which makes for a reasonably straight forward install. You just need to measure the windows, cut the film, peel away the cover and install the film. The 1.5 mil thickness means that there’s fewer chances of the film curling up during installation.

You can choose from 6-shades. The lightest one cuts out light by 50% and UV radiation by 99%. The darkest one cuts out 95% light and is better suited for home and commercial spaces.

Now, this cannot be heat shrunk and hence, might not work as well for curved windows as it does for flat ones. But for the price, you get around 36 in. x 100 ft. of film, which is unbelievable.

As long as your car has flat windows, this best window tint brand is a no-brainer.

Pros

• Economical option
• 36” and 100 feet self-adhesive roll
• 1.5 mil, non-metallic film
• Perfect for home windows and flat car windows
• Available in six shades
• Blocks out 99% of UV rays and IR rays
• Reduces car temperature

Cons

• Cannot be heat shrunk and hence, may not work as well for curved windows

Motoshield Pro Premium 2mil Ceramic Tint

Last update on 2021-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Motoshield Pro Premium is a 2-ply window tint that’s available as a roll. The first Motoshield in this list was precut and was available for a few selected cars only.

This one is available in rolls of different widths and lengths, starting from 20” wide and 10 feet long, extending all the way to 60” wide and 100 feet long. You can use this for a variety of applications.

If you don’t mind some extra elbow grease in prepping and cutting the film, or are looking for film for your home windows, then this is one of the best window tint that you can buy.

The film itself is ceramic and made of nanoparticles that block heat and UV rays, while allowing electrical signals and GPS signals to pass uninterrupted. There are six shades to choose from. The lightest allows 70% visible light to pass through while the darkest shade allows just 5% of visible light.

The 2-mil thickness makes it one of the most durable window tint films that you can buy. Most other brands are 1.5 mil thick. This rarely curls or fades with usage. The installation process is pretty straight forward. But if you are unsure, we recommend getting it professionally installed. Bubbles on the window tint are just so annoying to look at.

Pros

• Motoshield’s premium 2-mil film
• Not precut. Available in a variety of sizes
• Non-metallic, ceramic nano particles
• Blocks 99% heat and UV rays
• Available in six shades

Cons

• A DIY application might be tricky, especially for large and curved windows

JNK NETWORKS Precut Tint Film

Last update on 2021-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This best car window tint from JNK networks comes in precut sizes for a variety of Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Mini Vans.

There’s one less step involved in the installation. No measuring and trimming required. However, some preheating might be needed depending on the curvature of the windows. Overall, it’s a much easier installation as compared to installing large rolls. It also includes a Squeegee tool needed for installation.

Also, JNK has one of the top rated customer support teams in the business, who are extremely helpful with questions that you may have. They point you towards detailed YouTube videos, as well as help with replacements if need be.

The film is non-metallic and available in three shades, 5, 15 and 30%. The 30% is the lightest. However, you might want to check the car window tinting laws in your state before you buy this. If you are looking for more shades, then Motoshield might be the best window tint brand for you.

Overall, this window tint film from JNK is a no-brainer. It has great customer ratings and is used by professional detailers. Hard to go wrong with it.

Pros

• Precut film makes for an easier install
• Ships with a squeegee tool required for installation
• Top rated customer support
• Available in three shades
• Top rated and used by professionals

Cons

• Fewer shade options

LEXEN 2Ply Carbon Window Tint

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Lexen is one of the best car window tint in this list. It is a 2-ply film that’s 1.5 mil thick.

It does not curl, bubble or fade, even with months of use.

Installation is reasonably easy provided you have straight windows. There will be some amount of work for curved windows. But even then, it’s stick and peel. Unless you are a first timer, you shouldn’t face too many problems with it.

This is a carbon film by the way, which is like a mid-range option, with ceramic film being the best and metallic ones being the lowest quality. The good thing is that carbon films do not fade like dyed ones do.

Also, the film does not block out electric signals or GPS. It is non-conductive, while blocking out 99% of UV rays and heat.

Each roll is 20” x 100 feet and there are five shades to choose from.

By the way, this also happens to be one of the most economical options. It’s a lot of film for a very affordable price. Considering the quality, which is phenomenal, you’d be hard pressed to find a better bet.

Pros

• 2-ply film that’s 1.5 mil thick
• Does not curl, bubble or peel
• Carbon particles that do not fade
• Nonconductive. Does not interfere with signals
• Economical price

Cons

• None

True Line Pre-Cut Window Tint Kit

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

True Line’s precut best window tint film takes the guesswork out of installation.

As implied by the name, this comes precut to match the size of your car windows. Just enter the year, the make and the model and select the shade that you are looking for.

You get a complete kit with precut tints for all windows.

Since you do not need to preheat it or cut it, installation is a cinch even if you are a rank newbie.

More importantly, there’s no bubbling or curling during, or after the installation. The non-metallic film does not fade or haze either. It’s an exact match of the factory tint that you receive with most cars.

The tint is available in 5% 20% 35% and 50% visible light transmission. No 40%, & 70% which are prerequisites in some states. So you might want to consider this before you buy.

All of these block 99% UV rays, which keeps the interior of your car a lot cooler, even in hot summer.

Overall, this is a great pick if you are a rookie installer.

Pros

• Complete precut kit for all windows
• Easy installation
• Available in 5%, 20%, 35% and 50% shades
• Blocks 99% UV rays
• Does not bubble, curl or fade
• Non metallic

Cons

• Not available in 40 & 70% shades

MKBrother 5% VLT Tint

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This 5% tint from MKBrother lets in just 5% visible light. If you seek privacy, this is one of your best bets.

It’s available in rolls in a variety of lengths. Each roll is 36” wide and you can buy up to 100 feet in a single one.

Makes it a great choice for windows for home or the garage as well.

The film is 1.5 mil thick and a single ply one. It blocks 99% of UV rays and reduces heat by up to 50%.

It is non-metallized and scratch resistant. Installation will not be as easy as it is for precut tints though.

You will need a professional window tint installation kit (check the last review) and a heat gun to get it to mold to curved windows.

There have been a few complaints of the tint arriving crinkled. But MKBrother has a great customer support team. You should have a replacement sent out in no time.

Also this best window tint has a visible blue tinge to it, unlike other brands, which are grayer. If you are looking for a tint that’s a shade of gray, check out some of the other options in this list.

Pros

• 5% visible light
• Complete privacy even with the lights switched on
• 1.5 mil thick. Single ply film
• Non metallic
• Scratch resistant

Cons

• Has a blue tinge to it. Not necessarily a con.
• Not two ply.

Protint Windows

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a budget-priced 2-ply tint roll that blocks out 99% UV rays.

It is available in 5%, 20%, 30%, 35%, 45% and 50% visible light transmission. The 5% one is the darkest of them all and offers complete privacy for home, garage and RV windows, while the 50% one is the lightest.

They do not have 40 and 70% options.

This is a non-metallic film that offers excellent heat reduction, without interfering with electrical and GPS signals.

Installation is reasonably easy if you have prior expertise. It is peel and stick and comes with an adhesive side.

But it will need to be preheated and cut. If you aren’t sure about it, then it’s recommended that you hire a professional for the installation, or buy one of the precut kits in this list.

Else, you might end up with bubbles under the film, which is not pretty at all.

A professional installation is an added expense. But the tint is very reasonably priced, which sort of makes up for the additional cost.

Pros

• Budget-priced 2-ply tint
• Available in 6-shades
• Non-metallic
• Blocks 99% UV rays and reduces temperature inside the car/house
• 36” x 10 feet roll

Cons

• Might require professional installation

Custom Accessories Black Magic

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Black Magic from Custom Accessories allows just 2 ½ % visible light transmission. It’s as close as it gets to a complete blackout window tint.

Depending on the legalities in your state, this makes for a great pick for RVs, boats and homes seeking complete privacy.

The tint is available in a roll that’s 25” x 78”. So if you are looking to cover your home windows, you might need multiple rolls. Would have been a lot easier if the roll sizes were bigger.

Also, it has a metallic layer of film which reflects heat. While there have been no complaints of interference with electrical signals so far, that is a possibility.

It might interfere with GPS signals or reduce the intensity of signals originating from your vehicle.

Other than that, it’s the best window tint for specific applications. In fact, Custom Accessories is one of the only brands that offers a window tint in 2.5% light transmission. The darkest tint that you will get with most other brands is 5%.

Pros

• Just 2.5% visible light transmission
• Available in convenient sized rolls
• Complete privacy for homes and RVs
• Scratch resistant. Blocks out 99% UV rays
• Only brand that offers a tint as dark as this

Cons

• Has a metallic layer which might interfere with GPS signals.
• Might not be legal in many states

The Best Window Tint Installation Kit

Many a time, even the best window tint film gets an unfair, bad rap because of a flawed installation.

Here’s the deal. You need a professional installation kit, especially if this is the first few times that you are tinting.

Don’t get swayed by the hundreds of YouTube videos that talk about how installation is a cakewalk and that you just need a spray bottle. Those guys are probably professionals who’ve been tinting for years.

If you are a DIY enthusiast, looking to self-install a window tint, then here’s a great installation kit that will get the job done for you.

EHDIS 7 Pieces Tint Installation Kit

Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a 7-piece installation kit that contains everything you need for a flawless window tint installation process.

Here are the contents.

• 5” Blue rubber jelly squeegee with a handle
• 4” Blue felt squeegee with fabric felt
• Pink Mini scraper
• Yellow Contour Squeegee
• White Block Squeegee
• Black Conquerer Squeegee
• Film cutter with 10 blades

Of these, the blue and white card squeegees allow you to quickly clean large areas. These are the ones you want to use for the larger windows.

The yellow, the black and the pink ones are smaller in size and used for narrower areas, smaller windows and awkward corners.

If there are any leftover bubbles under the tint, the felt squeegee scrapes them off in no time. Last but the least, the Safety Vinyl Cutter allows you to make perfect cuts according to the measurements. No uneven rips or tears.

Like we mentioned earlier, if you have never tinted your windows, this kit takes the guesswork out of it. All the tools are easy to use and provide you with a firm grip. They don’t slip or cause wrist strain.

Do yourself a favor, get one of these kits. Leave the spray bottle and shampoo for the pros.

Best features

• Complete kit for installing window tints, decals, vinyl, solar film
• 7 pieces including squeegees of different sizes and materials
• Also includes a cutter for a flawless cut around the windows
• Will prevent crinkles and bubbles under the film
• Very easy to use

The Best Window Tint Buying Guide

There are a few critical things to watch out for while shopping for aftermarket window tints.

You need to ensure that you are on the right side of law, and are getting a product that closely matches the factory finish that you hope to recreate.

Part of this depends on the type of window tint you select.

The Different Types of Window Tint

While all window tints look alike, there are some important differences that you must be aware of in order to make the right choice.

There are four types of films that are commonly available in the form of DIY kits.

Dyed Film

Dyed films feature multiple layers of dye that are applied on the actual film to produce the desired shade. The advantage of dyed film is that they are the least expensive option, and offers reasonably good heat and UV blocking. If you are on a shoestring budget, or are just looking to enhance the aesthetics more than heat reduction, dyed window tint might be a good option. However, these are prone to fading and as the dye particles fade away with continual exposure to sun, it will let heat and UV leak into the car.

Metalized Film

Metalized film contains a metallic layer that reflects heat and UV. It offers much better heat reduction as compared to dyed films, and has a reflective, glossy finish from the outside. These are generally more durable because of the metallic layer, and less prone to fading even with prolonged use. However, the metallic layer may interfere with GPS and cell phone signals originating from the car. Hence, these films are preferred for home use. Metallized film is more expensive than dyed film.

Carbon Film

Carbon film is one of the most widely used varieties of best window tint. This is a non-metallized film that contains carbon particles instead of metal and dye, which gives it a matte finish from the outside. Many states prohibit reflective films, which makes carbon films a better bet. These do not interfere with GPS signals, nor do they fade or cause hazing. Carbon films also block up to 40% of Infrared rays, which in turn reduces heat and minimizes sunlight damage inside the car/home. They are more expensive than dyed films and metallic ones.

Ceramic Window Tints

Ceramic film is the most expensive of the four. But also the most functional of them all, blocking up to 50% infrared radiation and 99% UV radiation. Made of non-conductive, non-metallic particles, it does not interfere with mobile signals. Further, it reduces heat penetration, sunlight damage, UV damage and prevents upholstery from fading. It is scratch resistant, does not fade, haze and offers excellent visibility in all driving conditions. If you have the budget to stretch for it, then there’s no better choice than this.

Pre-cut Tint Films vs Rolls

Precut films make for a more convenient installation since they are measured and machine cut according to the size of the windows. All you need to do is pick the right kit for the exact make and model of your car. These are ideal if you’ve never tinted before, or have found it difficult to install rolls in the past, since you don’t need to measure the film and cut.

However, if you are looking to tint larger windows, like the ones at home or a commercial space, then you need rolls.

Window tint rolls are available in a standard width, which can be 25-36” and in lengths extending from 10 feet to 100 feet. Most of the installation process remains the same with an added step of measuring and cutting the film accurately. However, if the film isn’t cut to precision, then it tends to look messy.

Also, if the window is curved, then the installation process is slightly tricky. For this reason, many DIYers prefer precut film as opposed to rolls.

The UV Blocking Percentage

Your skin is not the only victim of UV damage. UV rays are not forgiving at all on car upholstery, which can fade and wrinkle prematurely due to sun exposure.

The best window tint helps prevent this to a large extent. However, if you seek protection from UV rays, then you must be aware of the exact percentage of UV block that the film offers.

Most of the films in this list block 99% of UV rays. But not all films offer that extent of protection. A lot of cheaply made films look dark at first glance. But are fairly weak at blocking UV rays. So keep an eye out for this rating, which should be specified on the box.

Legality of Dark Window Tints

While window tints are allowed in all states, there are specific rules in each state for the amount of visible light transmission (VLT%) through the film, for each window of your vehicle.

For example, Florida allows 28% VLT for front side windows, which is a fairly dark shade. In Delaware, front side windows need to have at least 70% VLT, which is a very light shade.

In many states, a reflective or mirrored film is restricted or tightly regulated. You should always check the window tinting laws in your state before buying one of these.

The Best Window Tint Brands

DIY window tinting kits have become extremely popular and suddenly, there’s a deluge of unknown Chinese brands in the market.

While we have nothing against Chinese manufacturers, most of these films are poorly made. They arrive crinkled, tend to curl up, bubble up and begin to fade with just weeks of use.

That’s why it’s important to buy the best window tint film only from reputed brands like Lexen, Motoshield Pro, Diablo, JNK, True Line and MKBrother.

Lexen in particular, is generally considered to be the best window tint brand. But if that’s too expensive for you, then you can check out Motoshield pro, or one of the other brands in this list.

The Basics of Window Tinting

Lastly, before you jump head over heels into window tinting, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the installation process.

YouTube can be your friend in helping understand the different steps that can make your life easier.

But some of the videos can mislead you into believing that you can install the best window tint with nothing except a rag and a spray bottle. Not true. Rags will leave lint under the film.

You need a window tinting kit, like the one we’ve reviewed above.

Other than that, here are some of the basic steps for a smooth installation.

• Work in a dust-free zone.
• Clean the windows with a window cleaner working from the top and downwards.
• Anything inside the vehicle that obstructs the workflow is no-go. Get rid of it before you begin.
• Start with the most difficult window, which is normally the rear one. These windows are curved and depending on the film that you pick, it might need to be preheated.
• Use a squeegee to remove air bubbles and any leftover window cleaning solution.
• Use a cutter to cut out overlapping pieces, if you are using a roll.
• To dry, you can either use a heat gun or just a lint-free cloth.
• If you accidentally mess one of the pieces, use a fresh one.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have never worked with DIY window tints or are just unsure whether it will look as good as intended, then this brief FAQ will cover most of the questions that you may have about it.

Final Thoughts

That’s it folks. DIY window tinting might seem overwhelming at first. But it’s a reasonably easy process provided you have the best window tint and the right tools for it.

Go earn your tinting stripes.