Best Window Tint Film

With hundreds of tints on the market, I think you’ll agree with me when I say:

It’s damn hard to find a good, affordable option.

Luckily for you, I’ve made a pick of 5 tints that are worth the money they cost.

I’ve even made a cool comparison between them to help you buy the perfect one for your needs and budget.

Another key thing to consider is whether the tinted window film you want is legal in your state or not.

Look at our window tinting percentages page to check that before you buy various types of tint.

Have a look at our window tinting percentages page to check that before you buy any tint.

Best Car Window Tint Film Reviews

1. MotoShield Pro Precut Ceramic Tint Film

The sun may make your car look good when it’s freshly washed and waxed, but it’s hard on you, your passengers, and your interior.

Window tinting, when done right, not only adds a sleek, professionally customized look to your car but also protects interior surfaces, upholstery, and your skin from the harsh UV and IR radiation of the sun.

If you want the best results for your money, though, you need a quality tint film installed for your windows, and you need to ensure that the fit is perfect.

Professionally installed tint can be expensive, but there is another solution for DIYers: precut ceramic tint film. 

These precision cut films arrive ready to install on your windows quickly and easily, and they will last for years to come.

Our pick for the budget conscious custom car person is the MotoShield Pro Precut Ceramic Tint Film.

You can shield your interior and passengers from 99% of the sun’s most harmful rays. You can also have your car look great without spending extra money.

Using precision cut tint film fitted according to factory specifications for your make, model, and year makes a tint upgrade fast and easy. Here’s why we think you’re going to love this tint film.

The Good

• Do you want blackout tint on all four sides? MotoShield Pro literally has you covered with up to a 5% visibility rating for side windows and rear windshields.
• Want to shade your window tint to match your paint job? Not a problem, just include it in your order
• Best of all, this tint film uses ceramics rather than metal flakes, so it won’t interfere with wireless signals to or from your vehicle. That’s important for fully functional mobile phones, stereo remotes and keyless entry/remote starter kits.

The Not-So-Good

• If you haven’t installed window tint film before, you may want to check out some tutorials or practice with a cheap film on a glass pane first.
• Having precut films makes installation much easier, but you should still practice applying tint smoothly before attempting DIY installation.
• Precut films are also non-returnable, so you want to make sure you get it right so as not to lose your investment.

Pros

• Custom cut to the precise factory specifications of your vehicle
• Blocks 99% of IR radiation at 5% visibility
• Uses ceramics instead of metal to eliminate wireless signal interference

Cons

• First time installers may want to watch a few tutorials online or practice with some inexpensive tint film on glass to get their skills up to par
• Users cannot return precut films, so ensure your order is correct for your vehicle and install with the utmost care.

2. Install Proz Double Ply Window Film

Adding window tint to your car makes sense from the perspective that you are preserving your car’s interior from sun damage. Window tint also accords added privacy and keeps your interior cooler on hot summer days.

Choosing a tint film is a bit trickier, as you want to get a quality product that will last for years to come without cracking or fading.

For car DIYers on a budget, Install Proz Double Ply Window Film is a cost-effective option that lets you tint your windows and protect your car’s interior and your privacy. 

It’s double-ply, so it doesn’t peel, fade, or turn purple with constant exposure to the sun.

At 20% visibility, it’s also in compliance with automotive window tint codes as outlined by local government authorities.

Here’s our Install Proz Double Ply Window Film (36×100′) review.

The Good

• Even though it’s double-ply, this window tint film is easy to work with year-round, thanks to the unique substrate added during manufacturing.
• Highly stable dye prevents fading, bubbling and spotting
• Install Proz backs this film with a limited lifetime warranty for adhesive failure, peeling, cracking and fading.
• This roll has enough window tint film  to cover the windows and rear windshield of a sedan.
• It fits you car’s windows and rear windshield quickly and easily

The Not-So-Good

• The substrate of this film is non-metallic and non-ceramic, so it’s not all that great at reducing internal temperatures in your car or providing UV protection.
• This film does not come precut, so a steady hand and good measurement skills are necessary.
• 20% visibility may not be enough privacy for some, and they may find that this window tint isn’t dark enough for their taste.
• This roll does not include installation tools or kits.

Pros

• Easy to install year-round
• Guaranteed with a limited lifetime warranty not to peel, crack or fade
• 20% window tint for added privacy
• Filters sunlight to help reduce sun damage and internal temperature on hot days

Cons

• Non-metallic and non-ceramic materials make this film less effective at cooling and UV/IR protection
• All film must be custom cut by the user, adding the potential for damage or wasted film during installation
• Skilled installation is important for maintaining the warranty

3. Gila Heat Shield

Update: This used to be a great tint. Sadly, quality has consistently dropped over the last months, and I NO longer recommend it.

I haven’t yet found a good dyed tint worth making this top 5 to replace Gila. If you know the one that’s top of the class, please leave a comment below. Cheers!

Gila Heath Shield is probably the best dyed film for the price.

They also have films specially meant for curve windows (like rear windows) which will make the tinting process easier

• Two-year limited warranty
• Deep-dyed technology for the longest color retention.
• Keeps the vehicles interior cooler.
• Rejects up to 78 percent glare.
• Glass breakage protection.
• Available in 35%, 20% and 5% VLT.
• The lowest percentages aren’t legal in many states. For further infromation on this regard check our list of window tinting percentages per state.

The performance is the highest in dyed films at a meager price, making tinting the whole car a very inexpensive procedure.

If you want to tint your windows yourself, check the video at the bottom of this page to see a step-by-step example done by a professional.

4. LEXEN computer Pre-Cut Complete Kit

LEXEN film comes pre-cut for your car, so you don’t have to worry about anything but sticking it to the glass and enjoying a nice dyed tint. Thus, LEXEN is by far the most convenient film on our list.

Installing window tint yourself isn’t tremendously hard, but it gets so much easier and faster when you have the pieces already cut.

• Model specific kit: Specify the Year, Make, Model, Body Type of vehicle
• Keeps the vehicles interior cooler.
• Non-Reflective Dyed Film w/ Anti-Scratch
• Glass breakage protection.
• Comes in shades of 50%, 35%, 15%, 5%(Limo) tints
• Installer-friendly and scratch-resistant tint (99% level of UV protection).
• There are some cars for which Lexen doesn’t have the measures for the windows, although not many.

5. Black Magic

Closing this best 5 list, we find Black Magic films.

We usually do not recommend metalized films because they interfere with signals like radio, GPS, phone, etc.

However, we thought we should include Black Magic as it is the best metallic film on the market.

• Available in 2.5%, 5%, 20%, 35% VLT
• Great heat reduction.
• High resistance film.
• Glass breakage protection.

• Interferences with radio and other signals.
• Made in China.

Benefits of Tinting your Windows

Window tinting is not just about aesthetics. It actually has many benefits, which we’ll talk about below.

Cooler Car Temperature

Another benefit is that tint will help keep the car’s inside cooler. This feature is a big deal if you live in places where summer sunlight feels like fire.

Note that window tinting leads to cooler temperatures because tint acts as an insulator.

Even if the car’s air-conditioning unit directly impacts how you use fuel, you get to avoid heat buildup through high-quality window tint.

Therefore, consider getting that car tint if you live in places with hot weather.

Not only do you get to save money you could have otherwise spent on added fuel, but you’ll also be comfortable as you ride your car.

Protection from Radiation

First and foremost, tint helps block harmful UV rays (one of the causing factors of premature skin aging, among many illnesses).

You need this because you are directly exposed to the sunlight when you drive, making you at risk for various health issues.

Moreover, note that direct exposure to the sun is uncomfortable on many levels.

Not only does it put you at risk for different skin conditions like sunburn, but it can also cause eye disorders like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Improved Safety Standards

Tint reduces inside’s brightness and glare, reducing eye fatigue. If you drive long miles, this is vital.

Also, never underestimate the possible dangers of experiencing direct sun glares on your face. Such glaring can be deadly and might even cause car accidents.

As such, tint leads to improved safety standards when driving.

Not only does it offer protection, but it also provides better views. Drivers need good positioning when looking at traffic signs, other vehicles, and pedestrians.

Also, did you know that having tint leads to increased glass resistance to shattering? The adhesive layer will keep the glass pieces together.

Privacy and Aesthetics

The paint gives you more privacy, especially in the backseat area. It provides pleasing aesthetics.

Tint offers some safety for privacy, especially in places prone to car theft.

Tint installation serves as a preventive measure against robbers who might intend to look for valuables left in your parked car.

You probably already had in your mind some of those advantages and maybe you didn’t know some of the others.

What is the best tint film material?

There are three main types of window tints. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, which you need to consider before deciding what to install on your car.

• Dyed film
• Metallic film
• CERAMIC FILM

Placing a dye layer between an adhesive layer (that sticks on the window) and a protective polyester top coating makes dyed window film.

It provides a matte and opaque look from the outside. It also offers good visibility from the inside, regardless of the tint percentage.

Advantages of Using Dyed Film

• Less expensive option.
• Dyed film produces the darkest effect, and it’s non-reflective.
• Dyed film does not block radio waves.
• This film blocks unwanted glare from headlights and other bright lights.

Disadvantages of Using Dyed Film

• Easy to leave bubbles when installing.
• Offers the least heat and UV reduction of all tints.
• Under high heat, it can delaminate, with layers separating from one another.
• Over time, the UV rays will age the dye, fade it, and turn it from black to purple-ish

The second type we will analyze is metallic or metalized tint.

It consists of a multi-layered film with a base adhesive layer, a layer treated to block UV radiation, a metallic coating that reflects light, and a protective outer layer.

The visual look is metallic.

Advantages of Using Metallic Film

• Fantastic heat reducing performance and UV reduction.
• This type of tinting film will not fade over time.
• Metallic tinting film is extremely durable.

Disadvantages of Using Metallic Film

• Metallic window film interferes with radio waves as well as other electronic signals. It may block your cellphone signal, cause bad GPS reception, and interfere with tire pressure monitoring systems among other problems. Goodbye in-glass antennae.
• More expensive than dyed film

Ceramic film somewhat recent in the film industry. It is the highest performing film.It is not dyed and contains no metal particles, but rather ceramic particles that are non-conductive. It comes in different looks depending on the manufacturer.

Advantages of Using Ceramic Film

• It provides with temperature isolation both ways, keeping the temperature of the car’s inside as desired.
• It blocks up to 99% of UV radiation.
• Reduces glare the most.
• It does not fade over time.
• It does not cause interference with electronic signals.

Disadvantage of Using Ceramic Film

• The most expensive option from all three.

Laws About Auto Tints

Now that you know the benefits of a window film solution and the types of window tints, you should also consider the rules about car tints in your country.

You need to do it properly, especially if you plan to purchase films for privacy.

In the United States, you might want to check out how the laws on types of window tint differ, for example, in Florida compared to other states.

Below, we enumerate the US rules regarding the type of auto tint and how to use them.

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) Levels

VLT is a way of measuring the amount of light that can get through your car’s window or tint. In principle, a lower VLT means having a darker tint shade.

The majority of the 50 states are easy-going in that they require low VLT percentages at 30%.

However, middle-ground states require 30% – 70% VLT, some of which are Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Ohio.

Colored Tints

Not all states have color tint restrictions. You can have a dark color, depending on your preference.

Keep in mind that there are stricter states; for example, Texas and Illinois have some of the most challenging tint color requirements.

How to install window tint

The best window tint won’t look the best if installed incorrectly, even if it’s a high-quality window tint.

But don’t worry! It isn’t that hard—you won’t even need a professional installer! 

You just need the right tools and someone to show you the step-by-step method and easy-to-understand instructions.

In the following video, Ralph Van Pelt from FlexFilm shows how to install window tint in great detail.

Additionally, if your car already has some old window tint shades that you want to get rid of beforehand, you can check this guide on removing window tint from car windows.

Got Questions? You can ask me anything— types of window tint, thousands of tint patterns—anything! Just leave a comment below!

I read every one of them and try to answer in as much detail as possible. Cheers!