Upgrade – The Car Moguls

In this day and age, over 80% of adult Americans own a car and drive themselves to work on a daily basis. Now that we are in the heat of summer once again, you may be considering a few options for keeping your car cool while it sits in the parking lot at work or while you run your daily errands. While there are cheap solutions like purchasing visors or using towels to cover your windshield and windows, the most proven and effective solution is to invest in the best window tint for those scorching days.Tint on windows is a unique solution because the darkness it naturally produces inside the car works to keep things cool, even if your car is sitting in direct sunlight. Just like other products on the market, there are a myriad of window tinting brands to choose from. This can make things complicated for those who are not familiar with the tinting process or the reputation of certain brands.If you are considering the best window tint for your car but have no idea where to start looking, fear not. We've done the research for you and will provide you an organized look at ten of the best window tint brands money can buy.Window Tinting: FAQs1. What Specifics Should I Consider When Looking for the Best Window Tint?When looking to purchase the best window tint for your car, one of the most important things you need to consider are the visible light transmission levels, or VLT. VLT is a way of measuring how much light is allowed past the tint into your car. The higher the VLT percentage, the higher the amount of light is being let in. For example, a tint with a VLT of 50% means that 50% of the light is coming through the tint. Once you figure out a proper VLT for your vehicle, you should consider the UV protection and heat dispersion, as these aspects can vary depending on the brand you choose. Once you have the logistics of your tinting figured out, you'll need to decide if you want a pre-cut or a self-measurement cut. We recommend the latter to ensure the cut is as precise as you'll need it. Do remember while applying it though: there is much less room for error with this method!2. What Are the Legalities of Window Tinting?When tinting your windows, it's actually quite easy to step into illegal territory if you are unaware of the window tinting laws of your state. In certain regions, there are laws in place that prevent you from tinting the entirety of your windshield. Some states limit you to an area five inches wide at the top part of your windshield and nowhere else. Other regulate how dark tinting can be.Depending on where you live, there may or may not be additional laws regulating how much tint you can put on your side and rear windows as well. Read up on your state's laws thoroughly before purchasing!3. What Different Kinds of Window Tints Are Out There?When window tinting first became a thing, there was only tint or no tint. Nowadays the market for tints has had a chance to develop. You can pick out different colors to add unique character to your car or match your paint job. Color variations range from grey to green to red to blue, and there are many more to choose from. You can choose to go with a pre-cut slab of tint or go with the self measurement option depending on how confident you feel. For all window tints, no matter the color or brand, you should pay close attention to the heat dispersion and the UV protection.Pay close attention to the fine print details of which brand and style you want to go with; some window tints have films that disperse heat and others simply absorb it into the glass. If your area gets a lot of direct sunlight, you should go with the former. UV protection is just as important, since when you're driving you're still exposed to harmful rays. UV rays can take their toll on your windows as well!How We ReviewedOur team of experts spent much time and effort researching and testing out different window tint brands in order to provide you with this unbiased best-of list featuring only the ten best window tint brands for your vehicle. We reviewed each item based on features that make the brand stand out from the rest, each brand's pros and cons, and the price range.Overall Price RangeBelow each item on our top ten list you'll see either $, $$, or $$$. Since prices constantly fluctuate, we have provided you with a generalized price range relative to the other items on our list. Depending on aspects such as the level of tinting you want, the amount you're getting for your windows, and the reputation or quality of the brand, window tints can cost anywhere from just under $100 to a few hundred dollars. Since window tinting is a one-time procedure for your vehicle and will not require re-tinting or additional maintenance fees, we recommend that you view this purchase as a long-term investment and save up for a few months before making a decision. Take this time to review our list carefully and do additional research for yourself. A mediocre tinting job could obscure your vision or just be an eyesore because of those dreaded bubbles! What We ReviewedT-view T2bk2036 Window Tint 36x100 Roll Tint 20%12 by 48 Inches Self Adhesive Headlight, Tail Lights, Fog Lights Tint Vinyl FilmPROTINT WINDOWS 5% Shade Color 24 Inches by 10 Feet Window Tint Film RollLEXEN Two Front Window Precut Tint KitAutomotive Window Tint - 35% 22" x 50ftAuto Expressions 5044535 Charcoal Grey Film36" X 100' Ft Roll 20% Window Tint 2 Ply Professional Dark Charcoal Tint FilmGila Xtreme Limo Black 2.5% VLT Automotive Window TintVViViD Colorful Transparent Vinyl Car Window TintingTotal Blackout Window Film: 100% Light BlockingT-view T2bk2036 Window Tint 36x100 Roll Tint 20%FeaturesThis best window tint is ideal for those who are not as practiced with placing tint on windows because it's made to be easily applied to curved surfaces. This particular brand offers a VLT of 20% that will amply protect from UV rays and disperse heat properly. The price may be higher compared to others, but this brand offers the best bang for your buck. The roll you'd receive has a width of 36 inches and a length of 100 feet.ProsGreat for beginnersOutstanding longevityGreat option if you want to tint multiple vehicles ConsHigher in price than othersNo other VLT percentage optionsPrice $$$Where to Buyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A6O5LPY?tag=aq-amazon08-2012 by 48 Inches Self Adhesive Headlight, Tail Lights, Fog Lights Tint Vinyl FilmFeaturesTinting your headlights, tail lights, and fog lights is something most people overlook when tinting their vehicles. This can customize the look and match the rest of your car if you decide to go with tinting your windows. It can also protect the glass and bulbs from UV rays. This particular brand is self-adhesive and simple to apply. It's also much less costly since you have a smaller surface area to cover.ProsEasy to applyCheaper in priceLess material to work withConsNot for windowsComes pre-rolledPrice $Where to Buyhttps://www.amazon.com/Inches-Adhesive-Headlight-Lights-Vinyl/dp/B00K5527EW?creativeASIN=B00K5527EW&linkCode=w61&imprToken=G.2dovozJR62YKeI36kSqA&slotNum=19&tag=car-search-20PROTINT WINDOWS 5% Shade Color 24 Inches by 10 Feet Window Tint Film RollFeaturesThis best window tint brand gives you plenty of options for VLT percentages so you can choose how dark you want your windows. If you're primarily concerned with exposure to UV rays, this is the brand to go with because it has an anti-UV rate as high as 99%. It's also excellent at blocking heat, so it will successfully keep your car cool even during those particularly scorching days.ProsLots of different VLT percentage optionsExcellent longevityMade to last through adverse weatherConsMore difficult to apply to windowsThe amount you get is much less than other brandsPrice $Where to Buyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NJVU2BO?tag=aq-amazon08-20LEXEN Two Front Window Precut Tint KitFeaturesThis best window tint does offer a few options as far as VLT percentages, but it is definitely lacking compared to other brands. You can choose from 5, 15, 35, or 50%. This brand is unique because it sells its tints as complete kits, making this an ideal option for beginners. This film has the ability to properly disperse up to 99% of heat and harmful UV rays, so consider this option if you live in a particularly sunny area!ProsFilm comes pre-cutLongevity is significantScratch-resistant filmConsMargin for error when applying is very smallCan be hard to applyPrice $Where to Buyhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0070Y35GU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3PZW7THHQQKGK&psc=1Automotive Window Tint - 35% 22" x 50ftFeaturesThis window tint is very DIY-friendly, so you can easily install it on your own with confidence. It has excellent longevity that allows it to last for years and is certified professional grade. The quality adhesive on the backside prevents those dreaded bubbles, and the product comes with a complete installation guide and a kit including a squeegee.ProsDIY-friendlyLots of product for the moneyGreat longevityConsOnly 35% VLTMay purple over timePrice $$Where to Buyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VQL03O?tag=aq-amazon08-20Auto Expressions 5044535 Charcoal Grey FilmFeaturesThis best window tint is an excellent choice for beginners because of its static cling backside that makes it easy to apply. This tint is actually removable and reusable so you get a longer-lasting product for a reasonable price. There are a few other various shades available, but the VLT percentages are only 20% or 5%.ProsGreat for beginnersReasonably pricedEasy to applyConsOnly two VLT optionsGrey, not blackPrice $Where to Buyhttps://www.amazon.com/Auto-Expressions-5044535-Charcoal-Static/dp/B000EBKG9A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?&linkCode=sl1&tag=ycny-20&linkId=1ac33a9d024ea2505c3363861c5cda9f&language=en_US36" X 100' Ft Roll 20% Window Tint 2 Ply Professional Dark Charcoal Tint FilmFeaturesThis best window tint brand is the one to choose if you're serious about tinting your windows. It's two ply for extra sun-blocking, contains no dyes and will not fade or purple over time.ProsDurable materialSimple installationTwo plyConsHigh in priceNo other VLT percentage optionsPrice $$$Where to Buyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B015D7Z180?tag=aq-amazon08-20Gila Xtreme Limo Black 2.5% VLT Automotive Window TintFeaturesThis best window tint brand has an option for 2.5% VLT, which is even darker than the 5% used on most limos. This will give you the best privacy and keep your car the coolest, but make sure to check up on your state's tinting laws before going with this percentage.ProsDarker tint options with this brandIncredible longevityDurable and sturdy materialConsNot much material for the priceDifficult for beginners to applyPrice $Where to Buyhttps://www.amazon.com/Gila-Xtreme-Automotive-Control-Blocking/dp/B000CMH8UG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?&linkCode=sl1&tag=ycny-20&linkId=6f7dba8a7c8e78533b2d1414b8b90ac1&language=en_USVViViD Colorful Transparent Vinyl Car Window TintingFeaturesIf color is your main concern, this is the best window tint to go with. Although there is not an actual VLT with this tint, you can choose between black, yellow, blue, orange, pink, green, and a few others. Although it can be hard to tell exactly what percent of coverage you're getting, you'll still be very protected from UV rays and glares.ProsRange of colors to choose fromProtects from UV raysIncredibly easy to applyConsNot much bang for your buckNo VLT percentage availablePrice $Where to Buyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B072RCPN4G?tag=aq-amazon08-20Total Blackout Window Film: 100% Light BlockingFeaturesThis best window tint has 100% light-blocking capabilities. It's easy to apply thanks to its super static cling backside made to cling to any flat surface with no residue left behind. There are a few different size options depending on what size your windows are, and there is a money-back guarantee if you aren't totally satisfied.Pros100% light-blocking capabilitiesStatic clingReasonably pricedConsProduct has a plastic odorIllegal in some jurisdictions: check your local lawsPrice $Where to Buyhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071HLNG14/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A32BVDZ5E8J0K4&psc=1The VerdictWe hope our list of the ten best window tint brands has helped you make a decision for your windows that will both be long-lasting and cost-effective. Any of our options are great to go with if you're considering tinting your windows, but if you're more serious about it, we highly recommend going with the 36" X 100' Ft Roll 20% Window Tint 2 Ply Professional Dark Charcoal Tint Film. If you want customized colors, you should consider the VViViD Colorful Transparent Vinyl Car Window Tinting.