Are you tired of sunshine pouring into your car and heating up your seats? Are you looking for some shade for yourself, kids, or pets? Car window sun shades are great for protecting you and your loved ones from harmful UV rays and keeping your car interior as cool as possible. You have a variety of options to choose from, like retractable mesh options or even shades that stay put underneath your visors!
That's why we researched the best ones out there and put together a 10 best list for you. We love the BDK Adventure Awaits Windshield Shade for its outdoors-themed design, compact foldability, and tapered edges for a better fit. See what else made our top 10 list, as well as other considerations to keep in mind while shopping, below.
Quick List - Top Car Window Sun Shade
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Table of Contents
The first thing you'll need to consider while shopping is what kind of shade you need, and then you can think about specific materials and designs. Here's our buying guide to help you navigate all of the choices!
When it comes to the right car window shade, it's vital to know what you'll need it to do. There are many different options and styles for different windows.
The right shade for your car window can be the difference between a muggy interior with ultra-hot seats and a much cooler and pleasant car. The biggest decision you’ll have to make is what specific kind of shade you want.
The traditional accordion-style shade is easy to set up, take down, and fold for storage. However, if you don’t get the sizing quite right, you’ll have a lot of excess floppiness that ends up reflecting sunlight into your car instead of out of it. They’re also bulkier than other models, even when folded.
Another option is a pop-up shade. As the name implies, this version is ready to use once it’s taken out of its packaging and “popped up.” It's usually made of a rectangular piece of fabric with two large, adjacent wire circles. A pop-up shade is easy to set up and tends to stay in place for a long time. But, it can be difficult to take down and fold.
Another option is are crossover, also known as two-piece, shades. These are basically pop-up shades shaped as overlapping triangles or ovals. One drawback is that you have to deal with two pieces instead of one when installing or taking down the shade.
And while many car sun shades are made for windshields, you can also find side window shades. These small shades are meant to be used while you’re driving and can protect riders in the passenger or back seats.
They are often placed in the middle of a car window as opposed to covering all of it. Side shades are usually made of mesh or another material that can be seen through, and they typically attach to a window with suction cups.
Most car sun shades are made of nylon or polyester. Both of these fabrics are durable and should hold up well to long-term use. You’ll have to decide on a thread density thickness. The thicker the material is, the less the sun permeates through, and the darker the interior of your car.
But, it's usually best to opt for a shade that has a reflective layer of some kind to bounce back sunlight. Aluminum foil is super reflecting, making it a great choice. Just be mindful that reflective surfaces become very hot after being left in the sun for extended periods of time, so you don’t hurt yourself!
You can also choose a shade with a design or color of your choice. Some are more conservative, sporting solid, muted colors, whereas others have fun graphics geared towards both adults and kids.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | BDK Adventure Awaits Windshield Shade|AS-782 | ![]() | A Scenic, Outdoors-Themed Graphic | |
2 | Hippih Décor Car Windshield Sun Shade | ![]() | A Polyester Crossover Shade | |
3 | Enovoe Car Window Shade|4 pack | ![]() | Blocks Over 97% of UV Rays | |
4 | Aokway Side Window Sun Shade|2 pack | ![]() | Thick Side Window Shades That Attach With Magnets | |
5 | Britax EZ-Cling Car Window Sun Shade|2 pack | ![]() | Mesh Side Window Shade With Good Visibility | |
6 | Manelord Retractable Car Window Shade|2 pack | ![]() | Retractable Shades That Don't Swing Around | |
7 | Zatooto Car Side Window Sun Shade |2 pack | ![]() | Dark Curtains for Extra Privacy | |
8 | Munchkin Magnetic Stretch to Fit Sun Shade | ![]() | Adjustable Shade That Can Even Fit an SUV Window | |
9 | Qualizzi Car Window Sun Shades for SUVs|2 pack | ![]() | Double-Layered Nylon Mesh Keeps Bugs Out | |
10 | Big Ant UV Ray Reflector Window Sun Shade | ![]() | Large Reflective Shade With a Pouch |
This foldable car windshield shade has a dual-layer design for UV ray protection. It reduces your car’s interior temperature and has tapered edges for a better fit. It’s 58 by 28 inches and should fit most vehicles. It also has a hook and loop closure and has a fun, nature-themed design.
Some buyers said this shade wasn't suitable for intense heat for extended periods. But, overall, people loved this shade for its thick material, quality fit, and how well it blocked out the sun. People also loved the look of the graphics!
This polyester windshield shade works with passenger cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks. You keep it snug against your windshield using your car's visors. Plus, it's easy to set up, take down, and store. Its silver, reflective material keeps the sun out, and it comes with a storage pouch.
Some reviewers found this shade flimsy. However, most customers praised how it fit their windshields. People also loved how cool their cars stayed while using this shade.
These shades are designed to fit larger side windows, and they block over 97 percent of UV rays. Their mesh allows them to minimize sun without impeding visibility. They also come with a storage pouch.
Each one is 21 by 13 inches and uses static cling to stick to windows. All you have to do for setup is put a shade against a window and run your hand over it.
Some reviewers said the static cling feature doesn't work well in extreme heat. A few also found that they can get bent when trying to fold them for storage. But, overall, people loved their great visibility and easy application! A few people also noted that these shades hold up well, even after being adjusted and reapplied.
This set includes two window shades made of oxford fabric on its inner side and a reflective coating on its outer side. They block over 97 percent of UV rays and attach with magnets to metal car frames. Each shade is shaped differently to fit front and rear side windows.
They have a fun bubble design and can fit large vehicles, like SUVs, but may not cover the entire window. You can also roll down your window while they're on!
Some people thought the magnets were weak. But, overall, people loved that they block a lot of light and keep their cars much cooler. They also liked that their opacity offers privacy and that they are easy to install.
This two-pack of mesh shades cling to your car window with help from a reinforced frame. They protect against sun and heat. They fit most rear side windows and offer good visibility while also filtering light. They also offer sun protection of UPF 30+.
Some customers found this shade difficult to install in cold weather or if a window wasn't well-cleaned. A few also struggled to get them to lay flat. But, generally, most reviewers loved that it's very easy to install and remove. They also praised how transparent it is!
These retractable sun shades are made of PVC. They can be used for a wide variety of vehicles, and they attach to windows with rubber suction cups and velcro. They also have buttons to adjust the length and block about 98 percent of UV rays.
Some people thought the velcro and suction cups didn't stay attached well. But, overall, people found these shades easy to adjust and loved the push-button retraction. They also enjoyed how the additional velcro keeps them from swinging around.
These side window shades come in curtain form. They're made of black satin and come in a set of two, each containing two pieces. These shades are easy to install using magnets that attach to a metal window frame. They work in most cars and can fold up compactly.
Some people thought the magnets were weak and felt that the fabric could be more high-quality. But, generally, buyers loved that these curtains can be put up quickly and offer a lot of privacy. They also confirmed that block out the sun well.
This mesh shade attaches to your car using five magnets, as long as it has a metal frame. The magnets make it easy to install and remove. This shade is transparent enough to see through, and you can roll down your window while it's on. It's 28 inches by 14 inches and can stretch to fit large SUV windows using hook-and-hoop closures.
Some reviewers felt like the fabric is too thin to provide adequate sun protection when stretched over larger windows. But, overall, people loved that it fits windows easily and can be adjusted, unlike other shades they've tried. They loved the strength of the magnets, as well!
These two large car side window shades are made with double-layered nylon mesh. They're very dark, offering privacy, sun protection, and heat reduction. Since these shades don't use suction cups, you can roll your window down while using them. They can also come in a range of sizes, from medium to XXL.
Some buyers had difficulty finding the right sizing for these shades, and others thought they had poor visibility. But, most reviewers praised how well these shades work for keeping bugs out while the windows are rolled down. Others liked their ease of installation.
This shade is made of reflective aluminum foil that's double-layered and dust-proof. It quotes large, with dimensions of 55 by 27 inches. It fits the windshields of most large cars and is easy to set up, fold up, and transport in its included pouch.
Some customers found this shade's material and suction cups to be flimsy and cheaply made. But, overall, people praised how well it fit their windshield, and they liked that the suction cups kept it in place. People also confirmed that it kept their cars cool!
Looking for more ways to maximize how at home you are in your car? Here are some links to help make the most out of that space!
No. 1: BDK|Adventure Awaits Windshield Shade|AS-782
No. 2: Hippih|Décor Car Windshield Sun Shade
No. 3: Enovoe|Car Window Shade|4 pack
No. 4: Aokway|Side Window Sun Shade|2 pack
No. 5: Britax|EZ-Cling Car Window Sun Shade|2 pack
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