Choosing the best window film for day and night privacy could mean the difference between excessive glare and lack of privacy or excellent UV ray protection and savings on your next energy bill. In determining the best privacy window film to buy, we focused on the type, UV/light blocking ability, application method, and aesthetics.
After more than 12 hours of research and testing, the best window film for day and night privacy goes to the Rabbitgoo 3D Decorative Privacy Window Film. It features a striking 3D mosaic design, blocks 96% of UV rays, and comes in six sizes up to 35.4″ by 78.7.” It is also very easy to mount on your window with static cling backing and no adhesive leaving messy residue behind. Keep reading to learn more about the Rabbitgoo 3D Decorative Privacy Window Film and the others that met our strict grading criteria. We also urge our readers to learn how to find the best prices on appliances.
Top 7 Best Window Film for Day and Night Privacy
#1 Rabbitgoo 3D Decorative Privacy Window Film
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best decorative privacy window film thanks to a striking 3D-style mosaic pattern and effective blocking of 96% of UV rays.
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- Blocks 96% of UV rays
- Reusable and comes in six sizes
- No sticky residue after installation
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- No glass protection
- Does not offer much privacy
- Needs direct light to achieve a true “rainbow” effect
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This decorative privacy window film does an exceptional job of blocking out sunlight, as well as 84% of UVA rays and 99% of UVB rays. This is especially critical, as prolonged exposure is known to cause health defects and skin conditions. Aesthetics are very striking, especially with different lighting conditions that create a more pronounced or subdued tone.
Related: Check out our best portable closets.
We love how easy it is to apply this Rabbitgoo window film. Simply clean your window, peel off its backing, spritz your window with water for stickiness, and mount it flush. While testing, the transparent backing was easy to peel off with no residue left behind. It can be easily cut using a razor for a custom fit. Kudos for coming in six different sizes up to 35.4″ by 78.7″, working with extra-large or non-standard sized windows. To make sure your windows stay clean too, take a look at the best robotic window cleaner.
#2 Window Whirl Privacy Window Film
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best privacy film, due to a thick vinyl construction that makes it a nice inexpensive option for people who would prefer not to be seen from the outside.
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- Cuts viewability entirely but allows light
- Easy to apply after trimming to exact sizing
- Three large sizes available
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- Does not block out light
- Rough edges may form if not trimmed properly
- Slight learning curve eliminating tiny air bubbles
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What we love most about this winter frost-style privacy film is its ability to block out the view from the inside and outdoor while allowing light to come in. It also helps block out UV rays, which can cause health defects with constant exposure.
Related: You may also check out the best shadow boxes.
This privacy window film sticks easily with a static cling backing. Simply press it against a smooth, clean window, palm it to eliminate any air bubbles, and watch it stay up. We love the fact no trace residue is left behind. Kudos for coming in three sizes ranging from 17.5″ by 80″ to 36″ by 144″, making it fit non-standard sized windows and patio doors. And while you might be adding privacy to your windows, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep them clean. So check out our guide on the best window cleaning kit too.
#3 WPCTEV Privacy Window Film
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best one-way privacy window film thanks to its 90% of infrared/85% of UV ray blocking with thermal insulation and its thick, 0.15mm construction.
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- Thick (0.15mm) and durable PVC material
- Blocks out 85% of UV rays
- Solid thermal insulation (cut costs up to 30 percent)
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- Not scratch resistant
- The adhesive back could be a bit more sticky
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Thanks to this privacy window film’s one-way fabric, it produces a mirrored effect indoors and allows for 100% privacy from the outside. A 0.15mm PVC construction helps a little with impact absorption (hello, wayward rocks) and thermal insulation, cutting heating and cooling costs by up to 30 percent. Bonus points for 12 different sizes, ranging from 17.7-inch by 6.5-feet to 35.4-inch by 32.8 feet.
This privacy window film blocks out 85% of UV rays, which is especially useful if you have vintage or older interior furnishings you would like to protect from fading or aging. Installation is easy with a trimmable static cling film that easily attaches to your window. This film will be perfect to pair with your best window shades, keeping out extra light.
#4 Coavas Privacy Window Film
Award: MOST CLASSY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This privacy window film offers 95% privacy in a retro minimalist style, making it great for people who want privacy yet a decorative piece to complement their home decor a bit better than pattern-less film.
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- Great decorative style compatible with all interiors
- High privacy level
- Striking retro minimalist design
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- The backing may be tricky to remove for some people
- Side seam patterns may not match due to its natural cut
- The film becomes stiff and needs softening ion cold weather (before applying)
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Installing this frosted privacy window film is very easy. Just cut to exact specifications, remove the transparent backing, spray water evenly throughout the surface, and mount it against your window. Sizes are generous, ranging from 17.7″ by 78.7″ to 35″ by 118.”, which makes it work well with non-standard sized windows like full glass patio doors.
We also love this privacy window film’s retro and minimalist design, consisting of a symmetrical rectangular frosted design scheme that gives off the appearance of shaved glass. Its opacity allows some light to shine through but produces no glare. Kudos for being extra durable, as it is fade, scratch, and water-resistant, making it a great choice in extreme weather areas. You might also want to get some of the best window curtains.
#5 Artscape Texture Twelve Privacy Window Film
Award: BEST STAINED GLASS LOOK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Best Stained Glass Look
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- Looks like original glass
- Up to 90% UV protection
- Includes a squeegee
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- High cost, compared to some picks
- Only one size available (36″ by 72″)
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We like this privacy window film for its UV protection (up to 90%), with roughly 80% of privacy protection when viewing from opposite sides. Installation is also a breeze – simply measure, cut, wet glass using a sprayer, remove the transparent backing and position it against the window. Kudos for including a squeegee, which helps to create evenness and eliminate tiny air bubbles when mounting against a window.
This privacy window film is arguably the most striking of all of our picks, coming in a textured and stainless glass effect. If trimmed and used on several windows, a repeating pattern will keep the same continuous effect. Our only criticism is that it only comes in one size (36″ by 72″) whereas others offer more options. Consider this the best window film for privacy at night.
#6 Velimax Static Cling Total Blackout Privacy Window Film
Award: BEST FOR SENSITIVE SLEEPERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best blackout privacy window film, construction using thick 0.29mm vinyl and filtering 99% of daylight, making it a great choice for light sleepers or babies who need a deeper sleep.
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- Can be moved (reusable) and waterproof
- Blocks out 99% of sunlight
- More than 10 size options available
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- Some people reported edges that peeled upwards
- Adhesive could be a bit stronger
- Tiny air bubbles may appear with poor application
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This privacy window film does an excellent job of blocking out light and UV rays from opposite sides. It also has a thermal insulation effect, which helps reduce energy bill costs. Sizing is very generous, ranging from 17.7″ by 78.7″ to 35.4″ by 314.9.” Plus, installation is not that hard – simply, peel off of the backing liner, add soapy water, and mount the film to the glass.
Kudos for this privacy window film’s durability, constructed using 0.29mm vinyl which is a bit more impact resistant and scratch-resistant than previous picks. It is also waterproof and uses a static cling with no residue left after application. We were very impressed with its overall build quality.
#7 Hidbea One Way Privacy Window Film
Award: BEST ANTI-GLARE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This privacy window film filters up to 71% of UV rays and comes in more than six sizes, making it a great choice for all rooms in your home or office.
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- Eight size options available
- Helps prevent furniture fading and aging
- Easy to understand instructions
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- Average UV protection (only up to 71%)
- Not as effective for privacy when inside light is brighter than outside light
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The installation uses a static cling backing, which mounts to your window for an air-bubble proof fit if applied correctly. While testing, we were able to mount it on a 10” by 10” foot window in less than two minutes, with the bulk of the work smoothing out the surface to eliminate air bubbles.
Our favorite feature with this one-way privacy window film is its color option with four to choose from – silver, black silver, blue silver, and brows silver. Kudos for this privacy window film’s generous sizing options, ranging from 17.5″ by 6.5-feet to 35.4″ by 32.8 feet, easily accommodating patio glass doors or non-standard sized windows.
How We Decided
In determining the best privacy window film to buy, we explored type, UV/light blocking ability (expressed as a %), application method, and aesthetics.
There are several different types of privacy window films, including decorative, blackout, and one-way window film. Decorative window film like our #1 pick Rabbitgoo 3D Decorative Privacy Window Film combines aesthetics (beautiful square pattern) and 95% of UV ray blocking, bringing in the best of both worlds.
Blackout film is designed for babies and deep sleepers and offers the most privacy, albeit at the expense of matching your room decor. Lastly, a one-way window film like the #3 pick WPCTEV Privacy Window Film offers a mirrored effect on the inside and total privacy facing in from the outside. This is for people who prefer to see what’s outside.
UV/light blocking ability is very important. Most of our recommended picks achieve 90%+ UV blocking, harmful sun rays. With prolonged exposure, UV rays could result in health defects, including melanoma and various skin cancers. These privacy window films also carry a thermal insulation effect, which helps reduce your energy bills.
The application method is key. We like static cling on a privacy window film that does not require any adhesives to install. Kudos for not leaving a messy residue. Our only knock is that it may be hard to apply from time to time, particularly with ensuring no tiny air bubbles from between the window and the film.
Aesthetics is also something we look at. From heavily neutral (blackout) to a cacophony of different colors, there are more than enough styles and patterns to choose from.
Best Privacy Window Film Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Type
Privacy window film comes as a decorative, blackout, and one-way style. Decorative privacy window film combines UV and light blocking ability with a striking pattern, typically mosaic and symmetrical styles. Our #1 pick Rabbitgoo 3D Decorative Privacy Window Film features a gorgeous mosaic pattern that looks as if it belongs in a house of worship. Blackout offers the most privacy and designed to cut sunlight entirely, working well with baby and light sleeper bedrooms. One-way privacy window film allows users to see the outside and the opposite for vice versa. - UV & Light Blocking Ability
Most of our recommended picks offer 90% UV blocking. Protection from UV is critical, as prolonged exposure is known to cause health defects. These also do an exceptional job of filtering out light as well. A thermal insulation effect allows users to save up on energy bills. - Application Method
We love static cling on application methods. All you need to do is trim to exact specifications, remove the backing peel, spritz your smooth and clean window to create stickiness, and align the film to your window’s contours. This process should take no more than 10 minutes with the bulk of the work ensuring no tiny air bubbles form in between the window and the film. - Aesthetics
We love privacy window film with symmetrical designs that work well to complement most home decor.
