Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Alex Koch
15 Percent Window Tint: Pros, Cons, and Where To Buy
Everything you should know about 15 window tint, Before & After photos, how the tint looks at night, and top brands to buy from.
WHAT DOES 15% TINT LOOK LIKE?
While it is not the darkest tint available, 15 percent tint is a fairly dark window film and will block out UV rays and help with privacy when trying to view inside the vehicle.
You will have to be very close to the car in order to view through the window, it will not be easy and will provide a high level of privacy.
If you want to be sure you’re staying compliant with state tinting laws, 15% window tint is not going to work. 15% window tint is illegal in most states.
15 WINDOW TINT BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURE
Below is a before and after picture of a car that started with no window tint film and then added a 15% window tint so you can visualize the difference before and after the tint film was added.
You can purchase 15 percent tint in various colors to match your vehicle.
Below is an example photo of a car with a 15% window tint applied to it.
15 Window Tint Example
HOW DARK IS 15% TINT COMPARED TO OTHER TINT PERCENTAGES?
15 percent tint is very popular due to its limited visibility. It is also illegal to install 15% window film on the driver’s side and front passenger windows in all states.
While it is not the darkest shade available, 15% achieves a great balance between blocking out the light and making it hard to see through your windows.
15 tint is very popular for drivers looking for high levels of privacy and UV sun protection, however, it could be a potential issue when law enforcement views it.
Interested to learn more about other tint percentages?
You can see in the picture below the VLT of several tinting options including 15% window tint as well as 5%, 35%, and 50%
CAN YOU SEE THROUGH 15% TINT AT NIGHT?
Yes, you can see through 15 percent window tint at night when you are inside the vehicle. If you are outside of the vehicle trying to see into a car with 15 tints installed, you’ll likely need to have your head up against the glass and even then, the inside will be dark. Tinting professionals will tell you that 15 percent window tint is an excellent looking film to apply but may be difficult for some drivers when driving at night.
A dark interior is beneficial. Twenty percent is approximately the darkest you can tint your windows and still see clearly on a gloomy night. 15 tint is going to impact your visibility.
If you have poor vision, driving at night with a fifteen percent tint might be risky. A dark night combined with dark window film can result in a severe lack of visibility.
HOW MUCH DOES 15% TINT COST?
Installing 15% window tint on your vehicle may range from $165 to $650 for standard, non-reflective tint film.
If you want ‘the good stuff‘ your range will be closer to $260 to $825 for a more premium tint film, such as what you get with ceramic, carbon, or other specialized films.
Expect to spend extra on a vehicle with a larger number of windows.
If you need to remove your tint for whatever reason, you will have to pay for this service as well. This can cost anywhere from $25 to $200 or more. As you can see, a variety of factors will determine the price you’ll pay for 15% tint.
You can check pricing for 15 window tint rolls here.
15 WINDOW TINT VS 20
We are talking about very similar films. There is only a 5% difference in visible light transmittance.
Yes, you can see through both window films if you are close enough to the car, and it will be tricky to see inside the window with 20 tint, but even harder to see inside the 15 tinted window. The biggest difference here is a legal one, more U.S. states allow 20% film than 15 tint. As a result, your average driver will opt to go with 20 tint.
15 percent tinting is preferable to 20 percent tint for drivers looking for an added touch of privacy and just an overall darker-looking tint.
THE BEST 15 WINDOW TINT TO BUY:
Our top choice for 15% window tint is the Hex Autoparts 15% Dark Shade 2Ply Window Tint Film Roll.
We like this tint for the thickness which helps with scratches and additional UV ray blockage. The 2 ply is a nice touch and it comes with plenty of film to tint your entire vehicle, maybe 2 if you are efficient.
15% Film Runner Up Choice:
MkBrother 2PLY 15% VLT Heat & UV Block Professional Window Tint
MK Brother window tint film is formulated with traditional manufacturing processes whereby the dyes and adhesive are mixed together. The mixture is then sprayed in one continuous coating so that costs are minimized, making it the most economical film on the market.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
A 15 percent film is going to block out the vast majority of UV light, keeping your car cooler. It will also help with privacy as it is not easy to see through the film. The dark look that comes with 15 tint is very popular with drivers but remember, 15% window tint is illegal. You may be able to apply it to your rear windows in certain states legally, but many states do not permit it.
The optimal percentage for your windows is determined by your reasons for tinting them in the first place.