The Best Side Window Sunshades For 2023

Nothing sounds more frustrating than having to bear the sun rays on hot summer days. It gets even more challenging when you are driving. Not everyone likes window tints. Besides that, tinting the windows can be quite expensive. However, that doesn’t mean you have to endure the sun rays in the car. Your car gets ridiculously hot when it is parked under the sun for hours on a hot sunny day. The window sunshades make a great accessory for your car. It keeps the car seats, steering wheel, brakes, and the front and passenger seats cool.  In fact, the side window sunshades can lower the temperature inside your car by as much as 40%.

Another reason why you need the best window sunshades for your car is your car accessories. If you have a DVD player, smartphone, laptop, GPS device, and other technical gadgets in the car, then you need to protect them from the sun rays.

What Are Side Window Sunshades?

Even cars with tinted windows need premium sunshades for UV protection. The tinted windows cannot repel the sunrays. They might keep your car cool, but the tint isn’t as effective as the sunshades. When your vehicle remains exposed to the sun for hours during summer, the windows trap the heat from the sun rays and raise the temperature inside your vehicle. This makes it uncomfortable for your kids and family to sit in the car.

Even if you have a high-quality air conditioner, it will take time to cool down the car. It isn’t only about the temperature inside your car, but the exposure to the UV rays throughout the journey is harmful to your kids. One way to make your trip comfortable and cool is by installing the best and durable sunshades on the side windows. As the name implies, this car accessory can control the internal temperature of your vehicle, while blocking UV rays. If you are planning to invest in this car accessory for summers, here we are presenting a list of the top 10 side window shades for your vehicle. Let’s take a look:

1. Enovoe Large Car Side Window Sunshade

Enovoe sunshades are designed to block the harmful ultraviolet rays up to 97%. Even if you are parking or driving your vehicle in the harshest weather, rest assured that these sunshades will keep the internal temperature of your car cool. They also ensure the protection of your family from UV rays. Made of mesh fabric, the product can keep your car from damages due to the sunlight and high temperature. While it offers good coverage, one major drawback of this product is that it doesn’t offer the best visibility. These shades are not recommended for the window frames that you might use while driving.

These 21 x 14 car side window sunshades give a remarkable performance. You can use the Enovoe Large Car Side Window Sunshade for the standard vehicles or large cars (such as SUVs). It is a universal-fit window shade. With that being said, the sunshade might not cover the entire window frame. However, it does offer good coverage and block most of the sunlight. The package includes a set of 2 shades that can be used on the windows of the front and passenger seats.

Installation

The best quality of this car side window shade is that it can be installed and removed from the window frames easily. This static sunshade is glued to the car frame. All you gotta do is press the shade tightly to the glass and there you go! Likewise, you can peel it off the windows in no time. It is a removable window sunshade, meaning you can store it in the car when it is not in use.

Features

• Made of mesh fabric
• Features double layers for ultimate protection
• Blocks up to 97 percent UV rays
• Suitable for SUVs, sedans, and all types of cars
• Set of 2 window shades
• Lifetime warranty

2. Kinder Fluff Car Side Window Shades

Kinder Fluff Car Side Window Shades blocks sunlight when you have parked your vehicle out in the sun or driving on hot sweltering days. It is a semi-transparent shade. One shade is used when the temperature is extremely high and you want the maximum protection from the sunlight, while the other one is for the drivers who need maximum visibility while limiting the UV rays from peeking through the car windows. This one might not offer the best coverage, but it makes it easier for the driver to get a clear view while driving.

Coverage And Visibility

Measuring 20 x 12 inches in dimensions, Kinder Fluff Car Side Window Shades are designed for the window frames of medium-sized cars. You could also set up these shades on the SUV. Note that it isn’t the custom-fit window shades, which means they won’t cover your car window in its entirety. You get three shades in the package. With these sunshades installed on your window frames, you don’t have to worry about your family and kids having to bear the glare.

They feature static cling, which can be glued to your window frame. The installation and removal of the side windows are super easy. The downside to this window shade is that it might come off the window frames frequently. While it can be pressed back on the windows, sticking it over and over again can get a bit inconvenient.

Features

• Blocks 97% of the UV rays
• Package includes 3 shades and a storage pouch
• Static cling
• Protective mesh fabric

3. Veneev Car Sunshades For Side Windows

Are you looking for high-quality and powerful car sunshades? Well, Veneev Car Sunshades for Side Windows is a perfect option for drivers who often have to drive on hot summer days. The shades are designed to block up to 98% of the sun rays hitting your car windows. The mesh fabric used to manufacture these shades is durable and strong enough to keep the UV rays out of your car’s interiors.

In addition to offering the ultimate protection to your kids from the harmful UV rays, the Veneev Car Sunshades can keep your electronic gadgets and other accessories safe. Rest assured that with this pair of sunshades installed on the side windows of your car, your car accessories and interiors will not fade or deteriorate from the sun exposure.

Installation And Removal

You get a pack of four shades for the front and backseats. The first two shades measure 17 x 19 inches, while the other two are 20 x 12 inches. The former one is for the average-sized car. The only issue with this pair of four sunshades is that they are a bit smaller than the typical shades.

They can stop the sun rays from peeking through the car windows, but these shades do not offer the best coverage. In fact, they cover only a small part of your window frames. Now, installation is as simple as pressing the sunshades to the glass. Featuring the static cling, the Veneev Car Sunshades for Side Windows are easy to set up and remove. You can get the shades out by peeling it off the windows.

Features

• Blocks 98% of the harmful UV rays
• A pack of four shades
• Made of 80GSM mesh fabric
• Compatible with average-sized vehicles
• Static cling

4. KMMIN Car Side Window Sunshades

Made of high-quality material, KMMIN’s car window shades are available for the rear windows. The company aims to offer durable, eco-friendly, and premium shades for families. Installation and removal of the shades are super simple. You only need to paste the shades to the glass and press it tightly.

Featuring the electrostatic film, the KMMIN Car Side Window Sunshades offer the best elasticity. The shades are foldable. You can twist and fold these sunshades when they are not in use. They feature a portable design, making it easier for the driver to store them in the center console or a small travel bag.

The material is strong enough to block up to 97% of the harmful UV rays, keeping your car cool and pleasant in summers. Whether you park your car out in the sun or drive on a hot sunny day, the KMMIN Car Side Window Sunshades will offer the best protection and a perfect temperature. It has the static cling that sticks to the window frame. You don’t need suction cups and other installation tools to get the sunshades on the car windows. It is a pack of four sunshades with different dimensions. Two shades are 25 x 15 inches, while the other two are 20 x 12 inches.

Features

• Block 97% of the UV rays
• Static cling
• Advanced electrostatic film
• A set of 4 shades

5. ggomaART Car Side Window Shades

Made of Polyester mesh fabric, ggomaART Car Side Window Shades is an ideal option for car owners looking for a reliable and high-quality shade for the passenger and front windows. It is capable of blocking most of the sun rays. ggomaART Car Side Window Shades is a must for families that drive on hot sunny days. You could attach the shades to your window frame using the suction cup that’s located right on the bottom of the shade.

You could roll up the windows with this pair of sunscreens on. Furthermore, the shades can be folded and kept in the console or storage box. The manufacturer has used black mesh to design this product. These are the see-through shades, meaning it gives you the best visibility when you are driving.

In addition to the suction cups, the shades feature five magnets on the sides and upper sections. Note that these shades are only compatible with metal glass. You can easily mount the shades on your front and passenger side windows using the magnets. The only downside to the ggomaART Car Side Window Shades is the coverage. It doesn’t cover the entire window.

Features

• Made of polyester mesh fabric
• Five magnets and a suction cup
• Foldable
• Compatible with metal window frames

6. XCBYT Universal Car Side Window Sunshades

Don’t let the scorching sun affect your summer trip. Enjoy a long drive on a bright and sunny day with your families with this premium pair of side window sunshades on. XCBYT Universal Car Side Window Sunshade can keep the interiors of your vehicle cool. Not only do these shades give you a comfortable ride, but they are designed to ensure the safety of your car components and upholstery.

It protects the leather from aging and damages due to direct exposure to the sunlight. Installation isn’t that difficult with the 12-piece magnet. The material offers full coverage. You can fold the entire curtain and store it in the console. The package includes 2 pieces for the front windows and 2 for the passenger windows.

Features

• 12 magnets
• Universal fit
• Friction-resistant shades
• A set of 4 sunshades
• Foldable shades
• Offers full coverage

7. ZACAR Cling Car Window Sunshades

ZACAR Cling is one of the most potent and darkest sunshades on this list. Offering up to 99% protection from the UV rays, this pair of side window car shades do a great job. Now that it is the darkest shade, it might obstruct your view when they are on. Not only are these shades good at blocking the UV rays, but they can keep the temperature inside your car cool and pleasant.

ZACAR Cling Car window sunshade is a pack of 4 shades that feature different dimensions. Two shades are 20 x 12 inches, while the other two are 17 x 14 inches. The bigger ones can fit just about any car seamlessly. However, the smaller shades do not cover the windows in their entirety. While it offers the best protection from UV rays, it allows enough room for the sunlight to get in.

The material stays glued to the windows as long as you need them. You could peel the shades away from the window when you want to remove them. The shades feature 15S cling material as well as 80GSM protective mesh. You don’t need to use the suction cups or adhesive to get these shades up. The advanced electrostatic absorption technology makes the installation super smooth and simple. You could also fold these shades and store them in the car organizer. The manufacturer supplies the product with a free travel bag.

Features

• 15S premium static cling
• Made of GSM protective mesh
• Steel wireframe
• Twist to fold design
• Blocks 99% of the UV rays
• A set of 4 shades

8. Spurtar Universal Car Side Window Sunshades

Spurtar Universal Car Side Window Sunshades is one of the versatile and flexible car sunshades. It fits 95% of the car windows easily. The best quality of this product is the coverage it offers. Spurtar Universal Car Side Window Sunshades cover the entire rear windows, leaving no space for the sunlight to peek through the window frames. That being said, it is your best option for the passenger windows.

Despite offering 100% coverage, the Spurtar Universal Car Side Window Sunshades do not block your view. It is a see-through shade that offers a clear view. The sunshades are installed on the exterior window frame. It keeps the temperature inside your car cool during the summer. The installation is simple. You don’t need adhesive, suction cups, and other accessories.

You can slip the mesh fabric over the window frame. Make sure that the car door is open when you do that. Now that it doesn’t need adhesive, the material stays on the frame without coming off or leaving stains. Overall, it is a great choice for families with kids. If you often plan car trips on hot and bright days, get the Spurtar Universal Car Side Window Sunshades on and protect your family from glare and UV rays.

Features

• Covers the entire window frame
• Elastic shades
• Fits more than 90% of vehicles

9. KALMORE Side Window Car Sunshades

If protection is your main concern, then KALMORE Side Window Car Sunshade is your best option. This pair of SPF 30 sunshades block up to 98% of the sunlight entering your car. The sunshades offer ultimate protection from the UV rays. You can install the shades on the passengers’ windows to keep your kids safe from the harmful ultraviolet rays and sunlight.

Coverage

Not only do these shades protect you from the harmful rays, but it keeps the interiors of your car cool. With this pair of sunshades on, you don’t have to wait for your car to cool down. KALMORE Side Window Car Sunshades is for small cars only. It measures 19 x 12 only. Don’t expect great coverage from these shades. They will cover only a small portion of your side windows. Besides that, these car sunshades are not reliable for SUVs and large vehicles.

Installation

The package includes a set of 3 sunshades. Installation is super simple. It has the static cling that is glued to your car’s window frames easily. You don’t have to work with the suction cups, clips, and other installation accessories. The material clings to the glass tightly. Rest assured it won’t come off the windows while you are driving. You could also remove the shades and store them in your vehicle. The company offers the product with a microfiber cleaning cloth and a stylish pouch for storage.

Features

• SPF 30 protection
• A set of 3 sunshades
• Compatible with small vehicles
• Static cling
• See-through view
• Made of mesh fabric
• Stylish and high-quality storage pouch

10.  Diono Sun Stoppers Car Side Window Sunshades

Diono Sun Stoppers offer protection from direct sunlight without blocking visibility. The product comes with 2 suctions cups for installation. You could use this pair of sunshades on small-sized vehicles, average cars, and SUVs. In fact, it is designed to fit all cars.

It can protect your kids and family from harmful UV rays and high temperatures. You could take your family out on a trip on a hot sweltering day without having to worry about your car getting overheated. You can roll the car windows up with these sunshades on.

Features

• A pack of 2 sunshades
• Universal fit
• Two suction cups for installation
• Pop open design
• Removable

Features To Look For When Buying Side Window Sunshades

Budget

Most side windows, as well as windshield sunshades, are available under $20. At this price, you will find accordion and roll-up sunshades that lower the internal temperature of the car. If you are looking for a custom-fit option that is designed for your car, then consider adding a few extra dollars to your budget.

The major advantage of the custom-fit and foldable side window sunshades is that they offer the best UV protection. They leave no gaps. It is best to spend a little extra and buy the custom-fit sunshades for your vehicle. It is highly recommended for drivers who drive on hot sweltering days. Usually, custom-fit side window sunshades cost more than 20 bucks. The price can range from $30 to $100.

Material

The best material for sunshades is the one that can resist heat and UV rays. The most common options are polyester and Nylon. Both are durable and heat-resistant materials. Besides that, they are portable and easy to install. You will find a wide variety of materials on the market. However, only a few of them have the capacity to hold up to the heat and weather for years.

Size And Compatibility

Some companies offer universal-fit sunshades that fit all car windows, while others offer custom-fit sunshades designed for particular models only. The perfect size of the side windows sunshades depends on your preference and the size of your side windows. Make sure you check the compatibility of the sunshades with your car’s side windows.

You must also measure the dimensions of your side windows and match it with the size of the sunshades. This is especially important if you are investing in the custom-fit window sunshades. You don’t want to end up spending your money on the wrong size that barely covers the side windows.

Installation

Installing the sunshade on the car’s side windows is easy. You must look for a product that offers the best coverage. It must cover the entire window. Also, it must be easy to mount. Consider the portability and design of the sunshade. You don’t want to invest in a bulky car shade that can’t be stored in the trunk. Some sunshades are hard to fold up and store. So, make sure you check the quality and flexibility of the product before making a purchase.

Now that you are installing the sunshades on the side windows, you need to make sure that you will be able to roll the window up when the sunshade is in place. If you are having a hard time installing the side window sunshades, consider using Velcro tape. It will help you tape the sunshades to the window frame tightly. It will also hold the sunshade in place.

UV Protection

The high-quality side window sunshades offer the best protection from UV rays. In fact, some products are designed to block up to 97% of UV rays. What’s the point in buying sunshades that barely maintain the temperature in your car? Even the window tint could do that. You need the sunshades that block UV rays and keep your children and family safe from the harmful sun rays. It is especially important for people who have sensitive skin.

Tip: Never remove or pull the sunshades down when your vehicle is in the parking lot. Your car tends to get hot when it is parked out in the sun. To keep the internal temperature of your vehicle normal, keep the side window sunshades on. The lesser you expose your vehicle to the direct sunlight, the better the internal temperature you get when you are ready for driving.

Style And Color

Sunshades are available for both side windows and windshield. Most types of sunshades for the side windows are not foldable. You can roll them down when they are not in use. Window sunshades for the car’s windshield can be removed and stored. They are foldable. Fixed sunshades for the side windows are the best materials for kids.

Sunshades are available in multiple colors and patterns. Usually, people look for functional window sunshades featuring plain and neutral color. Any accessory you mount on your vehicle expresses your personality. With that being said, you must choose the sunshades with a playful design and some vibrant colors.

Visibility

The window sunshades are made of mesh that provides the drivers and passengers with proper visibility. No matter which color or design you choose, you will be able to see through the windows clearly. If you are planning to install the window sunshades on the driver’s side, then consider the material that offers maximum visibility.

Exterior sunshade windows are less likely to come off the window frame or leave stains and unsightly marks on your side windows. If you are looking for a flexible and versatile product, consider static sunshades. You can mount them on the tinted windows and other sunshades. They also offer great visibility.

Common Types Of Side Window Shades

Custom-Fit

As the name implies, the custom-fit sunshades are designed to fit the particular car model. They are customized for your window’s dimensions. The custom-fit window shades cover the whole window seamlessly. You could also fold the sunshade and store it in the trunk when it is not in use. The customized or collapsible sunshade is highly recommended for families with kids. It offers the best protection from heat and sun.

Accordion

Accordion sunshades are foldable. The specialty of this product is the way it folds and unfolds. The best part is that these sunshades tend to stay glued to the glasses. Unlike other products, they don’t slip or come off the side windows. You can use these sunshades for SUVs, sedans, and trucks. However, these sunshades can get a bit bulky, making it difficult for the driver to store them.

Universal Fit

If you are looking for a casual car sunshade that offers maximum protection from sun and heat, then this product will be your best option. They are designed to be used on almost all kinds of vehicles. Since they are not customized for specific car models, these window sunshades can’t fit the side windows perfectly. You might notice the gaps on the edges of the glass. In some cars, these gaps are wide enough to give enough room for the sun to peek through. They are affordable and lightweight. You could store them in the trunk easily. However, it isn’t a great option if you have kids.

Conclusion

It also guarantees the safety of your kids and family sitting in the backseats. With the sunshades installed on the side windows, you don’t have to worry about your family being exposed to the UV rays.

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