Window Tint Percentage & Shade Comparison Guide
Choosing the right window tint shade is one of the most important decisions before ordering a tint kit. The shade affects how your vehicle looks from the outside, how much privacy you get, how much light comes into the cabin, and how easy it is to see out of the vehicle in different conditions.
This guide compares the most common car window tint percentages, including 70%, 50%, 35%, 20% and 5%. It is designed to help you choose the right shade before buying a pre cut window tint for your vehicle.
For a more visual comparison, you can also use our tinting shade checker tool, which lets you compare different tint shades on the same vehicle image.
Quick Shade Recommendation
If you want a simple starting point, use this table to narrow down your choice:
| What you want | Best shade to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light smoke look | 50% or 70% | Keeps the vehicle looking subtle while slightly reducing brightness |
| Factory-style rear privacy | 35% | Gives a clean, OEM-style appearance without looking too dark |
| Stronger rear privacy | 20% | Dark enough to noticeably reduce visibility into the vehicle |
| Maximum rear-window privacy | 5% | Creates a very dark limo-style look, best suited to rear windows only |
| Best all-round everyday choice | 35% or 20% | Balances privacy, style and usability for most rear-window tinting |
Most customers choosing rear window tint for everyday use should start by comparing 35% and 20%. These two shades usually offer the best balance between appearance, privacy and day-to-day visibility.
Visual Window Tint Shade Comparison
The images below show the same vehicle with different tint shade examples. They are useful for comparing the general difference between shades, but they should be treated as a guide rather than an exact real-world guarantee.
Window tint can look different depending on sunlight, weather, interior colour, vehicle colour, factory glass, camera settings, screen brightness and the type of film used.
To compare these shades interactively, visit our tinting shade checker tool.
What Do Window Tint Percentages Actually Mean?
Window tint percentages are usually based on Visible Light Transmission, often called VLT. This means how much visible light can pass through the film.
The higher the percentage, the lighter the tint. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint.
| Tint percentage | How much light passes through | How it usually looks |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | Allows around 70% of visible light through | Very light, almost clear |
| 50% | Allows around 50% of visible light through | Light smoke |
| 35% | Allows around 35% of visible light through | Medium smoke |
| 20% | Allows around 20% of visible light through | Dark privacy shade |
| 5% | Allows around 5% of visible light through | Very dark limo tint |
A common mistake is thinking that a higher number means a darker tint. It is the opposite. 5% is much darker than 50% because only a small amount of visible light passes through.
70% Window Tint: Best for a Very Light Finish
70% tint is one of the lightest tint options. It gives a very subtle finish and is often chosen when the customer wants minimal change to the look of the vehicle.
From the outside, 70% tint may only create a slight smoked effect. On some vehicles, it can look close to clear glass, especially in bright daylight. It is not the right choice if your main goal is strong privacy.
70% tint is best for:
- A very light smoke appearance
- Customers who do not want a dark rear-window look
- Maintaining a bright cabin feel
- Drivers who prioritise visibility over privacy
- Subtle styling changes
70% tint may not be right if:
- You want noticeable privacy
- You want a dark rear-window appearance
- You want to hide items or passengers from outside view
- You expect a strong visual transformation
Our view: 70% is a subtle option. It is useful when you want the glass to look slightly softer without making the vehicle appear heavily tinted.
50% Window Tint: Best for a Light Smoke Look
50% tint is a light smoke shade. It is darker than 70%, but still much more subtle than 35%, 20% or 5%.
This shade can work well for customers who want their rear windows to look slightly tinted without creating a strong privacy-glass effect. It keeps the vehicle looking clean and understated.
50% tint is best for:
- A subtle smoked finish
- Drivers who want a lighter rear-window look
- Vehicles where a very dark tint would look too heavy
- Keeping good outward visibility
- A mild upgrade from clear glass
50% tint may not be right if:
- You want strong privacy
- You want a dark SUV-style rear-window look
- You want the rear cabin to look hidden from outside
- You are expecting a dramatic styling change
Our view: 50% is a good light-smoke choice. It is more noticeable than 70%, but still subtle enough for a clean, understated finish.
35% Window Tint: Best for a Factory-Style Look
35% tint is one of the most popular choices for customers who want a smart, factory-style rear-window tint.
It gives the vehicle a more finished appearance without usually looking extremely dark. From the outside, 35% tint adds clear visual depth to the glass. From the inside, it normally keeps better visibility than darker shades such as 20% or 5%.
35% tint is best for:
- A factory-style privacy glass appearance
- A balance between style and visibility
- Everyday cars, hatchbacks, estates and SUVs
- Customers who want privacy without going too dark
- A more premium look while keeping the cabin usable
35% tint may not be right if:
- You want maximum privacy
- You want a limo-style finish
- You want the darkest possible rear-window look
Our view: 35% is one of the safest choices for a first tint. It gives a noticeable upgrade without being too dark for most everyday use.
20% Window Tint: Best for Strong Rear Privacy
20% tint is a darker privacy shade. It is a popular option for customers who want the rear windows to look clearly tinted and want more privacy than 35% provides.
From the outside, 20% tint makes it much harder to see into the vehicle, especially in daylight. It gives a stronger, more premium privacy-glass appearance and can work particularly well on SUVs, estates, vans and larger vehicles.
20% tint is best for:
- Strong rear-window privacy
- A darker, more noticeable tint
- Reducing glare for rear passengers
- Family vehicles where rear-seat comfort matters
- SUVs, estates, MPVs, vans and commercial vehicles
20% tint may not be right if:
- You want a very subtle look
- You regularly reverse in dark, poorly lit areas
- Your vehicle already has dark factory privacy glass
- You prefer maximum visibility over privacy
Our view: 20% is a strong all-round privacy shade for rear windows. It is darker than a factory-style 35% look, but still more practical than 5% for many drivers.
5% Window Tint: Best for Maximum Privacy
5% tint is extremely dark. It is often called limo tint because it gives the deepest privacy-style finish.
From the outside, 5% tint makes the rear glass look very dark and makes it difficult to see into the vehicle. It is usually chosen for maximum privacy rather than subtle styling.
5% tint is best for:
- Maximum rear-window privacy
- A very dark limo-style appearance
- Show vehicles or strong styling builds
- Vans or rear compartments where visibility into the vehicle is not wanted
- Customers who prioritise privacy over rear visibility
5% tint may not be right if:
- You want a subtle factory-style finish
- You often drive or reverse at night
- You rely heavily on rear visibility through the glass
- Your vehicle does not have parking sensors or a reversing camera
- You want the easiest shade to live with every day
Our view: 5% is the darkest option and should be chosen carefully. It gives maximum privacy, but it also reduces visibility from inside the vehicle more than any other shade in this guide.
35% vs 20% Tint: Which Should You Choose?
For many customers, the real decision is between 35% and 20%. Both are popular rear-window tint shades, but they suit slightly different goals.
| Comparison | 35% tint | 20% tint |
|---|---|---|
| Overall look | Medium smoke, factory-style | Darker privacy appearance |
| Privacy | Moderate | Strong |
| Visibility from inside | Better | Darker |
| Best for | Subtle everyday styling | Noticeable rear privacy |
| Choose if | You want balance | You want privacy first |
Choose 35% if you want the safest everyday choice and a more factory-style finish. Choose 20% if privacy matters more and you want the rear windows to look noticeably darker.
20% vs 5% Tint: Privacy or Maximum Darkness?
Both 20% and 5% are dark shades, but there is a big difference between them.
20% tint gives strong privacy while still being more usable for many daily drivers. 5% tint is much darker and is better suited to customers who want maximum privacy and are comfortable with reduced rear visibility.
| Comparison | 20% tint | 5% tint |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy level | High | Very high |
| Outside appearance | Dark | Very dark |
| Rear visibility | Reduced but more usable | Significantly reduced |
| Best for daily use | Usually better | Depends on your vehicle and driving |
| Best for maximum privacy | Good | Best |
If you are unsure, 20% is usually the more practical dark shade. Choose 5% only if you are confident you want the darkest possible rear-window look.
How Tint Shade Changes in Real Life
A tint shade does not look exactly the same in every situation. The same 20% tint can look darker or lighter depending on the vehicle and the environment.
1. Bright sunlight can make tint look lighter
In strong sunlight, more light enters the vehicle, so the glass may appear less dark from some angles. You may also see more of the interior through the windows.
2. Overcast weather can make tint look darker
On cloudy days, the inside of the vehicle is usually darker, so the tint can look deeper from the outside.
3. A dark interior makes tint look darker
Black seats, dark trim and tinted rear glass all make the cabin look darker from outside. A light-coloured interior can make the same tint shade look less dark.
4. Vehicle colour can change the overall effect
Dark paintwork can make window tint blend into the bodywork, creating a more aggressive look. Light paintwork can make the tinted glass stand out more clearly.
5. Factory privacy glass changes the final result
If your vehicle already has factory privacy glass, adding aftermarket tint film can make the final result much darker than expected. Always consider the existing glass before choosing a shade.
6. Film type can affect clarity and appearance
Different film ranges can look slightly different in real-world conditions. Budget, standard and ceramic films may vary in clarity, colour tone, heat rejection and how the shade appears under different lighting.
Best Tint Shade by Vehicle Type
The best shade is not only about personal taste. Your vehicle type can also affect what looks right and what is practical.
| Vehicle type | Suggested shade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small hatchback | 35% or 20% | 35% keeps it subtle; 20% gives stronger privacy without overpowering the car |
| Saloon | 35% | Gives a clean, premium look that suits a more understated shape |
| Estate | 35% or 20% | Works well for family use, load-area privacy and rear passenger comfort |
| SUV | 20% | Matches the darker rear privacy-glass look often seen on SUVs |
| MPV | 20% | Good for rear passenger comfort and privacy |
| Van | 20% or 5% | Useful for load-area privacy, depending on how much rear visibility you need |
| Show car | 5% or 20% | Creates a stronger visual effect, especially on darker builds |
Best Tint Shade by Goal
If you want the most subtle look
Choose 70% or 50%. These shades give a lighter smoke effect and keep the vehicle looking close to standard.
If you want a factory-style upgrade
Choose 35%. This is a strong option if you want your vehicle to look like it came with rear privacy glass from the factory.
If you want strong rear privacy
Choose 20%. This is one of the best options for customers who want the rear windows to look clearly darker while still keeping the shade more usable than 5%.
If you want the darkest possible rear windows
Choose 5%. This is the maximum privacy option, but it should be chosen carefully because it greatly reduces rear visibility.
If you are not sure what to choose
Start by comparing 35% and 20%. These are the two most useful shades for most rear-window tinting decisions.
Inside Visibility vs Outside Privacy
A darker tint gives more privacy from the outside, but it also reduces how much you can see from inside the vehicle. The best shade depends on where you want to compromise.
| Shade | Outside privacy | Inside visibility | Everyday practicality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70% | Very low | Very high | Very easy to live with |
| 50% | Low | High | Easy to live with |
| 35% | Medium | Good | Strong everyday balance |
| 20% | High | Moderate | Good if you want privacy |
| 5% | Very high | Low | Best for maximum privacy, less ideal for visibility |
If you regularly drive at night, reverse in dark areas or rely heavily on your rear-view mirror, think carefully before choosing the darkest shade.
Should You Use the Same Shade on Every Rear Window?
Many customers choose the same shade across all rear windows for a consistent appearance. For example, choosing 20% for the rear passenger windows and rear windscreen gives a uniform dark privacy look.
However, some customers prefer a slightly lighter rear windscreen than rear side windows, especially if they rely on rear visibility when reversing. This can be a practical option, but it may create a less uniform appearance from outside.
For most vehicles, the cleanest look is usually achieved by using the same shade across the full rear section of the vehicle.
Legal Note Before Choosing a Tint Shade
This guide is mainly about choosing a tint shade for appearance, privacy and usability. However, UK law is important when tinting front glass.
In the UK, the front windscreen and front side windows must meet legal light transmission rules. Rear passenger windows and the rear windscreen do not have specific UK VLT limits.
For that reason, darker tint shades such as 35%, 20% and 5% should be treated as rear-window shades only. Do not fit dark tint film to the front windscreen or front side windows unless you are certain the finished glass remains legal.
For more detail, read our complete UK window tint law guide.
How to Choose Your Tint Shade in 3 Steps
Step 1: Decide whether privacy or visibility matters more
If privacy matters most, compare 20% and 5%. If visibility matters most, compare 50% and 35%.
Step 2: Think about how the vehicle is used
A family car, daily driver or work van may need a different shade from a show car. If the vehicle is used every day, consider how the tint will feel in rain, darkness and winter conditions.
Step 3: Compare shades visually before ordering
Use the images in this guide and our tinting shade checker tool to compare the difference between 70%, 50%, 35%, 20% and 5% before choosing your kit.
Common Tint Shade Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing 5% without thinking about visibility
5% looks very dark and gives maximum privacy, but it can make rear visibility much harder. If you want a dark shade that is easier to live with, 20% may be a better choice.
Expecting online images to look exactly the same in real life
Images are useful for comparison, but tint can look different in person. Lighting, screen brightness, interior colour and film type can all change how dark a shade appears.
Forgetting about existing factory glass
If your vehicle already has factory privacy glass, adding film will make the final result darker. This is especially important if you are trying to avoid going too dark.
Choosing a shade only because it looks good on another vehicle
The same tint shade can look different on a black SUV, a white hatchback, a silver saloon or a van. Choose based on your own vehicle and how you use it.
Ignoring night-time driving
A tint that feels fine during the day can feel much darker at night. If you regularly drive in dark areas, consider choosing 35% or 20% rather than 5%.
Using dark tint on the wrong windows
Darker privacy shades are intended for rear windows only. Front windscreens and front side windows must remain within UK legal limits.
Shade Choice Examples
Example 1: Everyday hatchback
A 35% rear tint is a strong choice if you want a clean, factory-style appearance without making the car look too dark.
Example 2: Family SUV
A 20% rear tint can work well for privacy, glare reduction and rear passenger comfort, especially if the vehicle has a larger rear cabin.
Example 3: Work van
A 20% or 5% rear tint can help hide tools, equipment or load-area contents from view. Choose 5% only if rear visibility is not a major concern or the vehicle has good reversing aids.
Example 4: Premium saloon
A 35% rear tint usually gives a refined, understated look. It adds privacy and style without making the glass appear too heavy.
Example 5: Show-style build
A 5% rear tint creates the darkest look and can suit vehicles where visual impact is the main goal.
Which Tint Shade Looks Most Like Factory Privacy Glass?
If you want your vehicle to look like it came with rear privacy glass from the factory, 35% is often the best shade to consider first.
It gives the rear windows a darker, more premium appearance without usually looking as deep as 20% or 5%. This makes it a good choice for customers who want an OEM-style finish rather than a heavily modified look.
If your vehicle is larger, such as an SUV or MPV, and you want a stronger privacy-glass effect, 20% may be closer to the look you want.
Which Tint Shade Gives the Best Privacy?
If privacy is your main goal, the best choices are 20% and 5%.
20% gives strong privacy while still being more practical for many drivers. 5% gives maximum privacy, but it also reduces rear visibility the most.
For most daily driven cars, 20% is the better privacy-focused choice. For vans, show cars or customers who want the darkest rear-window finish, 5% may be preferred.
Which Tint Shade Is Best for Night Driving?
If you regularly drive at night or rely heavily on visibility through the rear glass, avoid going too dark.
35% is usually a better choice than 20% or 5% if you want a balance of privacy and night-time usability. 50% may be better if visibility is more important than privacy.
5% gives the darkest appearance, but it is also the most restrictive from inside the vehicle in low-light conditions.
Which Tint Shade Should You Choose for Children or Rear Passengers?
For rear passenger comfort, many customers choose 20% or 35%.
These shades can help reduce glare and make the rear cabin feel more comfortable without necessarily going to the extreme darkness of 5%. If your main goal is comfort and privacy for children or rear passengers, 20% is often a strong choice.
If you want a lighter cabin and a more subtle appearance, 35% is the better option.
Use Our Tinting Shade Checker Tool
Reading about tint percentages helps, but shade choice is much easier when you can compare the differences visually.
Our tinting shade checker tool lets you view 5%, 20%, 35%, 50% and 70% shade examples so you can compare the look before ordering.
Use the tool as a visual guide, then choose the correct pre cut window tint for your make and model.
Window Tint Shade FAQs
What is the best window tint percentage?
The best tint percentage depends on what you want. For a factory-style look, 35% is a strong choice. For more privacy, 20% is popular. For maximum rear-window privacy, 5% is the darkest option.
Is 35% or 20% tint better?
35% is better if you want a balanced, factory-style look with better visibility. 20% is better if you want stronger privacy and a darker rear-window appearance.
Is 5% tint too dark?
5% tint is very dark. It is best for maximum rear-window privacy, but it can reduce visibility significantly, especially at night or in poor weather.
What tint looks most like factory privacy glass?
35% often gives the closest factory-style privacy look on many cars. On larger vehicles such as SUVs, 20% may create a stronger privacy-glass appearance.
Can I see out of 20% tint at night?
20% tint is darker than 35% and will reduce visibility at night. Many drivers still find it usable on rear windows, but it depends on the vehicle, lighting and how much you rely on rear visibility.
Can I see out of 5% tint?
You can see out of 5% tint in some conditions, but visibility is significantly reduced. It is much harder to see through than 20% or 35%, especially in low light.
Does tint look darker from outside than inside?
Often, yes. Tint usually appears darker from the outside because the vehicle interior is darker than the surrounding environment. The effect changes depending on lighting, interior colour and viewing angle.
Will my tint look exactly like the images?
Not always. Images are useful for comparison, but real-world appearance can vary depending on lighting, screen brightness, vehicle colour, interior colour, factory glass and film type.
What tint shade should I choose if I am unsure?
If you are unsure, compare 35% and 20%. Choose 35% for a more balanced factory-style look, or 20% for stronger rear privacy.
Can I put dark tint on front windows?
Dark tint shades should be used on rear windows only. Front windscreens and front side windows must meet UK light transmission laws.
Final Recommendation
For most customers, the best tint shade comes down to one simple question: do you want a subtle factory-style look, or do you want stronger privacy?
Choose 35% if you want a clean, balanced, factory-style rear-window tint. Choose 20% if you want a darker privacy look that still works well for many daily drivers. Choose 5% only if maximum rear-window privacy is your main priority.
If you prefer a lighter finish, look at 50% or 70%. These shades are better for subtle styling than strong privacy.
When you are ready, use our tinting shade checker tool to compare the shades visually, then browse our pre cut window tint to find the correct kit for your vehicle.
