XPEL and 3M are two top choices when you want to tint your car windows. Both have special features and technologies that make your car cooler, safer, and more private.
In this comparison, I’ll show you the main differences and similar things between XPEL vs. 3M window tint. This will help you choose the right one for your car.
Whether you’re looking at the special ceramic technology of XPEL or the layered film technology of 3M, both brands work hard to give you a better drive.
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XPEL vs. 3M Window Tint
| XPEL Tint | 3M Tint | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6″ x 84″ | 12 x 3 x 3 inches |
| Color | Clear | Matte Deep Black |
| Origin | USA | USA |
| Material | Polyurethane | Vinyl |
| Price | Find The Price of XPEL | Find The Price of 3M |
I will pick two specific models to compare XPEL and 3M tints. All models are not the same, so it would be unfair to compare a premium 3M tint with a budget XPEL one and vice versa. So, I’ll pick the 3M Crystalline and the XPEL Prime XR, both high-end entries for their respective brands.
So, let’s discuss the features of these two tints side by side.
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UV Ray Protection & Heat Control
3M has used 200 layers of polyester on each 3M Crystalline film. There are no traces of metal in this tint, which gives it excellent heat deflection properties. When it comes to sun protection, 3M is a pioneer. The company brought its first sun-blocking window tints to the market more than five decades ago.
In the 3M Crystalline, you will get 99% UV blocking. While that’s great news for keeping your skin safe from harmful UV rays, it’s not the only characteristic that matters to keep the heat out of the car. For that, you need to look at the TSER (Total Solar Energy Rejected) numbers.
3M Crystalline holds well in that regard as well. It boasted 60% TSER, which means it will prevent 60% of total heat from entering the vehicle.
XPEL entered the fray way later, but it has caught up significantly. After starting its journey in 1997, XPEL took little to no time to establish itself in the industry. The XPEL Prime XR is a testament to the advancement XPEL has made in the world of window tints.
Let’s talk about UV protection first. It has a 99% UV rating, just like the 3M Crystalline. But, it outdoes the Crystalline in terms of heat control. It has a TSER of 90%. So, you can expect far more comfort in the summer months.
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Sun Glare
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that hundreds of road accidents take place in the United States every year because of sun glares. That’s a scary stat! What makes it even more frightening is that this number is supposedly vastly underreported. The AAA Foundation for Road Safety thinks so.
High-quality window and windshield tints can save you and other drivers on the road from potentially lethal sun glare. When the sunrays reflect on the windshield of another car and get to your eyes, you can momentarily lose your sight. It could only be for a few seconds, but you would know every second counts on the road.
The 3M Crystalline advertises to reduce glare by 77%. However, the XPEL Prime XR can beat that as well. You will get as much as 95% sun glare protection from these tints. So, once again, the XPEL Prime XR comes out on top.
Read More: Xpel Prime XR Plus vs. 3M Crystalline
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Warranty
Another feature I would like to talk about is the warranty. The 3M Crystalline and the XPEL Prime XR come with lifetime warranties if you buy from authorized dealers and get the film installed in the shop.
The XPEL Prime XR gets the edge here because it offers free replacement in case of decoloration. You will not get to claim the warranty if your 3M Crystalline film fades. So, once again, the XPEL Prime XR is the better pick.
Price
A quick google search will tell you that the XPEL Prime XR is more expensive than the 3M Crystalline. That said, I must point out that the price difference is not outrageous. The XPEL Prime XR is well worth the extra money.
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Is XPEL Tint Better Than 3M?
Based on my personal experience, I’ll say yes. XPEL tints are better than 3M ones. I found the visibility and durability to be mostly the same. But XPEL is clearly ahead when you consider warranty, heat control, and anti-glare properties.
Last Opinion
In my XPEL vs. 3M Window tint comparison, I found the tints similar in some aspects. But the XPEL Prime XR puts better functionality on the table in certain key aspects, which made me fall in love with it. So, my vote goes to XPEL.
How good is XPEL tint?
XPEL tint is highly rated due to its advanced nano-ceramic technology, which efficiently blocks heat and up to 99% of harmful UV rays, keeping your car cooler and protecting the interior.
It also enhances the car’s aesthetics with its non-reflective, black finish. Moreover, XPEL tints are durable and have a lifetime warranty, offering excellent value for money.
They don’t interfere with signals like radio or Bluetooth, making them a reliable choice for modern vehicles.
How long does XPEL film last?
XPEL window film is designed to last for a very long time, and it’s often backed by a lifetime warranty, which covers color change, bubbling, cracking, and peeling.
This suggests the product will last as long as you own your vehicle. However, the actual lifespan can depend on several factors, including the quality of the installation, the level of exposure to the sun, and how well you maintain and clean the film.
Following the care instructions provided by XPEL can help maximize the tint’s lifespan.
