My niece has always been very passionate about cars. She spends all day researching cars and parts, and more often than not, she comes to me with all her automotive-related queries.
A few days back, she asked me whether I knew about 15% and 5% Tints and what they are actually. This made me wonder: Do my readers know about these automotive window tints? Should I explain and compare them for you, guys?
Below, I have compared 15 vs. 5 Tint and also discussed them in detail so that you can get to know them even better. You may also like the 30 vs. 35 Tint article too!
Go through the guide below to learn more about these window tints.
15 vs. 5 Tint Comparison
A Bit About 15% Tint
Also known as the 15% window tint, the 15 Tint is a type of automotive tint film for your car that allows 15% of the visible light to pass through while blocking the other 85%.
Most of the factory-tinted car comes with this tint film.
Specially designed and engineered, this tint film is quite dark and, hence, provides enhanced comfort, coolness, and privacy to the users.
However, as it is quite dark, this tinted film might be illegal in many regions in the US. Check with the local authorities first before installing it on your vehicle.
A Bit About 5% Tint
The 5 Tint, also known as the 5% tint, is a special type of automotive tint film that allows just 5% of the visible light to pass through the glass surface while blocking a whopping 95% of the light.
Because it allows just 5% light to penetrate, this tint film is incredibly dark and provides top-notch privacy and comfort for the users.
However, because of such a dark appearance, the 5% tint film is illegal in the US, and you shouldn’t use it in your car in any way.
Summary of The Differences
15 and 5 Tint are significantly different. And I have discussed the major differences in detail. However, first, take a look at the comparison table below to have a quick idea about the differences.
| Properties | 15 Tint | 5 Tint |
| Darkness | Dark | Extremely Dark |
| Visibility | Moderate Visibility | Reduced Visibility |
| Visible Light Passing | 15% | 5% |
| Visible Light Block | 85% | 95% |
| Legal Restrictions | Not legal in many states | Not Legal |
| Price | Affordable | Expensive |
Read More: 5 vs. 20 Tint
Top 3 Differences Between 15% and 5% Tint
Here is an in-depth discussion of the differences between 15 and 5 Tint so that you can better understand them.
Darkness
The most significant difference between 15 and 5 Tint is in their darkness level.
As the 15% tint film allows 15% visible light to pass through, it is quite dark to ensure comfort, convenience, and privacy.
However, the same isn’t true for 5 Tint. This tint film was designed to block 95% of light, so it is peach black and extremely dark.
You literally cannot see anything through this window tint.
Legal Restrictions
Legal restrictions play a significant role in tint films. There are some major legal issues with the 15 and 5 Tint.
As 15 Tint is quite dark and provides improved privacy, it is legal in many states while illegal in others. You must check with the local authorities before installing this tint film on your vehicle.
However, the 5 Tint is completely illegal in the US. Because you cannot see through this tint film, it is not legal in the country. But what about 20 and 35 Tint?
Price
When it comes to the price, there is a notable difference between 15 and 5 Tint.
Even though 15% window tint offers better visibility and is legal, its price is quite affordable. You can install it without cutting deep into your pocket.
On the other hand, the price of 5 Window Tint is high and not in the range of many users.
Is 5% or 15% tint darker?
A 5% tint is darker than a 15% tint. Tint percentages refer to the amount of visible light that can pass through the window film.
In this case, 5% tint allows only 5% of visible light to pass through, making it significantly darker than 15% tint, which allows 15% of visible light to pass through.
Is 15% tint dark enough?
Whether a 15% tint is dark enough depends on your preferences and the legal regulations in your area.
It offers a moderate level of darkness, providing some privacy and heat reduction while still allowing a reasonable amount of visibility from the inside.
However, it may not be dark enough for those seeking maximum privacy or the highest level of heat reduction.
Can you see into 5% tint?
With a 5% tint, it’s challenging to see into the vehicle from the outside. This level of tint is often called “limo tint” due to its high level of privacy.
However, visibility from the inside looking out is also reduced, which can be a concern for some drivers.
Why is it called 5% tint?
“5% tint” refers to the amount of visible light transmission (VLT) the tint film allows. In this case, 5% tint allows only 5% of visible light to pass through the window, blocking out 95% of it.
Tint percentages describe the darkness or opacity of window tint, helping consumers choose the level of tint that suits their needs.
What Andy Thinks On 15% vs. 5% Tint?
The 15 vs. 5 Tint comparison clearly shows that these automotive window tints are quite different.
When it comes to which tint film you should install in your car, my suggestion is to buy the 15% tint film. It is affordable and not illegal in many states.
This tinted film offers incredible protection, privacy, and safety compared to the 5% one.
