Best Window Tint Percentage for Phoenix: 5% vs 20% vs 35% (What It Looks Like)

Best Window Tint Percentage for Phoenix: 5% vs 20% vs 35% (What It Looks Like)

In Phoenix, picking tint isn’t just “dark or light.” The sun is brutal, glare is real, and you still have to live with your choice at night. If you’re searching best tint percentage (or specifically 20 percent tint), the right answer depends on how you drive, where you park, and how much privacy you actually want.

Serving Phoenix + the whole Valley

Drivers across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, and Buckeye deal with the same bright roads and intense heat. What changes is your comfort level with darkness and visibility.

First, what does “tint percentage” even mean?

Tint is usually labeled as 35%, 20%, or 5%. That number is VLT (Visible Light Transmission)—how much light still passes through the glass and film.

• Higher number = lighter tint (more visible).
• Lower number = darker tint (more privacy).

So 20 percent tint is darker than 35%, and 5% is the darkest common option.

35% Tint: the “everyday driver” choice

If you want a clean look without feeling like you’re driving in a cave, 35% is a safe, popular middle ground.

• Night visibility: Strong. You can still see well in parking lots and side streets.
• Privacy level: Moderate. People can see shapes, but it’s not wide open.
• Sun glare: Noticeable improvement, especially with quality film.
• Who it’s for: Daily commuters, rideshare drivers, and anyone who wants comfort without going super dark.

A lot of Phoenix drivers choose this when they want something that looks good and stays practical.

20% Tint: the most requested “sweet spot”

When people ask about best tint percentage, 20% comes up constantly because it feels like the balance of privacy + usability.

• Night visibility: Still decent, but you’ll notice the difference compared to 35%.
• Privacy level: High. Harder to see in during daytime.
• Sun glare: Much better, especially on bright afternoons.
• Who it’s for: Drivers who want privacy and a darker look, but still need it to be usable at night.

If you’re on the fence between “not too dark” and “I want privacy,” 20% is usually where people land.

5% Tint: maximum privacy, maximum commitment

5% is what most people call “limo tint.” It looks aggressive and gives the most privacy, but it’s the hardest to live with.

• Night visibility: The toughest. Backing up and turning on dark roads can be harder.
• Privacy level: Very high. It’s difficult to see inside.
• Sun glare: Reduced, but the darkness can be too much for some drivers.
• Who it’s for: People who prioritize privacy above everything and don’t mind the night-time tradeoff.

This is the tint percentage you only want if you’re confident you can handle it after sunset.

Don’t forget legal limits in Phoenix

Phoenix follows Arizona tint law statewide, and legal limits can affect what you’re allowed to run—especially on front windows. If you’re choosing between 20% and 35%, make sure you’re not accidentally picking something that could get you pulled over.

Quick Phoenix tip before you choose

If you drive a lot at night, lean lighter (like 35%). If glare and privacy are your main issues, 20 percent tint is usually the best blend. And if you’re thinking 5%, make sure you’re okay with reduced night visibility—because it will feel darker than you expect.