Xpel Prime XR Plus Vs 3m Crystalline (Which is Better?)

If you are looking for the best window tint for your car, you might be wondering which one is better: Xpel Prime XR Plus or 3M Crystalline. The answer is not straightforward, as both have their pros and cons.

Feature	Xpel Prime XR Plus	3M Crystalline
UV protection	99%	99.9%
Infrared rejection	98%	97%
Total solar energy rejected (TSER)	Up to 90%	Up to 60%
Visible light transmission (VLT)	5% to 80%	20% to 90%
Thickness	1.5 mil	1.5 mil
Warranty	Lifetime	Lifetime
Price	$129.99¹	Varies by dealer

Xpel Prime XR Plus offers more heat rejection, while 3M Crystalline gives more privacy.

However, 3M Crystalline is more difficult to install and needs a professional installer, while Xpel Prime XR Plus can be done by yourself.

In this article, we will help you choose between Xpel Prime XR Plus and 3M Crystalline by comparing their features.

Xpel Prime XR Plus

Xpel Prime XR Plus is a nano-ceramic window film that offers 98% infrared heat rejection and 99% UV rejection.

It is designed to keep you cool and comfortable in any weather condition while enhancing the appearance of your vehicle.

Xpel Prime XR Plus has a clear and bright view through the glass and does not interfere with radio, cellular or Bluetooth signals.

It also provides protection from scratches and contaminants that can damage the window film over time.

Key Features of Xpel Prime XR Plus

1. Energy Savings = Enhanced energy efficiency, reduces solar heat and glare and rejects up to 70% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

2. Privacy = Light transmittance (VLT) of 30%

3. Appearance = Clearer, brighter view through the glass.

4. Protection = Provides protection from scratches and contaminants that can end up on window film over time from handling.

3m Crystalline

3M Crystalline film is constructed of over 200 metal-free nano-layers of polyester.

3m Crystalline is a light non-metalized window film that rejects more heat than many dark films while allowing you to see clearly and safely.

It uses a proprietary multilayer optical film technology that can reject up to 60% of solar energy and 97% of infrared rays.

It also provides a sun protection factor (SPF) of up to 1000, which can help prevent skin damage and fading of your interior.

3m Crystalline has a low-E coating that reduces energy consumption by reflecting heat back into the vehicle in cold weather. It also protects the window film from scratches and debris.

Key Features of 3M Crystalline

1. Low-E Coating = Heat & UV Rejection

2. Privacy = Clarity of window when light is reflected off it from the outside view

3. Energy = Reduced energy consumption due to heat rejection

4. Protection = Provides protection for tinting from debris scratching or contaminants that can end up on window film over time from handling.

Xpel Prime XR Plus Vs 3m Crystalline: Detailed Comparision

Check out our comparison chart below to determine which one is right for you!

#1. Heat Rejection

• 3M Crystalline rejects 60% of solar energy.
• XPEL Prime XR Plus absorbency is 90%.

Both films help you save energy by blocking sun rays such as UV Rays, Infrared Radiation, and Solar Heat.

They filter out the UVA & UVB rays that can lead to skin cancer and the infrared radiation that can make rooms too hot.

They also keep out heat and lower glare for better views.

#2. UV Protection

• 3M Crystalline window film offers a 77% glare reduction.
• XPEL Prime XR Plus provides 95% glare reduction.

Both films protect you from UV rays that can lead to skin cancer.

They both filter out 99% of UV light. The Xpel Prime Plus also filters out 90% of infrared light that can harm your furniture and other items in your home as well as your home’s walls and floors.

The 3M Crystalline film filters out 92% of infrared light.

#3. Clarity

Clarity is an important factor to consider when choosing a window film.

Xpel Prime XR Plus has high optical clarity, which means that it does not affect the visibility of the window.

On the other hand, 3M Crystalline has a slightly lower optical clarity than Xpel Prime XR Plus. However, it is still much clearer than other films in the market.

#4. Installation

Both Xpel Prime XR Plus and 3M Crystalline are easy to install. However, Xpel Prime XR Plus is slightly easier to install than 3M Crystalline due to its thicker and more rigid nature.

#5. Durability

3M Crystalline is more durable and longer lasting.

This film features a patented layer coating that helps prevent the yellowing of the film over time. It is also color-stable which makes it less likely to fade over time.

But in terms of appearance, the Xpel Prime XR Plus has a premium finish that eliminates unattractive dark lines at the edge of the film.

#6. Price

Your car is your pride and joy. You worked hard to buy it, and you take pride in keeping it clean and shiny, so you don’t mind paying a little extra for a quality film.

As a general guide, 3m ceramic or window tint typically costs between $30 and $60 per square foot.

However, Xpel Prime XR Plus is slightly more expensive than 3M Crystalline, but it provides better heat rejection and UV protection. The cost of installation may also vary depending on the complexity of the installation.

Benefits of Xpel Xr Prime Plus

1. Better energy rejection than 3M Crystalline

2. Can be installed by homeowners

3. Optically clear and does not affect the paint color

4. Protects paint from damage

Drawbacks of Xpel Xr Prime Plus

1 May reduce visibility at night

The Xpel XR Plus window tint has a VLT rating of 5%, meaning it restricts the amount of light entering your car. This reduced visibility may be challenging while driving at night.

2. Pricey

Compared to other window tints available in the market, the Xpel XR Plus window tint is relatively pricey.

3. Challenging Installation

Installing the Xpel XR Plus window tint can be challenging, particularly for those without experience. It is recommended to have a professional install it for optimal results.

4. Low Privacy

The Xpel XR Prime Plus window tint has a VLT rating of 35%, which allows visible light to pass through, limiting privacy. Passersby may still see into the car, particularly during the day and when the interior is bright.

Benefits of 3M Crystalline

1. More privacy than Xpel Prime XR Plus

2. Easier to see through at night

3. Metal-free and does not interfere with signals

4. Reduces glare and enhances safety

Drawbacks of 3M Crystalline

1. Lower energy rejection than Xpel Prime XR Plus

This means that 3M Crystalline may not be as effective at blocking heat and UV rays as Xpel Prime XR Plus.

This could result in less protection against heat and damage from the sun’s rays, leading to higher interior temperatures and potential damage to the car’s interior.

2. Harder to install and may bubble or peel

Due to its unique multi-layer design, 3M Crystalline can be more challenging to install than other window films.

This can lead to a higher likelihood of bubbling or peeling if the film is not installed correctly or if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or other environmental factors.

This can result in an unattractive appearance and may require the film to be removed and reinstalled.

3. May affect the paint color

Some individuals have reported that the application of 3M Crystalline window film can affect the color of their car’s paint.

This could be due to the heat generated by the sun being trapped between the film and the car’s surface, causing the paint to fade or discolor over time.

While this may not be a significant issue for some, it could be a concern for those who are particularly sensitive to the appearance of their vehicle.

Verdict On Xpel Window Tint Vs 3m: Which Is Better?

Both Xpel and 3M offer high-quality automobile window tint options, making it difficult to choose between Xpel Prime XR Plus and 3M Crystalline.

if you go looking at Xpel Prime Xr Plus Vs 3m Crystalline, which is better then you might not decide in time.

First, identify what kind of tint you are looking for. Even each of the brands here has some variations that you can choose from as well.

The first step is to determine the type of tint you require, as both brands offer several variations to choose from.

However, you may also want to consider other brands like Llumar for your car’s window tinting needs.

How to choose the best window tint for your car?

Ultimately, the best window tint for your car depends on your personal preferences and budget. However, here are some factors that you may want to consider before making a decision:

The climate of your location

If you live in a hot and sunny area, you may want a window tint that can reject more heat and UV rays. If you live in a cold and cloudy area, you may want a window tint that can allow more light and warmth.

The cost and installation process

You should compare the prices and installation processes of different window tint products and installers. You should look for a product that fits your budget and offers good value for money.

You should also look for an installer that has experience and expertise in installing the product that you choose.

The quality and durability of the product

You should look for a window tint product that is made of high-quality materials and has a long warranty. You should also check the reviews and ratings of the product and the installer to ensure that they are reliable and reputable.

The laws and regulations of your state

Different states have different laws and regulations regarding window tinting.

You should check the legal limits of VLT, color, and reflectivity before choosing a window tint product. You should also make sure that your window tint does not obstruct your view or impair your visibility.