Markus Andrews

While car owners sometimes refer to their brights as ‘fog lights,’ true fog lights are really a completely different category of headlights, installed separately from primary lights, daytime running lights, and brights. Unlike these conventional lights, which are all used during the daytime, fog lights are used to help other drivers see you in foggy and snowy conditions, while illuminating the road instead of reflecting off of the fog.

What’s the Difference Between Fog Lights and High Beams?
When shopping for auxiliary lights, it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for. While many use the terms ‘fog lights’ and ‘brights’ interchangeably, they’re quite different. As opposed to defining every type of auxiliary light, we’ll define fog lights below:
Fog lights are a specific type of headlight mounted on the car specifically to cut through fog and illuminate the road ahead. Instead of lighting up the whole field of vision ahead, as with a standard headlight, the lights have a cutoff meant to keep the road illuminated without illuminating the fog itself. Most commonly, they plug into an existing slot (typically a factory option) on your vehicle below your headlights on the bumper.
Features to Consider in a Car Fog Light
Since car fog lights vary from small accessories to huge light bar setups, features can widely vary between models. Considering the following features below can help you get to the perfect car fog light setup for your vehicle.
Type of Bulb
Although most fog lights in the past used to be powered by halogen bulbs, since LEDs and HIDs have become more widespread and affordable, popular car fog lights are now sold with all types of bulbs.
LED Lights
LEDs, short for light-emitting diodes, are an ultra-energy-efficient and inexpensive way to provide high levels of illumination. Although there are plenty of expensive LED setups, the least expensive fog lights also tend to be LED-based. Since they’re so efficient, they don’t tax car batteries as much as other types of lights.
Halogen Lights
Incredibly powerful, halogen bulbs light up the road or trail with astonishing brightnesses of up to 12,000 lumens. These bulbs are not built for energy efficiency by any means, and although they’ve been largely phased out for residential use, halogen bulbs still remain on the market for cars due to their incredible illumination abilities.
HID Lights
Hid lights, short for high-intensity discharge lamps, are bulbs that look like a thin version of the incandescent bulbs you’re familiar with in your home. They’re less common, but relatively efficient, and above average in brightness. They work fantastically when paired with a type of headlight glass called a projector lens.
Brightness
Each fog light on the market has a different brightness level. Fog lights will start out at about 500 lumens and can get up to well over 5,000 lumens, although brightness and lumenage doesn’t tell the whole story. Bright bulbs that don’t have a well-defined light pattern can spill over, lighting up the fog in front of you more than the road ahead.
Light Format
Car fog lights can be set up in different ways depending on the intended purpose. Some small-format lights are simply for temporary emergency use while large light bars are used for heavy-duty illumination.
Bulb
Headlight standards like H8, H9, and H11 are typically relatively compatible with one another and use only a single bulb to screw into an already-existing housing. These bulbs aren’t the brightest or most advanced fog lights, but they do represent a major advantage over the stock bulbs that come with your car.
Light Matrix
While these aren’t officially car fog lights, we’ll include them in our article as they are an incredibly useful type of auxiliary light that many consider when looking to add to their existing headlights. A light matrix is what it sounds like: a large grid of small, bright bulbs (typically LEDs) that illuminate the road. While these aren’t fog lights in the traditional sense (technically, fog lights are only the lights that screw into specific slots below the bumper), they can function as fog lights when mounted downwards illuminate the road.

Top 10 Best Car Fog Lights 2021
1. Best Overall Car Fog Light: Marsauto 9006 LED Headlight Bulbs

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These 4,000 lumen bulbs from Marsauto are easy to install and great compared to halogen bulbs.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Type of Bulb: LED
Lumens: 4,000
Mounting Standard: 9006, HB4, HB4U, 9006XS
Fog light bulbs are notorious for being difficult to install: fingers don’t fit into the holes where they’re supposed to, the metal slots are fragile and easy to strip, and the threads are razor-sharp, making it easy to cut your hands open. This bulb is one of the easiest to install, with the heat sinks in a good spot to grip onto. They’re also ‘no polarity’ bulbs that will be ready to go after 5-10 minutes, as opposed to competitor bulbs that can require housing and cover modification or even wiring changes to get them to work properly.
These bulbs represent an improvement over a traditional halogen bulb of over 200%, but the brightness difference isn’t necessarily what helps with driver visibility: what most users consider to be more important is the tight spread of the bulb, which is really a beam of light more than an illuminating lamp. This is thanks not only to the pattern of the LEDs, but to the heat sink which helps direct the light and prevents the edges from diffusing outwards. Our only issue is lumenage, as you might prefer a slightly brighter bulb.

Pros
No-polarity bulbs are easy to install
Represent a 200% improvement over halogen bulbs
Heat sink prevents bulb from diffusing light

Cons
Slightly dimmer than other similar competitors

2. Best Budget Fog Lights: Sealight LED Fog Lights

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These 6,000-degreeKelvin bulbs blast crisp, white light for an incredibly economical price.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Type of Bulb: LED
Lumens: 4,800
Mounting Standard: H8, H9, H11, H16
We’re impressed with these fog lights, a set of budget bulbs that come in at only about $20 per set. While inexpensive, they’re still impressively featured in terms of stats. 4,800 lumens is double that of other economical bulbs, a 6,000°-kelvin tint produces a colorless, sharp, white light, and their LEDs are made with proprietary 6CPS technology, producing crisp light that doesn’t diffuse over longer distances.
The particular bulb works in a wide variety of mounting standards, compatible with H8, H9, H11, and H16 fittings. This makes them quite a bit more versatile than other fittings. Be aware that the H16 fitting will produce a gentler, blue light, so if you’re looking for something ultra-bright and have an H16 fitting, consider a different bulb.

Pros
Works with H8, H9, H11, and H16 fittings
4800-lumen brightness is double the brightness of other low-priced bulbs
6CPS tech produces bright light that doesn’t diffuse
6000 Kelvin tint is crisp and white

Cons
When used with H16 produces blue light
4,800-lumen bulbs are less bright than expensive models

3. Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These H11 bulbs are incredibly long-lasting with an intelligent integrated circuit in the LED and a year-long warranty.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Type of Bulb: LED
Lumens: 2,800
Mounting Standard: H11
These bulbs aren’t the brightest on our list at 2,800 lumens, but they have a whole host of extra features that make them a standout product in our book. The first is a year-long warranty, almost unheard of in products at this price point. The second is an ‘intelligent’ LED-integrated circuit which improves cooling of the LED lights, increasing performance, lifespan, and even durability (when hot, LED bulbs become more fragile).
Fitting into the H11 mounting standard and with a 6,000° Kelvin, ultra-bright white temperature, these are beyond the ‘pure white’ standard of 5,000° Kelvin into ‘blue light’ territory. While most drivers prefer yellow for extremely foggy conditions, plenty of drivers prefer the sharp, blue light these bulbs provide, especially in light fog or rain conditions.

Pros
Use a lighter bulb with an intelligent circuit for durability
Sharp blue light works in light fog or rain conditions
Year-long warranty covers any damage or product failures

Cons
2,800-lumen bulbs are some of the dimmest on our list
These bulbs don’t produce clear white light

4. Best HID Fog Lights: HID Warehouse Xenon Replacement Bulbs

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These lights are our favorite HIDs on the market. Producing a soft yet bright blue light, they’re one of the few HID fog lights that can still be purchased.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Type of Bulb: HID
Lumens: 2700 lm
Mounting Standard: H8, H9, H11
HID lights make a comeback in this two-bulb set that’s compatible with H8, H9, and H11 sockets. While HID bulbs have shorter lifespans than LED bulbs, they have some distinct advantages over halogen lamps. From brightness to efficiency, HID lights have performance that’s orders of magnitude better than their halogen counterparts, for prices lower than LEDs.
While HID bulbs aren’t as bright as LEDs, they’re both accessible and cheap. High-end competitors like Hikari produce bulbs with prices approaching $100, these can be purchased in the $20 price range.
Product quality is backed up by a two-year warranty and a product guaranteed to stringent ISO 9001 standards for water and shock resistance. They’ve got many of the same quality assurances as LED bulbs for a fraction of the price. Due to their intricacies and low brightness, though, they’re best paired with a projector lens.

Pros
Inexpensive bulbs far outcompete halogen competitors
Great product quality with a strong year-long warranty
Some of the cheapest bulbs on the market
Holds up to stringent ISO 9001 standards for water and shock resistance

Cons
Not as bright as LED bulbs

5. Alla Lighting LED Fog Lights

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These ultra-bright bulbs are efficient, easy to install, and come with a warranty.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Type of Bulb: LED
Lumens: 2,600
Mounting Standard: H10
The main feature to pay attention to with these bulbs? 2,600, the number of lumens packed into each of these 15-watt LEDs. That’s about 600% more than a stock bulb, yielding a noticeable improvement in both road surface illumination and visual range.
With a 6,000° Kelvin light temperature that gives an ultra-clear white light temperature, range is good, although this ultra-white light combined with 5,200 combined lumens of brightness in some cases actually worsens fog performance. As a set of backroad brights meant to illuminate the road or trail, these work fantastically, but in particularly foggy conditions, they light up the fog itself, making visibility even worse.
The bulbs use an H10 mounting standard, which is a little less universal than the H8/ H9/ H11 standard. Most trucks use this type of fitting, but check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see if these bulbs will work for you. If they’re compatible, count on a full-year manufacturer’s warranty for any issues you have with the two-bulb set.

Pros
6,000° Kelvin bulbs produce clear white light
600% more illumination than a stock bulb
5,200 combined lumens of power (2,600 per bulb)
Use a standard that works with most trucks

Cons
H10 mounting standard isn’t as versatile as the H8/ H9/ H11 standard
In extreme conditions they make visibility even worse

6. Torchbeam T2 LED 12,000 Lumen Bulb

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These fog lights offer 12,000 lumens of light, which is impressive for the low price range. Furthermore, these lights last up to 50,000 hours!
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Type of Bulb: LED
Lumens: 12,000
Mounting Standard: H8 / H9 / H11
At a practically-daylight 12,000 lumens with 6,500° Kelvin of crystal clear white light, it’s impressive that bulb manufacturer Torchbeam has managed to produce this level of light for a remarkably low price. This bulb, more than any other on our list, is designed to have impressive statistics: alongside the incredibly luminous, white bulbs is a 50,000-hour quoted lifespan. Considering that the average car’s lifetime is just a fraction of that, these might be the only set of bulbs you’ll buy for your car for as long as you own it.
Each of the two lights in this mid-range set utilizes just a single bulb, a relatively uncommon design for fog lights. While brightness is good in milder conditions, these bulbs have a tendency to diffuse in heavy fog, lighting up the mist just as much as the road ahead. This can be dangerous, although it’s probably not advisable to be driving in those conditions anyways. They’re almost too bright, although in low traffic conditions in milder weather, they’re perfect.

Pros
H8 / H9 / H11 mounting standard is versatile
6,500° kelvins of light produce an incredibly clear, white light
50,000-hour quoted lifespan can outlast your car
Can be used in low traffic conditions in mild weather

Cons
Light diffuses in heavy fog, causing durability to suffer
Can light up the mist instead of the road

7. SNGL H16 Type 2 Super Bright CREE LED Fog Light Bulbs

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Each of these fog lights has 12 LEDs, meaning the user can lose a single LED bulb and still be relatively unaffected.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Type of Bulb: LED
Lumens: 10,000
Mounting Standard: H16
These 6,000° Kelvin bulbs produce a clean white light via multiple light-emitting diodes on each stem, which doesn’t just improve light diffusion, but also means that you can lose a single LED without losing the entire light. While the manufacturer, SNGL, claims a powerful 10,000 lumens for these fog lights, that’s inaccurate on some level: the calculation is based on a sum total of each of the 12 LED bulbs in the product. Compare it to a single bulb design, and you end up with a brightness that’s realistically more in the range of 2,500 to 5,000 lumens.
They do have a unique feature that other fog lights in this price range don’t have: adjustability. Each bulb has a starting setting that can be doubled or tripled in brightness, maximizing utility on backroads or allowing you to tone down the light in case you want to use these lights on roads with heavier traffic.

Pros
12 bright LEDs pump out a sum total of 10,000 lumens
Three adjustable levels of brightness
Useful for drivers transitioning from high traffic to low traffic areas
Improved light diffusion

Cons
Brightness is overexaggerated due to measurement procedure

8. Best for Ultra-Foggy Conditions: Alla Lighting H10 Fog Light Bulbs

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These LED bulbs are slightly less bright than competitors, which is actually better in some severe-weather applications.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Type of Bulb: LED
Lumens: 2800
Mounting Standard: H10
While these bulbs are impressively capable for being some of the cheapest H10 bulbs on the market, there are a few sacrifices that manufacturer Alla Lighting has made to cut down on the price. Firstly: lumens. 2,800 lumens (1,400 on each bulb) are better than a daytime running light, for sure, but actually less bright than most LED headlights on the market today.
That’s not the end of the world, however, as some diehards in ultra-foggy and ultra-snowy climates swear by lower lumen lights in the worst conditions. Still, though, if you’re expecting something ultra-bright, look for something with more lumens such as the SNGL H16 Type 2 Super Bright CREE LED Fog Light Bulbs.
They’re high-quality with a longer lifespan than most competitors, but don’t reach the 50,000-hour rating of expensive bulbs. They still back up their products, though. Alla Lighting is so confident in their bulbs that they’ll cover any material issues or product failures with their one-year warranty. It’s touches like that which make this already affordable product even more attractive, especially for shoppers on a budget.

Pros
Economical bulbs are less bright but may be superior in poor-weather performance
Cover product failures or material issues with a one-year warranty
Lower lumen bulbs sometimes work better in lower conditions

Cons
Those seeking brighter bulbs should look elsewhere

9. Best Premium Fog Lights: Hikari Ultra H11/ H8/ H9 LED Bulb Fog Light Conversion Kit

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These bulbs from aftermarket outfitter Hikari are pricey, but one of the best options if you’re looking to splurge on your fog lights.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Type of Bulb: LED
Lumens: 12,000
Mounting Standard: H8 / H9 / H11
If you’re looking for some ultra-high-end lights for your tuner car or JDM vehicle, this set from manufacturer Hikari could be what you’re looking for. They’re more heavily engineered than competitor products, with plenty of thought put into all aspects. From heat retention to light pattern and even the graphics on the lights themselves, there’s a reason these are the most expensive on our list by a factor of about two. The heat sink, counterintuitively, isn’t necessarily for overheating; LEDs run pretty cold anyways. Instead, it improves the focus, yielding to a more concentrated beam that projects light in a tight spread, great for fog, rain, and snow.
12,000 lumens at 6,000° Kelvin mean these are both brighter and have a cleaner white light pattern than comparable halogens. Independent testing shows that these bulbs put out light that’s 270% more bright than competitors. Part of that is thanks to the concentrated light pattern that makes these safer than competitor products to use in traffic. The attractive styling and beam-like spread makes these great for your car’s looks as well, although it comes at a high price.

Pros
Compact lights are 270% brighter than stock competitors
Heat sink keeps the pattern and spread cohesive
Can be used in traffic safely
Good for fog, rain, and snow

Cons
Double the price of similar competitors

10. Sylvania H11 SilverStar zXe Gold High Performance Headlight

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These bulbs are made with a technology many consider to be outdated, but there are still plenty of people that swear by the tech.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Type of Bulb: Halogen
Lumens: 5,600
Mounting Standard: H11
While halogen bulbs have been largely replaced by LED fog lights, there are some drivers that are still fans enough to pay the product’s premium price. The soft, gently diffusing light is what many mountain residents prefer, especially when driving in the winter in heavy snowfall.
Unfortunately, there are reasons these lights have been phased out by automakers. Halogen bulbs begin to slowly dim after installation, with a working life of only 600-800 hours. This is just a fraction of many LEDs 50,000-hour quoted life expectancy (take the ultra-bright Torchbeam T2 LED 12,000 Lumen Bulbs) for example.
There’s another reason to buy the bulbs aside from nostalgia or personal preference, though: compatibility. Since halogen bulbs run at different wattages than LEDs, cars manufactured before the LED revolution will require a pair of halogen bulbs. This forces drivers to buy halogen bulbs, and represents a significant part of the halogen bulb market. Other fans of halogens quote personality, quality of light, and the fashion of having a retro-looking bulb.

Pros
Halogen bulbs have stayed popular with many consumers
Soft light is good for winter driving
Some vehicles require halogen bulbs
Some car fanatics prefer halogen bulbs for style purposes

Cons
Halogen bulbs have been largely phased out in recent years
600 to 800-hour quoted life expectancy
Begin dimming immediately after installation

Guide to Buying the Best Car Fog Lights for 2021
Fog lights are a product that you either need or don’t—and if you frequently drive in an area with inclement weather, well, you’ll need a pair. They’re not particularly expensive, either, as you can get a solid set of bulbs for around $20.
But not all cars take fog lights, and not all drivers need them. First of all, you need to have a port for fog bulbs: only cars with the proper fittings can accept fog lights. Secondly, you need inclement weather. If you’re not driving in fog, snowy, or rainy conditions, it’s not worth it to buy an expensive car fog bulb. If you’ve got the required features and you need to navigate difficult driving conditions, then it’s worth it to spend some money on an upgraded pair.
Should I Purchase Fog Lights as a Factory Option?
It’s next to impossible to purchase replacement, aftermarket fog lights unless you already have an existing spot to place them. This typically comes as a factory option, although some dedicated vehicle owners set up their own fog lights using a combination of aftermarket parts and some MacGyver-like ingenuity.
The decision to purchase factory fog lights is similar to the decision to purchase aftermarket ones. Examine your driving habits, the potential benefits, and the potential costs (these will be higher when selecting a factory option than with an aftermarket one). All things equal, they’re worth it, but when fog lights on high-end luxury vehicles can be a $1,000-plus option, the question gets a bit more complicated.
Mounting Standard
Different fog lights use different attachment methods to mount bulbs, meaning most cars will have different threads, different sized fittings, and different formats of bulbs. Those that are cross-compatible (H8, H9, and H11) all have different voltages, meaning they’ll all fit the same threading, but might have brightness variations based on the level of current.
H8 / H9 / H11
These bulb standards are generally compatible with each other save some exceptions. Check your owner’s manual to see exactly which standards your fog light slots are compatible with. Many manufacturers make lights that are universally compatible with these three standards, although you’ll want to double-check the wattage in most cases. If the wattage isn’t compatible with that of your car, you run the risk of burning out a bulb.
H10
H10 bulbs run at similar voltages to H8, H9, and H10 bulbs, although the threading is not cross-compatible. They’re often found in slightly older cars, although some manufacturers continue to use them today. They can sometimes be difficult to find in auto parts stores, meaning they’re a great candidate to be purchased online.
H16
H16 has the same standard fittings and threads as H11, although it operates at a different wattage. H16 bulbs produce a lighter blue hue due to the wattage they run at, which is considerably lower than that of traditional halogen bulbs.
HB
HB standards, sometimes labeled 9006 and 9006XS bulbs are less bright than competitors and produce a more diffused, softer light. They’re often preferred by those who frequently travel in inclement weather, especially in foggy conditions. While high-clarity, bright-white 6000° kelvin bulbs are great for snow and rain, they illuminate fog and sometimes make visibility even worse.
Other Standards
H8, H9, H10, H11, and H16 are easily the most common bulbs in American consumer cars, but occasionally rare, antique, or foreign cars might use another bulb standard. You’ll probably have to purchase these online as they’re not usually kept in stock at auto parts stores.
Cornering Fog Lights
The latest advancement in fog light technology is cornering fog lights, lights that rotate in their sockets in advance of cornering to illuminate the road ahead even before you begin turning. It’s really slick to see in action, and while in a perfect world, it marginally improves safety, manufacturers have had trouble with motor actuation and it often ends up being not only costly to install, but costly to fix as well.
Our advice? Stay far away if you can, and if you happen to have cornering fog lights on your car, make sure they get serviced at the dealer: often warranties can be voided or nullified when car owners decide to take repairs into their own hands.
Do I Need Car Fog Lights?
While the average urban driver might not need auxiliary lights, there are plenty of great reasons for a typical driver to buy some fog lights. Drivers who drive in the following conditions should think about a set of fog light bulbs.
Rural Driving
The countryside is sometimes downright pitch black and there’s a good reason a lot of rural dwellers need to replace their brights more than city slickers. Fog lights light up the road itself at distances of up to 200 meters, and they’re often positioned in a spot on the car that doesn’t harm the field of view of other drivers.
Off-Road Driving
Not only do off-road trails not have the great lighting so many urban drivers are accustomed to having well-lit roads, but their trajectories are typically narrow and curving as well. Off-road trails are obviously dark, less wide and driveable, and can have overhanging debris, rocks, and branches. A nice set of lights can keep off-roaders fully aware of the scenery both on and slightly off the trail.
Adverse-Weather Driving
In poor weather, an extra few feet of visibility can be the difference between getting in an accident and getting home safe. Even when not in life-or-death weather, having the best lights available to you can be worth it just for the peace of mind. Get home safe.
Tuners and Enthusiasts
Some nice lights go a long way with the automotive enthusiast community. Along with adding an additional spot to include some anodized metal, fog lights can provide some cool photo opportunities. A pro tip? Check out super high temperature (white and blue hues) bulbs for the coolest night time pics.
Car Fog Light Usage
As many cars, especially less expensive models, don’t have fog lights, it’s not always well known when and how fog lights should be used. After all, most drivers get away with just having standard lights, daytime running lights, and brights. So when should fog lights be used to maximize utility?
Fog lights have a different purpose than standard headlights (light up shared roads) and high beams (illuminate low-traffic roads when it’s very dark). With fog lights, there’s a simple rule: when your visibility is reduced to 100 meters due to weather conditions like snow, rain, or fog, or heavy darkness, use your fog lights.
Watch out for other drivers as fog lights can negatively affect other road users. You can be more liberal with fog light usage in low traffic areas: mountains, backcountry, and rural areas, for example. At the end of the day, though, use your own best judgement. You know what’s safest for you, so use your gut.
Are HID Lights Still Worth It?
Inexpensive and bright LEDs have saturated the market in recent years, now available in all bulb standards and representing most of the lights available. They continue to drop in price as manufacturing gets cheaper and distribution becomes ever more common, all that as they continue to get brighter and longer-lasting.
So if they’re bright, inexpensive, and long-lasting, how can ‘prehistoric’ lights stay competitive? Old bulb standards? Authenticity? Or is it preference that’s playing a role here? The answer: HID bulbs are really only competitive now against LEDs when paired with a specific type of headlight lens called a projector lens to help brighten and intensify the beam. Otherwise, no, they’re not usually worth it.
Colored Fog Lights
Different models of car fog lights sometimes use different color bulbs or tints to create colored light, performing better than white light under foggy conditions. The variation in this color is called light temperature and it’s measured in a unit called Kelvin. While standard fluorescent household bulbs are about 2,500 Kelvin, most car fog lights sit in the range between 3,000 and 6,000 Kelvin. This ‘warmer’ light is claimed by some to help pierce further in foggy conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions on Car Fog Lights
The important features of car fog lights, as with any aftermarket car part for enthusiasts, are sometimes obscured by marketing jargon and famous brand names. We clear up some of the most common questions below:
Will Fog Lights fit on My Car?
Fog lights come in different form factors, from bulbs that fit into your existing headlight sockets to separately attached brackets that require some serious vehicle modification. So how do you tell if a specific fog light will fit on your car? You’ll have to check for yourself. In our descriptions, we’ve described attachment methods, most product descriptions will tell you which standards, housings, or brackets a specific light will use.
Are Car Fog Lights Legal?
While completely lighting up the road ahead of you makes for incredible safety advantages, bright lights shining in the path of oncoming traffic can have dangerous safety repercussions in the form of reducing visibility. So while off-road and rural drivers in adverse, wintry conditions can improve safety when driving, there are laws in place to prevent people from using fog lights when they could potentially harm other drivers.
While laws vary on a state-by-state basis, most states require fog lights to not be above a certain height, lighting up the road and not the fog itself. They also must be turned off in urban areas and when not necessary. For the most part, as long as you use fog lights with common sense and are aware of other road users, fog light use is totally legal.
How do You Turn Fog Lights On?
Vehicles with slots or threading for fog lights will have a switch somewhere on the dashboard (it could be an independent switch, it could be on the same stalk as your brights and standard headlights). If you have wired your own fog lights, or if you plan to wire your own fog lights, you’ll probably have to come up with your own solution as auxiliary switches are difficult to adapt for aftermarket purposes.
What’s the Difference Between Fog Lights and Brights?
Fog lights and brights are often mistaken for each other when used in popular vocabulary, but they’re actually very different pieces of equipment. Brights come standard on every modern car, an additional setting for vehicles to use in low light conditions. But while they’re effective and increase the range and visibility of your vehicle, they’re a completely different animal than fog lights.
Fog lights are mounted below both headlights and brights, typically offered as an upgrade option when purchasing a car. They’re not available on all cars, and if they’re not installed as a factory option, it’s typically quite difficult to install them in the first place.
Wrapping Up
Fog lights, once you have a pair installed, are very easy to take for granted. But those who go from using their own auxiliary fog light system to a car without one can quickly realize how much they relied on the system in the first place! Fog lights will help you stay safe in dark, snowy, foggy, or rainy conditions, making sure you get home safe and sound every time. More

Music can be the difference between an infuriating commute to work and a pleasant experience. The problem is that most older factory car stereos lack the modern amenities that we are all used to. Those older car head units are also built to be cheap, so they leave a lot to be desired in the audio quality department.
Fortunately, it’s relatively simple to upgrade your factory stereo, and people have been building custom sound systems since the first radio was installed in a vehicle. In this guide, we are going to look at single DIN head units. We’ll cover the basics and then look at 10 of the best head units on the market. After, we’ll take a closer look at head units in general and dispel some myths in an FAQ.

A Quick Guide to Single DIN Head Units
A head unit is the “face” of your sound system; it’s the part you interact with and the part that sends the signal to the speakers. A DIN is a specific unit of measurement invented by the Germans to standardize radio equipment in the early 1900s. Many cars, especially those manufactured before the 2000s, only have space for a single DIN head unit.
If you own an older vehicle and want to upgrade your sound system, a new single DIN head is the perfect first step. The following is a quick guide to get you set up with a new one fast.
Features
The biggest way head units differ is the type and number of features they offer. You will generally want to know what features are important to you and choose a head based on that alone. It doesn’t do much good to know that a stereo has a good bass response if it won’t play your cherished collection of Abba CDs.
Major Features to Look For
The following features are the ones that most people look for in a stereo. Very few head units will have all of them unless you want to pay a great deal of money, so it’s best to just keep in mind the ones that are most important to you.
CD/DVD Player: Many people don’t keep music on physical media anymore, which has led to many companies removing the CD drive from their head units. If you have a collection and still want that capability, it will limit your options.
Touchscreen: Touchscreens are somewhat rare on single DIN head units. Usually, they are limited to either the “floating” style or the “flip-out” style. We’ll talk more about screens below.
Apple Carplay and Android Auto: These apps, like touchscreens, are rare in the single DIN space. You can expect to pay a premium for them.
Preamp Outputs: Most amplifiers require low-level, or RCA, outputs for easy connection. Most head units will have at least a subwoofer output for a monoblock, but higher-end head units usually have more.
Other Inputs: HD/Satellite radio, AUX, USB, Video, and SD card inputs are other common inputs that people may want.
Features Found on All Modern Head Units
If you haven’t bought a stereo in a while or are used to older head units, you may not be familiar with some of the new standard features you’ll find on all head units. The following features are ones you will find on almost all head units on the market.
Bluetooth: It was once a luxury upgrade for a car stereo, but now Bluetooth connectivity is standard.
In-Car Calling: Like Bluetooth, this once hard to find feature is now standard. We’ll talk more about audio quality and call quality below here, but basically, every modern head will provide adequate call quality when properly installed.
AM/FM Radio: Even the cheapest heads still have an antenna hookup. Only some have digital receivers, though, so if HD radio is important to you, make sure to look for it.
USB Chargers: Most head units will have a USB port on the front for charging devices. Some will have the charger on the back with a cable you have to install.
Make Sure It Fits
When you install a new head unit, you will probably need an adapter kit for your specific make and model of car. The adapters can be found at any auto parts store or online store. The easiest way is to jump on Amazon and use the garage tool to quickly find a stereo install kit like this one for a 99 Firebird. Most cars, except much older ones, can be adapted for a single DIN stereo.
Just be aware that some head units extend above or below the installation space. Some cars have very cramped interiors, and a big touchscreen might interfere with things like AC controls or vents.
As we get into the reviews, keep in mind that these are the best single DIN units. If you have space for a double DIN unit, you should consider looking for double units instead. While you can adapt a double slot into a single, double DIN stereos are often a better value and offer a great variety of features. You can see our recommendations for touchscreen heads here that are mostly double DIN.
Single DIN Head Units Reviewed
Everything at a glance:
You want a high-quality play-anything head unit from a trusted brand: Alpine CDE-172BT
You want an inexpensive head unit that’s easy to use: Jensen MPR210
You want a flip-out screen with Android Auto/Apple Car Play: Pioneer AVH-3400NEX
You just want a cheap and simple head unit: Sound Storm ML41B
You want something that will look right in your classic car: FyPlay Vintage Classic
You want a huge screen and great audio: Sony XAV-AX800
You want an inexpensive flip-out screen: Regetek 7”
You just want to stream high bitrate music from your phone: Pioneer MVH-S522BS
You want a screen but are pressed for space: Power Acoustik PD-710B
You want a fun, inexpensive, do-everything knock-off gadget: Camecho 4.1” TFT

Top 10 Single DIN Head Units 2021
1. Best Overall: Alpine CDE-172BT

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Alpine is an industry leader in car audio, and this head unit is a great example of why. It does everything you could want, sounds amazing, and will fit in nearly any vehicle on earth.
Editor’s Rating:

Features
6ch Low-Level Out
CD Player
Bluetooth
HD Radio
USB
AUX
What Sets It Apart?
There are a few things that make the Alpine a great choice. It’s one of the few modern head units that are both high-quality and come equipped with a CD drive, for starters. It also has six channels of RCA output, so you can use it as the face of a much larger audio system. The most important feature, though, may simply be the word “Alpine” on the case.
The Japanese audio companies tend to be the largest players in the car audio world. Alpine, Pioneer, and JVC are well known around the world for making high-quality components. Their head units are the best at replicating the true audio recording, they have the best bass response, and they will probably outlast your car.
This Alpine tops the list simply because it’s one of the most versatile single DIN head units you can get, in addition to being of excellent quality.
Our Take
The only reason to look elsewhere for a head unit is because you want something very specific. If you are on a budget, consider this Jensen instead. If you don’t need a CD player but still want excellent sound quality, this Pioneer will suit you just fine, or get this Pioneer if you really want a touchscreen as well.
For most people, though, this Alpine is the perfect upgrade. It can play music from almost any source, the quality is amazing, and people will nod with understanding and congratulate you if you say you installed an Alpine head.

Pros
Alpine is a trusted industry leader
Very good audio quality
6 RCA outputs

Cons
CD players aren’t used much anymore
No touchscreen

2. Best Value: Jensen MPR210

View on Amazon
Why we like it: It’s easy to use, inexpensive, and works great. Enough said.
Editor’s Rating:

Features
Bluetooth
USB
AUX
Subwoofer Out
What Sets It Apart?
The value you get from the Jensen MPR210 is unparalleled. It’s very inexpensive, but it has a better build quality and usability than something truly cheap like the Sound Storm Labs head unit.
That makes the Jensen the perfect first step for someone that is just starting their car audio journey. It has an RCA output for a subwoofer, meaning you can start the upgrade process by buying a monoblock. It also has Bluetooth, so you can stream audio from your phone. It’s a basic, inexpensive upgrade for most older factory sound systems. Often, that’s all anyone really needs.
Our Take
One of the great things about our modern era is that electronics are cheap, varied, and compact. You can pretty much get a gadget to do any task on any budget and know that, with a few exceptions, it’ll work fine.
That does sometimes lead to a problem for reviewers like us since there are many very similar units that are all around the same price and the same functionality. We mention two: the Sound Storm Labs and the FyPlay units. There’s also the wildly popular Boss head unit here. We don’t review it, but Boss is very similar to Jensen as a company. They both are industry leaders in the budget audio world.
The Jensen MPR210 is just a bit better than its competitors in the single DIN space. It doesn’t have the audio quality that a Pioneer or Alpine head will have, but it will accurately play music streamed from your phone. It only has basic inputs and outputs, but it isn’t missing anything unlike some of the others at this price. The build quality isn’t amazing, but it doesn’t feel as cheap and ill-fitting as the Sound Storm. In short, it does what it advertises, and sometimes that’s more than you can ask for.

Pros
Inexpensive
Decent build quality for the price
Easy to use

Cons
Sound quality could be better
Doesn’t have any advanced features

3. Best Premium: Pioneer AVH-3400NEX

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Pioneer makes great quality audio equipment, and this flip-out is no exception. If you want it all, but only have space for a single din receiver, the AV-3400NEX is what you buy.
Editor’s Rating:

Features
6ch Low-Level Out
CD/DVD Player
Bluetooth
HD Radio
USB
AUX
7” Touchscreen
Video In and Out
Apple Carplay
Android Auto
What Sets It Apart?
This Pioneer, along with the Sony we recommend here, is on a different level than the rest of the head units on our list. They both have features like Apple Carplay and Android Auto. They also both have great touchscreens, although the Sony screen is a bit larger.
What pushes the Pioneer into the premium slot is that the screen hides away when it’s not in use. We actually write at length about flip out heads here. The gist of it is that having a retractable screen offers a lot of the benefits that a larger head unit can offer and a lot of the benefits that a smaller single DIN head unit offers.
Our Take
The Pioneer AVH-3400NEX does everything you could want. It plays DVDs, it can send signals to an entire bank of amplifiers, and it has Pioneer’s legendary audio controls. The screen isn’t as large as the Sony we recommend, but it has a higher pixel count per inch and is easier to see in bright light. In short, if you don’t have room for a modern double DIN head unit but want one, you can get it all with this Pioneer.
You will need to pay for it, though. It’s an expensive unit, and it has a lot of features that you may not use. It has a CD/DVD player, for instance. It also has video outputs, just in case you want to wire in extra screens. There is just a lot of complication that the average person won’t use, and it can make the Regetek flip out a more appealing option.
This is one of the only units where you can use Apple Carplay and Android Auto, though, so if that’s really important to you, this is a great deal.

Pros
Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Very high-quality
Has a lot of inputs and outputs

Cons
Expensive
Somewhat complicated to utilize

4. Best Budget: Sound Storm ML41B

View on Amazon
Why we like it: You don’t want to spend a lot on a commuter or old beater car. You do want to be able to listen to Spotify from your phone. This Sound Storm head unit is the solution.
Editor’s Rating:

Features
Bluetooth
USB
AUX
Subwoofer Out
Remote Control
What Sets It Apart?
There is no sense in trying to point out anything other than the fact that this thing is very inexpensive. It plays music over Bluetooth and can play your favorite radio stations. It really doesn’t do anything else that’s worth noting; it is simply the most affordable way to get those features.
That makes it the perfect choice for anyone that just wants to add a way to play music from their phone to their beater or older daily driver.
Our Take
The Sound Storm Labs ML41B is very easy to criticize. It’s not high-quality. The sound quality is ok at best, and chances are good that you will get frustrated with the controls. That being said, it’s so cheap that it seems almost unfair to hold it to the same standards that we would hold an Alpine head unit to. If you want something that’s high-quality and will improve your music listening experience, then get the Alpine.
There are a lot of reasons to buy a cheap head unit, though. First of all, it is an upgrade if you don’t have an AUX port or Bluetooth, or a subwoofer output. Modern music collections are online or stored in media players, not on physical media. In order to listen to modern music collections, you need something like Bluetooth connectivity.
Second, sometimes things break. If you have an old car and the factory head breaks, you probably don’t want to spend a ton of money on a new factory head. Something like this SSL head is absolutely fine.

Pros
Very inexpensive
Has Bluetooth and AUX inputs
Has a subwoofer output

Cons
Audio quality isn’t great
Build quality isn’t great either

5. Best Looking: FyPlay Vintage Classic

View on Amazon
Why we like it: If you crave old school style as much as we do, it’s hard not to love this simple head unit.
Editor’s Rating:

Features
Bluetooth
USB
AUX
SD Card
Remote Control
Subwoofer Out
What Sets It Apart?
You are free to call us vain, but what really sets this head unit apart is that it’s a modern Bluetooth receiver that looks like it belongs in a car straight from the 70s. It has this chrome grill faceplate and two knobs, and it’s very reminiscent of the early AM/FM units that had the tune and volume dials separated.
The only thing that gives it away is the LEDs that light up the buttons and screen. If you are building a restomod on a budget and want to stream music from your phone as you drive, it’s a really great addition to your interior.
Our Take
If you take away the style, you are left with a simple head unit that’s on par with the Jensen or the Sound Storm units we recommend. It isn’t feature packed, and if you get up close to it, you can tell that there were corners cut to save on manufacturing cost. It does have some features that similarly inexpensive units don’t have, though, like a relatively high RMS rating.
That does mean it occupies a bit of an unusual space, though. Most restomods are very high-dollar builds simply because it costs a lot just to buy and own a classic car. So people who already have a lot of money into a custom interior will probably want something that is higher quality than this FyPlay unit, and the average budget-minded consumer probably doesn’t care much about the looks.
Still, there are people who build or upkeep older cars and like to keep things inexpensive and simple. People with old VWs come to mind instantly; this unit is perfect for dropping into a ‘68 Beetle.

Pros
Inexpensive
Looks very classic
Relatively high wattage rating

Cons
Made of cheap materials
May look out of place on most modern vehicles

6. Best Touchscreen: Sony XAV-AX800

View on Amazon
Why we like it: There’s a lot to love about this head, including Android Auto, Apple Carplay, and the largest screen on our list.
Editor’s Rating:

Features
6ch Low-Level Out
Bluetooth
HD Radio
USB
AUX
9” Touchscreen
Video In and Out
Apple Carplay
Android Auto
What Sets It Apart?
Big screens are usually limited to the land of the double DIN stereos. Sony, though, decided to bring the giant floating screen to the single DIN community. At 9 inches, the screen on this Sony is the largest on our list. In fact, it’s bigger than a lot of modern infotainment systems, so you can comfortably watch in-flight movies streamed from your phone. Please do so when safe and not while driving down the highway, though.
The other features you aren’t likely to find with single DIN stereos are Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Sony brings those to single DIN cars as well. All of that combined makes this the perfect way to modernize an older vehicle, as long as it has enough room. That big screen does take up a lot of space.
Our Take
Sony is one of the most well-known electronics companies on earth, so it’s really no surprise that they’d also be dabbling in the car audio world. The XAV-AX800 demonstrates what a tech giant like Sony can do, similar to how the Pioneer AVH-3400NEX demonstrates what a giant like Pioneer can do. Both offer a lot of features that are nearly unheard of in the single DIN scene.
The big difference is that the Pioneer has to unfold itself before you can use it. In contrast, the Sony is just there waiting to be used even before you turn the car on. They both have amazing audio quality and can both power any combination of amps or speakers you could want. You just have to decide if you like the fold-out screen more or if you would rather have more surface area displaying your GPS route.
Unfortunately, the Pioneer and the Sony share something else: their high price. That’s the biggest disadvantage of needing single DIN-sized equipment. You can find units, like this Sony, that can do everything. They just cost a lot more than their double DIN counterparts.

Pros
Large touchscreen
Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Excellent quality

Cons
Expensive
Takes up a lot of space

7. Best Inexpensive Flip-Out: Regetek 7 Inch

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This is simply the best flip-out you can get for the price. If you really want a big screen and are on a tight budget, it’s perfect.
Editor’s Rating:

Features
Bluetooth
USB
AUX
SD Card
7” Touchscreen
Subwoofer Out
Remote Control
Video In and Out
What Sets It Apart?
It has a touchscreen, and the touchscreen retracts so that it keeps your dash clutter-free. That’s not really what sets it apart, though; after all, the Pioneer here also has a flip-out screen. This Regetek unit, though, is a really incredible value. It’s very inexpensive when compared to other single DINs that have a screen.
Regetek also has avoided the biggest issue that plagues cheap head units. Most cheap gadgets are more difficult to use than their name-brand competitors. They have quicks like hard to read menus or difficult to decipher manuals; take a look at the Camecho on our list if you want to see what that’s like. The Regetek head unit here manages to be easy to use, and even though it’s not perfect, it’s a lot better quality than many of the brandless knock-offs that are available.
Our Take
We said above that it avoids one of the most significant issues with cheap gadgets because it’s easy to use and understand. Unfortunately, you will definitely know it’s cheap when you use it. The plastic is a little flimsy, the screen resolution is low, and there is a learning curve to making calls. Pressing the button to start a call is easy enough, but finding out what volume you need to speak at and where to set the audio levels to hear the other end can be a bit of a challenge.
The rest of the stereo is on par with other inexpensive heads like the Jenson MPR210. Don’t expect it to blow the doors off or play the highest quality audio files, but if you are just streaming music over Bluetooth, you will be happy with it.
You can get better audio quality for about the same price, but that’s not why you would spend the money on the Regetek. You would buy this because it’s impossible to get a better deal if you want a functional touchscreen in your car that’s bigger than your cell phone.

Pros
Flip-out screen
Easy to use
Inexpensive

Cons
Screen resolution isn’t great
Feels cheap to the touch

8. Best Audio-Quality: Pioneer MVH-S522BS

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Pioneer’s simple and elegant single din receiver here is the perfect head unit for people who just want to stream high-quality music and don’t need a bunch of flashy features.
Editor’s Rating:

Features
Bluetooth
USB
AUX
HD Radio
6CH Low-Level Out
What Sets It Apart?
Pioneer is well known for being able to produce clear and accurate sound. If that’s all you want, then this thing is perfect because it doesn’t really do anything else. There’s no screen, there’s no CD player, there is no special remote control to let it light up like a rave. It plays music from Bluetooth, USB, and AUX, the end.
We are by no means saying that’s a bad thing. Simple can be really desirable, especially if you are trading complexity for quality and reliability. Most people won’t watch movies in their car on a tiny screen when they have their cellphones with them, and most people nowadays don’t use CDs for music. People who love audio, though, probably do have an extensive collection of high-quality sound files they want to listen to, and this Pioneer is perfect for that.
Our Take
Everything about this Pioneer is built for sound quality. It has a full complement of preamp outputs, making it easy to wire up a series of amps. It’s equipped with satellite radio and FLAC, and it has its own equalizer. If you are the type of person that has a collection of 320k MP3s because you can’t stand low-quality audio streaming, then this is for you.
The screen and controls honestly aren’t that great. We wish it had a few more dedicated buttons so that the menus were easier to navigate. As it is, you will do a lot of turning the volume dial to scroll through the settings. It’s not a huge issue; it’s just hard to find other things to criticize.
Chances are you are trying to decide between this Pioneer and the Alpine we recommend. They both are amp-ready, about the same price, and are made from high-quality components. We think the Pioneer looks better, but it doesn’t have as many features. You can’t go wrong with either.

Pros
Elegant design
High-quality
Has 6CH RCA

Cons
Interface is a little hard to navigate
Limited input options

9. Best Flip-Out Alternative: Power Acoustik PD-710B

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Unlike a lot of flip-out screens or stand-off screens that extend up, the Power Acoustic here has a screen that extends down. For some cars, it’s the perfect solution to fitment issues.
Editor’s Rating:

Features
Bluetooth
CD/DVD Player
USB
AUX
SD Card
7” Touchscreen
Subwoofer Out
Video In and Out
What Sets It Apart?
No two manufacturers seem to want to put the radio in the same spot, and that can lead to a lot of fitment issues. Most flip-out screens, like the Regetek we recommend, extend up from the head. If your car has controls above the stereo slot or has a recessed stereo, then that flip-up screen won’t work for you.
That’s where this Power Acoustik unit comes in to save the day. The screen extends down instead. It’s not the best screen out there. In fact, other than the very cheap Camecho, all the screens on our list overshadow it. But if you really want a larger touchscreen, but don’t have room for a flip-out or floating screen, it’s a really great option.
Our Take
The Power Acoustik PD-710B is a really niche device, and it costs more as a result. A flip-out screen is the space-saving choice for most people. Anyone that doesn’t need to save space will probably gravitate towards a larger floating screen or will likely have room for a double DIN unit. Since the quality of the Power Acoustik isn’t particularly high, that means the unusual format is the only big selling point.
There are other advantages to the format beyond just fitment, though, and they are worth considering. Unlike a flip-out screen, there are no mechanisms that can break and leave you without an interface. It’s also faster than a flip-out; when you start the car, the system is instantly up and running without having to wait for the screen to extend.
In short, it’s a great option if you want a screen but don’t want a flip-out. Just don’t expect anything to be particularly amazing.

Pros
Screen extends down instead of flipping up
More durable than a flip-out
Interface loads quickly

Cons
Not as high-quality as similarly priced units
Screen isn’t particularly good

10. Cheap and Compact Touchscreen: Camecho 4.1” TFT

View on Amazon
Why we like it: You’ll need a good helping of patience to get it to do what you want, but the amount of stuff that this cheap gadget can do is incredible.
Editor’s Rating:

Features
Bluetooth
USB
AUX
SD Card
1” Touchscreen
Video In and Out
Subwoofer Out
Remote Control
Included Backup Camera
What Sets It Apart?
It’s a tiny screen that can display a backup camera and fits completely within a single DIN space. That’s really unique; almost all single DIN units with a screen either have a big screen tacked onto the face or a screen that flips out of the device. It means that even the incredibly crowded dashboard of an older JDM car can have a modern touchscreen.
It also does a lot of neat things, especially for the price. It doesn’t cost much more than something like the Jensen MPR, but it supports FLAC and comes with a backup camera. It’s not an amazing backup camera or anything, but it does include one in the box.
Our Take
Unfortunately, as cool as it is, there are some serious issues with the Comecho here. It starts with their documentation. You will need to read the included documentation because the interface is confusing and difficult to navigate. All we can say is, “good luck.” With gems like “U dick Plug and see smooth and clear” you may be better off just mashing the buttons until you get the desired result.
At the end of the day, this head unit is just a tech toy. It’s something for people who like taking risks and can’t pass up knowing whether or not that knock-off watch is as good as the real thing. There’s always a chance that you get a bricked unit from the factory with these kinds of products or that you won’t be able to decipher the menus. It’s never going to be as high-quality as a cheap unit from a more reputable brand.
However, if you are willing to take the risk or love these kinds of cheap, too good to be true gadgets, you’ll have a lot of fun with the Camecho.

Pros
Has a tiny touchscreen
Comes with a backup camera
Very inexpensive for what it does

Cons
The documentation will drive you mad
The quality is suspect at best
It’s not easy to use

A Closer Look at Head Units
In this section, we will take a better look at some of the more complicated parts of car head units. To start, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding audio quality that we want to clear up.
The Truth About Audio Quality
When people talk about audio quality, they are usually referring to the device’s ability to accurately play the recording. If you hear a lot of distortion or are missing bass depth, then the quality is considered poor. The problem is that there are a lot of variables, and the head unit is actually a fairly small part of the equation. There are a few main things to keep in mind if you are looking for the best audio quality possible.
The Head Unit is Only Part of the System
Even if the head is capable of producing a perfect audio signal, you won’t get a perfect sound. That’s because everything from the speaker size and type to the wire size directly influences audio quality.
One of the absolute best ways to improve your listening experience is to add a subwoofer. Most of the time, bass is what a factory system lacks, and it’s the reason almost all aftermarket head units have at least a single low-level output. You can check our list of inexpensive subwoofer options here.
The Source is Important
If you just stream music from the internet over Spotify, chances are good that you won’t notice an improvement in quality between different aftermarket heads. That’s because the quality is actually coded into the digital files. To make music streamable, the quality is cut down to save on file size. That’s one area where CDs offer an advantage; the .wav format is uncompressed and therefore higher quality than an mp3.
You can stream at a higher bitrate if your internet connection is good, but if you really need the best audio quality available, it’s better to have a library of FLAC or 320k MP3s saved to your device. You can read more about source files here; it’s a very deep rabbit hole of information.
Power
In the audio world, there are two main power ratings. Maximum wattage, which is the maximum amount of power a system can produce, and RMS wattage. RMS wattage is a much more useful rating because it represents how much power you can reasonably expect day to day. There are no components that can run at max power for more than a few moments, so even though manufacturers will print it on the box because it’s a big number, it’s actually not a good metric.
Most factory head units are around 20w RMS, while most aftermarket head units are 40-60w RMS. That increase alone will give you a huge boost in tone. Basically, you will get distortion in the form of clipping when you approach the upper volume range. At 20w, that upper range is closer to normal listening volume than it would be on a more powerful system.
Build Quality Directly Translates to Audio Quality
The final thing to really understand when talking about audio quality is that, to an extent, you do get what you pay for. Cheaper components have room to move around or may overheat, and that leads to distortion. It’s why we recommend sticking to trusted brands like Alpine or Pioneer. They cost more, but the build quality is higher. Therefore the audio quality is also higher.
The thing you have to keep in mind, though, is that if you don’t have good wiring, power, or sources, then the audio quality of the head really doesn’t matter. That’s what makes inexpensive head units like the Jensen such a good value. The average person will not notice the difference between a cheap head and an expensive head if the only thing they replace is the head.
A Primer on Touchscreens
Touchscreens are just a part of modern life. They can be found on everything from cellphones to refrigerators, so naturally, they are very commonly found in cars. Modern cars often have them pre-installed in the form of an infotainment center, and they make a great upgrade to an older dashboard. There are just a few things to keep in mind if you are looking to make that upgrade.
Resolution
We are spoiled by modern cell phones that have absurdly high-definition screens, so it seems shocking that a high definition stereo screen might only have a resolution of 800×480. That’s all you really need for a crisp, accurate image, though, because of the pixel density. In fact, the pixel density on something like the Pioneer flip-out here is actually higher than a 31” 1080p TV.
Type
There are two main types of touchscreens on the market. Capacitive touchscreens work by sensing your finger. They are found on more expensive gadgets because they cost more to produce, but they are faster and cleaner than resistive touchscreens. Resistive touchscreens use pressure to register touch, and they are much slower and less accurate than capacitive.
Android Auto and Apple Carplay
These two apps are both very common in modern cars and require a touchscreen for use. Unfortunately, if you value the convenience of these apps, you will be paying more. This is especially true in the single DIN world.
FAQ

What’s the Best Single DIN Head Unit?
That depends on what you want from your head unit. We think the best general-purpose single DIN head unit is the Alpine CDE-172BT, but if you want a touchscreen, the Pioneer AVH-3400NEX is a better fit. If you love retro style and don’t need a CD player, check out the FyPlay Vintage Classic. The truth is you can’t really go wrong with anything we review.
Which Is Better, Single DIN or Double DIN?
It depends on how you define better. There are a lot more options, especially if you want a touchscreen, that are double DIN sized. However, many cars do not have space for a double DIN unit. It doesn’t matter if a double DIN is “better” if it won’t fit in your car.
Does a Head Unit Affect Sound Quality?
Yes, but they are not the most important thing that shapes the quality of sound. Your input source, amplification power, and speakers are just as or more important. In fact, installing a subwoofer like one of these we recommend would do far more to improve your audio quality than buying a new head unit.
Can I Put a Single DIN in a Double DIN Slot?
Some stereo install kits can convert a double DIN space into a single DIN space. There are also pockets like this one that take up a single DIN space and can be used to convert a double space into a single. However, there are a lot more options for double DIN sized head units, so the benefit of converting a double to a single is marginal.
Wrapping it Up
Whether you choose to embrace the retro style or go all-in on a beautiful screen, you will be happy ditching your factory sound system and installing a modern head unit. They have gotten so cheap and have tons of features compared to the head units even ten years ago. Just grab one from our guide that meets your feature wishlist and rock out. More

When bad weather hits, slick conditions make driving dangerous enough as it is. However, when you add decreased visibility from rain and snow to the mix, you end up with a recipe for disaster.
While wipers do a good job of keeping your windshield clear, they aren’t perfect. This is where a good windshield treatment can come in handy.

Why Treat Your Windshield?
Perhaps the most important consideration you should make regarding windshield treatments is determining why you should treat your windshield. There are actually a few good reasons for using windshield treatments.
To Provide Better Visibility
In slick conditions, it’s imperative that you’re able to see. Whether you’re driving in the rain or snow, a good windshield treatment will help you see better by allowing water to bead up and fly off the windshield, rather than sitting on the windshield obstructing your view.
Can Prevent Your Windshield From Damage
Don’t expect any miracles here, but having a treated windshield can increase its lifespan by preventing damage to it. Over time, your windshield will suffer from pitting, a natural form of wear resulting from dirt, sand and other small particles scratching the glass.
Pitting, in turn, can cause water to pool up in your windshield during rainy and snowy conditions. When pitting spots get bad enough, they can also cause blinding glares from sunlight and headlights at night.
Because windshield treatments provide a barrier between the particles and your windshield, it can slow down or prevent this wear from occurring.
Prolong the Life of Your Windshield Wipers
When you use your windshield wipers less, they won’t wear out as quickly. By using a windshield treatment on your car, you won’t need to use the wipers as often, thereby extending the life of your wipers.
Things to Consider in Windshield Treatments
Once you’ve decided that a windshield treatment is the right choice for your car, there are some things you should consider before purchasing one.
Type of Windshield Treatments
There are different types of windshield treatments, so you should consider what type would work best for your situation.
Silicone-Based
Silicone-based windshield treatments are the cheapest and most common option available. You can find also them in different forms, from traditional full treatments to washer fluid additives for treatment upkeep.
These treatments don’t bind with the glass, making them the simplest to apply and remove. But because they merely sit on top of your windshield to repel water, they won’t last as long as other types of treatments. This means you’ll have to reapply treatments more often.
Overall, silicone-based treatments are best for beginners and thrifty consumers.
Fluorinated Compound-Based
Some windshield treatments – like Aquapel – are made of fluorinated compounds called fluoroalkylsilanes, which actually bind to the silica in your windshield.
These treatments are typically regarded as mid-tier options in almost every aspect. They’re more expensive and harder to put on than silicone treatments, but last longer. Conversely, they won’t last as long as nanotechnology-based treatments, but are less costly and are a bit easier to apply.
You should also keep in mind, these types of treatments are much harder to take off than silicone treatments. If you’re worried about messing up the application, it’s a much safer bet to use a silicone-based treatment.
Nanotechnology-Based
Nanotechnology-based windshield treatments, also known as ceramic coatings, also bind to the windshield to provide a durable and long-lasting coating for up to a few years. Hendlex’s Nano Glass Pro is a good example of an effective nano-coating treatment.
In addition to the increased longevity of these treatments, they can also provide additional benefits, such as offering scratch and abrasion resistance. Of course, these come at a much higher cost than other types of treatments.
They’re also more advanced, and require more work and care to properly apply. Like fluorinated compound treatments, they are very hard to remove, meaning you should only use one of these treatments if you know what you’re doing.
Longevity of the Treatment
While the type of treatment you choose will play a large part in how long it lasts, you also have to remember that not all treatments are made equally. You should keep in mind how long a treatment lasts.
Amount of Treatment
In addition to the longevity of the treatment, you’ll want to pay attention to the amount of treatment you’re buying. Just remember that sometimes less is more. That’s certainly the case with Hendlex’s Nano Glass Pro, where a small 50ml bottle can provide multiple long-lasting treatments.
Now that you know what to look for, we’re going to take you through the best windshield treatments around.

Top 9 Best Windshield Treatments 2021
1. Best Overall Windshield Treatment: Rain-X 800002243 Glass Treatment

View on Amazon
Why we like it: It’s user-friendly, cost-efficient, and works great at keeping your windshield clean and clear.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Silicone-based
Longevity: 30-45 days
Amount: 7 oz
Rain-X is a trusted name in the automotive industry, providing consumer-friendly glass treatments at a modest price. Rain-X’s 800002243 Glass Treatment is no exception, offering an effective and cost-efficient means of protecting your windshield.
It offers an easy way to keep your windshield protected, making it great for anyone to use. Simply apply some to a microfiber cloth or paper towel and wipe it on. If you notice a haze on your windshield after applying this stuff, don’t worry! You can buff it away with a clean cloth.
One of the best things about this stuff is that it’s versatile. It’s great for all of your windows, as well as your headlights and mirrors, so you can really increase your visibility on the road. It also works well for keeping your home’s windows and glass shower doors clear and streak-free.
The only real drawback we can see with this windshield treatment is that it doesn’t last longer. Since it’s a silicone-based treatment, you’ll need to reapply it more often than other types of windshield treatments. Still, given its low cost and overall effectiveness, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a great, easy-to-use windshield treatment.

Pros
Easy to use
Cost-efficient
Versatile

Cons
Doesn’t work as long as other types of treatments

2. Best Premium Windshield Treatment: Rain-X Glass Treatment & Anti-Fog Combo

View on Amazon
Why we like it: An effective combo pack that allows you to keep your windshield clear, inside and out.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Silicone-based
Longevity: 30-45 days
Amount: 2 7-oz bottles
The Rain-X Glass Treatment and Anti-Fog Combo works wonders on your windshield, inside and out. Since they work in all weather, they’re a great choice if you live in climates where rain and foggy windows are common.
The glass treatment is for the exterior of your windshield and windows. This will keep your windows clear of rain and frost, and should last 2 to 4 months per application, depending on the weather. On the other hand, the anti-fog is for the interior of your windshield, and should last for 2 months.
Not only do they keep your windshield clean and clear, but they can also work with other things like mirrors and home windows. They’re both also easy to use. Just be sure to exercise caution when putting them on, or you could make it harder to see.
The anti-fog seems to be the most problematic of the two. If improperly applied, it could cause streaking on your windshield and windows that could be difficult to get rid of. You’ll also want to make sure not to tip the bottles over, as they don’t seem to seal properly, even when closed tight.
Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a great way to keep your windshield and windows clear inside and out, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better combo.

Pros
Keeps your windows clear inside and out
Also works great for windows and mirrors
Easy to use

Cons
The anti-fog may cause streaks
Caps don’t seal properly

3. Best Budget Windshield Treatment: Rain-X 5071268 Glass Cleaner + Rain Repellent

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Coming at a low cost, it cleans and treats your windshield at the same time, saving you time and money.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Silicone-based
Longevity: 30-45 days
Amount: 23 oz
Another great product from Rain-X, the 5071268 Glass Cleaner + Rain Repellent is a powerful 2-in-1 that will clean and treat your windshield at the same time. This makes it great if you want to quickly treat your windshield without hassle.
In addition to its cleaning and treating properties, it’s the most economical option we’ve found. Coming in a relatively large 23-ounce bottle, each treatment only requires a few sprays. That means this stuff could easily last years, depending on how often you use it.
Like other Rain-X products, it’s also versatile. On top of being a great windshield treatment, you can also use it on your home’s windows and glass shower doors.
One thing that’s different about this stuff compared to normal glass cleaners is that you’ll want to dry it after applying it. If you don’t, then you could run into issues with spots or hazing on the glass that can make it hard to see. However, if you use it properly, then this stuff will make your windshield shine and keep them clean through rain, sleet, or snow.
Given its low cost and effectiveness, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to treat their windshield.

Pros
Inexpensive
Cleans and treats your windshield
Versatile

Cons
Can cause visibility issues if used improperly

4. Best Windshield Treatment Washer Fluid Additive: Rain-X White RX11806D Washer Fluid Additive

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This stuff makes treating your windshield easy, and works great as a supplemental treatment.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Silicone-based
Longevity: 30-45 days
Amount: 16.9 oz
Most windshield treatments are products you apply to your car by hand and require a clean windshield. However, if you want the benefits of a treated windshield without the hassle, then you might consider the Rain-X RX11806D White Washer Fluid Additive.
This stuff mixes with your regular windshield wiper fluid to deliver a quick windshield treatment every time you use your car’s washer nozzles. And speaking of the nozzles, you shouldn’t have to worry about this stuff clogging your nozzles.
Since this additive is meant to be mixed in with your regular washer fluid, you’ll have to mix it properly for it to work correctly. Mixing it isn’t hard, but if you don’t want to risk mixing it improperly, you might want to opt for a pre-mixed concoction.
This product works well as a stand-alone product, but it’s not as effective as manual treatments like the Rain-X 800002243 Glass Treatment. However, manual treatments don’t offer the same convenience as this washer fluid additive. This stuff also plays nicely with manual treatments, making it a great supplemental purchase.
As with other Rain-X windshield treatments, it’s economical. That means you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank buying this stuff, and if you don’t like it, you’re not out a lot of money.

Pros
Quicker and easier to use than other windshield treatments.
Works great as a stand-alone or supplemental purchase
Inexpensive

Cons
Requires you to mix it
Doesn’t work as effectively as manual treatments

5. Best Streak-Free Windshield Treatment: Invisible Glass 92184 22-Ounce Premium Glass Cleaner with Rain Repellent

View on Amazon
Why we like it: It cleans and treats your windshield, and it won’t leave streaks behind.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: N/A
Longevity: 30-45 days
Amount: 22 oz
Stoner’s Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner with Rain Repellent is a great alternative to Rain-X products. This 2-in-1 glass cleaner and rain repellent works to clean and coat your windshield with an effective water repellent to keep your windshield clear of rain and frost.
Made in the USA, the Stoner offers a money-back guarantee to show that the company stands behind its product. And just like Rain-X, this product is great for not only your car, but around your home as well.
One of the main draws to this stuff is its streak-free formula. Commonly known as being better than Windex for providing a streak-free clean, Invisible Glass does wonders at leaving a clean windshield behind. Combined with its ability to repel mud and water after the clean, this is a superior product.
As far as performance compared to Rain-X products, it’s pretty similar. They both last roughly 30-45 days per application, and do a great job at keeping your windshield clear. The only real knock against this stuff is that it’s more expensive than Rain-X’s 2-in-1 spray. However, given the money-back guarantee and it’s stellar streak-free clean, it’s worth spending a few extra bucks.

Pros
Made in the USA
Money-back guarantee
Streak-free cleaning formula

Cons
More expensive than similar products

6. Best Haze-Free Windshield Treatment: Rust-Oleum 287337 NeverWet Rain Repellent

View on Amazon
Why we like it: It’s a great alternative to silicone-based treatments and won’t cause hazing that’s common with cheaper treatments.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Other
Longevity: 30-45 days
Amount: 11 oz
The biggest problem with most windshield treatments is the haze they can create from improper application. Rust-Oleum’s NeverWet Rain Repellent is a good alternative if you don’t want to risk hazing your windshield.
Like other windshield treatments we’ve covered, this stuff works great for both your car and home. It also has the same longevity and works as effectively as silicone-based treatments like Rain-X. However, it comes at a cost other treatments don’t have.
Unlike silicone-based treatments, this stuff has a very strong chemical smell, meaning you’ll want ventilation when using it indoors. It’s also rather expensive, costing more per fluid ounce than other treatments like the Rain-X Glass Treatment.
If you don’t mind paying a premium for an effective stress-free windshield treatment, then you can’t go wrong with the NeverWet Rain Repellent.

Pros
Won’t haze
Works as well as silicone-based treatments
Stress-free application

Cons
Strong smell
Expensive

7. Best Fluorinated Windshield Treatments: Aquapel Glass Treatment

View on Amazon
Why we like it: A single Aquapel treatment works for longer than cheaper types of treatments and comes in an easy-to-use applicator.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Fluorinated compound-based
Longevity: 6 months
Amount: 6 single-use applicators
If you’re looking for something that will last longer than silicone-based treatments, you might want to consider Aquapel’s Glass Treatment. This pack of 6 single-use applicators contains a small amount of treatment liquid meant to cover your entire windshield.
What’s nice about this stuff is that it’s easy to gauge how much you’ll need. Also, because it’s a fluorinated compound-based treatment, it will easily outlast silicone-based treatments like the Rain-X.
However, you will want to take care when using this treatment. The applicators have warnings and emergency phone numbers on them because this stuff is highly dangerous. Not only should you wear gloves and have proper ventilation, but you should also avoid getting it on your car’s body, as it can damage paint. It’s also significantly more expensive than silicone-based treatments.
Given its long-term effectiveness, it’s a good intermediate option that lasts longer than entry-level silicone-based treatments without the difficulty and lofty costs of nanotechnology-based windshield treatments.

Pros
Single-use applicators make it easy to dose treatments
Lasts longer than silicone-based treatments
Not as difficult as nanotechnology-based treatments

Cons
Dangerous
Can damage your paint
Expensive

8. Best Windshield Treatment Wipes: Rain-X 630021 Original Glass Treatment Wipes

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These are great for quick treatments as a supplement between full treatments, and work great if you frequently travel.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Silicone-based
Longevity: 30-45 days
Amount: 10 wipes
If you want to treat your windshield without the hassle of dosing the treatment, then you might want to consider the Rain-X Original Glass Treatment Wipes. They make it even easier to treat your windshield than the traditional Rain-X solution, saving you a little time and hassle.
Of course, they don’t exactly work as well as a full-on treatment. They’re also not as cost-effective as other Rain-X treatments. Rather, these are great to have for when you’re in a pinch and need to quickly apply a treatment, such as if you’re traveling or renting a car. They also work great as a supplemental purchase with other Rain-X products, such as the Rain-X White Washer Fluid Additive.
If you want something to touch up your regular treatments or just need a quick treatment, these wipes can certainly come in handy.

Pros
Quick and easy to use
Good for travel and other non-regular use
Works well as a supplemental purchase

Cons
Doesn’t work as well as a regular treatment
Not as cost-effective as other Rain-X products

9. Best Nano Windshield Treatment: Hendlex Car Windshield Coating Nano Glass Pro and Glass Prepare Cleaner

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Being a nanotechnology-based treatment, a single treatment should last longer than other types of treatments.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Nanotechnology-based
Longevity: N/A
Amount: 2 50ml bottles
If you’re looking to avoid constant reapplications or just want a high-quality window treatment, the Hendlex Nano Glass Pro is the way to go.
This nano glass treatment will last longer than most other windshield treatments, thanks to the way ceramic coat treatments work. Not only does it more effectively bond to the glass, but it’s also more resistant to the elements than other types of treatments.
This tiny little combo pack features two small bottles of solution: a preparation cleaner and the nano coating. This stuff is the definition of “less is more,” with these 2 small bottles providing enough solution for 8 to 10 treatments.
For each treatment, you’ll only need a few drops. However, good luck trying to dose the treatment at just a few drops. For some reason, this treatment doesn’t have a dropper cap. Because of this, you might want to pick up a glass eye dropper to help with application.
You should also keep in mind this isn’t the most budget-friendly treatment option available. However, given its long-term effectiveness, it’s certainly worth considering if you want a high-quality treatment that will last.

Pros
Lasts longer than other types of treatments
More resistant to the elements than other treatments
Provides enough solution for multiple treatments

Cons
Doesn’t have a dropper cap
More expensive than most other treatments

Everything You Need to Know About Windshield Treatments

Now that we’ve covered the best windshield treatments we could find, let’s get a little more in-depth with them.
Factors That Determine a Windshield Treatment’s Longevity
Aside from the type of treatment you choose, there are a number of other things that can impact the longevity of a windshield treatment. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones.
How Often You use Your Windshield Wipers
The more you use your windshield wipers, the quicker your treatment will fade. That’s because the friction with the wipers can rub the treatment off of your windshield.
Weather
You probably won’t use your wipers unless the weather calls for it. However, aside from increased wiper usage, rain and snow can slowly chip away your windshield’s treatment.
Condition of Your Windshield
The better the condition of your windshield is, the longer the windshield treatment will last. Generally, that means that applying a treatment to a newer car will almost always yield better results with any type of treatment.
That’s because the normal wear that occurs over time, called pitting, slowly makes the glass’s surface uneven. An uneven surface makes for an uneven treatment application, thus making it prone to wearing out quicker. Typically, the older the windshield, the more likely it is to have pitting spots of varying degrees.
Where You Park Your Car
Believe it or not, where you park your car can even impact the longevity of your windshield treatment. Direct sunlight, precipitation, and extreme temperatures can all take a toll on your windshield treatment.
For instance, if you leave your car parked outside all winter, a treatment won’t last as long as a car parked in a garage when it’s not being driven. The longer your car stays out of the elements, the longer your windshield treatment will last.
Tips for Improving Visibility
Thoroughly Clean Your Windshield Before Treatment
This seems obvious enough, but it’s also the most important step in properly applying a windshield treatment. Cleaning your windshield before treating them will result in less wasted treatment, a cleaner windshield, and increased longevity. If you want your windshield treatment to work as well as possible, you can “clay bar” your windshield.
While a spritz of glass cleaner and a paper towel will clean your windshield, using a clay bar  will change your definition of clean glass. The idea of clay barring your windshield is to remove anything and everything from the glass.
After cleaning with a glass cleaner, clay bar your windshield, and hit it with another clean with the glass cleaner. After all of that, your windshield is perfectly primed for any treatment.
[embedded content]
Clean Your Windshield Wipers
While a good windshield treatment should reduce your need for wipers, you still need to keep them in mind. Treatments typically only work well for keeping your windows clear when you’re traveling fast enough for the beaded water to fly off (somewhere around 35mph). Not only will clean wipers make for a more effective wipe, but it will keep your treatment intact for longer with wiper usage.
To clean your wipers, just use hot soapy water or a little wiper fluid on a rag and wipe the wipers. Follow it up with a little rubbing alcohol on the rubber to soften them up and remove any soap or other remaining residue.
Add Water to Your Buff
After you’ve applied your treatment, you may notice a haze in your windshield. If you can’t remove the haze, even after buffing with a dry cloth, then you might try adding a little water to your buff. This will help the cloth pick up the excess treatment that’s causing the haze.
Treat Your Side and Rear Windows
If you want better total visibility on the road, then you should consider treating your side and rear windows as well. Of course, it will take more time than simply treating your windshield, but it’s well worth the increased visibility.
How Do I Remove a Windshield Treatment?
So you’ve applied a windshield treatment to your car and you don’t like how it looks. Whether you messed up or you just don’t like the way it looks on your car, removing a windshield treatment depends on the type of treatment.
For silicone-based windshield treatments, removing it is simple with a little white vinegar, warm water, and a microfiber cloth. For removing treatments like Aquapel or a nano-coatings, you’re going to have to resort to breaking out some nasty chemicals or abrasive polish that could end up causing damage to your car if used improperly.
Of course, this isn’t ideal if you aren’t experienced with this sort of thing. If you’re not experienced in using windshield treatments, you might want to stick with something like the Rain-X Glass Treatment to avoid any potential mishaps.
Wrapping Up
You’ll find that treating your windshield can have some great benefits. Not only will it keep you and your car safe, but it’ll keep your windshield looking great. Once you’ve found the right windshield treatment for your car, make sure you take proper care in applying. Then get ready to watch the magic keep your windshield clear and clean. More

Keeping your tires properly inflated is imperative for your safety. Without proper tire pressure, you’ll lose out on gas mileage, and the risk of a blowout increases. For these reasons, your vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system needs to be accurate. While you can take your vehicle to a mechanic to fix any issues, adding a tire pressure monitoring system tool (TPMS) to your garage will save you a ton of money.
If you’re the type of person that does tire rotations and tire changes on your own, having a TPMS tool will make a difference in your life. They’re budget-friendly items that make it simple to reset your tire pressure system after routine maintenance. Even if you don’t do any work on your own car, they can be a great way to figure out exactly what you’re getting into before you take your car to the mechanic.

Things to Consider When Shopping for TPMS Tools
TPMS tools are simple to use, but you have to choose the right one. The wrong TPMS tool won’t help, and you’ll end up wasting your money, especially if it’s not the right tool for your make and model. When you’re shopping for the best TPMS tool, you have to consider the make of a vehicle, the vehicle type, and the span of years it works.
Manufacturer
We’ll start with the vehicle’s make, which is the manufacturer. In the automotive industry, there are dozens of manufacturers. When shopping for a TPMS tool, you need to make sure it’s compatible with the make of your vehicle. Otherwise, it won’t work, or it can give you false readings. Typically, vehicles from Asian manufacturers have automatic tire pressure systems, but most American brands like Ford and General Motors require a relearn after rotations.
Years
Next, you’ll want to look for the years a TPMS tool works for. Even if a TPMS tool works for all Ford vehicles, it might not work for every year. For example, a TPMS tool might work on all Ford vehicles between 2006 and 2019. Some products work for more years, and some for less; make sure the years line up with the model year of your vehicle.
Vehicle Type
Another factor to consider is the type of vehicle you have. In this case, you want to focus on whether your car is a passenger car, light truck, or heavy truck. Every vehicle type requires unique tire pressure levels, so the TPMS tool has to account for that. While some TPMS tools work for every vehicle, this isn’t always the case.
Price
TPMS tools are typically similar in price. Still, there are a few exceptions. Some TPMS tools offer additional services or work for multiple vehicle manufacturers, which drives the price up. To keep it simple, we’ve grouped each TPMS tool into one of three categories:
$: Around $10$$: Around $20$$$: Around $150
Keeping all of this in mind, it should be easier to narrow down your options. Read on to discover the ten best TPMS tools.

Top 10 Best TPMS Tools 2021
1. Best Overall TPMS Tool: JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Return Tool Super

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This is one of our favorite TPMS tools because it’s accurate and works with a ton of different Ford and GM vehicles.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Manufacturer: Ford, General Motors
Years: 2006-2019
Vehicle type: Passenger cars, light trucks
The JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Return Tool Super is a great 2-in-1 product. It works for Ford and GM vehicles, dating back to 2006. It also comes with many features that make it simple to use. There is an LED light that notifies you of the battery life, a tool for resetting keypads, and it shows you when it’s working with an orange light. Overall, it’s a simple and effective product.
What Sets It Apart
The JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Return Tool Super is unique because it works for Ford and General Motors vehicles. Most TPMS tools focus on Ford or GM, but this one does both. It also includes many makes and models across both manufacturers, so it’s not limited in performance.
Things to Consider
The JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Return Tool Super is a great product, but it’s not perfect. While it works for Ford and GM vehicles, it doesn’t work for other brands. For example, if you have an older Toyota or Nissan, this tool won’t work. If you’re looking for a TPMS tool that works for even more vehicles, the Autel TPMS Relearn Tool is a great choice. While it’s expensive, it works for 98% of vehicles.
Who It’s For
The JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Return Tool Super is an excellent choice if you own a Ford and GM vehicle. You can relearn the tire pressure for both manufacturers, and it doesn’t marry itself to one vehicle. This means that you can use it on different vehicles, so it’s a great 2-in-1 product.

Pros
Works for Ford and GM vehicles
Doesn’t marry to one vehicle
Affordable

Cons
Doesn’t work for every vehicle manufacturer

2. Best Budget TPMS Tool: VXDAS Auto Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Though it only works with GM vehicles, it works perfectly and comes at a rock-bottom price.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Manufacturer: General Motors
Years: 2006-2019
Vehicle type: Passenger cars, light trucks
The VXDAS Auto Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor is a simple TPMS tool that works for vehicles manufactured by General Motors. The device runs on nine-volt batteries and resets your vehicle’s tire pressure sensor after tire rotations. There are also some quality of life features, including an LED indicator for low battery, an LED indicator for when tire pressure is reset, and a tool for controlling remote door locks.
What Sets It Apart
This TPMS tool is unique because it’s one of the most well-rounded products. While it only works for vehicles manufactured by General Motors, it’s affordable and easy to use. With its low cost, it can also perform similar tasks to high-end products.
Things to Consider
This is an excellent TPMS tool, but only if you own a vehicle from General Motors. If you drive something like a Ford or Toyota, you can’t use this tool. If you own a Ford, the JDIAG TPMS Sensor Tool is a great alternative. It performs many of the same tasks but works for most Ford production vehicles, including light trucks.
Who It’s For
If you have a vehicle made by General Motors, the VXDAS Auto Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor is a great tool to have at your disposal. After tire rotations, tire changes, or even blowouts, this product can reset your vehicle’s system for the proper tire pressure. Everyone with a General Motors vehicle can benefit from this product.

Pros
Works for resenting door locks
Works in most General Motors vehicles
Budget-friendly

Cons
Only suitable for modern General Motors vehicles

3. VXSCAN Auto Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor Relearn

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the VXDAS Auto Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor because it delivers accurate results on GM series vehicles produced between 2010 and 2018
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Manufacturer: General Motors
Years: 2010-2018
Vehicle type: Passenger cars, light trucks
The VXDAS Auto Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor is well-made and efficient for most GM vehicles. It performs multiple tasks, like retesting tire pressure computers and resetting keypads. While it’s similar to most products that work for GM series vehicles, it’s more accurate on average for model years between 2010 and 2018.
What Sets It Apart
This product is unique because of its accuracy and compatibility. When used on GM vehicles made between 2010 and 2018, it has the best results. It works quickly, resets computers with accuracy. Furthermore, it’s one of the best TPMS tools for changing out winter and summer tires.
Things to Consider
One of the problems with this product is the lack of vehicles it works for. While it covers most GM makes and models, it only works for vehicles manufactured between 2010 and 2018. If you like the design of VXSCAN tools, but have a GM vehicle out of that range, the VXDAS Auto Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
The VXDAS Auto Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor is an excellent choice if you have a GM vehicle manufactured between 2010 and 2018. For these model years, it’s one of the most accurate TPMS tools around. In fact, it outperforms products that have a more extensive range of makes of models because of fine-tuning.

Pros
Very accurate on vehicles between 2010-2018
Simple and straightforward to use
Fits in one hand

Cons
Doesn’t come with batteries
Only suitable for a limited number of vehicles

4. TPMS Tool with the Best Warranty: Greyghost Orange TPMS Relearn Reset Sensor Activation Tool

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We like this TPMS tool because of the manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re unhappy with the device, or it stops working within the first year, a replacement or your money back is on the house.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Manufacturer: General Motors
Years: 2006-2020
Vehicle type: Passenger cars, light trucks
The Greyghost Orange TPMS Relearn Reset Sensor Activation Tool is a straightforward product that works for most GM vehicles. It runs on nine-volt batteries and works for vehicles manufactured between 2006 and 2020. Furthermore, it doesn’t marry to one vehicle so that you can use it multiple times on a handful of vehicles in your fleet. It also features LED indicators that let you know when it’s working, and it performs its task quickly.
What Sets It Apart
Compared to other TPMS tools, the Greyghost Orange TPMS Relearn Reset Sensor Activation Tool is unique because of the 12-month guarantee the manufacturer offers. When shopping for an inexpensive device, knowing that the manufacturer will handle any problems within the first years gives buyers confidence. This is something we love to see, especially in a TPMS tool. This product is also unique because it works on heavy trucks, which is difficult to find in TPMS tools.
Things to Consider
This product performs as advertised, but it only works for GM vehicles. If you have a vehicle from a different manufacturer, like Ford, you’ll need a separate TPMS tool. A great product that works for multiple manufacturers is the JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Return Tool Super is a great alternative because it works for both Ford and GM vehicles.
Who It’s For
If you have a GM and need a simple TPMS tool, the Greyghost Orange TPMS Relearn Reset Sensor Activation Tool is one of your best options. It’s similar to most TPMS tools for GM vehicles, but it’s one of the most affordable, even if it’s only less expensive by a few bucks. If you’re looking for the best budget option, this is it.

Pros
Budget-friendly
Works for GM light trucks, passenger cars, and even heavy trucks
Comes with a 12-month warranty

Cons
Only works on GM vehicles
Not many unique features

5. Best Premium TPMS Tool: Autel TPMS Relearn Tool

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the Autel TPMS Relearn Tool because it works for most vehicles and does more than most products. While it relearns tire pressure, it can also diagnose battery condition, sensor frequencies, and more.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$$
Manufacturer: Ford, Toyota, Nissan, General Motors
Years: N/A
Vehicle type: Passenger cars, light trucks, heavy trucks
The Autel TPMS Relearn Tool is a high-end tool that works for almost every vehicle. It can relearn tire pressures in Fords, GMs, Toyotas, and more. Furthermore, it works across multiple model years. For example, it works for Ford vehicles dating back to the early 2000s. It also comes with tools to monitor sensor frequencies, battery health, tire temperature, and sensor identifications.
What Sets It Apart
This TPMS tool is unique because it does it all. Compared to other TPMS tools, it does more tasks and works across more makes and models. Some other notable features include multiple input modes. For example, you can manually input or use auto-create for sensor IDs.
Things to Consider
This is a great product, but there is one disadvantage. That disadvantage is the price. Compared to other TPMS tools, this product is more expensive. You get what you pay for, but some of these features are only relevant for niche shoppers or people that work in automotive repair shops.
If you’re looking for a simple TPMS tool, the JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Return Tool Super is a great choice. It works for Ford and GM vehicles, and it’s budget-friendly.
Who It’s For
If you work as a mechanic, own a repair shop, or consider yourself an automotive enthusiast, the Autel TPMS Relearn Tool is a great choice. While it works well as a TPMS tool, it also performs numerous vital tasks for general Maintainance. For these reasons, it’s an excellent choice for people that work in the automotive industry.

Pros
Works across 98% of vehicle brands
Checks battery health and resets keypads
Works for most vehicle types, including heavy trucks

Cons
Very expensive

6. Easiest TPMS Tool to Use: JDIAG TPMS Relearn Tool

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This is one of our favorite choices because of the antenna. Moreso than other products, the high-quality antenna gives you more room to work with when in use.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Manufacturer: General Motors
Years: 2006-2020
Vehicle type: Passenger cars, light trucks
The JDIAG TPMS Relearn Tool is like most TPMS tools. It works for almost every GM vehicle manufactured between 2006 and 2019, with the updated model working for GM’s 2020 lineup. It runs on one nine-volt battery and comes with features that make it simple to use. Some features include an LED light for low battery, an LED light that lets you know when it’s working and works with the click of a button.
What Sets It Apart
The JDIAG TPMS Relearn Tool is unique because of its antenna. Most TPMS tools need to be held a certain way to yield the best results. While this also applies to this TPMS tool, you have more room for error thanks to the wider range. This gives you the ability to work more comfortably.
Things to Consider
This TPMS tool works well, but has a disadvantage in its battery life. While it runs on nine-volt batteries, like most TPMS tools, it doesn’t have a long battery life. If you’ll be using a TPMS tool frequently, the Arozk TPMS Relearn Reset Tool is a great alternative. It runs on the same battery but lasts longer than this TPMS tool.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a simple product for a GM vehicle, the JDIAG TPMS Relearn Tool is a great choice. You don’t need any skills or steady hands to use it because the antenna gives you room for error. This makes this product useful for working on the go or in high-stress situations like changing a tire on the side of the road.

Pros
Simple and straightforward
The antenna leaves room for error
Comes with LED indicators for battery life and to indicate the tool is working
Fits in one hand

Cons
Short battery life
Only suitable for GM vehicles

7. Best Simple TPMS Tool: Arozk TPMS Relearn Reset Tool

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This is one of our favorite choices because of its simplicity. Sometimes, a straightforward TPMS tool is the right choice, especially if you only need it for tire pressure.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Manufacturer: General Motors, Nissan (Frontier model)
Years: 2006-2019
Vehicle type: Passenger cars, light trucks
The Arozk TPMS Relearn Reset Tool is a simple and efficient product. It’s compact, can be used in one hand, and offers multiple features. While it can relearn tire pressure settings, it can also read tire pressure level and the temperature of air within a tire. This tool also has a decent battery life and LED indicator lights that show low battery and when the device is working correctly.
What Sets It Apart
The Arozk TPMS Relearn Reset Tool is unique because it gives an accurate reading and diagnosis quickly. It can work with a vehicle’s computer in less than two minutes, which is rare in most TPMS tools. Furthermore, it fits more comfortably in your hand than similar TPMS tools.
Things to Consider
While the Arozk TPMS Relearn Reset Tool comes with everything you need to reset your tire pressure system, it doesn’t come with additional features. One example is the lack of keypad reset functionality. Most TPMS tools, like the VXDAS Auto Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor, come with this feature, and it’s handy to have.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a basic TPMS tool that only does one thing, the Arozk TPMS Relearn Reset Tool is one of the best choices. While it doesn’t come with flashy features, sometimes simple is better. Plus, sometimes you want a simple tire pressure reset and don’t want to waste time cycling through numerous settings. For these reasons, the Arozk TPMS Relearn Reset Tool is one of the most straightforward options.

Pros
Simple and easy to use
Gives accurate readings in less than 2 minutes
Performs temperature readings

Cons
Only works for GM vehicles
Doesn’t include a keypad reset feature

8. Autokcan TPMS Relearn Reset Tool

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the Autokcan TPMS Relearn Reset Tool because it’s well-made and easy to use. While it seems like it’s made with cheap materials, it uses premium plastics and circuitry to deliver accurate system resets.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Manufacturer: General Motors
Years: 2006-2020
Vehicle type: Passenger cars, light trucks
The Autokcan TPMS Relearn Reset Tool is a great product that works for most GM vehicles. It also works for newer vehicles made in 2020. The Autokcan TPMS Relearn Reset Tool is also well-made and easy to work with. There is a simple button you need to press, and there are LED indicators to let you know when the tool is working or if the battery is low. This product is also comfortable to hold in your hand and a high-end antenna that leaves room for error.
What Sets It Apart
This TPMS tool is unique because of the plastic and circuitry it’s made with. It feels light in your hand, but the plastic and circuitry are durable. It’s one of the more budget-friendly options, but it performs as well as more expensive TPMS tools. It also works for 2020 vehicles, which is rare to see.
Things to Consider
The Autokcan TPMS Relearn Reset Tool is a great product, but it has its limits. It only works with GM vehicles and doesn’t always feel great in your hand. Furthermore, the antenna doesn’t always work properly unless you hold it at 90 degrees.
If you’re looking for a product that works for more vehicles and feels better in your hand, the JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Return Tool Super is a great alternative. It fits nicely in your hand and works for GM and Ford vehicles.
Who It’s For
If you need a TPMS tool for a new GM car or pickup truck, the Autokcan TPMS Relearn Reset Tool is one of the best fits. It’s one of the few TPMS tools that works for modern vehicles. It’s also reliable enough to last you a few years, so you don’t have to worry about getting an upgrade.

Pros
Works for 2020 vehicles
Made with great plastic and circuitry
Features LED indicators

Cons
Only suitable for GM vehicles
Not the most comfortable TPMS tool to use

9. Best Waterproof TPMS Tool: JDIAG TPMS Sensor Tool

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the JDIAG TPMS Sensor Tool because it’s waterproof and smaller than other products.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Manufacturer: Ford
Years: 2007-2020
Vehicle type: Passenger cars, light trucks
The JDIAG TPMS Sensor Tool is an excellent product for Ford vehicles. It works on most makes and models, from 2006 through 2020. This means that it also works on the newest vehicles from Ford’s lineup. It’s also small and portable.
Unlike other TPMS tools, it fits in your pocket and doesn’t rely on an antenna that’s on the top. This makes it one of the most comfortable TPMS tools to hold in your hand. There is also an LED light indicator that lets you know when the tool is working.
What Sets It Apart
The JDIAG TPMS Sensor Tool is unique because it works for 2020 year Fords and comes with a waterproof design. It fits in your pocket, and even if it gets wet, you don’t have to worry about breaking it. This makes it a great tool to use if you’re outdoors often and live in a humid climate. It’s also helpful for working around a damaged tire pressure sensor, which helps you avoid spending money on replacement parts.
Things to Consider
While the JDIAG TPMS Sensor Tool works well, it’s not like other TPMS tools. This is a good thing in some cases, like the waterproof design, but the antenna isn’t on the outside of the device. This makes it difficult to get an accurate reading. Furthermore, it’s only a good fit for Ford vehicles.
If you’re looking for a more traditional TPMS tool for Ford vehicles, the JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Return Tool Super is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
If you have a new Ford vehicle, made in 2020, the JDIAG TPMS Sensor Tool is one of the best options. It features a waterproof design you can’t find anywhere else, and it works well for modern Ford vehicles. Still, you can use it on any Ford models dating back to the early 2000s.

Pros
Works for 2020 year vehicles
Waterproof design
Comes with an LED indicator light

Cons
Only works for Ford vehicles
The antenna isn’t very accurate

10. Best Compact TPMS Tool: TPMS Relearn Tool

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The TPMS Relearn Tool is simple and easy to work with. While it’s not the best TPMS tool, its small size makes it easy to use for long periods.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Manufacturer: General Motors
Years: 2006-2019
Vehicle type: Passenger cars, light trucks
The TPMS Relearn Tool is a simple and straightforward product. It has a simple design and works like most other products on the list. It runs on nine-volt batteries, comes in a green finish, and offers decent performance. Furthermore, it features LED lights for battery life and to let you know the tool is functioning. This TPMS tool also comes with a good antenna that gives you room for error and works for most General Motors vehicles.
What Sets It Apart
This tool isn’t the most unique, but its small size makes it easy to hold and operate with one hand. The difference is slight compared to other products, but more comfort is always a blessing. Furthermore, the antenna gives you room for error, so you don’t need to remain in the same position for too long.
Things to Consider
The TPMS Relearn Tool is an excellent product for the price, but it’s made with cheap materials. This makes it feel flimsy in your hand. Even with the manufacturer warranty, reviews suggest that this tool doesn’t last long. If you are using a TPMS tool often, we recommend an alternative like the Autokcan TPMS Relearn Reset Tool.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a cheap TPMS tool to use a few times, the TPMS Relearn Tool is a great choice. While it doesn’t last long, the low price makes it an excellent option for people that don’t need a complicated TPMS tool.

Pros
Simple to use with the click of a button
Budget-friendly
Small and comfortable to work with

Cons
Made with cheap plastic
Only suitable for General Motors vehicles
Not designed for 2020 models

Everything You Need to Know About TPMS Tools

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 11,000 injuries and 738 fatalities caused by inadequate tire pressure. Most vehicles have computers that display tire pressure and notify you when tire pressure is low, but if the computer is giving you the wrong reading, it becomes dangerous. To remain safe on the road, you need to check your tire pressure often and ensure it’s an accurate reading. The best way to do so is with a TPSM tool.
Unfortunately, TPMS tools are challenging to shop for. This is because most vehicles have specific tire pressure systems that are based on computers and circuitry. While this makes it challenging to shop for TPMS tools, we’re here to help. We’re going to take you through a handful of shopping tips, the proper method for using TPMS tools, make recommendations, and answer any questions you might have.
Choosing a TPMS Tool for Your Vehicle
TPMS tools are simple to shop for when you know what to look for. Luckily, all you need to know is your vehicle’s make and model. Every product comes with a list of vehicles it works for, so make sure you reference that before making a decision. Still, to make this hassle-free, we have a few products to start with.
Ford
Some Ford vehicles have computers that relearn tire pressure themselves, but this isn’t the case for every make and model. If you have a Ford vehicle between 2006-2020, you need a TPMS tool that works for those Ford makes and models.
There are a few choices, but our favorite is the JDIAG TPMS Sensor Tool. It’s waterproof, works for all makes and models between 2006-2020. While some options work well, this product has a leg up because it works on 2020 models.
General Motors
General Motors is notorious for making vehicles that need TPMS tools to help computers relearn. This isn’t a design flaw; it’s just the way that GM manufactures its vehicles. If you have a GM vehicle having a TPMS tool is a great way to save money during tire changes or tire rotations.
Our favorite TPMS tool for GM vehicles is the VXDAS Auto Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor. It works for most makes and models, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s simple to use.
Ford and General Motors
Some people have more than one vehicle in their lineup. If you happen to own Ford and GM vehicles, having a TPMS tool that works for both saves you time and money. While your options are limited, the JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Return Tool Super is a great choice. It works for both manufacturers, and it’s not too expensive.
Other Manufacturers
Most of the common TPMS tools on the market focus on Ford and GM. If you drive a Nissan or Toyota, your best choice is the premium Autel TPMS Relearn Tool, which is compatible with more makes and models than any other product available.
How to Use a TPMS Tool

Getting your hands on a TPMS tool is only half of the battle. Learning how to use one takes time and practice, but it’s not impossible, and you don’t need to be a trained technician. We’re going to take you through some tips to help you use a TPMS tool.
Putting Your Vehicle in TPMS Mode
Putting your vehicle in TPMS mode is simple, even across multiple manufacturers. It all starts with putting your car in park and turning the battery on. Then, use the menu on your steering wheel to select the TPMS mode. For most vehicles, this is found under the settings. If you’re having trouble finding it, always consult your owner’s manual. You can also check out this video if you’re having trouble.
Once you activate the setting, your vehicle’s horn will honk two times. An LED light will appear on your vehicle’s dashboard, starting with the front left tire. At this point, your vehicle is in TPMS mode, and you’re ready to begin using your new TPMS tool.
Using a TPMS Tool
Using a TPMS tool is simple and easy to use once your vehicle is in TPMS mode. The process is similar for most products, but for this example, we’ll use the JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Return Tool Super because it works for Ford and GM vehicles.
First and foremost, you have to put your vehicle in TPMS mode. When you hear the horn honk twice, you’re all set. From there, make sure you start with the front left tire. Hold the TPMS tool next to the valve. For most products, it’s best to hold it at a 90-degree angle so that the antenna can give you an accurate reading.
Once you hear your vehicle’s horn honk one time, you’re ready to move on to the next one. The proper order to follow is front right, front left, back right, and rear left. Your vehicle’s horn will honk twice once every tire has been reset, and the system has completed the relearning process.
TPMS Tool FAQ
Can a General Motors TPMS Tool Work on a Ford or Vice Versa?
In most cases, you shouldn’t use a TPMS tool that’s not designed for your manufacturer. Still, there are some exceptions. Some manufacturers create TPMS tools that work for both manufacturers and even European and Asian manufacturers. Unfortunately, you have to spend some time reading the makes and models a product covers to know if the tool you’re looking at is the right fit.
When Do You Need a TPMS Tool?
TPMS tools are useful for many applications. First and foremost, it’s great to have when you rotate your tires. Rotating your tires tricks your vehicle’s tire pressure system, so it needs to relearn where each tire is. Another use for TPMS tools is changing a tire. If you add a new tire into the mix, you’ll have to use a TPMS tool to teach the computer.
Do All Vehicles Need a TPMS Tool?
Most vehicles have tire pressure monitoring systems that are adaptive. This means that the vehicles don’t need to relearn the position or type of tire to give you an accurate pressure reading. Typically, this applies to European or Asian vehicles. For most American manufacturers, excluding Dodge, TPMS tools are required to help the computer relearn the position or type of tire to deliver an accurate reading.
Final Thoughts

TPMS tools are challenging to shop for. This is because many different options work for various makes and models. Luckily, with this guide, finding the best TPMS tool is hassle-free. Plus, TPMS tools are inexpensive, so it’s okay to experiment with a few different options.
Still, make sure you shop carefully. Check every product to ensure it works for your make and model. Most products have every make and model it works for listed and the manufacturing years, so the information is accessible. Furthermore, some products offer lists of vehicles that shoppers have tested the product on. So, if you’re always mindful of what you need from a TPMS tool, finding the best product is a breeze.
Be sure to check out our guide to the best tire repair kits, too, so that you can fix any problems you find with your new TPMS tool. More

Truck seats aren’t built to last. Sure, you’ll get a few good years out of premium leather seats, but even leather fades over time. Furthermore, seats coming into contact with debris and water will speed up the process. If you’re looking to preserve your truck seats or get some additional comfort out of them, it’s time to consider truck seat covers.
Truck seat covers are placed over your seats and keep your body and the elements from damaging them. Plus, some truck seat covers are made with fabrics that make your ride to work more comfortable.
Still, with many different options, finding the best truck seat covers is easier said than done. Luckily, we’re here to help. We’re going to take you through the ten best truck seat covers and some shopping tips to help you along the way.

Things to Look for in Truck Seat Covers
Truck seat covers are straightforward products, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Every vehicle is unique, so making sure your truck seat cover is the right fit is essential. To help you narrow down your options, we’re going to take you through key factors and features to look for in truck seat covers.
Seats
We’ll start with the seating options. Car seats come in different shapes, sizes, and styles. For example, some trucks come with bench seats, which are connected and run across the front or back of the vehicle. With many options, it’s essential to consider the seat you’re shopping for. There are seat covers for each seat type on the market, and we’ll specify where every product on our list will fit best.
Material
Truck seat covers come in many different materials and fabrics. It’s essential to choose the right material, which depends on your needs and personal preference. Some common materials include leather, neoprene, cotton, and polyester. Every material has advantages and disadvantages that we’ll discuss below, but a lot of times the choice really comes down to what feels right for you, so you may need to experiment here if you’ve never used a truck seat cover.
Size
Size is also something you need to consider when shopping for truck seat covers. While most products are universal, there are expectations. Most trucks come with seats between 50 and 59 inches tall. If your vehicle has larger seats, you need to go with a seat cover with more length. The same applies if your seat is smaller than average. If your truck seat is smaller than average, getting a seat cover that’s too large creates unnecessary slack.
Price
Truck seat covers are mostly budget-friendly. Still, there are exceptions. Truck seat covers made with premium materials and fabrics cost more than products made with a cheap material like polyester. Furthermore, some products come with multiple truck seat covers, which impacts the price. Based on our research, we’ve grouped every product into one of three categories:
$: Around $25$$: Around $50$$$: Around $100
Once you’re familiar with these features and factors, finding the best truck seat covers becomes hassle-free. Read on to learn about the best seat covers for trucks.

Top 10 Best Truck Seat Covers 2021
1. Best Overall Seat Cover: Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover because of its neoprene fabric. It uses the same material found in wetsuits, and it’s 100% waterproof.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Seats: Driver, Passenger
Material: Neoprene
Size: 54″×21.5 inches
The Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover is made with a neoprene fabric that protects your vehicle’s seat well. Neoprene is a fabric that’s found in wet suits, which keeps this product from sticking to your skin.
This seat cover also comes with additional features that make it universal. There is an adjustable strap, seat belt protector, and non-slip padding to keep it secured to your seat. Overall, it’s made with premium materials and keeps your seat protected against water, odors, and debris.
What Sets It Apart
The Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover is unique because of the neoprene fabric. Commonly used in wet suits, neoprene is designed to handle water, odors, sweat, and humidity. When it comes to keeping your seat safe from moisture or water, this is the type of fabric you want.
Things to Consider
The Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover performs as advertised, but it doesn’t cover the entire seat. While it’s simple to slip this product over the headrest, it doesn’t cover the back portion of your seat. While this isn’t a deal-breaker for everyone, it does leave the back of your seat open to damage from water or debris. If you’re looking for a seat cover covering the entire seat, the Realtree Camo Seat Cover is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking to protect your seats from water, the Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover is the best choice. The neoprene fabric is 100% waterproof and doesn’t hold odors. Even if you’re coming home from the gym, you won’t have to worry about the lingering smell of body odor on your cloth seats. For these reasons, we recommend this seat cover for anyone that works outdoors or frequents the gym.

Pros
Neoprene fabric is 100% waterproof
Comes with adjustable straps for a universal fit
Features seat belt protectors

Cons
Doesn’t cover the entire seat, leaving the backside exposed

2. Best Premium Seat Cover: FH Group Ultra Comfortable Leatherette Front Seat Cushions

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love these seat covers because you get everything you need. The package comes with two headrest covers, two backrest covers, and two seat covers.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$$
Seats: Driver, passenger
Material: Faux leather, foam, silicone
Size: 30.4×21.9×6.1 inches
The FH Group Ultra Comfortable Leatherette Front Seat Cushions is an excellent premium product. The package comes with six cushions covering the passenger and driver side headrests, backrests, and seats.
These seat covers are also made with premium materials. Faux leather enhances your vehicle’s look, foam gives you support, and silicone keeps the seat covers from moving during use. These seat covers also come with adjustable straps for a universal fit on most modern bucket-style seats.
What Sets It Apart
The FH Group Ultra Comfortable Leatherette Front Seat Cushions are unique because of the premium features. While most seat covers protect your seats and aid in comfort, these seat covers take it to the next level. Not only do they look fantastic, but you get a set of two, and they cover the entire seat. Furthermore, you get ten millimeters of foam for added comfort. Overall, it’s difficult to find seat covers with better features.
Things to Consider
The FH Group Ultra Comfortable Leatherette Front Seat Cushions are great but not perfect. Unfortunately, these seat covers are expensive. Compared to other products, these seat covers are almost triple the price. You get what you pay for, especially with seat covers, but there are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives with similar quality. For example, the Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover comes with similar features for a much lower cost.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for driver and passenger seat covers, the FH Group Ultra Comfortable Leatherette Front Seat Cushions are one of your best options. You get two premium seat covers that look great, keep you comfortable, and protect your seats.

Pros
Comes with two seat covers
Luxurious design
10 millimeters of comfortable foam
Adjustable straps
Silicone non-slip padding

Cons
Expensive
Only suitable for bucket seats

3. Best Seat Cover Set: Oasis Auto Leather Car Seat Cover

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the Oasis Auto Leather Car Seat Cover because you can get the full set. This means you can get front seat covers, backseat covers, and headrest covers for a reasonable price.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$$
Seats: Front, passenger, back
Material: Leather
Size: 24×22×5 inches
The Oasis Auto Leather Car Seat Cover gives you everything you need right out of the box. If you choose the full set, it comes with three truck seat covers for the front and back of your vehicle. The seat covers fit most modern vehicles, and the leather material looks luxurious and keeps your seats protected against debris or water. The manufacturer also provides an installation video, making it simple to set them up in your truck.
What Sets It Apart
The Oasis Auto Leather Car Seat Cover is unique because of the options you have. Unlike other products, you can get up to three seat covers for the front and back seats. While this keeps your vehicle’s seats safe, having a seat cover on every seat makes them feel like they belong there.
Things to Consider
The Oasis Auto Leather Car Seat Cover is one of the best options, but it’s not for everyone. If you don’t need a set of seat covers, the Realtree Camo Seat Cover is a great alternative. It looks good, protects against the same things, and keeps you comfortable. Compared to other truck seat covers, this product is also expensive.
Who It’s For
The Oasis Auto Leather Car Seat Cover is one of the best products around, but it’s only for shoppers that want a full set. If you’re looking to cover your entire vehicle in matching seat covers, this product is the perfect choice. Plus, these truck seat covers look better than most similar products.

Pros
Comes with three universal truck seat covers
Sleek and modern design
Multiple color options
Water-resistant

Cons
More expensive than most truck seat cover sets

4. Best Budget Seat Cover: 2 Leather Black Seat Cover

View on Amazon
Why we like it: When it comes to value, the Auto 2 Leather Black Seat Cover is one of our favorite choices. We love how you get two seat covers and headrest covers for the price of one.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Seats: Front
Material: Faux leather
Size: 11.4×8.9×4.1 inches
The Auto 2 Leather Black Seat Cover is a well-rounded and budget-friendly product. It’s made with faux leather that’s breathable, water-resistant, soft, and scratch-resistant. The fabric is also elastic and flexible, which makes it universal for most vehicles. Plus, you get two seat covers right out of the box. Both seat covers also come with adjustable straps, and they’re easy to install.
What Sets It Apart
The Auto 2 Leather Black Seat Cover is unique because of the value. While there aren’t many premium features, this product gives you two seat covers for the price of one. They also look great and fit most seats, even vehicles with removable headrests. This is because the headrest cover and seat cover are two separate pieces.
Things to Consider
These seat covers are great, but they don’t come with many premium features. While they look nice and keep your seats safe, they’re average seat covers at best. If you’re looking for high-end seat covers, the FH Group Ultra Comfortable Leatherette Front Seat Cushions are a great alternative.
Who It’s For
If you’re shopping on a budget and want to cover multiple seats, the Auto 2 Leather Black Seat Cover is your best option. They’re more affordable than some products that come with only one seat cover, and they fit most vehicles.

Pros
Fits most trucks, even vehicles with removable headrests
Two seat covers for the price of one
Adjustable
Water-resistant and scratch-resistant

Cons
Average quality

5. Best Bench Seat Cover: Seat Covers Unlimited Universal Car Seat Cover

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the Seat Covers Unlimited Universal Car Seat Cover because it’s perfect for bench seats. The universal design fits most bench seats, old or new, and it’s easy to work with.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Seats: Bench seat
Material: Saddle blanket
Size: 10×10×10 inches
The Seat Covers Unlimited Universal Car Seat Cover is designed for bench seats and fits most trucks, even older models. The seat cover is made with cotton and silicone that keeps you comfortable while preserving your bench seat. There are a handful of color options, and the straps are adjustable. It also includes a pocket for storage behind the middle headrest.
What Sets It Apart
The Seat Covers Unlimited Universal Car Seat Cover is unique because of its design. Most seat cover manufacturers neglect bench seats because most modern vehicles don’t offer bench seat options. For people with bench seats, this makes shopping for seat covers a nightmare. Luckily, Seat Covers Unlimited has been producing high-quality bench seat covers for the past 35 years.
Things to Consider
Unfortunately, if you don’t have bench seats, this product is not a good choice. It only fits bench seats, which renders it useless for most modern trucks, SUVs, and sedans. If you need a traditional seat cover for your vehicle, the Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover is a great alternative. It slips over the headrest and fits most driver and passenger seats.
Who It’s For
If you have bench seats in your truck, the Seat Covers Unlimited Universal Car Seat Cover is one of your best options. With limited options for bench seats, finding a high-quality product is challenging. The good news is that Seat Covers Unlimited is one of the best in the industry when it comes to bench seats. Even if you have older trucks dating back to the 1960s, this seat cover has you covered.

Pros
Fits most bench seats, old or new
Made with comfortable cotton
Features non-slip padding

Cons
Only suitable for bench seats
Not water resistant

6. Best Chevy Seat Cover: Luckyman Club 2 Seat Covers

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the Luckyman Club 2 Seat Covers because you get two high-quality seat covers that fit most Chevrolet vehicles.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$$
Seats: Driver, Passenger
Material: Leather
Size: 26.5×22×4 inches
The Luckyman Club 2 Seat Covers are designed for passenger and driver bucket seats. The seat covers are made with 9-inch thick PVC leather that’s water-resistant and comfortable. These seat covers are also made with a universal design that fits popular vehicles like Chevrolet trucks, Ford trucks, and even smaller sedans. This product also comes with everything you need right out of the box, and the installation is straightforward.
What Sets It Apart
Luckyman Club 2 Seat Covers are unique because of the PVC leather. While traditional leather works well in cars, PVC leather is more durable. Keys won’t scratch it, water won’t tarnish it, and debris doesn’t accumulate on it.
Things to Consider
Luckyman Club 2 Seat Covers are well-rounded, but they’re expensive. While you get two premium seat covers, they’re triple the price of most products. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Realtree Camo Seat Cover is a great alternative. It’s more affordable and made with similar material
Who It’s For
If you need seat covers for multiple seats, Luckyman Club 2 Seat Covers are a great choice. While you’ll have to pay more than the industry average, these seat covers are worth the money. You can protect your driver and passenger seat, remain comfortable, and add style to your interior.

Pros
Durable PVC leather that’s nine inches thick
Waterproof
Scratch-resistant
Stylish design
Comes with two seat covers

Cons
Expensive
Only suitable for bucket seats

7. Best Camo Seat Cover: Realtree Camo Seat Cover

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Realtree Camo Seat Cover is one of our favorite choices because of the unique style and size options. The camouflage pattern is unique, and it fits most seat types, including bench seats.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Seats: Driver, Passenger
Material: Faux leather, polyester
Size: N/A
The Realtree Camo Seat Cover is made with durable polyester that’s comfortable and water-resistant. There are many different shapes, colors, and sizes to choose from. These options include eight different camouflage choices to fit your preferences, and the seat cover can be used on driver seats, bench seats, and rear seats. It also comes with foam padding that keeps it secured to your seat and gives you cutouts to access seat pockets and electronic controls.
What Sets It Apart
This product is unique because of its style and versatility. There aren’t many seat covers that you can use for every seat type, which gives the Realtree Camo Seat Cover a leg up over the competition. This seat cover can be used on bench seats, driver seats, rear seats, and passenger seats. Furthermore, the camouflage design gives your vehicle a unique look.
Things to Consider
The Realtree Camo Seat Cover is a great choice, but it’s not perfect. While the polyester material is durable, it’s less comfortable than cotton or leather seat covers. Plus, not everyone is into camouflage, especially if you have a luxury interior. If you’re looking for a simple seat cover that’s made without polyester or a camouflage design, the Auto 2 Leather Black Seat Cover is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
If you like camo patterns, the Realtree Camo Seat Cover is an excellent choice. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about making sure you have the right seats. The manufacturer offers this product for bucket seats, bench seats, and other standard seating configurations. Overall, it’s a one-size-fits-all product.

Pros
Can cover multiple seating options
Unique camo patterns
Water-resistant and scratch-resistant

Cons
Doesn’t always look good, especially in luxury trucks
Polyester is less comfortable than cotton or leather

8. Best Compact Truck Seat Cover: Black Panther PU Car Seat Cover

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the Black Panther PU Car Seat Cover because it’s easy to work with, comes with storage for small items, and looks luxurious.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Seats: Driver
Material: Faux leather, cotton
Size: 20.87×26 inches
The Black Panther PU Car Seat Cover is a simple product designed for driver seats in trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles. It’s made with faux leather and cotton, which keeps your driver’s seat safe and comfortable. Furthermore, there is a layer of sponge that makes the seat cover breathable, which prevents sweating over long periods. It also comes with adjustable straps, an anti-slip pad and looks luxurious.
What Sets It Apart
This seat cover is unique because of the built-in pocket. It’s located on the front of the Black Panther PU Car Seat Cover, and it can hold your phone, wallet, snacks, keys, and other small items. While other seat covers may feature pockets, most products don’t have deep pockets like the Black Panther PU Car Seat Cover.
Things to Consider
The Black Panther PU Car Seat Cover is a well-rounded product, but it’s not perfect. The primary issue is the lack of coverage. When using this product, it only covers the bottom portion of your seat. While this keeps the area you’re sitting on safe, it leaves the backrest exposed. If you’re looking for a seat cover that covers the backrest, the Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a simple seat cover for your driver’s seat, but with a hint of luxury, the Black Panther PU Car Seat Cover is a great choice. The embroidery gives it a touch of luxury, and the design fits 90% of vehicles, including heavy trucks. On the other hand, if you need a truck seat cover that covers the entire seat, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Pros
Luxurious embroidery
Features a pocket for storage
Multiple layers of fabric
Breathable

Cons
Only covers the bottom of the seat
Only suitable for the driver’s seat

9. Most Durable Seat Cover: Leather Associates Saddle Blanket

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the Leather Associates Saddle Blanket material. It’s one of the most durable truck seat covers around.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Seats: Bench seats
Material: Fabric
Size: 29.5+18.5×57 inches
The Leather Associates Saddle Blanket is a great seat cover for trucks with bench seats. It features a universal design that fits old and new trucks. The seat cover is made with a saddle blanket material that’s durable, comfortable, and easy to adjust. Furthermore, it comes with a pocket that can store small items like mobile phones or tools. There are also two color options to choose from.
What Sets It Apart
The Leather Associates Saddle Blanket is unique because of the saddle blanket material and texture. While it’s not water-resistant, it protects your truck seats from debris, scratches, and sun damage. Plus, the knit saddle fabric is more durable than other fabrics. For example, it’s stronger than polyester, silicone, and cotton.
Things to Consider
The Leather Associates Saddle Blanket is a great product, but only if you have a bench seat. While it has a universal design for bench seats, it’s not compatible with other seats. If you don’t have bench seats in your truck, we recommend an alternative like the Browning Universal Seat Cover. It’s made with durable material and fits more seating options.
Who It’s For
If you have a truck with bench seats, this product is one of your best options. While it works in modern trucks, we recommend this product for people with older vehicles. The saddleback material can preserve older seats, even dating back to the 1950s. Plus, if you have tears in your seats, you can use this product to cover them without needing to find a new bench seat.

Pros
First old and modern bench seats
Durable saddle back material
Comes with a pocket for storage
Easy to work with and adjust

Cons
Only suitable for bench seats
Not water resistant

10. Safest Seat Cover: Browning Universal Seat Cover

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Browning Universal Seat Cover is one of our favorite products because of the Safe Seam technology it features. The cover stitching separates in the event of an accident, which allows the airbag to protect you.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Seats: Driver, passenger
Material: Polyester
Size: 27×25×20 inches
The Browning Universal Seat Cover is well-made and keeps your truck seats safe. It’s made with 100% polyester that’s resistant to scratching, tears, water, and debris. The polyester is also comfortable, even without an extra layer of padding. This product also comes with a universal design that fits most modern vehicles. There are a handful of colors to choose from, and it looks great in most trucks.
What Sets It Apart
The Browning Universal Seat Cover is unique because of the Safety Seam technology the manufacturer uses. This technology allows the material to split when the airbag goes off, which keeps you safe in the event of an accident. Most truck seat covers hinder an airbag’s performance, but this product has no impact.
Things to Consider
The Browning Universal Seat Cover is safe and effective, but it’s not the most comfortable choice. While polyester is excellent for reducing damage to your seats, there isn’t much padding to keep you comfortable. It’s not uncomfortable, but other truck seat covers like the Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover are more comfortable.
Another issue with this seat cover is its compatibility. If you have seats with built-in headrests, this truck seat cover won’t work.
Who It’s For
If safety is your main concern, the Browning Universal Seat Cover is a great choice. It won’t impact the performance of your airbag and offers adequate protection for your seats. It’s not perfect, but you won’t have to worry about the seat cover, increasing your chances for injury in accidents.

Pros
Safety Seam technology allows the airbag to function freely
Durable and water-resistant polyester
Multiple color options
Universal fit

Cons
Polyester is less comfortable than leather and cotton
Only fits seats with removable headrests

Everything You Need to Know About Truck Seat Covers

Shopping for truck seat covers is about more than seeing the best products. When shopping for these covers, you have to consider your needs. While some products work for some, that same product might not be the best fit for you. We’re going to take you through some shopping tips to help you narrow down your options.
Getting to Know the Materials
When shopping for truck seat covers, you’re going to come across many materials and fabrics. While every fabric is useful, some work better than others in specific areas. For example, polyester is better at water resistance than a fabric like cotton.
Fabric
We’ll start with fabric seats, which are typically made of polyester but sometimes use Leather Associates Saddle Blanket other materials. Being the least expensive truck seat cover material, it’s a budget-friendly choice. Plus, it performs well and keeps your seats safe from debris and water.
Still, it’s not perfect. With polyester, you get what you pay for. Compared to other materials, it doesn’t look as good, last as long, or keep you comfortable.
Overall, polyester is a good choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly seat cover that protects your seats. If you’re not big on appearance or comfort, then polyester truck seat covers are your best friend.
One of the best fabric truck seat covers is the Browning Universal Seat Cover. It’s made with 100% polyester, looks good, and offers above-average protection for your seats.
Leather
Leather is one of the best materials for seat covers, but most products use synthetic or artificial leather. While it keeps your seats safe from debris or water, leather also enhances your interior. If you have cloth seats and prefer leather, a good leather truck seat cover will complement your interior taste. Still, with many different leather types, you have to consider which type is the right fit carefully.
Faux Leather
Faux leather is an artificial leather that looks and feels like the real thing. While it looks like genuine leather, it often performs better. Compared to authentic leather, it holds up better against sun and water damage. Faux leather is also more affordable than original leather.
If faux leather sounds like a good fit, the Auto 2 Leather Black Seat Cover is an excellent choice. You get two faux leather seat covers for the price of one.
While faux leather works well, there are also other synthetic leathers like PVC leather. PVC leather, or vinyl, is leather made with multiple layers. Typically, there is foam, skin, and a layer of refined plastic. When combined, these layers make the leather soft, durable, and comfortable. If you like the sound of PVC leather, the best choice is the Luckyman Club 2 Seat Covers. You get two high-quality truck seat covers for a fair price.
Neoprene
While leather and polyester are the most common materials you’ll find for truck seat covers, neoprene is a new concept. Neoprene is a waterproof fabric and temperature regulating. Typically found in swimsuits or wetsuits, neoprene has recently entered the market on seat covers.
These truck seat covers are perfect for keeping your seats safe from water, sweat, and odors. If you’re a gym-goer, you’ll love a neoprene truck seat cover. One of the only options is the Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover. While it’s one of the few options, it has a universal design that fits most cars and trucks, excluding bench seats.
Shopping Based on Your Seats
When considering truck seat covers, you have to be mindful of your vehicle’s seats. Most vehicles have driver, passenger, and rear seats, but some trucks have bench seats. Furthermore, most automobile seats fall into one of two categories: bucket seats or bench seats. To help you narrow down your search, we’re going to take you through the seating types and a few recommendations.
Bucket Seats
We’ll begin with bucket seats. Bucket seats are the most common seats found in modern vehicles. You can also find these seats in the front or back of trucks. With bucket seats, you have many options for truck seat covers.
You can start with a seat cover covering the bottom of the seat, like the Black Panther PU Car Seat Cover. This truck seat cover slips over the portion of the seat you sit on. Still, it’s limited because it doesn’t cover the backrest or headrest.
On the other hand, there are truck seat covers covering the whole seat, including the headrest. One great example is the Gorla Premium Universal Car Seat Cover. It’s made with durable and waterproof materials covering the backrest, headrest, and bottom of your seat.
Rear Seats
Rear seats are hard to shop for. Unfortunately, rear seats come in various configurations depending on your truck. For this reason, we recommend shopping for a set of truck seat covers that goes over the entire rear seat.
A great example is the Oasis Auto Leather Car Seat Cover. It covers the entire rear seat and can customize the set you get. For example, you can get a back seat cover along with a driver seat cover.
Bench Seats
Bench seats used to be popular in older trucks. Bench seats replace individual seats and fit up to three passengers. If you drive an older truck before the 1990s, there is a good chance it has bucket seats in the front or back. Furthermore, some modern trucks feature bench seats as well.
If you need a truck seat cover for bench seats, the Seat Covers Unlimited Universal Car Seat Cover is your best option. Seat Covers Unlimited has been making high-quality bench seat covers for over 35 years, so it’s safe to assume they know what they’re doing.
Truck Seat Cover FAQ

Can Bucket Seat Covers Work on Bench Seats?
Bench seats are difficult to cover because they’re connected and run the length of your truck. For this reason, you need to shop for truck seat covers that are designed for bench seats. While a bucket seat cover can cover a portion of bench seats, it’s not worth it and looks tacky.
Do Seat Covers Ruin Seats?
In most cases, seat covers won’t ruin your truck’s seats. Plus, most people invest in good seat covers to protect a vehicle’s seat. This is because seat covers protect seats from water, sun damage, debris, and scratches.
Is It Okay to Put Seat Covers on Heated Seats?
If you have heated seats in your vehicle, you might want to pump the brakes on seat covers. While the chances of seat covers ruining your seats are low, there is a chance that a fire will start. For this reason, we recommend avoiding truck seat covers if you have heated seats. Alternatively, take a look at our list of the best heated car seat covers available, which can be used to safely heat and protect your seats.
Final Words
Truck seat covers can change your driving experience. Not only will truck seat covers keep your seats preserved, but they will keep you comfortable during long drives. With these ten products and shopping tips, finding the best truck seat for your situation should be a breeze. Plus, with many options and materials you can experiment to discover which product works the best. They might not seem like much, but a few inches of padding is the difference between a rough ride that tears up your seats and well-preserved seats with premium comfort. More

If you have ever towed a trailer with a vehicle with inadequate mirrors, you know first hand the incredible frustration of not being able to adequately see your surroundings. Trailers can generate some massive blind spots, and you need as much information as possible to maneuver them into place.
The good news is that many aftermarket solutions can greatly improve your visibility and awareness. In this guide, we’ll look at how to find the best solution for your situation. We’ll start by explaining the different options, then get into our top 10 list. We’ll finish with tips and tricks to keep your time on the road a great one.

Quick Guide to Tow Mirrors
Mirrors are simple devices, but there are a lot of variations when it comes to their shape and how they are installed. If you are considering buying some tow mirrors for your vehicle, you will have to do a bit of research in order to make sure they will fit your vehicle and solve the issues you may be having.
Major Considerations of Tow Mirrors
Tow mirrors typically extend beyond your factory mirrors. This allows you to get a better view of what’s behind and to the sides of your vehicle. The thing that differs greatly between mirrors is how they allow you to achieve that better view. To choose the best method for your situation, you will need to consider the following.
How Often will You be Towing?
Some mirrors sold are direct replacements for your factory mirrors, while others simply clip onto your existing mirrors. If you don’t tow very often, a clip-on style mirror can be taken off when it’s not in use. However, if you tow trailers frequently, you might pay more for replacement mirrors with lots of features.
How Much Extra Sight do You Need?
Options range from small mirror additions that offer you a bit more viewing angle up to camera systems that give a near birds-eye view of your surroundings. If you only travel with a small trailer, it’s not worth it to get overly complicated mirrors.
What Vehicle will be doing The Towing?
The final thing you have to consider is the type of vehicle that will be doing the towing. Universal mirrors can often be used on any vehicle and can be transferred to different vehicles. Replacement mirrors, however, are vehicle specific. Like the very popular F-150 series of trucks, most common tow vehicles have multiple options when it comes to upgraded mirrors. Suppose you have an irregular tow vehicle, like a station wagon. In that case, you may have to settle for universal tow mirrors or cameras.
Main Types of Tow Mirror
Towing mirrors come in 3 main flavors.
Universal: Universal mirrors are easy to mount and can go on any vehicle
Clip-on or Molded: Clip-on mirrors slide over existing mirrors and provide a more factory look than universal mirrors.
Replacement: Replacement mirrors take the place of your existing mirror and will require tools to install.
Extra Features
Side mirrors can be very fancy. Suppose you are replacing a factory mirror with many features or adding some extra functionality. In that case, these are some to look out for.
Telescoping or extendable mirrors can be adjusted to maximize the viewing angle.
Folding mirrors can be stowed out of the way when not in use.
Powered mirrors can be adjusted with controls inside the cab
Turn Signals or other lights are standard features on many factory mirrors.
Dual mirrors have multiple mirrored surfaces, one convex for wide-angle viewing and one plane for normal views.
Heated mirrors have a defroster.
That’s about everything you need to know to dive into it. We just have one final thing to point out. Some mirrors come as a set, but some are only sold as a single mirror. People who tow infrequently may not need two mirrors, but it can be frustrating if you order towing mirrors expecting a set and only get one.

Top 10 Best Tow Mirrors 2021
1. Best Overall Tow Mirrors: Dometic DM-2912

View on Amazon
Why we like it: They are fully adjustable. Unlike many universal tow mirrors, the bar and clamp style mounting is truly universal. If you don’t tow frequently but want something that’s good quality and works great, these are your answer.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Universal clamp-on
Comes as a set
Telescoping
Adjustable
Ease of Installation
The DM-2912s are installed using clamps. The mirrors themselves are on long metal rods. You clamp the rod holders onto the mirror’s frame, then slide the mirror into the holder. Everything is tightened using thumbscrews, so you don’t need any extra tools.
It is a bit more difficult to install than a strap-mounted mirror, like the CIPA 11950, but it’s a lot easier to install and remove than a replacement mirror.
What really sets these mirrors apart is that they can be installed in a large variety of ways. You can mount them to the top, bottom, or side of your factory mirrors. You can even mount them to something that’s not a mirror, and that can be really handy if you have an offroad vehicle or something similar.
Best Suited For
The biggest advantage to the clamp-on style is that it is truly universal. That’s the reason we rate these mirrors so highly; they will fit your vehicle.
The issue with many strap-mounted mirrors is that they are limited by the factory mirror’s size. If a factory mirror is too big, most “universal” mirrors won’t fit. Replacement and molded mirrors will only fit a specific vehicle. If you have unusually shaped mirrors, or drive a vehicle that isn’t commonly used for towing, then your options are really limited.
That’s where these DM-2912s come. They will fit. They are also really well built, offer a lot of adjustabilities, and genuinely offer a lot of functionality that you can not get with most other universal mirrors. Anyone that tows somewhat frequently, but doesn’t want to replace their factory mirror, will find a lot of utility in these clamp-ons.
Our Thoughts
Even if these weren’t the most universal mirror out there, they’d still be a really good option for most people. They are a little small, but they extend further than most others, which can make up for that. They are a little expensive, but they will outlast most plastic mirrors. In short, if you don’t want to think too hard and just want a great way to add a bunch of visibility to your vehicle, buy these.

Pros
Very durable
Truly universals
Lots of mounting and adjustment options

Cons
Expensive
Could be bigger

2. Best Tow Mirrors For GM Trucks: SCITOO Replacement Mirrors

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The GM/Chevrolet trucks are well known for being some of the hardest working vehicles on the road and running forever. If you have an older Silverado or K1500 and don’t need extra frills, these mirrors are a great upgrade.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Replacement
Comes as a set
Telescoping
Folding
Convex and Plane
Ease of Installation
GM vehicles are well known for being easy to work on, and the simplicity of these mirrors makes them perhaps the easiest to install replacement mirrors on our list. There are no wires to plug in or splice, no extra modifications that have to be done, and almost all Silverados and GM trucks share parts. You don’t have to worry about the fitment.
The hardest part is popping off the interior trim without breaking the plastic retainers. GM products are notorious for having brittle plastic pieces holding everything together. If you are really concerned about it, you can help protect them by prying gently on the cover with a putty knife until you find the tabs. Press each tab in with a screwdriver as you work your way around the outside of the trim piece, and it should fall right out.
Best Suited For
There exist a large group of people who only own a truck to do work. They might have a car for getting around, but the truck is there to tow, get beat up, and make projects happen. For some, it’s a matter of livelihood. Buildings don’t get built by loading a single brick into a Prius per trip; they get built by people who own trucks that can haul. They don’t need to be pretty. They just need to work.
That’s what these mirrors are for. They are for everyone who owns a Chevy truck to do work and don’t need fancy extras like defrosters or power adjustments.
Our Thoughts
The SCITOO mirrors are inexpensive as far as replacement mirrors go, and they offer a big upgrade over the factory mirrors. Even if you aren’t towing, the extra visibility is really nice for driving offroad or backup up to a loading dock.
The only issue is that, despite their prevalence, not everyone owns a 99-07 Silverado. SCITOO does offer other mirrors, like these for older GM trucks, but it can be difficult to find their inexpensive, basic mirrors for most vehicles.

Pros
Inexpensive
Offers great visibility
Easy to install for replacement mirrors

Cons
Not available for all trucks
No extra features

3. Best Premium Towing Aid: Furrion Vision Camera System

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This wireless camera system includes 4 cameras and a monitor that can display all four at once. The only way you can get better visual coverage of your vehicle is to pay a helicopter to give you a play by play as you drive.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Wireless camera system
4 Cameras and 1 monitor
Split-screen monitor allows 4 views at once
Parking and trailer assist lines
Nightvision
Audio recording
Ease of Installation
Unlike everything else on our list, this camera system takes a fair bit of skill and time to install. The hardest part about installing a wireless camera system, especially one with multiple cameras, is running power to them. Each one will need 12v of power. That will usually mean fishing wires through the walls of travel trailers or installing conduit on utility trailers.
The good news is that since they are wireless, you don’t need to run an RCA cable from the cameras to the cab. Power can be tapped anywhere, and most trailers already have their own independent junction boxes that make adding accessories easy. It would be much harder to run a 100′ video cable from the back of a trailer, through the vehicle, and into the dash.
Best Suited For
Even the best mirrors still have visibility drawbacks. They can’t see through a trailer and can’t see around protrusions on the trailer or vehicle. Cameras don’t have any of those issues because you can mount them anywhere.
The most common places to mount a camera on a trailer are facing back and on the side facing down. Mounting a camera facing back can give you a “rearview mirror” for the trailer, a great feature. Mounting it to the side will provide you with a great view of the wheel when backing up or pulling into a tight space.
This system gives you even more options and is specially made for RV and Travel trailers. It doubles as a security system, and one of the included cameras has a housing that allows it to be easily mounted above a door. Installing this camera system will noticeably improve the quality of life for anyone who owns a large travel trailer.
Our Thoughts
We have two camera systems on our list. The much less expensive AMTIFO is here. It can’t see well at night, it only includes one camera, and the range isn’t very good. The Furrion, by contrast, can see excellently at night. The resolution is great, and the monitor can display all four cameras simultaneously. It’s expensive. However, if you are going to get a camera system that will protect your investment and improve your travel comfort significantly, it’s worth it.

Pros
Can display all 4 cameras at once
Great image quality
Doubles as a security system

Cons
Expensive
Can be hard to install

4. Best Budget Tow Mirror: CIPA 11950

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The best thing about the CIPA mirror is that it’s very inexpensive. It’s also easy to install, which is nice.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Universal
Straps hold mirror securely
Ease of Installation
All you have to do is clip it onto your mirror and tighten the straps. The only thing that prevents this mirror from being the easiest to install mirror on our list is that the straps are a bit fiddly. They are not ratcheting or anything; they work just like a cheap backpack strap.
Best Suited For
This mirror is the one you buy if your biggest concern is the price. If you only tow once a year, or just need a tow mirror for a single cross country move once, then this thing is fine. It will extend your view, it will keep you legal in places that require tow mirrors, and it is secure enough that you don’t have to worry about falling off.
Our Thoughts
There are two mirrors on our list that are very, very similar: the Fit Systems 3891 and this CIPA 11950. It’s difficult not to compare the two. The CIPA is definitely cheaper. It feels cheaper, the straps are smaller, and there is less adjustability. If you tow every so often and need something that can be easily taken on and off, the Fit Systems mirror is better. It’s a better quality mirror that is easier to work with.
That being said, it’s three times the cost, and there’s no reason to get something that’s high-quality if you are only going to use it once or twice total. We just wish it was easier to get two in a set. That’s only because it would make it more convenient; it’s still cheaper to buy two of these than it is to buy one of the competition.

Pros
Very inexpensive
Will keep you legal
Easy to install

Cons
Not sold in pairs
Probably won’t last very long

5. Best Tow Mirror for Easy Installation: Fit Systems 3891

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Fit Systems 3891 simply sinches onto your existing mirror using small ratchet straps. It’s incredibly easy to install.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Universal
Ratchet straps hold mirror securely
Ease of Installation
The Fit Systems mirror here is the easiest universal mirror to install and remove on our list. You just slide it over your existing mirror and cinch it down. As long as your mirror isn’t too tall, it will fit, and unlike the CIPA mirror, the straps are incredibly easy to work with.
Best Suited For
Of the three universal mirrors we have on our list, this one is the best value. It’s much less expensive than the Dometic clamp-on mirrors but offers a similar high-quality fit and finish. It is quite a bit more than the CIPA mirror, but is easier to work with and has a bigger, more adjustable surface.
That makes it perfect for anyone who tows a small camp trailer every so often or needs to transport a trailer load of rocks once or twice. It’s a tool you can keep under your back seat or in the top of the box at home and simply install it when you need it, then take it off when you don’t.
Our Thoughts
In our review of the CIPA mirror, we said that this mirror, the Fit Systems 3891, is a better quality mirror and that for many people, it’s worth paying more. That’s the simple takeaway of it all.
We do wish, as we did with the CIPA mirror, that it came as a pair. However, the problem is more forgivable with the Fit Systems mirror since many people who infrequently tow only need a single mirror to feel more confident towing. These ones are expensive enough that it can be hard to justify buying two just for a marginal gain.

Pros
Good quality
Bigger than competitors
Very easy to install

Cons
Not sold in pairs
Might not fit tall mirrors

6. Best Tow Mirrors for 2015+ F-150s: JZSUPER Towing Mirrors

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Ford F-150 is the best selling truck ever produced, so chances are you at least know someone that owns one. These replacement mirrors will give your 2015+ F-150 a huge upgrade in visibility.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Replacement
Comes as a set
Heated
Turn Signal
Power Control
Telescoping
Folding
Convex and Plane
Ease of Installation
The hardest part about installing replacement mirrors on newer F-150s is getting the door trim off of the inside. The correct tool to use is a trim remover like these ones, but a flat blade screwdriver wrapped in tape works just fine. Once you get that trim piece off, these are actually some of the easier mirrors to replace. The factory mirrors are held on by two 10mm nuts. Remove them, slide the mirror out, and slide the new one in.
Best Suited For
Unlike some other vehicles, the factory mirrors on the newer F-150s are actually pretty good. They have blind spot eliminators and are big enough to see around small trailers.
However, if you tow a lot or tow larger travel trailers, you might find the small blindspot mirrors lacking. These bigger replacement mirrors are perfect for taking up that slack, and they can be extended for an even larger field of view.
Our Thoughts
The tow ratings on the newer F-150s surpass the Super Duties’ limits from even a decade ago. There’s no reason they can’t tow bigger trailers, and these upgraded tow mirrors are perfect for that. They even come in three different finishes so you can match your existing trim. Unlike a lot of replacement mirrors, you won’t be sacrificing the factory look.
The downside is that they are expensive. It can be difficult to justify buying these replacement mirrors if you aren’t having an issue with the factory mirrors. The F-150 is the best selling vehicle in America, though, and the plethora of high-quality upgrade parts like these mirrors can help personalize your truck to your situation. There’s nothing wrong with wanting something to be better just because it can be better.

Pros
Factory finish
Telescoping design allows better viewing angles
Large convex mirror for a better view

Cons
Expensive
Can be difficult to install

7. Best Tow Mirror Alternative: AMTIFO A7 Camera

View on Amazon
Why we like it: A wireless camera system is a fantastic way to get a complete view of your surroundings. AMTIFO’s wireless camera system is a great value and includes everything you need in one set.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Wireless camera system
Split-screen support
Limited night vision capabilities
Ease of Installation
The good news about the AMTIFO wireless camera system is that there are no video wires to run. That’s often the hardest part about installing in-vehicle cameras. The bad news is that you’ll still need to get power to the camera, and you’ll need to figure out how to mount it safely.
It’s not a difficult thing to do if you are handy or comfortable with the wiring. Most trailers have 12 volts at their disposal for the lights. All you need to do is find an easy way to tap into that, and you’ll be good to go.
Best Suited For
Even with big tow mirrors, there can be many areas around the trailer that you cannot see. Sticking a camera on the trailer facing out can eliminate those issues and add a lot of confidence to your driving.
The biggest difference between this AMTIFO system and the Furion system we recommend is the price. The AMTIFO is very reasonably priced. It’s not as high-quality as the Furion, but you won’t find much to complain about if you are on a budget.
Our Thoughts
Before we get into our thoughts, the linked product is for one camera and one monitor. There is a two-camera system by AMTIFO here if you are willing to spend a few extra dollars. Having two cameras will allow you to see both sides or one side and out the back. Otherwise, you can add cameras at any time.
The only thing we really have to say about these cameras is that you should keep in mind that they are budget cameras. They don’t do well in low light, and the range is limited to 50ft. If you are bumper pulling a 30ft travel trailer, you may not be able to mount the camera on the back because it’ll be too far away.

Pros
Can offer better visibility than mirrors can
Inexpensive
Versatile

Cons
Can be difficult to install
Video quality could be better

8. Best Tow Mirrors For ¾ Ton and Up Fords: YITAMOTOR Towing Mirrors

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The factory mirrors on the larger ford trucks in the early 2000s were a little bit lacking. These YITAMOTOR mirrors look very similar to modern Super Duty mirrors and replace the older style mirrors.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Replacement
Comes as a set
Heated
Turn Signal
Power Control
Telescoping
Folding
Convex and Plane
Ease of Installation
These are full replacement mirrors with an electrical hookup. Unfortunately, that means they are not easy or quick to install. Especially if you have an Excursion. They include the correct wiring adapter for the large SUV, but you may have to use a knife to trim the plastic down so it seals correctly.
Best Suited For
If you have an F-250, 350, 450, etc., you probably own it to do work with. That work can be towing a boat to the coast or towing a dump trailer full of gravel. Either way, you are going to want as much visibility as possible. The factory mirrors, though, leave something to be desired.
These YITAMOTOR mirrors are a great upgrade. Especially if you don’t have Ford’s factory tow mirrors. Even if you do have the Ford factory tow mirrors, they don’t telescope, and they don’t have the extra adjustability that the YITAMOTOR mirrors have. If you have a bigger F-series or an Excursion and tow with it, these mirrors are worth buying and installing.
Our Thoughts
YITAMOTOR makes tow mirrors for just about any common tow vehicle. In the recommended section of the product page, you can probably find your truck if you don’t own a Ford. We simply choose to showcase these Super Duty mirrors because of how much of an upgrade they are over the factory mirrors.
They are a little expensive, and if you don’t really care about the turn signal or defroster, you can pick up a set without those features for a bit cheaper. Also, be aware that you might have to do some extra wiring if your truck didn’t have powered mirrors, to begin with. It’s not an impossible task, but you will probably need to buy extra parts to complete the conversion.

Pros
Big upgrade over stock mirrors
Offer a lot of features
Include wiring adapters to make installation easier

Cons
Expensive
Might require modification to fit some vehicles

9. Best Tow Mirror For 2013+ Dodge Trucks: Fit System 80710

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Ram series trucks can be found anywhere that people have to get work done, and these simple to install tow mirrors can be thrown on in a moment’s notice.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Molded clip-on style
Comes as a set
Ease of Installation
These clip-on mirrors are the easiest to install mirrors on our list. There isn’t even a thumbscrew to turn; you just snap the new mirror onto your old one like putting a lid on a piece of Tupperware.
Best Suited For
These mirrors are perfect for people who own a Dodge Ram and use it to tow every so often. The thing that really sets them apart is that they are very, very easy, and fast to install and remove. People with work trucks will definitely appreciate that since chances are you are towing every so often, but not all the time. When the boss calls you up and tells you to go grab a mixer from the rental yard, you can just snap these mirrors on, and you are good to go.
Our Thoughts
One of the really nice things about these snap-on mirrors is that they don’t look like an afterthought. Call us vain, but we like our trucks to look good all the time, not just when they aren’t in use.
The downside is that they only look factory on Dodge Ram trucks. If you don’t own one of those trucks, these won’t fit. Something truly universal like the Dometic set we love so much is a better buy.
They are also really basic, even compared to some higher-end clip-on mirrors. That’s not wholly a bad thing. The simplicity means that there’s nothing to break, and most people don’t really need those extra features when they just want to tow a trailer from time to time.

Pros
Very easy to install
Looks factory
Durable

Cons
Only fits Ram trucks
No extra features

10. Best Simple Mirror Attachment: Fit System C0400 Stick-On

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These little blind spot mirrors actually work great as tiny trailer mirrors, and they are really cheap.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Peel and stick
Comes as a set
Ease of Installation
These little mirrors could not be easier to install. You just peel the film off the back, then stick them firmly to your existing side mirrors. Typically they go in the upper corner. They will somewhat obstruct your view, but you should be able to anticipate when objects will be blocked from view because of the extra information they offer.
Best Suited For
Stick on mirrors like this are meant for eliminating blind spots and extending your peripheral view. That can often be enough of a change to make you feel secure pulling a trailer. If you primarily tow a small trailer on highways, they work just fine.
Our Thoughts
The downside to a smaller mirror, especially a shaped mirror like these, is that the image you see will be very distorted. You will need to use other visual cues to fully interpret what you see, and that can take some getting used to.
The small size and high distortion level mean they are not a replacement for a good set of towing mirrors. These kinds of mirrors are very cheap, though, and they can be a great confidence booster for someone who doesn’t tow trailers very often.

Pros
Cheap
Easy to install
Good for small trailers

Cons
High level of distortion
Very small

Tips, Tricks, and More Information
In this section, we’ll look at some of the things you can do to make your life easier while towing. To start off with, though, let’s look at the benefits of having tow mirrors at your disposal.
Why You Should use Tow Mirrors
There are three main reasons to use tow mirrors when towing.
Safety
When you tow a trailer, you have to plan movements on the road much further in advance. In order to do that, you need as much information as possible. Standard mirrors, when adequately adjusted and paired with a rearview mirror mounted to a windshield, have very few blindspots. When you add a trailer into the mix, though, you greatly increase the amount of space you need to be able to see and standard mirrors can quickly become inadequate.
Tow mirrors, especially ones designed to extend beyond standard mirrors, can eliminate those blind spots that are created when towing. You will be able to see vehicles coming from further away and have more time to react. Those few extra seconds can be the difference between a safe journey to the lake and a major traffic collision.
Convenience
Maneuvering a trailer adds a new layer of complexity to everyday driving. The steering wheel inputs can seem backward if you are new to towing, and pulling into a tight space can turn into a nightmare as the trailer cuts in sharper than your vehicle.
Having tow mirrors will allow you to see more of the trailer and better place it in your field of view. You can watch the tire instead of guessing, and you’ll be better able to predict the path of the trailer.
This is especially useful when backing up. Your vehicle’s factory mirrors may not be able to see far enough to the sides of the trailer to help you avoid obstacles that might be behind the trailer itself. Tow mirrors that extend beyond the factory mirrors will help you see the rear corners of the trailer and avoid running into objects.
Legality
It’s simply the law that you have to have tow mirrors if you are towing in some states. You can check your specific state here.
Some of the laws deal directly with the distance you can see out of the mirror. This can mean that your factory mirrors may be sufficient. Many modern trucks come with mirrors that can provide 200ft of view, which means upgraded mirrors are not necessary. However, most laws are enforced based on the discretion of the officer. Without having tow mirrors, it can be difficult for officers to tell that you are complying with the law.
Properly Adjusting Your Mirrors

To adjust standard mirrors, you want to sit in a neutral position and be able to just barely see the rear corners of your vehicle. That will give you the maximum amount of visual coverage. You can click here for a good graphic showing what that means.
Towing a trailer adds a new layer of complexity to the equation. First, you will need to see the rear corner of two objects: your vehicle and the trailer. Second, adjust your mirrors to keep the trailer wheels visible, an essential step in maneuvering a trailer. You will create large blind spots to your left and right.
Tow mirrors solve that problem in two ways.
They stick out further. That means when angled so that the rear of the trailer is just visible, they cover more area, including traditional blind spots.
They are either added in addition to your factory mirrors or include multiple surfaces. That way, one set can be adjusted for your vehicle, and one set for keeping track of the trailer.
Maintaining Your Mirrors
There are some simple things you can do to keep your mirrors looking great for years to come.
Use microfiber rags to wipe dust off and avoid scratching the surface.
Check the installation at every stop. Straps and clamps can come loose from road vibrations.
Store the mirrors in a safe place when not in use. Simply tossing them in the bed with the rest of your tools will probably result in a pile of broken glass.
Retract or remove tow mirrors when driving without a trailer. The extra width makes them very susceptible to damage from other motorists.
Fold mirrors in when parked. It is difficult to keep mirrors from behind hit by careless drivers even when they don’t extend an extra 7” into the road.
Tow With Confidence
Towing a trailer can be stressful during the best of times. If you can’t see your surroundings in addition to feeling that stress, you will be in for a bad time. Eliminate the risk by installing tow mirrors. It only takes seconds, and everyone else on the road will be really thankful for it. More

If you love the feeling of hard-hitting bass when listening to music in your vehicle, you will want to install an aftermarket subwoofer. When shopping for subs for your car, one of the most important things to consider is where it will be installed. For many people, the amount of space that is taken up is going to be a concern. Whether you are trying to optimize your trunk space or want to install them under your seat, shallow mount subwoofers are a great solution.
Shallow mount subs most commonly come as 8’’, 10’’, or 12’’ designs, and can range from about 2.5’’ to a little over 6’’ in depth, which gives you lots of choice and various different options for installation. As such, it’s worth taking some time to learn how to choose the right subwoofer for your particular situation.

Key Things to Know When Shopping for Shallow Mount Subwoofers
Subwoofers are a major component in any car audio system. Learning as much as you can about how they work will help you to choose the right model. When reading about a particular subwoofer model, you will often see a variety of different types of information, and reading through the key factors here will give you a good understanding of how to interpret that information.
Subwoofer Depth
When looking for shallow mount subwoofers, the depth of the sub is obviously going to be a key factor in your decision making. All the subs in our top 10 shallow mount subwoofers list qualify as shallow mount. While there is no specific depth that is universally required in order to be considered shallow mount, a good rule of thumb is anything under about 6’’.
The thinner a subwoofer is, the easier it will be to fit in tight places. Keep in mind, however, that the amount of sound produced, and the quality of that sound, is impacted by the amount of movement the cone in the subwoofer has. This is why it is important to be able to balance the depth of a sub with the quality of sound it can produce.
Power Capacity
All manufacturers test their subwoofers to determine how much power they can safely handle. The more power that a sub can handle, the louder the sound they can produce.
When looking at the power capacity of any subwoofer, you will want to find two different numbers and understand their meanings:
RMS Watts – RMS stands for root mean squared and is used to refer to the amount of power a subwoofer can handle on a continuous basis without distorting the sound.
Max Watts – Max watts is simply the maximum amount of power that a subwoofer can handle, which allows it to produce the hard-hitting spikes of bass that people love.
To learn more about power capacity and when amplifiers are required to supply that power, read the selecting an amplifier section in our complete buyer’s guide below.
Enclosures
Most subwoofers will need to be installed in an enclosure of some type in order to provide protection and produce the best sound possible. When dealing with shallow mount subwoofers, you need to choose an enclosure that is thin enough to fit where you want it installed, but still thick enough to allow for proper installation of the sub and sufficient heat disbursement.
You can either purchase pre-made enclosures for subwoofers or have them custom built based on your specific installation. You can learn more about enclosures in the subwoofer enclosures section near the bottom of this guide.
Putting in the effort to learn as much as you can about subwoofers and how they are installed in your vehicle will help ensure you pick the right ones for your needs. Take some time to read through the top ten shallow mount subwoofers below so you can decide which one will look and sound perfect in your vehicle.

Top 10 Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers 2021
1. Best Overall Subwoofer: Kicker CompRT 10’’ Subwoofer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Hard-hitting bass and waterproof design make this an ideal subwoofer for any type of vehicle.
Editor’s Rating:

Power Handling: 400-Watts RMS, 800-Watts Max
Kicker brand subwoofers are best known for hard-hitting bass, and this model is certainly no exception. They were designed to produce that chest rumbling bass you love despite having such a shallow mount design. The cone is injection molded polypropylene, which allows it to create the deep bass without as much movement as you would find in traditionally designed subs.
This sub also has a rubber surround on the cone, which not only gives it additional durability but also makes it waterproof. If you ever want to open up your trunk and blast the music outside, you don’t need to worry about a little rain or other exposure.
As a 10’’ sub with a shallow mount, you can get this installed just about anywhere in your vehicle without any trouble. The only downside that we found with this model is the clarity of the sound isn’t quite as good as you will find on certain other models. If you are someone who is primarily focused on bass, however, this won’t likely be a major concern.

Pros
Rubber Surround for Waterproof Usage
Durable Voice Coils for Long Lasting Quality
Hard-Hitting Bass

Cons
Quality of Sound is Not as Good as Some Other Subwoofers

2. Best Sound Clarity: Rockford Fosgate R2 Ultra Shallow

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This sub was deigned to truly complement an overall sound system, not overwhelm it with bass.
Editor’s Rating:

Power Handling: 200-Watts RMS, 400-Watts Max
If you love listening to music and you want bass that will complement any genre and not just drown out all the other audio, this is a great option for you. This 10-inch sub from Rockford Fosgate boasts sound clarity levels of just 30Hz, which is very impressive. This means you will get crisp bass that you can really feel, while also producing an overall audio quality that will bring added depth to any music. Whether you love rap, classical music, or anything in between, this sub is a great option for your system.
Some people will be put off by the fact that this sub only has a 200-watt RMS and 400-watt max power output, but that is one of the things that allows for greater clarity. If you just want window shattering bass, you will be better off going with a high-powered model like the Pioneer TS Shallow Mount Subwoofer, which boasts 1200-Watt max power levels.
As with all subwoofers from Rockford Fosgate, you will also love the durable construction, including the MICA injected polypropylene cone and anodized aluminum voice coil.

Pros
Sound Clarity at 30Hz
Very Affordable
Durable Construction

Cons
Only 200 Watts RMS

3. Best Budget Subwoofer: Kicker 43C104 Comp 10’’ Subwoofer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This is a very affordable subwoofer that does not have huge power requirements making it a great option for upgrading your vehicle’s sound system.
Editor’s Rating:

Power Handling: 150-Watt RMS, 300-Watt Max
If you are looking to upgrade the bass quality in your vehicle, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on the system, this is an excellent option to consider. Kicker is a very popular brand name for car audio, and they are known for creating good quality subs that sound great.
This model does not require much power compared to many others on the list, which means you do not need to invest heavily in an amplifier. You also will not need to install any extra batteries or other equipment along with the sub and amp. This makes it a perfect option for anyone who wants great sounding bass without breaking their budget.
Of course, since it is an entry-level sub, you will not get the same sound levels or quality as some of the other options on this list. For the vast majority of people, however, this will still be a huge upgrade compared to a stock system and will provide a great overall listening experience. If you are looking for a premium option, however, you will want to check out the JL Audio shallow mount subwoofer.

Pros
Very Affordable
Only Requires a Basic Amplifier
Produces Great Bass for the Power and Price

Cons
Sound Quality is Lacking Compared to High-End Models

4. Best Premium Subwoofer: JL Audio Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: With a mounting depth of just 2.5 inches, you can install this subwoofer just about anywhere in your vehicle.
Editor’s Rating:

Power Handling: 300-Watt RMS, 600-Watt Max
For those who want to mount their subwoofer under the seat in their vehicle, or behind the seat in a small truck, there is no better option than this sub from JL Audio. The mounting depth is just 2.5 inches, and only requires a few more inches of air space to sound perfect. While you can place these in a box for added protection and ease of mounting, they can also operate fine free-standing, which means you can just bolt them to the floor of the vehicle or behind your seat.
Despite their shallow depth, these speakers sound absolutely amazing. Whether you are looking for powerful, heart-pounding bass or a clean low end for general music, you will find it in these subs.
While there is absolutely a lot to love about these subwoofers, you will be paying for the quality. JL Audio subwoofer models are known to be some of the best on the market, but also some of the most expensive, and these are no exception. If you want to go with this option, make sure you have a large budget to purchase these subs and the amp needed to power them.

Pros
2.5’’ Mounting Depth
Shockingly Strong Bass
Can be Used Without an Enclosure

5. Most Durable Subwoofer: Kenwood Excelon 12’’ Car Subwoofer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This sub is made with exceptionally durable materials, making it a long-lasting option that can handle plenty of power.
Editor’s Rating:

Power Handling: 350-Watt RMS, 1400-Watt Max
When it comes to pure volume, the more power a sub can handle, the louder things are able to be. With a max power capacity of 1400-watts, you will be able to get extremely loud bass hits out of these subs. Keep in mind that the RMS power is only 350-watts, meaning the continuous volume or clarity won’t be quite as high. You also have to be careful not to overpower these subs due to the large difference between RMS and max power capacity.
These subs are made with a carbon-glass fiber composite cone, which is very durable and long-lasting. It also has a cast aluminum basket for further strength and weight. While these subs are definitely in the shallow mount category, they are 5.2’’ in depth, which is more than many other options on this list, so make sure they will fit where you need them.

Pros
Can Handle Up to 1400-Watts of Power
Able to Produce Very Loud Bass Hits
Durable Construction for Long-Lasting Quality

Cons
Audio Quality Not as Good as Other Subs
Only 350-Watts RMS

6. Most Powerful Subwoofer: Alpine 12’’ Shallow Mount Subwoofer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This subwoofer can handle a peak of 1800-watts, which is the highest on our list, making it perfect for those who want extremely loud bass.
Editor’s Rating:

Power Handling: 600-Watt RMS, 1800-Watt Max
This 12’’ subwoofer from Alpine has an impressive power handling capacity of 1800-watts. The RMS limit is 600-watts, which is a third of the max power capacity, rather than half, like most subs are able to handle. 600-watts RMS is still higher than many other subs on the market today and will be able to provide you with a good consistent sound. When the real hard bass hits, however, you will definitely appreciate the massive max-power capacity.
There is really no doubt that this subwoofer is made for people who love listening to rap and other bass-heavy music. It will produce the window-rattling deep sound that you desire.
While power planning for your vehicle is always important when adding in subwoofers and amps, it is absolutely critical when dealing with an 1800-watt system like this (especially if you will be installing two of them). You will definitely need to install a separate car battery into your vehicle to power your audio system properly and avoid damaging either your audio components or the battery itself. Another concern with high-powered subs is heat disbursement, but that is handled well with the aluminum frame and radial finned heat sink.

Pros
1800-Watts Max Power
Able to Produce Extremely Loud Bass
Efficient Heat Disbursement

Cons
Will Require Proper Power Planning
RMS is 1/3 of Max Power

7. Best Subwoofer Set: Skar Audio VD-12 Max Power Subwoofers

View on Amazon
Why we like it: These subwoofers are sold as a pair and are still very affordable, making them a great option for setting up a dual-sub system.
Editor’s Rating:

Power Handling: 500-Watt RMS, 800-Watt Max
The Skar Audio subs are sold as a set, which is convenient for those who want to set up their car audio system with two subwoofers. The price for both of these quality subs is quite attractive compared to buying other brands separately.
We love the fact that the RMS power level is 500-watts, and the max power level is 800-watts. Having these two numbers closer together means the subs can handle a greater amount of consistent power along with the occasional spikes.
The cone is made of pressed paper, which is not as durable as other materials that are typically used in subs, so make sure they are mounted in an area where they will be protected. Using this cheaper material does allow them to keep the price down, and with proper care, will not hurt the longevity of the sub. Fortunately, proper mounting into an enclosure is easy, thanks to the convenient pre-drilled holes around the outside of these subs.

Pros
Affordable Price
High RMS to Max Watts Ratio
Easy Design for Mounting

Cons
Pressed Paper Cones

8. Best Looking Subwoofer: JL Audio 10TW3 Thin-Line Car Subwoofer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The aesthetics of these subs are outstanding. If you want your car audio system to look as good as it sounds, these subs are a great option.
Editor’s Rating:

Power Handling: 200-Watt RMS, 400-Watt Max
How good something looks is always going to be subjective, but it is hard to debate the fact that these subs are very pleasing to the eye. When you get them hooked up and can see the cone movement, you will definitely recognize that this is what subwoofers should look like.
Of course, the most important thing about any subwoofer is going to be how good it sounds, and you will not be disappointed in this area either. The bass from this sub is strong and crisp. You can really feel it in your chest every time your music hits that low rumbling bass, and you will absolutely love it. These are not the loudest subs around, but for a real audiophile, the higher quality will more than make up for it.
As with just about all subs from JL Audio, you are going to be paying a premium for the quality, so keep that in mind.

Pros
Extremely Attractive Subs
Produces Deep Strong Bass
Premium Materials and Construction

Cons
Expensive
Lower Power Levels than Many Other Subs

9. Hardest Hitting Bass: Rockford Fosgate P3SD4 Punch Shallow Subwoofer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Premium materials were used to make this high-quality subwoofer.
Editor’s Rating:

Power Handling: 400-Watt RMS, 800-Watt Max
This is another great subwoofer from the iconic Rockford Fosgate brand. Their punch series is appropriately named, given the amount of bass that you can get out of these impressive subs. The 800-watt max power for these subs can easily rival the volume and sharpness of the bass that you would find with higher powered options.
The powerful bass is largely made possible by the fact that the materials used in these subs are top-notch. It has an anodized aluminum cone and dust cap. They also designed a custom spider venting option that helps to keep the speaker cooler, even with extensive use. All of this is backed up by a full 1-year warranty.
While the bass is loud and can hit very hard, there are some issues with the overall range of the sound it puts out. This will not be a problem for those who are going strictly for volume, but if you listen to a variety of different types of music, it may become apparent. Another concern is that these subs are quite expensive. For this amount of money, there are some better options available, unless you are looking strictly for subs from Rockford Fosgate (which nobody would blame you for).

Pros
Made with All Premium Materials
Produces Hard-Hitting Bass
Full 1-Year Warranty

Cons
Better Cost vs. Quality Options
Some Complaints on Bass Range

10. Most Powerful Bass: Pioneer TS 1200 Watt Shallow-Mount Subwoofer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This subwoofer is able to handle 1200-watts of peak power, which allows for extremely hard-hitting bass.
Editor’s Rating:

Power Handling: 300-Watt RMS, 1200-Watt Max
When most people are looking to purchase subwoofers, the feature they want most is powerful bass, and that is just what you will get with this model from Pioneer. With a max power output of 1200-watts, you will be able to really rattle the windows in any vehicle every time that bass hits. Even with this great max power that produces the deep bass, you will still get excellent sound clarity.
While most subwoofers have the RMS output power right at half of what the max power is, that is not the case with this one. The RMS power limit is 300-watts, which is just 25% of its max. This means that it can’t sustain the extremely loud and powerful bass constantly. For most people, this is not going to be a problem because it is the crisp, hard-hitting bass that they are looking for, and this sub will not disappoint there. If you are not sure about your power needs, however, make sure to learn more about this important aspect of subwoofers in our full buyer’s guide below.
One other point to keep in mind is that this subwoofer is a single voice coil design, so you generally want to install just one.

Pros
Max Power Capacity of 1200-Watts
Surprisingly Good Sound Clarity
Produces Powerful Bass

Cons
300-Watt RMS is Lower than Expected
Single Voice Coil

Buyer’s Guide for Shallow Mount Subwoofers

Installing new subwoofers is a significant investment for your vehicle, so you want to make sure you get it right. By the time you purchase the subwoofers, amplifier, and other components you need, you will be spending anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. With this in mind, it makes sense to do the necessary research to ensure you get the perfect setup the first time.
In order to avoid mistakes, read through this guide—we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing, powering, and installing your shallow mount subwoofers.
Size of Subwoofer
Subwoofers come in a variety of different sizes, typically ranging from 8’’ up to 15’’. The most common options for car audio are 10’’ and 12’’. This size is measured from one edge of the cone to the other, going directly over the center of it. The larger the sub, the more sound it can produce.
When it comes to subwoofer size, one of the most common questions is whether it is better to go with two 10’’ subs or one 15’’ sub (or some other combination). There is no right or wrong answer here, but in general, you will be able to get better overall sound quality and volume from two smaller subs than one larger one, when they have similar power ratings. This is because they can be positioned in the vehicle to create better audio coverage.
Of course, multiple subwoofers will also add an extra layer of installation complexity, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
Subwoofer Enclosures
Most subwoofers need to be placed into an enclosure to keep them safe while also optimizing the sound that is produced. Most enclosures are box-shaped, which take up quite a bit of room. If you are investing in a shallow mount subwoofer, make sure you choose a shallow enclosure as well. When shopping for an enclosure, you will see three main designs:
Sealed Enclosures – This is a box that the subwoofer is secured in, facing outward, with the wiring run inside the box to keep it safe.
Ported Enclosures – Ported enclosures have openings that allow the sound to escape easily, which allows you to better direct where the sound goes.
Reflex Enclosures – Reflex enclosures completely encase the subwoofer and direct all the sound out through an opening. This option is also known as a bandpass box.
Some subwoofers are designed so that they can be used without an enclosure. This is especially common if you are installing a sub into a custom location in your vehicle, such as in the door, into one of the seats, or even under a seat. When this is the case, you simply secure the sub into the location either by bolting it to a secure object in your vehicle or securing it in place using straps as part of the custom install.
Where to Install Your Subwoofers
If you are interested in purchasing shallow mount subwoofers, the chances are that you are working with limited amounts of space, or you want to try to keep the subs hidden from sight. Where your subs are installed will impact how they sound, how easy they are to hook up, and how safe they are, so make sure you put plenty of thought into this decision. In most cases, there will be three options available.
Trunk or Hatch
Installing subwoofers in the trunk or hatch of a vehicle is by far the most common option. There is typically plenty of space in this area, and since people do not ride in the trunk, you won’t have to worry about them getting kicked or damaged. To get the best sound from subs in this location, you will want to install them right up against the back wall of the vehicle. They can be either facing the front of the vehicle or facing up, depending on the design of the enclosure and the vehicle.
Behind the Seat
If you drive a sportscar or small truck with no back seat, installing subwoofers directly behind the two front seats can be a great option. This will keep the subs right in the cabin with you, so you get the best sound quality and volume possible. Of course, with this option you will be taking up most of the available space for storage or passengers, so there is that limitation. Since shallow mount subs take up much less room than the standard design, however, this may work for you.
Under the Seat
Shallow mount subwoofers can often slide directly under the two front seats. This will really let you feel it when the bass hits, and it also helps to keep the subs from being seen by potential thieves. Another advantage of installing them under the seat is that they are not taking up any of the room normally used for storage or other passengers. When going this route, you want to make sure that the subwoofer (or the enclosure) does not come into contact with any moving parts from the seat. The last thing you want to do is scrape up your new subs when you slide your seat forward or back.
Selecting the Right Amplifier
Subwoofers require a lot of electricity in order to produce the amazing sound that you love. The stock wiring and electrical system in your vehicle will not be able to safely provide an even flow of electricity to your subwoofers. In order to power your subs, you will need to purchase and install one or more amplifiers. When shopping for an amp for your car audio system, make sure to consider the following factors.
Electrical Capacity
The most important thing to look for when choosing an amp is its electrical power capacity. This will tell you how many watts of power it is able to deliver per channel. You want to select an amp that is able to produce anywhere from 100 to 150% of the RMS level of the subwoofers you selected.
It is important to be aware that when subwoofers are underpowered, it can actually damage them. For this reason, you never want to buy an amp that is not able to produce at least enough power to match the sub’s RMS rating. It can also be hazardous to your subs to use an amp that is dramatically overpowered, but that will not be a concern until you reach about 200+% of the RMS levels.
Heat Dispersion
Amplifiers can get extremely hot when being used, especially if you are listening to music for an extended period of time. When selecting a location to install your amp, make sure you choose somewhere that can be well-ventilated so that the heat can be dispersed safely. You will also want to avoid having any fabric or other heat-sensitive items near the amp, or it could cause damage or even a fire.
Source of Power
Your vehicle was designed to be able to support the electrical needs of all the stock systems, including the sound system. When you add in subwoofers that take hundreds, if not thousands, of watts of power, it can cause a strain on your vehicle’s electronics.
For subs that require less than 600-watts of power, it is safe to simply draw the electricity from your vehicle’s battery. If your system needs more than 600-watts of power, however, you should install a separate battery that is used exclusively for your sound system. For higher-end systems, you may also need to upgrade your alternator to meet the power requirements.
Make sure you note that these power requirements are for the total system, not each subwoofer. So, if you install two subs that each have a power requirement of-400 watts, you will definitely want to add a separate battery.
Powerful Bass in Any Vehicle
No matter what type of vehicle you drive, shallow mount subwoofers will allow you to enjoy the hard-hitting bass that you love. Once you choose the right subs, enclosure, and amplifier for your system and get them all installed, you will be able to enjoy listening to your favorite bass-heavy songs for years to come.
Now that you know everything needed to find the right shallow mount subwoofers for your vehicle, go back and review our top shallow mount subwoofers list to find the ones that are right for your situation.
Of course, even with the best subwoofers installed, you won’t get the best audio experience if you still have a lousy stereo. If you’re also considering an aftermarket stereo as part of your upgrades, check out our guide to the best car stereos. More

Fifth wheelers are the ultimate way to experience the RV lifestyle or haul light to medium commercial loads. Boasting an abundance of space, these easy-to-maneuver trailers have got what it takes to bring the luxuries of home with you on the road.
If you’ve recently purchased a sweet new 5th wheeler or pickup truck, you’ll need to find yourself a suitable 5th wheel hitch to hook up your rig. And with so many options and confusing specifications to get a handle on, that’s no easy task.
But don’t stress, because we’ve put together an extensive 5th Wheeler Hitch Buyer’s Guide complete with the necessary details to make an informed decision. And we’ve also handpicked the Top 8 Fifth Wheel Hitches on the market to help you find the perfect product for your needs.

Features To Consider With 5th Wheel Hitches
Before you purchase a 5th wheel hitch, it’s essential to review the key features. Without a sound understanding of the primary considerations, you could inadvertently buy one that’s not appropriate for your trailer or truck. Keep the following factors in mind while perusing our top recommendations
Sliding Compatibility: Fixed hitches remain firmly in place while towing. They’re simple, cheap, and durable but limit your turning circle, thus causing the trailer to hit the tailgate of a smaller truck. Small truck owners need a hitch that’s compatible with a sliding mount.
Towing Capacity: A 5th wheel hitch has a limited towing capacity, which refers to the amount of weight you can Ensure you get one that meets or exceeds your trailer’s weight and all the content within.
Pivoting Heads: These reside where the trailer goes into the hitch to connect with your truck. Two-way pivoting heads move on one axis and afford less control while making sharp turns. The pricier four-way pivoting heads move on two axes for extra stability.
Mounting System: Most hitches are mounted on a rail kit, either sold separately or included in the deal. Other options include under-the-bed or above-the-bed mounting systems that attach directly via a bracket.
Jaws: Fifth wheel hitches use jaws to latch onto the trailer and reduce noise and movement while towing. Single-jaws tend to rattle on lighter RVs but are suitable for hauling heavy loads over 25,000 pounds. Double-jaw hitches can reduce noise on lightweight trailers.

Top 8 Best 5th Wheel Hitches 2021
1. Best 5th Wheel Hitch Overall: CURT 16120 A16 5th Wheel Hitch

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This rigid mid-range hitch from CURT will withstand the rigors of the road.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Slide Compatible: Yes
Towing Capacity: 16,000 pounds
Pivoting Heads: Four-way cast yoke
Mounting System: OEM Puck or permanent rails
Jaws: Dual interlocking
The A-Series from CURT is the manufacturer’s premium range, and this A16 model is well worth the hefty price tag. Spending a bit extra on a high-end product such as this gives you easier coupling, a quieter ride, and a safer and more durable hitch overall—a smart investment for frequent tows.
CURT’s A-Series signature ergonomic handle and extra-wide head make coupling this beast a breeze, especially as the handle will self-reset back to the ready position after you’ve uncoupled. Novice and veteran users alike love the coupling indicator displaying the current status: coupled, uncoupled, and ready to tow.
A step up from cheaper 5th wheel hitches, the pivot heads here are made of cast yoke and feature high-end poly-torsion inserts. Consequently, you can expect a softer ride and minimal noise.
It’s rated for a GTW up to 16,000 pounds. Unlike the budget-minded CURT 16115 E16, we’re confident it could haul that much with ease. Standard legs come as part of the package, but you’ll need to purchase base rails or brackets yourself.
Overall, it’s a well-made hitch that’s easy to install, especially if you’ve already got the base rails in place. You might find cheaper out there, but the A16 is hard to beat.

Pros
Easy coupling with extra-wide head
Automatic handle reset after decoupling
Simple coupling indicator
High-quality pivot heads for a soft and quiet ride
Easy to install

Cons
Not the cheapest

2. Best Budget 5th Wheel Hitch: CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch

View on Amazon
Why we like it: It tows up to 16,000 pounds and offers a remarkably smooth ride for a rock bottom price.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Sliding Compatible: Yes
Towing Capacity: 16,000 pounds
Pivoting Heads: Four-way
Mounting System: OEM pucks / rails / gooseneck adapter
Jaws: Dual locking bar
The CURT E16 is the 5th wheel hitch of choice when you want a reliable trailer connection at a super low price. Coming in at a fraction of the cost of the competition, this budget-orientated option is a godsend for cash-strapped RVers.
A four-way pivoting head provides 10 degrees of lateral movement for a smooth ride, while an anti-rattle skid pad helps dampen noise and vibration. It’s easy to pop on, too, thanks to the automatic coupler feature.
As you’d expect for such a low price, the CURT E16 doesn’t include base rails and brackets—but don’t worry, there should be plenty of room left in the budget to purchase these separately. It’s compatible with fixed and sliding systems using either OEM pucks or rail mounts, so it’ll work with most truck types.
Despite their excellent reputation, some of the claims CURT make here should be taken with a grain of salt. Towing a 16,000-pound trailer with this hitch could be risky, and the pivot degree is probably more like 7 (rather than the stated 10).

Pros
Ultra affordable hitch
Four-way pivot head for a smooth ride
Anti-rattle skid pad for less noise
Automatic coupler for easy attachment

Cons
Doesn’t include base rails
Some claims are dubious

3. Best Premium 5th Wheel Hitch: B&W Companion RVK3500

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This heavy-duty, all-American 5th wheel hitch is the best money can buy.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Sliding Compatible: No
Towing Capacity: 20,000 pounds
Pivoting Heads: Four-way fully articulating
Mounting System: Turnover ball
Jaws: Dual 1-inch wrap-around jaws
Although you might break the bank upon buying this bad boy, the ensuing economic hardship will be worth it for the high-end hitch. Well-heeled RVers and commercial users alike agree the investment is solid for its smooth ride and ease of use.
The unit comes with a fully articulating four-way pivot for back to front and side-to-side absorption, while its industry-leading polyurethane bushings eliminate rattle and noise. Made right here in the USA, it’s a heavy-duty device that stands the test of time.
Note that it’s a turnover ball model, so you’ll need an appropriate under-bed mounting system. One big advantage of this layout is you can tow a 5th wheel or a gooseneck trailer without switching the hitch.
The downside to its ultra-durable design is weight—you’ll need a helping hand to slide it off your truck unless you’ve got Popeye-sized arms. At least the cam action latching handle makes it easy to remove, and you’ll enjoy a nice flat truck bed surface once it’s gone.

Pros
Smoothest hitch on the market
Remarkably quiet and rattle-free
Durable, heavy-duty design
Tow a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer
Flat surface on the truck bed after removal

Cons
Very expensive
Extremely heavy

4. Best Value for Money 5th Wheel Hitch: Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch offers oodles of high-end features for a very reasonable rate.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Sliding Compatible: Yes
Towing Capacity: 15,000 pounds
Pivoting Heads: Four-way
Mounting System: Rails
Jaws: Single jaw
This mid-range option from Reese gets good grades from us not because it’s an exceptional product but because it represents outstanding value for money.
With high-end features like a four-way pivoting head, skid plate pivots, and a heavy-duty jaw handle with a padlock tab for added security, the unit is hard to beat at this price point. A set of wide stance one-piece legs add extra stability to sweeten the deal.
We’re rather fond of its versatility, too, as it’s compatible with a slider system and the #30035 base rail kit. The hitch is easy to install and can be entirely removed to restore versatility to the truck bed, while a vertical adjustment from 13” to 17” fits most trucks and trailer combos.
One thing we’re not in love with is the meager 5-degree pivot on the skid plate. If you’re going to try and hook this up on an uneven surface, you’ll find the process a chore.

Pros
Excellent value for money
Wide stance legs add stability
Lockable through the jaw handle
Fits most trailers and trucks
Truck bed can be used after hitch removed

Cons
Hard to couple on uneven surfaces

5. Best High Capacity 5th Wheel Hitch: CURT 16245 Q24

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This high-performance monster from CURT is capable of towing a whopping 24,000 pounds
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Sliding Compatible: No
Towing Capacity: 24,000 pounds
Pivoting Heads: Spherical axial bearing
Mounting System: Base rails
Jaws: Dual-locking jaws
If you’re in the market for a rigid and reliable hitch that’s capable of hauling an enormous 5th wheeler, then look no further than the Q24 from CURT. With a maximum towing capacity of 24,000 pounds, it’s your go-to option for oversized campers or beefy commercial trailers.
One of this model’s standout features is the patented spherical axial bearing, which provides a smoother ride than even the most advanced four-way pivot heads. Uncoupling is easy via a short-throw handle, and a handy 3-position indicator lets you see the coupling status at a glance.
It does okay in the versatility stakes, as it’s compatible with all industry-standard 5th wheel rails. Don’t try and hitch this one up to a turret-style pin box, though, as it would buckle under the load. That means you won’t be able to use it with the CURT sidewinder (sliding) mount—but you really shouldn’t try and haul 24,000 pounds on a small truck anyway.
You get a pair of standard fifth legs in the box but expect to purchase the rails separately.
Packaging issues are known to occur with this unit, but it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you shouldn’t have to worry about missing out (if you’ve got plenty of time and patience, that is).

Pros
High towing capacity
Spherical axial bearing for a smooth ride
Easy coupling and handy coupling indicator
Industry-standard legs included

Cons
No sliding mount compatibility
Packages may arrive with damage

6. Best Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch: Reese Towpower 30051 w/Kwik-Slide

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This nifty 5th wheel hitch comes with a ‘kwik-slide’ mount to suit smaller trucks.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Sliding Compatibility: Sliding mount included
Towing Capacity: 16,000 pounds
Pivoting Heads: Four-way
Mounting System: Square tube slider
Jaws: Dual-jaw locking system
If you plan to tow a 5th wheel trailer on a small pickup truck (6 to 8 ‘bed), you’re going to need a sliding mount to stop it banging into the side on tight turns. And while many of our top picks are compatible with sliding mounts, the kwik-slide system from Reese is the cream of the crop for its impressive functionality.
The Towpower 30051 comes with the kwik-slide included as part of the deal, making it an outstanding option for small truck owners. The sliding mechanism moves 10 inches to achieve an optimal turning circle, letting you navigate windy roads with greater confidence than ever before.
You’ll also get a four-way pivot for smooth towing, a sturdy dual-jaw lock for added durability, and a set of wide-stance legs for extra stability. We love how easy it is to couple on uneven ground, all thanks to its 6 side-to-side pivot system.
The installation is a bit of a pain, as many sliders are. You’ll need to grease up certain parts of the hitch yourself, some of which are challenging to reach.

Pros
Comes with a kwik-slide mounting system
Great for smaller pickup trucks
Optimal turning circle
Four-way pivot for smooth towing
Easy to couple on uneven ground

Cons
A chore to install

7. Best Single Point Attachment 5th Wheel Hitch: PullRite 2600 Superlite

View on Amazon
Why we like it: It’s cleaner and quieter than other single point attachment hitches out there.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Sliding Compatible: No
Towing Capacity: 20,000 pounds
Mounting System: Detachable base rails
Compatibility: Popular OE 2-5/16” gooseneck ball brands
Single point attachment is a unique style of 5th wheel hitch designed to hook up quickly and obtain an ultra-tight connection for a smoother ride. The big drawback is they tend to warp over time because the hitch rocks back and forth as you start and stop.
The PullRite 2600 Superlite overcomes this common conundrum through its high-grade steel frame and a generous undercoating of a specially formulated bed lining material. The innovative design works wonders on the road; it can tow up to 20,000 pounds without suffering excessive wear and tear.
Another neat advantage is 5th wheel and gooseneck owners can swap trailers around without changing the hitch, which is a significant time-saver. You also get the option of positioning it in front or behind the gooseneck ball, thus affording the user greater control.
While we don’t recommend other single point attachments, this American-made product gets our tick of approval for its impressive durability. It’s far from bulletproof, but it’s a viable alternative to your standard 5th wheel hitch connection.

Pros
Tight connection for a soft ride
More durable than others of its type
Can swap between 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers
Can position in front or behind gooseneck ball

Cons
Still somewhat prone to wear and tear

8. Best 5th Wheel Hitch for Ford Pucks: B&W RVK3300 Companion for Ford Puck

View on Amazon
Why we like it: It’s a reliable and durable hitch that fits the Ford puck system like a glove.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Sliding Compatible: No
Towing Capacity: 20,000 pounds
Pivoting Heads: Four-way
Mounting System: Ford OEM pucks
Jaws: Single jaw
If you’ve got a Ford truck with a four-puck mounting system on the bed, then take a close look at this ultra-handy hitch from B&W.
The RVK3300 Companion is designed explicitly with Fords in mind; it slides effortlessly into the pucks in seconds flat. Removing the hitch is just as easy thanks to its basic two-piece design and cam-actuated latching mechanism. And once removed, you’ll have the whole truck bed free to do with as you please.
Easy installation aside, it’s a wonderful hitch to have on your truck. Polyurethane bushings ensure utmost quiet on the road, while three vertical adjustments let you fine-tune coupling positions. A four-way fully articulating pivot head system and the inch-thick cast-locking jaw work in harmony to enhance the smoothness of the ride.
We’d probably rate this among the best hitches on the market if it weren’t for one obvious caveat: it’s only suitable for Fords. If you’ve got a compatible Ford truck, take a look. If not, keep on scrolling.

Pros
Super easy to install and remove
Frees up the truck bed when removed
Smooth and quiet ride
Can fine-tune coupling positions
Suitable for coupling on rough terrain

Cons
Only compatible with specific Ford trucks

Fifth Wheel Hitches Buyer’s Guide
Fifth wheel hitches aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal; there’s a whole bunch of things you need to know about the technology before investing in one of your own. And that’s why we’ve compiled this in-depth buyer’s guide—to give you the necessary expertise to make an informed decision.
Gooseneck vs. Bumper Pull vs. 5th Wheel Hitches: Which Option is Right for You?
Although most RVers opt for the 5th wheel hitch, you’ll sometimes see campers towing on a gooseneck hitch or a bumper pull hitch as well. Here we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each.
Fifth Wheel Hitches

A 5th wheel hitch connects the truck bed to the kingpin of a 5th wheel trailer, allowing for efficient and hassle-free towing. Metal jaws lock the trailer kingpin in place, while a pivoting head—with either two or four axes—on the truck bed lets the driver tow more smoothly. Fifth wheel hitches are standard for RV use and have a weight capacity between 16,000 and 30,000 pounds
On the downside, this system is often more expensive to install and requires a truck with sufficient space in the back for the hitch.
Pros:
Easy to tow
Safest at high speeds
Cons:
Requires truck
Uses lots of space on the bed
Expensive to buy/install
Best for:
RV and light commercial use
Gooseneck Hitches

Gooseneck hitches connect a gooseneck trailer with a truck bed through a hitch ball. The system allows for heavier loads over 30,000 pounds, making it ideal for agricultural or commercial use. Hitch balls are less invasive (they take up less space) than 5th wheeler hitches.
However, gooseneck hitches make for a bumpier and louder ride, something the avid RVer knows to avoid.
The main reason some RVers stick with a gooseneck hitch is they already have a gooseneck trailer.
Pros:
Allows for heavy loads
Requires less space in the truck bed
Cons:
Bumpier ride
Moderate stability at high speed
Requires truck
Best for:
Heavy commercial use
Large trailers
Bumper Pull Hitches

Bumper pull hitches attach to a hitch ball on the vehicle’s back bumper, hence the name. As most large vehicles already have a hitch ball in place, there’s no need to install a new one. What’s more, if you already own an SUV but not a pickup truck, you can tow with your existing ride—bumper pull towing doesn’t require a truck.
The disadvantages are that bumper pull towing comes with a lower weight capacity (often under 10,000 pounds) and is more prone to trailer sway at high speeds (correct weight distribution is crucial). Most RVers who tow on a bumper pull hitch have already got an SUV and don’t want to invest in a new pickup truck.
Pros:
Most vehicles already have a ball hitch on the bumper
Doesn’t require a truck for towing
Cons:
Low weight capacity
Tendency to sway at high speeds
Best for:
Towing without a truck
Light RV and commercial use
What You Need to Know When Buying a 5th Wheel Hitch
Now you’ve confirmed whether the 5th wheel hitch is the best option for you, let’s delve deep into the primary considerations.
Fixed and Sliding Hitches
Fifth wheel hitches are either fixed in place or include a sliding mechanism that allows them to move while in motion.
Fixed 5th Wheel Hitches
These 5th wheel hitch types are firmly mounted in place so the hitch can’t move while in motion, resulting in an inferior turning circle. The mechanism has fewer moving parts; thus, it’s cheaper to purchase and less susceptible to wear and tear. On smaller truck beds (less than 8 feet or so), a fixed hitch could cause the trailer to whack into the cab on tight turns.
Pros:
Cheap to purchase
Durable
Cons:
Harder to maneuver
Not suitable for small trucks
Sliding 5th Wheel Hitches
Sliding 5th wheel hitches are specially designed for short bed trucks as the trailer won’t clip the cab on tight turns. As these hitches are more complex, you’ll pay a bit more upfront and may have to fork out for extra maintenance. The driver can position the kingpin on the slide bars without remounting the hitch, which adds extra convenience.
Pros:
Suitable for smaller trucks
Can move kingpin without remounting hitch
Easier to maneuver
Cons:
More expensive
May require maintenance
Our favorite 5th wheel hitch that includes a sliding mount is the Reese Towpower 30051 w/Kwik-Slide.
Towing Capacity
Towing can be deadly if you don’t know what you’re doing, and one of the critical factors to consider is towing capacity. Do the math carefully and double-check everything before investing in a hitch (or a vehicle or trailer, for that matter).
Failure to comply with the following ratings could lead to hefty fines or worse—an accident causing injury or death.
Vehicle Rated Towing Capacity
This refers to the maximum weight your towing vehicle can legally (and safely) tow. While some websites offer online calculators, it’s best to source this information straight from your owner’s manual or the car manufacturer’s website as well.
If your vehicle rated towing capacity doesn’t exceed your Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)—when it’s fully loaded with furniture, food, water, and fuel—you’ll need to invest in a bigger truck or smaller trailer. Upgrading your hitch won’t help.
Hitch Rated Towing Capacity
The hitch rated towing capacity refers to how much weight the hitch can support. This figure must be higher than your Gross Trailer Weight and preferably lower than your vehicle rated towing capacity.
Buying a hitch with a towing capacity exceeding that of your vehicle would be a waste of money because the heavy-duty hitches cost substantially more. Worse yet, you could confuse the two ratings and accidentally tow more than you should, thus exposing yourself and others to harm.
Our top 5th wheel hitch with a massive towing capacity is the CURT 16245 Q24.
Pivoting Heads
If you’re looking to save, you might be tempted to opt for a cheaper two-way pivot on your hitch. This budget orientated design allows the trailer to pivot forward and back. As a result, it reduces stress on the kingpin when you drive up and down hills, but it doesn’t offer much protection on uneven roads.
Although they’re more expensive, four-way pivots—AKA floating hitches—are by far the superior option. These allow the trailer to move left, right, forward, and back, ideal for bumpy roads and uneven gradients. The extra comfort and stability make them worthwhile for all but the most cash-strapped RVers.
Other hitch pivot features include self-aligning heads for easy height adjustments, cast yoke casings for enhanced durability, and higher pivot degrees for easier coupling on gradients.
The CURT 16120 A16 5th Wheel Hitch has the best pivoting head system on the market.
Mounting System
How you’ll mount your hitch to your truck bed is another critical factor to consider. Some hitches come with a mounting system included in the deal, while others require a separate purchase. If you’re buying a brand new truck, ask the dealer about factory-installed towing prep packages—it might be cheaper and easier than DIY.
Note that the mounting system is largely the preference of the user. Most 5th hitches are compatible with multiple mounting systems. Read the product descriptions carefully and confirm with the seller if you’re uncertain.
Pro Tip: if you’re planning to switch between a gooseneck and fifth trailer on the same truck, look for a mounting system that’s compatible with both hitch types.
Mounting Rails
Most 5th wheel hitches are mounted to a truck through a set of rails bolted onto the bed. This ubiquitous mounting system creates a steadfast frame the hitch can easily and securely latch onto. Mounting rails are somewhat universal; almost every mounting rail kit will be compatible with nearly every hitch. Always double-check if you need to purchase a rail kit (with the relevant bolts, brackets, and other odds and ends) instead of the rails by themselves.
If possible, opt for a custom rail kit specially designed for your specific truck. These make use of existing holes in the bed to negate the need for drilling new ones, thus saving you money and preserving the aesthetics of your ride.
If no custom rail kit exists for your truck, you’ll need to grab a universal one instead. These work on pretty much any kind of truck bed but will require you to drill in holes.
Over-The-Bed Brackets
If you’re installing a universal rail kit sold with your hitch, it’s worth considering quick install brackets. This simple option can cut installation time down to about an hour and is available for a wide range of trucks.
The system works by using brackets to connect the hitch into existing holes underneath the frame. You then drill holes through the truck bed to align with the bracket, thus creating a connection plate to bolt the rails in.
Under-The-Bed-Brackets
Another option is under-the-bed brackets; it’s especially enticing should you wish to preserve the utility of your truck bed. Even though other mounting types let you remove the hitch from the bed, the elevated mounting rails will remain, making it challenging to load and unload cargo.
A frame-mounted in an under-the-bed system, on the other hand, doesn’t leave any railings on top—the untrained eye won’t even notice you’ve had a 5th wheel hitch installed at all. The installation process is more time-consuming and complex, but it’s worth it if you’re desperate to preserve the flatness of your truck bed.
Puck Mounting Systems
Puck mounting systems have the mounting posts installed into the hard points (pucks) of the truck bed. Several factory standard holes protrude through the bed of specific trucks, in which you can insert the mounting posts of a compatible hitch. That way, the truck bed remains almost entirely flat and can still be used as normal.
Puck systems vary between manufacturers, with OEM, OE, and Ford being common styles.
Jaws
Hitch jaws are designed to hitch onto the kingpin of the trailer to stabilize the weight and minimize noise while in motion.
Single-Jaw Mechanisms
The one-piece locking jaw mechanism serves as a wedge and reduces slack in the connection as it closes. You’ll get optimal jaw to kingpin contact and a softer, smoother ride with a heavier load.
These are mostly used for massive farming and commercial vehicles with a weight of 25,000 pounds or more.
Dual-Jaw Mechanism
In a dual jaw coupler, the connection wraps around the kingpin and locks securely into place.
Dual jaw mechanisms are suitable for RV use and are commonly found with towing rate capacities under 20,000 pounds.
The Benefits of RVing in a 5th Wheel Trailer

There’s a good reason almost every trailer you see in the RV park is a 5th wheeler—several reasons, mind you. Here are some of its big benefits compared to other trailer types and the ever-present Class A RV.
A Smoother Ride
Fifth wheel hitches facilitate easy turning; you can drive as you usually would and trust the trailer to follow suit. Bumper pull towing is challenging to master, especially on tight windy roads and through packed RV parks.
A Better Safety Record
Fifth wheel hitches are safer and sturdier as you put the pedal to the medal. Because the hitch point is up high, you’ll experience less trailer sway, a common cause of towing accidents. Fifth wheeler hitches also provide a superior weight distribution through a more secure anchor point.
Less Gasoline
Fifth wheel trailers use less gasoline than a Class A RV of a similar size. Your miles per gallon will be much higher than it would without the trailer, but you’ll still be using way less than you would in a massive motorhome.
Cheaper to Buy
If you’ve already got a tough pickup truck with a high towing capacity—as many outdoorsy folks do—then you needn’t buy an expensive motorhome. Just grab a 5th wheel trailer to whack on the end and enjoy low-cost camping for years to come.
Stacks of Space
Fifth wheelers offer enough room for entire families to travel in comfort or for solo campers and couples to stretch out in style. Ranging from 20 to 40 feet in length, you can’t beat the space a 5th  wheeler affords.
Freedom to Explore
With a 5th wheel trailer, you can dump your mobile home at the RV park and jet off in your pickup truck to explore. It’s like a two-in-one combo deal, a sizeable portable house to live in and an agile vehicle for day trips. Big motorhomes don’t offer the same flexibility as you’re confined to the one oversized vehicle all the time—good luck finding a beachfront park for that 40-foot Class A of yours!
Fifth Wheel Hitches FAQ
Still got questions about 5th wheel hitches? Check out the following FAQ.
Who Makes the Best Fifth Wheel Slider Hitch?
Although there’s plenty of competition on the market, we rate CURT as the top manufacturer. Specifically, the  16120 A16 5th Wheel Hitch is our favorite overall for its durability, smoothness, and quietness.
Which is Better, Gooseneck or Fifth Wheel Hitch?
It depends on what you’re planning to do. Fifth wheel hitches make for a smoother and more comfortable ride; thus, they’re the preferred option for most RVers. Gooseneck hitches take up less space and offer a higher towing capacity, making them a hit among commercial users.
What is the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch for a Short Bed Truck?
It’s a tough call, but we rate the Reese Towpower 30051 w/Kwik-Slide as the top 5th wheel hitch for short truck beds. The sturdy hitch is specially designed for beds under 8 feet, providing optimal comfort and safety on the road at a reasonable price.
Do You Need a Dually To Pull a 5th Wheel?
You don’t necessarily need one, but they do have their advantages. Dual wheel trucks provide better stability, safety, and comfort while hauling a large load, plus they tend to entail a higher weight capacity. On the downside, a dually is harder to park, consumes more fuel, and requires more tire maintenance.
Do You Need a Slider Hitch for a 6.5 FT Bed?
Yes, you do. While a fixed position hitch is ideal for trucks over 8 feet, it will cause the trailer to clip your cab when making a tight turn on a short truck. Opt for a sliding hitch on trucks between 6 and 8 feet.
Best Fifth Wheel Hitches: Final Thoughts
Now you’re an expert on the 5th wheel hitch, it’s time to seek out the perfect product for you. Remember to factor in our Primary Considerations as well as the size and weight dimensions of your trailer and truck.
Once you’ve worked out what you want, take the time to peruse our Top Recommendations to find a 5th wheel hitch that works for you.
Whether you’ll be cruising with a roomy decked out camper or hauling a profitable payload in your commercial truck, the right 5th wheel hitch will make your towing life more of a pleasure than a chore. More