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Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an off-road junkie, having a good winch is essential for getting unstuck. But what good is a high-quality winch without a decent rope?
The last thing you want is for your winch rope to snap on you. It’ll leave you in a sticky situation or with mud on your face, sometimes quite literally. Having a durable and dependable winch rope is crucial, and these days everybody chooses synthetic winch ropes due to their many advantages.
In this article, we’ll be looking at everything you need to know about synthetic winch ropes, such as the key things to look out for, how to choose a winch rope to match your needs, and our reviews of the nine best synthetic ropes available today.

Major Factors to Consider in a Synthetic Winch Rope
While there are many additional factors to consider in a synthetic winch rope, four major things stand out. These critical factors will determine whether the winch rope is suitable for your specific use case and requirements. Below are the four major factors to
consider in a synthetic winch rope, but first, let’s take a look at what exactly a synthetic winch rope is.
What Is Synthetic Winch Rope?
Synthetic winch ropes first appeared in the 1990s as an alternative to traditional steel cables. While steel cables are both strong and reliable, they have several drawbacks, which we’ll look at in more detail in our full comparison of synthetic vs. steel section.
As the name suggests, synthetic winch ropes are made from synthetic fibers, typically a multi-braided high molecular polyethylene. This material makes them strong, durable, and light, which is why they’ve become a popular choice for using with winches.
Strength
The tensile strength, also known as the breaking strength, is the number one factor to consider as it’ll determine how much weight you can move. The breaking strength is the maximum capacity at which the rope will break, so it must be higher than the load you’re moving to avoid it snapping.
Make sure there’s some wiggle room when it comes to the strength of the rope. Don’t assume a 6,000-pound rope will move 6,000 pounds without snapping; choose a 6,500+ pound rope to be on the safe side. Always go slightly higher than the load you’re moving.
Thickness
The rope’s thickness (or diameter) ties in with its breaking strength, as a thicker rope is typically stronger than a thinner one. However, that’s not always the case, as seen with this
6,000-pound, 3/16-inch rope. Another thing to think about when it comes to thickness is that a thicker rope will take up more space on a winch drum, especially if it’s long.
Length
Synthetic winch ropes come in various lengths, ranging from 50 feet to 100 feet. The right length for you will depend on your typical winching distance. Make sure you have enough rope for the job, plus a little extra for room to work. Shorter ropes tend to have a lower breaking strength than longer ones, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re working with heavy vehicles.
Durability
If you’re going to use your winch frequently, you’ll need a durable winch rope. How durable a winch rope is can be boiled down to what protective features it has—for example, UV protection and abrasion resistance.
Price also plays a role here as the more expensive synthetic winch ropes tend to be of better quality and more durable. If you’re only moving a light weight, and doing so infrequently, then a cheaper, less durable option like the Ucreative Synthetic Winch Rope will do the trick.
While these factors in mind, here are the best synthetic winch ropes available today.

Top 9 Best Synthetic Winch Ropes 2021
1. Best Overall Synthetic Winch Rope: YaeKoo Synthetic Winch Rope Kit

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Why we like it: This YaeKoo synthetic winch rope kit is not only super strong, but it also has great aesthetics. It comes with both a hook and a fairlead, so you can be up and running in no time.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Length: 92 ft
Thickness: 1/2-inch
Strength: 22,000 lbs
This synthetic winch rope from YaeKoo is our best overall pick for several reasons. It comes as a full kit, including an aluminum hawse fairlead and a hook, so you can get it installed and ready to use quickly. You will need to provide your own 10-inch bolts, though, as for some reason this kit doesn’t come with them.
It has a sleek red and black design that’s made from high-quality materials. If red isn’t your color, then there is an option to choose a black fairlead. However, the rope doesn’t come in different colors, so black is the only option. If you’re not keen on black, you may want to look at this X-BULL Dyneema Rope as it comes in multiple colors.
The rope itself is very well made with impressive breaking strength and an excellent length. It’s one of the thicker ropes on our list, but that’s why it’s so strong. Due to its thickness, the rope won’t kink or split easily, and the nylon sheath protects the fibers from abrasion on sharp surfaces, such as rocks. There’s also a 3-meter long red protective sleeve at the other end to protect against excessive drum heat.
Overall, this is an excellent choice to suit most vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs. It is on the more expensive side, so if you’re after a more budget-friendly option with a similar breaking strength, check out this offering from Off Road Boar.

Pros
Includes high-quality hook and aluminum hawse fairlead
Long rope with excellent strength
Sleek and stylish design
Highly durable due to protective sleeves
Fits most vehicles and winches

Cons
Doesn’t come with fairlead bolts

2. Best Premium Synthetic Winch Rope: Offroading Gear Synthetic Winch Rope Kit

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Why we like it: This synthetic winch rope kit has a premium feel and includes a heavy-duty hook and rubber stopper as standard.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Length: 95 ft
Thickness: 3/8-inch
Strength: 18,500 lbs
While this winch rope kit from Offroading Gear is the most expensive on our list, it is undoubtedly the most premium option. Everything about it screams high quality, from the rope itself to the small bag and box it comes in. We felt that was a nice touch, as many other ropes just come in a plain plastic bag.
The kit includes a heavy-duty galvanized snap hook and a rubber stopper, but no fairlead. That shouldn’t be an issue as it universally fits most winches, including ARB, Power Winch, and SmittyBilt, on all types of vehicles. It’s easy enough to install as it has a steel terminal end for bolting to the winch drum. If you don’t need that to install it, then it can be removed without any issues.
The rope itself is made from light and super tough UHMWPE, making it a good choice for heavy winching. This material is also easy to handle without hurting yourself, unlike some materials out there.
There is an option to choose a different length and thickness of the rope, but that will affect the breaking strength. The downside we see with this rope is that it comes in a gray color, which isn’t going to be very visible in the dark or when it’s covered in dirt.

Pros
Made from light and robust UHMWPE
Premium quality look and feel
Includes galvanized snap hook and stopper
Steel terminal end makes it easy to install
Universal fit for all types of vehicles and winches

Cons
Gray color isn’t highly visible in the dark

3. Best Budget Synthetic Winch Rope: Ucreative Synthetic Winch Rope

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Why we like it: This product from Ucreative is cheap and it gets the job done. It’s an excellent option for those who need a good quality winch rope on a tight budget.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Length: 50 ft
Thickness: 1/4-inch
Strength: 7,700 lbs
This is the cheapest synthetic winch rope on our list, but that doesn’t mean it’s the weakest. Despite being cheap, it’s made from a heavy-duty synthetic fiber that has adequate UV protection and chemical resistance, in addition to providing minimal stretch and non-rotation. It’s also very light, which helps it float on water with no issue. It’s easy to handle and can be spliced as it’s hollow inside.
You have a choice of three colors: blue, gray, and yellow. We like blue as it stands out and is easy to see in low light conditions. The 0.8-inch solid metal loop is sturdy and will work with any type of hook. The 5-foot long protective sleeve protects the rope from abrasive surfaces, such as sharp rocks or rough terrain.
If you have a traditional roller fairlead on your vehicle, you’ll need to buy a new hawse fairlead. This rope will snap if used with a traditional fairlead and must only be used with a hawse fairlead.
This is a durable and well made synthetic winch rope, and considering the price, it’ll be a favorite for many. If you can spend a little extra, we’d suggest buying something like the YaeKoo Synthetic Winch Rope Kit as it has a better breaking strength and includes additional accessories.

Pros
Excellent value for money
Three colors to choose from
Protection against UV and chemicals

Cons
Snaps if used with a traditional fairlead
Not the highest quality material

4. Longest Winch Rope: X-BULL SK75 Dyneema Synthetic Winch Rope

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Why we like it: This 100-foot rope from X-BULL is highly visible and easy to use with an excellent breaking strength thanks to its braided Dyneema construction.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Length: 100 ft
Thickness: 3/8-inch
Strength: 23,809 lbs
This is the longest winch rope on our list at 100 feet long. It’s made from the ultra-strong but lightweight Dyneema. It’s moisture resistant and can float on water, making it an excellent choice for use in wet conditions. It can also be used in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius without any issues, and you can use it in sunlight without it degrading thanks to its high level of UV protection.
There are three colors to choose from, including orange, blue, and gray. The orange is highly visible, which is useful in the dark. However, if it gets wet or is handled too much, the coloring does come off. This doesn’t affect its strength or usability, but it can make a bit of a mess. If you need to splice the rope, that isn’t an issue as there are no sharp frays.
This synthetic winch rope has a solid loop at one end for connecting your hook and a crimped bolt hole at the other end for bolting to a winch drum. While this product does come with a hook, it’s not the best quality, so you may want to purchase another hook. Alternatively, you can buy a kit that has a higher quality hook included.
Overall, it’s a very well made winch rope constructed using high-quality materials. For moving heavy loads, this winch rope is ideal.

Pros
Very long and high strength
Made from durable Dyneema
Multiple colors to choose from
Includes a hook as standard
Easy to install to the winch drum

Cons
Coloring does come off when handled
The included hook isn’t high quality

5. Strongest Winch Rope: Off Road Boar Synthetic Winch Rope

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Why we like it: This winch rope has the highest breaking strength of any rope on our list, making it a good choice for heavy-duty winching.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Length: 92 ft
Thickness: 3/8-inch
Strength: 25,000 lbs
This is the strongest synthetic winch rope on our list, with an impressive 25,000 pounds of breaking strength. It’s perfect for winching heavy vehicles, including large trucks and ATVs, plus everything in between. It’s made from a high molecular polyurethane material, which means it’s durable and very good looking when attached to your vehicle. It also includes an excellently made claw hook that uses a spring-loaded latch for ease of use.
At one end, there’s a red jacket to protect the rope from drum heat and abrasion, while at the other end, there’s a protective sleeve that guards against rough surfaces and wear. The rope itself is UV and corrosion resistant, so it’ll stand up in any harsh environment. You can easily splice this winch rope should you need to.
The Off Road Boar will fit most winches, including AC-DK winches, ARB, SmittyBilt, Warn, and many more. While this is a super strong and well-made winch rope, the eyelet leaves much to be desired. It’s the weak point of this winch and may break easily if not correctly installed.

Pros
Outstanding breaking strength
Includes a high-quality claw hook
Protected against heat, UV, and wear
Fits all types of winches

Cons
Mounting eyelet is a weak point

6. Easiest Installation: FieryRed Synthetic Winch Rope

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Why we like it: This winch rope is easy to install and is made from heat-treated Dyneema, giving it excellent heat and wear resistance.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Length: 50 ft
Thickness: 3/16-inch
Strength: 8,200 lbs
The FieryRed synthetic winch rope comes in both black and orange. It’s made from heat-treated Dyneema, providing a good amount of tensile strength and durability. The UV stable fibers have been treated with high-temperature urethane, giving it excellent protection against high temperatures, excessive wear, and abrasion on rough surfaces.
It’s effortless to install, perhaps the easiest of all these winches, as it features a self-tightening rope that holds it secure on the winch drum. The loop eye is of high quality, having scratch-proof, rust-proof, and corrosion-resistant qualities. It also has a thick chemical and UV resistant nylon sleeve protecting the rope from sun damage and the elements.
There is no eyelet at the end of this rope; it’s just a taped end that fits into the drum’s hole. This isn’t a significant problem as a knot can be tied at the end and screwed in, but most products have an eyelet that makes it easier to attach to the drum.

Pros
Dyneema has been heat-treated for increased durability
Enhanced heat and wear protection
Self-tightening rope makes it easy to install
Loop eye is rust-proof and scratch-proof

Cons
Doesn’t have an eyelet for attaching to the drum

7. Ranger Ultranger SY45 UHMWPE Synthetic Winch Rope

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Why we like it: The Ultranger by Ranger is made from high-quality materials and includes a well-made shackle.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Length: 50 ft
Thickness: 1/4-inch
Strength: 7,500 lbs
The Ultranger synthetic winch rope is made from pre-stretched and heat-treated UHMWPE, making it strong and durable. It’s not the most robust synthetic winch rope out there, but it’s strong enough for use with ATVs and UTVs.
It features a double protective sleeve on the pull end to protect against chafing, wear, and excessive heat. It also has a protective sleeve on the drum end to protect against high drum temperatures and abrasion. The rope doesn’t kink and floats easily enough in water due to how light it is.
The stainless steel thimble offers better eye protection than some of the other ropes, and it includes a decent quality shackle. Considering the price and quality of this winch rope, it offers tremendous value for money.
The only downside to this rope is that it’s pretty tough, making it difficult to cut and splice. If you think you’ll need to splice it, we’d recommend the budget Ucreative Synthetic Winch Rope as it’s a lot easier to splice.

Pros
Double sleeved protection
High-quality stainless-steel thimble
Includes a good shackle
Excellent price considering the quality

Cons
Not easy to cut or splice

8. Thinnest Winch Rope: Extreme Max “The Devil’s Hair”

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Why we like it: The Devil’s Hair is made from SynSteel, giving it a good amount of strength while remaining light and thin.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Length: 50 ft
Thickness: 3/16-inch
Strength: 6,000 lbs
We love what Extreme Max has called this product: The Devil’s Hair. It’s a fitting name, considering the strength of this rope in relation to its thickness. At just 3/16-inches thick, it’s the thinnest rope on our list. This is only possible due to it being made from the super light and tough SynSteel.
While it is a very durable rope, it isn’t designed for prolonged use in the sun as it has no UV protection. If you plan to use your winch rope in the sunlight for extended periods of time, pick something with great UV protection, like the FieryRed Synthetic Winch Rope. The Extreme Max does, however, have a protective sleeve to protect it from abrasion.
There are many different colors to choose from, so you can choose what looks best on your vehicle. It also fits all standard ATV and UTV winches, so there should be no issues when it comes to installing the rope to your winch.

Pros
Made from tough SynSteel
Super thin at 3/16-inch
Seven different colors to choose from
Fits all standard ATV and UTV winches

Cons
No UV protection

9. Best Protective Sleeve: Auxmart Synthetic Winch Rope

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Why we like it: This rope has plenty of protection in the form of a Velcro sleeve and a protective synthetic jacket, making it durable and long-lasting.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Length: 95 ft
Thickness: 3/8-inch
Strength: 20,500 lbs
This winch rope from Auxmart comes with a 3/4-inch D-ring shackle that has a nice looking black powder coat finish. In addition to that, the electro-galvanized shackle provides extra protection and looks the part. The rope itself is made from Dyneema, resulting in an impressive amount of strength.
Most synthetic winch ropes come with a sleeve for protection, and while this one does have one, it’s a little different from the rest. The sleeve is very thick and uses Velcro, making it easy to remove and giving it a tremendous amount of protection for the rope. There’s also an additional protective synthetic jacket to provide extra protection. On the drum side, the rope is colored red, which can be used as an indicator for when you should stop unspooling.
Unfortunately there’s no hook included, and despite the high breaking strength, we’re not entirely convinced of its capabilities. Considering the price, we’d go with our overall pick as we feel it’s a better quality product at a similar price point.

Pros
Great looking winch rope
Electro-galvanized shackle included
Velcro sleeve for extra protection

Cons
No hook included
Not the best quality rope out there

Everything You Need to Know About Synthetic Winch Ropes

If you’re still unsure about synthetic winch ropes, this section explores everything you need to know in a lot more detail.
Synthetic Winch Ropes vs. Steel Winch Cables
As briefly mentioned at the beginning of this guide, there are two main types of winch ropes: synthetic ropes and steel cables. Both have their pros and cons, which we’ll dive into now.
Safety
Synthetic winch ropes are, without a doubt, much safer than steel cables. If you’ve ever had a steel cable snap on you, you’ll know exactly what we mean.
Steel cables store up a lot of kinetic energy, which is incredibly dangerous when released through snapping. The heavy hook can easily find itself flying straight towards your windshield. You can imagine how scary that must be.
Synthetic winch ropes, on the other hand, don’t store up kinetic energy. If they snap, the rope will not recoil, and the hook will simply fall to the ground. Because of this, they’re a lot safer to use, and they’re certainly worth investing in.
Strength
These days, synthetic winch ropes are just as strong as their steel counterparts. In fact, some high-quality synthetic ropes have a higher breaking strength than steel cables. For example, the Off Road Boar has a breaking strength of 25,000 pounds, whereas a typical steel cable has a breaking strength of just 15,000 pounds.
If you choose a steel cable over a synthetic rope, we recommend choosing one with a much higher breaking strength. As we’ve seen, the consequences of a steel cable snapping are much worse than a synthetic rope breaking.
Weight
Synthetic winch ropes are the undisputed winners when it comes to weight. As they’re made from synthetic fibers, they’re incredibly lightweight, typically weighing between 0.5 and 5 pounds. Steel cables weigh a lot more, typically between 15 and 30 pounds. That’s a pretty big difference. Lighter ropes are also better for using in the water as most will float.
Durability
When it comes to synthetic winch ropes, the biggest problem with durability is that the fibers can wear down quickly. This is caused by the rope chafing or rubbing against rough surfaces like sharp rocks or hardened mud. Protective sleeves help mitigate this issue to a degree, and you’ll find them included with most synthetic winch ropes, including the double protected Ultranger.
Steel cables don’t have this issue, but they do have their own problems to contend with. As they’re made from metal, they can rust or corrode over time when exposed to the elements. This isn’t an issue with synthetic ropes, and if they’re looked after properly, they’ll be more durable in most situations.
Price
Steel cables are typically a little cheaper than synthetic winch ropes. However, the price gap has been narrowing for years. A typical cable will cost around 20 bucks if it’s short, all the way up to 100 bucks for a longer one. You can find synthetic winch ropes for the same price; for example, the budget Ucreative sits at the lower end of the price range.
Higher quality synthetic ropes, such as the super-strong Off Road Boar will cost a bit more, and the premium ropes will be significantly more expensive.
Choosing the Right Synthetic Winch Rope for Your Needs
If you’re unsure which synthetic rope will be best for your needs, these three questions may help you decide.
What Will You Be Using the Synthetic Winch Rope For?
Are you going to be pulling a heavy vehicle, like a truck, or a lighter vehicle, like an ATV? What you’re moving will determine the breaking strength the winch rope needs to be.
If you’re pulling something heavy, you’ll need a rope like the X-BULL Synthetic Rope with a high breaking strength. However, if you’re only doing light work, a cheaper and lower strength rope will be more than enough.
Also, if you’re looking for something to pull your vehicle over a longer distance, a winch rope probably isn’t the best choice for you. Instead, you should take a look at the best tow straps available.
What Conditions Will You Be Using the Synthetic Winch Rope In?
If you’re going to be using the rope in the wet, make sure the material is waterproof and that it floats on water. This winch rope is moisture resistant, so it’d be an excellent choice for use in wet environments. If you’re using it in cold temperatures, be sure to pick one that can withstand cold sub-zero Celsius climates.
If you’re using the rope in the sunlight for long periods or storing it uncovered, you’ll need a synthetic winch rope with UV protection. Ropes without UV protection will degrade over time if left exposed to sunlight.
How Often Will You Be Using the Synthetic Winch Rope?
Finally, will you be using the rope regularly or just once in a while? If you use your winch every week, you’ll be better off paying a little extra for a higher quality rope. It’ll work out cheaper in the long run to buy a more expensive, higher-quality rope, as it’ll last much longer than a cheap one when used frequently.
If you don’t use your winch very often, you’ll be able to get away with a cheaper, lower quality rope. That may be the best option if you want to save some cash.
Additional Things to Consider in a Synthetic Winch Rope
At the beginning of this guide, we looked at the major factors to consider in a synthetic winch rope. Those factors are crucial to get right, as they’ll determine what your rope is suitable for.
There are some additional, less pressing considerations to think about, which we’ve listed below.
Installation
Some synthetic winch ropes are easier to install than others. This will depend on the type of winch you have and what the rope has at the end of it. Some ropes come with a crimped eye so it can be easily bolted to a winch drum. Some have eyelets, and others have nothing at all. In addition to that, you may need to install a new fairlead as some ropes are only suitable for use with a hawse fairlead.
You may have installed a winch rope before, so you already know the drill. If you haven’t done it before, take a look at this video of a guy swapping his cable for synthetic rope to get a feel for the process.
Color
The color of the rope is subjective; beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that. You’ll want something that looks nice on your vehicle. The Auxmart Synthetic Winch Rope has a great finish and looks fantastic on any vehicle, however the black color doesn’t stand out too much in the dark. The color of your winch rope has a practical use as well, as a bright rope is easier to see in low light conditions.
Warranty
Be sure to check whether the manufacturer provides any type of warranty with the rope. While the rope should handle whatever you throw at it, provided you’re using it correctly, defective products from the factory do occur. A good manufacturer will honor a replacement or a refund if the rope snaps through no fault of your own.
Material
Synthetic winch ropes are made from synthetic material, and there are a few different types, each with different properties. A very popular type is Dyneema.
Others will use a mixture of different materials, such as wire, polyurethane, and nylon, among others. One way to determine whether the material is good is to look at the breaking strength, which is noted in all of our reviews.
Protective Features
Heat and abrasion are the two main ways in which synthetic ropes get damaged. Ensuring the winch rope has protection against excessive heat and abrasion is crucial if you’re using it for long periods of time or in rough conditions. Most ropes will have a protective sleeve to protect against rocks, and many have another protective layer at the drum end to protect against heat.
Weatherproofing
Most ropes will have UV protection and chemical resistance to ensure they don’t break down if exposed to sunlight or chemicals. It’s also worth checking whether they have moisture resistance too, especially if you’re using the winch rope in the water.
Be sure to check if the rope can be used in cold temperatures if you’re in a cold environment. Some synthetic ropes work in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius.
Accessories
Some products only supply the winch rope, meaning you’ll need to have your own hook and rubber stopper. Others come as full kits and include everything you need to get up and running. One such example is the YaeKoo Winch Rope Kit, which includes a high-quality hook.
While this isn’t going to make or break a product, it’s worth remembering that you may need to spend extra money if you don’t already have a hook. It’s also good to check out the quality of the hook that’s included, as some of them aren’t the best quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions when it comes to synthetic winch ropes.
Q: Can a Roller Fairlead Be Used With a Synthetic Rope?
A: In some cases, they can be; however, most synthetic ropes will wear and break down if used with a roller fairlead. Instead, synthetic ropes are best used with a hawse type fairlead.
Q: Is a Synthetic Winch Rope Better Than a Metal Cable?
A: In many aspects, yes. Synthetic ropes are lighter, easier to handle, and just as strong, if not stronger, than cable. Take a look at our full section on synthetic ropes vs. steel cables where we look at the pros and cons in more detail.
Q: How Long Do Synthetic Ropes Last?
A: This depends on how often you use it and how much stress you put it through. Assuming you look after the synthetic winch rope, it should last for up to 10 years before needing to be replaced.
Q: Do Synthetic Winch Ropes Require Any Maintenance?
A: Synthetic ropes can be kept in good working order by regularly cleaning them with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse and wash the rope thoroughly, then dislodge any dirt or debris stuck in the braids. Always make sure to dry the rope after cleaning, and use a winch cover when storing for long periods to limit UV exposure.
Q: How Do You Install a Winch Rope?
A: Installation will vary depending on your specific winch and the rope in question. Firstly, you’ll need to remove your old rope so that the winch is ready for the new one. Most winch cables have a small eyelet at the end, which is bolted to the winch drum. Once it’s connected, make sure the winch rope is tightly wound to the winch drum.
Take your time with this, as you don’t want any slack. If it’s not tight enough, the rope can skip, which causes it to fray prematurely.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen, synthetic materials are the way forward when it comes to winch ropes. They have many advantages over their steel cable counterparts, making them an attractive choice for most people.
Considering their durability, strength, and reasonable price point, synthetic winch ropes are worth the investment as they will help you out of sticky situations for many years to come.
There are plenty of different ropes on the market, each with something unique for every situation. Regardless of whether you’re pulling an ATV out of a ditch or a truck through the mud, there’s a suitable synthetic winch rope for everybody. More

Have you ever regretted accepting a ride from someone the second you stepped into their car because it smelled like a mixture of yesterday’s pizza pickup and a sweaty soccer kit? Most of us have been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt. But what about when that car is your car?
That’s when it’s time to take some serious action. News flash: standard air fresheners don’t work! They can actually make the problem worse since they add chemicals to the weird smell mixture in the air. Not to mention the possible side effects, like headaches.
Instead, opt for a car essential oil diffuser. These nifty little things shun the chemicals and fill your car with lovely scents that are also antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal – doing their part to get to the root of the problem.
Wondering where you can find one? You’re in the right place.

Features to Look for in Car Essential Oil Diffusers
All essential oil diffusers have the same end goal, but they use different means to reach it. Here’s how to tell them apart.
Design
Choosing the right design for your car essential oil diffuser isn’t just about what looks the most aesthetically pleasing (though that’s important too). You also have to think about what’s most practical.
Where will you store it? Some diffusers are shaped to slot into your car’s cupholders, while others are tiny enough to hang up or put anywhere.
If you’re particularly short on space, you could also consider a vent clip, a simple accessory that you can slide into your car’s air vent. However, vent clips produce a weaker scent than electric diffusers.
Waterless
The most common type of essential oil diffuser, the ultrasonic diffuser, relies on water to work – you pour a little water into the tank and mix in a few drops of essential oils. But this can be inconvenient and fiddly, especially if you don’t have water to hand.
An alternative is waterless diffusers (or nebulizing diffusers), which you add essential oils to directly. This is more convenient and produces a stronger scent.
Vent clips also don’t require water.
Mist Settings
The majority of car oil diffusers on the market offer two or three mist settings to choose between, which affect how quickly a diffuser emits the essential oil. Intermittent and continuous are the two most common settings.
Light Settings
Similarly, many diffusers offer various colors to alternate between. Some people like this feature since it means their diffuser doubles as a light during night drives – but others find it distracting.
Power Type
Regular essential oil diffusers must be plugged in at a regular plug socket, but car essential oil diffusers work differently. You can plug some into cigarette lighters or USB ports, and others are rechargeable, meaning you don’t need to keep them plugged in constantly.
Material
Most essential oil diffusers are plastic. This is the most affordable option, but some people prefer to avoid them – mixing essential oils with plastic reduces their soothing properties. However, choosing a BPA-free or noncorrosive plastic is a good way to get around this problem.
Run Time
Diffusers can’t emit essential oils forever. They always run out of liquid, usually within two to eight hours.
Of course, even when the diffuser stops, all you need to do is top it up –a shorter run time might be slightly less convenient, but it’s not the end of the world.
Automatic Shutoff
Leaving a diffuser switched on when it’s run out of liquid is wasteful and could even be a fire hazard – but it’s not easy to stop and turn it off when you’re driving. Thankfully, many diffusers shut down automatically, giving you a little peace of mind.
Now you know the basics, it’s time to skip to the good stuff: the top car essential oil diffusers on the market. The ten options below will be sure not to leave you disappointed.

Top 10 Best Car Essential Oil Diffusers 2021
1. Best Overall Car Diffuser: InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: If you want a snazzy but sleek car diffuser with all the settings you could want and more, look no further. This InnoGear diffuser will tick all your boxes!
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Six hours
Waterless: No
Material: Polypropylene (PP)
Auto shutoff: Yes
This light, portable device can be whatever you want it to be – a vaporizer, a night lamp, a humidifier, and of course, a diffuser. It fulfills all these roles beautifully and makes a trusty companion for many future journeys.
The high-quality PP material used is BPA-free, ensuring it’s safe for everyone – including babies. It’s also whisper-quiet, so you won’t need to turn the radio up to drown out its noise.
Special Settings
With seven color settings, you can drive while basking in the glow of your favorite color. It’s great for using as a night light on those dark evening drives.
You can also choose between two modes for diffusing the oils: intermittent or continuous. The first option lasts around six hours, while the second lasts for two hours.
Design
This diffuser might look like a regular black design, but when you switch it on, you’ll see that it’s much more. The clear panel at the front is actually an LED and lights up in multiple colors as soon as you turn it on.
It’s designed to be perfect for cars. All the buttons are on top of the diffuser, so you won’t need to perform some dangerous gymnastics to control it while driving.
One drawback of the design is that it’s quite large – if your car has smaller cup holders, it might just tip over or fall off.

Pros
Different light and diffusion settings
Shuts off automatically
Stylish design
BPA-free

Cons
Could be too large for some cars

2. Best Premium Car Diffuser: Minidiva Professional Grade Diffuser

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Why we like it: If you’re looking for a premium diffuser that’s technologically advanced and optimized for health, this Minidiva diffuser will be a match made in heaven.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Eight hours
Waterless: Yes
Material: BPA-free plastic
Auto shutoff: Yes
When we say premium, we mean premium – this diffuser is quite the splurge. But it’s also completely unlike any other item on the market.
The Minidiva diffuser is a nebulizing diffuser – it works without water. There’s some evidence this is more beneficial to health since it means you’re breathing in a purer aroma.
As if that wasn’t fancy enough, it also utilizes atomizing technology, which means it gives off high-frequency vibrations that can atomize a wider variety of essential oils. Not just the usual suspects like tea tree oil, but also Vetiver and coconut oil.
Finally, it emits less than 38 dB of sound.
Can you see what you’re paying for now?
Special Settings
Unlike many of the other products on this list, the Minidiva diffuser doesn’t include a light – this could be a disappointment to some people. If having a light is important to you, try the InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser.
However, it does offer three settings for mist: low, medium, and high. You might prefer a lower setting since waterless diffusers emit a much stronger scent.
Design
As noted already, this is a car diffuser with a completely different design to anything else on the market. Instead of being a cylindrical shape, it’s a curved rectangle with a hole in the middle that you insert your essential oil bottle into.
This has advantages and drawbacks. At five inches wide, just under six inches high, and under two inches wide, it’s a tiny and nifty device. However, it’s less obvious where exactly you can store it in your car since it won’t slot into your cupholder like other diffusers.

Pros
Waterless diffuser
Can use it with other types of oils
Very small and portable

Cons
Doesn’t have a light

3. Best Vent Clip Diffuser: ttstar Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: Keeping your car smelling good has never been easier. No need to remember to charge a diffuser – just slot this cute vent clip into your ventilation system.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Charging type: Not applicable
Run time: Not applicable
Waterless: Yes
Material: Alloy
Auto shutoff: Not applicable
Technically, the ttsar Car Diffuser is waterless – but as a vent clip, it works in a different way to electric diffusers. Just open the vent clip up, put a few drops of essential oils onto the refill pad, fasten it up, and stick it on your vent. It really is that simple!
One of the best things about these vent clips is that you’ll get three of them – one for each air vent in your car. This pack also comes with 36 refill pads.
However, although a pack of 36 sounds like a lot, you could get through them quickly. Whereas rechargeable diffusers are a one-time purchase, vent clips involve more consistent expense.
Special Settings
Unlike electric diffusers, you can’t control the intensity of the smell – the overall result is a weaker aroma that might not be strong enough for some people. There’s also no light.
Design
Vent clips look similar to a compact mirror on a clip – but they’re even smaller! The circular clip has a diameter of just over one inch, and the clip part you stick into your air vent is also around an inch long.
The high-quality alloy used to make the main part of the clip gives a classy touch. As a bonus, each vent clip has a lovely, floral design on the front. The reusable refill pads also come in various colors, so they’ll be sure to give your car a funky twist!

Pros
Come in a pack of three
Comes with various refill packs
Nice design
Don’t need to charge it

Cons
Scent is weaker than an electric diffuser
Will eventually need to buy more pads

4. Best Portable Car Diffuser: Weljoy Wood Grain Diffuser

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Why we like it: If it’s convenience and portability you’re after, this wood grain diffuser is bound to float your boat (or drive your car). It’s cute and neat yet effective!
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: Battery or USB
Run time: 5.5 hours
Waterless: Yes
Material: Polypropylene (PP)
Auto shutoff: No
There’s portable, and there’s portable – at just five inches wide and four inches high, this car diffuser is definitely portable. Fit it into the palm of your hand or any crevice in your car; the choice is yours.
It also comes with a cord, so you can hang it from your mirrors like a traditional chemical air freshener.
It’s a waterless diffuser, but unlike some other options, it won’t break the bank. It also comes with eight refill pads.
However, there is one big caveat: there’s no automatic shutoff.
Special Settings
You can choose between three different diffusion modes: Level 1 (lasts for 5.5 hours), Level 2 (lasts for 2.5 hours), and Level 3 (lasts for 1.5 hours) – the one you choose depends on the intensity level you’re after.
Sadly, it doesn’t last as long as other diffusers, even on the least intensive level – that might be something to do with the tiny size. If that’s a dealbreaker, consider a more long-lasting option, like the LEASTYLE essential oil diffuser.
Design
As discussed, this diffuser is tiny, and it’s also pretty cute – the wood grain finish gives it a somewhat quaint and vintage feel.
However, bear in mind that it’s not actually made of wood – it’s plastic. Still, the materials are reasonably high quality, with medical-grade and BPA-free plastic.

Pros
Very small and portable
Waterless
Comes with refill pads

Cons
Doesn’t last as long as other options
No automatic shutoff

5. Best Budget Car Diffuser: TOPLANET Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: The TOPLANET car diffuser has all the settings and features you could want but none of the expenses you might expect. Snap it up before they change their mind!
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Eight hours
Waterless: No
Material: Plastic
Auto shutoff: Yes
Plug the TOPLANET car diffuser into your USB plug, and you’ll be ready to rumble. It has a 300ml water capacity, doubles as a humidifier, and automatically shuts down when it runs out of water to avoid dry burning.
Plus, it won’t cramp your style by being too noisy. The gadget operates at under 36 decibels – for some context, that’s a similar noise level to a library.
Unfortunately, some customers have complained that their diffusers broke within a few weeks or months, so that’s something to be aware of.
If you’re not willing to take this risk and want a more high-quality option that’s less likely to break, consider the InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser instead.
Special Settings
There are seven light settings to choose between – including shades of red, purple, and green. This makes it perfect for using as a night light for children or babies.
It also has two mist settings: continuous (which lasts for four hours) and discontinuous (lasts for eight hours).
Design
Although it’s our budget option, this TOPLANET diffuser just might be the most attractive on the list. With a blue top that looks semi-metallic and a white bottom that lights up in multiple colors, no car is too chic for this stylish gadget to look out of place.
It’s also ultra-portable, weighing in at just 192 grams. Wherever you’re heading, just chuck it in your travel bag and you’re good to go – or keep it in your car’s cupholder permanently.

Pros
Seven color settings and two mist settings
Automatic shutoff
Very portable
Attractive design

Cons
Some products have broken quickly

6. Best Ultra-Quiet Car Diffuser: Gocheer Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: Diffusers lose some of their magic if they’re so noisy that you can’t hear yourself think when they’re turned on. That won’t be a problem with the Gocheer car diffuser – it’s so quiet that you’ll barely believe it’s really there!
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Six hours
Waterless: No
Material: Polypropylene (PP)
Auto shutoff: Yes
We’ve already seen a few diffusers that operate between 35 and 40 decibels, or the noise level of a library – and anyone would concede this is pretty quiet. But the Gocheer diffuser blows them all out of the water, with a noise level of under 30 decibels. That’s about the noise level of a whisper!
We might have reached controversial territory by suggesting whispers are quieter than libraries, but we digress.
Special Settings
There are seven different color settings to choose between, giving you plenty of choice.
The light is more subtle than other diffuser models, featuring a ring around the top instead of an entire light-up section – this could be a good or bad thing depending on your taste.
Another limitation is that there aren’t different mist settings – you can only choose to turn the mist on and off. For more choice, check out the InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser.
Design
One nifty element to this diffuser’s design is the way you can control it. Instead of having to reach back to the cupholder while you’re driving (inconvenient), you can simply use switches by the charging cable.
It’s also made of corrosion-free material to help it last as long as possible.

Pros
Has automatic shutoff
Very quiet
Control it by the charging point.

Cons
Light isn’t very strong
No mist settings

7. Best Black Car Diffuser: MADETEC Ultrasonic Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: Give your car a classy, minimalist aesthetic with this cool diffuser and you won’t regret it. Complete with a convenient design and changing colors.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Unclear
Waterless: No
Material: BPA-free plastic
Auto shutoff: Yes
Some might think it’s fickle to choose a diffuser based solely on its color, but if your car is your pride and joy, you don’t want to choose a diffuser that ruins your vibe! Especially when it’s so prominent in your vehicle.
Besides, you don’t need to worry about compromising functionality here. The MADETEC diffuser comes with a range of features, including automatic shutoff and various settings.
Special Settings
It features seven light settings, although there are only subtle differences between each one.
One major drawback is that you can’t control the mist settings, and it’s also unclear what the average duration is.
Design
The cool black design is perfect for anyone who likes to go for a monochrome vibe.
It has two power buttons (one on the diffuser itself and the other on the body) so that you can always be in control. Another convenient touch is a dedicated slot for the USB cable underneath the device, allowing you to store it effortlessly.

Pros
Minimalist, classy design
Auto shutoff
Dual power button

Cons
No mist settings
Unclear how long it runs for

8. Best No-Mist Car Diffuser: Weftnom Essential Oil Diffuser

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Why we like it: For a no-nonsense diffuser that focuses on creating good vibes and good aromatherapy instead of offering lighting and mist effects, this is the one for you.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: Lithium rechargeable
Run time: Not specified
Waterless: Yes
Material: Polypropylene (PP)
Auto shutoff: No
This Weftnom diffuser is a diffuser like no other. It uses nanovibration technology to diffuse the essential oils, meaning it doesn’t produce fog or water – it emits essential oils into the air in the purest way possible.
This is great for anyone worried about mist distracting them as they drive. It also makes the diffuser a lot quieter than many alternatives.
Unfortunately, although it requires refill pads to work, it doesn’t come with a pack of them, meaning you’ll incur a fair bit of extra expense. An alternative is the Weljoy diffuser, which does come with some refill pads.
Special Settings
Since this style of diffuser doesn’t produce fog or light, there aren’t any extra settings to choose between. But that’s the beauty of this model – and minimalists will rejoice.
Design
The design makes this diffuser extremely easy to set up – just slide the lid off, slot in your refill pads, blot the essential oils on the pads, and turn it on.
However, the design isn’t quite as convenient to slot into your car as some others on the list. It’s wider and flatter, so you can’t put it in your cupholder.

Pros
Waterless
Very quiet
Doesn’t produce mist

Cons
Shape is less convenient for the car
Doesn’t come with refill pads

9. Best Pink Car Diffuser: LEASTYLE Essential Oil Diffuser

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Why we like it: It’s 2020, pink isn’t just for girls – especially when it comes to a diffuser this cute! This one also lasts for an impressive six to eight hours.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: 10 hours
Waterless: No
Material: Plastic
Auto shutoff: Yes
If we give you the best black diffuser, you can be sure that we will also give you the best pink diffuser! Some people just need a little color in their life. And nothing can beat this gorgeous LEASTYLE portable diffuser.
But color isn’t all this diffuser has going for it. It lasts for up to 8 hours, making it the longest-lasting option on the list.
Special Settings
Like most other diffusers with light settings, there are seven colors to choose between. Also, a red light will appear once the water has almost run out.
Unfortunately, you can’t adjust how much mist comes out.
Design
The simple but effective design makes this diffuser very easy to control. Just press it once to turn the mist and light on, press it twice to turn the light off; then give a long press to turn off the diffuser altogether.
You’ll get the hang of it quickly, we promise!
One bonus is that it comes with an anti-slip mat – perfect if you want to be sure that it doesn’t fall off your cup holder and cause havoc during your journey.

Pros
Easy to control with one button design
Lasts up to ten hours
Comes with no-slip mat

Cons
No mist settings
Only comes in pink

10. Best Wood Car Diffuser: One Fire Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: This diffuser would look just as good in your cottage or country kitchen as your car, and it comes with all the essential features, like auto shutoff and lighting modes.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Unclear
Waterless: No
Material: Abs
Auto shutoff: Yes
Most car diffusers on the market tend to be made of plastic and block colors like black, white, or pink. While there’s nothing wrong with this, some people prefer a more rustic feel to their car. If that’s you, we’ve got just the thing!
Unfortunately, it’s unclear exactly how long the average run time is for this diffuser, and the water capacity is fairly low. The price you pay for style…
For an option that will last longer, consider the LEASTYLE essential oil diffuser, which can last up to ten hours.
Special Settings
One Fire makes up for the poor run time You can choose between a continuous and intermittent mode for the mist, plus seven lighting modes.
Design
Although the wooden exterior is the standout design element, the panel in the center is equally charming – especially when it lights up with one of the seven different colors available.
Meanwhile, the shape is designed to slot perfectly into your car’s cupholder. That’s about as practical as it gets!

Pros
Has automatic shutoff
Slots easily into cupholder
Has a rustic design

Cons
Unclear how long the runtime is
Low water capacity

How to Choose the Right Car Essential Oil Diffuser
You’ve seen what’s on offer – but how can you choose between them? If one particular diffuser isn’t jumping out at you (or maybe it is and you’re doubting your judgment), here are some criteria you can use to pick which one is right for you.
Why Choose a Car Essential Oil Diffuser?
The main benefit of car essential oil diffusers is obvious – they get rid of those horrible odors and help you enjoy your journeys more. But why choose an essential oil diffuser over a conventional air freshener or incense sticks?
Predictable Fragrance Output
A diffuser is more efficient than incense sticks – instead of suddenly stopping working for no apparent reason, an oil diffuser is predictable. It will last as long as it remains plugged in/charged and has liquid inside.
Can Work as a Humidifier
Diffusers are also the only option that can second as a humidifier if need be – great for dry weather and improving air quality.
Can Have Therapeutic Effects
And did you know that aromatherapy has the word “therapy” in it for a reason? Certain essential oils do a great job of relieving stress, energizing you, and more.
Although not all the benefits outlined above apply to vent clips, they do use authentic essential oils instead of chemicals.
How to Use Your Car Oil Diffuser
Exactly how to use a car oil diffuser depends on the type of diffuser you have.
Some things are universal – you should always add three to five drops of essential oil – but other elements vary.
For diffusers that rely on water to run, you must fill up the tank with water before adding the essential oils. You also need to refill the tank when the water runs out and clean the tank after using it.
If you have a waterless diffuser, you only need to add essential oils to your diffuser, and you also won’t need to clean it.
For vent clips, you need to replace the reusable pad after each use, and you can also skip the water step.
Which Type of Car Oil Diffuser Should I Choose?
There are a few different types of car oil diffusers out there, and they each have their pros and cons. To figure out which is best for you, it helps to think about how long the typical journeys you take are, where you can or will store your diffuser, and how strong a smell you want.
Water Diffusers
Diffusers that use water are by far the most popular, and for good reason. They’re very affordable, they often have added features like light or mist settings, and they double as dehumidifiers. One of the best on the market is the Innogear Ultrasonic car diffuser.
Waterless Diffusers
Alternatively, you might want a waterless model.
If you’re lazy, the idea of being able to switch your diffuser on instantly without the extra step of adding water undoubtedly holds appeal. And they also involve less cleaning!
But it’s not just lazy people that should be rejoicing. Waterless diffusers might also be healthier – because water doesn’t dilute the oil, you can get the full benefit that essential oils provide. Which is everything from boosting immunity to providing antioxidants, by the way!
If you want a waterless oil diffuser, consider the Minidiva diffuser.
Vent Clip Diffusers
The final option is a vent clip. These small diffusers can be clipped onto a car’s air vents, allowing them to slowly and gradually diffuse oils into the air when you use the air conditioning or heating. A great option is the ttstar car diffuser.
Vent clips never need to be charged since they’re not electric – but they also have a much more subtle effect. If your car needs some more intensive treatment, a vent clip might not be sufficient.
The Safety of Car Oil Diffusers
There are conflicting messages floating around about essential oil diffusers. Some rave about their health properties, while others warn that they could actually be harmful. Who should you trust?
Generally, car oil diffusers are safe, but there are a few exceptions. Certain groups – like pregnant women, diabetics, and children – are at greater risk. Especially when it comes to lavender and tea tree essential oils.
Something else to worry about is that essential oils can corrode plastics and alter the properties of essential oils, possibly exposing us to harmful chemicals. One of the most worrying ingredients is BPA, which is linked to various health conditions – especially in children.
To err on the side of caution, opt for a BPA-free diffuser like the Weljoy wood grain diffuser and avoid the most problematic essential oils.
Which Oil Is Best for Your Essential Oil Diffuser?
Most car diffusers don’t come with essential oils – so your next question is probably which essential oil to opt for. There’s no right or wrong answer here (unless you have an allergy or another condition), so we recommend experimenting, but here are a few suggestions:
Cedarwood
Frankincense
Lemongrass
Sweet orange
Sandalwood
Vanilla
As mentioned already, certain essential oils have more side effects, like lavender, tea tree, chamomile, eucalyptus, and peppermint.
FAQs
Still got a few burning questions? We’ll answer them to the best of our ability.
How Long Will a Car Essential Oil Diffuser Last?
Every model of oil diffuser lasts for a different length of time – there’s no set duration. Most diffusers also have different settings that affect its run time: a continuous mode that doesn’t last quite so long, and an intermittent mode that lasts longer.
However, on average, you can expect a diffuser to last anywhere between two and eight hours.
What Type of Water Should I Use in My Car Essential Oil Diffuser?
If you take your aromatherapy seriously, you might be wondering whether it’s best to opt for distilled water or tap water in your diffuser. This depends on which type of oil diffuser you choose – they all come with their own instructions, which might specify the type of water you need to use.
Some diffusers work best with distilled water since they have fewer minerals, resulting in less buildup of mineral deposits. However, most modern diffusers recommend using tap water since the minerals help to diffuse the water into mist. Who knew?!
Can a Car Oil Diffuser Be Used as a Humidifier?
Diffusers and humidifiers are very similar: humidifiers emit water into the air to regulate the moisture level, whereas diffusers give off smaller amounts of water along with a scent (unless it’s a waterless diffuser).
In theory, it’s possible to use an essential oil diffuser as a humidifier – all you need to do is run it without any essential oils and use water instead. This will ultimately have the same effect.
However, it’s unlikely to be as effective as a “true” humidifier since diffusers are smaller and use less water.
Are Car Oil Diffusers Safe for Dogs?
Many essential oils are indeed harmful to dogs. The dogs should only be in danger if you apply essential oils to their skin directly or if they ingest them – but diffusers may also be harmful to dogs with respiratory issues. Certain essential oils are more toxic than others, such as pine, tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and citrus oil.
If your dog vomits, coughs, or sneezes frequently, this could be a sign of overexposure to essential oils.
Are Car Oil Diffusers Safe for Cats?
As with dogs, essential oils shouldn’t harm cats as long as they don’t directly ingest them and you don’t apply them to your pet’s skin. However, cats are even more sensitive to essential oils than dogs since their livers aren’t as effective at metabolizing them.
You might prefer to tread carefully and switch the oil diffuser off when your cat is traveling with you!
Kiss Goodbye to Your Stinky Car
A car essential oil diffuser is one of those things that most people never realize they need, yet almost everyone does need. Come on – how many times have you stepped into somebody’s car and thought, “it smells lovely in here.” Very rarely (if ever), right?
You’ve clearly realized that you do need one, putting you ahead of 99% of the population. For that, you have our full respect. You’re about to become the owner best-smelling car in town – just make sure to keep it a secret, or everyone you know and their grandma will be asking for rides from you! More

There aren’t many more fun ways to get around than a pro scooter. These mobility devices are quiet, compact, and quick. They’re also a great way to get some exercise when you’re getting from place to place. If you ride a pro scooter long enough, you’re going to feel like a real slob using a car to get around.
Now some of you are thinking, “Hold on, aren’t pro scooters toys?” Yes, yes they are. Kids love these things and they make great gifts. But that isn’t all pro scooters are. Head out to any large college or company campus and you are sure to see people riding around on their pro scooters.

What You Need to Know About Pro Scooters
You’re no doubt looking for the perfect pro scooter for yourself and we’ve got you covered. We’ve got a list of the very best scooters available to purchase right now followed up by all the information you need after you get one.
We’re going to start things off at the very basics. There are a few parts of a pro scooter you must pay attention to when making a purchase. These are elements that are crucial to having a good experience as a rider. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Bars
At the very apex of any pro scooter is its bar. This is what you’ll grab onto for dear life when you’re zipping down a street or doing some stunts are the skate park. So you’re going to want bars that you can trust.
Most pro scooters have bars that are made out of steel. But as you’ll see in our list, companies have gotten creative with the materials they use to construct pro scooter bars these days. The Envy Prodigy S8, for example, has aluminum bars.
Manufacturers also tend to play around with the design of the bar a little bit. But the main thing you’re looking for is a bar that you can grip easily and do so for a long time during your rides.
Deck
The deck is the part of the scooter that you stand on when you ride around. This is perhaps the most important part of the scooter. All of the other parts – like the bars, wheels, brakes, and fork – are all connected to the deck in some way.
The decks on pro scooters are built to be sturdy and be able to take the weight of the rider. They’re also required to cop a lot of the abuse riders put the vehicle through. Manufacturers usually craft decks out of aluminum as a way to make them both lightweight and durable.
What are you looking for in a deck on a pro scooter? Two things. First, make sure that you fit on there. Secondly, you want a deck that can keep you on the pro scooter when you ride it. The grip tape on the deck is responsible for that.
Wheels
The way your pro scooter feels has a lot to do with the wheels on them. Most wheels are made out of polyurethane. But it isn’t just the material of the wheel that matters; it’s also how it connects to the body of the pro scooter.
Pro scooters wheels usually come in two sizes: 100mm and 110mm. The Arcade Plus pro scooter, for example, has 100mm wheels. The Albott Scooter is an example of a pro scooter with 110mm wheels. In general, 110m is preferred, as they offer greater durability and control.
You can try both sizes of wheels to find out which one suits you better. Pro scooter owners often find themselves replacing stock wheels for ones that are either just new or better made.
We’ve listed the deck, bars, and wheels materials for every pro scooter on our list so you have an idea of what you’d be working with.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Pro Scooter
Skill Level
Before you hit purchase on that pro scooter, take a long look in the mirror, metaphorically speaking. You need to be honest about your own skill level before picking out the scooter that’s right for you.
If you’re a beginner, you can choose one of the many pro scooters aimed at beginner riders. You don’t need to splurge on something that’s made out of some very premium materials. The Fuzion X-5 is a pro scooter that is a perfect entry point for pro scooter novices.
Those further along in their pro scooter journey also have a lot of products from which to choose. You’re probably at a stage where you feel confident enough that you want to head down to the skate part and hit some stunts regularly. We really like the Fuzion Z300 for that kind of thing.
Weight & Height
Different pro scooters have different capacities. You should choose one based on what your weight is so that it can handle its payload and you don’t have to move unnecessary weight around yourself.
So if you’re under 140 lbs, you can choose a scooter like the Pulse KR2. Most of the other scooters on our list have a capacity of 220 lbs.
Height is another factor to take into consideration when buying a pro scooter. You don’t want to have to reach too much to get to the bars. We’ve picked out the Albott Scooter as the best one for tall riders.
Design & Color
Pro scooters have become better-designed products over time. There are a lot of pro scooters these days that are great-looking vehicles and have some snazzy graphics.
Design, of course, often comes down to personal taste. We’ve mentioned color options and interesting design choices for the pro scooters on our list. This is something you can get a good idea about simply by taking a look at the product page. The Arcade Stunt Scooter often stands out for its graphics and comes in several color options.
So that’s everything you need to know before you buy a pro scooter. Now let’s take a look at the best options that are out there.

Top 10 Best Pro Scooters 2021
1. Best Overall Pro Scooter: Fuzion X-3 Pro Scooter

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Why we like it: The Fuzion X-3 is a smooth ride that you can use to pull off fun pro scooter tricks without much trouble.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Deck: Aircraft-grade aluminum
Bars: High tensile steel
Wheels: Polyurethane
Weight: 2.35 lbs
Height: 32”
If the Fuzion X-3 was a Michael Jackson song, it would be a smooth criminal. This is a pro scooter that you’re going to ride feeling like you’re getting around on a cloud. Pro scooters are modes of transport that don’t offer you shock absorbers and other such luxuries, so your body is going to thank you for having chosen one that can take ramps and bumps well.
Speaking of ramps, this is a pro scooter that you will be able to take down to the local skate park and try out all the tricks and stunts you know. That’s thanks to the way this scooter is constructed. The wide deck and durable hand grips make it the perfect scooter for that kind of use.
Getting the Fuzion X-3 ready for action is a simple process. You can have it up and running in 10 minutes after you receive your package. All the tools required to piece it together are also included.
The only trouble that you may have with this one is that it is set pretty low. So even moderately tall riders will have to arch their back to get to the handle. The Albott Scooter is a pro scooter that can handle tall riders better.

Pros
Smooth performance
Easy to assemble
Great for tricks

Cons
Low height

2. Best Budget Pro Scooter: Pulse KR2

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Why we like it: The Pulse KR2 is well built and lasts a long time despite having a low price tag.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Deck: Aluminum
Bars: Polyurethane
Wheels: Urethane
Capacity: 140 lbs
Height: 32”
The Pulse KR2 is one of the more affordable pro scooters on the market today. But that isn’t to say that it lacks in performance. When you ride this unit, you could be fooled into thinking you’re working with something a lot more high end.
One of the reasons you will feel that way is the build quality of the Pulse KR2. All the materials used on this pro scooter look high-quality and are put together well. The grip tape on the deck is tacky, just how you want it. Also, the body connects to the front wheel in a way that feels sturdy. You will find that its build can rival pro scooters that come from big box stores.
You can expect the Pulse KR2 to last a long time. Even with regular use, it can easily last a year, which is excellent value given its very competitive price. Over time, however, you may notice that some parts come loose. You can fix that with a wrench. But if you’re looking for a more durable unit, check out the Root Industries Type R pro scooter.

Pros
Very affordable
Good build quality
Long-lasting

Cons
May need to tighten parts every now and then

3. Best Beginner Pro Scooter: Fuzion X-5

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Why we like it: The Fuzion X-5 is easy to control and sturdy, making it the perfect pro scooter for beginner riders.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Deck: Aluminum
Bars: High-tensile steel
Wheels: Polyurethane
Weight: 7.4 lbs
Capacity: 220 lbs
Height: 31.75”
Sometimes you don’t need all of the bells and whistles. The Fuzion X-5 is a great product for beginners looking to make a smooth entry into the world of pro scooters.
When you’re a beginner, you want to work with a pro scooter that builds your confidence. That’s exactly with the Fuzion X-5 does. The unit feels durable when you use it, even if you’re jumping mini ramps or hopping on a curb.
You always feel completely in control when you’re riding this pro scooter. The wide handlebars and sturdy deck contribute to that. The wheels tend to last a lot longer than they do on other pro scooters.
Although great for beginners, the Fuzion X-5 isn’t for more advanced riders who want to enjoy doing stunts and use it roughly. For that kind of thing, you’re better off getting the Arcade Plus.

Pros
Easy to control
Durable
Easy for beginner riders to start using

Cons
Doesn’t handle rough use well

4. Best Intermediate Pro Scooter: Arcade Plus

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Why we like it: The Arcade Plus offers a smooth ride, great braking, and a capacity of 220 lbs.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Deck: Aluminum
Bars: High-tensile steel
Wheels: Polyurethane
Weight: 8.5 lb
Capacity: 220 lbs
Height: 33”
So you’ve cut your teeth with beginner level pro scooters. You’re ready to ride your way up that ladder with a scooter that can handle your upgraded skills. The Arcade Plus is the perfect pro scooter for riders who are at that juncture in their journey.
A lot of the parts on the Arcade Plus are custom made and you can feel it in the ride. The makers handpicked parts from high-end scooters and customized them to achieve their vision of a scooter that is great for intermediate users. The deck, for example, is custom-built and uses a concave design for easy handling. It can hold riders up to 220 lbs in weight.
This scooter is lightweight but feels like it is sturdy at the same time. The wheels are solid and the braking on the Arcade Plus is very responsive. It’s the kind of nuanced braking response that intermediate riders can use to pull off some fun stunts.
The only gripe you may have with this scooter is that it comes with 100mm wheels. Products in this price range usually have 110mm wheels, which would have been a nice inclusion. The Albott Scooter is a product that does offer you 110mm wheels.

Pros
Custom parts
Lightweight yet sturdy
Good braking

Cons
100mm wheels as opposed to 110mm

5. Best Stunt Pro Scooter: Fuzion Z300

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Why we like it: The Fuzion Z300 is the kind of pro scooter you can take to the skate park and easily pull off all the tricks you can dream of without worrying about whether the scooter can handle it.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Bars: Alloy steel
Wheels: Polyurethane
Weight: 8 pounds
Capacity: 220 lbs
Height: 32.5”
When some people think pro scooters, they imagine getting around silently and without causing too much of a hassle to anyone. Others think about landing heelwhips or nose pivots. If you fall in the latter category, then the Fuzion Z300 is the pro scooter that will let you live your dreams.
As you’d expect from a pro scooter meant for showing your skills, the Fuzion Z300 handles very well. The build quality is premium. You can see that the headtube, riser bars, and other parts are all sturdy and can handle some rough use. It’s also a good-looking product, coming in colors that include teal, black, and red.
You’re going to be excited when this one shows up at your doorstep and you’ll be happy to find out that it is easy to assemble. The package itself is secure, which means you don’t have to worry about any damaged parts usually. You can put the entire thing together in as little as 10 minutes. You’ll probably be off to the skate park after that.
If you’re considering the Z300, you will notice that it is priced higher than most pro scooters out there. But it is worth noting that with this one, you get what you pay for. This is the kind of product that you can buy and not have to worry about repairs or replacements for a long time.

Pros
Good for stunting
Multiple color choices
Easy assembly

Cons
High price

6. Best Premium Pro Scooter: Envy Prodigy S8

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Why we like it: The Envy Prodigy S8 offers the triple threat of good looks, durability, and great performance.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Deck: Aluminum
Bars: Aluminum
Wheels: Polyurethane
Weight: 7.7 pounds
Height: 34.6”
Envy has produced what will be the envy of all your pro scooter-riding friends with this one. The Prodigy S8 is, for starters, a looker. It’s clear that everything from the design of the handlebars to the pattern inside the wheel has been chosen with care. So this is the pro scooter for you if you like to be the darling of the skate park.
But the Envy Prodigy S8 isn’t all looks. This pro scooter can take some heavy-duty riding and still come away looking good. You can do cement half pipes and grinds on wood with confidence when you own one of these.
The wheels on this pro scooter will stand out immediately because they’re larger than average. That does mean a smoother ride and the ability to handle bumps and rough terrain well.
The Envy Prodigy S8 is not easy on the pocket. However, if you’re looking for a pro scooter that can serve all your riding needs and do it consistently for a long time, it’s the right choice.

Pros
Well designed
Can handle heavy-duty riding
Smooth performance

Cons
Relatively high priced

7. Best for Tall People: Albott Scooter

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Why we like it: If you’re tall and need a scooter that won’t prove a menace to your back, the Albott Scooter is what you’re looking for.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Deck: Aircraft-grade aluminum
Bars: High-tensile steel
Wheels: Aluminum
Weight: 7.9 lbs
Capacity: 220 lbs
Height: 32”
Pro scooters have always proved a little bit of a challenge for tall riders. You don’t want to have to break your posture to land your favorite stunts or even just ride around. The Albott Scooter gives all you tall riders out there some much-needed reprieve.
Here’s how it does that. If you’re up to 6 feet tall or thereabouts, you need a pro scooter with bars that are at least 20” tall, if not taller. The Albott Scooter checks that box thanks to its height of 22.8″. So you won’t have to constantly reach down for the handlebars while riding this scooter.
Although taller than some of its competition, this pro scooter is also pretty lightweight. Riding around on this thing is a breeze and the solid build gives you the confidence to try out some tricks immediately. The wheels are high quality and can handle some extra weight if you’re carrying it.
The Albott Scooter isn’t the cheapest product around but it will feel like money well spent once you’ve taken it for a spin.

Pros
Perfect for tall riders
High-quality wheels
Lightweight

Cons
Moderately high price

8. Best Durable Pro Scooter: Root Industries Type R

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Why we like it: The Root Industries Type R scooter is built to be rock solid and can handle heavy-duty riding with ease.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Bars: Chromoly Steel
Wheels: Polyurethane
Weight: 8 lbs
Capacity: 220 lbs
The first thing you’ll notice about the Root Industries Type R is the design. This pro scooter comes in some snazzy colors, including what they call Gold Rush and a very suave Matte Black.
But if you ask a long-time user what they enjoy about this pro scooter, you’ll hear the word sturdy thrown around a lot. That’s because this is the kind of scooter you’ll take for a spin and very quickly want to test on a few ramps. The Type R can take rough use and be none the worse for wear.
The only area where you may see some effect of heavy-duty riding is the grip tape on the deck. But that’s a minor component that you can replace easily on the scooter. If you can keep the grip tape in play, this is a great pro scooter to try all your tricks and stunts on.

Pros
Rock-solid build
Multiple color options
Good for stunts

Cons
Grip tape tends to come off frequently

9. Mongoose Rise

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Why we like it: This lightweight pro scooter is easy to assemble and conducive to stunting.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Deck: Lightweight alloy
Bars: Welded steel
Wheels: Plastic
Capacity: 220 lbs
Mongoose is a name that’s well-known in the world of bicycling. The company has also forayed into the world of pro scooters and has done a great job of it with the Rise.
Riders will enjoy the wide-set handlebars on the Mongoose Rise. You will notice quickly that they are wider than the average handlebar. This can mean better control if you’re trying to pull off certain tricks.
This pro scooter has another characteristic that makes it conducive for stunts: its low weight. That makes it easy to zip around and to pull off moves like bunny hops.
Mongoose has plenty of experience in the world of mobility and that shows with the rise. Assembling this product takes practically no time. The tools that come with the package make the entire process very quick.
Is the Mongoose Rise the most durable scooter in the world? Not quite. This product has a tendency to catch some scratches and throw up loose parts every now and then. But the way it performs makes it hard to pass on.

Pros
Wide-set handlebars
Low weight
Easy assembly

Cons
Not very durable

10. Arcade Stunt Scooter

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Why we like it: The Arcade Stunt Scooter is an affordable way to get access to a smooth performing pro scooter.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Deck: Aircraft aluminum
Wheels: Polycarbonate
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Capacity: 220 lbs
It’s not often that you use a product and think about how you would have been willing to pay more for it than you did. That’s the feeling the Arcade Stunt Scooter leaves you with. We saw the Arcade Plus from the same stable earlier in our list. This pro scooter is a more affordable entry into that world but doesn’t skimp on performance much.
The Arcade Stunt Scooter lives up to its name and makes stunt-riding very fun and easy. You can thank the wide deck and long handlebars for that. If you’ve got a skate park near you, you’re going to find yourself spending a lot of time there with this pro scooter.
Children also tend to feel more confident on this pro scooter. That’s because of how well it handles different riding conditions. You always feel in control of it and if you don’t, the brakes always kick in in a timely manner.
Children and adults alike will enjoy the way this pro scooter looks. The graphics on this thing are nicely done and all the color options are great.
The bearings in the wheels of the Arcade Stunt Scooter can start to get squeaky with some use, so you may need to oil the wheels regularly to go back to riding it quietly.

Pros
Relatively affordable
Apt for children
Great color options

Cons
Squeaky wheel bearings

Complete Guide to Making the Most of Your Pro Scooter
You’re now familiar with all of the best pro scooters that are on the market. You also know how to go about making the choice that’s right for you. Let’s now take a look at the information you need to make the most out of the pro scooter that you choose.
How to Maintain a Pro Scooter
Pro scooters need regular maintenance. Well, at least if you want them to last a long time. Let’s talk about how you can make that happen.
Cleaning
The most basic thing that you can do is keep your pro scooter clean. Wipe it down regularly. Remove any debris that’s caught in the wheels and nooks. This is not the most exciting thing about owning a pro scooter but it will hold you in good stead over the long term.
Surfaces
You don’t want to go too crazy with where you ride pro scooters. These are generally made to be used on surfaces like cement and sometimes gravel. You don’t want to go off and ride your pro scooter on any other surfaces too often. You may find yourself replacing its wheels frequently and deal with loose parts if you do.
Tighten Parts
Since we brought up loose parts, let’s stick with that theme. The parts on your pro scooter will get loose over time. All the rattles and halts you put it through will do that. So tighten the parts whenever you feel like they’re loose. This will keep your pro scooter safe to ride for a long time.
Oiling
Some parts are more prone to rust or ceasing up rather than becoming loose. If that’s what you’re dealing with, whip out the oil can. Doing so once a week is a good idea.
Brake Gently
Now we understand that you want to pull off donuts on a bike. And that’s fine every now and then. But as much as possible, avoid hitting the brakes on your pro scooter too hard too often. Doing that can whittle off the material of the wheels and lead to a bumpier ride eventually.
Pro Scooter Clothing & Protection
Pro scooters are zippy little things, but not so much so that they pose a major risk in most conditions. So you won’t need a suit of armor if you ride one of these around. You do, however, need to at least have on some basic protective clothing to keep yourself safe.
Let’s start with the shoes. You’ll need comfortable shoes with a good grip when you ride a pro scooter. Sandals may seem comfortable but they won’t keep your feet protected when you ride a pro scooter.
You have some leeway when it comes to pants. You can wear short or long pants when you ride a scooter. The only thing you need to make sure of is that your knees are covered. Make sure you wear pants that give you enough freedom to move around the way you need to on a pro scooter.
Now the aforementioned pieces of clothing should be enough for the average pro scooter ride. You need to take some more precautions if you’re going to go stunting. In that case, you must have a helmet on. You could also get elbow and knee guards if you’re not too experienced with tricks on a pro scooter.
How to Customize A Pro Scooter
For some people, just owning a pro scooter isn’t enough. They have to make it their own. There are a couple of options available to those who want to customize their pro scooter.
The first is to find a shop near you that sells custom scooters. There are several of these in most major cities across the country. You can go down to one of these shops and tell them exactly what you want in a custom scooter and they’ll build it for you from the ground up.
The other option you have is to buy a pro scooter and then retrofit parts that you want on it. You can buy just about every part that goes on a pro scooter individually on Amazon. Check out these aftermarket wheels or deck for example. If you’ve got the know-how, you can customize every single part of your pro scooter.
Pro Scooter FAQ
How Long Do Pro Scooters Last?
Pro scooters last about a year on average if you take good care of them. Their actual lifespan depends on the brand that you decide to buy and how you take care of it.
Choosing any of the pro scooters on our list is a good starting point for a long relationship with one of these. You also need to make sure that you maintain your scooter well by using the tips that we gave in the section about pro scooter care.
How Fast Do Pro Scooters Go?
Pro scooters weren’t built to go at a million miles an hour. So if you’re looking for those kinds of thrills, you’re not going to find them here. These mobility devices are more for easy movement and some nifty tricks.
You can hit speeds of about 10 mph if you’re cruising down an empty path on a pro scooter. You’ll really need to put your body to work if you want to go faster than 20 mph on one. At that point, it turns into a real workout.
How Can I Maximize the Speed of a Pro Scooter?
We’ve established that pro scooters weren’t built to satiate a need for speed. But you can still do certain things to go as fast as you possibly can on one that you own.
You’ve probably already realized that the harder you kick, the faster your scooter will go. To get the most out of your kicks, wear shoes that are flexible. If you wear hard shoes, you will waste energy. Flexible shoes will channel your energy through the scooter better.
A lesser-known tip is to check whether the handlebar is the right size for you. If it’s lower than it’s supposed to be, then you’re probably applying too much weight to the front of the vehicle.
Can I Convert My Pro Scooter Into an Electric Scooter?
Yes, it is possible to turn your pro scooter into an electric scooter. It’s a little bit of an arduous process that you will need technical know-how to get right.
It starts with taking your existing pro scooter apart completely. You will then need to attach CIM motors to the body of the scooter. Keeping the motor protected is important so you will need to build an aluminum housing for it.
The power for the motor will come from a Li-ion battery pack. You will need to readjust the brakes to make this system work. You can read about the conversion process in detail on this page.
Final Thoughts
Pro scooters, as we’ve learned, are a lot more than just a fun gift for kids. If you ride these enough, you’ll learn they’re a great way to travel short distances and engage your body in the process. If you’re looking for something that can survive a more arduous commute, but is less cumbersome and expensive than a car, check out our list of the best gas scooters.
These aren’t as hardy as other modes of transportation so it’s important that you take good care of your pro scooter. Thankfully, cleaning and oiling a scooter doesn’t take very long.
Now you know everything you need to zip around on your pro scooter. Have fun and stay safe! More

Water is the essence of life—a critical molecule no known creature can live without. It hydrates cells, dissolves toxins, and nourishes our entire organism to allow nutrients to flow.
Unlike at home, you can’t always expect to encounter a clean supply of pleasant-tasting water while on the road. Excessive chlorine, sediment, and bacteria lurk within freshwater refill points, especially in far-flung regions without access to a city water supply. And not only will these contaminants cause your water to become murky and foul, but they can also provoke significant health issues.
The good news is there’s a relatively simple, cost-effective solution: the RV water filter. Sold in various shapes and sizes, these indispensable devices turn odorous water fresh—and in some cases, they can even eliminate nasty water-borne compounds.
RV water filters aren’t all one and the same; some designs are only suitable for specific situations. To help you wrap your head around the technology, we’ve put together an in-depth RV Water Filter Buyer’s Guide.
What’s more, to help you pick out the perfect product for your needs, we’ve researched and reviewed the top 10 RV-friendly water filters on the market.

Features To Consider in an RV Water Filter:
Several different types of RV water filters are available, each specially designed to cater to distinct users. Certain filters excel in certain areas—what’s right for one RVer mightn’t be the best option for you. Factor the following considerations into your final decision to find the ideal filtration solution for your needs.
Filtration System
RV water filters work in different ways, and the optimal filtration system depends on your usual water source. RVers who rely entirely on city water could buy a simple carbon filter, while remote adventurers will need something more extreme.
Installation Type
RV water filters can be installed under the sink, on your countertop, or at the end of your freshwater hose. If you’re not an avid DIYer, then consider opting for one of the easier-to-install options (i.e., inline) to save on installation costs. 
Time Spent in RV
Full-time RVers will need a comprehensive filtration system that performs well in various conditions. Weekend warriors, on the other hand, might prefer to stick with something simple (and cheap).
Price
Our recommended RV water filters range from $20 to $400+, with the upper end producing clear water with impeccable taste. Devices that eliminate harmful metals and bacteria are more expensive; consider whether your water source warrants extra protection.
Maintenance/Replacement Costs:
Every RV water filter has a limited shelf life, whether that means replacing a cartridge, a bulb, or the entire system. You should factor longevity into your decision-making process to determine the real, on-going cost of a filtration unit.
Dimensions
If you’re looking at an under-the-sink or countertop filter, you must first measure the available space. There’s no point purchasing a fantastic water filter if it doesn’t fit in your rig. Dimensions are less critical for external inline filters, which tend to be small anyway.
Micron Rating
All filters are rated at filtering particles of a specific size, referred to as microns. Basic carbon/sediment filters might only filter out large particles of 20 microns or more, while advanced models could catch particles smaller than one micron.
Gallons Per Minute
Gallons per minute, or flow rate, refers to how much water can pass through the filter at a time. A high GPM rating means the filter will cleanse a large quantity of water over a short period. Flow rate becomes especially important for RVs with a direct connection to a city water supply.
Water filters are just one way to keep your RV safe and clean. Don’t forget to check out our guides on the best RV air conditioners and toilets to buy as well.

Top 10 Best RV Water Filters 2021
1. Best Overall Pick: Camco 40043 TastePure RV Water Filter

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Why we like it: The Camco 40043 is a highly effective and affordable inline filter that’s super simple to use.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Filtration System: Carbon and sediment
Installation Type: Inline
Longevity: 3 months / 500 gallons
Micron Rating: 20 microns
If you’re just after something quick and easy that works, Camco has got you covered with its widely popular 40043 model. This simple inline filter clips into your hose (we recommend putting it on the RV side of the line) to filter out foul-tasting chlorine as well as sediment particles larger than 20 microns. Once you’re done filling up, just pop it out again and store it with your hose for next time.
You’ll get about 500 gallons of use out of this unit, enough to last a full-time RVer an entire camping season. And when it comes time to replace it again, the reasonably priced filter won’t break the bank. Although it’s specifically designed for RV use, nothing is stopping you from using the system in your garden or boat as well.
KDF technology helps protect against nasty contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide, iron, and heavy metals. As always, however, KDF isn’t a fail-safe solution, so only use this device on a potable water supply.
Most RVers use it to turn the dank tasting water at the campsite into something more palatable, and Camco certainly delivers in this respect. It’s an American-made product, too, so you can feel good about supporting the economy with each purchase.
If you’ve already got a flexible hose extension nozzle, consider opting for the Camco 40045 model instead. In essence, it’s the same great inline water filter, but sans the hose extension nozzle, thus cheaper.

Pros
Easy to install
Comes with a hose nozzle
Carbon filter with KDF
Filters large sediment particles
Long shelf life

Cons
Can’t filter small sediment particles
Doesn’t offer full protection against bacteria

2. Best Budget Pick: AmazonBasics Inline Water Filter, 4 pack

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Why we like it: You get four individual inline water filters for one low price—talk about affordable!
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Filtration System: Carbon and sediment
Installation Type: Inline
Longevity: 1350 gallons / one camping season
Micron Rating: 20 microns
Full-time RVers who live out of their rig need to filter gallons and gallons of water each week. And those using an inline filter (which cleans all the water that enters the tank) will find it needs to be replaced rather quickly, costing you both time and money.
One of the most cost-effective solutions to this conundrum is to buy in bulk—specifically, this four-pack from AmazonBasics costs a fraction of the competition. Each filter can last a good three months with heavy use (1,350 gallons each), so four will do you for a full year. Additionally, you could save a couple of bucks more by opting for the bigger four-pack if you prefer.
Although the filter isn’t specially designed for RV use, it does the job just fine. The granulated carbon filter works well at removing foul odors and taste from a chlorinated city water supply. Meanwhile, built-in KDF technology helps protect against bacteria, fungus, aluminum, and other metals.
Be aware that this one doesn’t come with the flexible hose nozzle, so you’ll need to create one yourself (cut your hose into a small piece). It also only filters sediment particles over 20 microns and isn’t all that powerful against microbes, so look elsewhere if you plan on filling up from wells or streams.
Nonetheless, it’s a reliable option at a low price that appeals to the heavy-use RVer on a budget.

Pros
Bulk buy discounts
Each filter is suitable for 1,350 gallons
KDF technology helps protect against bacteria and metals
Inline design filters entire freshwater tank

Cons
Doesn’t come with a flexible nozzle
Only suitable for city water

3. Best Premium Pick: AQUA TRU Countertop Reverse Osmosis

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Why we like it: It uses advanced reverse osmosis technology to create delicious water that’s 100% safe.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Filtration System: Reverse osmosis
Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 15 inches
Installation Type: Countertop
Longevity: 1 filter set per 4,500 bottles (16.9 oz.)
It doesn’t come cheap and takes up a considerable amount of space on your kitchen bench, but if it’s crystal clear and impeccably tasty water you’re after, reverse osmosis can’t be beaten. And while there are several competing countertop systems out there, we rate this model from AQUA TRU as the best for its compact design.
Coming in at 18 x 18 x 15 inches, you don’t need to sacrifice an excessive amount of space to make the most of this beast. For health-conscious users concerned about carcinogens, toxins, heavy metals, and other contaminants, the lost bench space is a worthy investment indeed (if you’re traveling in a roomy RV, anyway).
The unit complies with strict IAMPO Standards and removes up to 82 contaminants, bringing you safe and delicious tasting water that’s just as good as the bottled stuff. As it’s a countertop unit, there’s no tricky installation required—just plug it in and fill it up with water.
The downside to a reverse osmosis countertop system is it’s just not as convenient as other types. You’ll need to load up a gallon of water each morning to last the day (only using it for drinking), and the reverse osmosis process takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Nevertheless, if you find yourself frequently forking out for “clean” bottled water in the gas station, this reverse osmosis system is the ideal solution for your RV. And should you balk at the hefty price tag, it’s nice to know the unit comes with a one-year warranty.
Like other reverse osmosis systems, it’s intended for domestic use and runs on 110V. Therefore, you’ll need an inverter to use it with a 12V RV system.

Pros
Compact countertop system
Filters out 82 contaminants
Creates clean and delicious water
Filters one gallon in 15 minutes
Suitable replacement for bottled water

Cons
Less convenient than other filter types
More expensive than other filter types

4. Best Single-Canister Inline System: Camco EVO Premium RV Water Filter

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Why we like it: It’s easy to use and does a better job at removing sediment than an inline filter.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Filtration System: Sediment and carbon
Installation Type: Inline single-canister
Longevity: One camping season
Micron Rating: 5 microns
If you like the sound of a simple inline system but want the security of a fine sediment filter, then a canister system is your best bet. And this superb model from Camco is the finest single-canister water filter on the market.
Designed specifically for RV use, the device filters out sediment particles of 5 microns or larger, far finer than a standard inline filter (usually 20 microns or so). You still get all the added benefits of a granulated carbon filter—think fresh-tasting water that’s free from chlorine.
Canister systems are just as easy to use as inline filters. All you need to do is plug it into an ordinary-sized hose and use it to fill up your RV. This model comes with a flexible hose extension you can slip into the fresh water tank with ease—a truly turn-key solution.
It’ll last a full season, and you can replace the cartridge rather than the whole system when the time comes. In-built KDF technology helps protect against hydrogen sulfide, iron, lead, and other nastiness while also inhibiting fungus and mold growth.
Although it comes in at about twice the price of our favorite inline filter, the Camco 40043 TastePure, we feel it’s a worthy investment for a full season of crystal clear, pleasant-tasting water.

Pros
Excellent mid-range solution
Fine 5-micron filter
Works well with sediment
KDF technology inhibits fungus and mold
Comes with a flexible hose extension

Cons
Much more expensive than normal inline filters

5. Best Long-Lasting Inline: Culligan RV-800 Exterior Water Filter

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Why we like it: It does a top job at filtering out chlorine and boasts an impressive shelf life.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Filtration System: Carbon and sediment
Installation Type: Inline
Longevity: 2,000 gallons
GPM: 1.0
Culligan is a great alternative to Camco and a fantastic solution when you want clean water with minimal fuss. This particular inline model is the brand’s flagship and is commonly seen in RV parks all around America.
The secret to its success is its simple inline design, which doesn’t require any installation whatsoever. Just plug it into a normal-sized tap and hose, and you’re good to go. Like most inline filters, the sediment option isn’t ideal, but it’s certainly better than nothing. The granulated carbon filter works wonders, however, as you won’t notice any unpleasant chlorine or algae after tones.
A big reason to opt for this model is longevity. While many competitors are only suitable for 500 gallons or so, the Culligan RV-800 is rated for a whopping 2,000 gallons—a massive difference. It’s worth noting the precise shelf life depends entirely on the quality of the water you’re filtering. Nevertheless, we’re confident you’ll get through an extended camping season with the Culligan RV-800.
Another neat little bonus is you can purchase the unit without the flexible connector hose to save money (we recommend getting one if you don’t have it already).
Remember, though, that inline filters are only suitable for use with potable city water.

Pros
Good for 2,000 gallons
Works with sediment
Filters chlorine and algae
Can purchase without hose extension

Cons
Only suitable for potable water

6. Best Under-The-Sink Water Filter: Waterdrop 10UA Water Filter System

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Why we like it: It fits nicely under the sink and does an outstanding job at filtering drinking/dishwater.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Filtration System: Carbon and sediment
Installation Type: Under-the-sink
Longevity: 8,000 gallons
Micron Rating: 0.01 micron
GPM: 2 GPM
Under-the-sink RV water filters have an undeserved reputation for being more trouble than they’re worth. Terrified DIYers discount them for the mere fact an installation is required—even if the process requires no special skills and takes under three minutes to complete, as is the case with this model from Waterdrop.
The Waterdrop 10UA is the best under-the-sink filter on the market for its impressive filtration power and its easy-to-install design. Push-to-connect fittings and a twist-and-lock layout let you install and replace the filter easily, even without any previous plumbing experience. Plus, it uses the universal 3/8” standard sizing, making it compatible with most RV sinks in America.
The filter itself is far superior to a standard inline filter as well. Boasting a four-stage filtration system, it’ll remove 99% of contaminants from your drinking water, including chlorine, odor, sediment, rust, and heavy metals. The micron rating is equally impressive; it’s capable of filtering tiny particles as small as 0.01 microns. And that makes it safe enough to drink untested water from wells or even natural sources, providing there’s no heavy metal contamination.
As an under-the-sink filter, it’ll only work on the water coming out of that specific faucet. But so long as you remember to fill your cup or bottle from the same sink, it shouldn’t be an issue. The filter flows at up to 2.0 GPM, which is more than enough to do the dishes.
If you’ve got space to install this one under your sink (it’s 3.6 x 3.6 x 12.3 inches), then there’s no need to rely on an inferior inline filter ever again.

Pros
Easy to install
Superior to inline filters
Works on particles of 0.01 microns
Removes most contaminants

Cons
Requires sufficient space under the sink
Requires installation

7. Best UV Water Purifier for RVs: HQUA-OWS-6 Ultraviolet Water Purifier

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Why we like it: It uses the power of a 25W ultraviolet bulb to sterilize nasty bacteria in your water.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Filtration System: UV
Installation Type: Under-the-sink
Longevity: One year
Micron Rating: 5 microns
GPM: 6 GPM
If you’re hoping to source water from natural streams, then you can’t afford to rely on an ordinary sediment and carbon filter combo. Bacteria and other ghastly microbes can lurk within even the clearest water and pose a serious threat to your health.
While reverse osmosis does a beautiful job at killing off the nastiness, a more comprehensive option is ultraviolet. This unit from HQUA sits under the sink to cleanse water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, safeguarding your family from harmful microscopic organisms. Compare that to reverse osmosis, which is only viable for treating the water you drink.
Before you get too excited about UV, there are a few things to know about the tech. First, this model isn’t specifically designed for RV use as it runs off 110V. Therefore, you’ll need an inverter to run it on your off-grid 12V electrical system, which means you’ll lose efficiency and chew through your battery in the process.
You’ll also need an effective sediment filter because bacteria are known to hide behind particles smaller than 5 microns, thus won’t be affected by the UV rays. We recommend using the Camco EVO Premium RV Water Filter as an exterior inline filter to complement the HQUA-OWS-6.
The HQUA-OWS-6 excels at RV use for two key reasons: size and ease of installation. Coming in at a petite 22.8 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches, it’s small enough to squeeze under most RV sinks (we recommend checking first). Furthermore, you don’t need a plumber as the horizontal installation is easy enough to pull off yourself.
As a nice bonus, it comes with an extra UV tube. Aim to replace your original one after about 12 months or so.

Pros
Great at killing bacteria
Easy to install without a plumber
Small enough for most RV sinks
Comes with a replacement UV bulb

Cons
110V appliance requires an inverter
Needs strong sediment filter

8. Best for Fluoride Removal: AQUA CREST RV Inline Water Filter

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Why we like it: Aqua Crest offers a superb inline water filter to achieve optimal cleanliness at a reasonable price.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Filtration System: Carbon and sediment
Installation Type: Inline
Longevity: One camping season / three months
Micron Rating: 20 microns
Aqua Crest is the biggest competitor to Camco in the inline water filter field, and their flagship model performs exceptionally well for the price. The cost is one of the main reasons to consider investing in this brand, which offers similar benefits for a substantially lower price than the Camco 40043.
Both products use carbon and sediment filtration systems along with KDP technology to create clean and safe water for your entire freshwater tank. The Aqua Crest goes one step further by adding a fluoride removal function, which is great if you would rather not ingest the controversial monatomic anion (but not so good if you would).
Both products also have an identical micron limit of 20 and a similar shelf life of around three months, depending on usage.
So what’s the difference between the two, apart from cost? Well, the Camco 40043 delivers better-tasting water on the whole; it just feels more fresh and easy on the palate. The included hose protector extension on the Aqua Crest is also rather flimsy and tends to break easily.
Speaking of the hose extension, if you don’t want one, you can purchase a hoseless two-pack or four-pack to save even more money.

Pros
Low-cost inline filter
Filters sediment larger than 20 microns
Carbon filter with KDP technology
Removes fluoride

Cons
Water doesn’t taste as good as Camco 40043
Hose extension is flimsy

9. Best Dual-Canister System: Beech Lane Dual Water Filter System

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Why we like it: Beech Lane incorporates two separate filters into one for optimal cleansing action.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Filtration System: Sediment and carbon
Installation Type: Inline
Longevity: 6 months
Micron Rating: 0.5 and 5 microns
“Two RV water filters are better than one,” as the ancient proverb goes. And Beech Lane brings truth to this age-old adage with its coveted dual water filter system.
The twin-canister approach works similarly to an inline filter: you plug it into the hose and fill up your entire RV fresh water tank. As a result, no special installation is required, making it an attractive option to RVers who aren’t confident with DIY installs.
The big advantage of a dual filtration system is the extra small micron rating. With a standard inline system, for example, you’d be lucky to get rid of anything under 20 microns. But with Beech Lane, two filters work in conjunction to catch sediment under 5 microns and then again under 0.5 microns. The result? You won’t have any unsightly and potentially harmful particles floating around in your freshwater tank—perfect for when you don’t rely entirely on the city water supply.
The unit comes with a durable design to handle the rigors of the road. Sturdy brass fixtures hold it firmly in place, while the universal ¾” pipes and connections aren’t prone to leakage. The company even throws in a wrench so you can quickly assemble and pack down the device.
On the downside, the dual-canister system is larger and more expensive than a simple inline filter. But if clean and delicious-tasting water is a top priority for you, these are small sacrifices to make.

Pros
Filters out fine particles
Dual carbon and a sediment filter
Strong, robust design
No installation required

Cons
Much larger than an inline filter
More expensive than an inline filter

10. Best for Permanent RV Hookups: Hydro Life HL-200 External Filter Kit

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Why we like it: This reliable canister model from Hydro Life is specially designed for permanent use.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Filtration System: Carbon and sediment
Installation Type: Single canister inline
Longevity: 3-6 months
GPM: 2.5 GPM
Not every RV owner is out there exploring the country on a whim; some of us are permanently sitting pretty in a trailer park, paying a fraction of the monthly rent compared to a normal house. And for permanent campers and trailer dwellers, the HL-200 from Hydro Life offers the ultimate filtration solution—it’s effective and cheap.
This exterior single-canister model has been adapted for permanent use. Consequently, you can hook it up and forget it for 3-6 months until it’s time to change the cartridge. Installing the device is easy and doesn’t require any special skills or tools, nor does changing the filter—no need to hire a pricey plumber to help you here.
Another key feature that makes it ideal for permanent users is its high flow rate. Filtering up to 2.5 GPM, you can run multiple faucets or even a shower through the unit. Heavy-duty fittings keep it lodged firmly in place, so it’s suitable for a direct and continuous connection to the city water supply.
The filter itself works rather well, with both granulated carbon and KDF media protecting against bacteria, chlorine, and more.
On the downside, it’s not convenient if you like to move around a lot—opt for an inline filter instead for maximum portability. It’s also not fantastic at filtering out sediment, so give this one a miss if you’re sourcing water off the grid.

Pros
Great for permanent trailer park dwellers
Suitable for continuous connection to the city water supply
Long-lasting cartridge doesn’t require frequent replacement
Carbon and KDF filtration

Cons
Doesn’t filter sediment very well
Bulkier than an inline filter

RV Water Filters Buyer’s Guide
A mind-boggling array of RV water filters are available to choose from, each specializing in filtering out different things. To help you wrap your head around the technical complexities, we’ve put together this in-depth buyer’s guide.
Why You Should Purchase an RV Water Filter
Even if you always get your freshwater from a safe city water source, there’s no guarantee it’ll taste great. Excessive chlorine, fluoride, and particles burrowed inside your water hose or tank can emit a foul odor and taste, forcing you to retch every time you drink from the faucet. And should you top up your tanks with well water (AKA bore water) or from a natural river or stream, there’s a good chance it’ll be full of nasty contaminants that could make you sick.
An RV water filter will serve one of two purposes: restoring a pleasant taste and/or removing harmful contaminants. Having unlimited access to tasty potable water means you’ll save a fortune on bottled water and reduce unnecessary plastic waste.
Understanding Contaminants
Several different contaminants can affect the taste, odor, color, and safety of your water.
Chlorine and Fluoride
Treated water contains chlorine and fluoride to kill off any harmful bacteria, thus rendering it fit for human consumption. While these chemical elements aren’t harmful, they do taste rather unpleasant.
Treatment: Carbon filters
Sediment
Sediment refers to tiny particles of dust, dirt, or sand that float in the water or settle on the bottom. These may or may not be safe for human consumption; sometimes, they’re contaminated with heavy metals or PCBs. In either case, sediment will negatively affect the taste and color as well as potentially clog up the plumbing in your rig.
Treatment: Sediment filters
Bacteria and Other Microorganisms
Bacteria and other microorganisms can contaminate water through the fecal matter of animals or humans.  These spread dangerous water-borne diseases that lead to nasty gastro illnesses.
Treatments: Reverse osmosis, UV radiation, boiling the water
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals can contaminate water through the runoff from industry and urbanization. Although the consequences aren’t immediately obvious, these contaminants are highly hazardous. Ill effects include cancer, organ damage, and stunted growth.
While several methods can treat heavy metal contamination on an industrial scale, the only practical solution in an RV is reverse osmosis. Nonetheless, we recommend avoiding water with any potential heavy metal contamination entirely.
Treatments: Precipitation, ion exchange, electrochemical treatment, solvent extraction, adsorption, reverse osmosis
Understanding Your Water Source

Where you usually source your water not only affects how tasty and safe it will be, it also determines what kind of water filter is best for your needs.
City Water
Most RVers fill their tanks from the city water supply, usually from the local RV park faucet. Also known as town water, this is the same water that’s pumped into houses and businesses around the region. Generally, city water is safe to consume.
As a highly developed first world country, even the smallest American towns tend to have a potable water supply. Nonetheless, if you’re ever in doubt while venturing through a remote area, it’s best to double-check with the townsfolk first.
We recommend the Camco 40043 if you only intend to treat city water.
Well Water
Well water, also known as bore water, is sourced directly from deep under the ground and may contain water-borne diseases that provoke diarrhea and other gastro illness. Aside from these nasty microorganisms, well water often has sediment that leaves an opaque color and unpleasant taste—plus, excess sediment can clog up the piping in your RV. Worse yet, bore water sometimes comes with trace amounts of heavy metals that can be extremely harmful if consumed.
Well water is generally reserved for irrigation, livestock, and washing. On some occasions, it may be potable without treatment, but you’ll need to confirm whether the landowners have done the appropriate laboratory testing.
When well water is free of heavy metals, you can still drink it if you filter out the sediment and bacteria. A good option for filtering well water is the Waterdrop 10UA Water Filter System. Or, if bacteria are likely to be present, try a UV filter or reverse osmosis system instead.
Rivers and Streams
Hardcore RVers who do remote boondocking for extended periods may prefer to extract water from a natural stream rather than heading back into town every time they run dry. Contaminants like bacteria live in stream water and could make you sick, so you need to ensure you’ve got an adequate filtration system.
Most of the time, a combination sediment filter and UV light filter will do the trick—although reverse osmosis is the only way to be 100% sure.
If you plan to treat stream water, then the HQUA-OWS-6 Ultraviolet Water Purifier (for bacteria) combined with the Camco EVO Premium RV Water Filter (for sediment) is an excellent combo.
RV Water Filtration Types
Now that you’re well versed in water sources and contaminants, it’s time to examine the four main water filter types found in RVs.
Carbon Filters
Granulated carbon filters are the most common as they’re cost-effective and highly efficient at eliminating chlorine. Government authorities add chlorine to the city water supply to disinfect it, cleansing bacteria and other harmful contaminants. Chlorine works through oxidation, penetrating the wall of harmful bacteria to neutralize adverse health effects.
The downside to chlorine is it leaves an unpleasant, acrid smell and chemical taste. The carbon filter will remove chlorine and the associated odor through absorption, restoring its clean and crisp taste. And as chlorine has already had plenty of time to neutralize bacteria in the water, the carbon filter won’t compromise safety.
Who should purchase a carbon filter: Carbon filters are good for RVers who fill up exclusively from the city water supply and want to improve its taste. Because they filter sediment or bacteria well, they’re not suitable for well or stream water.
Our favorite carbon filter: We recommend the Camco 40043 for treating the chlorine taste associated with city water.
Sediment Filters
Water from wells and natural streams may take on a murky brown appearance due to sediment, tiny particles of debris floating in the water. Not only does sediment look and taste terrible, but it’s detrimental to the health of both you and your RV.
If sediment becomes contaminated with pollutants like pesticides, heavy metals, or PCBs, it can cause an array of adverse health effects, including congenital disabilities, hormone imbalances, and enhanced cancer rates.
Even if sediment is pollutant-free, the debris can clog your RV plumbing system, especially the more sensitive components like water heaters and pumps. These clogs will reduce water pressure and eventually entail higher maintenance costs.
Sediment also reduces the efficiency of other water filter types. Carbon filters, for example, will clog up and quickly stop functioning if exposed to a heavy residue. UV light filters will struggle to see through the murkiness and disinfect bacteria and germs.
Note that carbon and sediment filters tend to overlap: they can perform both functions to an extent.
Who should purchase a sediment filter: Because sediment has already been removed from city water, you don’t need a sediment filter when filling up from the town water supply. Sediment filters are essential for anyone who fills up from another source, be it well water or a natural stream.
Our favorite sediment filter: We recommend the Waterdrop 10UA Water Filter System for optimal sediment filtration.
UV Water Filters
Bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms are common in well water and streams; they can spread water-borne diseases upon consumption. Ultraviolet Light (UV) filters work by neutralizing microscopic organisms through exposure to powerful ultraviolet wavelengths. A strong dose of germicidal UV radiation scrambles the genetic code of unwanted microbes, thus preventing them from reproducing in your tank.
While UV filters can make non-potable water safe, it won’t improve the taste. Therefore, it’s worth using a UV filter in conjunction with another filter type.
Who should purchase a UV filter: Invest in a UV filter if you expect to rely on a water source that’s potentially contaminated with bacteria and other microbes.
Our favorite UV filter: We recommend the HQUA-OWS-6 Ultraviolet Water Purifier for a potent UV filtration system.
Reverse Osmosis Water Filters
Reverse Osmosis filters are the crème de la crème of the filtration world, although they’re not particularly practical for RV use.
The state-of-the-art technology pushes water through a semipermeable membrane to dissolve contaminants. A comprehensive system, it includes a pre-filter that removes sediment before it passes through the membrane and a carbon post-filter that neutralizes chlorine. The result is crystal clear water that tastes great and is free from both sediment and bacteria.
The catch is these systems are expensive and take up a tremendous amount of space. Reverse osmosis generates vast wastewater quantities—up to 80%—called brine that must be flushed away through a drainage tank. Consequently, you’ll chew through your freshwater faster than usual and will have to seek out suitable spots to dispose of the brine.
The best reverse osmosis filters for RVs come in a countertop system, so you only filter the water you intend to drink.
Who should purchase a reverse osmosis filter: Because reverse osmosis creates the cleanest and safest water possible, it’s ideal for RVers happy to sacrifice counter space for optimal water.
Our favorite reverse osmosis filter: We recommend the AQUA TRU Countertop Reverse Osmosis if you’d like to pursue RO filtration in your RV.
Installation Types
RV water filters are designed for use in one of three places: your hose (inline), under the sink, or on your countertop. The type of filter you use (carbon, sediment, etc.) and how much water you want to filter (the whole tank, sink only, etc.) determines the ideal installation type.
Inline / Canister Filters

Inline and canister filters are attached directly onto a hose and filter water as you pump it into your fresh water tank. As no installation is required—you simply clip it in place—these are the most common and cost-effective RV water filter types.
Because inline filters cleanse water before it enters your hold, it won’t help improve taste from algae and other contaminants lurking inside your freshwater tank.
The inline design only works well with carbon and sediment filtration. If you want to eliminate bacteria, you’ll need to upgrade to an under-the-sink or countertop filter.
Compatibility: Carbon and sediment
Filtration: Your entire freshwater tank
Our favorite inline filter: The Camco 40043.
Under-the-Sink Filters
Some water filters are installed directly underneath your sink to cleanse the water running out of that specific faucet. If you’re not handy with the tools, you may have to leave the installation to a professional.
It’s possible to install many inline filters underneath the sink when space permits. However, as you’re only filtering one specific faucet, these filter types won’t improve the water coming out of the shower and other taps.
Compatibility: UV, carbon, and sediment
Filtration: Filters water from one specific faucet (the sink) only
Our favorite under-the-sink filter: The Waterdrop 10UA Water Filter System
Countertop Filters
The countertop method is popular with reverse osmosis filters, which would be impractical to use on your entire RV water tank. A coffee machine-sized device sits on the countertop and filters the water intended for drinking and nothing else. You’ll need to top it up manually to ensure a constant supply of fresh drinking water.
Compatibility: Reverse osmosis
Filtration: Filters water in the holding tank on the countertop
Our favorite countertop filter: The AQUA TRU Countertop Reverse Osmosis
Micron Ratings
Water filter manufacturers use microns to describe how fine their sediment filters are. Devices with a low micron rating can filter out smaller particles and contaminants than those with a higher rating. For example, a micron-rating of 1 will remove particles 1 micron or larger, while a 20-rated unit will filter out particles 20 microns or larger.
Micron ratings can either refer to a precise or average measurement, making them challenging to compare.
Some water filters, such as the Beech Lane Dual Water Filter System use dual canisters to achieve a highly refined micron rating. Under-the-sink filters also tend to offer exceptional sediment filtration, such as the Waterdrop 10UA Water Filter System.
Gallons Per Minute
Gallons Per Minute (GPM) refers to the flow rate that water can pass through the filter. A low GPM will inhibit how fast you can refill your fresh water tank. Aim for at least 1.0 GPM, so you don’t have to wait around all day while topping up.
If you’re filtering water as it’s pumped directly out of the city water supply (you’ve got an external water hookup), look for a device with at least 2.5 GPM. In this instance, we recommend the Hydro Life HL-200 External Filter Kit.
Longevity and Replacement Costs
All water filter types require regular maintenance to continue functioning correctly. Carbon and reverse osmosis filters process a certain amount of water per canister, sediment filters eventually clog up, and UV filters require the occasional bulb change.
Maintenance and replacement costs have a massive effect on the overall price you’ll pay for a system. To help you understand how much a filter will cost in the long run, we include replacement information in our Quick Facts section of each review.
RV Water Filters FAQ
If you’ve still got a few questions about RV water filters, take a look through our FAQ.
What Is the Best RV Water Filter?
Although the best RV water filter depends on your budget and individual requirements, some models perform exceptionally well overall. The Camco 40043, for example, is our favorite water filter altogether for its simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness.
How Long Are RV Water Filters Good For?
The amount of time an RV water filter will last depends on how frequently you use it. For example, the Camco 40043 has a shelf life of 500 gallons. If you filter 40 gallons per week, you can expect this filter to last approximately 12 weeks.
How Often Do You Change RV Water Filters?
Most RV water filters should be replaced every three to six months. However, the exact shelf life depends on the type of filter and how often you use it. Consult the instruction manual for more information.
Do RV Water Filters Remove Chlorine?
Carbon water filters will remove the chlorine taste from a city water supply. If you’d like to remove sediment or bacteria, then you need to invest in a different filter as well (or instead).
Which Water Filter Removes the Most Contaminants?
Reverse osmosis is undoubtedly the most effective water treatment solution available. However, these large and expensive countertop units will only treat the water you manually pour into them; they’re laborious to use and only suitable for drinking water.
Why Does My RV Water Smell Bad?
If the water in your tank has been sitting idle for over two weeks, it will start to smell and obtain an unpleasant taste. Clean the tank with bleach, vinegar, or tank cleaner before thoroughly flushing it out.
How Often Should I Clean My RV Water Tank?
Over time, algae will begin to grow in your RV water tank and give the water an unpleasant taste. You should aim to clean the tank using an RV tank cleaner every six months if you’re living in it full time or after two weeks of disuse if you’re reclaiming it from storage.
How Can I Make My RV Water Taste Better?
Rather than using an RV tank cleaner, you could try putting vinegar and bicarbonate soda through the system. Add a quart of vinegar and a few tablespoons of bicarb soda to the tank, fill it with water, drive the RV to swish the mixture around, and let it sit there for a day or two before draining it.
Can I Filter Hot Water in an RV?
No. Filter water before it enters your RV hot water system, not after. Hot water can damage a water filter, while murky unfiltered water can damage an RV water heater.
Final Thoughts
Now you’ve made it to the end of our in-depth RV water filter guide, you’ve learned just about everything there is to know about this fantastic technology. You’ll never have to sip through murky or foul-tasting campsite water again—the perfect filtration solution is only a mouse click away.
Of course, you still need to grab an RV water filter for your rig. So take another gander through our top 10 recommendations to pick out the perfect product for you.
May your water be free of unsightly sediment for many happy camping trips to come. More

The cold weather is pretty hard to miss. Typical signs include ice, snow, and worst of all, your car not starting. Getting into your car, turning the ignition, and hearing groaning noises is a nightmare. I know from first-hand experience. It truly sucks.
If you live in an area that sees harsh winter weather, you may have experienced this before. Having a car battery for cold weather is crucial; you don’t want to be left out in the cold.
This guide will run through everything you need to know when choosing a car battery for cold weather. We begin by briefly looking at the most important things to know before moving onto our top 7 best car batteries for cold weather. At the end of this guide, we look at car batteries in more detail.

Choosing a Car Battery for Cold Weather
There are several key things to understand when choosing a car battery for cold weather. We’ve come up with four crucial points, which we explain below.
Cold Cranking Amps
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) are the most important factor to look at when it comes to batteries for cold weather. To put it simply, CCA is the number of amps the battery can provide at cold temperatures. This is based on a standard 12V battery at 0°F over a 30 second period.
As you’d expect, the higher the CCA, the better the battery is at starting your car in the cold weather. We’ve listed each battery’s CCA rating under the quick facts section for every product, so you can compare each battery easier.
Reserve Capacity
The Reverse Capacity (RC) is another factor to look at in a car battery for cold weather. While it isn’t as important as the CCA rating, it’s worth looking at (more details here). The RC is how many minutes a fully charged battery will last before it drops under 10.5V with a 25 amp discharge.
You may sometimes see RC quoted in amp-hours rather than minutes. While that may be more accurate (as the discharge rate might be more than 25 amps), it’s easier to compare batteries using minutes. It gives you a clearer idea of how long the battery will last. We’ve provided the RC in minutes for every product review.
Battery Type
Not all car batteries are equal. Most car batteries these days are lead-acid, but there are many different types of lead-acid batteries. If you’re interested in learning about the different types, check out this website. For the purpose of this guide, we’ll only be looking at absorbent mat glass (AGM) batteries.
AGM batteries perform much better in cold weather than other types of batteries. They’re also generally regarded as safer as they don’t contain any liquids, which means there’s no risk of acid leaks. Plus, they don’t require any maintenance, making them perfect for people who just want a car battery that works.
All of the car batteries in our reviews are AGM batteries.
Group Size
Car batteries for cold weather are generally bigger and heavier than regular batteries (although that isn’t always the case, as seen with the compact Optima D51 YellowTop). It’s always a good idea to double-check whether the battery will fit in your car, especially if the engine bay or trunk has limited space.
You can do this by looking at the battery’s group size. This is an industry-standard metric that indicates the physical size of a battery. You can look at your current car battery’s group size and match it to a cold-weather battery you want to purchase to ensure it fits properly.
Having said that, some larger batteries can be fitted easily enough with small adjustments. Some batteries, like the powerful Optima RedTop, come with adapters that make fitting it a piece of cake.
With these key points in mind, let’s take a look at the best car batteries for cold weather in 2021.

Top 7 Best Car Batteries for Cold Weather 2021
1. Best Overall Pick: Optima RedTop Starting Battery

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Why we like it: Optima is one of the best battery manufacturers in the USA, and their RedTop battery has been specially designed to start cars in cold weather conditions.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Cold Cranking Amps: 800
Reserve Capacity (Minutes): 100
Group Size: 34
When it comes to car batteries and batteries in general, Optima is undoubtedly one of the best brands out there. Optima produces high-quality batteries using innovative new techniques, allowing them to squeeze out even more power and extend the life of their products. Unlike with some lesser-known brands, you know that an Optima battery will last a long time, saving you money in the long term.
The Optima RedTop Starting Battery has been specially designed for starting cars in cold weather conditions. The high cold cranking amps provide enough current to start almost any vehicle in extremely cold temperatures, from regular gasoline cars to diesel trucks and more.
For the vast majority of cars, this battery will be more than capable of starting in cold weather.
With that said, if your car has any high drain electronics, such as a sound system or DVD player, you may want to look at the Optima DH6 YellowTop. The RedTop is only suitable for starting cars with minimal drain, whereas the Optima DH6 is designed to start vehicles with energy-zapping aftermarket electronics.
This battery should fit most cars without much tinkering, even if it’s not a direct fit, as it comes with various adapters that make installation a breeze.
Overall this is a high-quality battery from a well-known brand that does what it says on the tin. If you’re not too clued up on batteries and just want a battery that can handle cold weather, this will be your best option.

Pros
Excellent brand
High CCA rating
Designed for cold weather
Suitable for use in almost any vehicle
Various adapters included for fitting

Cons
Not designed for use with high drain electronics

2. Best Budget Pick: ACDelco 48 AGM Automotive Battery

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Why we like it: This ACDelco battery provides enough power to start most cars in cold weather while remaining relatively cheap. It’s a great choice for people on a budget.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Cold Cranking Amps: 760
Reserve Capacity (in minutes): 120
Group Size: 48
A good cold-weather car battery doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as demonstrated with this battery from ACDelco. Despite being one of the cheapest cold-weather car batteries on the market, it has plenty of power and a decent reserve capacity to ensure your car starts in cold environments. It has a lower CCA rating than the more premium Odyssey 34R, but unless you have a car with a massive engine, 760 CCA will be more than enough to get your car started when it’s cold.
This battery has several features that give it a longer lifespan. For example, it uses a high-density negative paste, which improves overall performance and longevity compared with other batteries. It also uses calcium lead in the positive grid, which increases conductivity and reduces resistance. What does that mean exactly? Lower resistance and increased conductivity mean easier starting for your car, especially when it’s cold.
You may need a 5A battery charger if you buy this battery as it comes partially charged. This is common with many batteries as they often sit in warehouses for prolonged periods. This doesn’t affect the battery’s capabilities, but it’s a hassle to charge it if you don’t already have a charger at hand. If that’s a problem, you should look at the Delphi MaxStart Battery as they always arrive fully charged.
This battery fits most vehicles with no issue, although it is slightly taller than most batteries by about an inch. Depending on your car, this means you might need to make some adjustments to get it to fit properly.

Pros
Excellent value for money
Increased lifespan
Greater performance

Cons
Requires charging before use
May not fit all cars without adjustment

3. Best Premium Pick: Odyssey 34R Automotive and LTV Battery

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Why we like it: This Odyssey battery offers unrivaled power that will start any vehicle in extremely cold temperatures. While it is expensive, it has a long service life, saving you money down the line.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Cold Cranking Amps: 850
Reserve Capacity (in minutes): 134
Group Size: 34R
This car battery from Odyssey is the most powerful car battery on our list when it comes to cold-cranking amps. At 850 CCA, it will have absolutely no issues starting any car, no matter how cold it is outside. It also has an impressive expected service life of up to 10 years.
One significant benefit of this battery is that it charges extremely quickly due to how efficient it is. In under 4 hours, you can have this battery fully charged, which is significantly faster than most batteries. This makes it ideal for people who make regular short journeys, as it doesn’t take long for the alternator to recharge the battery.
Having said that, this battery isn’t designed to sit unused for long periods of time. If you don’t start your car for prolonged periods, you may find that the battery is flat when you come to start it. To get around this, you could use a battery maintainer, however, it shouldn’t be an issue if you drive your vehicle at least once a month.
Compared to conventional car batteries, the Odyssey has around twice the power and three times the lifespan. While it is a little pricey, it means you won’t need to replace it as often as you would with a cheaper battery. Plus, it’s guaranteed to start your car even in freezing conditions.

Pros
Highest CCA of any battery
3 to 10-year service life
Charges extremely fast
Suitable for frequent short journeys

Cons
Discharges after long periods without use

4. Best Compact Battery: Optima D51 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery

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Why we like it: This Optima YellowTop is compact and light, making it a good choice for small cars when space is limited.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Cold Cranking Amps: 450
Reserve Capacity (in minutes): 66
Group Size: 51
Size doesn’t matter – or does it? If you have a small car with minimal space, a large battery won’t be suitable. You’ll have problems trying to fit it, and it’ll probably be overkill for your needs anyway. That’s where this Optima D51 YellowTop battery comes in.
It’s very compact and light, weighing just 26 pounds. It should fit without an issue in most small cars as it can be mounted in any position thanks to its leak-proof design.
The YellowTop has been designed for cars with high drain electronics or vehicles without alternators, such as racing vehicles, allowing them to start and run for around an hour without being charged. If your car doesn’t have high drain electronics and it has a functioning alternator, we’d suggest buying the larger Optima RedTop Starting Battery.
While the lower CCA and RC ratings shouldn’t be an issue for small gasoline cars, it probably won’t be powerful enough to start larger cars or diesel engines, especially in the cold. If you have a large car with high drain electronics, take a look at the bigger and more powerful Optima DH6 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery. It’s pretty much the same as this battery, just more powerful and bigger in size.

Pros
Light at just 26 pounds
Suitable for cars with high drain electronics
Can be mounted in any position
Compact design

Cons
Low CCA and RC ratings
Only suitable for small cars

5. Best for Small Vehicles: Odyssey PC680 Battery

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Why we like it: While it won’t start a large car, this Odyssey battery is perfect for small vehicles such as ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Cold Cranking Amps: 177
Reserve Capacity (in minutes): 24
Group Size: 26
We’ll be honest: this battery doesn’t have enough cold cranking amps to start most cars, not even small ones. However, it’s ideal for use in other small vehicles like motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles. It’s tiny and weighs only 15 pounds, which explains why it’s much less powerful than the other batteries on our list.
For extreme cold temperatures, this battery may not be powerful enough, even for small vehicles. It won’t struggle in relatively cold temperatures. However, if you live somewhere that’s absolutely freezing, then the Optima D51 YellowTop is a more suitable option as it has a much higher CCA rating while remaining compact and light.
This battery comes fully charged from the factory, so you can fit it and get going straight away. It also comes with L terminal adapters, so there’s no need to purchase any if they’re needed. Compared to other batteries of its size, this Odyssey battery provides more power and reserve capacity due to its greater plate surface area.

Pros
Super light at just 15 pounds
Comes with L terminal adapters
Fully charged from the factory

Cons
Only suitable for small vehicles

6. Best for High Drain Electronics: Optima DH6 YellowTop Dual Purpose AGM Battery

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Why we like it: The Optima YellowTop is the right choice for cars with high drain electronics thanks to its impressive 140-minute reserve capacity.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Cold Cranking Amps: 800
Reserve Capacity (in minutes): 140
Group Size: 48/H6
The Optima DH6 YellowTop is the bigger, more powerful version of the Optima D51 YellowTop. It has a higher CCA rating and significantly more reserve capacity. In fact, it has the highest reserve capacity of any battery in our list, only matched by the equally powerful but slightly cheaper Delphi MaxStart Battery.
This battery has been designed for use in cars with high drain electronics. If your car has an aftermarket sound system, entertainment system, or some other power-hungry device, this is the battery for you. It has been designed to handle these additional power drains, so starting your car will be no issue, even in freezing temperatures.
While it is rated at an impressive 800 CCA, this battery is likely underrated and closer to 1000 CCA, which is more powerful than expected. This battery will start your car much faster than a traditional battery, even more so when it’s chilly.
The DH6 YellowTop has a solid design, which makes it pretty heavy and very secure when fitted. This means there’s minimal movement and a fair amount of vibration resistance. Being a larger battery, it may not fit some cars, so it’s best to double-check if it’ll fit yours.
We like the fact that the terminals have protection to prevent sparks. Sparks coming off a battery always cause a brief moment of panic (at least for us).
As with some of the other batteries on our list, this car battery will need charging once it arrives as it doesn’t come fully charged. It is an Optima battery, though, so you know it’s a high-quality battery that’s designed to last for many years.

Pros
Designed for vehicles with high drain electronics
Impressive reserve capacity
Higher CCA than advertised
Solid design that doesn’t move about

Cons
Doesn’t come fully charged
Large size may not fit some vehicles

7. Best OEM Replacement for American-Made Cars: Delphi MaxStart AGM Battery

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Why we like it: This American made battery is an OEM fit for most cars, so it shouldn’t be any trouble to fit.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Cold Cranking Amps: 800
Reserve Capacity (in minutes): 140
Group Size: 94R
The Delphi MaxStart is a great choice for people who want a battery that just fits without any messing about. It’s an OEM fit for most cars, so you can simply remove your old battery and directly replace it with this – no adjustment is needed.
Performance-wise this battery keeps up with the big boys. It’ll start most cars the first time with no issues in cold environments. And, thanks to its 140-minute reserve capacity, you can sit in your car listening to music, engine off, without having to worry about killing the battery.
We like that it’s made in the USA and we like that it comes fully charged from the factory – no need for a battery charger. While it’s perfect for cold climates, this battery also performs well in hot climates too. This might be beneficial for people who regularly travel between different states where the temperature varies significantly.
The only thing to watch out for with the Delphi MaxStart is that the polarity is reversed. That means the terminals are on the opposite ends compared to regular batteries. While this isn’t a major issue, especially as the polarity is clearly marked, it’s something to note. You don’t want to accidentally connect the polarity the wrong way, as it can damage the battery.

Pros
Made in the USA
Fully charged from the factory
Designed for both hot and cold climates
OEM fit for most cars

Cons
Terminal polarity is reversed

Everything You Need to Know About Car Batteries for Cold Weather

You may be wondering whether you need a car battery for cold weather or just a regular battery. If you live in a cold climate or know that your battery can’t handle the cold, then the choice may be obvious.
In this section, we’ll run through the benefits of cold-weather car batteries and take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to car batteries for cold weather.
Benefits of Specialty Car Batteries in Cold Weather
There are several benefits to using a car battery that has been designed for cold weather over a regular everyday battery. Below are the top 3 benefits.
Faster engine starts. Car batteries designed for cold weather deliver a high amount of current in a five-second burst. This burst of power allows the engine to start quickly, even in freezing cold temperatures.
Reliable performance. No matter how cold it is outside, a cold-weather battery will start your car straight away; no hassle, no drama. This is because the batteries have been engineered to cope with sub-zero temperatures, unlike regular batteries. No more turning the ignition and praying!
Better (dis)charging rates. Regular batteries have a much lower capacity in cold weather due to the slowing of chemical reactions within the battery. This is bad for both the battery’s performance and reliability. This isn’t an issue with cold weather batteries as they use different chemistry, which means they have better charging and discharging rates.
For these reasons alone, buying a battery for cold weather makes perfect sense if you live somewhere that’s cold or if winter is on its way.
When Does Reserve Capacity Matter?
We briefly looked at reserve capacity at the beginning of this guide. We mentioned that it isn’t as important as the cold-cranking amps, and while that is generally true, we want to explain when it does matter.
When you start your car, the battery powers all of the electronics and the starter motor. This is what allows your car to start up. Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over to provide the car with electricity. It also recharges the battery.
Reserve capacity matters a lot in cars with lots of aftermarket electronics. That’s things like sound systems, DVD players, and aftermarket head units. These devices use a lot of power and can quickly drain a battery when the engine isn’t running. With a high reserve capacity car battery, you can sit listening to music with the engine off for extended periods of time.
How to Maintain Your Battery During Cold Weather
There are a few things you can do to maintain your battery during cold weather. Whether or not you should do them will depend on several factors, which we’ll look at below.
If you regularly drive your car a reasonable distance at least once per week, you needn’t do anything. While starting your car will drain some of the battery’s power, the alternator will recharge the battery if you run the engine for long enough. Some batteries recharge quicker than others (for example, the Odyssey 34R), which is better for people who make shorter trips where the alternator doesn’t have much time to recharge the battery.
If you don’t drive your car regularly, you may want to disconnect the battery and keep it charged using a battery maintainer or trickle charger. A battery maintainer will ensure the battery stays topped up when it’s not in use. Most maintainers these days are fully automatic, so you can put it on charge and leave it to do its thing. All batteries will discharge over time when left unused, so this is a good idea if you’re not using your car very often.
Make sure nothing is left on in your car, especially if you have aftermarket electronics. Leaving a power-draining device running, like a dashcam or display, can quickly zap the power from your battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Car Batteries Last?
A typical car battery can last for anywhere from 3 to 10 years, and sometimes even longer. This all depends on various factors, such as the type of battery, how often it’s used, and more.
When Should I Replace My Car Battery?
If you notice any leaks or nasty smells coming from the battery, it’s time to replace it – pronto. You may also want to replace the battery if it no longer holds its charge or if it no longer starts your car after several attempts.
Which Brand of Car Battery is the Best for Cold Weather?
Optima batteries are some of the best car batteries out there. Odyssey also produces very high-quality car batteries for cold weather too.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of choices when it comes to buying a car battery for cold weather. You don’t need to suffer with a car that won’t start just because it’s cold outside.
By replacing your standard car battery with one that’s designed for the cold, you can rest easy knowing your car will start the first time. That means no drama and no expensive trips to the mechanic. More

Those who have done it get it: there’s really nothing like hitting the open road on a motorcycle, ripping across varied landscapes at high speed, and stopping to see the best attractions along the way.
While that’s a thrilling and enjoyable experience by itself, some motorcyclists like to add on a pair of earbuds to the fun, whether they’re for music, turn-by-turn directions, communicating with riding buddies, or hearing protection.
No matter what you’re looking for, one of the following motorcycle-specific earbuds should be a good fit for you.

Features to Consider in Motorcycle Earbuds
What motorcyclists look for in an earbud is typically quite different from what the average person looks for. Motorcyclists are often much more safety-oriented and willing to pay for high-quality products than the typical consumer.
Noise Cancelation
Motorcycles are loud. It’s part of the reason we love them. Unfortunately, that means they come with a risk of hearing damage. Along with engine noise, for those who spend long times at high speeds, wind noise can also be a factor. A motorcycle earbud should keep out the loudest noises but still permit some frequencies to come through so you can be aware of your surroundings.
That’s why any motorcycle earbud worth its salt will come with noise protection, whether that means simple insulation (typically foam padding) to isolate damaging frequencies or active noise-canceling tech that uses changing and adaptive frequencies to cancel out loud noises. If you value your hearing, make sure you’ve got at least something.
Earbud Fit and Material
Some people have problems finding a good fit when shopping for in-ear headphones, which is exacerbated by the fact that over-ear headphones aren’t really an option in a motorcycle helmet. Along with finding an earbud shape that fits snugly and comfortably in your ear, consider the diversity of earbud materials for their different properties.
Silicon: Silicone earbud tips are quite a bit pricier than alternatives, but they’re flexible, insulative, and maintain their shape without degrading over time.
Plastic: Since plastic isn’t flexible, it’s not comfortable and won’t create a seal in the ear like softer materials. It’s typically more durable, though, and some people prefer it for its ease to clean. Plastic is also used exclusively for motorcycle headsets that are installed permanently into helmets.
Rubber: Rubber is a cheap material that many find quite comfortable to use, although it degrades when exposed to sunlight.
Foam: Foam is acclaimed for the material properties that allow it to adapt over time to the specific anatomy of a specific persons’ ears. Like memory foam, over time it adapts to create a better fit. Unfortunately, it is not as durable as other materials.
Battery Life
Connected earbuds don’t have this problem, but wireless earbuds have relatively limited battery lives. Consider this when shopping, and consider exactly how you plan on keeping your earbuds charged.
Always keep in mind, though, exactly how many hours of juice you need. Battery life doesn’t come cheap at all, and if you can get away with fewer hours of battery life (maybe you only use your earbuds for commuting, for example), you can save over a hundred bucks.
Sound Quality
Fans of high-def audio are willing to pay upwards of $1000 for the perfect set of earbuds: no, that’s not a typo. Most motorcyclists, however, are just looking for something that works and has acceptable audio quality.
Remember that noise cancelation is a big part of this as well: if you can’t hear the music over wind and engine noise, the sound quality doesn’t matter one bit. Different sized drivers prioritize different frequencies, with larger drivers producing better bass tones.
Helmet-Integrated Headsets
While not technically earbuds in the way that we conventionally think about them, we’ve still included a couple of headsets for those who aren’t looking for in-ear headphones. These devices directly install into your motorcycle helmet around the ears. While they don’t provide any level of noise isolation, they’re great for communicating with riding partners and they’re legal in almost all jurisdictions.
Like in-ear headphones, they’re usually Bluetooth capable and have a microphone built-in for inter-rider communication. If you’re considering one, make sure you’ve got a helmet that will accommodate the headset.
Connection Type
Very few motorcycle earbuds these days use wires as a connection method: the most common technology used today is Bluetooth, which is available on nearly all devices. There are some alternatives, but they’re relatively uncommon.

Top 10 Best Motorcycle Earbuds 2021
1. Best Overall Pick: Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds

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Why we like it: These completely wireless earbuds have great battery life, with an option for ten-minute boost charges that can top up your battery.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Earbud Material: Silicone
Connection Type: Bluetooth
Battery Life: 8 hours
Review
Wireless, comfortable, noise-canceling, and sporting an impressive 8-hour battery life, these $50-ish earbuds are one of the most recommended earbuds on the market for good reason. They’re incredibly feature-rich, all powered by 8mm dynamic drivers producing booming bass and delicate treble tones.
The headphones automatically detect if you’ve only got one earbud in, so they automatically shift from mono to stereo mode should you change around how you’re listening.
IPX5 water resistance means you won’t have any issue using these earbuds on a rainy day, although be aware of the fact that the case itself isn’t waterproof. Noise-canceling is decent, but as these aren’t motorcycle-specific, some deeper-frequency road noises that may help you better understand your surroundings can get isolated out.
One of our favorite features with this product has nothing to do with the earbuds themselves: the charging case, which holds an additional 100 hours of battery life at a fresh charge and also includes a feature for a 10-minute ‘top-up’ charge which boosts the wireless headphones up from a zero-percent charge to 90 minutes of battery life.
While the 8-hour battery life isn’t the most impressive in our lineup, it’s overcome by the fact that you could head out on 12 consecutive days without plugging the charging case in at all.

Pros
Comfortable noise-canceling headphones are completely wireless
Adequate noise-canceling
The case holds an additional 100 hours of battery life
IPX5 water resistance

Cons
Deep-frequency noises can get isolated out
The case itself isn’t waterproof

2. Best Budget Pick: Tozo T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds

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Why we like it: These earbuds have it all: active noise cancelation, comfortable construction, waterproofing, and an incredibly economical price.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Earbud Material: Silicone
Connection Type: Bluetooth
Battery Life: 4 hours
Review
We’re more than impressed with these fully-featured motorcycle earbuds for their features, competing with the most premium models out there. So when you take a look at comparable products with silicone ear tips, active noise cancelation that are IPX8 water-resistant (submersible), there’s simply no product that is near this fully featured at this low of a price.
Incorporating an 8mm driver that produces fine treble tones as well as heavy bass, the earbuds also use active noise cancelation and form-fitting silicone ear tips to block out the damaging frequencies like engine and road noises that wreak havoc over time. They’re also one of the only wireless earbud models available in more than a couple of colors, with slate, tan, and light grey models alongside the traditional black and white.
If there’s any single issue we can point to, it’s the battery life. Four hours per charge is, well, lackluster. The case adds 14 hours, but that’s almost nothing compared to the Aukey True Wireless Earbuds’ 35 hours. Further compounding the problem is the complete lack of a quick-charging feature. For the price and with this many features, though, they’re almost unbeatable.

Pros
Fully featured motorcycle earbuds at an economical price
Silicone ear tips and active noise canceling help protect hearing
IPX8 water-resistant buds continue functioning even after full submersion
Available in multiple colors

Cons
Complete lack of a quick-charging feature
Lackluster battery life at 4 hours per charge

3. Best Premium Pick: ISOtunes PRO 2.0 Bluetooth Earplug Headphones

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Why we like it: These earplug headphones are noise-canceling, damage-reducing earplugs before earbuds, meaning they’re powerful for protecting hearing.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Earbud Material: Foam
Connection Type: Bluetooth
Battery Life: 16 hours
Review
With no regard for convention, these earbuds combine powerful noise-isolating earplugs with a powerful driver that produces high-quality sound. This idea is different from other earbud manufacturers, with the most common approach to design from the driver and earbud outwards, at the end slapping on a silicone ear tip that helps with fit and blocking out sound.
These earbuds are different, with the foam, noise-canceling ear tips coming before the driver and earbud in terms of design philosophy. The product comes with four different ear tip options, each with a different size, foam density, and decibel protection rating that can tremendously help with road and engine noise. Each tip is rated to a minimum of 27 decibels of noise reduction, drastically reducing the likelihood of hearing damage.
They’re connected with a wire down the middle that contains Bluetooth controls, volume controls, and a microphone equipped with noise-canceling features. The only issue with this design, however, is that under a helmet, the microphone gets covered up and the buttons can get pushed unintentionally. We prefer the ‘necklace control’ approach of manufacturer Holiper. A year of warranty protection and IP67 durability certification are just icing on the cake.

Pros
Noise cancelation and hearing protection comes first
Four different foam ear tip options
Each ear tip is rated to 27 decibels of noise protection
Great 16-hour battery life

Cons
Microphone can be blocked under a helmet
Controls can get bumped accidentally during use

4. Best for Hearing Protection: Ruckus Discord Bluetooth Earplug Earbuds

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Why we like it: This set of motorcycle earbuds comes certified with OSHA-compliant noise reduction, meaning that if you’re concerned with hearing protection, they’re a great option.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Earbud Material: Silicone
Connection Type: Bluetooth
Battery Life: 14 hours
Review
Looking more like a set of construction earplugs than motorcycle headphones, these inexpensive earbuds are wireless in design but are connected to each other by a lanyard that contains a microphone that syncs wirelessly for phone service as well as volume control. Good for both noise cancelation and sound quality, they’re great for motorcyclists who are concerned about hearing protection.
The real innovation with this set of headphones comes via the earbud construction itself, with three tiers of seals that block out high-frequency, loud sounds while still letting some vibration through. They’re OSHA-compliant, which means they’re government-tested to certify they’ll protect your ears.
They’ve also got a built-in microphone, allowing you to take calls while riding (where it’s legal) or stay in contact with riding buddies using some type of real-time walkie-talkie system.
They’ve got a soft case that doesn’t help with charging, unlike the common solid cases that come with most wireless earbuds. That means they have to be plugged in to charge via a USB port. They’re also waterproof.

Pros
Construction-style earphones are great for protecting your ear
Connected by a lanyard with controls
OSHA-compliant and government tested
Waterproof construction

Cons
Have to be plugged in to charge
The soft case doesn’t charge; battery life is that of the headphones themselves

5. Best Motorcycle Headset: jzaq Bluetooth Hands-free Headset

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Why we like it: This headset by manufacturer jzaq provides easy to use hands-free technology with 50 hours of working time and compatibility with existing motorcycle intercom systems.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Earbud Material: Silicon
Connection Type: Bluetooth
Battery Life: 50 hours
Review
No, they’re not technically earbuds: but that’s actually a good thing in many jurisdictions, as it means you’ll have no trouble arguing the headphones’ usefulness as a communication system alongside its utility as a sound system (some places require any motorcycling sound system to also include an intercom component).
The set has some ridiculous battery life as well with 500 hours of standby time and 50 hours of working time before it needs a recharge. Even better yet, it can be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so if you’ve got a GPS for turn-by-turn, you can also connect to a cell phone to listen to music, radio, or an intercom app.
Also among the impressive features? IPX7 water resistance (that means the system can be completely submerged), easy installation, and a 90-day limited warranty.
But they’re still not earbuds: so you won’t be able to use them on a hike at a scenic viewpoint, you’ll lose the capability to communicate with riding buddies every time you take your helmet off, and they don’t provide anywhere near the noise insulation of in-ear headphones. If none of those is a deal-breaker, though, this headset might be a good option, especially considering their relatively wallet-friendly price.

Pros
Wallet-friendly price for a hands-free headset
Can be installed directly into your helmet
IPX7 water resistance allows the device to be completely submerged without damage
Can be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously

Cons
Don’t provide much noise insulation
Can’t use them when your helmet is off

6. Best Noise Isolation: Amazon Echo Buds

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Why we like it: These earbuds manufactured by tech giant Amazon don’t just offer incredible noise protection, but an impressive amount of tech features as well.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Earbud Material: Rubber
Connection Type: Bluetooth
Battery Life: 5 hours
Review
There’s one thing these earbuds do better than anyone else: active noise cancelation. As the earbuds sense external noise, they produce alternative frequencies that cancel and block out these sounds. While these aren’t motorcycle-specific earbuds, this feature does have some specific benefits for motorcyclists, blocking out engine and road noise while letting sudden noises (honks and braking, for example) through.
Battery life, unfortunately, isn’t impressive at all. Five hours of charge might be good enough for shorter trips, but adventure tourers will probably want to ride more than that in a single day. There is a rapid-charging feature that will give a 2-hour battery life in just fifteen minutes of charge, fine for a quick little boost, although we’d prefer a better battery life in the first place.
The case offers 20 hours of recharge time, well below average as well. If you’re looking for another set of earbuds with longer battery life and quick-charging, check out the Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds.
A single-year warranty offers limited protection if there is any problem with the earbuds, but with a durable case and solidly-constructed, we doubt you’ll have an issue. The size and fit are customizable, not only with different sized tips, but also with different shaped ‘earbud wings’ that can further ensure a good fit. Everything is IPX4 waterproof, so they’re not submersible but should be fine in light rain.

Pros
Earbuds with noise-canceling block out engine noise
Let sudden, important noises through
Size and fit of the earbuds are customizable

Cons
Battery life is probably a bit light for adventure tourers
Not submersible with an IPX4 rating

7. Aukey True Wireless Earbuds

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Why we like it: These ultra-inexpensive wireless headphones aren’t motorcycle-specific, but they do have a couple of features that make them motorcyclist-friendly.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Earbud Material: Rubber
Connection Type: Bluetooth
Battery Life: 5 hours
Review
These ultra-inexpensive earbuds are pretty impressive for the price, having nearly all of the features of other, more expensive wireless earbuds. Unfortunately, though, they do have a few details that are to be expected for a pair of earbuds that cost less than a tank of gas. A couple of the most impressive features? High audio quality, seamless Bluetooth syncing, a great microphone, and a slick, minimal look.
Battery life isn’t exceptional by any means at 5 hours per charge and with 35 hours of ‘backup charge’ in the case. No quick-charging, although for one of the most inexpensive pairs of earbuds on the market, it’s hard to complain too much. The charging box is a little tricky to get right, as the earbuds charge via two little pins that can bend. If this happens, charging is difficult or impossible, but a new pair is just a few bucks away.
Volume, call-answering, and music skipping/playback are controlled by touching the outside of the headphone, which isn’t really possible when riding a motorcycle. Make sure you’re set up with the playlist you want at the rest stop and pull over if you need to make any adjustments.
The earbud set does come with a few nice extras, such as three sets of differently-sized rubber earbud tips and a micro-USB cable for charging. While you’ll probably be fine in dribbling rain, especially with a helmet, be aware that these have no waterproofing rating or certification.

Pros
Inexpensive headphones with some motorcycle-specific features
Includes three sets of rubber earbud tips
High audio quality
Great microphone maintains quality even inside a helmet

Cons
Charging pins can bend, making recharging difficult
No waterproofing rating or certification

8. Holiper Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds with Noise Canceling

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Why we like it: These earbuds are wireless but still connected to each other via a dangling necklace that hangs below the helmet, allowing you to adjust the volume on the fly.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Earbud Material: Rubber
Connection Type: Bluetooth
Battery Life: 8 hours
Review
If you’re looking for high-fidelity sound and a low price tag, these earbuds from direct-to-consumer brand Holiper could be a good fit. Just pop open the magnetic clasp on the case to turn on the headphones, they’ll automatically connect to your Bluetooth device if you’ve paired them before.
The charging case uses the same charging design (charge the case to charge the headphones) as the similarly-priced Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds, although there’s one difference: this brand only offers 35 hours of charge compared to the 100 hours seen with some competitor earbuds.
Compared with other earbuds, these have a small difference: although they’re wireless in the way that they don’t plug into your phone, they do use wires to connect together, linking to a lower junction box that controls the earphones.
The skip, volume, and play functions are all accessed by touching this junction box that hangs down below the helmet, almost like a necklace. Unlike with other wireless earbuds, which often adjust by touching the earbud itself, you won’t have to use your phone or pull over to change and skip songs or adjust the volume.

Pros
Dangling buttons mean you can adjust the volume on the fly
Automatic Bluetooth pairing after one connection
Skip, volume, and play buttons all accessed on a junction box

Cons
While they’re wireless, they are still connected via wires

9. UClear Digital Pulse Wired Drop-In Helmet Speakers

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Why we like it: This motorcycle headset is wired up to work well with an existing intercom system.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Earbud Material: Plastic
Connection Type: Wired
Battery Life: N/A
Review
Another helmet-installable headset, these are not in-ear headphones that can be used off the motorcycle, unless you’re into wandering around with your helmet on. That does, fortunately, mean that the speakers come with a whole host of other features, starting out with an enormous, high fidelity, 40mm diameter driver with exceptional sound quality, perfect for hearing voices of riding buddies.
Unlike other earbuds on this list, they’re wired: which, while it isn’t the most ‘in vogue’ technology out right now, it’s phenomenally reliable and when paired with a waterproof receiver. Unfortunately, as a wired system, you’re kind of strapped into whatever you’re connected with.
With smaller intercom systems, you can clip them directly onto a helmet, but if you’re dealing with radio/walkie-talkie systems, you’ll probably need to slide it into a jacket pocket. Make sure you’re thinking about where you place the control device, or you’ll end up ripping out your aux cord every time you turn your head.
As a wired headset, however, this product has one awesome feature: unlimited battery life. Still, though, this is no miracle as power will just be sucked from whatever device you’re using. It’s a great intercom system with high voice fidelity, although it’s a little lackluster for entertainment use.

Pros
The hands-free device combines an entertainment system with an intercom headset
Wired setup is reliable and waterproof
Receiver comes separately

Cons
Doesn’t include actual intercom software or system
The wire can get yanked out if you’re not careful

10. Sena SMH10 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset / Intercom

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Why we like it: This fully-equipped intercom system is a self-contained intercom system as well as a complete entertainment system.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Earbud Material: Plastic
Connection Type: Bluetooth
Battery Life: 12 hours
Review
This system from Sena isn’t just a set of earbuds, nor is it just a headset like the jzaq Bluetooth Hands-free Headset. It’s a fully equipped Bluetooth intercom system, capable of connecting with up to 4 other people in your riding group with the potential to be simultaneously connected to a cell phone or GPS for turn-by-turn directions or music. It’s all the functionality of a headset with all of the entertainment features of a set of earbuds.
Where this stands out specifically, though, is with its built-in intercom feature. No apps, phones, or pairing are necessary. Just turn it on and it will automatically connect to other Bluetooth-equipped intercoms in the area. It’s got a 900m range. If someone drops out, the ‘link’ isn’t broken as with other intercoms: other set-ups are sequential, meaning that every time someone drops out, you have to reconnect to your group.
Unfortunately, it suffers from the same drawbacks as all headset/intercom systems. Firstly, the system is installed directly in the helmet, meaning no usage of the bike unless you plan to wear your helmet. Secondly, it lacks noise-canceling features. Lastly, it adds over a half-pound to your helmet, an amount that’s not insignificant, especially for touring riders. It’s also pricey, but it’s a stand-alone system: no other devices needed.

Pros
Phenomenal intercom system has a 900m range
The functionality of a headset with the entertainment system of earbuds
Dropouts don’t mean a complete intercom reset

Cons
Adds up to a half-pound of weight to a helmet
No noise-canceling or noise-reducing features

Guide to Buying the Best Motorcycle Earbuds for 2020
Motorcyclists love to have the latest (or at least most interesting) equipment on the market. Motorcycling specific earbuds? Well, those who love the latest tech will be fans of the latest and greatest. If you’re on a budget, though, there’s still plenty to watch out for. For some additional considerations, cool product tips, and safety advice, read on.
Earbud Use by Jurisdiction
While a quality motorcycle earbud can improve safety, keeping out loud noises while still letting traffic noises through, some jurisdictions have regulations in place to make sure motorcyclists are using their earbuds responsibly and staying aware of their surroundings.
Regulations can be town-specific or statewide, so it’s important to check your routing to stay compliant. Some motorcycle GPS systems use push notifications to update riders of the changing regulations on their route. Stay safe, stay legal.
Legality
Legality is a mixed bag with motorcycle earbuds due to the fact that they’re hard to classify. Although some foreign countries outright ban the devices, most countries, including the US, don’t really address the legality of usage.
Predominantly, that’s due to the fact that there are several types of audio systems motorcyclists use. Built-in helmet speakers, audio systems, and headphones are almost universally legal, while some jurisdictions outright prohibit on-road use of headphones and earbuds that don’t have a microphone.
Typically, these jurisdictions have provisions for ‘communication systems,’ which is virtually any system with a microphone. Does that mean that any pair of earbuds with a microphone is fair game? Typically, in most American jurisdictions, the answer is yes. Be more careful if you don’t have earbuds with an included microphone. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to understand the laws where you’re riding.
Safety and Earbud Use
While it’s usually relatively safe to use earbuds in low-traffic areas and at low volumes, there are some situations where it’s notedly dangerous to use earbuds. Traffic can be problematic for motorcyclists in the best of circumstances, and a pair of jam-blasting headphones that will filter out road noise is a very, very bad idea. Ideally, headphones should only be used as a communication system, for turn-by-turn directions, or for offroad riding, although it’s pretty unrealistic to expect that from all riders. Our advice is just to be smart. On quiet roads, you’re okay to use headphones. Heavy traffic in a major metro area? Turn the headphones off, reject the call, and focus on your surroundings.
Staying Awake While Riding
While motorcyclists typically have an easier time staying awake than other motorists, there are plenty of people that have a difficult time staying awake on longer rides, some to dangerous effect. While headphones are sometimes seen as dangerous, in many cases listening to the right music can help prevent dozing off while riding.
Youtube channel FortNine does an amazing job at covering the best tips and tricks for staying awake on long hauls, with their main recommendation being to listen to music, or at least filter out road noise with a pair of earplugs. Watch below, but the short version? Music is better than audiobooks, and instrumental tracks are better than those with lyrics.
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Tips for Safety
By employing just a touch of common sense and some clever tips, you can maximize the safety impact of your earbuds. While some of these tricks might be a recap for experienced riders, they’re still worth thinking about.
Riding with One Earbud: Especially in high-traffic situations, it is a good idea for riders to remove one earbud so that they can hear turn-by-turn directions while still having access to road and traffic noise. A pair of earbuds like the Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds makes this easier, as they can recognize when you’ve removed a headphone to convert to ‘mono’ mode.
Adjusting Based on Riding Conditions: Offroad riding on quiet, well-packed gravel trails? You’re probably okay to listen to whatever type of music or audiobooks you feel like. On the highway? Maybe keep the music instrumental in order to maintain focus. If you’re in heavy traffic, your headphones should stay dedicated to vital comms and turn-by-turn directions.
When In Doubt, Pull Over: One of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents is distracted riding. Don’t adjust volume, skip songs, or try to mess with your GPS while riding. Pull over or wait until the next stop.
Earbuds for Hearing Protection
Most motorcyclists understand the remarkable value of personal protective equipment, and while earbuds aren’t quite as important as leathers, boots, or a DOT-approved helmet, they can do wonders to protect your hearing. In fact, there’s some very compelling research that motorcyclists are quite vulnerable to hearing loss, especially at higher speeds due to wind noise.
A Note on Bluetooth
Bluetooth isn’t just an app or phone feature, it’s a wireless standard that’s updated frequently by the company that owns the technology. The most recent standard is called Bluetooth 5.0, and almost all new phones will come with that tech. The Bluetooth-equipped earbuds on this list are all equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 (or smaller updates Bluetooth 5.1 and 5.2). Be aware that, if you want to connect multiple devices, use the most up-to-date Bluetooth profile as possible, anything below Bluetooth 3 might cause you problems.
Other Motorcycle Equipment
Motorcycles enjoy a wealth of products available now that make riding more fun, interesting, and comfortable. Consider some of the clever products below to take your riding up a level.
Motorcycle Headsets: Although you might not need a motorcycle headset if you’ve already got a pair of earbuds with a microphone, one can be helpful if you’re headed out with a riding group. For solo riders, a pair of wireless earbuds is fine, but if you’re headed out with your buddies, it might be worth it to invest in an inexpensive motorcycle headset.
Motorcycle GPS Navigation Systems: You might already have a GPS if you’re looking to get turn-by-turn navigation routed into your helmet, but if not, it’s a great way to set up routes and trips.
Motorcycle Locks: Tourers know that an opportunistic thief is one of the easiest ways a long trip can get ruined. While some lock options are off-limits when you’re traveling, make sure you’ve got at least some protection.
Frequently Asked Questions on Motorcycle Earbuds
In a wide product category with lots of technical details, it’s common to have questions related to products. We answer some of the most common ones below.
Can You Wear Headphones on a Motorcycle?
Wearing headphones on a motorcycle is legal in many circumstances. It also has some safety advantages. When synced to a GPS unit or phone, headphones allow you to hear turn-by-turn directions while noise-canceling options help protect hearing.
Will AirPods Fall Out When Riding a Motorcycle?
AirPods are a cultural phenomenon, seen in all kinds of applications and representing a remarkable 35% of the wireless headphone market: so they’ve got to be doing something right.
With a completely plastic construction, we don’t recommend the original AirPods for motorcycling, but the AirPod Pro Headphones are a workable option with silicone tips, although they’re more expensive than alternatives and don’t have much in the way of noise cancelation. If they fit your ear properly, they won’t fall out.
What are the Best Earbuds for Sound Quality?
Sound quality improves every year with smaller, more inexpensive, smarter earbud technology. Our favorites for sound quality are these earbuds from UClear. While they’re not inexpensive, they beat out even over-ear headphones options in terms of audio fidelity.
Wrapping Up
While it’s important to stay smart when using a pair of earbuds while motorcycling, there are plenty of great reasons to pick up a pair. Whether you’re looking to listen to some tunes, stay in contact with your riding buddies, hear turn-by-turn directions, or protect your hearing, a set of earbuds can help you out. As always, remember to stay smart, stay safe, keep your head up, and enjoy the ride. More

We all want to keep our children safe. While cars are safer than ever, they’re still not perfect. Until your child is between 8-12 years old, a booster seat is a must-have item. Without one, your vehicle’s seat belt can put your child in danger.
If your child is too small, less than sixty inches tall, the seat belt can choke your child in the event of an accident. We don’t mean to scare you. We just want everyone to be safe.
Booster seats come in many different shapes and sizes. Some resemble car seats, some are inflatable, and others are just cushions. While large booster seats are great for younger children, once your child is about forty inches tall, it’s time for a backless booster car seat. While these booster seats are small, they teach your child to wear a seat belt and ensure the seat belt is in the right place.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Backless Booster Car Seats
When you’re shopping online, it’s hard to determine if a product is a good fit. Backless booster seats are no exception. Still, there are ways to help you narrow down your options. We’re going to take you through a few things to consider before choosing a backless booster car seat.
Weight
We’ll begin with weight. How much weight a backless booster seat holds is one of the most important features. Typically, backless booster seats hold between 40 and 100 pounds, but there are some exceptions. Still, the 40-100 pound range is ideal for backless booster seats and a great place to start. If your child is too heavy or too light, the booster seat won’t support them or might break.
Height
Another thing to consider is the height of your child. When your child is in the car, you never want the seat belt to be in the wrong place. For example, if the seat belt is against your child’s neck, they’re at a greater risk for injury or death during an accident.
The purpose of a booster seat is to give your child a few extra inches of height. This helps the vehicle’s seat belt protect your child without putting them in danger by ensuring the seat belt is against your child’s chest and around their waist.
Still, you need to be careful with the height limitations of backless booster seats. Most products are safe for children between 40-60 inches, with slight variations. If your child is too short, it won’t help, and if they’re too tall, booster seats become dangerous again. When you’re using a backless booster, always ensure you’re within the height requirements provided by the product.
Type
Finally, you have to figure out what type of backless booster seat you want. The two most common types are inflatable and traditional backless booster seats. Inflatable products are more portable, but they’re less durable. Inflatable products are a great choice if you live in a metropolitan area, take public transportation, taxis, or change between vehicles often.
On the other hand, traditional backless booster seats are more durable but less portable. Traditional backless booster seats also come with more features than inflatable products. Some examples include cup holders, armrests, and safety latches.
Knowing what to look for in a backless booster makes finding the right fit hassle-free and gives you an excellent place to start. Read on to learn about the ten best backless booster car seats.

Top 10 Best Backless Booster Car Seats 2021
1. Best Overall Pick: Graco Galaxy TurboBooster

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Why we like it: We love the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster because it comes with premium features, and it’s below-average in price.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Height: 43-57 inches
Weight: 40-100 pounds
Type: Traditional
The Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is one of the most well-rounded backless booster seats you can find. The design includes cup holders, comfortable armrests, and a stylish design. Furthermore, the padding is comfortable and machine washable. You can disconnect the cushion from the rest of the seat and place it through a washing cycle. It’s also lightweight and easy to move between vehicles.
What Sets it Apart
This backless booster seat is unique because it offers the most all-around value. It gives you everything you need in a booster seat, without an expensive price tag. The features are above-average in quality, and the ability to wash the cushion in a washing machine makes this product the best overall choice. Plus, it’s FMVSS 213 certified.
Things to Consider
The Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is a great product, but it doesn’t come with a latch. Latches keep booster seats secured to the vehicle, which adds another layer of protection for your child. Furthermore, latches are necessary for children closer to 40 pounds because it will keep the booster seat from moving.
If you like the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster but prefer a product that comes with a latch, the Graco TurboBooster LX is a great alternative. It’s made by the same manufacturer and includes the same features, but it comes with a latch.
Who It’s For
If you need a well-rounded booster seat that will last you a few years, the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is the right choice. It covers a wide range of weights and heights, giving more longevity than other booster seats. Plus, it comes with more than enough features to keep you and your child safe and happy.

Pros
Comes with armrests and cup holders
Machine washable cover
Lightweight
Budget-friendly

Cons
Doesn’t include a latch to secure it in your back seat

2. Best Premium Pick: Chicco GoFit

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Why we like it: We love how you can take the cup holders out of the booster seat and wash them in a dishwasher. It beats wiping them down with a rag after every drive.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Height: 40-57 inches
Weight: 40-110 pounds
Type: Traditional
The Chicco GoFit is comfortable and easy to work with. While the fabric is similar to other backless booster seats, it features an ergonomic pattern that supports your child. This backless booster also comes with features that make it convenient. You can remove the cupholders and clean them in a dishwasher, plus the fabric is machine washable. It also comes with a carrying handle for portability.
What Sets it Apart
The Chicco GoFit is a premium product all-around. From the padding to the removable cupholders, it’s one of the most convenient and safe backless boosters on the market. Furthermore, there is a Chicco GoFit Plus option, which includes a latch that secures it to your vehicle. Overall, the Chicco GoFit comes with the best features. It also comes with a lap belt that guides your vehicle’s seat belt into the right position.
Things to Consider
We love the Chicco GoFit, but it’s not budget-friendly. It’s also bulky, and you’ll struggle to fit more than two in your back seats. If you’re looking for a more compact and budget-friendly option but like the premium features, the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
The Chicco GoFit is an excellent choice for any parent that wants a premium product. The double padding is more comfortable than most backless boosters, it comes with a seatbelt guide, and everything is convenient to clean. While it costs more than other backless booster seats, it’s worth every penny.

Pros
Double the padding and ergonomic cushion
Comes with armrests and cup holders
Machine washable cover
Dishwasher-safe cup holders

Cons
Expensive
Bulkier than other backless booster seats
Difficult to store

3. Best Budget Pick: Graco Turbo Go

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Why we like it: The Graco Turbo Go is portable and affordable, which is why we love it. Compared to other backless boosters, it’s the most affordable option.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Height: 40-60 inches
Weight: 40-100 pounds
Type: Traditional
Graco is excellent at making backless booster seats. While there are many options, the Graco Turbo Go is one of the best choices. It’s a simple booster seat that’s lightweight, comfortable, and safe. You can also fold this booster seat for storage or travel. Still, one of the best features it comes with is the reinforced seat belt guide. Made with strong steel, it guides your vehicle’s seat belt into the right position.
What Sets it Apart
The Graco Turbo Go is unique because of its foldable design and padding. The foldable design is not uncommon to this Graco product, but its comfort is. Other foldable backless booster seats sacrifice padding for portability, which makes your child uncomfortable. While the Graco Turbo Go is foldable, it comes with plenty of padding to keep your child comfortable.
Things to Consider
The Graco Turbo Go is excellent for portability, but that’s about it. There are no premium features, like cup holders or armrests, so it’s basic compared to other backless booster seats. Furthermore, the padding is not ergonomic and leads to discomfort during prolonged use.
If you’re not worried about portability but like the quality of a Graco product, the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is a great alternative. While it’s less portable, it comes with cup holders and armrests.
Who It’s For
If you need a portable backless booster that’s comfortable, the Graco Turbo Go is the right choice. There are other portable products, but they’re not as comfortable as this one. This is because Graco uses a foldable design alongside comfortable and supportive padding.

Pros
Lightweight and portable
Foldable design saves space for storage
Reinforced-steel seat belt guides

Cons
Lacks cup holders and armrests
Less comfortable than ergonomic booster seats

4. Best for Safety: Graco TurboBooster LX

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Why we like it: We love the Graco TurboBooster LX because it comes with everything you need to keep your child safe and comfortable. It offers quality of life features, like cup holders and armrests, but it also has a latch to keep it secure in your car.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Height: 43-57 inches
Weight: 40-110 pounds
Type: Traditional
The Graco TurboBooster LX is a well-rounded product that comes with everything you need in a backless booster seat. It comes with a latch that secures it to your vehicle, a seat belt guide for safety, and a few amenities for you and your child. These amenities include armrests, an ergonomic cushion, and two cup holders. The padding is also machine washable for a quick clean-up.
What Sets it Apart
The Graco TurboBooster LX is similar to the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster, but this is the high-end model. While it comes with everything we love about the standard model, like FMVSS 213 safety ratings and the comfort it provides your child, this backless booster takes it a step further with the latch. The latch secures the booster seat in your back seat, which prevents your child from moving or shaking it.
Things to Consider
The Graco TurboBooster LX is a reliable product, but it’s not perfect. The main drawback is the expensive latch it comes with. If you like this Graco booster seat, but don’t need the latch, the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is a great alternative. It comes with identical features, just no latch, and you can save some money.
Who It’s For
If you want a top-of-the-line backless booster seat for an affordable price, the Graco TurboBooster LX is the right fit. It comes with many premium features and doesn’t cost too much. Still, it’s more expensive than some of the more budget-friendly products on our list. Overall, it’s an excellent mid-tier option.

Pros
FMVSS 213 safety compliance
Includes a latch and seat belt guide
Machine washable cover
Features armrests and cup holders

Cons
Expensive
Lacks portability

5. Most Portable: Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat

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Why we like it: We love the Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat because it’s the most portable backless booster. It’s ten times smaller than most products, making it simple to take with you on the go.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Height: 40-57 inches
Weight: 40-100 pounds
Type: Traditional
The Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat is convenient, small, and useful. It doesn’t resemble other backless booster seats because it’s ten times smaller than average products. While this sounds less safe, it’s quality tested and adheres to regulations provided by FMVSS 213. This product also handles an impressive amount of weight for its size, which is right there with the industry average of 100 pounds.
What Sets it Apart
The Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat is one-of-a-kind. Being ten times smaller than the average backless booster seat, it’s more portable and simple to store. To provide perspective, the product is small enough to fit in the glove box or center console of most vehicles. Still, what makes this backless booster seat impressive is its ability to work as well as larger products while bringing more flexibility to the table.
Things to Consider
We like this backless booster seat for many reasons, but it’s not perfect. The small size makes it portable, but that’s about it. There are no extra features or storage capabilities. It also doesn’t come with latches to secure it to back seats.
If you’re looking for a backless booster seat with more features but need portability, we recommend the Graco Turbo Go instead. It’s closer to traditional backless booster seats, with more padding and features, but similar in portability.
Who It’s For
The Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat is for parents that need portability. If you live in a metropolitan area and use Uber or taxis often, it’s easy to take with you in a small bag. It’s also a great choice if you have multiple children because you can upgrade to a two-pack, which saves you a few extra bucks.

Pros
Foldable design makes storage simple
Lightweight
FMVSS 213 compliant
The two-pack option offers excellent value

Cons
Smaller than most backless boosters, which leads to discomfort
No cup holders or armrests

6. Easiest to Install: Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat

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Why we like it: We love the Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat because of its simple design. It doesn’t include many impressive features, but it’s easy to work with and move between different vehicles.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Height: 43-57 inches
Weight: 40-100 pounds
Type: Traditional
The Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat is made with a simple design. It’s more compact than most backless booster seats, and you can fit up to three of them in most vehicles. There is also an extra layer of plush padding for additional comfort. Furthermore, padding is on the booster seat’s bottom, preventing it from leaving marks on your vehicle’s seats. While this backless booster uses a simple design, it’s one that works.
What Sets it Apart
The Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat is unique because of its manufacturer. Cosco has been one of the leading brands for baby products over the past 70 years, and the company’s products are well-made. This backless booster is no exception, so you don’t need to worry about the quality. Everything is also made in the United States, and Cosco offers a 1-year warranty.
Things to Consider
While we like this backless booster, it’s not perfect. The simple design gets the job done, but it’s missing several key features. There are no cup holders, latches, or possible adjustments. What you see is what you get, and while that’s not always a bad thing, some parents are looking for more value in a backless booster car seat.
If you’re looking for a product with more features, we recommend the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster as an alternative. It comes with cup holders, storage, and the ability to wash it in a washing machine.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a simple backless booster, the Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat is a great choice. It won’t impress you with extra features, but it gets the job done. Its simple design also makes it hassle-free to work with and move between vehicles.

Pros
Portable and straightforward design makes it easy to work with
Extra layer of plush padding
Padded bottom layer prevents it from damaging your vehicle
Low price
Comes with armrests

Cons
No cup holders

7. Best Inflatable: BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster

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Why we like it: We love the BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster because of its patented memory foam. It won the product an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) award and keeps your child more comfortable than other inflatable products.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Height: 40-57 inches
Weight: 40-100 pounds
Type: Inflatable
The BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster is an Inflatable product with an innovative design. You can inflate the booster seat by mouth in less than thirty seconds, and it deflates in about ten seconds. While it uses an inflatable design, it’s also comfortable. This is because there is a layer of memory foam underneath the padding that conforms to your child’s size and shape. It also comes with a carrying bag for storage, and it meets the safety criteria outlined in FMVSS 213.
What Sets it Apart
With an inflatable design, the BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster is innovative and portable. When deflated, it’s easy to store and take with you on the go, and when it’s inflated, it performs like the average backless booster seat. When you combine this with the patented memory foam material, it’s one of the best portable backless booster seats you can find.
Things to Consider
The BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster is innovative, but it’s not perfect. While it’s durable, if something punctures the padding, it won’t inflate. This leaves you without a working booster seat, and you’ll have to get a new one. Luckily, the tubing is protected by a layer of memory foam and padding.
If you would rather go with a traditional backless booster to avoid the risk, but like the portability, we recommend the Mifold Grab and Go Car Booster Seat. While it’s not inflatable, it’s small enough to fit in your glove box and take with you on the go.
Who It’s For
If you need a portable backless booster seat or want one to store it in your vehicle, the BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster is a great choice. The inflatable design makes it easy to keep in your car, and it’s not cumbersome. Still, we recommend this product as a back-up or backless travel booster. While we like the design, it doesn’t come with cup holders or storage value.

Pros
Inflates in less than thirty seconds
Deflates in less than ten seconds
FMVSS 213 compliant
Memory foam padding

Cons
Less durable than traditional backless booster seats

8. Best Super-Hero Themed Booster: KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat

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Why we like it: The KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat is one of our favorite products because of the superhero theme. While it’s safe, it’s also visually pleasing for children.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Height: 43-57 inches
Weight: 40-100 pounds
Type: Traditional
The KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat is a high-quality product with a fun Spider-Man theme. The fun theme makes it easier to get your child excited about moving from their car seat to the booster seat.
While this backless booster lures children in with a unique design, it’s also safe and comfortable. It’s made with comfortable foam padding, and the cover is machine washable. The KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat also comes with a cup holder and armrests.
What Sets it Apart
The KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat is unique because it’s one of the few products with a Spider-Man theme. Plus, the company didn’t cut any corners to make its booster seat a hit with children. It was awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Best Bet Booster rating and adhered to U.S. and E.U. safety guidelines.
Things to Consider
While the KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat has a unique design, if your child dislikes Spider-Man, we don’t recommend this product. If you need a backless booster seat with a more traditional style, the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
If your child is a fan of Spider-Man, this backless booster seat is perfect for them. Giving this product a try is also a good idea if your child has been opposed to backless booster seats in the past. Sometimes the transition from car seats to booster seats doesn’t go over smoothly; kids can be rowdy. So, a visually pleasing product can help you mitigate your child’s opposition and make the transition a breeze.

Pros
Fun Spider-Man theme
IIHS “Best Bet Booster” winner
Comes with a cup holder
Comes with armrests
Machine washable cover

Cons
If your child dislikes Spider-Man, they won’t like this product

9. Best for Heavy Children: Diono Solana 2

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Why we like it: The Diono Solana 2 comes with some unique features that surprised us. Our favorites are the retractable cup holders and lightweight design.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Height: 40-60 inches
Weight: 40-120 pounds
Type: Traditional
The Diono Solana 2 is a lightweight backless booster that comes with many premium features. While it’s light and portable, it comes with unique features like retractable cup holders and an adjustable latch to secure it in your vehicle.
There are also many colors to choose from and comfortable armrests for added comfort. You can also remove the fabric for machine washing if any spills or accidents happen on the road.
What Sets it Apart
The Diono Solana 2 is unique because of its lightweight design and premium features. Many backless boosters come with premium features, but most of them weigh over ten pounds. This design is superior because it’s only six pounds, which makes it portable too. Still, what makes this impressive is the product’s weight capacity. Most backless boosters are acceptable up to 100-110 pounds, but this product supports children up to 120 pounds.
Things to Consider
The Diono Solana 2 is a great product, but it’s not perfect. We like where Diono was going with the retractable cup holders, but they’re a liability. If they break, you won’t be able to use them properly or at all. If you like the premium features and design but prefer stationary or removable cup holds, the Chicco GoFit is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
If you need a premium backless booster seat that’s portable, the Diono Solana 2 is a great choice. It combines high-end features and comfort with a lightweight frame for travel. Furthermore, the quick-release latch makes it easy to set up and remove the backless booster on public transportation.

Pros
Comes with a latch to secure it in the backseat
Comes with cup holders and armrests
Lightweight and portable
Machine washable

Cons
The retractable cup holders lack durability, making them prone to malfunction
Expensive

10. Best for the Bus: Hiccapop UberBoost

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Why we like it: We like the Hiccapop UberBoost because of its inflatable and portable design. While it’s susceptible to puncture damage, the tear-proof vinyl keeps it safe 9/10 times.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Height: 43-57 inches
Weight: 30-110 pounds
Type: Inflatable
The Hiccapop UberBoost is portable and practical. It’s an inflatable booster that’s easy to inflate and deflate, even if you’re using public transportation. While it’s inflatable, it’s also durable and easy to clean. You can remove the cover for machine washing, and the tubing is protected by tear-proof vinyl. It also comes with a seat belt guide travel bag.
What Sets it Apart
The Hiccapop UberBoost is unique because of the silicone bottom and tubing seal. It’s no-skid silicone that keeps the booster seat in place without damaging the interior of your vehicle. This feature is also helpful if you travel with Lyft or Uber because the drivers will appreciate not having their interiors damaged. Furthermore, the tubing seal, where you inflate the booster seat, is air-tight with two layers of plastic for protection.
Things to Consider
Hiccapop is a great company, but this backless booster needs some work. While its design is sturdy and safe, it’s not the most comfortable option. Furthermore, if something punctures it, you’ll have to get a new one.
If you like the inflatable design but need more comfort, the BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster is a great alternative. If you want to avoid inflatable boosters altogether, but need portability, the Graco Turbo Go is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
We like the Hiccapop UberBoost, but it’s not for everyone. While the design makes it great for traveling, it doesn’t come with features we want to see in everyday backless booster seats. For this reason, this product is more of a travel option for parents that live in metropolitan areas. We wouldn’t recommend using this product as your child’s primary booster seat.

Pros
Easy to inflate and deflate
Carrying bag for travel
Folds flat when deflated for storage
Durable padding and tubing
Machine washable cover

Cons
Not a great everyday backless booster
Susceptible to puncture damage that renders the product useless

Everything You Need to Know About Backless Booster Seats
[Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/low-angle-view-little-schoolgirl-safely-121506235 alt text: girl smiling in a booster seat]
Choosing a backless booster seat for your child seems simple, but many factors determine if one product is the right fit. Furthermore, some children might have preferences of their own. For these reasons, we’re going to take you through some shopping tips to help you narrow down your options. While all of the products we’ve listed are excellent choices, we want to make sure you pick the right one.
Getting Started
When you’re shopping for a backless booster seat, you need to think about your vehicle. It’s best to choose a booster seat that fits in your vehicle and leaves plenty of extra room in the back, especially if you have older children that no longer use booster seats. So, we’re going to take you through a few examples.
No Vehicle
First and foremost, if you don’t own a vehicle, you’re not off the hook. If you use public transportation or things like Uber and Lyft, it’s a good idea to bring a booster seat with you. This is because children are required by law to use a booster seat, even if you’re not driving. Every state has different rules, but you can face legal fines and penalties.
If you don’t own a vehicle and need a simple booster seat to use occasionally, the Graco Turbo Go is a great choice. It’s one of the most affordable backless booster seats around, and it folds for hassle-free storage.
Coupe
If you drive a coupe or two-door vehicle, it’s best to choose a more compact booster seat. Typically, coupes have less space in the back, so bulkier booster seats won’t fit. Even if it does work, it will be cumbersome for your child and other passengers. For these reasons, we recommend using an inflatable backless booster seat like the BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster in coupes.
Inflatable backless booster seats take up less space, and you can store them in your glove box. Plus, some of them come with armrests, so you don’t have to miss out on features.
Sedan
With a sedan, you have options. Most modern sedans have roomy back seats, so you don’t need to worry about space as much. Still, there is less space than an SUV or light truck, especially if you have other passengers back there.
For sedans, we recommend a mid-sized backless booster seat like the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster. It’s one of the most well-rounded products with plenty of extra features like cup holders and armrests.
SUV/Light Trucks
Unlike most passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks are spacious and feature large interiors. Plus, most SUVs offer an additional row of seats in the back, so you don’t need to worry about passengers feeling cramped. In other words, with SUVs and light trucks, you have the most freedom.
Still, if you have an SUV, why not go big? A great backless booster seat for SUVs is the Chicco GoFit. While it’s more expensive than your average backless booster seat, it’s worth the money. It has ergonomic padding, cup holders, and armrests. Plus, it’s even portable.
Portability or Luxury: Which is Better?
As you narrow your options down, you’re presented with an important choice. It comes down to portability and luxury. Luxurious backless booster seats come with things like cup holders, latches, and armrests.
On the other hand, portable backless booster seats sacrifice luxury features for reduced weight and better portability. The good news is that most products are FMVSS 213 safe, so you don’t need to worry about sacrificing your child’s safety for either choice.
Portable Backless Booster Car Seats
We’ll start with portable backless booster seats. If you only have one vehicle or travel often, portable backless booster seats are a great choice. These products are also great if you have more than one child that needs a booster seat because they’re more compact. This means you can fit more portable products in your back seat than luxury products. Portable products are also easier to store and move between vehicles.
While portable booster seats are versatile and convenient, they don’t come with many features. It’s lucky to find one with a cup holder, and the padding is typically thin. Still, for someone who travels often or needs to switch vehicles, portable backless booster seats are a great choice. Our favorite pick is the Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat because it’s small and comfortable. Plus, you can choose a two-pack if you have more than one child.
Luxury Backless Booster Car Seats
Luxury backless booster seats take up a lot of space, and most are challenging to carry around. These are products you don’t want to move often, so we recommend leaving them in the back seat. While these products lack versatility, they make up for it with premium features. For example, the Diono Solana 2 comes with retractable cup holders and armrests. The padding is also ergonomic and comfortable, even during long drives.
Making a choice isn’t always easy. Luckily, you can never have too many booster seats. If you have more than one vehicle, we recommend getting one of each. This way, you’ll be ready for anything.
FAQ
[Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/cute-boy-sitting-booster-seat-on-753011668 Alt text: Boy in a backless booster seat]
When Should My Child Use a Booster Seat?
Once your child outgrows the car seat, it’s time to introduce booster seats. On average, children outgrow car seats when they’re around five years old or forty inches tall. You can also tell by looking at where the seatbelt is when they’re using it. If the seatbelt is against their neck, you need to use a booster seat, even if they’re 10-12 years old.
Do I Need a Booster Seat?
If you live in the United States, you need a booster seat. While legislation depends on the state you live in, most states have laws about booster seats and car seats. To avoid penalties, and in the interest of keeping your child safe, we recommend using booster seats between four and ten years of age to be safe.
Most states also have height and weight limits. For example, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, booster seats are for children under four feet, nine inches. Furthermore, New York also has a weight limit between 40-80 pounds. Keep in mind; this is only one state out of fifty.
Can I Use the Same Booster Seat for Multiple Children?
Using the same booster seat for multiple children is never a good idea. Every child should have their own booster seat to prevent germs and bacteria from spreading. Plus, children might develop preferences for their booster seat and cause a fuss if they need to share it. While sharing is a valuable lesson, that’s not a lesson you want to teach during a two-hour drive.
If you’re looking for booster seats that work well for families with multiple children, make sure to see our guide of the best narrow booster seats.
Final Words
Keeping your child safe and happy is a mission that every parent shares. While the world is safer than it used to be, you still need to look out for your little one. Most children aren’t happy about going from car seats to booster seats, but the transition needs to happen.
Unfortunately, cars aren’t designed with toddlers in mind, so booster seats are essential until your child can wear an adult seatbelt properly. While shopping online is challenging, backless booster seats are easy to shop for when you know what to look for. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, so you can try a few until you find one you like. More

It’s a fantastic era to be a car nut these days. The car industry is filled to the brim with all sorts of different options when it comes to keeping your car looking spiffy, like it just came off of the showroom floor.
One great product that can help to accomplish this goal is a quality car paint sealant. Car paint sealant is, quite simply, a product that keeps UV rays and other potential hazards from marring paint jobs over time. Additionally, they can also help keep things like chipping and scratching from occurring on your paint job.
This article will be covering the best car paint sealants that the market has to offer today. First off, we are going to go over the absolute minimum that you need to know before purchasing one of these products in our short guide. Right after that, we’re going to leap straight into the product reviews.
Finally, to round off the article, we’ll provide you with some additional info on car paint sealant, including why it’s so beneficial for automobile care.

Choosing the Perfect Car Paint Sealant
Here are a couple of quick and easy points of consideration to make before purchasing a high-quality car paint sealant. If you desire more information, please be sure to take a look at our extended guide near the end of the product reviews for a closer look at these types of products.
Protection
There are plenty of things in the natural world that are going to be harsh on your paint job over some time. Prioritizing the kind of car paint sealant you buy for the specific area of the world you live in is going to be a key factor in the buying process.
If you live in an area where certain types of weather are a common occurrence, then it’s best to buy a car sealant that specializes in protecting your vehicle from that particular type of weather.
The good news is that many car paint sealants are multifaceted and can deal with different environmental problems at the same time, which keeps you from having to agonize over your decision too much.
Ease of Use
You could potentially purchase the Holy Grail of car sealants, but have no clue on how best to apply it to your vehicle. The good news is that slathering on car paint sealant isn’t rocket science and will usually be a pretty quick process.
Usually, the only external tool you are going to need is a basic shop rag or microfiber towel, or if you’re savvy, an electric polishing tool. We realize that not everyone has access to these sorts of higher-end tools, however. The good news is there are aerosol car sealant options on the market as well. They probably the easiest way to go when it comes to the application process as you have to do is just spray on a layer of coating all over your vehicle and use a clean towel to wipe it evenly.
Appearance
Not all car paint sealants are going to have your vehicle looking the same when you are finished using them. Some produce a high-intensity gloss, while others just enhance your car’s natural color scheme without adding a wet-looking effect. Some car paint sealants are even color-specific and are primarily based on the predominant color of your vehicle.
Value
Value is important for pretty much anything we purchase with our hard-earned dollars nowadays. With car paint sealant, be sure to check how much a bottle holds compared to its price point, and base how much you need to purchase on how large your vehicle is. If you’ve got a huge truck or SUV, you’re going to have to buy a lot more individual products compared to if you were just treating a smaller car.
With all of that in mind, let’s get started!

Top 9 Best Car Paint Sealants 2021
1. Best Overall Sealant: CarGuys Liquid Wax Polymer Paint Sealant

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Why we like it: This product comes with everything you need to start applying car paint sealant to your precious vehicle.
Editor’s Rating:

Type: Sealant/wax
CarGuys Liquid Wax has an ace in its hole that makes it an attractive buy for reasons other than its excellent all-around performance. It is designed with an intriguing polymer additive that allows it to last longer than a lot of car paint sealant brands, especially at its low price point! This sealant, amazingly enough, only needs to be used once or twice a year (depending on how much you use and abuse your vehicle).
Not only are the unique protective aspects of this product a strong aspect, but it’s no slouch in the aesthetics department either. As you may have guessed from the title of the product, this sealant leaves an almost wax-like sheen to an applied vehicle. This isn’t a surprise considering it’s a hybrid wax/sealant product, which we think adds to the appeal. It also comes with a free microfiber towel!
Verdict
Other than it being a bit difficult to remove from some rubber and plastic trims (for which the Wolfgang Concours Series WG-5500 Deep Gloss Sealant would be a better choice), it’s hard to find anything bad to say about this car paint sealant. It hits a lot of the sweet spots for what we are looking for in a top product.
It’s utterly affordable, is made up of a solid formula, and even comes with something a little extra in the form of a free microfiber towel. CarGuys even adds a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied!

Pros
Great price
Comes in 8 or 16-ounce kits
Leaves a wet, lustrous finish
Comes with a microfiber towel
Full refund if not satisfied

Cons
Not to be used on rubber or plastic

2. Best Premium Sealant: Chemical Guys JetSeal Paint Sealant

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Why we like it: This popular product will give your car a gorgeous metallic sheen with long-lasting environmental protection at an affordable price.
Editor’s Rating:

Type: Sealant/protectant
This is our top product on this list simply because it was designed for the best. JetSeal was made specifically with the aerospace industry in mind to make sure air vehicles got maximum paint protection in the harshest of elevations and weather conditions. If you consider the various kinds of extreme weather an airplane might deal with per day along with serious UV rays constantly attacking its body, adequate protection is a must.
The great properties of this product don’t just end there, however. The JetSeal also creates a hydrophobic layer over your car’s paint job, which not only disperses water with ease but can improve your car’s overall shine as well.
Drying time is a fast one, around 20 minutes, which is pretty incredible. Additionally, the JetSeal also has maximum protective durability. One solid coat of this sealant will last you around an entire year.
Verdict
Probably the biggest downside to this product is its price tag. However, with that being said, you’re investing in a solid product that is air-tested by the aerospace industry and also will last you a year per application. You simply cannot beat that, especially for the cost.

Pros
Lustrous mirror finish
Long-lasting at over 12 months of protection
The hydrophobic layer sloughs off water
Has anti-corrosion protective properties

Cons
Quite pricey for most buyers

3. Best Budget Sealant: Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant

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Why we like it: This car paint sealant’s 64-ounce content will keep your vehicle in good hands for many years to come.
Editor’s Rating:

Type: Sealant
Meguiar’s is another well-known name brand in the automobile landscape, especially when it comes to car paint sealant. They make quality products at extremely affordable price points, and this offering is no exception to that rule.
Coming at a whopping 64 ounces, this is massive value, especially if you expect to treat multiple vehicles in a year’s time. However, if you just focus on one personal vehicle, the amount this product provides could easily last years. However, if you’re not expecting to need that much, Meguiar’s also offers a smaller (and cheaper) 16-ounce version.
Impressive volume doesn’t always necessarily mean quality, however, we are happy to report that is not the case with this product. Not only does it provide a base level of protection from and disperses things like dirt and water easily, but it also has wonderful scratch and abrasion filling properties as well. So not only will your car be protected from the elements, but it will look like it has a new lease on life as well!
Verdict
One of the downsides we found was that the sealant could, in unnecessary larger amounts, leave streaks on darker vehicles. This isn’t too big of a deal, it just requires extra attention to detail and utilizing careful amounts of the product—though you’ll need to spend a bit more on something like the CarGuys wax if this is something you want to avoid. Overall, this is the best value on this list and will keep your car well protected for years upon years if utilized properly.

Pros
Comes in 16 or 64 fluid ounces
A hybrid mix of natural and synthetic additives
Deep, smokey finish
Can remove abrasions

Cons
Streaks on darker automobiles

4. Easiest Sealant to Apply: Chemical Guys Hybrid Optical Select High Gloss Spray Sealant

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Why we like it: If you’re looking for speedy application of car paint sealant, this product can’t be beaten.
Editor’s Rating:

Type: Spray sealant/detailer
The Chemical Guys are a well-known brand in the car world, and they provide quality products. So much so that we included another product of theirs earlier in this list. This product is no exception to their record of quality either.
The application of this product is obscenely simple. Just spray it on, and then wipe it off accordingly. You’re going to have a top shine in mere minutes as the formula binds with your vehicle’s paint job quickly due to its patented nano-spec technology integrated within its formula.
If you’re looking for a fast application kind of product and high-quality car paint protection, then this is a solid product for you. On top of that, it’s multifaceted in that it can work on nearly any surface you can conceivably think of, so it has versatility beyond just the automobile world.
Verdict
The only real issue we found with this Chemical Guys product is that it can potentially leave streaks, especially on darker vehicles—try the other Chemical Guys product if you’re looking to avoid that, although it won’t be as affordable as easy to use. As we mentioned above, though, if you’re looking for fast application and quality protection, you can’t go wrong with this fantastic offering from the Chemical Guys.

Pros
Inexpensive
Comes in one gallon, 16 and 64oz options for maximum versatility for your needs
Fast to apply to one’s vehicle
Hybrid polymer formula gives unparalleled shine and UV protection to any surface

Cons
Can potentially streak surfaces

5. Most Attractive Sealant: Wolfgang Concours Series WG-5500 Deep Gloss Sealant

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Why we like it: If you care about looks first and foremost, this product by Wolfgang will give you the shine you’re looking for.
Editor’s Rating:

Type: Sealant
This car paint sealant is made specifically to produce an incredible sheen on your vehicle that isn’t merely just glossy, but deep and vibrant in a way that most car sealants aren’t capable of.
Not only does it create an almost otherworldly sheen for your car, but it also obscures things like scratches and swirls on your paint job as well, giving the car a fresh and new “off the lot” kind of look.
The Wolfgang sealant also provides a typical level of protection against UV rays and other sorts of abrasive environmental factors. So you can rest easy knowing your car is not only protected but looks great at the same time.
Verdict
While this product is certainly impressive in the aesthetics it delivers, the shine will, unfortunately, wear off after just a few months. This means consistent maintenance with the product is crucial if you want to keep those incredible looks persistent for your vehicle
Also, if you live in a fairly humid area, this product might be a pain to use, as it requires a moisture-free environment to bond with your vehicle’s paint properly. If you happen to live in one of these areas, definitely don’t let it cure outside!
To sum up, if you don’t mind some fairly routine work on your end and are looking for quality aesthetics for your ride, this product by Wolfgang is the way to go. It’s not durable, though, so if you prefer longevity over aesthetics you might want to buy something durable and long-lasting like the Trinova Paint Sealant.

Pros
Safe to use near rubber and plastic
Non-abrasive
Creates a beautiful gloss
One doesn’t need a lot of formula for complete coverage

Cons
The sheen goes away after just a few months

6. Best Waterproof Sealant: P&S Detailing Products Bead Maker Paint Protectant

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Why we like it: Whether you need a lot of car paint sealant, or just a little, P&S allows you to choose just the right amount of this amazingly hydrophobic product.
Editor’s Rating:

Type: Spray waterproof sealant/protectant
Who doesn’t like choices, right? Sometimes we need a little more of a particular product than what is offered in a package, other times we need way less than is offered in the first place! When it comes to the car paint sealant industry, P&S gives us a variety of choices so that we can acquire the exact amount of sealant we need for our vehicle’s needs.
It also happens to be a fantastic, high-quality product to boot. This is an extremely hydrophobic car sealant formula, and it can dispel dirt and water like you wouldn’t believe. On top of that, once applied to the paint’s surface, the polymer technology that comes in this formula immediately merges with the paint to provide long-lasting protection that will repel water for months and months.
Verdict
This is a solid, and fast to apply product that, once applied, is going to neutralize dirt and water on your car, and keep it that way. The only downsides we could find were that the product was quite hard to strip if we wanted to re-apply another car paint sealant down the road. Additionally, the gloss isn’t as eye-popping as some of the other offerings on this list. JetSeal Paint Sealant solves both problems, but it’s not as convenient, waterproof, or affordable as a tradeoff for its superior performance elsewhere.

Pros
Comes in a variety of different sizes
Extremely hydrophobic
Can be put on all surfaces
Spreads easily during the application process

Cons
Hard to strip from your vehicle for a reapplication process
Not as vibrant as far as gloss goes

7. Best Sealant and Ceramic Coat: Epic Elements Protect Superior Ceramic Coating

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Why we like it: This unique three-in-one product can be used on any surface you can think of.
Editor’s Rating:

Type: Sealant/ceramic coating
This is an interesting product in that it has a three in one formula. It is a mix of a hydrophobic car wash formula (sans water), wax spray, and a ceramic coating component.
The thing that pops with the Epic Elements sealant is just how lustrous and shiny it can make your vehicle. We found that applying this on a vehicle could easily have it looking like a showroom car in a matter of minutes.
Verdict
The biggest problem with this formula is not nearly enough for some of the larger vehicles out there, so be aware of this before purchase, especially if you have a huge rig that needs treating! But as inexpensive as this product is, this really isn’t too big of an issue.
Additionally, this isn’t purely a car paint sealant, but a mix of many different sorts of items, so if you’re looking for maximum protection, definitely look elsewhere—any other sealant on our list will suit that purpose better if that’s all you’re looking for.

Pros
Inexpensive
Three in one formula
Can be used on any surface

Cons
One bottle will not cover an entire vehicle
Not as protective as some of the other products on this list

8. Most Durable Sealant: Trinova Paint Sealant

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Why we like it: This product will keep your vehicle protected from all sorts of particles accumulated outdoors.
Editor’s Rating:

Type: Sealant
This is a decent generalized car paint sealant that will create a luxurious gloss in the process. Where this product shines, however, is its strong hydrophobic properties. People that live in really harsh landscapes with a lot of rain or snow would benefit tremendously from this sealant. We think the best part about this product is it only takes a mere 30 minutes for it to bond with the surface of your vehicle’s paint, so there’s no need to wait around for hours in order to dry this sealant.
Verdict
Unfortunately, this car paint sealant is extremely hard to strip from one’s vehicle and is also known to cause streaking on darker colored vehicles. However, it’s inexpensive, has a good gloss, and can give you up to 12 months of protection from the elements.

Pros
Inexpensive
Protects against dirt and the elements
Hydrophobic
Embeds with a vehicle’s paint in under 30 minutes.

Cons
Hard to strip/remove
Can create streaks easily

9. Best Acrylic Sealant: Klasse High Gloss Paint Sealant

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Why we like it: This hardy acrylic sealant will keep your car protected from practically everything the world can throw at it.
Editor’s Rating:

Type: Acrylic sealant
This extremely durable product is an acrylic car paint sealant that will protect against almost everything, even things like dead bugs! And at 33 ounces per container, you’ll be hard-pressed to run out of this product anytime soon, making it perfect for those looking for the best bang for their buck. This is an awesome deal considering that one full application of this product will give your vehicle protection for around one year.
This sealant from Klasse also can be used for more than just automobiles, as it will bind to lots of different kinds of surfaces. Everything from metal to glass and even things like floor tiles!
Verdict
The biggest issue with this problem is that it’s tough to apply without potentially making a few mistakes. It sets fast and becomes extremely hard, so you have to work quickly and accurately if you want an even spread on your vehicle. This is not a sealant for people new to the market.

Pros
Tough acrylic sealant
Can go on many different kinds of surfaces
One bottle can last potentially for years

Cons
Extremely difficult to apply

Guide to Buying the Best Car Paint Sealants
Here are some more in-depth points that expand a bit more on what we covered in our brief buyr’s guide earlier in the article.
If you are still hazy on some aspects of the product, we think this section will help inform your purchase tremendously and show you some great reasons on why they are such a valuable product in the first place.
Why Car Paint Sealants Are Worth It
Here are a few positive benefits of purchasing a car paint sealant that you might not know offhand.
Protecting Your Paint Job
Car paint sealants are generally designed to protect your vehicle’s paint finish. Every time you leave your garage, your car is exposed to all sorts of environmental factors that can affect its paint job over a period of time. This is doubly true for car owners that don’t even have a garage in the first place!
Car paint sealants merge with your vehicle’s paint to protect from all sorts of elemental factors, such as dirt, dust, the effects of weather, and more. It provides a shield for all of those things, keeping the layer of paint underneath it safe and sound. This will end up saving you money in the long run, as professional paint restoration services generally are not cheap.
When it comes to simple protection, our top overall pick should meet just about anyone’s needs.
Enhancing Your Car’s Look
Let’s face it, we don’t want to drive an ugly looking vehicle, even if we don’t usually care about keeping up appearances in our neck of the woods. There’s just something satisfying about driving around in a vehicle that looks like a work of art.
Car paint sealants, depending on the brand, can help to give your vehicle a glossy/wet sort of look, or enhance your car’s natural paint job without being too blinding in the sunlight. This sort of visual enhancement will be noticeable to you as well as others, and for some folks that in itself is worth the price of admission.
If it’s aesthetics you have in mind, you can’t beat the Wolfgang WG-5500.
Increasing Your Vehicle’s Resale Value
Keeping up with proper maintenance of one’s vehicle is a good practice to have, especially if you’re one of those types that don’t like to drive a vehicle into the ground and have future resale in mind.
Automobile paint can strip and deteriorate over time if not properly managed, especially if your vehicle is left completely exposed in the elements over long periods. The great thing about car paint sealant is, with just a few applications several times a year, this will pretty much never be an issue with your vehicle.
So, if you’re someone that trades or re-sells a vehicle every couple of years and are concerned about a car’s value, in the long run, you really can’t beat purchasing high-end car paint sealant to protect your paint job. The better your car runs (and looks) ultimately paves the way for better dollar value in the future.
[Image: “https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/water-droplets-on-surface-yellow-car-1806848521” alt text: water droplets on surface of car paint]
Applying Car Paint Sealant: A How-To Guide
If you’re concerned about applying these sorts of products on your vehicle, don’t be. It isn’t difficult to put a car paint sealant on your vehicle in the least, and it doesn’t require any specialized tools to accomplish. Here’s how to do it in a few simple, painless steps.
1. Completely Clean Your Car’s Exterior
It’s best to do a full clean of your car before applying any sort of car paint sealant. It’s also a good idea to strip away older sealants that might already be on your car in the first place. Once this is finished, allow time for your vehicle to dry completely before going to the next step.
2. Put On the Sealant
As mentioned earlier in this article, you can put on a car paint sealant via a simple shop rag or with a polishing machine. Both of these methods have their differences.
Applying the sealant by hand is going to be better for fine detailing, but is ultimately going to take you much longer and there may be consistency issues depending on how keen your eye is. However, using a machine polisher is going to give you a more even layer of coating with less product, but at a larger price point than a simple shop rag. For a more in-depth look at this please consult our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
3. Let the Sealant Dry
A big thing to remember here is to completely let the sealant dry before wiping the vehicle down, otherwise, you’re going to have a mess on your hands. Additionally, the sealant won’t merge very well with your car’s paint, effectively ruining the entire process. Once the sealant is completely dry, take a smooth microfiber towel and wipe the entirety of the area you’re treating.
4. Let it Cure
The curing process is needed for the sealant to harden up and be an effective shield against the elements. The time this takes depends on the product you used, but a conservative estimate is generally considered to be half a day. It’s good practice to keep your vehicle in a garage or some kind of structure with a decent overhang for this process to have its maximum impact.
For a more visual guide on how best to apply a car paint sealant to your vehicle, please take a look at this short video from Autogeek.
FAQ
Is car paint sealant much different from a car wax?
Car paint sealant is essentially the next step up from just any old car wax you can purchase at an automotive store. Car wax only increases the visual quality of your vehicle’s paint job, but it does absolutely nothing to protect it from the elements and other potential paint hazards from the road. Additionally, you have to constantly apply it to keep the luxurious shine continual.
Car paint sealant not only protects your car from hostile particles and the negative effects of weather, but it also doesn’t have to be applied nearly as much as car wax does per year. It’s true, car wax is cheaper, but we think that car paint sealant is the better option as far as longevity goes.
With that being said, if it is wax you need, we’ve got a list of the best car waxes available for you to check out as well.
How many times a year should I apply a car paint sealant to my vehicle?
This is a fairly open-ended question, and it really depends on the brand of product you are using and how long it lasts on the car itself. Some brands last for over a year once applied, some are best used several times a year. It’s good to keep a memo of when you apply a car paint sealant and base your next application session around that and what the manufacturer stipulates.
Should I apply sealant by hand or invest in a polishing tool?
Application via towel/rag allows you to more fine-tune certain details on your vehicle. It allows you to get into various nooks and crannies for a more complete polished look. However, one of the downsides of this method boils down to the adage “to err is human”.
Elbow grease isn’t as consistent in application compared to what a machine polisher can do. Additionally, you might end up using more product that is needed, wasting time and money.
Machine polishing tools are great and will save you time, especially on more massive vehicles like trucks and SUVs. You will generally need less sealant in the long run and you will have more consistency in the resultant layer. The only real downside to this method is the cost of the polisher itself!
Are there any negatives to using a car paint sealant?
Some individuals consider car paint sealant to be inferior in terms of aesthetics compared to a high-quality wax product, such as carnauba. The truth of the matter is, most individuals uneducated in these sorts of niche automotive coloration/gloss differences are not going to notice a tremendous divide in quality between a car paint sealant and a car wax.
Does using a sealant make cleaning my car easier?
One of the interesting things we found about the product is that applying it makes cleaning your car easier as well!
Why is that? Well, the sealant is a barrier and keeps things from digging in deep to a paint’s surface. This means that washing off particles (such as dirt) is far easier, and they will just slide off with a quick wash.
Something else to note regarding the car washing process is that the sealant also sloughs off any additional water quickly as well, which means a faster drying time overall.
Final Thoughts
If you didn’t see a product that suited your particular needs, or if you’re still a bit confused about just what it is your need in the first place, please consider looking at our short guide first to get a general idea of what one needs. Next, go over our in-depth extended guide to hone in on the ins and outs of the product itself.
There are a lot of different options on the market, and each one is going to vary according to your needs. No one wants to drive around in a subpar looking automobile, and because of this, we tend to think keeping your vehicle’s paint job looking as good as the day you took it off the lot is a great thing to strive for. More