Choosing a car sun shade comes down to three questions: does it go on the windscreen or the side windows, how does it fold, and does it fit your glass. This page compares six picks from their Amazon Australia listings, every one rated 4.1 stars or higher, with the windscreen shades first and the side window shades after.
One rule applies to all of them: measure your windscreen or window before you order. Sun shade listings give sizes in different ways, so the buying guide below shows where each one gives its numbers.
Best windscreen sun shade: EzyShade Windshield Sun Shade
Best windscreen sun shade: the EzyShade Windshield Sun Shade, because it comes as two identical reflective shades, has a vehicle size chart and holds 4.4 stars from more than 22,000 ratings.
The listing describes Shield X Ultra Reflective Technology and claims interiors up to 15% cooler than comparable reflective sun shades. The two identical rectangular shades can be installed vertically or horizontally, and the listing says there are two folding options. Every shade includes a non slip sticky dashboard mat. The linked option is the Standard (Medium) size. It holds 4.4 stars from 22,169 ratings, the most of any windscreen shade here.
It suits most drivers who want a well rated all rounder and are happy to check a size chart. The honest catch: the listing sells more than one size and the rating is likely shared across them, so find your vehicle in the size chart before you order.
Best umbrella style shade: Lamicall Windshield Sunshade Umbrella
Best umbrella style shade: the Lamicall Windshield Sunshade Umbrella, because it is a foldable umbrella design with eight fibreglass ribs and a five layer UV coating.
The listing describes a 5 layer nano anti UV coating that it says isolates 99.9% of UV rays, and eight fibreglass umbrella ribs that can be bent 90 degrees without breaking. An anti puncture bag covers the umbrella tips, and a storage bag comes with it. The listing gives a universal size of about 78.7 cm wide, 132.1 cm on the top side and 144.8 cm on the bottom side. It holds 4.4 stars from 9,343 ratings.
It suits people who like the umbrella format and want a bag included. The honest catch: the listing recommends measuring your windscreen before ordering, because the universal size relies on the ribs bending to fit.
Best for UV rating: Kinder Fluff Windshield Sun Shade
Best for UV rating: the Kinder Fluff Windshield Sun Shade, because its listing states it is certified to block 99.87% UVB and 99.02% UVA, with a silver coated dual layer fabric.
The listing describes a lab tested shade with silver coated dual layer fabric and reinforced steel connector clamps. A pop up design with reinforced memory steel rings opens it, and an included pouch holds it folded. The linked option is the 2 piece Size S, which the title lists as 61 by 74 for each piece. It holds 4.3 stars from 17,910 ratings.
It suits buyers who want test figures in the listing rather than a general claim. The honest catch: the title shows size S, and the listing asks you to measure your windscreen or use its size chart to choose.
Best side window shades: AUGOLA Car Window Shades
Best side window shades: the AUGOLA Car Window Shades, because the listing describes double nylon mesh that covers the whole window frame so the window still rolls down.
The listing describes a pair of large shades, each about 124.5 by 55.9 cm, in stretchy, tear resistant nylon mesh that fits without adhesive. It also describes a privacy effect that makes it hard to see inside from outside, and shades that fold into a pouch. The listing names baby, camping and back seat use. It holds 4.1 stars from 2,653 ratings.
It suits back seat passengers, children and campers. The honest catch: the listing says rear windows only and asks you to measure your windows including the door frame, and at 4.1 stars it is among the lowest rated picks here.
Best stretch fit side shade: Dreambaby Adjusta Car Shade
Best stretch fit side shade: the Dreambaby Adjusta Car Shade, because the listing describes suction cup fixing and stretching to fit almost any kind of car window.
The listing describes an adjustable baby window sunshade that adheres with easy grip suction cups and comes off by pulling a release tab. It says the shade stretches to windows up to 45.72 by 69.85 cm and blocks glare. It holds 4.1 stars from 826 ratings.
It suits parents who want a shade that sticks to the glass instead of covering the frame. The honest catch: it attaches with suction cups, the listing says to clean and dry the window surface first, and it stretches only to the listed 45.72 by 69.85 cm, so larger windows need a different shade.
Best value windscreen shade: WDQDW Car Windshield Sun Shade
Best value windscreen shade: the WDQDW Car Windshield Sun Shade, because it is the lowest priced windscreen shade here with a 4.7 rating and a foldable 145 by 80 cm size.
The listing describes 210T reflective polyester that it says blocks 99% UV, a memory wire frame with a centre stretch design, and no suction cups or adhesives. A figure 8 fold collapses it into a compact disc, and a pouch is included. The title gives 145 by 80 cm, and the description says 140 by 75 cm, sized for sedans. It holds 4.7 stars from 76 ratings.
It suits sedan owners who want a low cost windscreen shade. The honest catch: it has only 76 ratings so far, and the listing gives two sizes, 145 by 80 cm in the title and 140 by 75 cm in the description, so confirm the fit before ordering.
How to choose a car sun shade
Measure your glass before anything else
Fit decides whether a shade works. The EzyShade listing points to a vehicle size chart, the Kinder Fluff listing asks you to measure or use its size chart, and the Lamicall, AUGOLA and WDQDW listings all give sizes to compare with your glass. Measure the windscreen at its widest and tallest points, and the rear side windows including the door frame if you are choosing the AUGOLA.
Two piece, umbrella or pop up
The picks use three styles. The EzyShade is two identical shades, which the listing says can go on vertically or horizontally. The Lamicall is an umbrella with eight fibreglass ribs. The Kinder Fluff and WDQDW use memory steel or memory wire frames that spring open and fold down. Pick the style you will actually bother to use every time you park.
What the UV and heat claims say
The listings word these differently. The Kinder Fluff gives certified figures of 99.87% UVB and 99.02% UVA, the Lamicall says 99.9% of UV rays, the WDQDW says 99% UV, and the EzyShade claims up to 15% cooler than comparable reflective shades. These are the sellers' own claims, and the Kinder Fluff is the only listing here that says certified. For a car that sits outside for weeks, our car cover guide covers the whole car.
Side windows and the back seat
A windscreen shade does not cover the rear glass. The AUGOLA covers the exterior window frame so the window still rolls down, and the Dreambaby sticks on with suction cups and stretches to fit. The AUGOLA listing says rear windows only. Our kids sunglasses guide covers sun protection once everyone is out of the car.
What comes in the box
The EzyShade includes a non slip sticky dashboard mat, the Lamicall comes with a storage bag, and the Kinder Fluff, AUGOLA and WDQDW listings all mention a pouch. If you want the shade to stay in a door pocket or glove box, check that a pouch or bag is part of the listing.
Ratings and how many people gave them
A rating means more with a bigger count behind it. The EzyShade has 4.4 stars from 22,169 ratings, the Kinder Fluff 4.3 from 17,910 and the Lamicall 4.4 from 9,343. The WDQDW scores 4.7 but from only 76, so treat it as promising rather than proven. While you are fitting out the car, our car air freshener guide and car wash kit guide cover two more jobs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car sun shade in Australia?
For most cars the EzyShade Windshield Sun Shade is our pick: it has the most ratings of any windscreen shade here, 4.4 stars from more than 22,000, and the listing gives a vehicle size chart to check the fit. If you want an umbrella design instead, the Lamicall is the one to look at.
What is the best car windscreen sun shade?
The EzyShade is the best all rounder, with two identical reflective shades you can fit vertically or horizontally. The Kinder Fluff is the pick if you want UV test figures, as its listing states 99.87% UVB and 99.02% UVA. The WDQDW is the cheapest windscreen shade here, though it has only 76 ratings.
What is the best folding windscreen sun shade?
The EzyShade folds as two separate shades and its listing says it has two folding options. The WDQDW listing describes a figure 8 fold that collapses it into a compact disc with a pouch, and the Kinder Fluff listing describes a pop up design with memory steel rings that folds into its pouch.
What is the best car sun shade for a baby?
For rear side windows, the AUGOLA window shades come as a pair of double nylon mesh shades and the listing says the window still rolls down. The Dreambaby Adjusta Car Shade fixes with suction cups and is described as stretching to fit almost any car window. Both listings mention babies or children.
What is the best umbrella style or retractable car sun shade?
The Lamicall is the umbrella style pick: its listing describes eight fibreglass ribs that bend 90 degrees, an anti puncture bag on the tips and a five layer UV coating. Umbrella shades open inside the windscreen like an umbrella, so the ribs hold the fabric up. There is no roller type shade on this page.
What size car sun shade should I buy?
Measure your glass first, then compare it with the listing. The EzyShade listing points to a vehicle size chart, the Lamicall gives about 78.7 cm wide with 132.1 and 144.8 cm sides, and the WDQDW lists 145 by 80 cm. The Lamicall, Kinder Fluff and AUGOLA listings also tell you to measure.
Are fitted car sun shades better than universal ones?
Every pick here is a universal shade, so fit comes from measuring your glass. The EzyShade listing gives a vehicle size chart, the Lamicall listing says its ribs bend to suit different windscreens, and the WDQDW is sized for sedans at 140 by 75 cm. If you want a shade cut for one model, none of these is it.
Are car sun shades worth it?
The listings describe two jobs, reflecting sun and blocking UV. The EzyShade listing claims interiors up to 15% cooler than comparable reflective shades, and the Lamicall listing claims a coating that isolates 99.9% of UV rays. Those are the sellers' claims, so weigh them alongside each shade's 4.4 star rating.
What is the best value car sun shade?
The WDQDW Car Windshield Sun Shade is the lowest priced windscreen shade here, with a 4.7 rating, a 145 by 80 cm size and a memory wire frame. The catch is only 76 ratings so far. If you want a bigger rating count behind you, the Kinder Fluff has 4.3 stars from more than 17,000 ratings.