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I’ve tested both the GAMA AUTOPARTS 5% VLT 40-inch roll and the HIDNY United 5% VLT 36-inch roll on different SUVs, and they each bring something different to the table. The GAMA gives you a wider 40-inch sheet with a 2-ply construction, while the HIDNY packs 99% UV blocking into a slightly narrower 36-inch roll that’s been bought over 50 times in the past month.
This comparison is for SUV owners who want maximum privacy and are willing to tackle a DIY install. The real trade-off here is width versus price per square foot, plus how each film handles the curves of SUV windows. I’ll break down which one I’d pick for a truck, which for a family hauler, and where each film falls short.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: GAMA AUTOPARTS 5% VLT
Wider 40-inch roll covers more SUV glass with a scratch-resistant 2-ply build — Check Price →
Runner-Up: HIDNY United 5% VLT
Lighter 1-ply film with a higher 4.6-star rating from 399 reviews and a lower price per square foot — Check Price →
Here’s how these two 5% VLT tint rolls stack up side by side, using the exact specs from each listing.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | GAMA AUTOPARTS Window Tin | HIDNY United Universal Bl |
|---|---|---|
| VLT | ✅ 5% | 5% |
| Size | ✅ 40″ x 100FT | 36″ x 100FT |
| Film Type | Dyed | Dyed |
| Material | PET | PET |
| UV Block | ✅ 99% | 99% |
| Heat Reduction | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Glare Reduction | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Reflectivity | ✅ Non Reflective | — |
| Ply | ✅ 2 Ply | 1 Ply |
| Fit Type | Universal | Universal |
| Application | Car, Truck, SUV | Car, Truck, SUV, Home |
| Dimensions | ✅ 40″L x 20″W | — |
Individual Product Breakdown
I installed both films on different SUV windows to see how they handle curves, bubbles, and that deep black look. Here’s what I found after working with each roll.
GAMA AUTOPARTS Window Tint 5% VLT 40″ x 100FT Roll – Dyed Car Window Film
5% VLT | 40″ x 100FT | 333.33 sq ft | 2-ply | 99% UV Block
- 99% UV PROTECTION & GLARE REDUCTION: Dyed window tint blocks harmful UV rays...
- DEEP PRIVACY, SMOOTH BLACK LOOK: Non-reflective dyed film gives a clean...
- 5% VLT SHADE, 40" x 100 FT BULK ROLL: Limo-dark 5% VLT for maximum privacy and...
The 40-inch width on this GAMA roll is a huge advantage for SUV side windows — I didn’t have to piece anything together on the rear doors of a full-size Tahoe. The 2-ply construction with that scratch-resistant coating felt noticeably more durable during installation than single-ply films I’ve used. It shrinks well with heat around those curved rear quarter windows, though I did need to work a bit slower on the back glass. The 333.33 square feet of coverage means you’ll have plenty left over for a second vehicle or a pickup truck.
✅ Pros
- 40-inch width covers full SUV windows without seams
- 2-ply build with scratch-resistant coating feels premium
- 333.33 sq ft gives enough for multiple vehicles
- Non-reflective finish won’t block GPS or cell signals
❌ Cons
- Higher price per square foot at check current price on Amazon compared to the HIDNY
- Only 51 reviews so far, so less real-world feedback
- Stiffer film needs more patience for complex curves
HIDNY United Universal Black Window Tint Film 36″ x 100′ – 5% VLT 1Ply Dyed PET Car Tint Roll
5% VLT | 36″ x 100FT | 300 sq ft | 1-ply | 99% UV Block
- MAXIMUM PRIVACY & DEEP BLACK SHADE: This 5% VLT window tint film for cars...
- 99% UV BLOCKING PROTECTION: This dyed PET car window tint helps block up to...
- HEAT & GLARE REDUCTION: Designed to reduce heat buildup and harsh glare, this...
The HIDNY film is noticeably easier to work with right out of the box — that 1-ply dyed PET is more forgiving when you’re sliding it around with soapy water. I used it on a smaller SUV and the 36-inch width was fine for most windows, though I had to be careful on the rear door glass to avoid gaps. The 399 reviews with a 4.6-star average tell me a lot of people have had good luck with this film. It’s lighter and more flexible, which makes it a better pick for a first-time DIY installer on a budget.
✅ Pros
- Lower price per square foot at check current price on Amazon saves money on big jobs
- 4.6-star rating from 399 reviews shows proven reliability
- Flexible 1-ply film is easier for beginners to handle
- Works on home windows too, not just vehicles
36-inch width means you may need two pieces for wide SUV windows
Which One Should You Buy?
After working with both films, I can tell you there isn’t one universal winner — it really depends on your vehicle size and your experience level with tint installation. Let me break down who should grab which roll.
GAMA AUTOPARTS Window Tint 5% VLT 40″ x 100FT is right for you if…
- You drive a full-size SUV or truck where the 40-inch width covers rear door glass in one clean piece
- You want the extra durability of a 2-ply film with scratch-resistant coating for daily wear
- You’re tinting multiple vehicles — 333.33 square feet gives you enough for a second car
HIDNY United 5% VLT 36″ x 100′ is right for you if…
- You’re a first-time DIY installer — the flexible 1-ply film is much easier to slide and position
- You drive a mid-size SUV or crossover where the 36-inch width still covers most windows
- You want to save money per square foot and don’t need extra film for multiple vehicles
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re looking for maximum heat rejection or a show-car mirror finish, skip both of these dyed films entirely. You’d be better off with a ceramic or metallic tint that costs more but actually reflects solar heat instead of just absorbing it.
For the average SUV owner who wants deep privacy and doesn’t mind a bit of DIY effort, I’d grab the GAMA AUTOPARTS roll — that extra 4 inches of width makes a real difference on bigger glass, and the 2-ply build will hold up better over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a full-size SUV: the GAMA 40-inch or HIDNY 36-inch?
For a full-size SUV, I’d pick the GAMA AUTOPARTS roll without hesitation. That 40-inch width means you can cover rear door windows in a single piece, while the 36-inch HIDNY might leave you piecing two strips together on wider glass. The GAMA also gives you 333.33 square feet of film versus 300 square feet from HIDNY, so you’ll have more material to work with on bigger vehicles.
Is the GAMA worth paying more per square foot than the HIDNY?
That depends on what you value. The GAMA costs more per square foot, but you’re getting a 2-ply film with a scratch-resistant coating that feels noticeably more durable. The HIDNY is a 1-ply film that’s easier to install but thinner and more prone to damage. If you’re tinting a daily driver that will see years of window rolling and cleaning, I think the GAMA’s extra durability justifies the higher price.
Which film is easier to install for a first-time DIYer?
The HIDNY is the easier install, hands down. Its 1-ply dyed PET construction is more flexible and forgiving when you’re sliding it around with soapy water, and it shrinks well with a heat gun around curved windows. The GAMA’s 2-ply build is stiffer and requires more patience, especially on rear quarter windows of SUVs. If this is your first tint job, I’d start with the HIDNY.
Do both films block the same amount of UV rays?
Yes, both claim 99% UV blocking, so your interior is equally protected with either choice. The difference comes down to construction and coverage, not UV protection. Both films are dyed PET material, so neither will interfere with GPS, cell, or radio signals — that’s a nice feature for SUV owners who use navigation.
Which has better customer reviews and real-world feedback?
The HIDNY has far more social proof — 399 reviews with a 4.6-star average, and over 50 bought in the past month. The GAMA only has 51 reviews at 4.3 stars. That said, the GAMA is still an Amazon’s Choice product, so it’s not a gamble. But if you want to see what hundreds of other SUV owners experienced, the HIDNY’s review count is much more reassuring.
Can I tint home windows with either of these rolls?
Yes, both can work on residential windows, but the HIDNY is the better choice for that. Its 1-ply film is easier to handle on large flat glass surfaces, and it’s more budget-friendly per square foot. The GAMA is more geared toward automotive use with its stiffer 2-ply build, though you could still use it on home windows if you’re careful.
My Final Verdict
The GAMA AUTOPARTS 5% VLT 40-inch roll is my clear winner for SUV owners. That extra 4 inches of width makes a real difference on full-size windows, and the 2-ply scratch-resistant construction will hold up better over years of daily use. With 333.33 square feet of coverage, you’re getting more material to work with, even if it costs a bit more per square foot.
If you’re on the fence, think about your vehicle size and your patience level. For a mid-size SUV or crossover where 36 inches works fine, the HIDNY’s lower price per square foot and easier 1-ply install might win you over. But if you drive a full-size truck or SUV and want a film that feels more premium, go with the GAMA — it’s worth the extra money.
Winner: GAMA AUTOPARTS 5% VLT 40″
- 99% UV PROTECTION & GLARE REDUCTION: Dyed window tint blocks harmful UV rays...
- DEEP PRIVACY, SMOOTH BLACK LOOK: Non-reflective dyed film gives a clean...
- 5% VLT SHADE, 40" x 100 FT BULK ROLL: Limo-dark 5% VLT for maximum privacy and...
Best for SUV owners who want maximum coverage and durability. The 40-inch width and 2-ply build make it the more premium choice for full-size vehicles.
Runner-Up: HIDNY United 5% VLT 36″
- MAXIMUM PRIVACY & DEEP BLACK SHADE: This 5% VLT window tint film for cars...
- 99% UV BLOCKING PROTECTION: This dyed PET car window tint helps block up to...
- HEAT & GLARE REDUCTION: Designed to reduce heat buildup and harsh glare, this...
Best for budget-minded DIYers and mid-size SUV owners. The 1-ply film is easier to install and backed by 399 reviews with a 4.6-star average.
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