Head-to-head · Best Blackout Curtains

Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout vs Sun Zero Barrow

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Budget shoppers who want the best-tested light blocking for the lowest price and do not need decorative styling or a wide color range. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Blackout Curtains

Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout

4.6

$22.49as of Jun 7

The Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout is the value champion, Reviewed.com's Editor's Choice for blackout curtains, which found it blocked light better than every other panel they tested. Its triple-weave 240 GSM polyester with a back coating is rated 100% blackout, and it adds thermal insulation and noise reduction for around $35. It is plain and stock can be spotty, but for pure light-blocking per dollar it is the best buy on this list.

Strengths

— Reviewed.com's Editor's Choice for best blackout curtains, doing 'an excellent job of blocking out unwanted light'
— Triple-weave 240 GSM polyester rated 100% blackout, with a thick blackout coating on the back
— Metal grommets slide easily on standard or decorative rods and look modern

Watch-outs

— Stock can be intermittent, with the top configuration occasionally unavailable
— Limited color and size range compared with specialty curtain brands
— Plain styling without decorative options like lace overlays

$22.49 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Blackout Curtains

Sun Zero Barrow

4.2

$9.49as of Jun 7

The Sun Zero Barrow is the budget room-darkening pick, a classic rod-pocket panel that reduces light and noise for better sleep at often under $20. It is honest about what it is: Sun Zero rates it as room darkening rather than full blackout, so some light will show through, especially in lighter colors. For a shopper who wants to soften daylight and add privacy and energy efficiency cheaply, it delivers, but those needing total darkness should choose a true blackout panel.

Strengths

— Extremely affordable, often available for well under $20 per panel
— Woven-solid fabric reduces light and noise for better sleep while adding energy efficiency
— Classic rod-pocket design with a soft, plush velvety feel that drapes nicely

Watch-outs

— Room-darkening, not full blackout, so some light will show through, especially in lighter colors
— Light blocking depends heavily on color: the darker the panel, the more it blocks
— Rod-pocket header is less convenient than grommets for daily use

$9.49 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout

Reviewed.com ranked it ahead of the NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout for outright light blocking, though NICETOWN won CNN's flashlight test. It uses the same triple-weave approach as the NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout and undercuts the Eclipse Fresno, Best Home Fashion Premium Blackout, and Sun Zero Barrow on price.

Sun Zero Barrow

The budget room-darkening option, blocking less light than the true-blackout NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout, Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, Eclipse Fresno, and Best Home Fashion Premium Blackout. Its rod-pocket header is like the Eclipse Fresno's rather than the grommets on the NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout and Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, and it is the cheapest panel here.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout	Sun Zero Barrow
Fabric	Triple-weave 240 GSM polyester	Woven-solid polyester
Light Blocking	100% (room darkening, back-coated)	Room darkening (color-dependent)
Header	Metal grommets	Rod pocket (fits rod up to 1.5 in)
Sizes	52 x 84 in, 2 panels	Multiple sizes and colors
Thermal	Insulating barrier	—
Noise	Noise-reducing	Noise-reducing
Extras	2 Velcro tie-backs	—
Care	Machine washable	Machine washable
Energy	—	Energy-efficient / insulating
Feel	—	Soft, plush velvety hand

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