Window Tinting
LLumar CTX Review 2026: Best Value Ceramic Tint?
Blackout Team· Window Tinting Experts
·7 min read
LLumar CTX review: mid-range ceramic tint with solid heat rejection. Compare CTX vs IRX vs ATC. Is LLumar CTX worth it in 2026? Specs, pricing, pros/cons.
LLumar CTX sits in the sweet spot of LLumar's lineup—better than entry-level ATC, less expensive than premium IRX. But is middle-ground the right choice for your vehicle?
At Blackout Window Tinting, we install all three LLumar ceramic films. Here's our honest CTX assessment.
LLumar CTX Quick Specs
| Specification | LLumar CTX |
|---|---|
| Film Type | Ceramic |
| Heat Rejection (TSER) | Up to 55% |
| UV Rejection | 99% |
| Infrared Rejection | Up to 80% |
| Signal Interference | None |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Price Range | $300-$400 (sedan) |
Where CTX Fits in LLumar's Lineup
| Film | Heat Rejection | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLumar ATC | Up to 45% TSER | $ | Budget buyers |
| LLumar CTX | Up to 55% TSER | $$ | Value seekers |
| LLumar IRX | Up to 63% TSER | $$$ | Maximum performance |
CTX delivers 80-85% of IRX performance at 70-75% of the price.
Real-World CTX Performance
Heat Rejection
| Scenario | CTX Performance |
|---|---|
| Summer parking | Interior 12-15°F cooler |
| Highway driving | Noticeable heat reduction |
| Glass roof vehicles | Good improvement |
| AC strain | Reduced |
CTX isn't as powerful as IRX, but the difference is marginal for most daily drivers.
Optical Clarity
CTX offers excellent clarity—indistinguishable from IRX to most eyes. No metallic look, no interference patterns, minimal orange peel.
Signal Compatibility
Like all modern ceramic films, CTX uses non-metallic construction:
- GPS works perfectly
- Phone signals unaffected
- Bluetooth normal
- Toll transponders functional
LLumar CTX vs IRX: Detailed Comparison
| Feature | CTX | IRX |
|---|---|---|
| TSER | Up to 55% | Up to 63% |
| Infrared Rejection | Up to 80% | Up to 97% |
| Technology | Ceramic | Nano-ceramic |
| Stain Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Price (Sedan) | $300-$400 | $400-$550 |
| Best For | Value | Performance |
When CTX Makes Sense Over IRX
- Budget matters – Save $100-$150 per vehicle
- Moderate climate – Milder summers need less rejection
- Covered parking – Less sun exposure reduces need for max performance
- Frequent vehicle turnover – Less investment if selling soon
When IRX is Worth the Upgrade
- Extreme heat – Bay Area summers, black interior
- Glass roof vehicles – Tesla, panoramic sunroofs
- Long-term ownership – Better stain resistance over time
- Maximum comfort priority – Worth the premium
Read our full LLumar IRX Review →
LLumar CTX Pricing
| Vehicle Type | LLumar CTX |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Camry, Accord) | $300-$375 |
| SUV (RAV4, CX-5) | $350-$425 |
| Large SUV (Tahoe) | $425-$500 |
| Tesla Model 3/Y | $375-$450 |
| Tesla Model S/X | $450-$525 |
Prices include all side and rear windows.
CTX vs Competitors
CTX vs 3M Ceramic IR
| Feature | LLumar CTX | 3M Ceramic IR |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Rejection | Up to 55% | Up to 59% |
| Price | $300-$400 | $350-$450 |
| Brand | LLumar | 3M |
Verdict: 3M Ceramic IR has slightly better specs at slightly higher price. Both excellent mid-range options.
CTX vs SunTek CIR
| Feature | LLumar CTX | SunTek CIR |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Rejection | Up to 55% | Up to 56% |
| Price | $300-$400 | $275-$375 |
| Availability | Wide | Growing |
Verdict: Very similar products. Choose based on installer recommendation.
Installation Process
CTX installation is identical to other LLumar films:
- Prep – Thorough glass cleaning
- Cut – Computer-precision patterns
- Apply – Slip solution for positioning
- Heat – Shrink for curved surfaces
- Inspect – Quality check
Time: 2-3 hours for most vehicles
Cure: 3-5 days before rolling windows
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LLumar CTX good quality?
Yes. CTX is a quality ceramic film from a reputable manufacturer. It's not their best film (that's IRX), but it's solidly mid-tier with good performance.
How long does LLumar CTX last?
Expect 8-12+ years with proper care. LLumar's lifetime warranty provides additional confidence.
Is CTX or IRX better?
IRX is objectively better—higher heat rejection and better stain resistance. Whether it's worth the $100-$150 premium depends on your priorities.
Does LLumar CTX block heat?
Yes. CTX blocks up to 55% of total solar energy, noticeably reducing vehicle heat.
Can I upgrade from CTX to IRX later?
Technically yes, but you'd need to remove CTX first—costly and wasteful. If unsure, start with IRX to avoid future regret.
Is LLumar CTX good for Tesla?
CTX works fine on Teslas, but given Tesla's large glass areas, we often recommend IRX for better heat rejection on the glass roof.
Our Recommendation
Choose LLumar CTX if:
- You want quality ceramic on a budget
- Your climate is moderate
- You park in covered spaces
- You're practical about value vs performance
Upgrade to IRX if:
- Heat rejection is critical
- You have a glass roof vehicle
- Long-term ownership is planned
- Budget allows the premium
At Blackout Window Tinting, we'll help you choose the right option—no pressure, no upselling.
Get LLumar CTX Installed
Ready for quality ceramic tint at a reasonable price? Contact us for a free quote.
📍 Location: 610 Holloway Rd, Gilroy (behind Target)
📞 Call: 408-848-8468
🎯 Get Your Free Quote →
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- Comparing 3 LLumar Window Films: ATC vs CTX vs IRX
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