Window Tinting
LLumar CTX vs IRX: Which Ceramic Tint Is Right for You? [2026]
Blackout Team· Window Tinting Experts
·8 min read
Summary / Direct Answer
LLumar CTX: $380-500 sedan, 90% IR rejection, excellent value. LLumar IRX: $480-650 sedan, 97% IR rejection, maximum cooling. IRX is 25% more but blocks noticeably more heat. For hot climates or long commutes, IRX is worth it. For moderate use, CTX.
CTX ($380-500) vs IRX ($480-650): IRX wins on heat rejection (97% vs 90% IR). CTX wins on value. See our 33-year installer's honest comparison + pricing.
LLumar CTX vs IRX: The Quick Answer
| Feature | LLumar CTX | LLumar IRX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR Rejection | ~90% | 97% | IRX |
| Price (Sedan) | $380-$500 | $480-$650 | CTX |
| VLT Options | 5-70% | 5-70% | Tie |
| UV Block | 99%+ | 99%+ | Tie |
| Best For | Value buyers | Heat-sensitive drivers | — |
Bottom line: IRX blocks ~7% more infrared heat than CTX and costs ~25% more. For daily drivers in hot climates, the upgrade is noticeable. For moderate use or budget-conscious buyers, CTX is excellent.
Understanding the Difference
Both LLumar CTX and LLumar IRX are ceramic window films from the same manufacturer. They share many features:
What they have in common:
- Nano-ceramic construction (non-metallic)
- 99%+ UV rejection
- Same VLT shade options (5%, 15%, 25%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 70%)
- Signal-safe (won't interfere with electronics)
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
- Color-stable (won't fade or purple)
The key difference: IRX uses advanced infrared-targeting technology that rejects more heat than standard ceramic particles.
Technical Specs Comparison
LLumar CTX Performance
{/* VERIFIED: Specs from LLumar official technical data sheets, January 2026 */}
| VLT % | TSER | IR Rejection | UV Block | Glare Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | 60% | 91% | 99%+ | 93% |
| 15% | 58% | 90% | 99%+ | 81% |
| 25% | 56% | 89% | 99%+ | 71% |
| 35% | 54% | 88% | 99%+ | 61% |
| 40% | 53% | 87% | 99%+ | 56% |
| 50% | 51% | 86% | 99%+ | 46% |
| 70% | 47% | 82% | 99%+ | 27% |
LLumar IRX Performance
| VLT % | TSER | IR Rejection | UV Block | Glare Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | 67% | 97% | 99%+ | 94% |
| 15% | 65% | 97% | 99%+ | 82% |
| 25% | 63% | 97% | 99%+ | 72% |
| 35% | 61% | 96% | 99%+ | 62% |
| 40% | 60% | 96% | 99%+ | 57% |
| 50% | 57% | 95% | 99%+ | 47% |
| 70% | 52% | 93% | 99%+ | 28% |
Side-by-Side at 35% VLT
A popular shade for balance between privacy and visibility:
| Metric | CTX 35% | IRX 35% | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSER | 54% | 61% | +7% (IRX) |
| IR Rejection | 88% | 96% | +8% (IRX) |
| Glare Reduction | 61% | 62% | Minimal |
That 7-8% difference in heat rejection is noticeable in real-world driving—especially on hot days.
Real-World Performance Difference
Heat Rejection Test
We've installed thousands of both films. Here's what we observe:
On a 95°F day:
- CTX keeps the cabin ~15-20°F cooler than no tint
- IRX keeps the cabin ~20-25°F cooler than no tint
The ~5°F difference between them is subtle but perceptible, especially:
- When parked in direct sun
- During long highway drives
- With black leather interiors
When You'll Notice the Difference
✅ IRX advantage is clear when:
- Outside temp exceeds 90°F regularly
- Your commute is 30+ minutes
- You have a panoramic roof or large glass area
- Vehicle has dark interior
- You park in uncovered lots
⚠️ Difference is minimal when:
- Temps stay below 85°F
- Short drives only
- Vehicle is garaged
- Light-colored interior
Price Comparison
What Does Each Film Cost?
{/* Pricing from lib/pricing-data.ts - verified January 2026 */}
| Vehicle Type | LLumar CTX | LLumar IRX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan/Coupe | $380–$500 | $480–$650 | +$100-$150 |
| SUV/Crossover | $480–$600 | $580–$750 | +$100-$150 |
| Full-Size SUV | $550–$700 | $680–$900 | +$130-$200 |
| Truck | $450–$600 | $550–$800 | +$100-$200 |
All prices include:
- All side windows
- Rear windshield
- Lifetime warranty
- Installation
- California sales tax
Cost-Per-Year Analysis
Assuming you keep your vehicle 5 years:
| Film | Total Cost | Per Year | Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTX (Sedan) | ~$440 | $88 | $7.33 |
| IRX (Sedan) | ~$565 | $113 | $9.42 |
The IRX upgrade costs about $2 more per month over 5 years.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose LLumar CTX If:
✅ Budget is a primary concern
- CTX is $100-$150 less than IRX
- Still provides excellent ceramic performance
✅ You live in a mild climate
- Bay Area coast, San Francisco, moderate temps
- Rarely above 85°F
✅ Vehicle is primarily garaged
- Less sun exposure reduces benefit of premium film
✅ You're leasing short-term
- Less time to recoup premium investment
Choose LLumar IRX If:
✅ Maximum cooling is important
- Hot commutes, inland Bay Area (Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Jose)
- South county summer temps (95-105°F)
✅ Long daily commutes
- 30+ minutes in the car
- More time to appreciate the difference
✅ Large glass areas
- Tesla glass roof, panoramic sunroof
- SUVs with extensive rear glass
✅ Keeping vehicle 3+ years
- More time to benefit from better performance
✅ You've had CTX before
- Already know you want more heat rejection
Can You Mix CTX and IRX?
Yes! A popular cost-optimizing approach:
| Windows | Film | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield strip | IRX | Maximum heat rejection where you feel it most |
| Front doors | IRX | Driver/passenger comfort |
| Rear doors | CTX | Less critical, save money |
| Rear window | CTX | Primarily privacy, less heat impact |
This hybrid approach lets you get IRX performance where it matters most while saving $50-$100 overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LLumar IRX worth the extra cost over CTX?
For drivers in hot climates or with long commutes, yes. The 7-8% improvement in heat rejection is noticeable in daily driving. For moderate use in mild climates, CTX provides excellent performance at a lower price point.
What's the main difference between CTX and IRX?
Both are nano-ceramic films, but IRX uses advanced infrared-targeting technology. CTX achieves ~90% IR rejection while IRX reaches 97%. This translates to approximately 5°F cooler cabin temps on hot days.
Which is darker, LLumar CTX or IRX?
Neither—darkness is determined by VLT percentage, not film type. Both CTX and IRX are available in identical shades: 5%, 15%, 25%, 35%, 40%, 50%, and 70% VLT. The difference is heat rejection, not appearance.
Does LLumar CTX interfere with cell phones or GPS?
No. Both CTX and IRX are non-metallic ceramic films that don't interfere with cell signals, GPS, Bluetooth, satellite radio, toll transponders, or keyless entry systems.
How long does LLumar CTX and IRX last?
Both films carry a lifetime manufacturer warranty and typically last the life of the vehicle with proper care. The ceramic particles don't fade or degrade like dyed films.
Can I upgrade from CTX to IRX later?
Technically yes, but you'd need to remove the CTX first (additional cost). If you're considering IRX, it's more economical to choose it initially rather than upgrade later.
Which LLumar film is best for Tesla?
For Teslas with large glass roofs, we recommend IRX. The extensive glass area means more solar heat enters the cabin—IRX's superior IR rejection makes a meaningful difference. See our Tesla window tinting guide for details.
LLumar CTX vs 3M Ceramic IR—which is better?
LLumar CTX and 3M Ceramic IR are comparable mid-tier ceramic films. 3M Ceramic IR offers similar heat rejection (~66% TSER) at similar pricing. Brand preference often comes down to installer availability. See our 3M comparison guide.
Is CTX or IRX better for front windows in California?
Both CTX and IRX 70% VLT meet California's legal requirement (70%+ on front side windows). IRX 70% provides slightly better heat rejection (52% vs 47% TSER) while remaining legal.
What's the warranty difference between CTX and IRX?
Both CTX and IRX include identical lifetime manufacturer warranties covering fading, peeling, bubbling, cracking, and discoloration. Warranty coverage is the same regardless of which film you choose.
Get LLumar CTX or IRX Installed in Gilroy
We install both CTX and IRX at our shop—15 min from Morgan Hill, 35 min from San Jose.
| Vehicle Type | LLumar CTX | LLumar IRX |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $380–$500 | $480–$650 |
| SUV | $480–$600 | $580–$750 |
Learn more: Automotive Window Tinting Services
Get a Free Quote → or call 408-848-8468
Related Comparisons
- LLumar ATC vs CTX vs IRX: Best for Your Budget
- 3M Crystalline vs LLumar IRX
- LLumar IRX Complete Guide
Sources & Manufacturer References
{/* VERIFIED: All specs from LLumar official technical data sheets, January 2026 */}
Official Product Information:
- LLumar CTX Series — Official specifications
- LLumar IRX Series — Official specifications
Key Verified Specifications:
| Film | IR Rejection | TSER (35% VLT) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLumar CTX | Up to 91% | 54% | LLumar TDS |
| LLumar IRX | Up to 97% | 61% | LLumar TDS |
Pricing Note: Prices shown are Bay Area market rates as of January 2026.
Last Verified: January 24, 2026
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- LLumar Window Tint - View product details and specifications
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