Head-to-head · Best Blackout Curtains

NICETOWN Contemporary Lined 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

NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.7 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Anyone who wants the most complete light blocking for a nursery or bedroom, validated by hands-on flashlight testing, at a budget price. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Blackout Curtains

NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout

4.7

$17.95as of Jun 7

The NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout is our top pick because it was the standout in CNN Underscored's hands-on testing, the only curtain that passed their flashlight test with no light visible through the fabric. Its triple-weave, lined construction blocks the most light here while adding thermal insulation and noise reduction, and it costs around $42. Other labs rate it more middlingly, but in the test that matters most for sleep, it won.

Strengths

— The only curtain to pass CNN Underscored's flashlight test, with no light visible through the fabric
— Triple-weave construction blocks 85-99% of light plus thermal insulation and noise reduction
— Silver grommets with a 1.6-inch inner diameter slide smoothly onto standard rods

Watch-outs

— Reviewed.com rated it only 'solidly average' at blocking light, so results vary by reviewer and color
— Consumer Reports noted the pure-white colorway can produce glare
— Lined construction makes the panels heavy and somewhat stiff

$17.95 · 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

NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout

Blocked light more completely than the Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, Eclipse Fresno, Best Home Fashion Premium Blackout, and Sun Zero Barrow in CNN's flashlight test, the only panel to pass it. Like the Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout it uses a triple-weave build, but its added lining edges it ahead on true blackout.

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	NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout	Sun Zero Barrow
Fabric	Triple-weave polyester (lined)	Woven-solid polyester
Light Blocking	85-99%	Room darkening (color-dependent)
Header	Silver grommet (1.6 in inner dia.)	Rod pocket (fits rod up to 1.5 in)
Sizes	52 x 84 in (and other sizes), 2 panels	Multiple sizes and colors
Thermal	Insulating	—
Noise	Sound-reducing	Noise-reducing
Reversible	Same color both sides	—
Care	Machine washable	Machine washable
Energy	—	Energy-efficient / insulating
Feel	—	Soft, plush velvety hand

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