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.
The team at Blackout Window Tinting has been serving the Bay Area since 1993, providing premium window tinting and vehicle protection services.
Experience the Blackout difference. Contact our expert team today for a custom consultation and white-glove service.
Get Your Free QuoteMost readers of this article are researching window tinting upgrades. Explore our precision-tailored service options.
| 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.
Both LLumar CTX and LLumar IRX are ceramic window films from the same manufacturer. They share many features:
What they have in common:
The key difference: IRX uses advanced infrared-targeting technology that rejects more heat than standard ceramic particles.
{/* VERIFIED: Specs from LLumar official technical data sheets, January 2025 */}
| 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% |
| 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% |
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.
We've installed thousands of both films. Here's what we observe:
On a 95°F day:
The ~5°F difference between them is subtle but perceptible, especially:
✅ IRX advantage is clear when:
⚠️ Difference is minimal when:
{/* Pricing from lib/pricing-data.ts - verified January 2025 */}
| 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:
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.
✅ Budget is a primary concern
✅ You live in a mild climate
✅ Vehicle is primarily garaged
✅ You're leasing short-term
✅ Maximum cooling is important
✅ Long daily commutes
✅ Large glass areas
✅ Keeping vehicle 3+ years
✅ You've had CTX before
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
{/* VERIFIED: All specs from LLumar official technical data sheets, January 2025 */}
Official Product Information:
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 2025.
Last Verified: January 24, 2025
Learn more about the professional-grade products we use:
We clean your vehicle and apply the desired service quickly and efficiently.
It can last for years with proper care.
Absolutely, all of our products are 100% safe.
