Time to replace your wipers? There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to your car’s wiper blades. With so many different types, technologies, and price points to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Fortunately, we’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing the right wipers at a reasonable price so you can see clearly.
Ready to start shopping? Take a peek at our top picks so you can mark “get new wipers” off your to-do list!
1. Best All-Around Wipers: Rain-X Latitude
Why buy?
- Water repelling coating
- Streak-free wipe in all conditions
- Extremely durable synthetic rubber blend
With nearly 100,000 ratings on Amazon, it’s hard not to recommend this household brand of wipers. They’re a #1 best-seller that consistently keeps your windshield clear in all weather conditions. Plus, universal adapter installs in minutes and fits 96% of all vehicles.
2. Best All-Around Wipers Runner-Up: Trico Gold
Why buy?
- Easy DIY installation
- Superior visibility and clarity
- Budget-friendly alternative to Rain-X
These all-weather beam blades are a great alternative from a lesser-known brand, but no less effective when it comes to road visibility. Not only are they a snap to install with Trico’s Easy Connection Technology, they’re tested to last over 1,500,000 cycles.
Why buy?
- Long-lasting durability
- Resistant to extreme weather conditions
- Compatible with wide range of vehicles
It’s no surprise that Bosch tops the list of many wiper reviews. They have a longer lifespan than the average wiper, along with a dual rubber lining (silicone shell with rubber core) that allows the wiper to withstand extreme weather conditions. The unique beam design allows for peak visibility, even when conditions get rough. The only con is that they’re a little pricier than some wipers, but you can be sure you won’t soon be replacing them, making it a worthwhile investment in our book.
Why buy?
- Very affordable
- Great fit
- Quick and easy installation
Anco has become known as a brand that offers great value for the price point. Their 31-series wiper blade is an affordable conventional wiper blade replacement that uses an exclusive DuraKlear rubber compound for consistently clear wipes. Available in 10”-28” lengths on Amazon. This blade comes highly rated, at a fraction of the price of many wipers available in retail auto stores.
Why buy?
- Highly rated
- Very affordable
- 1-year warranty
You can pick up a set of these for under $20 on Amazon right now. While they come cheap, they don’t wipe like most cheap wipers. Aero’s innovative rubber strip technology delivers consistently streak-free, noise-free wipes you can count on in all weather conditions. They even offer extra rubber refills for 2x the performance life.
Why buy?
- Sturdy design effortlessly clears heavy snow
- Won’t crack and tear in heavy winds and snow
- Easy DIY installation
If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall and are looking for the perfect winter wipers, look no further. Trico White helps you see confidently and clearly in those harsh winter months
Why buy?
- Smart-Flex design for better wipes
- Built tough for heavy rain, ice, sleet, and snow
- Great contour and windshield contact
Michelin has built its brand on high-quality products, and its wipers are no exception. When it comes to heavy downpours, you won’t want to get caught on the road without these wipers. They’re extremely durable in extreme conditions, won’t clog with snow and ice, and the hybrid blade technology combines the best of beam and traditional blades for optimal performance. The icing on the cake? They’re dead-simple to install thanks to the EZ Lok connector system.
Why buy?
- Excellent contact for clearer wipes
- Won’t clog with dirt, debris, snow/ice
- EZ-Lok connector makes installation a breeze
While these aren’t the cheapest blades on this list, they are some of the most advanced and built to last. In independent tests, Michelin Stealth Ultra outperformed all the competitors after 300,000 wipe cycles. They’re easy to install, provide multi pressure point surface contact for a clearer, streak-free wipe, and the patented Smart Hinge cover protects blades from getting clogged with dirt and debris. If you’re looking for a top-notch blade that lasts, this is it.
Why buy?
- Universal fit
- Repels dust, dirt, and other light debris
- Heavy duty – tested for 1,000,000+ wipes
These heavy-duty blades are great for trucks and service vans and vehicles. Caterpillar’s beam wiper blades adapt to modern, curved windshields and evenly distribute pressure for a great contour and a safe, clear driving experience. They’re tested for over a million wipes and built to last through all weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, and hail. These wipers also come with a universal adapter for quick and easy install. Compatible with most makes and models.
Choosing Windshield Wipers: What to Consider First
There are a lot of things to consider when deciding which windshield wiper is right for your car. There are hundreds of different makes and models of wipers, and sorting through all of them to find the best one for you can feel overwhelming. Be sure that when you begin the process you consider these things first in order to significantly narrow down your search:
Do you need new wipers?
You should change out your windshield wipers every six months to a year depending on how they are performing. When you rub your hands along the rubber do you feel some abnormalities? Do your wipers seem to actually be making your visibility worse when you use them? Do they sound like someone screaming when they slide across your windshield? If the answer to any or all of these things is YES, then it is time to invest in some new effective wipers.
What’s your climate like?
When it comes to buying windshield wipers, the most important thing to consider is the area that you live in, and the weather conditions that are common there. Your windshield wipers need to be able to stand up to the harshest conditions your area experiences, and different wipers work better for different circumstances. In our list of best windshield wipers, we went ahead and separated our recommendations based on climate to make the buying process as quick as possible for you!
Are they easy to install?
While wipers are generally pretty easy to install, different types of wipers have slightly different levels of attachment difficulty. If you don’t feel fully confident in your DIY abilities, check out this article detailing the exact steps needed to install your new wipers.
Windshield Wiper Types and Sizes
Different cars come with different kinds of wiper arms, and this affects which wipers can or can’t be attached to your vehicle. While the J-Hook is the most common attachment style for wipers, most of the wipers we have recommended on this list come with a universal attachment mechanism.
It’s also important to make sure you know what size wipers your vehicle requires. This depends on the size of your car’s windshield. Often you can consult your car owner’s manual for the correct sizing, or, if over time you’ve misplaced your manual, a simple Google search for your specific vehicle’s windshield wiper size normally does the trick.
If shopping on Amazon, you can use the Amazon Confirmed Fit tool to enter your vehicle on the parts page and make sure it fits before purchasing.
Wiper Blade Material
Different blades are made from different materials, and some hold up longer and better than others. The most conventional and common material used for wiper blades is rubber. Rubber blades will typically be cheaper than most other materials, but they also tend to have a shorter life span than some of the other options.
Silicone blades are a newer technology that generally tends to be more durable than their rubber predecessors, and generally last longer too. The downside of silicone wipers is that their cost is noticeably higher.
Coated blades are a third option that are gaining popularity quickly. These blades are typically a rubber material, but they are coated in either graphite or Teflon, which means they don’t wear out as quickly as a plain rubber blade might.
Hybrid wiper blades are another great choice that contour well to a vehicle’s windshield and work well in extreme weather conditions.
The important thing to note is that a particular blade material is not always right for every situation, and our list reflects that. Our recommendations include different types of blade materials, all of which you can be sure will be the best blades for your individual circumstance.
Our Methodology
FIXD independently analyzes and reviews cars and vehicle accessories, including windshield wipers, to make your shopping experience easier. We based our top wiper recommendations on the following categories:
- Customer ratings and reviews
- Performance
- Ease of installation
To determine which products made the final cut, we carefully analyzed wipers based on Amazon reviews from real customers, comparative products at a similar price point, how each performed in various weather conditions, and how compatible and easy to install they were.
Every wiper we selected performed well across all of these categories. However, keep in mind that not every wiper fits every vehicle. Be sure to consult the store’s fitment guide. Also keep in mind that some wipers perform better on certain vehicles than others.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How often should I replace my windshield wipers?
Most recommendations suggest changing your wipers every 6 months to a year, but yours may last longer depending on weather conditions. The easiest way to tell if you need new wipers is the streak test. Do they leave streaks or make annoying squeaking noises when you turn them on the rain? Then it’s time to replace your wipers.
How much does it cost to replace wipers?
If you’re replacing your wiper blades yourself, it’ll cost you around $20-$50, depending on the type of wiper you buy. A mechanic will charge around $75-$80 to do it, and this is a simple job that most people can easily take on themselves.
Are expensive wiper blades worth it?
Depending on where you live and what kind of weather conditions exist, more expensive blades might be worth the cost as they will likely last longer than cheap blades. If you’re on a budget and not sure which wipers to buy, we recommend selecting one of the best budget wipers on this list to give you a good bang for your buck. While these blades are affordable, they’re not cheap or low-quality, so you won’t have to replace them often.
What size wipers do I need?
Check your owner’s manual to make sure you’re purchasing the right wiper size for your specific make and model. You can also go to the nearest auto parts store or look up your vehicle’s wiper size online. When buying wipers on Amazon, select your year make model in Amazon’s Vehicle Fitment Tool to double-check fitment. Amazon’s system will tell you if the auto part fits your vehicle. In many cases, including wiper blades, it will also tell you which position the wiper fits: Left (driver), Right (passenger), Front, Rear. Never purchase an auto part – especially wiper blades – without selecting your vehicle on Amazon.
How do I change my wiper blades?
After purchasing new wipers and removing the old ones, you’ll want to find out your car’s windshield wiper arm type. It may be hook, pin, or straight. Most wiper blade refills come with universal adapters for all three options. Next, take your new wipers out of the plastic, remove any blade protectors, attach them to your windshield wiper arms, and test them out! Check out our article on how to install new wipers for more information, including setting up a FIXD reminder for when it’s time to replace them the next time.
Lifelong automotive enthusiast with a soft spot for offroading. Wrencher turned writer, but I still love to tinker on just about anything with an engine. Dream car: tie between a ‘71 Hemi ‘Cuda and a ’91 GMC Syclone. #GirlDad #SaveTheManuals
