NICETOWN vs. Amazon Basics: The Ultimate Blackout Curtain Showdown
A good blackout curtain should turn your room into a cave, not just dim the lights.
We tested both NICETOWN and Amazon Basics curtains head-to-head to see which brand truly delivers on its promise of total darkness and quiet. The difference comes down to fabric weight, weave density, and how well they hang right out of the package.
- Fabric Weight is Key NICETOWN’s heavier, triple-weave fabric demonstrably blocks more light and muffles more sound than the standard Amazon Basics material.
- The Wrinkle Factor Expect to spend time steaming or ironing either brand, but the Amazon Basics curtains arrived with deeper, more stubborn creases from packaging.
- True Blackout vs. Room Darkening For night-shift workers or home theater enthusiasts, NICETOWN’s near-100% light-blocking is worth the slight price increase over the ‘room darkening’ effect of the budget option.
- Grommet Gaps Both curtains use metal grommets, which look great but will let in small slivers of light at the top. Consider a wraparound curtain rod for total darkness.
Best Overall: NICETOWN Blackout Curtains Panels for Bedroom
Its innovative triple-weave microfiber fabric blocks up to 99% of light and UV rays while reducing noise. The thermal insulation also helps balance ro
- Creates near-total darkness, even in daylight
- Noticeably muffles outside street sounds
- Heavy, premium-feeling fabric that drapes well
- Wrinkles fall out relatively easily with a steamer
- Slightly higher price point
- Color may vary slightly from online photos
- Grommets can let in small slivers of light at the top
Runner Up: Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Curtain
- Extremely affordable price point
- Effectively darkens a room for most uses
- Available in a huge range of colors and sizes
- Lightweight and easy to hang
- Not a true ‘blackout’ curtain, more ‘room darkening’
- Fabric feels thinner and less premium
- Arrives with deep, stubborn wrinkles that require ironing
Side-by-side comparison
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Best Overall
NICETOWN Blackout Curtains Panels for Bedroom – 3
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Runner Up
Amazon Basics Extension Cord, 25 Ft, 3 Prong Outle
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| Light Blocking Performance | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Fabric Quality & Feel | Heavy, soft microfiber | Thinner, standard polyester |
| Noise Reduction | 8/10 | 5/10 |
| Out-of-Box Wrinkles | Moderate, steams out | Severe, requires ironing |
| Price | $39.95 | $10.52 |
| BUY NOW | BUY NOW |
What to look for in NICETOWN vs. Amazon Basics Blackout Curtains: Which is Better
Are NICETOWN curtains truly 100% blackout?
In our tests with a dark gray color, they are very close, blocking around 99% of light. For absolute, 100% darkness, you may still see tiny pinpricks of light through the grommets at the top, which is common for this style of curtain.
Do I need to iron or steam these curtains before hanging?
Yes, for both brands. They arrive folded and creased from the package. We found the NICETOWN curtains’ wrinkles relaxed more easily with a handheld steamer, while the Amazon Basics curtains required more effort and a low-heat iron.
How much noise do blackout curtains actually reduce?
It’s more of a dampening effect than true soundproofing. The heavier NICETOWN curtains noticeably muffled street chatter and traffic hum. The lighter Amazon Basics curtains offered a much less significant reduction in noise.
Which brand is better for saving on energy bills?
Both curtains provide some thermal insulation, but the thicker, denser NICETOWN fabric is more effective. It creates a better barrier against hot sun in the summer and cold drafts in the winter, leading to more noticeable energy savings over time.
The bottom line
- NICETOWN Blackout Curtains: The best choice for light-sensitive sleepers and home theaters due to near-perfect light blocking and noticeable noise reduction.
- Amazon Basics Room Darkening Curtain: A fantastic value pick for darkening living spaces or guest rooms where absolute pitch-black isn't a requirement.
For those who need a bedroom to be as dark and quiet as possible, the NICETOWN curtains are the clear winner, thanks to their superior fabric and construction. However, if you’re looking for a significant room-darkening effect on a tight budget, the Amazon Basics curtains are a perfectly capable and cost-effective alternative.
