Choose smart film if...
you want to keep your current windows or glass partition, no glass needs replacing, and you want privacy on demand in an office, bathroom or home.
Comparison
Smart film or smart glass: which suits your windows?
Smart glass, also called switchable glass or electric privacy glass, changes from clear to frosted at the touch of a button. You can get this with a new glass unit or with smart glass film applied to your existing pane. Below you will find the differences, so you can see which solution suits your project.
Smart film, smart glass and frosted film side by side
| Feature | Smart film | Smart glass | Fixed frosted film |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Self-adhesive PDLC film applied to an existing pane. | Laminated glass with the PDLC layer between two glass panes. | Fixed frosted or sandblast-effect film without electronics. |
| Keep existing glass | Yes, if the glass is flat and suitable. | No, the pane is replaced with a new glass unit. | Yes. |
| Switchable | Yes, between clear and frosted. | Yes, between clear and frosted. | No, always frosted. |
| Power needed | Yes, low voltage via a transformer. | Yes, low voltage via a transformer. | No. |
| Typical use | Renovations and existing glass partitions. | New builds, or when the glass is being replaced anyway. | When you want privacy at all times. |
| Work and cost | No glass replacement; the price depends on sizes, control and installation. | New glass, delivery and fitting by a glazier. | The simplest and cheapest option. |
Choose smart glass if...
you are building or renovating and the panes will be replaced anyway, or if your current glass is not suitable for film.
Choose frosted film if...
the glass can stay opaque at all times and you do not need any control or power connection.
Not sure yet? Read more about smart film, how PDLC film works, or privacy glass.
Frequently asked questions about smart glass and switchable glass
Is switchable glass the same as smart glass?
Yes. Smart glass, switchable glass and electric privacy glass are different names for glass that switches electrically from clear to frosted. It usually uses PDLC technology, which is available as a laminated glass unit and as a film for existing glass.
Can I make my existing windows switchable without new glass?
Often, yes, with smart film. The film is applied to flat, undamaged glass. Patterned or curved glass and some coatings are less suitable, so we check your glass and its dimensions first.
How do I make glass opaque?
If the glass should always be opaque, a fixed frosted film is enough. If you want to choose between clear and frosted, you need switchable privacy film or smart glass. The frosted mode scatters light: the view becomes blurred and silhouettes may remain visible, but it is not a blackout.
Is smart film less good than smart glass?
The principle is the same: PDLC crystals that scatter or let light through. The difference lies mainly in the application. Smart glass is a complete new glass unit; smart film makes suitable existing glass switchable. Which fits best depends on your pane and whether you plan to replace the glass anyway.