We Tested the Best Gutter Guards—These Are Our Favorites
Gutter guards can prevent clogs caused by decomposing leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other debris, and keep rainwater flowing through downspouts. We tested a host of these products in different categories to judge performance on a variety of levels.
We liked the Raptor Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards for their durable stainless steel construction and flexible mounting options, but these weren’t the only guards we liked.
Keep reading to learn more about leaf filter gutter protection and our hands-on-tested recommendations for more of the best gutter guards on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Raptor Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Frost King Plastic Mesh Gutter Guard
- BEST BRUSH: GutterBrush 5-Inch Gutter Guard 6-Foot Trial Pack
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: FlexxPoint 5-Inch Residential Gutter Guard
- LEAST NOTICEABLE: A-M 5-Inch Aluminum Gutter Guard
- EASIEST TO INSTALL: Amerimax Lock-In Metal Mesh Gutter Guard
- BEST FOR DOWNPOURS: Amerimax Hoover Dam Metal Mesh Gutter Guard
- BEST FOR SHINGLE WARRANTY: LeafTek 5-Inch DIY Gutter Guard System
- BEST MICRO-MESH: Waterlock Micro-Mesh 5-Inch Aluminum Gutter Guard
How We Tested the Best Gutter Guards
Our goal is to suggest only the best gutter guards available, so our hands-on testers installed the products, considered performance, and removed each product to ensure we knew exactly how each worked.
First, we installed one section of each gutter guard according to the directions, cutting for brackets when necessary. We assessed the flexibility of installation (no two sets of gutters are the same) as well as the quality of the hardware and how difficult each was to install. In most cases, professional installation is not required and can be done by the average DIYer. We observed the gutter guards from the ground to determine aesthetics and visibility.
We then left the gutter guards to collect debris, but since things had been relatively calm in our area at that time and there wasn’t a lot of debris coming down naturally, we took matters into our own hands. We used mulch to simulate twigs, tree dirt, and other debris, scooping it onto the roof above the gutters. Then, after hosing the roof down, we could accurately assess how well the gutters caught the debris.
We removed the gutter guards to access the gutters and determine how well the guards kept out debris. Finally, we cleaned these leaf guards for gutters to evaluate how easy it was to remove any clinging debris. After tallying the results, we created the following list of our top picks.
Our Top Picks
Put an end to semiannual gutter cleaning with one of the following options, each a high-quality gutter guard in its category. We evaluated every option as a top performer by putting them through their paces with hands-on testing. If your gutters need a larger overhaul, check out our choices for new gutters while also keeping these top considerations in mind as options to help maintain the longevity of your gutters.
Best Overall
Raptor Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Style: Micro mesh
- Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
- Visible: Depends on the installation method
What We Like
- Stainless steel mesh catches and blocks leaves, pine needles, and roof grit
- Flexible mounting styles to suit multiple gutter sizes
- Easy to remove for regular cleaning and maintenance
What We Don’t Like
- Very difficult to cut, even with good pair of snips
This stainless steel leaf guard by Raptor boasts a fine yet durable mesh that keeps even the smallest windblown seeds out of gutters. Its durable micro-mesh cover can slip under the lower row of roof shingles while the outer edge attaches to the gutter with screws for extra security. Raptor’s V-Bend technology boosts filtering power and adds rigidity to the mesh, enabling it to withstand debris without sagging.
The Raptor system proved itself to be a good option for DIY gutter guards, and we appreciated that it offers different installation methods, including installing directly across the gutter as well as under the roof shingles to accommodate different situations. However, we found the stainless steel material to be very difficult to cut, even with a good pair of snips—although that no doubt speaks to its durability. The stainless steel mesh caught everything that could be expected, and it’s also easily removable for gutter cleaning.
The Raptor gutter cover fits standard 5-inch gutters or smaller and comes in easy-to-handle 5-foot strips with a total length of 48 feet. The self-tapping hex screws and the #2 Phillips drive needed to install the strips are included.
Get the Raptor gutter guards at Amazon.
Best Bang For The Buck
Frost King Plastic Mesh Gutter Guard
Product Specs
- Style: Screen
- Material: Plastic
- Visible: In most cases, yes
What We Like
- Easy to cut; can be adjusted to suit multiple gutter sizes
- Very affordable compared to similar effective options
- Lightweight plastic screen that’s easy to install
What We Don’t Like
- First-time users may find this item a bit tricky to install
For those who prefer not to invest in an expensive stainless steel product, this Frost King gutter guard is an affordable plastic option that keeps the gutter system safe from large debris and nuisance pests, like mice and birds. The plastic screen gutter guard can be cut with standard scissors for a custom fit to the gutter, and it comes in a 6-inch-wide by 20-foot-long roll.
The gutter guard installs easily without screws, tacks, nails, or any other fastener. Just place the guard into the gutter, ensuring that the center of the guard is bent up toward the opening of the gutter instead of forming a trough where debris would collect. The plastic material won’t rust or corrode, and it’s fairly resistant to extreme temperature changes, protecting the gutters all year long.
In testing, the affordable Frost King system proved to be a decent option. The screen was easy to cut to 4- and 5-foot lengths while on the ground, and the plastic is so lightweight, we had no concern about carrying it up a ladder (which can be a challenge with heavier materials). However, we found these leaf guards for gutters to be somewhat finicky to install correctly, as they don’t use hardware to hold them in place.
Get the Frost King gutter guards at Amazon or Walmart (5-pack).
Best Brush
GutterBrush 5-Inch Gutter Guard 6-Foot Trial Pack
Product Specs
- Style: Brush
- Material: Polypropylene bristles
- Visible: No
What We Like
- Incredibly easy to install compared to similar gutter-guard options
- Universal fit for any standard-size gutters
- Allows for plenty of water flow and prevents congestion
What We Don’t Like
- Will clog if user does not clear and clean it regularly
This brush gutter guard has a flexible wire core made of stainless steel that can bend around corners. The brush bristles, made of ultraviolet-resistant polypropylene, extend out about 4.5 inches from the core, allowing the entire gutter guard to fit comfortably into standard-size 5-inch gutters.
The gutter cover comes in a range of lengths from 6 to 420 feet, and it’s very easy to install without fasteners: Simply place this leaf guard into the gutter and push down gently until the guard is sitting at the bottom of the gutter. The bristles allow water to flow freely through the gutter while preventing leaves, sticks, and other large debris from entering and clogging the drainage system.
In testing, the beauty of the GutterBrush’s gutter-guard system proved to be the easy installation, as described above. The system works for fascia-mounted brackets as well as shingle-mounted ones, making this the most universal of all gutter guards we tested. They allow for ample water flow, but we did find them prone to clogging with larger debris. While big pieces are easy to remove, we learned that the GutterBrush isn’t a maintenance-free solution.
Get the GutterBrush gutter guards at Amazon (4-pack), The Home Depot (6-pack), or GutterBrush (4-pack).
Best Heavy-Duty
FlexxPoint 5-Inch Residential Gutter Guard
Product Specs
- Style: Screen
- Material: Aluminum
- Visible: No
What We Like
- Strong, heavy-duty quality that’s suitable for some of the harshest weather conditions
- Super-secure installation system that comes in easy-to-handle 4-foot sections
- Includes required installation fasteners for its 3-point design
- Invisible from the ground; does not make rooftops look cluttered
What We Don’t Like
- Can clog and may require immediate attention at times
- Regular upkeep and maintenance required for effective installation
The FlexxPoint residential gutter cover system offers enhanced protection from sagging and collapse, even under heavy leaf or snow accumulation. It’s reinforced with raised ridges that run the length of the strip, featuring a lightweight, rustproof aluminum build. The screen gutter guard has a subtle design that can’t be seen from the ground.
Certain features of the FlexxPoint residential gutter cover system made it stand out during testing. It was the only system that required screws in both the front of the gutter and in the back. This extra connection makes it extremely heavy duty and stable—it won’t come out on its own under most conditions. And while it’s very durable, it’s not difficult to cut.
This reliable gutter guard attaches to the outer edge of the gutter with included ½-inch #8 stainless steel zip screws. It snaps into place, so there’s no need to slip it under the shingles. With color choices of black, white, brown, and matte aluminum, it is available in lengths of 22; 102; 125; 204; 510; 1,020; and 5,100 feet. It can’t be seen from the ground, which is a huge plus for a heavy-duty guard. However, we found that it will collect larger debris, which must be manually (though easily) removed.
Get the FlexxPoint gutter guards at Amazon or Walmart (102 feet).
Least Noticeable
A-M 5-Inch Aluminum Gutter Guard
Product Specs
- Style: Screen
- Material: Aluminum
- Visible: No
What We Like
- Product is easy to cut and install, even around brackets
- Invisible from the ground to prevent a roof from looking cluttered
- Durable reinforcement ridges can withstand the harshest of weather conditions
What We Don’t Like
- Requires regular maintenance and upkeep to maintain effectiveness
- Can clog with larger debris if not cleared regularly
- Does not include the necessary self-tapping screws required for installation
Those who don’t want gutter guards to show from below might want to consider the A-M 5-inch aluminum gutter guard. Made from industrial-grade aluminum, the perforated panel contains 380 ⅛-inch holes per linear foot to handle heavy downpours. It fits snugly inside the top of the gutter and is virtually invisible once installed, so it won’t detract from a roof’s good looks.
Containing slip-under shingle support and tabbed for easy installation, the guard attaches to the gutter’s outer lip with self-tapping screws (not included). Designed for 5-inch gutters, it comes in 23-, 50-, 100-, and 200-foot lengths. This product is also available for 6-inch gutters in 23-, 50-, 100-, and 200-foot lengths.
In testing, we developed a love-hate relationship with the A-M gutter-guard system. Yes, these aluminum gutter guards are a high-quality system with strong reinforcement ridges running the length of the guard, and they can’t be seen from the ground. They’re easy to cut and install, even around brackets, and they do a good job of allowing water flow and collecting debris. But they don’t come with the necessary self-tapping screws! All the other systems that required fasteners included them. Also, this system will clog with larger debris, so it will require light maintenance eventually.
Get the A-M gutter guards at Amazon.
Easiest to Install
Amerimax Lock-In Metal Mesh Gutter Guard
Product Specs
- Style: Mesh
- Material: Powder-coated steel
- Visible: Probably
What We Like
- Flexible installation options for most any user’s comfort level
- Easy to cut compared to similar options
- Locking design works well against the harshest of weather conditions
What We Don’t Like
- Installing around brackets and removing the guard can be difficult
Even a novice DIYer may find it a snap to get their gutter guards installed with the Amerimax Metal Lock-In gutter guard. This screen-type gutter guard is designed to slip under the first row of shingles and then snap over the outer edge of the gutter. Its flexible design accommodates 4-, 5-, and 6-inch K-style gutter systems.
Made from powder-coated steel to resist rust, the Amerimax gutter guard will keep leaves and debris out while permitting even the heaviest downpour to flow through. It comes in easy-to-handle 3-foot strips and can be installed without tools. This hardware-free installation performed very well in testing and was so secure, it proved a bit challenging to remove the gutter guard by hand.
The screen was easy to cut, and we appreciated the flexible mounting option (we couldn’t get it under our shingles, so we put it across the top of the gutter). It did a good job of keeping debris out, though smaller bits made their way in. But the only real issue involved removing the guard, as the cut mesh hung up on the brackets.
Get the Amerimax Lock-In gutter guards at Amazon (25-pack),