The 4 best skylights of 2021

February 18, 2021

A good skylight can brighten up a room by adding natural light.
We found options for insulated, vented, and tubular skylights, plus the best for RVs.
For more on home finishings, check out our guide on the best window blinds and shades.

Skylights are a frequently overlooked home fixture that can make a world of difference by brightening up a dark room with natural sunlight. Some skylights can even act as a traditional window and give your home better ventilation by letting in fresh air. I have two skylights in my house — each installed in bathrooms — and there is a tenfold difference in the amount of light that enters the room on a sunny day.

Though letting in light is the most prominent function of a skylight, there are certain qualities that differentiate a durable one from a flimsier option. We did our research on material type, protection level, and ease of installment to generate our top picks. Our recommendations below are ideal for a range of needs, with some boasting built-in UV protection and others designed to fit spaces where a traditional skylight can’t be installed.

Here are the best skylights

The best insulated: SIG Skylights FMB Glass Skylight
The best vented: Sunoptics SUN R2030 Triple Glazed Flat Skylight
The best tubular: Natural Light Energy Systems 10-Inch Tubular Skylight
The best for RVs: Icon Technologies Limited RV Skylight

The best insulated

The SIG Skylights FMB Glass Skylight is durable, easy to install, and will prevent air or moisture leaks with its double-paned insulated glass.

What we like: Double-paned insulated glass, aluminum coating, fade- and haze-proof

If a traditional skylight isn’t insulated properly, you may have air or moisture leaks that trickle into your home, so an insulated skylight is pretty much a must. The SIG Skylights FMB Glass Skylight is the tenacious, aluminum-welded frame you need to protect and brighten your home.

The skylight has a sturdy double-paned glass to top off the bronze-powder-coated aluminum. Best of all, it is just as simple to install as it is protective. The ribbed flange is extra wide, and the built-in curb allows for a leak-free setup that won’t require you to purchase extra flashing. SIG Skylight’s home accent is fade- and haze-proof and won’t get brittle and crack when exposed to the sun, either.

The only downside to this skylight is that it wasn’t designed for flat roofs. Though the glass is easily replaceable, SIG Skylights also offers a limited lifetime warranty.

The best vented

The Sunoptics SUN R2030 Prismatic Flat Skylight brightens the room, ventilates, and provides additional thermal protection with prismatic lenses.

What we like: Energy efficient, doesn’t reduce light levels, moisture protectant

A vented skylight is an energy-efficient, multipurpose option. The Sunoptics SUN R2030 Triple Glazed Manually-Venting Prismatic Flat Skylight’s prismatic design evenly diffuses light into your room without reducing light levels. Offering up to 50% more light than the average bubble skylight, this glare-free technology also eliminates hot spots that can fade carpet and furniture. The frame provides moisture protection via its bronze-coated casing that’s fully welded and sealed. Because it’s manually-venting, you can get fresh air on demand, all while releasing heat or moisture for a bright and breathable space.

Though it has high-performing technology, it’s made from acrylic, so it won’t be quite as durable as glass options. However, Sunoptics offers additional protection with its 15-year limited lifetime warranty.

The best tubular

Composed of durable aluminum in a cylindrical design, the Natural Light Energy Systems 10-Inch Tubular Skylight is a brightening agent with built-in UV protection.

What we like: Built-in UV protection, hurricane-tested, included prismatic diffuser

Tubular skylights are a smart solution if you want a budget-friendly option that’s easy to install. The less intrusive design also allows you to bring natural light into a uniquely-designed space where a traditional skylight can’t be installed.

The Natural Light Energy Systems 10-Inch Tubular Skylight is an eco-friendly option that is ENERGY STAR-qualified and NFRC-certified. It has built-in UV protection and an affixed safety net that prevents fading on clothing and furniture. The skylight is easy to install and virtually maintenance-free once it’s set up. This durable tube skylight is also hurricane tested and comes with a 25-year warranty on defects and deterioration.

The best for RVs

The Icon Technologies Limited RV Skylight is a lightweight option for natural light on the go.

What we like: Made with impact-resistant polycarbonate material, lightweight

For those looking to reap the brightening benefits of a skylight in their RVs, the Icon Technologies Limited RV Skylight is a solid choice constructed with a clear, polycarbonate material that’s impact-resistant.

Because this skylight is specifically designed for an RV, it’s not quite as sturdy as a traditional home skylight. But the Icon Technologies Limited RV Skylight stands out from the pack thanks to its modern design that’s lightweight and easy to install. It comes in three varying color options, including clear, gray, and white. At 26 x 4 x 18 inches, it fits most standard RVs. While it is UV-resistant, be aware it may cause hot spots because it isn’t backed by prismatic technology.

It also includes a one-year warranty from Icon Technologies Limited.

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