Best Gutter Guards 2025 (Tested by Our Team)
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LeafFilter is our top recommended professionally installed gutter guard brand, based on our rigorous testing and research. The company offers the best debris protection, ease of cleaning, and water flow without spilling over. In addition, LeafFilter handles the installation and protects your system with a lifetime guarantee. However, LeafFilter is pricier than other brands.
DIY gutter guards are available if professionally installed guards are outside of your budget. They are generally affordable, and some have comparable guard designs to their professionally installed counterparts. You’ll need to install them yourself or hire a gutter guard installer, which may affect their performance if installed incorrectly.
Our team thoroughly researched 10 of the best DIY and professional gutter guard companies to help you find the right ones for your home. We consulted more than a dozen industry experts, surveyed 1,000 gutter guard customers, spoke to homeowners directly, and tested 12 brands firsthand.
The Best Gutter Guards
After researching major professionally installed gutter guard brands in the United States, we found these companies to be the best:
- LeafFilter: Best Overall
- Leafguard: Best for Self-Cleaning
- Gutter Guards America: Best Customer Reviews
We also compared multiple DIY gutter guard brands and determined that the following are the best based on their performance:
- Waterlock Pro: Best DIY Guard
- Raptor: Best For Nonstandard Roofs
- A-M Gutter Guard: Best for the Environment
Compare the Top Gutter Guard Providers
The following table compares all of our pro and DIY picks on key factors, such as each brand’s ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and their gutter guard type. We determined pricing for professional gutter guard companies by surveying nearly 1,500 customers and asking how much they paid for their systems. We then calculated an average cost per linear foot for each brand and used that to estimate the price of a 200-foot installation, which fits a standard 2,000-square-foot home.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | Price* | Type | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $16.80 per linear foot | Stainless steel micro-mesh | A+ | Get Quote | ||
 | $16.31 per linear foot | Aluminum reverse-curve | A+ | Get Quote | ||
 | $16.25 per linear foot | Stainless steel micro-mesh | A+ | Read Our Review | ||
 | $15.68 per linear foot | Stainless steel micro-mesh | F | Read Our Review | ||
 | $15.77 per linear foot | Stainless steel micro-mesh | A | Read Our Review |
*Cost figures are from our 2025 gutter guard survey of 1,484 homeowners who bought gutter guard protection systems. BBB ratings are accurate as of January 2025.
Note: As of January 2025, BBB revoked HomeCraft’s accreditation and gave it an F rating because it accumulated 93 complaints, three of which weren’t resolved. Our team will provide updates as we find them.
Professional vs. DIY Gutter Guards
The key differences between professional and DIY guards revolve around price, value, and convenience. DIY guards will always be cheaper than even the most affordable professional gutter guard because you don’t need to pay for installation unless you plan on having someone else install them for you.
However, paying extra to hire professionally installed gutter guards has several benefits. These brands typically offer longer warranties, better product quality, and the convenience of having someone install the guards for you without you having to search for an installer. Additionally, gutter guard companies typically offer other services, such as gutter installation, cleaning, and repairs, so you can resolve all your gutter needs with one visit.
If you want to save money, are comfortable working with basic hand tools on a ladder, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, installing DIY gutter guards might be a better option. However, due to the difference in material quality, these products could be less effective and last less time than professional options. In addition, DIY guards don’t have an installation warranty, which means you’ll have to pay for repairs if you install them incorrectly.
Our Reviews of the Best Professional Gutter Guard Providers
We analyzed every major professional gutter guard available and tested a dozen professional and DIY gutter guards. Below are our in-depth reviews of our three favorite options for each.
LeafFilter
Best Overall Provider Overview
We recommend LeafFilter as the best gutter guard brand for its high-quality design, excellent reviews, and lifetime transferable warranty. LeafFilter uses a three-piece system with a stainless steel micro-mesh to prevent large and small debris, such as shingle grit and pine needles, from clogging your gutters. LeafFilter’s guards go on top of the gutter, meaning you can install them on your current system.
When testing the gutters, the ultra-fine mesh allowed water to flow through without overflowing, even during our heavy rain simulation. We also found that debris was easy to remove with light brushing or a rinse. Compared to other guards like Amerimax, which struggled with water overflow, LeafFilter stood out for its performance. We also like LeafFilter’s lifetime transferable warranty. The company states that it will replace your system free of charge if there is a clog or overflow.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Blocked 90% of debris via our testing
- Offers a lifetime, transferable warranty with clear language
- Made with durable stainless steel micro-mesh
Cons
- Accumulates more debris than other brands due to flat design
- Requires professional installation
Customer Experiences
LeafFilter holds generally positive customer reviews on third-party review sites such as BBB and Trustpilot. On BBB, it has an A+ rating alongside an average customer rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars. Many customers reported being pleased with the sales and installation process, in addition to the performance of the guards. We also found negative reviews regarding inconsistent installation quality.
Pricing and Warranty
According to our 2025 survey respondents, LeafFilter systems cost $3,361 for 200 linear feet. However, we found through customer reviews and Reddit forums that customers paid more than our respondents, so we recommend requesting a quote from LeafFilter for the most accurate pricing.
LeafFilter offers one of the most robust product warranties in the industry: a lifetime warranty that will repair or replace your system if it gets clogged. In addition, LeafFilter’s warranty is transferable, meaning that its warranty will remain if you decide to sell your home, which can add extra value to your home.
Leafguard
Best for Self-Cleaning Provider Overview
Leafguard is another reputable gutter guard company we recommend due to its proprietary reverse-curve guard design. This heavy-duty design naturally allows large debris to fall off the top—or helmet— of the guard, which can help reduce the number of cleanings your gutter system needs. While reviewing Leafguard’s site, we found that all of its guard systems have ScratchGuard paint finishes that are highly resistant to chipping, peeling, and scratching.
However, a potential disadvantage of Leafguard systems is their all-in-one guard plus gutter design. This means you need to replace your entire gutter system to install Leafguard. This seamless design has more benefits than drawbacks, however, as it limits the chance of leaks and clogging.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Installs reverse-curve gutter guards that allow large debris to fall off the top
- Has downspouts that are 30% larger than normal gutter systems, which help limit water overflow
- Provides a no-clog guarantee
Cons
- Doesn’t block small debris as well as micro-mesh guards
- Requires complete gutter system replacement to install
Customer Experiences
Leafguard has an unfavorable average customer rating on BBB paired with an A+ rating. While we like Leafguard’s high BBB rating, we give customer reviews more weight because they are better indicators of a company’s customer experience.
Generally, we found mixed sentients on the company’s customer service, with some customers disliking the manner of Leafguard’s sales approach, while others praised the patience and friendliness of sales representatives. On Trustpilot, some customers complimented the performance of the gutter guards.
Pricing and Warranty
According to our survey respondents, Leafguard gutter guards cost $3,262 for 200 linear feet. As with LeafFilter, we suggest requesting a quote directly from Leafguard to get a more accurate price based on your location and your home’s size.
Leafguard provides a clog- and maintenance-free guarantee. If you experience a clog or heavy debris build-up, the company will clean your system free of charge. In addition, Leafguard’s website provides a detailed breakdown of its lifetime surface finish warranty.
Gutter Guards America
Best Customer Review Scores Provider Overview
Gutter Guards America (GGA) is the final professional gutter guard company on our list. It offers high-quality stainless steel micro-mesh gutter covers. Its guards have an aluminum base and a micro-mesh screen on top. This robust construction makes GGA a solid option if you want a durable alternative to LeafFilter.
We asked our survey respondents for their thoughts on GGA’s overall performance and found that 76% of respondents who bought GGA guards reported being very satisfied. However, we found little information on the company’s website regarding its product warranty, making it difficult to gauge the guards’ actual value after installation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers other services, such as roof replacement
- Uses a raised micro-mesh screen, which is better for trapping debris
- Has 5-inch and 6-inch guard sizes
Cons
- Only operates in four states
- Doesn’t disclose detailed warranty information
Customer Experiences
While Gutter Guards America has an A+ rating on BBB, its customer rating average is lower than that of other brands we’ve reviewed. The company has a 2.2 out of 5-star rating with nine BBB reviews at time of writing, many of which are complaints about its inconsistent sales promises and delayed communication. However, we did find that GGA responds to negative reviews by attempting to resolve the customers’ complaints.
We found generally more positive customer reviews on Trustpilot, with many customers praising the installation quality of Gutter Guards America’s installation technicians.
Pricing and Warranty
Gutter Guards America charges $3,249 for 200 linear feet of gutter guards, based on our analysis of 2025 survey responses. However, we found little information regarding GGA’s product warranty. Although its website states that it provides a lifetime, transferable warranty, there are no specifics regarding what repairs or issues GGA would cover or exclude. That said, Gutter Guards America offers a quality guard and additional services at a price that is aligned with typical gutter guard installation costs, which makes us recommend it.
How To Choose a Professional Gutter Guard Company
When choosing a professional gutter guard company, there are key factors to consider to ensure you invest in a reliable product that will last a long time. Consider Leafguard if you live in areas prone to large debris, as it performs the best at preventing pile-ups. On the other hand, LeafFilter may be a better option if your gutters experience frequent small debris buildup—such as pine needles—as its micro-mesh screens are effective at blocking small debris.
Here are the most important considerations to make when considering a professional gutter guard company:
- Product quality: Look for gutter guards made from durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum. Ensure the design effectively blocks the debris most common to your area, such as oak leaves and shingle grit, while allowing water to flow freely.
- Warranty: Choose a company that offers a comprehensive warranty on the product itself, clogs, and installation. A transferable warranty adds extra value by increasing your home’s resale appeal.
- Reputation and reviews: Research customer reviews and ratings on trusted platforms like BBB or Trustpilot. Consistently favorable customer reviews indicate reliable products and services.
- Installation process: Opt for a company that uses professional installers rather than subcontractors. Proper installation is crucial for gutter guard effectiveness and longevity.
- Pricing transparency: Be wary of companies with unclear pricing or aggressive sales tactics. Request detailed quotes upfront and be prepared to negotiate if needed.
- Customer support: Ensure the company provides strong after-sales support, including assistance with cleaning or addressing issues like clogs or overflows.
Our Reviews of the Best DIY Gutter Guards
DIY gutter guards are a cost-friendly option that can be effective, especially when installed correctly. However, our research shows you’ll need to be more critical when choosing a DIY guard due to several factors. Some perform poorly, are made of low-quality materials, or are unsuitable for certain types of roofs. For example, micro-mesh gutter guards are typically the gold standard, but our testing shows that they may not fit all roof fascia. We recommend avoiding any DIY guards made from PVC or plastic because they are more fragile and perform more poorly than high-quality materials such as stainless steel.
In the sections below, we’ve provided in-depth reviews of our top DIY brands. Note that we used a slightly different rating system when reviewing DIY products. Since these brands don’t offer additional services like professional companies, we assessed how easy they are to install, the helpfulness of included instruction materials, and customer support channels.
Waterlock Micro-Mesh Guard
Best DIY Guard
Product Overview
Waterlock is one of the most robust DIY gutter guard brands available due to its large variety of guard types, materials, and sizes. It is the only DIY guard we reviewed that offers copper and aluminum gutter guards. During our testing, we liked that Waterlock’s guard blocked the most debris of all the DIY brands we tested.
We also noted the build quality of Waterlock’s guard compared to other brands. When we installed the guard on our mock gutter system, it didn’t bend or warp. That said, this guard isn’t compatible with half-round gutters.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a lifetime material and performance warranty
- Is easier to install than other DIY brands
- Uses stainless steel micro-mesh screens
Cons
- Costs more than other DIY brands
- Doesn’t fit all roof and gutter types
Customer Experiences
Waterlock’s micro-mesh guard has more than 700 reviews and 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers say that Waterlock keeps debris out of their systems and isn’t hard to install, which we confirmed with our testing. The negative reviews, as we mentioned above, mostly complain that the guard doesn’t fit every gutter type.
Pricing and Warranty
Waterlock offers 5-inch and 6-inch-wide gutter guards at around $6 per linear foot on Amazon, an online retailer. Waterlock sells its 5-inch guards for $601 per 100 linear feet. That means you’ll pay $1,202 to cover 200 linear feet of standard gutters. Expect to pay $632 per 100 linear feet for its 6-inch guard.
Unlike some DIY gutter guard brands, Waterlock offers a lifetime material and performance warranty. The company will pay for your replacement guards if your Waterlock guards experience peeling, cracking, clogging, or blistering under normal weather conditions.
Raptor
Best For Nonstandard Roofs
Product Overview
Raptor Gutter Guard is another DIY brand we recommend due to its stainless steel micro-mesh screen and durable aluminum frame. During our testing, Raptor guards performed almost identically to Waterlock’s, only failing to block small dirt particles. The Raptor guard also filters water well, even during our simulated downpour test.
While testing Raptor, we found that it’s noticeably thinner than Waterlock, which makes it more prone to denting during installation. Its thinner frame, however, allowed us to install the guard on our mock gutter, which has a steeper pitch than standard systems. This means that Raptor can conform to nonstandard roof lines and gutter systems better than other DIY brands.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a 25-year parts warranty
- Includes comprehensive installation guides for various roof styles
- Offers guards in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes
Cons
- May require trimming to install on certain gutter systems and roof lines
- Reduces parts warranty to five years in coastal areas
Customer Experiences
Raptor’s Amazon page has more than 5,900 reviews, with a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Overall, reviews are positive, with most people complimenting the product’s high-quality materials, reliable performance, and impressive appearance. Negative comments mention issues with ice dams and the product’s frame.
Pricing and Warranty
Raptor is sold in 48-foot packs, meaning you’ll need to buy at least five to fully cover a 200-foot gutter system. Each pack costs $124.99, meaning a full Raptor system that covers 200 linear feet will cost you $624.95. This range is on the higher end of the industry average for DIY guards but lower than Waterlock’s. It is a great option if you want a high-quality guard at a mid-tier price.
As mentioned above, Raptor has a 25-year limited parts warranty that will replace any guard with a manufacturer’s defect. However, upon further reading of the company’s warranty terms, we found that the company reduces its parts warranty to five years if you install the guards in a home located in or near a coastal area. Although this stipulation may be a deterrent for some, we still believe Raptor guards provide enough value and protection for the price you pay.
A-M Gutter Guard
Best for the Environment
Product Overview
A-M Gutter Guard is the final DIY guard brand we recommend. Its guards use a perforated screen, a metal sheet with small holes across its surface. This design is effective against large debris like oak leaves and twigs. However, smaller debris, like dirt particles and pine needles, can pass through the guard’s holes and cause a clog in your gutters.
We believe that an A-M gutter guard is best suited for homeowners who are on a budget and aren’t near wooded areas. A-M’s guards are roughly a quarter of the price of Waterlock’s gutter guards. Additionally, its guards are all-aluminum, which makes them durable and unlikely to corrode.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Costs less than most DIY guard brands
- Has a perforated screen that is effective at blocking large debris
- Provides video installation tutorials on its website
Cons
- Is designed only for K-style gutters
- Experiences overflow under heavy rainfall
Customer Experiences
A-M’s Amazon page has more than 5,700 reviews with a score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Commenters praise A-M’s performance, how easy it is to clean, and its durability. Negative reviews complain about difficult installations and compatibility issues with their gutters.
Pricing and Warranty
A-M Gutter Guard charges $1.32 per linear foot, making it the most affordable DIY guard we recommend. On Amazon, expect to pay $265 for 200 linear feet, which is much cheaper than every professionally installed gutter guard we’ve reviewed.
Although A-M states on its website it offers a lifetime guarantee, we couldn’t find additional information about the terms of its guarantee. However, A-M is one of the most affordable guards on the market, and its use of aluminum for the entire guard leads us to believe it will last a long time without issues.
What To Know Before Installing DIY Gutter Guards
Before installing DIY gutter guards, be prepared and informed to ensure you choose the right brand for your home. In addition, correctly installing the guards can be the difference between effective gutter guards or another expensive problem to fix. Here are the most important things to know before installing DIY guards:
- Choose the right type of gutter guard: Not all gutter guards are suitable for DIY installation. Options like foam inserts or brush-style guards are easier to install, while reverse-curve and micro-mesh guards may require professional expertise.
- Check for compatibility: Confirm that the gutter guard system you select is compatible with your gutters and can handle the typical debris load in your area, such as pine needles, leaves, or heavy rainfall.
- Measure your gutters accurately: Ensure you know the width, length, and type of gutters in your home. Buying the wrong size or guard type can lead to ineffective installation and performance issues, such as poor water filtration and clogged gutters.
- Know the condition of your roof and gutters: Some roofs, such as those with steep pitches or unique designs, may complicate the installation process. Before starting, ensure your gutters are in good condition, clean, and free of damage.
- Prioritize safety: Working on ladders can be dangerous. Use sturdy, non-slip ladders, wear proper footwear, and have someone nearby to assist or spot you if needed. If you aren’t comfortable installing your DIY guards yourself, we recommend hiring a professional gutter guard installer.
- Plan for maintenance: Even with gutter guards, occasional cleaning will be necessary. Choose a design that allows for easy removal and maintenance when needed, such as micro-mesh guards.
What Is the Best Type of Gutter Guard?
The best type of gutter guard depends on your home’s unique needs, your budget, and the debris your gutters face. For instance, micro-mesh guards are the most effective option if you live in a wooded area with lots of small debris. For a more budget-friendly solution in areas with moderate debris buildup, screen guards or brush guards may suffice. Homeowners in regions with large leaves and minimal rain may benefit from reverse-curve guards despite the higher cost.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and when they work best:
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Micro-mesh guards are made of fine stainless steel or aluminum screens that block tiny debris, such as shingle grit or pine needles, while allowing water to flow through. They are ideal if you live in an area with heavy rainfall or fine debris that can clog other types of guards. While highly effective, micro-mesh guards can be more expensive and may require professional installation.
Screen Gutter Guards
Screen guards feature a perforated metal or plastic surface that prevents larger debris, such as leaves and twigs, from entering the gutters. They’re a cost-effective option and relatively easy to install, making them suitable for DIY projects. However, if smaller debris accumulates on top of the screen, they may require more frequent cleaning.
Brush Gutter Guards
These guards resemble oversized pipe cleaners and fit inside your gutters to trap debris while allowing water to pass. They’re simple to install and affordable, making them a good option for budget-conscious homeowners. However, they may not perform well in areas with heavy debris or small particles, as these can become tangled in the brush and require frequent cleaning.
Foam Gutter Guards
Foam guards are made of porous foam that sits inside your gutters to block debris while letting water flow through. They’re easy to install and effective for light debris loads. However, foam can deteriorate over time and may not handle heavy rainfall or significant debris well, making these guards less ideal for long-term use.
Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards
These guards use a curved design to direct water into the gutter while forcing debris to slide off. They’re highly effective in areas with heavy leaf fall and require minimal maintenance. However, they can be expensive, and improper installation may lead to water overflow during intense rainfall.
Advice From a Homeowner
We spoke to a homeowner named John T. to learn more about common issues homeowners face when dealing with gutters. While John doesn’t currently have gutter guards, he did say he was considering installing them since he has several trees around his home and has to deal with leaves, twigs, and other debris.
John said that his biggest problem is remembering to clean or check his gutters regularly. “If I don’t schedule or remind myself, it doesn’t get done until issues are happening.”
John recommends setting reminders and working with professional companies to handle issues promptly. We suggest having your gutters cleaned at least once every year, ideally twice per year at the end of the spring and fall seasons. It’s also a good idea to have your system fully inspected at least every other year.
Are Gutter Guards Worth It?
Gutter guards can be worth it if you want to reduce the time and effort it takes to clean your gutters. With a good set of gutter guards, more debris will slide off onto the ground instead of being trapped in your gutters, reducing the need for frequent cleanings. When you do need to clean them, you can just hose them off or quickly brush debris aside instead of digging through your gutter system while standing on a ladder for hours.
Through our testing, we determined that LeafFilter provides the best gutter guards. Compared to the other guards we tested, its micro-mesh guards were the most effective at blocking large and small debris. Additionally, they allow the most water regardless of the type of debris on top of them. Before buying a gutter guard system, we suggest requesting quotes from three providers to compare costs, guard options, and warranty terms.
FAQs About the Best Gutter Guards
What is the most effective type of gutter guard?
Micro-mesh is the most effective type of gutter guard for trapping debris and maintaining water flow. During our gutter guard testing, products made with this screen material overflowed the least, blocked large and small debris alike, and were the easiest to clean.
Which is better, LeafFilter or Leafguard?
LeafFilter and Leafguard are both great gutter guard choices for different scenarios. LeafFilter is better if you live in areas with frequent exposure to debris due to its micro-mesh screens. Leafguard is better for homes that don’t have gutters installed since its all-in-one design combines the guard and gutter system.
Is there a downside to gutter guards?
Yes, the downside of gutter guards is that they can freeze over during the winter and cause ice dams. Ice dams occur due to poor attic ventilation, but gutter obstructions can increase the risk of ice dam formation. Since gutter guards provide additional surface area and create more pockets for moisture to become trapped, they can contribute to this problem. Keeping your gutter guards clean and installing heat tape can help prevent this issue if you live in particularly cold areas.
Do you need to clean your gutter guards?
Yes, you need to clean your gutter guards since no gutter guard completely self-cleans, based on our testing of various gutter guard brands and types. We found that even the best gutter guards require cleaning at least every year or so. However, systems with guards installed require fewer cleanings than systems without them, which you need to clean at least three times per year.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our gutter guard recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each gutter guard product and provider. We conduct research by reviewing product specifications and provider website information, speaking with customer representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We reinforce this research with thorough firsthand product testing, assessing each gutter guard’s durability, quality, filtration, and cleanability. To date, we’ve tested more than a dozen professionally installed and DIY gutter guard products. We then score each provider against our review standards for gutter guard design, customer support, the quote process, services, and reviews to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
