The Raptor Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard is our top pick for its effective micro-mesh, quality design, and easy installation. Here are the best gutter guards for your home. Also, if you use your gutters to collect rainwater for future use, these are the best gutter guards for you. The micro-mesh is fine enough to keep even small particles from contaminating your collected water. Not only do they keep out larger items, such as leaves and animals, but they also bar pine needles, dirt, and insects. A trough funnels even heavy rains through the gutter. These are a bit pricey, around $2 per foot. The package holds 12 panels. But given that they work for so many situations and are durable, many people believe this is a good investment. If you are into gutter DIY and install them yourself, it can make them very affordable. Fortunately, the purchase includes self-tapping, corrosion-resistant screws, and all the tools needed to install them. Price at time of publish: $125 Style: Micro-mesh | Material: Stainless steel︱Dimensions: ‎47.5 x 5.5 x 0.25 inches Another micro-mesh gutter guard, this option from Gutterglove comes in smaller increments of 4 feet; if you only need smaller sections, this is a great option to keep costs down while still getting great protection from debris. For coverage around the entire house, it can get more expensive, however. This is another easy-to-install option. You can use the included 3M tape to secure the gutter guard, although we recommend reinforcing it with the self-tapping screws. Price at time of publish: $145 Style: Micro-mesh | Material: Stainless steel︱Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 0.375 inches These are designed for DIY installation. The purchase comes with self-tapping screws and a driver bit to get them installed quickly. (It can be helpful to have extra screws on hand, however.) If you use your ladder to install them, you avoid the expense of renting a boom. Price at time of publish: $121 Style: Micro-mesh | Material: Stainless steel︱Dimensions: 38.8 x 6.6 x 4.5 inches This product fits all 5-inch gutters and is designed for easy installation, although you need your own screws. There are also options for 6-inch gutters, as well as multiple lengths. Another advantage is this gutter guard is not visible from the ground, a plus if your home is part of a development or community with strict rules, or if you just prefer a more streamlined look. A-Ms also complement rain chains and other home improvement items that are decorative and functional. Price at time of publish: $265 Style: Screen | Material: Aluminum︱Dimensions: Various lengths x 5 or 6 inches These are easy to install and fit gutters 4 to 6 inches wide. The main drawback is they are not as durable as the metal counterparts. Because they are solid on top, they also collect debris, which can weigh them down and ultimately cause failure. During heavy winds, they are particularly vulnerable to being blown off. Price at time of publish: $4 Style: Reverse curve | Material: Plastic︱Dimensions: 48 x 6 x 1 inches These gutter guards use the surface adhesion principle of water: This means rainwater stays on the gutter guard and travels around the hood and into the gutter. Debris, large and small, does not travel with the water and instead falls right off the gutter guard, which is reinforced from within the gutter and very durable. Style: Reverse curve | Material: Aluminum︱Dimensions: Custom The nice thing about a brush is you simply set it into the gutter without needing any tools. This brush also has multiple width and length options, as well as a helpful sizing guide. A brush can accumulate leaves and debris, but you still come out ahead because less gunk accumulates in your gutter. You also may get the impression that your gutter remains clogged, even though water flows freely underneath. Price at time of publish: $116 Material: Nylon︱Dimensions: Various︱Style: Brush Unfortunately, foam gutter guards also do a decent job of keeping water out of the gutter. Light rain just filters through the foam and into the gutter fast enough to avoid buildup. Water from heavy rain, however, accumulates on top of the foam faster than it filters. It needs somewhere to go, and that somewhere may likely be your walls, damaging them. Homeowners in areas that experience frequent heavy thunderstorms should avoid this product. Price at time of publish: $61 If you live in a cold climate, you need to consider steps to prevent ice dams from forming in your gutters. Ice dams occur when melting snow on the roof travels to the gutter and refreezes, causing a clog. ArmourGuard ice gutter guards are heated to keep water warm and flowing. They also work to reduce debris and dirt. The stainless steel micro-mesh prevents typical buildup, while the aluminum frame is heated to keep the gutter warm. These require professional installation, which adds to the cost. They also need to be hooked up to a source of electricity, which may require running extra wires. You may see an increase in your electric bill as a result. Style: Micro-mesh | Material: Aluminum and stainless steel︱Dimensions: Custom These hinged guards come in 36-inch panels that fit most standard K-style gutters, and they’re easy to install using the included hinges, which clip onto the front of your gutter. The product is affordable and versatile, but the downside is the mesh doesn’t block fine debris such as shingle grit.  Price at time of publish: $13 Style: Mesh | Material: Galvanized steel | Dimensions: 36 x 5.5 inches Each of these panels is 3 feet long and around 7 inches wide, and they’re made from powder-coated steel for longevity. You can easily install them yourself, if desired—simply slide the guard under the first row of shingles, then screw the panel to the front lip of the gutter with self-tapping screws. The guards come with a 15-year warranty, and they’re a great option for homes that get a large number of leaves. Price at time of publish: $46 Style: Screen | Material: Powder-coated steel | Dimensions: 36 x 7 inches To install these panels, all you have to do is slide one side under your roof’s shingles, then snap the other side onto the front of your gutter. When it rains, water passes through the screen, leaving behind leaves, pine needles, and other debris. Price at time of publish: $2 Style: Screen | Material: PVC | Dimensions: 36 x 6.5 inches Reverse-curve gutter guards are made from solid pieces of metal or PVC, and they use surface tension to channel water into the gutter through a small hole while directing debris away. Finally, foam gutter guards are made from long pieces of foam that are simply inserted into your gutter, making them quick and easy to install.

Material

When shopping for gutter guards, you have plenty of options for materials, including vinyl, aluminum, sponge, and steel. Each material has its benefits. Generally, vinyl is the most affordable option, but Jeff Beck, Chief Growth Officer of Leaf Home Solutions,  advises opting for steel or aluminum if you’re prioritizing durability. Sponge guards are another option designed to let the rainwater soak through and larger debris fall away. “It’s important to note that while sponge guards are an affordable option, they contain holes, increasing the likelihood of debris gathering," Beck says.

Ease of Installation

Gutter guards can be a fairly expensive investment; often, you can save money by installing them yourself. Many products are DIY-friendly, involving screwing or clipping the guards onto your gutters. However, some more complex systems, such as those involving heating cables, require professional installation, which may drive up the cost of your project.

Visibility

Some gutter guards fit over the top of your gutter and are visible from below. These are often reverse-curve or micro-mesh styles that attach to the edges of your gutters. Gutter guard brushes and foams that sit inside the gutter are less visible. Plastic gutter guards that match your gutter’s color can be good ways to use top-fitting gutter guards that aren’t visually jarring.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. Growing up in harsh winters and sweltering summers in the Midwest, Katie learned the importance of keeping debris out of the gutters. When selecting recommendations, Katie considered different types of gutter guards that would be effective and easy to install, even for a DIY-type like her. She also included the insights of Jeff Beck, Chief Growth Officer of Leaf Home Solutions.