by Joshua Thomas
License plate frames basically dress license plates, forming a rim or bezel around your car's plates that is decorative and will surely attract some attention. Basically, these components personalize the look of your car, making it look unique with a touch of class.
However, these frames come in different sizes, shapes, and designs, which means you might have to go through a lot of them before getting a fitting piece. To help you with this, we review 7 best license plate frames in the market that you should consider and choose from.
Contents
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. SunplusTrade 1070-LPFRME-Silv (Best Overall) |
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2. Ohuhu 917-01200-88 |
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3. Product Express Personalized6 |
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4. Ohuhu License Plate Frames |
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5. Karoad K-001 |
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6. H C Hippo Creation BLPF2PW |
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7. DFDM National 1346 |
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The 1070 from SunplusTrade is a slim style license plate frame with a simplistic design that has rounded corners, which are safe on your hands because they won't cause scratches.
That said, the kit comes complete with 2 license plate frames, 4 screw caps, 4 machine screws, 4 self-tapping screws, 4 washers, and a screwdriver, enabling you to do the installation straight out of the box without buying anything extra.
Each of the plates is standard sized to fit all US plates without blocking any state tag and measures 6-5/16 x 12-1/4 inches.
Other features include a stainless-steel construction, a silver polished-chrome finish that is rust-proof and very durable. However, the pair is only available in a single-color option but as a complete set, it is very affordable.
Pros
Cons
Ohuhu's 917-01200-88 offers an affordable solution to frame your license plate and with this, you actually get 2 pieces for the front and rear plus all the installation hardware, which includes screw, self-tapping screws, spacers, washers, screw caps, and a screwdriver.
The frames themselves have a high-quality aluminum construction that is powder-coated to a black matte finish, and this provides a rust-and-corrosion-free finish that is very durable.
Other features include a standard 6-3/8 x 12-1/4-inch size that fits all US plates and rounded edges for scratch-free installation. However, the set is only available in a single color and thus, if you don't like matte black, this might not be ideal for you.
Pros
Cons
This standard size 6 x 12-inch license plate frame is made of steel, which is then polished off in a shiny chrome finish for durability purposes. Chrome does not rust and this gives the frame a high quality, durable finish that can withstand all weather conditions.
Another advantage of this unit is that its standard size makes it a perfect fit for US and Canadian plates, and it has 2 holes for quick and easy installation. Also, the piece has a wide bezel that can be layered with artwork for complete customization.
However, you only get a single frame, which means you have to buy an extra one for the rear plate, and no fasteners are included for installation.
Pros
Cons
Coming in as a 2-piece set, Ohuhu's license plate frame gives you value for money because you get to fit both the front and rear plates without buying anything extra.
Additionally, you also get all the installation hardware as accessories, which include screws, screw fasteners, screw caps, and a screwdriver, while an 8-piece set of self-adhesive foam can be used to line the rear corners of the frame to prevent it from scratching your car.
That said, each of the 2 plates features 4 screw holes, which means firm installation to the vehicle's body, and they can be used in trucks, trailers and small cars, provided it has 4 holes.
Other than this, the frames are made of stainless steel, which is quite strong and has a polished shiny surface that closely resembles a chrome finish. They are standard-sized, measuring 6-3/8 x 12-1/4 inches, enabling them to fit all US plates without blocking state tags on the corners.
Pros
Cons
Karoad's K-001 has a sturdy build, primarily due to its stainless-steel construction, which is stronger than aluminum and does not rust or corrode easily. On top of this, the frame's surface is sprayed to prevent oxidation, and this layer doesn't peel, which increases its durability factor.
The package actually comes as a complete set containing 2 plates, 8 washers, 4 standard screws, 4 bolts, 8 screw cap covers and an Allen wrench for quick and easy installation straight out of the box, and despite having all these, the set is quite affordable, making it a worthy investment.
Each of the frames has a standard size that measures 6-5/16 x 12-1/4 inches, which fits all US plates and especially Oregon and Ohio plates.
Other features include a slim design, slick and thick edges that will not scratch your fingers, and 2 holes for easy installation. However, the frame is only available in a single black color and therefore, if you need a shiny one, this will not work for you.
Pros
Cons
Though very costly, H C Hippo's license plate frame is the true definition of bling. Coming as a 2-piece set, the frames are lined with over 1000 pieces of the finest SS20 clear white rhinestone crystals.
These crystals maximize on light refraction and reflection, creating a bling, shiny effect that looks very luxurious, and this makes the set the top-rated license plate frames in this review.
At the core is a corrosion-free stainless-steel construction that is ground at the edges to be smooth and scratch-free, and has 2 holes at the top for attaching it to the car.
Each of the frames measures a standard 12.25 x 6.25 inches in size, and it fits all novelty plates in the US and Canada without blocking any registration tag in the 4 corners. This makes it very versatile.
Included with the plates are 4 washers, 4 standard screws and 4 screw cap covers, and these are designed to be easily installed without using any tools.
Pros
Cons
DFDM National's 1346 features an anti-theft design, which is the form of custom-designed stainless-steel screw covers that are very difficult to remove and therefore, a thief will have a very difficult time trying to access the screws below.
This frame also has several options to choose from, and these include 5 color options, which are pink, gloss black, matte black, polished stainless steel and carbon fiber.
Apart from this, there is also a 2-hole and 4-hole option, and you can select one with standard screw covers or with anti-theft screw covers. All are designed to fit US plates and can be used on domestic, European or imported trucks, RVs, trailers, SUVs, etc.
Other features include a sturdy and premium SAE304 stainless steel construction and a thick powder coating that protects against rust and corrosion. However, you only get a single frame per set, which means you need another one for the rear plate.
Pros
Cons
Before buying a license plate frame, one of the most important things to check is its size and design. Even though most of these frames have roughly the same size, you need to check which types of plates can fit inside.
For instance, there are those that fit US and Canadian plates while others fit standard as well as novelty US plates. You should consider what your car has and find a fitting size.
The other thing to check is the design of the frame. Some have a simplistic design while others are full of glittery materials or have unique shapes such as palm trees, ribbons, etc. Ultimately, you should select this design based on personal preference for the decorative level you prefer.
The material used is also very important to consider. Aluminum frames are lightweight but not as strong as stainless steel. On the other hand, stainless steel units are some of the best because they are sturdy and do not rust.
The best license plate frame, regardless of the material used, ensures it has a powder-coated, anodized, or another form of finish that protects against rust or corrosion for longevity purposes.
Note : Avoid plastic license frame plates at all costs. They might be cheap but do not last for long.
In considering the mounting style, there are units that have 2 holes while others have 4. With 4 holes, the frame will attach much firmer to the car but you will have to fit in 2 extra screws and even buy them if they are not included in the set.
However, what should guide you is the number of holes that your car has. If it has 4 holes, buy one with 4. If it has 2 holes, buy one with 2.
With two installation holes, less work is required during the installation process as compared to a 4-hole frame.
However, an important thing to check is whether the unit comes as a complete set with all the installation hardware. If all these are included, then installation will be simplified because you won't have to look for any additional components.
If these components are not included, you will have to buy them separately, which slightly complicates the installation process.
Lastly, you need to check the number of frames you get per set. Some come as a single piece, meaning that you have to buy an extra frame to cover both front and rear plates, while others come as a complete kit with 2 of them.
Two are better and in most cases cheaper but if you want the unique designs such as the palm tree frame above, these usually come as single pieces and will definitely cost more for the beauty and uniqueness that you get.
SunplusTrade License Plate Frames, 2 Pack Chrome License Plate Frame, Universal Car - Walmart Link
Ohuhu Matte Aluminum License Plate Frame with Black Screw Caps, 2Pcs 2 Holes Black - Walmart Link
NFL New England Patriots Standard Chrome License Plate Frame - Walmart Link
2 Pack Luxury Handcrafted Clear Rhinestone Premium Stainless Steel Bling License Plate - Walmart Link
Custom Personalized Metal Aluminum License Plate Frame Auto Car Accessory (Chrome -Vinyl) - Walmart Link
Zone Tech Clear Smoked License Plate Cover Frame Shield Combo - 2-Pack Premium Quality - Walmart Link
Karoad Black License Plate Frames, 2 PCS Stainless Steel Car Licence Plate Covers Slim - Walmart Link
Cruiser Accessories 19130 Daisy License Plate Frame, Chrome/Painted - Walmart Link
Aggressive Overlays Genuine Carbon Fiber License Plate Frame with Screws and Caps Tag - Walmart Link
Powder Pink Stainless Steel License Plate Frame Premium Stainless Steel (SAE 304) Kit, - Walmart Link
SunplusTrade License Plate Frames, 2 Pack Chrome License Plate Frame, Universal Car - eBay Link
Ohuhu Matte Aluminum License Plate Frame with Black Screw Caps, 2Pcs 2 Holes Black - eBay Link
NFL New England Patriots Standard Chrome License Plate Frame - eBay Link
2 Pack Luxury Handcrafted Clear Rhinestone Premium Stainless Steel Bling License Plate - eBay Link
Custom Personalized Metal Aluminum License Plate Frame Auto Car Accessory (Chrome -Vinyl) - eBay Link
Zone Tech Clear Smoked License Plate Cover Frame Shield Combo - 2-Pack Premium Quality - eBay Link
Karoad Black License Plate Frames, 2 PCS Stainless Steel Car Licence Plate Covers Slim - eBay Link
Cruiser Accessories 19130 Daisy License Plate Frame, Chrome/Painted - eBay Link
Aggressive Overlays Genuine Carbon Fiber License Plate Frame with Screws and Caps Tag - eBay Link
Powder Pink Stainless Steel License Plate Frame Premium Stainless Steel (SAE 304) Kit, - eBay Link
As you can see, with most license plate frames, what you see is what you get. Its either bling with sparkly crystals, unique shapes such as ribbons or palms trees, or a plain design. You choose the design you want.
Other than that, you should use the other factors above in narrowing it down to the best license plate frame that suits your needs.
About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
Just Car Care