Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Screen Doors

Updated August 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Flux Phenom Reinforced Magnetic Screen Door, 38 by 82 Inches
Flux Phenom
Reinforced Magnetic Screen Door, 38 by 82 Inches
Check Price
Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

It's versatile to install and looks good, but it also comes with some quality issues that are potentially frustrating.

Pros

Features strong magnets and a handsome finish that blends nicely into existing frames. Included installation video is helpful. Comes with tacks and Velcro.

Cons

Difficult to close the middle completely, resulting in gaps that can let bugs in. Screen material is prone to tearing.

Best Bang for the Buck
Homearda Magnetic Full-Frame, 34 by 82 Inches
Homearda
Magnetic Full-Frame, 34 by 82 Inches
Check Price
Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

If your top concern is low price instead of overall value, this magnetic door is the best option for you.

Pros

Basic and affordable, with features like sewn-in velcro and easy installation, similar to others on our list. Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Cons

Reported issues with ill-fitting frames. Not durable. Tears easily.

Larsen Brisa Standard Double Retractable Screen Door
Larsen
Brisa Standard Double Retractable Screen Door
Check Price
Double Doors
Bottom Line

Lets you enjoy the fresh air outside without worrying about bugs or other elements getting inside.

Pros

A sturdy, 72 x 81-inch retractable double screen door. Straightforward installation. Easy for beginners to assemble. High-quality materials. Sturdy and stays in place. Opens smoothly.

Cons

Some said installation took about 3 hours. Needs 2 people to install.

MAGZO Magnet Screen Door, 34 by 82 Inches
MAGZO
Magnet Screen Door, 34 by 82 Inches
Check Price
Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

An attractive screen door that is inexpensive and easy to install and use.

Pros

Definitely worth considering despite a few concerns. Both affordable and good-looking. Very easy to install, and has strong magnets that keep it securely closed. Fiberglass material is lightweight yet durable.

Cons

Some owners gripe that the measurements are a few inches longer than expected. Light-colored mesh shows dirt easily.

Larsen Brisa Standard Retractable Door
Larsen
Brisa Standard Retractable Door
Check Price
Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

This one is great for those who are looking for a great way to let air in and keep pests out.

Pros

This 36 x 81-inch screen door is perfect for those who are new to handiwork. Quick and easy to assemble. Retracts smoothly and stays out of the way. Comes in four different colors. Easy to open and close.

Cons

Those new to DIY and handiwork found the instructions to be unclear and confusing.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

51
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
Category cover

best screen doors

Leaving your doors open on a hot summer day can allow in a breeze to help cool things down. But the fact that bugs – not to mention bigger critters – can come in with impunity leaves you with the tough choice of roasting or getting covered in mosquito bites.

The truth is, you don't have to choose. Embrace the screen door and you can let the breeze in while keeping the bugs out. Plus, it feels more secure and private than having your door open for anyone to peer in.

Now comes the hard part: picking out the right screen door for you. Do you want a hinged door with a solid frame or a magnetic screen that's easy to pop in and out? What size do you need to fit your doorway? Do you want the style of the door to be in keeping with the rest of your home?

Content Image
Using a screen door can help to improve your indoor air quality.

Types of screen doors

Magnetic

A magnetic screen door is a temporary screen that fits in the doorjamb. It generally consists of two flaps that fasten together in the middle with magnets.

Pros:

  • Good temporary solution

  • Extremely easy to install

  • Extremely easy to remove

  • Fits most doorframes, even non-standard sizes

  • Least expensive option
     

Cons:

  • Not good option if you need permanent screen door

  • Not most attractive option

  • Less convenient for French or sliding doors

Hinged

If you're picturing a classic screen door installed on the front porch of a quaint clapboard house, a hinged screen door is what you want.

Pros:

  • Many colors and styles to suit most homes

  • Fitted correctly, allows main door and screen door to close completely

  • Optional removable panels (screen door becomes storm door)

  • Durable and long lasting
     

Cons:

  • Requires tools and skill to install

  • Not suitable for sliding doors

Retractable

Retractable screen doors are designed much like roller blinds. You pull them down or across when needed, and they retract to the top or side of the doorjamb when not required. Some models are temporary and some are permanently installed.

Pros:

  • There when you need them; out of the way when you don't

  • Suitable for all kinds of doors, if sized correctly

  • Almost invisible when not in use
     

Cons:

  • Requires tools to install (depending on model)

  • Can be pricey

Content Image
Expert Tip
If you have pets, you might benefit from hinged screen doors that feature built-in pet doors to allow dogs or cats to move freely in and out of the house.
STAFF
BestReviews

Screen door features to consider

Size

It might seem obvious, but the most important thing is to buy a screen door that fits your doorway. If you don't know the size of your door, measure the height and width inside the doorjamb. Most modern houses have standard-size doors, so it should be easy to find a screen door that fits perfectly. However, if you own an old house, your doorjambs may be an irregular size. In this case, you might be better served by a retractable or magnetic screen door rather than a hinged model.

Screen material

The screen is mesh, but the mesh can be made of a range of materials. Here are some of the most common.

  • Polyester: Polyester screens are often (but not exclusively) found on magnetic screen doors. Polyester is lightweight and fairly durable but not impervious to rips and tears.

  • Vinyl-coated polyester: Unlike plain polyester, vinyl-coated polyester screens are highly durable – so much so that they're sometimes referred to as "super screens."

  • Fiberglass: Durable fiberglass screens don't dent and can be woven very finely to prevent the tiniest insects and even some types of pollen from getting indoors.

  • Metal: Usually made of stainless steel or aluminum, metal screens are extremely tough but can be expensive.

Frame material

If you're opting for a hinged screen door, you'll also need to think about the frame material. You may want to choose a screen door made from the same material as your regular door, or you might choose a frame material based on its properties.

  • Wood: Wooden frames have a classic appearance but can be expensive. Wood can rot and warp and may require repainting or restaining over time.

  • Vinyl: Since vinyl doesn't rot, rust, or warp, these frames are ideal for standing up to the elements. While not the most attractive choice, vinyl frames tend to be quite affordable.

  • Stainless steel: Durable and rust resistant, stainless steel stands up well as a door frame material, but it’s quite heavy.

  • Aluminum: A lightweight alternative to steel, aluminum screen door frames are stronger than wood or vinyl.

Appearance

If you've spent a lot of time getting your house looking just the way you like it, the last thing you want is to stick an ugly screen door on the front. Magnetic screen doors are arguably the least attractive option, but since they're easy to put up and take down, they don't have to be a permanent fixture. Retractable screen doors tend to be quite basic and not necessarily appealing to look at, but they roll up when not in use so, again, they don't have to be in view at all times. If you're opting for a hinged screen door, this is when you should pay the most attention to appearance. Once you've installed it, this screen door will be in place for a while. Very simple or very ornate – which you like best comes down to personal preference.

Content Image
Did you know?
Most hinged screen doors allow you to install them with the hinges on either the left or the right.
STAFF
BestReviews

Screen door prices

How much a screen door costs depends on the type you choose, as well as other factors like the overall quality.

  • Magnetic screen doors

You can find magnetic screen doors for between $10 and $40. Basic models start at around $10, but you should spend closer to $20 to get a durable product. Larger magnetic screen doors designed for French doors cost closer to $30 or $40.

  • Hinged screen doors

These options cost anywhere between $30 and $200 or more. Wooden screen doors start at around $30, while ornate vinyl doors can cost over $200. Expect to pay a bit more for extras, such as a pet door.

  • Retractable screen doors

These screen doors cost between $60 and $300. While you can find simple retractable screen doors starting at around $60 to $70, these aren't the most durable options. High-end retractable screen doors can cost from $200 to $300.

"Some screen doors feature tightly woven screen material that helps block out UV rays."
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips

  • Choose a hinged screen door that matches your existing door. If you've got a dark-stained wooden front door, a bright white vinyl screen door could look a bit odd.

  • Think about winter weather. On some screen doors you can replace the mesh with glass or other panels to provide extra insulation in cold weather.

  • Suit the screen door to the climate where you live. If it's warm most of the year in your area, opt for a retractable or hinged screen door. However, if you only want your doors open for a few weeks out of the year, a magnetic option will suffice.

  • Check the view out the screen door. If you don't want anything impairing your view out the door, make sure to choose a screen door with a mesh you can see through clearly.
Content Image
Magnetic screen doors are a good choice for renters because they don't require permanent installation.

FAQ

Q. Do screen doors need professional installation?

A. Most screen doors don't need professional installation, unless you're not at all handy. Most magnetic options simply attach to the doorjamb using adhesive-backed pieces of Velcro or tacks, which won't prove a problem for most people. Hinged and retractable screen doors need to be fastened in place with tools. While most people might be able to do it without the help of a professional, it's better to pay someone who knows what they're doing if you're unsure.

Q. Can you lock a screen door?

A. Screen doors are designed to be used in conjunction with another door, not on their own, so the vast majority aren't lockable. However, you might be able to install a lock or bolt on a hinged screen door if you choose.

Q. How long will my screen door last?

A. Hinged and retractable screen doors are designed to last indefinitely, and should remain in one piece for decades, barring any accident. Magnetic screen doors aren't as durable and may need replacing every year or two, depending on how often you use them.