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The uptick in extreme weather is enough to make you shudder. Our top-rated shutters can help.

We updated this guide in June 2022 to ensure all products vetted by the Home Improvement Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute were available and correctly priced. We also added more insights from our experts and additional questions to consider before you buy.

With a storm bearing down, the last thing you want is to be fumbling with sheets of plywood to protect your home’s windows and doors. That’s where hurricane shutters come in, and they’ve become a must-have in disaster-prone parts of the country. American homeowners now spend more than $26 billion a year on damages caused by extreme weather, up from about $10 billion in 2010, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Making matters worse, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is calling for above-normal activity for the 2022 hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. No wonder the market for hurricane shutters is booming. The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been following it closely to keep tabs on the best solutions. As consumer interest grows, so too has the selection: we now see a wide range of shutters to fit both budget and aesthetic needs for all homeowners. Keep in mind that the average cost of hurricane shutters will vary based on the style, material and size, but you can expect the most durable and secure options to cost more than temporary fixes. These are Good Housekeeping Institute's top hurricane shutters to buy in 2022:

Once you’ve looked through our picks, read on for details on how we chose hurricane shutters, plus everything you need to know when choosing the best option for your home. Also, check out our additional expert advice for preparing for an emergency, including our top picks among backup generators for the home.

Rolling shutters do exactly what you think they would: roll down when you need them and up when you don't. Typically made of durable metal, this type of hurricane protection can also provide your home with additional privacy without sacrificing aesthetic. "Rolling shudders can even improve a home's energy efficiency, since they can be used to control solar heat gain during the hottest times of year or hours of the day," says Dan DiClerico, Director of Home Improvement & Outdoors at the Good Housekeeping Institute. For ease of operation, our experts recommend models that can be controlled by remote, like Roll-a-way's StormSafe Rolling Shutters, shown here.

Fabric storm panels, like this version from AstroGuard, are an economical solution for protecting windows during hurricanes. They're easy to use (in most cases you just measure, cut, and install — no professional installation needed) and they can be rolled up and stored away when not in use. Another plus: AstroGuard's durable Fabric Storm Panels still allow some light into your house so it won't look like you're living in complete darkness. That said, they definitely change the look of your home's exterior, so you may find yourself wanting to take them down once storm season passes.

If there's a storm threat and you don't have time to install permanent shutters before it hits, temporary storm panels are your best bet. They often come in steel, aluminum or polycarbonate, like MultiWall Polycarbonate version from Palram show here. Just note that this type of hurricane shutter usually requires additional hardware so you can mount them on window and door openings. "Plastic panels in particular are much lighter than plywood, so if you don't love the look of them you can easily take them down after the storm," says DiClerico.

Think of window shutters in general and chances are you'll picture a Colonial shutter. "They're the most customizable type of hurricane shutter and come in a large variety of styles, colors and materials, so they're a great choice for homeowners who don’t want to compromise style with their storm protection," says Kevin Busch, Vice President of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company which installs shutters throughout hurricane-prone parts of the country. The shutters consist of two louvered panels that attach to the home's siding next to each window. When it's time to protect your home, you simply fold the shutters toward each other. Though traditionally made of wood, you can now find them in low-maintenance aluminum. The version here from Larson Shutters comes in 26 colors, all with a powder coat finish that our experts say should hold well in coastal settings since it resists corrosion from salt water.

Bermuda shutters, which are also called Bahama shutters, are unique because of how easy it is to extend the arms and open up the shutter when there's no hurricane. This allows them to have a second function as a source of shade. These shutters are extremely popular in the south and tropical areas, which is how they got their name. Timberlane's selection of Bermuda shutters include various styles and materials that can either be custom made or selected from its "fast shop" section.

This type of hurricane shutter needs to be manually unfolded accordion-style and then locked into place to offer protection. Accordion shutters are usually more affordable than ones that roll up and down, but since they're permanently attached to the side (rather than the top) of your window, they might look a little bulkier. "These types of shutters are an excellent choice for larger windows and glass doors," says Busch. Our experts like Shutter-Tech's Maximum Impact Accordion Shutters for their durable, weather-tight construction and secure locking system. "It's a great fit if you're looking to make your home more secure while also protecting it from extreme weather," adds DiClerico.

Our product experts start by analyzing the current marketplace to identify the top-selling hurricane shutters that you’re most likely to find at home centers, specialty dealers and online. They also attend trade shows and industry events, like the International Builders Show and the Southeast Building Conference, to keep up with the latest innovations in storm preparedness. While we were not able to perform lab tests of the various hurricane shutters included in this roundup, our engineers did a close review of the technical data to ensure that each product meets its claimed impact-resistance. We also consulted outside professionals for insights into how the various options perform in the field. Finally, we pored through the user reviews to check for irregularities or red flags related to performance, durability and maintenance.

First things first, make sure the shutters are rated to withstand extreme conditions of a hurricane. "Check the packaging or any advertising materials displayed with the shutters for the phrases 'SBCCI approved or 'ASTM approved,'" says Mr. Handyman's Kevin Busch. The acronyms refer to the Southern Building Code Congress International and American Society for Testing and Materials, two organizations that create standards for various building materials. Next figure out which shutter material and type are the best fit for your home. Here are the options.

✔️Material This determines not only the shutter’s ability to protect windows and doors from flying debris, but also how well it resists water and wind. Here are the main options: Fabric This material is easy to install and operate and it’s surprisingly strong, though impact resistance isn’t what you'll get with more rigid materials. Tightly woven fabric can help block out water, but it won’t prevent air pressure from heavy wind. Metal Whether aluminum or steel, metal shutters offer excellent impact resistance and the material does a very good job keeping out water and wind. Metal shutters that lock also provide added security against break-ins. Plastic Most plastic hurricane shutters are made from clear polycarbonate sheets that are highly impact resistant and also keep out wind and water. The downside with the material is tends to be the least attractive. Wood Combining performance and aesthetics, wood shutters are stylish, durable and wind and weather-resistant. But as with any exterior wood product, like siding and window frames, wood shutters must be regularly refinishing.

✔️Type The type of hurricane shutter you choose will determine how much you spend and also how easy it is to operate. Our roundup includes the following five options. • Rolling. Similar to a roller blind, these shutters roll up and down as needed, making them a convenient and space-efficient option. Metal ones offer excellent protection against flying objects, wind, rain and thieves. WiFi-connected versions can be controlled remotely, nice if a storm hits when you’re away from home. • Panel shutters. Typically made of high-strength fabric or plastic, panels are a step up from plywood sheets, since their built-in fasteners make them easier to put on and take off. They also do a better job of keeping out the weather than plain plywood. Unlike other shutters, they're meant to be temporary, unless you can live with the look and obstruction of panels covering your windows. • Accordion shutters Similar to rolling shutters, accordion shutters open and close along a track, usually horizontally, which makes them good for large openings, like a sliding glass door. They're often made of cheaper sheet metals, which keeps their cost down but makes them less durable and impact-resistant. • Colonial shutters The traditional choice, these are basically storm shutters that are rated to withstand extreme weather conditions. They’re often made of wood, though aluminum and composite materials are available too. • Bermuda shutters Another decorative favorite, these shutters consist of a louvered panel that attaches to the top of the window frame. They open from the bottom to let in light and air, then can be quickly closed when bad weather is approaching. Bermuda shutters are more user-friendly than Colonials, but they block more light, even when in a fully open position.

It depends on the type and material of the shutter and how many openings you need to protect. Homeowners typically spend between $2,000 and $6,000 on the project, with the average cost coming in right around $4,000, according to HomeAdvisor. Keep in mind that inflation has impacted most building materials, including hurricane shutters; in the last year, prices have increased between 5 and 10 percent; your insurance company might lower your premium if you install hurricane shutters, offsetting some of the cost. Our market experts also note that supply chain challenges have resulted in longer lead times, so it’s worth shopping around for not only the best price, but also the quickest delivery.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab provides expert reviews and advice on all things home and related, including hurricane shutters and other exterior building products. In his role as Director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico brings more than 20 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products for Good Housekeeping, as well as brands like Consumer Reports and This Old House. He has also worked on various remodeling crews specializing in exterior upgrades, including windows and roofs.

Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering at the Institute, also leant her expertise to this report. For more than 15 years, Rachel has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about products across the home improvement space. She leads efforts for the constant evolution of GH’s technical and testing protocols, responding both to market drivers and growth opportunities.