Buying Guide · Updated June 2025
Polycarbonate vs Acrylic:
Which Should You Choose?
Both are popular alternatives to glass. Here's how they actually compare on strength, clarity, cost, and the best use case for each.
Quick Answer
Polycarbonate is significantly stronger and more impact-resistant, making it the better choice for security, safety glazing, roofing, and high-impact applications. Acrylic offers superior optical clarity and a more polished, glass-like finish at a generally lower cost, making it better suited for displays, signage, picture framing, and decorative use.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Property | Polycarbonate | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | 250x stronger than glass | 17x stronger than glass |
| Optical Clarity | Excellent, slight tint possible | Superior, glass-like finish |
| Weight | Lighter than glass | Slightly lighter than poly |
| Scratch Resistance | More prone to fine scratching | More scratch resistant |
| UV Resistance | Excellent (co-extruded coating) | Naturally UV stable |
| Cost | Higher cost | Generally lower cost |
| Heat Resistance | Higher heat tolerance | Lower — can warp at high temps |
| Common Uses | Security, guards, roofing, safety glazing | Signage, displays, framing, décor |
When to Choose Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is the right choice when impact resistance, safety, and durability under stress are the primary requirements. Its ability to absorb force without shattering makes it the go-to material for applications where glass or acrylic would pose a safety risk.
- Security barriers and storefronts
- Machine guards and safety glazing
- Greenhouse and skylight roofing
- Patio and pergola covers
- Riot shields and protective screens
- Applications exposed to hail, impact, or vandalism
When to Choose Acrylic
Acrylic is the right choice when optical clarity, surface finish, and aesthetics are the priority. Its glass-like appearance, excellent scratch resistance, and lower cost make it ideal for display and decorative applications where impact is less of a concern.
- Retail display cases and product showcases
- Signage and illuminated sign faces
- Picture framing and art glazing
- Decorative panels and interior partitions
- Aquariums and terrariums
- Applications where pristine clarity is essential
Cost Comparison
Acrylic is generally less expensive than polycarbonate for the same thickness and sheet size. For budget-sensitive projects where impact resistance is not critical, acrylic offers a cost-effective alternative.
However, cost should be evaluated over the lifetime of the application. In high-impact or outdoor environments — storefronts, machine guards, roofing exposed to hail — polycarbonate's durability can deliver better long-term value by reducing replacement frequency. A lower upfront cost in acrylic can become more expensive over time if the material needs to be replaced after impact damage. For non-critical indoor applications like display cases or picture framing, acrylic is typically the more economical and appropriate choice.
For custom pricing on either material, use our cut-to-size calculator or visit our Lexan sheet page for polycarbonate-specific information.