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Home Energy Guide

Best Draught Excluders UK (2026): Top 5 We'd Buy

Door, window, letterbox & chimney picks to stop draughts and cut your heating bills

Updated: 21 September 2026|Prices checked: September 2026
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TopMagpie Editorial

Independent product research · Not sponsored · Updated 21 September 2026

With UK energy bills still elevated and autumn chills arriving, blocking draughts is one of the quickest wins for a warmer home. According to the Energy Saving Trust, draught-proofing your home could save around £55 per year on heating bills.

We've rounded up five top-rated draught excluders available on Amazon UK, plus specialist picks for letterboxes and chimneys. From simple under-door cushions to professional-grade brush strips, there's an option for every gap type and budget.

£55

Average annual savings from draught-proofing

Source: Energy Saving Trust

#1 Pick
CUQOO black under-door draught excluder cushion

Editor's Choice

CUQOO Under Door Draught Excluder

4.2 · 409 reviews

The easiest win for cold rooms. Zero faff, works immediately, and the machine-washable cover is a nice touch.

No installationMachine washable
£7–£10typical price

Diagnose Your Problem

Where's Your Draught Coming From?

Different gaps need different solutions. Find your problem below and we'll point you to the right fix.

🚪
01

Under the door

Cold air creeping in beneath internal or exterior doors

The Fix

Under-door cushion for renters, adhesive strip for homeowners, brush strip for exterior doors

🪟
02

Door & window frames

Gaps around the edges where frames meet walls

The Fix

D-profile foam tape for budget sealing, acoustic seal for noise issues too

📬
03

Letterbox

That rectangular hole in your front door – often overlooked

The Fix

Internal letterbox cover with brush seal and spring flap

🔥
04

Unused chimney

Cold air pouring down the flue into your living room

The Fix

Chimney balloon – measure your flue first, remove before lighting fires

🏠
05

Loft hatch & floorboards

Air escaping through ceiling and floor gaps

The Fix

Use foam strip around loft hatch. Floorboards may need professional filler.

Professional advice recommended

Our Top 5 Picks

Best Overall
#1
CUQOO black under-door draught excluder cushion

CUQOO

CUQOO Under Door Draught Excluder

4.2 · 409 reviews
£7–£10Typical price

The easiest win for cold rooms. Zero faff, works immediately, and the machine-washable cover is a nice touch.

Best for

Renters or anyone wanting a quick, tool-free solution for internal doors

Type:Under-door cushionGap coverage:Up to 3.8cmDoor width:76–91cm (adjustable)Material:Foam with fabric cover

Pros

  • +No installation – just slide under the door
  • +Works on both sides of the door
  • +Machine-washable cover
  • +Adjustable width via hook-and-loop

Cons

  • May shift on high-pile carpet
  • Not suitable for exterior doors with large gaps
All specifications
TypeUnder-door cushion
Gap coverageUp to 3.8cm
Door width76–91cm (adjustable)
MaterialFoam with fabric cover
InstallationNone – slides under door
Check price on Amazon
Amazon Bestseller
#2
White silicone self-adhesive door seal strip

Hojoy

Hojoy Self-Adhesive Silicone Door Seal (2-Pack)

4.3 · 2,154 reviews
£7–£10Typical price

Amazon's bestseller for good reason. Two strips for the price of one, and the 3M adhesive actually holds.

Best for

Semi-permanent sealing of internal or sheltered external doors

Type:Self-adhesive silicone stripGap coverage:Up to 2.5cmLength:2 × 100cm stripsMaterial:Silicone with 3M adhesive

Pros

  • +2 strips in one pack – great value
  • +Strong adhesive for long-lasting seal
  • +Silicone resists temperature extremes
  • +Can cut to exact length needed

Cons

  • Requires clean, smooth surface for adhesive
  • Not reusable once stuck
  • May need hairdryer to activate adhesive in cold weather
All specifications
TypeSelf-adhesive silicone strip
Gap coverageUp to 2.5cm
Length2 × 100cm strips
MaterialSilicone with 3M adhesive
InstallationPeel-and-stick (warm surface recommended)
Check price on Amazon
Best for Noise
#3
Stormguard white acoustic door seal strip

Stormguard

Stormguard Acoustic Silent Seal (6m)

4.3 · 3,776 reviews
£8–£12Typical price

The trade-grade option. If you want quieter rooms AND warmer ones, this is the upgrade worth making.

Best for

Door and window frames where noise and draughts are both problems

Type:Frame seal (EPDM rubber)Gap coverage:3–5mmLength:6mMaterial:EPDM rubber

Pros

  • +Excellent noise reduction as well as draught-proofing
  • +6 metres covers multiple doors/windows
  • +Self-adhesive for easy fitting
  • +Quality UK brand trusted by tradespeople

Cons

  • For frame gaps, not under-door gaps
  • Requires measuring and cutting
  • May be overkill for minor draughts
All specifications
TypeFrame seal (EPDM rubber)
Gap coverage3–5mm
Length6m
MaterialEPDM rubber
InstallationSelf-adhesive to frame
Check price on Amazon
Best for Front Door
#4
Stormguard aluminium brush strip door seal

Stormguard

Stormguard Aluminium Brush Bottom Door Seal

4.5 · 2,736 reviews
£6–£10Typical price

The proper fix for front doors. Yes, you need a drill – but this actually handles UK weather and big gaps.

Best for

Front doors, exterior doors, garage doors, or anywhere needing heavy-duty sealing

Type:Screw-fix brush stripGap coverage:Up to 25mmLength:914mm (can be cut)Material:Aluminium carrier, polypropylene brush

Pros

  • +Professional, durable solution
  • +Handles large gaps up to 25mm
  • +Adjustable via slotted screw holes
  • +Suits exterior, garage, and sliding doors

Cons

  • Requires drilling and screwing
  • May need trimming to fit door width
  • More involved installation
All specifications
TypeScrew-fix brush strip
Gap coverageUp to 25mm
Length914mm (can be cut)
MaterialAluminium carrier, polypropylene brush
InstallationScrew-fixed to door bottom
Check price on Amazon
Best Budget
#5
White D-profile foam weather strip tape

Generic

D-Profile Foam Weather Strip (10m)

4.3 · 5,041 reviews
£5–£8Typical price

Best bang for buck. Ten metres is enough to seal every door and window in a small flat for under a tenner.

Best for

Budget-conscious buyers sealing multiple doors and windows

Type:D-profile foam tapeGap coverage:4–6mmLength:10m (2 × 5m strips)Material:EPDM foam rubber

Pros

  • +10 metres for multiple doors/windows
  • +Very affordable
  • +Easy peel-and-stick installation
  • +D-profile compresses well for good seal

Cons

  • Adhesive may weaken over time
  • Not for large gaps
  • May need replacing every 1–2 years
All specifications
TypeD-profile foam tape
Gap coverage4–6mm
Length10m (2 × 5m strips)
MaterialEPDM foam rubber
InstallationSelf-adhesive
Check price on Amazon
Specialist Picks

Letterbox & Chimney Solutions

Two of the biggest (and most overlooked) draught sources in UK homes.

Best for Letterbox
Specialist
Exitex aluminium letterbox draught excluder with flap

Exitex

Exitex Internal Letterbox Draught Excluder with Flap

4.1 · 309 reviews
£14–£18Typical price

Letterboxes are stealth draught sources. This solid aluminium fix pays for itself fast if yours lets in Arctic air.

Best for

Draughty front door letterboxes

Type:Internal letterbox coverAperture size:255mm × 40mmMaterial:Aluminium with polypropylene bristlesInstallation:Screw-fixed inside door

Pros

  • +Durable aluminium construction
  • +Spring flap closes firmly after post delivery
  • +Bristles block draughts, dust, and insects
  • +Fits most standard UK letterboxes

Cons

  • Requires screw fixing (drilling)
  • Only for internal fitting
  • Check letterbox size before buying
All specifications
TypeInternal letterbox cover
Aperture size255mm × 40mm
MaterialAluminium with polypropylene bristles
InstallationScrew-fixed inside door
ColoursBlack, Gold, White
Check price on Amazon
Best for Chimney
Specialist
Chimney Balloon inflatable draught excluder

The Chimney Balloon

Chimney Balloon Draught Excluder (Medium)

3.9 · 284 reviews
£15–£20Typical price

Unused fireplaces are heat vampires. This UK-made blocker transforms cold living rooms – just measure your flue first.

Best for

Unused fireplaces that let cold air pour into the room

Type:Inflatable chimney blockerSize:14" × 24" (35cm × 60cm)Material:Trilaminate plastic (PVC-free)Installation:Inflate and push into flue

Pros

  • +Dramatically reduces chimney draughts
  • +Made in UK – not cheap PVC
  • +Reusable for years
  • +Easy to install and remove

Cons

  • Must measure chimney correctly for right size
  • Must remove before lighting fire
  • Not for chimneys with active fires
All specifications
TypeInflatable chimney blocker
Size14" × 24" (35cm × 60cm)
MaterialTrilaminate plastic (PVC-free)
InstallationInflate and push into flue
IncludesMouth inflation tube
Check price on Amazon

Compare All Products

Side-by-side specs for quick decision-making

ProductTypeGapPriceBest ForAction
Under-door cushionUp to 3.8cm£7–£10Renters or anyone wanting a quick, tool-free solution for internal doorsView
Self-adhesive silicone stripUp to 2.5cm£7–£10Semi-permanent sealing of internal or sheltered external doorsView
Frame seal (EPDM rubber)3–5mm£8–£12Door and window frames where noise and draughts are both problemsView
Screw-fix brush stripUp to 25mm£6–£10Front doors, exterior doors, garage doors, or anywhere needing heavy-duty sealingView
D-profile foam tape4–6mm£5–£8Budget-conscious buyers sealing multiple doors and windowsView
Internal letterbox cover£14–£18Draughty front door letterboxesView
Inflatable chimney blocker£15–£20Unused fireplaces that let cold air pour into the roomView

Ventilation Safety – Don't Block These

Never block intentional ventilation. Air vents, airbricks, trickle vents, and extractor fans provide essential ventilation for gas appliances and prevent damp/mould. Only seal unintentional gaps (under doors, window frames, letterboxes). If you have gas appliances, ensure adequate ventilation remains at all times.

Research Methodology

How We Chose These Products

This is editorial research, not laboratory testing. We do not physically test products in controlled conditions or measure thermal performance with instruments.

Our selection process involves reviewing Amazon UK product listings, analysing customer reviews (prioritising verified UK purchases), comparing manufacturer specifications, and evaluating real-world feedback patterns. We weight criteria to prioritise practical value for typical UK homes.

Selection Criteria

Customer Satisfaction

30% weight

Verified UK buyer reviews, focusing on real-world performance feedback and common issues reported

💰

Value for Money

25% weight

Price relative to coverage area, durability indicators, and feature set compared to alternatives

🔧

Ease of Installation

20% weight

Suitability for DIY fitting, tools required, and whether renters can use without causing damage

📏

Gap Coverage

15% weight

Maximum gap size sealed and suitability for different door/window types common in UK homes

📦

Availability & Reliability

10% weight

Consistent stock on Amazon UK, seller reputation, and return policy clarity

Important Limitations

  • We have not measured thermal efficiency or air leakage reduction in laboratory conditions
  • Star ratings and review counts are snapshots that may change over time
  • Prices shown are approximate and fluctuate; always verify current Amazon prices
  • Performance depends on correct installation and your specific gap dimensions

Research last conducted: 21 September 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about draught-proofing your home

For front doors with large gaps (over 10mm), a screw-fix brush strip like the Stormguard Aluminium Brush is best – it handles gaps up to 25mm and withstands weather. For smaller gaps, a self-adhesive silicone strip works well. Don't forget to add a letterbox excluder if your letterbox lets in cold air.

Yes, when fitted correctly to the right gap type. The Energy Saving Trust estimates draught-proofing can save around £55 per year on heating bills for a typical UK home. You'll also notice rooms feel warmer and less "breezy" immediately after fitting.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, draught-proofing windows and doors can save you around £55 per year. The actual savings depend on how draughty your home is, your heating habits, and energy prices. Most draught excluders cost £5–£20, so they typically pay for themselves within the first winter.

Brush strips are best for large, uneven gaps (up to 25mm) and exterior doors – they're durable and allow doors to open/close smoothly. Foam strips suit smaller frame gaps (3–6mm) and are very affordable. Snake/cushion excluders are ideal for renters as they need no installation – just slide under the door.

Absolutely. Under-door snake excluders (like the CUQOO) require no installation at all – just slide them into place. Self-adhesive strips can usually be removed without damage when you move out. Always photograph before/after and check your tenancy agreement if unsure.

In British English, "draught" is the correct spelling for a current of air. "Draft" is the American English spelling. Both refer to the same thing. UK product packaging typically uses "draught", though you'll see "draft" on some Amazon listings from international sellers.

Fit an internal letterbox cover with a brush seal and flap, like the Exitex model. These mount inside your door with screws, have bristles that block draughts while still allowing post through, and a spring-loaded flap that closes after each delivery.

For unused fireplaces, a Chimney Balloon is the most effective solution. It's an inflatable blocker you push into the flue – dramatically reducing draughts, noise, and debris. Measure your chimney first and get the right size. Remember: always remove it before lighting a fire.

The biggest culprits are: gaps under and around doors (especially front doors), window frames, letterboxes, unused chimneys, loft hatches, and gaps around pipes/cables where they enter walls. Start with your front door and any rooms that feel noticeably cold.

No – and this is important for safety. Never block air vents, airbricks, trickle vents, or extractor fans. These provide essential ventilation for gas appliances and preventing damp/mould. Focus on unintentional gaps (under doors, window frames, letterboxes) rather than intentional ventilation.

Ready to stop those draughts?

Our top pick – the CUQOO Under Door Excluder – is affordable, effective, and needs zero installation. Just slide it under your door.

View #1 Pick on Amazon UK

Disclosure & Editorial Policy

Amazon Affiliate: TopMagpie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme. We earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our editorial choices or the prices you pay.

No Lab Testing: We have not laboratory-tested these products. Recommendations are based on spec analysis, reviews, and editorial judgement.

Prices: Approximate, checked September 2026. Amazon prices change frequently – always verify the current price before purchasing.

Data Source: The £55 figure is from the Energy Saving Trust. Actual results vary based on your specific situation.

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