Whether you’re prone to dropping or scratching up your devices (hey, no judgement here) or you’re incredibly meticulous when it comes to taking care of them, accidents happen. When it comes to protecting and keeping your phone or tablet clean, it’s best to put your best foot forward to promote longevity. A good place to start is one of the best screen protectors.
Designed for a multitude of devices like iPhones, iPads, Amazon Fire tablets, Galaxy Tab s7 Series, and more, the best screen protectors are scratch-resistant, smudge-proof, user-friendly but also maintain the look and feel of the original screen. Our guide will help you find the best screen protector for your device without breaking your budget.
— Best for iPhones: ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite Plus Screen Protector
— Best for Samsung Galaxy Tab s7 Series: Supershieldz Screen Protector
— Best for iPads: JETech Screen Protector
— Best for Privacy: Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector
— Best for Amazon Tablets: JETech Screen Protector
How We Picked the Best Screen Protectors
To pick the best screen protectors, we looked at 10 total products from eight companies. While we were rounding up screen protectors for different devices like the iPhone, Amazon Fire tablet, Galaxy Tab s7 Series, and iPad series, we still considered the same features for each. Those features included material, protection level, and user-friendliness.
Most screen protectors are made from tempered glass, although one on our list is made from PET, which is a strong, clear plastic. These materials are strong enough to protect the screen but are also unobstructive. High transparency and high response were important because we wanted the user to have no problem with both vision and touch sensitivity with the device once the screen protector was applied. The screen protector needed to at the least protect against scratches, fingerprints, smudges and dust. Lastly, the installation process needed to be somewhat user-friendly with either an installation tray or instructions.
Related: Make sure your devices are always ready to go with the best MagSafe chargers.
The Best Screen Protectors: Reviews & Recommendations
Best for iPhones: ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass and Screen Protector
Why It Made The Cut: This the best iPhone screen protector because ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass and Screen Protector provides shatter protection that doesn’t obstruct the use of your screen.
Specs:
– Material: Glass
– Display Dimensions: 2.89 x 6.15 inches; 2.34 x 6.14 inches; 2.6 x 6.81 inches
– Screen Surface: Smooth
Pros:
– Scratch prevention
– Smudge resistant
– Easy application
Cons:
– Package only includes one screen protector
Made of tempered glass with advanced shatter protection, ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass and Screen Protector maintains a smudge-free screen using ClearPrint, an exclusive to Glass Elite, which disperses the oil from your fingerprints to prevent buildup. To not change the look and feel of the original iPhone screen, the composition of the tempered glass keeps the smooth quality and offers antimicrobial protection.
It also provides reinforced edges to eliminate cracks that may form after dropping. Users report that the screen protector is easy to install using the included application tray, rubber install mat, and guided tabs.
Best for Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Series: Supershieldz Screen Protector
Why It Made The Cut: This is the best screen protector for Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Series because it offers rounded edges, scratch-resistant tempered glass, and easy application.
Specs:
– Material: Tempered Glass
– Display Dimensions: 11 inches
– Screen Surface: Matte
Pros:
– Includes two screen protectors
– Scratch resistant
– Hydrophobic coating
Cons:
– Users report it’s not case friendly
The Supershieldz Screen Protector uses tempered glass to prevent scratches. It offers a hardness rating of 9h, meaning that, per the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, the screen protector can resist hard pencil scratches. The glass protector has 2.5D rounded edges designed for comfort when using your tablet, however, some reviewers say this makes it difficult to use with a case as it lifts up the edges. This purchase includes two screen protectors.
Best for iPads: JETech Screen Protector
Why It Made The Cut: The JETech Screen Protector is our pick for the best screen protector for iPads because it is made with 0.33mm thick tempered glass and is compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st Generation).
Specs:
– Material: Tempered glass
– Display Dimensions: 10.2 inches
– Screen Surface: Glossy
Pros:
– Scratch-resistant
– Easy installation
– Compatible with first generation Apple Pencils
Cons:
– Not case friendly
The JETech Screen Protector is compatible with 10.2 inch 7th, 8th, and 9th generation iPads, so be sure to double check that this screen protector works with your model. The tempered glass screen is scratch-resistant, and at 0.33mm thick, you’ll be protected and still have high response. The screen also is dust- and fingerprint-resistant. Additionally, there is easy one-push installation and the screen is bubble-free.
The screen has rounded edges for comfort, but that means it is not necessarily compatible with a case. The case can lift the edges of the screen, causing air bubbles and reducing protection. This product comes with the tempered glass screen protector, a cleaning cloth, a dust removal sticker, and a guide stick.
Best for Privacy: Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Why It Made The Cut: The Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector was designed to only be visible when you are right in front of it, blacking out the screen from other angles making it our pick for the best privacy screen protector.
Specs:
– Material: Tempered Glass
– Display Dimensions: 6.7 inches
– Screen Surface: Smooth
Pros:
– Auto alignment installation tray
– Comes as a two-pack
– Blacks out screen at angle
Cons:
– Users report it may dim the iPhone’s brightness
Designed for the iPhone 13 Pro Max, the Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector’s screen’s durability is rated at 9H hardness for maximum protection. To maintain your privacy, the screen is only visible to those directly in front of the phone, and it blacks out views from other angles. If you’re worried about being able to use this screen protector with a case, it’s compatible with every Spigen case.
For easy application, your purchase includes an auto-alignment tray. All you have to do is remove the protective film from the protector, fit the tray face down on the phone and press to activate the adhesive onto the screen. Although this may be the case with all privacy screens, some users say their screen is dimmed with the use of the protector. Includes two screen protectors.
Best for Amazon Fire Tablets: JETech Screen Protector
Why It Made The Cut: The JETech Screen Protector is compatible with multiple iterations of the Amazon Fire tablet, and it offers easy application.
Specs:
– Material: Tempered Glass
– Display Dimensions: 9.38 x 6.19 x 0.02 inches
– Screen Surface: Smooth
Pros:
– High clarity
– Easy to install
– Comes with a cleaning cloth
Cons:
– Includes only one screen protector
The JETech Screen Protector is the best screen protector for Amazon Fire Tablets because it's compatible with Amazon Fire HD 10, 10 Plus, 10 Kids, and 10 Kids Pro (11th generation, 2021 release) models. To maintain the optimal viewing experience and smooth touch, the screen offers HD clarity. Additionally, the screen is bubble-proof and easy to remove, which is especially helpful during installation.
Included in your package is one tempered glass film, cleaning tools, and installation instructions. The downside of this product is that there is only one screen included, so you have only one chance to get the application right.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Screen Protectors
Budget
The cost of screen protectors varies depending on type, material, and additional features. For the most part, though, they are affordable. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, look for two-pack screen protectors so you won’t have to constantly replace it, which can add up over time.
Installation
The installation process for screen protectors is enough to give any user a headache. The trick is finding someone in your life who is good at it (mostly kidding here). If that’s not going to work, look for screen protectors with guided installation. Ones that include an installation tray as well as other items, such as a dust removal sticker or microfiber cloth, can be especially helpful.
Your Device
Whether you need a screen protector for your phone or tablet, high-quality ones have similar features such as scratch-resistant, smudge-proof and fingerprint-free. Additionally, you want the screen protector to be thick enough for maximum protection but you also want it to have high transparency and response, so using your device will feel the same as when used without a screen protector.
FAQs
Q: Do I really need a screen protector?
At one point, screen protectors were completely necessary when you purchased a new phone, but they have become less important. Advances in phone glass and coating help better protect your device. On the other hand, a screen protector will give you peace of mind, and while your phone may not immediately crack if you drop it, it could develop micro-fractures over time that lead to spider cracks.
Q: How long does a screen protector last?
With care and the purchase of a quality screen protector, it could last indefinitely. However, if your phone is continuously dropped or scratched, your screen protector may take the brunt of the damage (which is what it’s meant to do, by the way), so it will need to be replaced as often as necessary.
Q: How much is a screen protector?
A screen protector can vary in cost depending on what it’s made of, if it has any special features, and what it’s designed to protect. Typically, cost can range anywhere between $10 and $40.
Final Thoughts on the Best Screen Protectors
To add an extra layer of protection for your device, a screen protector is necessary. Selecting the right one comes down to the device you want to protect as well as what you want to protect against. Our favorite for iPhones is the ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite Plus Screen Protector, while we’d recommend Supershieldz Screen Protector for the Samsung Galaxy Tab s7 Series. Once you have your screen protector in place, a weight will be lifted off your shoulders and you won’t feel too bad about tossing your device into your bag, even if by accident.
Related: Safeguard your cell with the best iPhone cases.
This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.
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