The best iPhone screen protector is a must-have for your peace of mind. After all, even if you have insurance, getting a repair or a replacement for your phone screen is a major hassle: you'll almost certainly be without a phone for at least a few days.
So prevention is always better than cure, and the great news is that a good screen protector doesn't even cost that much. With all that in mind, we've brought together the absolute best iPhone screen protectors, for a range of different iPhone generations.
You don't necessarily need a screen protector from the top brands on the market, but if it will help you sleep a little easier then take comfort in knowing that these brands can be trusted.
Our top picks
If you want the best protection for the new iPhone 15 series you can't go wrong with this tempered glass screen protector from Spigen, rated at 9H hardness.
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If you're known as a bit of a butter fingers and your phone leaves your hands more often than you're willing to let on, this screen protector is the best pick for you.
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If you love watching content on your phone, you need this screen protector from Belkin that brings clarity to your display, while keeping it protected.
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If you simply want a cheap option to keep your iPhone protected then this is the best budget screen protector to keep that display scratch-free.
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This screen protector is compatible with most cases, as extra space is left around the borders for your case to wrap around the edges of your mobile.
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If you're still rocking the iPhone 13 series or you have only just upgraded this is the best option to keep that screen crystal clear and protected.
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The best iPhone screen protectors
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
Best for iPhone 15 and 15 Pro
Here's our top pick if you have one of the latest iPhones. This tempered glass screen protector is rated at 9H hardness, and Spigen is a trusted smartphone case and cover manufacturer with exceptional reviews. It has an oil-free and oleophobic coating to prevent smudges, and there's an auto-alignment kit included with it to make the process easy to apply to your phone.
Usefully, you get two screen protectors in the pack, so you'll have a spare if the first one ever gets damaged or air bubbles sneak in around the sides (or through clumsy installation). As well as the latest iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series phones, this protector is available for the 6.1-inch screen of the iPhone 14 and the previous generation iPhone 13 and 13 Pro models.
Best protection from impact
This screen protector from renowned manufacturer, Otterbox doesn't just protect your phone against drops, scratches, bacteria, and daily scrapes. It also boasts advanced anti-glare properties, and is infused with blue light protective technology which makes your phone easier to read in all lighting conditions and wil help to take the strain off your eyes if you work with screens.
This protector will include an alignment and installation tool, dust removal sticker, squeegee, and microfibre cloth thrown in to help you install it perfectly the first time, and it's important that you do, as these are protectors are sold individually. Available for most recent iPhone generations, they also offer anti-scratch technology (five times the usual standard) and drop protection for shatter resistance, fingerprint resistance, and superb touch responsiveness.
Best for screen clarity
Building from the reputation Belkin already has for the ScreenForce UltraGlass (which you can get for the iPhone 14 series) this scratch-resistant 9H hardness glass is an ideal, if not cheap, option.
With a thickness of 0.29 mm, it's going to provide crystal-clear screen clarity. Also, Belkin claim they have something called 2.5D edge technology for better case compatibility than some screen protectors – including all Apple cases. Finally the LAS (new aluminosilicate) material doesn't change how the screen feels, which is a positive.
Best budget option
This high-quality screen protector comes in at low price, but it still delivers. Its ultra-tough Armorite tempered glass is claimed to withstand over 110lb of force, while the speaker shield guards against dust and helps keep your audio crisp.
You also get a fingerprint-resistant coating and powerful scratch defense keep your screen crystal clear. It's compatible with Face ID, and there's a special coating to prevent fingerprint smudges, and it comes with an alignment frame to help you install it.
Best for camera protection
This screen protector features tempered glass with 9H hardness. It's compatible with most cases, as extra space is left around the borders for your case to wrap around the edges of your mobile. That includes 6.5-inch screen of the iPhone 11 Pro Max. There are two of each, so you get four protectors in total.
Best screen protector for iPhone 13
Available for the iPhone 13 series, the Spigen EZ Fit Tempered Glass Screen Protector includes a handy alignment tool, making the installation process easier. It features 9H tempered glass, providing durability and protection against everyday scratches, and it's also water resistant.
It has a case-friendly design, allowing it to be used with Spigen cases (though it is not compatible with Geo Armor 360 cases). It also has an oleophobic coating, which helps resist fingerprints and smudges. Most important, the screen protector maintains the original screen brightness and clarity, preserving the visual experience. Overall, this protector provides good value for money.
FAQs
Are all iPhone screen protectors the same?
No, not all iPhone screen protectors are alike. While they may all look pretty similar, some can be rather thin and flimsy, and won't do much to stop your screen from smashing if an accident occurs. Protectors that are made from strong 9H tempered glass are the ones you'll want to look out for, as your screen is more likely to stay intact with one of these stronger and more durable smash-proof covers.
Quite honestly, this is the only type of protector that's worth spending money on; as the cheaper alternatives are often the very definition of a false economy. Not that we're suggesting throwing your iPhone off of a bridge anytime soon if you do follow our advice – a screen protector is just a line of defence (as is a case with a lip).
Can I install a screen protector myself?
Yes. All you need to do is clean your phone screen, hold the protector by the sides, remove the adhesive film, align it, then gently apply it and push any remaining air bubbles to the edges. Some protectors include useful alignment tools to ensure perfect positioning every time so it's always best to check the application instructions.
Can I put a screen protector on more than once?
Screen protectors are usually designed to be applied once and remain, however it's sometimes possible to lift it and re-align it, especially if it is soon after you have applied it. This might be thoguht of as part of the process of removing bubbles.
How to choose the best iPhone screen protector
To find the right iPhone screen protector for you, there are several key factors you should take into account. Firstly, prioritize the material: opt for tempered glass protectors over plastic ones, as they offer superior durability and clarity. Compatibility is crucial; ensure the protector fits your iPhone model precisely to avoid any sizing issues.
Look for features like oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints and smudges, maintaining screen clarity. Thickness also matters; choose a balance between slimness for touchscreen sensitivity and thickness for protection against impacts. Additionally, consider extras such as anti-glare or blue light filtering for improved viewing comfort. Finally, assess the installation process; opt for protectors with easy, bubble-free installation methods.
How we test iPhone screen protectors
When testing iPhone screen protectors, we simulate real-world scenarios to assess performance under daily usage conditions. Our evaluations include assessing durability through scratch and impact tests to gauge protection levels. We evaluate clarity and touchscreen responsiveness to ensure the protector doesn't hinder user experience. We also test for ease of installation and compatibility with various iPhone models.
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