Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall privacy screen is the SightPro Computer Privacy Screen.
- Whether in a professional or academic setting, computer privacy screens can be widely beneficial or even essential purchases.
- Privacy screens help protect your sensitive data from people nearby and camera surveillance, as well as reduce glare or improve clarity.
- You can find privacy screens to suit any size of monitor or laptop display, and with touchscreen compatibility if required.
Protecting our personal and sensitive data is a hot topic, more than ever before. You may be concerned with guarding your PC against cyberattacks, shielding your workplace’s confidential information from those with malicious intent, or even keeping your physical location private. In any case, there are many good reasons to want to keep your data safe, especially in a professional setting. A significant data breach, whatever the cause, can spell serious consequences for your career or, in the best case, a major hassle. Fortunately, there’s some nifty tech available to help mitigate these dangers – computer privacy screens.
These easy-to-install screens use minuscule vertical blinds to block light from certain angles. This helps to keep your computer’s display and any sensitive information on it secure from anyone who shouldn’t have access. In this article, we’re going to reveal our top picks for the best computer privacy screens, so you can have peace of mind about your data. Take a look at the top-ranked products below:
- Best Overall: SightPro 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter
- Best Widescreen: VINTEZ 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter
- Best for Frameless Screens: Amazon Basics Privacy Screen Filter
- Best for Macs: Kensington MagPro 24″ Monitor Privacy Screen
- Best for Versatility: 3M Privacy Filter for 24″ Widescreen Monitor
Best Overall: SightPro 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter
- Can be used with flat or raised screens
- Anti-glare, anti-blue light
- Secure fit
- Cleaning cloth included
It may seem odd to be excited about privacy screens, but the SightPro 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter delivers where it counts. Nothing has been skimped on here, as pretty much every feature you could desire has been included. There are multiple sizes available, so you’re sure to find one that suits your display. These filters are also designed to work with either curved or flat screens, so rest assured that the fit will be just right. While installation can be a little complicated due to the mounting tabs and adhesive strips required, this does provide a more secure fit than some other alternatives. Anti-glare, UV, and blue light technology come as standard, which is very useful when using your computer for extended periods. Overall, the SightPro filter comes out on top due to its reliability and versatility. The microfiber cleaning cloth that comes with it is always appreciated, too.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used with raised or flat screens | Installation can be a little complicated |
| Cleaning cloth included | |
| Anti-glare, UV, and blue light |
Check out the SightPro 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter on Amazon.
Best Widescreen: VINTEZ 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter
- Blocks out huge amounts of blue and UV light
- Adjustable viewing angle
- Touchscreen-compatible
- Ideal for widescreens
The VINTEZ 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter is both wonderfully wide and beautifully thin, almost as if it’s a regular filter that’s been flattened and stretched out. A huge amount of light is blocked as well – over 90% of UV light and over 60% of blue light. This is definitely a bonus, especially since you’re exposed to more light when viewing a bigger display. It’s a nice touch that the viewing angle is restricted even more than on standard screens. Instead of a 60-degree angle, you’re getting a 30-degree angle with VINTEZ. What’s more, the filter is compatible with touchscreens, so this is a truly versatile screen. All in all, the VINTEZ privacy screen is one of the smartest options for a widescreen display.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Blocks out most UV and blue light | You may have to experiment with mounting options to find a good fit |
| Adjustable viewing angle | |
| Compatible with touchscreens |
Take a look at the VINTEZ 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter on Amazon.
Best for Frameless Screens: Amazon Basics Privacy Screen Filter
- Affordable privacy screen
- Reversible finish
- Bezel tabs and adhesive strips included
- Anti-glare
The name of the Amazon Basics Privacy Screen Filter may not sound like much, but there’s a lot to love here. The standard 60-degree viewing angle restriction and anti-glare are included, but the screen itself is also reversible. While the glossy finish gives you some extra clarity, the matte side tones down glare and reflections to a higher level. You also get two installation options – the bezel tabs provide a secure fit where the screen can be removed when not needed, and the adhesive strips give a stronger hold. The strips are ideal for displays without bezels, where the glass reaches the edge. This screen is designed to fit a 21.5-inch widescreen monitor, so make sure you know your screen size before purchasing.
All in all, this is a great affordable model that does what it says on the tin. The sticking power may leave something to be desired, depending on your monitor, but for the price, we can’t count this privacy screen out of the contest.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two different options for mounting | Not suitable for all screen sizes |
| Reversible finish | Not as adhesive as other options |
| Great choice for frameless displays |
Check out the Amazon Basics Privacy Screen Filter on Amazon.
Best for Macs: Kensington MagPro 24″ Monitor Privacy Screen
- Ideal privacy screen for Macs
- Easy installation and removal with magnetic strips
- Allows laptop to close comfortably
- 30-degree viewing angle
If you’ve got a Mac then the Kensington MagPro 24″ Monitor Privacy Screen is a no-brainer. This screen is available in sizes from 21.5 inches up to 27 inches and can be attached and removed easily. While blue light isn’t reduced as much as in some other models (up to 22%), the viewing angle is restricted to 30 degrees, which is a big improvement over the standard 60. The reversible finish is fairly common with privacy filters, but it is never an unwanted addition. If reducing glare is your priority, using a matte finish will work wonders. The cleaning cloth is a nice touch, as it’s often a forgotten but necessary add-on, as is the protective sleeve for storage.
For a Mac-compatible privacy screen, the MagPro does exactly what you need it to. Extra points are given for easy removal and viewing angle restriction. This is something that’s surprisingly hard to find with a Mac filter, so it’s definitely something to consider.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 30-degree viewing angle | The sides aren’t magnetized, so the screen may protrude slightly |
| Includes protective sleeve and cleaning cloth | |
| Ideal for many Mac sizes | |
| Simple to attach and remove with magnetic strips |
Take a look at the Kensington MagPro 24″ Monitor Privacy Screen on Amazon.
Best for Versatility: 3M Privacy Filter for 24″ Widescreen Monitor
- Reversible finish
- Touchscreen-compatible
- Various styles for clarity or privacy
- Framed and unframed models
Another great choice for a computer privacy screen is the 3M Privacy Filter for 24″ Widescreen Monitor. These screens are consistently held in high regard by their users. 3M produces screens for all kinds of devices, from mobiles and tablets to laptops and desktop PCs. Privacy screens can be framed or unframed and come in three different variants. These deliver a 60-degree restriction on viewing (Black Privacy), touch screen functionality and clear visuals (High Clarity Privacy), or a visual-enhancing and blue light-reducing metallic finish (Gold Privacy). What’s more, these filters are reversible, giving you a matte finish for more glare resistance, and they’re touchscreen-compatible. If you want a little more customization with your privacy screen and have a lot of different devices to cover, 3M is a good bet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Three styles are available to suit your preferences | Hard to remove once in place |
| Reversible filter | |
| Compatible with touchscreens |
Check out the 3M Privacy Filter for 24″ Widescreen Monitor on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Privacy Screens for Computers: Step-by-Step
There are lots of features commonly found on privacy screens, but they’re not all created equal. When looking to buy a new privacy screen for your computer, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Size
- Viewing angle
- Price
- Functionality
- Installation
Let’s take a look at each of these in turn.
Size
While you can find privacy screens that can be trimmed to your desired size, most screens don’t have this option. You could potentially try to cut the screen anyway, but it may not fit properly on your display afterwards. Fortunately, screens are available in all kinds of sizes, so you should be able to find the one you need. Concerning the models in our list, they’re mostly suitable for 24-inch screens, but other sizes are available for each brand.
Viewing angle
This is a big factor to think about since one of the major purposes of a privacy screen is to stop prying eyes over your shoulder from looking at your sensitive information. Usually, the viewing angle is restricted to 60 degrees for most privacy screens. However, some models offer an even more restricted angle, typically 30 degrees. The MagPro from Kensington has this reduced viewing angle, as does the privacy screen from VINTEZ. If a 30-degree angle is highly desirable for you, then one of these brands is a great choice, depending on whether you’re using a Windows PC or a Mac.
Price
Buying the essential gizmos and gadgets for your university course or a new job can quickly add up to a small fortune. Therefore, it’s understandable that you’ll want to save the pennies where you can. When it comes to tight budgets, the privacy screen from Amazon Basics pulls ahead. It’s significantly more affordable than some other options. However, the functionality is quite basic, as is its ability to stick securely to your screen. The 3M and MagPro screens are on the other end of the price spectrum but do give more customization options as well as a better fit. All in all, how important the price is to you will depend on your situation. Most screens can work fairly well in a pinch.
Functionality
In an age where touchscreens aren’t just limited to mobile devices anymore, the functionality of your new privacy screen is worth thinking about. If you rely on the touchscreen of your monitor frequently, then a screen with this compatibility (i.e., the 3M or VINTEZ screen) may seal the deal for you. In addition, some screens have a reversible finish, so you can alternate between anti-glare and maximum clarity. If you have specific needs for your privacy screen, it may be worth checking out their functionality and splashing out a little extra cash.
Installation
Most of the time, installing a privacy screen is a simple affair. Usually, they come with either adhesive strips or bezel clips, or potentially both. Popping the screen into position can be easy, but making sure it stays there is another matter. Likewise, if you want to remove your screen at any point, this can be a little tricky. The SightPro screen offers one of the most secure fits out of this list, and the MagPro screen is particularly easy to install and remove whenever you wish. It’d be smart to consider one of these options if you don’t plan to use your privacy screen all the time.
What to Know Before Buying a Privacy Screen for Your Computer
It could be tempting to splurge on a privacy screen with all the bells and whistles. But it may not be necessary. While it can be nice to have a screen with a 30-degree viewing angle, touchscreen compatibility, and a reversible finish, you may be fine with a simpler option. Most privacy screens come with a 60-degree viewing angle, which offers sufficient discretion in most cases. And if screen glare isn’t too much of an issue for you, then an anti-glare finish might not be essential to have.
Overall, having a screen that allows you to see your display comfortably and fits securely onto your monitor is the most important thing. To this end, be sure that the screen size and aspect ratio are correct for your computer before buying. It’s worth noting that most screen finishes do reduce the clarity of your display somewhat if they’re not designed for high clarity. However, this shouldn’t be an issue for most users.
Using a Privacy Screen for Your Computer: What It’s Like
If you’re using a privacy screen for the first time, it can take a little getting used to. Your screen may appear a little dimmer than normal, especially if you’re using a matte finish. But since most monitors are a lot brighter than they used to be, this shouldn’t be a problem for the average user. Privacy screens tend to have an anti-glare coating as well. As such, the contents of your monitor may actually appear clearer than normal. Having a screen that doesn’t fit properly on your display can be a headache. But one that’s correctly installed is a breeze to use. Overall, a good-quality privacy screen is a worthwhile investment. One of the biggest differences you may notice is a lack of people peering over your shoulder.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ivan Acedo/Shutterstock.com.
