As we use our devices more and more over time, our desire is to protect them as much as possible. Whether it’s for a smartphone, tablet, computer, or a Nintendo Switch, products like a screen protector can go a long way to stretching the lifespan of a favorite device. Using a screen protector is never a guarantee you can avoid damage, but it can certainly go a long way to making you feel more protected.
The last thing anyone wants is a scratch on their smartphone, tablet, or other devices. It ends up nagging at you forever and in most cases, the only solution is a screen replacement. Unfortunately, screen replacements are expensive and a headache. Thankfully, screen protectors can help give you peace of mind without costing you a fortune.
With this in mind, let’s look at the best screen protectors for your devices.
- #1 Best Overall: Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector
- Best for Android: amFilm OneTouch Screen Protector
- Best for Nintendo Switch OLED: Spigen Tempered Glass screen protector
- Best for iPad: ESR Screen Protector
- Best for Privacy: Zagg Invisible Shield Glass screen protector
- Best for Drops: Zagg Invisible Shield screen protector
#1 Best Overall: Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector
- Easiest install process
- Two screens included
- Made for iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13
- Made from durable tempered glass
When it comes to best-in-class screen protectors, the Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector is the way to go.
With an easy install process that’s second to none, the Spigen Tempered Glass is great for iPhone owners. While made for all iPhone generations, this model is made for the iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13. Rated at 9H hardness, on a scale out of 10, this made the Spigen highly protective against scratches.
The best aspect of the Spigen and why it’s such a favorite is its auto-alignment installation kit. This really is a foolproof install process. Remove any dust or fingerprints on your screen with the included wipes and dust sticker, align the screen protector, and, voila, you’re protected.
Once installed, you will enjoy the exact same amount of brightness and screen quality as the actual iPhone screen. There is no loss of touch sensitivity or clarity, which makes the Spigen an easy sell for iPhone owners. As a final bonus, Spigen includes 2 protectors with every purchase.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easiest install process in the screen protection space | More expensive than many competitors |
| Two screens included with the purchase |
Make sure to pick up the Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector from Amazon today.
Best for Android: amFilm OneTouch Screen Protector
- Fit Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus and other Android devices
- Includes 2 screen protectors and lens covers
- Made from scratch-resistant 9H hardness glass
- Oleophobic coating reduces fingerprints
For the best Android screen protector option available for Galaxy S22 owners, look no further than the amFilm OneTouch Screen Protector.
Capable of a perfect installation within 60 seconds, the amFilm OneTouch is a no-brainer option if you want to protect your smartphone’s screen. Sized just right for the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus, the amFilm One Touch screen protector also comes in sizes for a very large variety of other Android devices.
Similar to the Spigen model for iPhones, there is absolutely no loss of quality in screen clarity and brightness once installed. You also receive 9H hardness quality, which means your Galaxy will withstand scratches and fingerprints with ease. amFilm even claims you should receive 99.9% of original transparency once installed.
One final note is that amFilm includes two screen protectors and two lens protectors with its auto-alignment kit. To install, all you have to do is wipe your phone screen, frame up the installation kit, and swipe down the middle. It’s that simple.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent choice for Android fans | Lens covers are not always the best fit |
| Includes 2 screen protectors and lens covers | Doesn’t fit Galaxy S22 Ultra |
Grab the amFilm OneTouch Screen Protector from Amazon and protect your Android phone from scratches today.
Best for Nintendo Switch OLED: Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector
- Water-resistant, anti-fingerprint tempered glass
- 9H hardness
- Oleophobic coating
- Includes an auto-alignment installation kit
Another best-in-class option for Nintendo Switch owners, the Spigen Tempered Glass screen protector is an easy choice.
Rated 9H for its hardness, the Spigen Tempered Glass screen protector is a smart choice for Nintendo Switch OLED owners. Helping preserve the life of your Nintendo Switch OLED should be a top priority and a screen protector can help.
As is the case for the Spigen iPhone option, the Spigen screen protector for the Nintendo Switch OLED preserves the screen brightness. This means you won’t lose any of the OLED screen’s brilliant colors and clarity once a screen protector is installed.
To help fit the screen protector on the Switch, you start by removing your Joy-Cons or third-party Switch controllers. Once removed, the Spigen’s installation tray is a perfect fit on the Switch OLED frame and installs within a few seconds. After installation, Switch owners can feel at ease knowing there is absolutely no disruption to adding and removing the Switch out of its dock with the screen protector installed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super easy installation process | Cannot install with Joy-Cons attached |
| Preserves the sharp colors of the OLED screen | Might impact the fit of some protective skins |
Keep your Nintendo Switch OLED free from scratches by picking up the Spigen Tempered Glass screen protector from Amazon.
©Dmitry-Arhangel 29/Shutterstock.com
Best for iPad: ESR Screen Protector
- Only 0.3mm thick when installed
- Works with Apple Pencil and Face ID
- Clear and responsive
- Complete customer support
As much as you want to protect your smartphone device from scratches, your iPad deserves the same treatment with the ESR Screen Protector.
Available for the iPad Air, iPad Pro, and a variety of Android tablets including the Samsung Galaxy Tab series, the ESR screen protector is a terrific choice. The biggest highlight of the ESR model is its tempered glass film with its alignment frame.
As is the choice with every other tempered glass choice on this list, the ESR offers a 9H hardness, which does a great job of preventing scratches and fingerprints. At only 0.3mm thick, it’s almost imperceptible once installed on a tablet, especially if you have a case available.
Best of all, there is zero interruption to the functionality of the Apple Pencil or Face ID. Touchscreen use remains just as good as always and colors stand out just as they would without the screen protection. As an added bonus, ESR also includes 2 screens and 2 cleaning kits as part of its packaging.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works with Apple Pencil and Face ID | Could interfere with some thin cases |
| Only 0.3mm thick when installed | Larger sizes are more costly |
Your iPad needs to be protected with the ESR Screen Protector, which is available from Amazon right now.
Best for Privacy: Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy Screen Protector
- Very easy installation process
- Privacy protection against inquisitive eyes
- Reinforced edges
- Clean, smudge-free screen
If you have any concerns about privacy with your iPhone, go with the Zagg Invisible Shield Glass screen protector.
Available for the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 13 Pro, and dozens of other smartphones, the Zagg Invisible Shield Glass Elite is an easy choice. Once installed, the 2-way privacy filter on the Zagg all but eliminates the ability to see your screen from different angles. The good news is that Zagg’s EZ Apply installation process will have the Zagg added to your phone within 60 seconds.
Zagg claims its Glass Elite Privacy protector has a 4-way privacy filter across the entirety of the screen. Unless you are staring straight at the screen, it should be very difficult to see anything on the screen.
Of course, privacy isn’t the only highlight of the Zagg Elite Privacy. As soon as it’s installed, iPhone or Android owners receive up to 5x more protection than the manufacturer’s glass. Zagg’s ion exchange technology will greatly improve your screen’s chances of survival when dropped.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Privacy protection against inquisitive eyes | Makes it difficult to see the phone from any angle that isn’t looking straight |
| Very easy installation process | Pricey compared to other options on this list |
If you value privacy above all else, the Zagg Invisible Shield Glass screen protector can be found on Amazon.
Best for Drops: Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Screen Protector
- Outstanding drop protection
- Easy installation process
- Reinforced edges
- Clean, smudge-free screen
If avoiding broken screens from drops is your top priority, the Zagg Invisible Shield screen protector is a fantastic option.
One of Zagg’s top priorities with the Invisible Shield Glass Elite is its ability to protect your phone against drops. In the case of the iPhone 14 Pro, the Invisible Shield adds 5 times more shatter protection than competitor options. Zagg’s ion matrix technology helps ensure your phone is well protected against drops face down as well as on the corners. Thankfully, Zagg makes this product for a host of smartphones including numerous Android models.
Should you drop your smartphone, the Zagg’s reinforced edges will help prevent any chips or cracks from growing. The company’s ion exchange technology is what gives Zagg its increased strength against any type of bumps or bruises.
As good as the Zagg is at preventing damage when dropped, it’s equally good at maintaining a smudge-free screen. You can say goodbye to fingerprints thanks to Zagg’s ClearPrint technology across the smartphone spectrum. All it takes is a 60-second install process and fingerprint smudges are a thing of the past.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding drop protection | Pricey protection |
| Easy installation process | Not available for all smartphones |
When you want to do everything to prevent drop damage, the Zagg Invisible Shield screen protector is what you need to get from Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Screen Protector: Step-by-Step
If you’re finally choosing to pick up a screen protector to protect your favorite devices, there are a few factors to consider first.
- Compatibility
- Material
- Privacy
Compatibility
When choosing a screen protector, compatibility matters above all else. The last thing you want is to find a great protector that doesn’t fit your device. Carefully choose the best option on this list and find it for your smartphone, tablet, or other favorite device. A strong fit is the best way to maximize protection against scratches and drops.
Material
For the most part, the best protection for your screen is made out of tempered glass. As a durable and scratch-resistant material, tempered glass is also relatively inexpensive. You can find alternative options like Paperlike that feel more like paper, which is better for drawing on a tablet for example. Plastic protectors are going to be the least expensive and also the least protective.
Privacy
If you really value your privacy, a privacy-based screen protector might be a great fit. Most tempered glass protectors are made to help recreate the same level of clarity as your device’s original screen. However, privacy protectors can do both by stopping prying eyes without impacting the responsiveness or clarity of your screen. This means anyone trying to use a side angle to look at your phone won’t be able to do so.
©Nor Gal/Shutterstock.com
What to Know Before Buying a Screen Protector
If you attempt to search Amazon for a screen protector for any device, you are going to be hit with hundreds of results. This is why it’s so important to know that sticking with name brands in this space is what’s best for your devices. Names like Zagg, Otterbox, Spigen, ESR, amFilm, and Ailun are all tried and true names.
As important as your devices are, you don’t want just any screen protector on your device. You definitely want a name and brand you can trust to avoid damage and scratches. This is why it might be worth spending a little more to stick with a brand name you can trust. Spigen, for example, is widely regarded as the best-reviewed screen protector available today. Better yet, Spigen doesn’t charge you a fortune even with this well-deserved reputation for excellence.
Using a Screen Protector: What It’s Like
In the case of a screen protector, using one should feel as close to your original screen as possible. The last thing you want is to add protection to your device only to impact its overall responsiveness. Ideally, brands like Zagg and Spigen do a fantastic job of essentially giving you 99.9% responsiveness as you would get with your default screen from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other popular smartphone brands.
The good news is that these brands almost always hit their mark as far as their commitment to providing customers with a very responsive screen that doesn’t impact color clarity or brightness levels. As many of these are also easy to install in under a minute, there is a very good case to be made for purchasing them.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Nor Gal/Shutterstock.com.
