If you’ve got a vested interest in iPad screen protectors that improve your drawing and note-taking experience, you will have heard of Paperlike. It’s one of the best-known brands, capturing the attention of iPad users all over the globe. The name is a true indication of Paperlike’s confidence — the brains behind Paperlike believe it offers a realistic paper-like experience.
So, is Paperlike worth it? Some notetakers are satisfied with the friction, feel, performance, and Apple Pencil compatibility. Others are frustrated by the difficult installation process, the unsustainable single-use nature, and the high price point.
Ultimately, Paperlike isn’t the only option available. Plenty of other matte iPad screen protectors feel like real paper, without the disadvantages inherent in Paperlike. In other words, you don’t have to settle for Paperlike just because it has a recognizable name.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of Paperlike — as well as a few alternatives, to help you make a decision.
What is a paper-feel screen protector?
First things first — what is a paper-feel screen protector?
Let’s break it down. You already know what an iPad screen protector is. It’s that thin piece of plastic (or tempered glass) attached to most screens. When you drop your iPad, the protector absorbs the impact, lessening the likelihood of cracks and expensive trips to the tech hospital.
But that’s a basic screen protector. These days, there are many different types, including those with a matte finish. Matte surfaces reduce glare, instantly improving your digital viewing, writing, or drawing experience.
Matte screen protectors also introduce texture to your screen, a far cry from the typical slippery surfaces iPad users are accustomed to.
Paper-like matte screen protectors are the next level up. Here, the texture isn’t just a byproduct of creating a matte screen. In fact, the textured surface is specifically engineered to replicate the “tooth” (or grain) of paper. You have way more control and can recreate your personal writing or drawing style on your iPad.
Paperlike, Rock Paper Pencil, and other paper-like screen protectors are designed for artists, notetakers, and students. Basically, anyone who uses an Apple Pencil regularly.
Why people love Paperlike
Here’s why some digital notetakers and illustrators love Paperlike.
Greater Apple Pencil control
Whether you agree or disagree that Paperlike offers the most paper-like digital experience, there’s no denying that the textured screen improves the amount of control you have over your Apple Pencil.
One of the most common complaints digital notetakers have is that they struggle to transfer their analog handwriting style to a slippery iPad screen. This is because Apple Pencil nibs and iPad screens have very little friction, making them much more slippery than a traditional pencil and paper.
Paperlike’s patented Nanodots technology creates friction similar to that of a pencil on paper. Compared to an iPad’s standard slippery screen, Paperlike has a much more recognizable, manageable surface for notetakers and digital artists.
With a Paperlike on your iPad, it’s much easier to replicate your personal handwriting. And, if you’re still struggling to perfect your digital handwriting style, we’ve got a bunch of tips for you. How to Make Handwriting Better on iPads includes everything from tech-centric tips to insider advice.
Enhances the feeling of handwriting
Handwriting aside, Paperlike also improves the kinetic experience of writing. The act of writing by hand is powerful in itself; it forces your brain to comprehend the material on a deeper level, making revision sessions much more effective.
Digital artists also benefit from this. Many illustrators, graphic designers, and doodlers have developed their own personal style, including hand gestures and subconscious workflows. By transforming your iPad into a piece of paper — or something strikingly similar — you can transfer your manual workflows to a digital environment.
Reduces glare and reflections
Paperlike’s Nanodots technology doesn’t just create pen-on-paper realness; it also reduces glare and reflections. This allows you to take notes and create illustrations on the go, whether you’re on the bus, studying in the park, or just in a brightly lit environment.
Fingerprint resistance
Another one of Paperlike’s selling points is its fingerprint resistance. Paperlike promises fewer smudges than a standard iPad screen, giving you full visibility when it happens. It might seem like a small advantage, but it makes all the difference.
What you should know before buying Paperlike
To truly answer the question “Is Paperlike worth it?”, we need to cover the most common criticisms.
Reduces screen sharpness and brightness
If you like your iPad screen bright and sharp, Paperlike isn’t for you.
The matte screen protector diffuses light, which has the knock-on effect of reducing screen brightness. For some, it’s a reasonable trade-off. After all, you can go into your iPad settings and manually increase the brightness.
Professional digital drawers might struggle with this side effect. And to top things off, not only does Paperlike reduce brightness, but it also has a frustrating grainy quality to it. Graphics, notes, and even just simple lines appear blurred — a big problem for artists.
Wears down Apple Pencil tips faster
In general, casual iPad users have to replace their Apple Pencil tips once every two years. However, this all depends on your personal style, usage, and preferred pressure. Artists and notetakers who use their iPad more frequently may need to budget for a new tip every two months.
Let’s be real: all matte screen protectors cause some degree of wear and tear. The textured surface creates greater friction, meaning you’ll likely need to replace your Apple Pencil tip sooner than if you were using a standard iPad screen.
Unfortunately, Apple Pencil tips are no match for Paperlike matte screen protectors. It’s a well-known fact that a Paperlike protector will drastically decrease the longevity of your tips.
Realistically, daily Paperlike users might have to buy new tips every couple of months. A four-pack of Apple Pencil replacement tips costs $19, so you could spend over $100 on tips every year. To save money, you could opt for a nameless alternative, but you might not get the same precision and control.
Tricky to install
As much as Paperlike’s online tutorial tries to convince us that installation is easy, it was anything but. We had to source tools that aren’t included with the screen protector and use a bunch of stickers to align the Paperlike.
Bubbles and dust particles pose a big threat to the effectiveness of your Paperlike, but it’s hard to install it without capturing at least a few air bubbles underneath.
Paperlike is aware of the problem, but the solution might leave you scratching your head. They suggest installing Paperlike in your bathroom after a hot shower. Apparently, the steam helps settle dust particles in the air, making them less likely to appear underneath your screen protector.
But if you still get bubbles and dust, don’t worry, there’s another step you can follow. Paperlike recommends using a hard, flat piece of plastic to push the bubbles out, but this solution is undermined by the fact that you have to source the tool yourself. It’s easy enough to grab a credit card from your bag, but it’s yet another step in a tricky, frustrating process.
💡Good to know: Rock Paper Pencil features static cling technology called NanoCling that streamlines the installation process. Just place the protector on your iPad…. There you have it. Want to take it off? No problem, it’s removable and reusable, just peel one corner off and the rest will follow.
To make matters worse, once it’s on, it won’t come off. Paperlike’s paper-feel screens are single-use. So, if you install the protector crooked or, after following all the steps, still have bubbles and dirt underneath your screen, it’s game over.
With all these problems laid bare, we have to wonder, is Paperlike worth it for digital artists and notetakers?
Who should consider one (and who shouldn’t)
Paperlike is here to stay. Despite the pitfalls of buying (and installing) a Paperlike screen protector, it’s still a well-known name, with thousands of people believing it’s worth the hype.
It’s a great fit for artists, digital planners, and regular Apple Pencil users. If you consistently write and/or draw on your iPad, the benefits of Paperlike’s semi-realistic surface are likely to outweigh the negatives. As long as you’re fine with your matte screen protector sticking around for the long haul, you’ll likely benefit from Paperlike.
But if you mostly use your iPad for entertainment, only rarely use your Apple Pencil, and value visual clarity above all else, you might be disappointed.
Paperlike also falls short for people who want value for money. The fact that the screen protector and stylus tips are sold separately left a bad taste in my mouth. Then there’s the lack of sustainability in being a single use product — something that’s hard to ignore in today’s increasingly eco-conscious tech world.
Here’s the catch: You don’t need a Paperlike
To really answer the question, “Is Paperlike worth it?” you need to know one thing: there are plenty of other fish in the sea.
Paperlike is a brand, not a category. It’s an easy mistake to make, especially since the name looks just like the keywords you need to nab a realistic paper-like screen protector.
There are multiple high-quality paper-feel options on the market that solve some of the most common Paperlike complaints. They are more affordable, easier to install, and have similar (or, in some cases, better) textures than Paperlike.
Paperlike alternatives at a glance
If Paperlike doesn’t tick your boxes, you might prefer these alternatives.
Rock Paper Pencil
Buy here: Astropad website
Price: $44.99
Advantages: Screen protector is reusable, feels like paper, and ballpoint Apple Pencil replacement tips are included.
Rock Paper Pencil is a worthy alternative to Paperlike. It’s the only pen-on-paper feel iPad accessory that includes a screen protector and Apple Pencil replacement tips. These elements work together to create a cohesive experience that replicates the friction of ballpoint pen on paper.
The 1mm thick ballpoint nib offers accuracy and a greater sense of control. With Rock Paper Pencil by your side, you can transform illegible digital ink scribbles into effortlessly aesthetic handwriting.
Even better, the matte screen protector is reusable! It’s fitted with NanoCling technology that uses static cling to adhere to your iPad. Installation takes just a few seconds.
Compared to Paperlike, Rock Paper Pencil feels like a dream. The installation process is far easier and quicker, the overall product is more cohesive, and it’s more affordable. In Rock Paper Pencil vs Paperlike, we deep dive into the similarities and differences between these popular iPad screen protectors.
Plus, they even offer a student discount. Anyone with a valid student ID or email can save 33% with this link.
KCT Paperfeel
Buy here: Amazon
Price: $7.98
Advantages: Is affordable, smudge-resistant, and provides a decent level of friction.
KCT Paperfeel is another notable contender, promising a paper-like feeling for a fraction of the cost of Paperlike. Tiny flexible particles give you an impressive level of control and makes your iPad screen feel far more paper-like.
The screen also has a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating that almost eliminates the likelihood of fingerprints and smudges.
Unfortunately, the installation process isn’t as simple as the brand would like you to believe. There’s a long list of instructions and, at the end of it, most iPad users are left with unsightly bubbles or skewed screens.
Still, if you’re in the market for a more affordable Paperlike alternative, this could be the matte screen protector for you. At less than $4 per screen protector, it’s an extremely accessible choice.
For more insights, check out our five favorite Paperlike alternatives for 2025.
Final verdict: worth it — but choose brands carefully
Paper-like iPad screen protectors are a niche in and of themselves, separate from mainstream tempered glass screen protectors. They’re a worthy investment, but only for the right buyer. We recommend them for iPad users who want to leverage the power of creative apps, create their own digital art, and improve their study sessions.
But beware, you have to pick your brands carefully. Overall, Paperlike is a decent option. However, the pitfalls are hard to ignore, and if you’re willing to look outside the popular paper-like screen protector brands, you’ll find a few hidden gems that’ll save your bank account and your sanity.
For example, Rock Paper Pencil solves a lot of the problems inherent in Paperlike. It only takes a few seconds to install and remove, feels just like paper, and comes with Apple Pencil replacement tips that complete your digital pencil-and-paper set up.
Frequently asked paper-feel screen protector questions
Is Paperlike the best paper-feel screen protector?
If we’re solely talking about the pen-on-paper feeling, it’s fair to say that Paperlike is a decent choice. But on the other points (like installation, affordability, and wear and tear), iPad users are divided. To answer the question “Is Paperlike worth it?” we’ve got to broaden our horizons.
Everyone’s version of “the best” is subjective. For some, the best paper-feel screen protector is one that they never have to take off. But a lot of us prefer a bit more flexibility, especially with a device as versatile (and expensive) as an iPad.
Do paper-feel protectors ruin screen clarity?
Not all paper-feel protectors impact screen clarity.
However, it’s a common complaint from Paperlike users. To achieve the matte look, Paperlike screen protectors are engineered to diffuse light. This has a knock-on effect on the brightness and crispness, dulling graphics, illustrations, and handwriting.
Can I draw or write better with a paper-like screen protector?
In theory, yes — but it all depends on which paper-like screen protector you choose. For example, if you can’t try the screen protector because you’ve failed one of the many tricky installation steps, you won’t be able to test its writing and drawing capabilities.
Once you’ve found a matte iPad screen protector that’s easy to install, you should see a marked improvement in your handwriting and drawing. The minuscule textured nodes on the surface of the protector create friction, giving you greater motor control.
Does Paperlike damage Apple Pencil tips?
Yes. It’s a well-known fact that Paperlike wears down Apple Pencil tips more than other paper-like iPad screen protectors. The nodes — which are necessary to create the paper-like feel — rub against your Apple Pencil tip, shaving layers off much quicker.
Some Paperlike users have to replace their Apple Pencil tips every few months, a massive downgrade from the typical year-long lifecycle.
Rock Paper Pencil: A Pen-On-Paper Experience for iPad
Want the protection of an iPad screen protector but are looking for one that can be taken off and remain useable? Rock Paper Pencil is for you!
Designed to create the most realistic pen-on-paper feel for iPad – Rock Paper Pencil includes a reusable, paper-feel iPad screen protector and two ballpoint Apple Pencil tips.
Built with nano-texture technology, Rock Paper Pencil adds subtle friction between your screen and Pencil, giving you more control while drawing or writing.
- NanoCling Screen Protector: Securely bond your screen protector to your iPad using static cling. Easy application, non-adhesive, removable and reusable.
- Matte Texture: Subtle friction mimics the feel of paper (no more slippery glass!)
- Precision Apple Pencil Tips: Smoother, more controlled strokes
