What type of screen protector do you need?

Finding the right screen protector is a tricky proposition.

The first few generations of iPhones used Gorilla Glass, as do several Android phones, which is designed to handle drops, bumps, dings, and scratches. Over the years, Apple replaced its screen with Ceramic Shield (also manufactured by Corning), and other phone makers have their own tempered, touch-responsive solutions.

But, despite the notable advances in chemistry and layering, glass is still glass. It can shatter, crack, or splinter, making the phone entirely unusable until repaired or replaced.

That’s why screen protectors are still considered a must-have by most phone users. They’re a useful way to protect your phone screen, and may offer other useful features like anti-glare properties or privacy coating. The downside: Screen protectors are single-application products, and you can only apply one to your device at a time.

So, what screen protector is actually the best?

In this article, we’ll talk about the types of screen protectors out there so that you find the one that makes the most sense for your lifestyle.

Let’s hop in.

Type	Durability	Clarity	Texture/ Feel	Price
PET Film	Scratch protection only	Decent clarity, slightly glossy	Thin, smooth, almost invisible	$
TPU Film	Moderate, flexible, handles small impacts	Fair, may yellow over time	Slightly rubbery, self-healing	$$
Tempered Glass	High – strong against scratches and drops	Excellent clarity	Smooth glass feel, thicker layer	$$ – $$$
Multi-layered protectors	Varies based on layers	Often has anti-glare properties	Thicker; more noticeable	$$
Liquid Glass	Low-moderate coating only	Excellent visibility	Feels like bare glass	$ – $$

The main types of screen protectors

Most screen protectors that you’ll see while shopping fall into a small handful of categories.

Each type of screen protector is made from different materials and will offer varying levels of damage protection and screen clarity. This will affect how the protector feels while you use it, whether it really protects your screen, and how it reacts under wear and tear.

Understanding these categories will make it easier to decide which options fit your lifestyle and specific use case.

Here’s a closer look.

PET

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) screen protectors are one of the most common and basic options when protecting your phone screen from potential damage. These protectors are relatively inexpensive, nearly invisible once applied, and are a common choice for users who want an extra layer of defense against everyday wear and tear.

PET plastic is generally light and flexible, and that added flexibility opens up a variety of extra features like anti-glare or privacy screens that are often hard to find on other types of screen protectors. Plus, because PET protectors are so lightweight and thin, they won’t interfere with cases or covers like other, bulkier alternatives.

Of course, that thinness comes with some downsides. PET protectors don’t offer strong protection against drops or heavy impacts. These protectors can handle scuffing and minor scratches while staying largely out of sight. That said, if you need protection against rough use, you’ll want to consider sturdier alternatives.

Popular variations include:

• Anti-glare PET. This type of PET protector is generally used to minimize reflections from direct sun or harsh indoor lighting. Typically, anti-glare protectors have a matte coating meant to diffuse and disperse light so that the display is easier to see in unfavorable conditions.
  
• Privacy PET. These protectors help to minimize the threat of prying eyes by narrowing the viewing angle with a built-in filter. Essentially, the protector makes it difficult or impossible to view the phone screen from an angle, instead requiring the user to be looking at it directly.
  
• Anti-fingerprint PET. Shared with other types of screen protectors, anti-fingerprint / oleophobic coatings are designed to minimize the accumulation of skin oils on your device. However, these coatings are usually temporary, and their effectiveness fades over time.

TPU

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) screen protectors are another popular option. Unlike stiffer PET plastics, TPU is soft and flexible, making it an ideal choice for absorbing smaller impacts and resisting minor scratches. TPU also has a reputation as a “self-healing” surface, meaning that light scuffs and scratches can fade over time as the material shifts back into place.

Because TPU is flexible, it can also cover areas that PET and glass protectors struggle with, like curved screens on Android devices. The combined flexibility and durability make TPU a practical middle ground between the affordability of PET and the toughness of tempered glass.

Similar to PET, TPU protectors come with some tradeoffs. TPU has a distinct, slightly rubbery feel when sliding, swiping, and scrolling, and the protector may discolor or yellow over time. The installation process tends to be trickier for TPU, when compared to more rigid alternatives, especially if you’re trying to avoid bubbles.

Popular variations include:

• Self-healing TPU. These protectors gradually repair minor scratches over time. This is common in TPU protectors, because the polymer can shift and settle over time, closing gaps left by minor scratches and scuffs. While this might sound appealing, keep in mind that TPU’s ability to heal is very limited in scope.
  
• “Full Coverage” TPU. These protectors are usually meant for curved displays or wraparound screens and are equipped to handle the distinct shapes and challenges associated with designs.
  
• Anti-glare & privacy TPU. Similar to PET screen protectors, some TPU protectors offer matte-finished, anti-glare functionality or privacy coatings. Often, these features are touted alongside other functionality, including self-healing or scratch resistance.

Tempered Glass

One of the most popular choices for smartphone screen protectors, tempered glass is made from heat-treated or chemically enhanced glass. This approach provides much better scratch resistance and impact protection, which makes tempered glass an appealing choice for devices that see heavy use and handling.

Due to their rigidity and thickness, these protectors are often easier to install than flexible PET or TPU films. Many come with alignment trays or tabs to minimize bubbles and other problems during application. They also add a noticeable layer of protection, which can mean the difference between a shattered phone screen and a minor crack in the protector itself.

However, there are a few caveats. 

Similar to your phone screen, tempered glass is still glass. It can chip or shatter under enough pressure, and it has a lower impact tolerance than the phone itself. What causes the tempered glass protector to shatter might not have harmed your device at all. This creates a scenario where the protector looks like it saved the phone screen from damage when, in truth, the phone itself was never in any danger. Inversely, a strong impact can shatter both the protector and the glass underneath.

These protectors are also far thicker than film-based alternatives, which can impact cases or covers, and which many users find bulky. Although rare, some tempered glass protectors are so thick that they can also interfere with touchscreen sensitivity. If you choose this type of protector, check the reviews before purchasing.

Popular variations include:

• Clear glass. This standardized version of tempered glass offers clear visuals and excellent clarity, but it can sometimes catch extra reflections.
  
• Anti-glare. Usually offered in a matte finish, anti-glare tempered glass provides similar results to PET and TPU films, but the increased thickness of the protector can lead to reduced sharpness.
  
• Privacy glass. As with PET and TPU films, privacy finishes use filters and coatings to block side viewing angles so that your phone screen is more difficult to see.
  
• Hybrid glass. Sometimes called “flexible glass,” this variation is generally thinner and bend-resistant, blending some of the traits of TPU/PET films and glass.

Other variations

While the three types of screen protectors listed above are the most common solutions, there are several newer, up-and-coming solutions that are also worth considering.

Some of these options are less popular due to difficult application, or they simply won’t fit well in any of the above categories.

Liquid glass

As the name implies, liquid glass protectors are applied as a liquid and then harden into a protective shell over the top of your phone screen. The idea is that users can simply apply the protector by wiping them on, similar to how you might clean your screen.

However, their effectiveness is regularly drawn into question and is up for debate. At best, an applied coating of liquid glass would only be a few molecules thick. Placed against a phone screen — which has already been chemically treated for hardness and scratch resistance — it’s hard to confirm if these types of protectors actually do anything at all.

Some users suggest that liquid protectors might refresh the oleophobic coating on an older device, but it’s difficult to confirm since results using liquid glass seem to vary greatly by experience.

All-in-one cases & covers

Typically, all-in-one protectors are a case/cover combination with a plastic protector built into the case. When you put your phone inside the case, the plastic film sits atop your phone to protect the screen from any damage.

Unlike traditional screen protectors, the covering isn’t actually attached to your device. If you were to remove the case, the cover would come with it. Because the phone also needs to sit inside a case, this approach adds a notable amount of bulk to your phone in exchange for added drop and impact protection.

The all-in-one approach has fallen out of favor in recent years, as more traditional brands in the space have moved toward separating cases and screen covers into separate solutions.

Multi-layer protectors

Although growing in popularity, multi-layer protectors like our very own Fresh Coat are still relatively new. These devices work by compressing multiple layers of protection into a single protector.

For example, Fresh Coat features five layers of precision-engineered protection, including:

• Anti-reflectivity coating to reduce reflections in harsh light.
• Oleophobic and hydrophobic coating to minimize smudges and improve water resistance.
• Tempered glass layer for added hardness and scratch resistance.
• Dust barrier to prevent dust from slipping between the protector and the screen.
• Impact resistant bonding for added shock absorption and better adhesion.

Each layer and coating is applied precisely to create a more holistic protector without creating a product that’s overly thick or unusable. That means that Fresh Coat can fit seamlessly with any case while still providing a great defense against damage.

Other multi-layer solutions will have their own configurations and features. Some claim to increase tensile strength or provide UV resistance. Others have a silicone coating to protect against drops.

However, because this category is relatively new, the protectors will vary in scope and effectiveness. Check reviews before purchasing, and be sure to buy from a brand you trust.

Important features to consider

Choosing the right screen protector isn’t just about the material. Details, price, and overall intentions also matter.

For example, if privacy isn’t a major concern, then it’s probably safe to rule out screen protectors that emphasize privacy coatings. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide what kind of protector you’re looking for and what features you feel that it should include.

While considering your options, here are other factors to consider.

• Cost. Some protectors are more expensive than others. PET protectors tend to be relatively inexpensive, while tempered glass usually carries the highest cost. Budget options may work for scratches, but higher-end models usually offer better impact protection, durability, and longevity.
• Brand reputation. There are thousands of screen protector manufacturers on Amazon, but many will be brands you’ve never heard about offering low-cost options with unverifiable track records. If you’re unsure about a brand (or if the cost seems too good to be true), their products might not be a good match.
• Fit. Not every protector covers the entire screen. Some stop at the bezel, while others can wrap around curved screens. TPU films tend to be the most flexible and offer the best coverage, but you’ll also need to factor how your protector might interact with your phone case, if you have one.
• Finish. Glossy finishes tend to provide maximum screen clarity but can create heavy reflections. Matte finishes cut glare and are easier on the eyes, but they may reduce sharpness and visual fidelity.
• Installation. Some application processes are more involved than others. Some brands offer alignment trays or specialized apps to assist with application (Fresh Coat has both!), but many solutions only provide the protector and instructions to apply by hand. If you’re concerned about your ability to apply a protector, it might be worth considering one with a streamlined application process.
• Protectiveness. If you’re trying to protect your screen, consider what type of protection you need. PET protectors are fine for scratch resistance while TPU adds flexibility and minor impact protection. Tempered glass is sturdier for added resistance to drops and dings, but it’s also thicker.
• Privacy. If protecting your information is important, privacy coatings can help. However, the reduced viewing angles can be a bother if privacy isn’t a concern. Most privacy protectors are very clearly defined, so they’re easy to spot.
• Cleanliness. Many protectors offer hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings to combat liquids and smudges on the screen. Most bare phone screens also have these coatings, but they can fade over time and won’t be useful if covered by a protector. If you’re trying to minimize smudges and liquids on your screen, look for products with the appropriate coatings and resistances.
• Touch sensitivity. Overly thick screen protectors can interfere with a screen’s ability to detect swipes, touches, and taps. This is most likely to impact tempered glass, multi-layered protectors, or all-in-one solutions where the protector is simply too thick.
• Replacement frequency. Many protectors never need to be replaced, but some may need to be swapped if the features they offer deteriorate with use. For example, oleophobic coating fades with time and use. If minimizing smudges is a critical aspect of your experience, you may need to replace your protector after a set amount of time.

At the end of the day, choosing the right screen protector comes down to balancing needs and tradeoffs. No single solution will be perfect, but taking the time to consider cost, fit, finish, and durability ahead of time can make shopping much easier.

Once you know what features matter most to you, finding a protector that aligns with your lifestyle and use case becomes much more approachable.

The best screen protector for different users

With all the options out there, the “best” screen protector really depends on how you use your device.

In this section, we’ve broken down which types of protectors tend to work best for different users and lifestyles. Note that your mileage may vary, depending on your own use case.

Budget shoppers

If you’re just looking for basic scratch protection without high costs, PET screen protectors are the way to go.

PET protectors are thin, inexpensive, and often come in multipacks (useful if you’re nervous about the application process). They won’t help with drops, but most are sturdy enough to prevent the phone screen from picking up scuffs during everyday use.

One caveat to consider: PET is really just a thin strip of plastic with a thin layer of glue for quick adhesion. At the lowest end, the plastic can distort light as it passes through the plastic, creating halos and prismatic aberrations. Similarly, low-quality glue may not adhere properly or may leave residuals that ruin a screen once the protector is removed.

Higher-quality products will use better adhesives and plastics, eliminating these problems. While shopping on a budget, keep those factors in mind.

Outdoor enthusiasts

If you’re using your device outdoors, screen glare can quickly become a major issue. Matte screen protectors can help to cut reflections from harsh sunlight and make your device easier to read. Without one, you may need to seek shade or shield the device with your body in order to actually see the display.

Matte screen protectors, regularly available as both PET and tempered glass, are a great solution for this. The downside to anti-glare screen protectors is the “white fog” or haze created by the plastic coating. This is something you won’t see in clear or hybrid glass protectors, but it’s very common with matte-style anti-glare options. 

Overall, Fresh Coat is probably the best option for this, as the optical grade anti-reflective coating cuts glare by around 75% without adding haze or distortion. Plus, the added contrast keeps details crisp and vibrant, so the display is easier to see and the viewing experience is more comfortable. 

Heavy phone users

If you’re using your phone all day, tempered glass screen protectors are probably the best bet. These solutions provide better impact resistance when compared to PET or TPU, and they can last for years without needing to be replaced. 

While tempered glass costs more than alternative options, the durability is worth the investment for phones that will see heavy use over extended periods. Power users may also benefit from multi-layer solutions like Fresh Coat (also a tempered glass base), which offers anti-reflective coating and improved scratch resistance that can greatly enhance the day-to-day browsing experience.

For users with cases built to handle impact resistance, swapping tempered glass for a specialized PET or TPU solution will also work. Because the case protects against drops and falls, the protector only needs to worry about the screen. In that case, something simple that handles scratch resistance or increases privacy might be a better choice.

Kid-friendly devices

If you’re outfitting a child’s device, TPU or all-in-one solutions provide decent protection for delicate electronics. Tempered glass is also a good option, especially for older kids who don’t need the all-in-one protection but who may accidentally drop a device. 

That being said, kids’ devices are in a category all their own. Many kid-friendly cases — especially those designed for young children — may include screen protectors or protect the device by enclosing it in thick foam and plastic as a safeguard against rough handling. If that’s the case, you may not need an additional screen protector, as the case may be more than enough to endure rough wear and use.

Of course, the downside to these heavy protections is that the device becomes bulky and impractical for adults to use without removing it from the case. If usage is split between kids and family, or if the child is older, a permanent screen protector can help to prevent damage without the added bulk of a thick case.

Business professionals

While there are several steps that can be taken to make a device more secure when handling proprietary or sensitive information, physical screen protectors can also play a role.

Privacy screen protectors are a practical choice to prevent prying eyes while working in a public setting. These protectors limit side-viewing angles so only the user can see what’s on the phone screen. The tradeoff is a reduction in brightness and clarity, but the added privacy will be worth the exchange for teams who need to keep information secure.

The exact protector you need may vary. Privacy protectors are available in PET, TPU, and tempered glass. If you’re using a case or a cover, a thinner solution like PET may be a better fit when compared to tempered glass, which offers more protection but may not fit with certain cases.

Students, note-takers & artists

For users who regularly write on their iPad or tablet with a stylus, a matte screen protector can be used to emulate the feel and resistance of paper. This is a huge benefit for note-takers, many of whom find that their Apple Pencil or stylus slides while writing on a slippery glass surface.

Matte protectors are thin, and the PET-based materials add an extra layer of resistance that makes writing feel more natural. When these protectors are attached, writing and drawing on a digital tablet feels similar to performing those actions on traditional paper.

While it’s possible to use any matte-style protector to achieve results, there are downsides to doing so. Some protectors are too thick or thin, and using them can damage either your stylus or the screen protector itself. Even so, the concept is popular enough that some brands have created protectors to meet this specific use case. 

Our very own Rock Paper Pencil, designed specifically for artists and notetakers, is a great example of this concept.

The best everyday carry screen protector: Fresh Coat

If you’re looking for an iPhone screen protector that feels great for everyday use, Fresh Coat is a standout choice for reducing glare, eliminating dust, and providing extra scratch resistance.

Unlike typical tempered glass screen protectors, Fresh Coat uses a multi-layered design that blends scratch resistance and impact protection with an optical-grade reflective coating. The result is a smooth, matte surface that greatly reduces glare without adding haze or distortions or fogging. Colors remain vivid and crisp, and your screen stays protected from daily wear and tear.

Plus, the thin profile and precision-cut fit makes Fresh Coat the perfect companion for most cases and covers.

Want to give it a try? Fresh Coat is available in our shop for iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models.

FAQ

Do screen protectors affect touch sensitivity or stylus use?

It’s possible!

Most modern tempered glass protectors and TPU screen protectors are thin enough that they won’t interfere with swiping or tapping. However, this can be a problem with tempered glass protectors and with lower-quality brands that lack strong quality control.

Touchscreens work via a process called capacitive sensing. In essence, a transparent, conductive layer covers the screen and can detect taps, swipes, and other interactions. If the display is thick enough, it can interfere with the detection at the conductive layer. In other words, your device won’t realize that you’re trying to interact with it because the protector blocks the sensation that the screen is trying to detect.

When using a stylus, the issue is less about detection and more about long-term preservation of both the screen and the stylus. As the stylus rubs against the protector, it’s possible for the friction to wear down the tip of the stylus or scratch the protective film. 

Rock Paper Pencil offset this problem by providing a durable film and a specialized ballpoint Apple Pencil tip to mitigate the damage and control the wear, but most other brands only provide the protector.

Will a screen protector interfere with Face ID or Touch ID?

It shouldn’t.

Most protectors are cut in such a way that the front-facing camera remains uncovered. If the protector is properly aligned, the film won’t obscure the lens at all. Cases that cover the bezel usually have a small hole for the front-facing camera, as well.

In a similar fashion, neither cases nor screen protectors tend to cover the home button, so the functionality behind Touch ID and fingerprint sensors isn’t obstructed by these products.

What’s the best way to install a screen protector?

For best results, you’ll want to set aside some time and space specifically for the installation. A common recommendation is to apply the protector in a dust-free environment, like a humid bathroom after a hot shower.

Wash your hands and wipe down the device with a microfiber cloth. Use an alcohol wipe, a dust sticker (or both!) to remove any lingering dust. If you’re not in a humid environment, keep a close eye on the screen before attempting application, as dust particles in the air can settle on the screen in the time between cleaning and application.

Once the screen is spotless, align the protector carefully by following the manufacturer’s instructions. With Fresh Coat, we offer an app and an application frame to make the process simple and easy. However, most brands only provide limited guidance, meaning that you might end up needing to eyeball the alignment and apply the device by hand.

What’s the difference between matte and glossy protectors?

This mostly comes down to glare and overall texture.

Glossy protectors are smooth and offer great image quality. Colors remain vibrant and sharp, but the coating can reflect light easily and make them more difficult to use outdoors or in bright lighting conditions.

Matte protectors use a textured coating meant to diffuse reflections. This makes the screen easier to see in harsh conditions, but it also adds a milky, white “haze” over the screen that can soften the contrast, lower color vibrance, and reduce overall sharpness.

Higher-quality options use optical coatings that reduce the downsides commonly associated with matte protectors while still providing many of the same benefits. For example, Fresh Coat reduces reflections by 75% when compared to a bare phone screen without lowering contrast or adding unwanted haziness.

Do privacy screen protectors reduce screen quality?

Yes, but only slightly.

Privacy protectors work by adding a polarized filter that narrows the screen’s viewing angle.

This keeps people beside you from seeing your display, but it also darkens the image and slightly reduces brightness. The tradeoff is a dimmer but more directional viewing experience. 

To offset this, users can increase the phone brightness at the cost of reduced battery life. Even with that added brightness, the viewing angles remain restricted.

Do I need a screen protector if I already use a case?

It depends on the case.

A case generally protects the edges and back of the device while a protector guards the display (often the most expensive part to repair). However, even with raised bezels or bumpers, screens can still get scratched by sand or grit that slips between the case and the display. Carrying your phone in your pocket alongside objects like keys can also damage the display.

If you’re already using a rugged case that encloses the screen completely, an additional protector might be redundant. For slim and open-face cases, a protector can be an important layer of defense.

Should I use the same type of screen protector for my iPhone and iPad?

Probably not. Phones and tablets are used differently, and the protectors and equipment used to interact with them should reflect that.

For example, tablets are more likely to see use as a drawing or note-taking platform than an iPhone simply due to the size of the display. If that’s your use case, a screen protector that offers added functionality in that space would be useful … even if that usage doesn’t translate to a phone.

At the same time, many brands make protectors for phones but not for tablets, so it’s likely that both your use case and the brand you use may be different.