By
Lauren Hannula Managing Editor
Updated

The latest Apple iPhone models are designed to be highly durable machines, but no phone is invincible. That’s why a screen protector is an essential iPhone accessory for those who want to keep their phone safe and crack-free for years to come. 

But not all screen protectors are built the same. Some use cheap plastic that might protect your screen from light scratches, but does little to enhance overall durability.

We’ll go over the best screen protectors for different needs, from overall protection to privacy and anti-glare. All of the products we’re featuring here are made with tempered glass, which is the highest quality material for a screen protector. Also, all of them will work with multiple iPhone models (just be sure to click on the correct model before you check out!).

Compare the best screen protectors for iPhone

Best overall Best for privacy Best for anti-glare Best with MagSafe
UltraGlass UNBREAKcable Mothca Matte Glass ESR
Full edge-to-edge protection Tinted glass keeps others from seeing your screen Matte finish makes it easy to see even in bright conditions Full case with tempered glass protection
Can withstand drops from up to 12 ft. Great tempered glass construction Great overall protection Extra magnets for MagSafe attachment
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UltraGlass UNBREAK TOP 9H+: Best overall tempered glass screen protector for iPhone


  • Pros: Can withstand high impacts and high drops, easy to install
  • Cons:
  • On the pricey side

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If you’ve ever had a cracked iPhone screen, then you know it’s worth investing a few extra bucks to get the best protection for your phone. With that in mind, we give you the UltraGlass UNBREAK TOP 9H+. 

This screen protector doesn’t just have a big name, it also offers the best overall scratch protection for iPhone on the market. That’s thanks to “military-grade aerospace glass with 3X Tempered Edge Reinforcement.” 

According to UltraGlass, this screen protector will keep your phone safe even when it’s dropped from up to 12 feet, absorbing up to 220 points of impact force. And it’s not just the middle of your screen that’s protected. The UNBREAK TOP 9H+ has a rounded edge that reaches to the very end of your screen, making it the very best edge-to-edge screen protector for iPhone users. 

On top of this powerful protection, the UNBREAK TOP 9+ has a simple, foolproof installation system. It will guard your screen from fingerprints and other smudges. Plus, it helps with eye strain by blocking blue light, so you can stay up all night doomscrolling (though it can’t protect against brain strain).

UNBREAKcable: Best privacy screen protector for iPhone


  • Pros: Protection and privacy in one affordable product
  • Cons: Can be harder to see your screen in low-light settings

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We’ve all been there: you’re in line at the grocery store or at your desk at work, trying to view a meme that your bestie sent to you, and all of a sudden you realize someone is looking over your shoulder. Well, worry no more. 

Introducing the UNBREAKcable privacy screen protector. This tempered glass screen protector will save you from scratches, drops, and any unwanted snooping. 

The UNBREAKcable screen protector only allows the user who’s sitting right in front of it to see what’s on the screen. Anyone who is at a 28 degree angle (or more) will only be able to see a blurry picture. Anyone who’s at a 45 degree angle (or more) will see nothing at all. Plus, it’s easy to install and offers fingerprint protection!

Mothca Matte Glass: Best anti-glare screen protector for iPhone


  • Pros: Powerful protection for your phone and your eyes
  • Cons: Some users report air bubbles after installation

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You want your iPhone to be new and shiny, right? Of course. But you don’t want that shine to be a glare reflecting off your screen when you’re trying to Zoom into a work meeting or watch your favorite sports team. 

Thankfully, there are matte, anti-glare screen protectors that are designed to make looking at your phone easier on your eyes. This particular product from Mothca is our favorite. 

It’s made out of tempered glass that’s rated 9H for screen hardness (that’s about as high as it gets). It’s smooth to the touch and uses the same anti-glare technology as an e-reader screen. Just be sure to use the application kit carefully, as some users have reported air bubbles.

ESR: Best MagSafe-compatible screen protector for iPhone


  • Pros: Affordable MagSafe-compatible screen protection for iPhone
  • Cons: Makes phone slightly bulkier due to 360 degree case

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None of the screen protectors we’ve highlighted here will block MagSafe technology. That’s because they all mount to the front of your screen, leaving the back totally open. However, this ESR case and screen protector will actually help your phone stick to MagSafe accessories even better

This sleek, low-profile iPhone case has a built-in, tempered glass screen protector that offers 9H+ protection. On the back, it has raised-edge compartments for your phone’s camera lenses, as well as a ring of magnets with 1,500 g of holding force. These magnets make it easier to attach your phone to MagSafe chargers and accessories.

Are iPhone screen protectors actually worth it?


Apple’s iPhones are durable right out of the box. They are made with advanced materials that are resistant to scratches and shattering. Most iPhones come with a decent warranty, too. However, if you could add a little bit of extra protection for just a few dollars, wouldn’t you want to? 

A high-quality screen protector will give you an added layer of protection against scratches, drops, and other accidents, without adding all of the bulk of a full-on phone case. Screen protectors can also add features like anti-glare and privacy protection. 

Plus, they’re cheap! Even the higher-end screen protectors are cheaper than getting your iPhone repaired.

Best iPhone screen protectors: FAQs


iPhones don’t need screen protectors. The latest models of iPhone are made with Apple’s proprietary Ceramic Shield technology, which is extremely tough and scratch-resistant. That said, a quality screen protector does add protection from scratches, shattering, and can add other benefits like anti-glare technology.

Lauren Hannula

Managing Editor

Lauren Hannula
Lauren is WhistleOut's Managing Editor. With over 14 years of digital writing and publishing experience, she's developed a passion for breaking down overly complex topics to offer easy, affordable solutions that help make the most of the tech you already have in your pocket. Her work has appeared in industry stalwarts such as CNET, Yahoo! News, and Forbes.

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