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 | Best premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ailun | UNBREAKcable | Mothca Matte Glass | ESR | Mous |
| Case-friendly tempered glass 3-pack | 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 | Sacrificial-layer glass with an easy applicator |
| Comes with multiples plus an installation frame | Great tempered glass construction | Great overall protection | Extra magnets for MagSafe attachment | Drop-tested, premium-grade durability |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Ailun Glass Screen Protector: Best overall tempered glass screen protector for iPhone
- Pros: Comes in a 3-pack with an installation frame, easy to apply, ultra-thin
- Cons: Basic protection without extras like blue-light filtering
If you’ve ever had a cracked iPhone screen, then you know it’s worth investing a few bucks to protect your phone. For the best all-around value, we recommend the Ailun Glass Screen Protector.
Ailun’s tempered glass is rated 9H for hardness and comes packaged with an installation frame that lines everything up for you, so you get a bubble-free, perfectly centered fit on the first try. Best of all, it ships in a 3-pack, so you always have a backup on hand if one gets scratched or cracked. Ailun makes versions for the latest iPhones, including the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 lineups, so double-check that you’re selecting your exact model before checkout.
Daphne Kelly's experience with the Ailun screen protector
Daphne has relied on Ailun protectors for every iPhone she's ever had after learning the hard way what happens without one, and praises how easy they are to apply.
“I’ve used Ailun glass screen protectors on all of my iPhones but one—and the iPhone that didn’t have a screen protector cracked and gave me a glass splinter. So I refuse to go without one ever again. The Ailun one is nice because it comes with multiples, so I can replace it if it gets a crack. They’re easy to apply and thin enough that I don’t even notice I have a screen protector on.”
At just a few dollars per protector, it’s an easy way to guard against fingerprints, scratches, and the kind of everyday drop that turns into an expensive repair.
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
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
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
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.
Mous Tempered Glass Screen Protector: Best premium screen protector for iPhone
- Pros: Foolproof applicator for a bubble-free install, sacrificial-layer impact protection, water- and oil-resistant
- Cons: More expensive than standard tempered glass protectors
If you’re willing to spend a little more for a premium protector that you’ll rarely have to think about again, the Mous Tempered Glass Screen Protector is worth every penny. It’s built around a “sacrificial layer” design, meaning the glass is engineered to absorb and disperse impact energy that would otherwise reach your display.
Each 2-pack includes a snap-on applicator, alignment tools, and cleaning supplies, so installation is genuinely mistake-proof. The 9H tempered glass carries a water- and oil-resistant coating to cut down on smudges, and Mous offers versions for recent iPhones, including the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series.
Lauren Hannula's experience with the Mous screen protector
Lauren has dropped her phone a lot over the past year and a half since she installed a Mous screen protector, and credits it with keeping her phone virtually unscathed.
“The applicator contraption makes it practically foolproof—no bubbles, no fiddling with alignment, it just goes on perfectly every time. It’s kind of pricey, but totally worth it. I’ve dropped my phone a lot over the past year and a half with hardly any scratches or dings and no chipping. It’s basically made my phone indestructible.”
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, and you can extend that coverage with AppleCare and AppleCare+. 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. And if you spend a lot of time outdoors or near water, pairing one with a waterproof phone case adds even more peace of mind.
Plus, they’re cheap! Even the higher-end screen protectors are cheaper than getting your iPhone repaired. And if something does go wrong, our guides on how to fix your own iPhone and what to do if you break your phone while traveling can help you get back up and running.
Best iPhone screen protectors: FAQs
Do iPhones need screen protectors in 2026?
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.
Which is better: Glass or plastic screen protectors?
Glass screen protectors are better than plastic. The best screen protectors are made with tempered glass that’s rated 9H or above.
Can a screen protector affect Face ID?
A screen protector that covers your front-facing camera could affect Face ID. This is why it’s important to get a high-end screen protector that’s made specifically for your model of phone. When you’re shopping, make sure you look at the compatibility of the screen protector before you purchase it. A screen protector that’s made for an iPhone 16, for instance, may not work with the iPhone 16e or iPhone 16 Pro.
Do screen protectors work with MagSafe?
Yes, screen protectors work with MagSafe. Screen protectors just cover the front of your phone, while MagSafe accessories are designed to attach to the back of your phone. However, some phone cases that cover the entire device may block MagSafe attachment.
Lauren Hannula
Managing Editor
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
.png?w=280&h=280&usm=20&usmrad=0.8&fit=crop "Best Cell Phone Deals for August 2026: Get the New iPhone 17 for Free")
.png?w=280&h=280&usm=20&usmrad=0.8&fit=crop "Cell Coverage Near You: Who Has the Best 5G Network?")
