Best smartphone screen protectors 2023: iPhone, Samsung and more

Be clumsy with confidence

martphones can hold entire livelihoods within their small, unobtrusive shells.

From bank account details to precious family photos from over the years – it’s quite spectacular to think about just how far portable, handheld technology has come in the last few decades.

Nevertheless, one thing that smartphones aren’t is durable. That’s not to say they won’t last you a solid couple of years before you need to trade in your older model for a spanking-new one. We’re talking about the sheer fragility of the glass screen on your smartphone and its inherently scratch-prone nature.

No matter how delicately you treat your expensive, technologically advanced companion, the potential for it to shatter with all of your (hopefully backed-up) precious, personal information and memories in tow is a very real problem.

Smartphone screens are made from a glass substrate that has been coated with a protective layer. Though hard-wearing enough for daily use, the screens themselves are still fragile and capable of shattering. The first port of call for new smartphone owners is usually to purchase a stylish, yet effective and protective case – yet another accessory that is often forgotten about is a trusty screen protector.

Used in combination with a sleek and powerful phone case, you’ll make your smartphone borderline indestructible. What’s more, screen protectors offer far more uses than just preventing scratches and cracks. Some models also act as privacy screens, reflecting light away from nosy neighbours who might be looking over your shoulder.

Other screen protectors even offer additional water resistance, if you like taking the risk of bringing your smartphone into the bath, or even the shower. No judgement here.

Whether you’re a clumsy human being looking to be able to drop your phone with the confidence that it won’t shatter into a thousand pieces, or you’re simply looking for a little bit of privacy from fellow commuters on the tube – we’ve rounded up a selection of the best screen protectors on the market for Androids and iPhones.

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Swap out those blue light-protecting specs and solve your digital eye strain with the help of Ocushield’s handy anti-blue light screen protector. Despite repeated attempts to lower screen time, many of us have no choice but to use a smartphone all day, every day for work purposes.

This reinforced, tempered glass protective shield will not only prevent your phone screen from being damaged or scratched, but it will actually improve the picture quality while reducing eye strain and screen-induced headaches.

Though on the slightly more expensive side when it comes to screen protectors, this antibacterial, protective model from Ocusheild has been designed and developed by Optometrists in the UK and is a verified Class 1 Medical Device according to the MHRA. Now that’s hi-tech.

Crafted from high-quality 0.33mm thick premium tempered glass, the JETech screen protector has been designed to resist scratches as aggressive as those capable of being created by a sharpened knife – though we wouldn’t necessarily recommend putting that to the test. Currently on offer for almost 60 per cent off, for just over £5, you’ll get two screen protectors, a cleaning cloth for dust-free application and a smoothing stick to prevent bubbles.

With over 50,000 positive reviews from Amazon users across the globe, it’s fair to say that purchasing the Ailun Glass Screen Protector is a safe bet for smartphone owners looking to protect their tech.

What sets the Ailun screen protector aside is its hydrophobic and oleophobic finish, which ensures water and oil residues simply roll off the surface. Not only does this protect your precious phone from splashes and splutters, but it also prevents pesky fingerprint marks.

This screen protector has also been precision cut with the help of a laser to fit slightly smaller than the entirety of your smartphone screen to ensure compatibility with your favourite protective phone case. This pack contains three screen protectors.

Highly rated thanks to the rapid and fuss-free installation process, the amFilm screen protector comes equipped with an alignment tool to ensure perfect application and premium quality every time. This set also comes with two of everything – including the coveted amFilm OneTouch kit, camera lens protector, dust removal cover, microfibre cloth, wet wipes and even a scannable installation guide.

As we delve deeper into the world of smartphone screen protectors, it can become increasingly difficult to differentiate the positive qualities of one from the other. Though the Zagg InvisibleShield doesn’t do anything particularly innovative, one thing is for certain: it will do the job. With a multitude of five-star reviews extolling its anti-fingerprint and scratch-proof power, you can’t go wrong with adding this accessory to your basket.

Only compatible with the iPhone 13 and 14 Pro Max on Amazon but in other sizes direct at Belkin, this screen protector is about as durable as it gets. Up to two times stronger than traditional tempered glass, the UltraGlass screen protector has been designed to withstand drops of up to two times the height of conventional aluminosilicate glass.

Imbued with extra strength thanks to a chemical process known as double ion exchange and equipped with an alignment tray for flawless application, this screen protector may not be entirely wallet-friendly but it’ll certainly work.

Made in the USA with a 100 per cent lifetime warranty, the Skinomi screen protector offers an error-proof application. This means that even if you don’t get it perfectly bubble-free on the first try, attempting reapplication won’t affect the performance or durability of your protective accessory.

Made from flexible yet tough, military-grade thermoplastic urethane which absorbs impact like a sponge, this screen protector is further scratch, puncture, dust, and smudge-resistant.