The best iPad screen protectors of 2023: Protect your iPad for cheap

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

Many of us are reliant on our iPads, and it's easy to forget how delicate tablets are until they break. That's why it's critical to protect your device with an iPad screen protector.

Some iPad screen protectors are purely meant to guard against fingerprints, dust and dirt, while others offer extra features like blue light filters or privacy screening. Based on factors like durability, ease of installation, and cost, the Ailun Screen Protector is our pick for the best screen protector overall you can buy.

Also: The best iPad models of 2023

Read on for our other picks for the best iPad screen protectors you can buy today. (You can also check out the best iPad keyboard cases, and the best VPN services for iPhones and iPads.)

Ailun Screen Protector specs: Dimensions: 11.34 x 8.78 x 0.53 inches | Weight: 2.35 ounces | Drop-resistant: No | Scratch-resistant:Yes

The Ailun Screen Protector gets our vote for the best iPad screen protector. Made from tempered glass, it boasts a 9H hardness to better withstand any hazards it may meet with built-in scratch resistance. It also has an oleophobic coating to fight fingerprints and smudges. This 0.33mm glass screen protector is compatible with both iPad Air and iPad Pro models.

ESR Screen Protector specs: Dimensions: ‎9.61 x 6.89 x 0.02 inches | Weight: ‎1.55 ounces | Drop-resistant: No | Scratch-resistant: Yes

The ESR Screen Protector is easy to install bubble-free. The installation kit includes an alignment frame so you can get your iPad screen protector just right. It has a glossy finish that is scratch-resistant for fighting everyday hazards that can ruin the screen. Made of tempered glass, it has a 0.3mm thickness and 9H hardness to withstand scrapes and scratches. Even better, you get two iPad screen protectors with your purchase. This works with both the iPad Pro and the iPad Air.

Also: The best iPad Air cases

Jetech 2-Pack Screen Protector specs: Dimensions: 3.8"x 2.73 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 9.5 ounces | Drop-resistant: No | Scratch-resistant: Yes

The Jetech 2-Pack Screen Protector incorporates 0.33mm tempered glass with 9H hardness to better protect your iPad. It does not interfere with FaceID, and it's compatible with Apple Pencil. There is a dust-free and fingerprint-free design to keep you more focused on your work and less on cleaning your screen. This screen protector comes in a two-pack and fits a variety of iPad Air and iPad Pro models.

Paperlike iPad Screen Protector specs: Dimensions: 12.48 x 9.45 x 0.12 inches | Weight: 0.353 ounces | Drop-resistant: No | Scratch-resistant: Yes

If you use Apple Pencil, you will love Paperlike for its simplicity and compatibility. Compatible with both the iPad Pro and iPad Air, it's made of tempered glass with a smooth, scratch-resistant surface and reinforced edges for better longevity. The screen protector is also smudge-resistant to help keep your display clean and improve visibility.

Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Screen Protector specs: Dimensions: 2.64 x 0.03 x 6.61 inches | Weight: 0.352 ounces | Drop-resistant: Yes | Scratch-resistant: Yes

Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Screen Protector provides incredible protection for your iPad against everyday hazards. The smooth screen is made of tempered glass that has the ultimate trio: Scratch resistance, smudge resistance, and oil resistance for incredible clarity. It fits onto your screen tightly with an EZ Apply Tray to simplify application. With your purchase, you also receive a limited lifetime warranty to better protect your iPad.

Read the review: Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Screen Protector review

amFilm Glass Screen Protector specs: Dimensions: ‎12.52 x 9.13 x 0.51 inches | Weight: ‎10.5 ounces | Drop-resistant: No | Scratch-resistant: Yes

The amFilm Glass Screen Protector measures almost 13 inches for your iPad Pro, giving you a tough screen protector that can stand up to life's little accidents. It is rated 9H for hardness, and it is waterproof, as well, so there are no worries if your iPad takes a quick spill. Despite its tough exterior, it is still compatible with Face ID and Apple Pencil, retaining its sensitivity to spare you any unneeded heartache.

The Ailun Screen Protector gets our vote for best iPad screen protector. It is affordable at under $10, and with 9H hardness, it can withstand most basic hazards.

To see how it compares, here is an overview of the best iPad screen protectors.

Best iPad screen protector

Cost

Item hardness

Ailun Screen Protector

$9

9H

ESR Screen Protector

$10.50

9H

JETech 2-Pack Screen Protector

$10

9H

Paperlike

$40

3H

ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Screen Protector

$17

9H

amFilm Glass Screen Protector

$15

9H

Our expert recommendations can help you find the right iPad screen protector for your needs. Check out our decision tree below to find the best choice for your price point and preferences.

Choose this best iPad screen protector...

If you want...

Ailun Screen Protector

Affordability matched by performance

ESR Screen Protector

Quick and easy installation

JETech 2-Pack Screen Protector

A two-pack of screen protectors

Paperlike

An ultra-lightweight screen protector

ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Screen Protector

An impact-resistant

amFilm Glass Screen Protector

A tough display that retains its sensitivity

While evaluating each iPad screen protector, we consider several factors that can help you in your search.

Yes, iPad screen protectors are built to work with your Apple Pencil for easier use.

An iPad screen protector can vary in cost depending on the model you choose. The best iPad screen protectors range in cost from $9 to $40 based on features and durability.

While searching for the best iPad screen protectors, we found these models that almost made our list.

The Belkin Screenforce True Privacy is pricey, but with an anti-glare matte finish and two-way side filter, you get to benefit from increased privacy, no matter where you are.

Purchase the Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector when you want a 9H tempered glass display with extra durability against life's bumps and scrapes.

The Supershieldz Screen Protector boasts an ultra-strong PET matte display in an affordable 3-pack.