Best Protective Screen Cover for iPhone

78 million Americans damaged their smartphones in 2023, with figures expected to rise in 2026. 27% of phone owners also say they’d initiate screen repairs within a day. This highlights the importance of phones in our daily lives and why using a screen cover is so crucial.

Using an iPhone without a protective screen cover increases your risk of scratches. In the worst cases, cracks can make the phone unusable and result in a lower trade-in value when it’s time to upgrade.

Wondering where to start with getting the right screen protection for your device? We’ve created a guide to the best protective iPhone screen covers and how to choose the right one for your device. Keep reading!

How to Choose an iPhone Screen Protector

Choose the best screen protector by considering the following factors:

Materials

Two types of plastic are commonly used for iPhone screen protectors:

• PET  is light and thin. It can be slightly stiff, so won’t work for phones with curved screens. 

• TPU has a flexible, rubbery texture and makes a durable screen protector. However, it’s difficult to install and often adds an orange glare to the screen’s surface.

But the best material for iPhone screen protectors is tempered glass. This heat-treated glass provides significantly more impact and scratch protection than plastic. 

Protection

The best screen protectors are rated on the lead pencil hardness scale. 6B is the softest type of lead, while 9H is the hardest, with manufacturers determining a cover’s scratch resistance at the point the pencil scratches its surface.

Good tempered glass screen protectors are rated approximately a 9, meaning a pencil can’t scratch the surface until a 9H lead is used. This indicates high strength and excellent drop protection!

You should also choose a cover designed specifically for your iPhone model. The right dimensions ensure a perfect fit that doesn’t compromise on protection. 

Easy Installation

Incorrectly applying screen protectors and leaving gaps creates air bubbles, which makes the display difficult to use. Bubbles can also trap dust that scratches the display.

These gaps leave part of the screen vulnerable, too, especially if your protector is slightly misaligned. That’s why we’d recommend selecting covers that come with foolproof installation instructions. Some even have free installation kits included!

Additional Features

Look for screen covers that offer extra functionality to your iPhone alongside protection:

• Privacy: Limit the viewing angle, preventing anyone from sneaking a peek at your screen side on! 

• Anti-Glare: Reduce reflections on the screen to stop eye strain.

• Anti-Blue Light: Block harmful blue light that damages eye tissue and causes poor sleep.

• Oil and Fingerprint Resistance: Keep your iPhone display clean and germ-free.

5 Best Screen Covers for Your iPhone

The best screen covers we’ve selected combine tempered glass with durable protection and easy installation, plus a variety of additional features that enhance their functionality. Here are our 5 top picks:

1.Ghostek Tempered Glass Screen Protectors

With a high-rated 9H hardness and 2.5D rounded edges that offer a more comfortable touch, Ghostek’s Tempered Glass Screen Protectors are our top iPhone recommendation.

These durable display covers offer two versions to choose from: the original clear or a privacy protector, featuring a 28-degree angle to protect your sensitive information. Whichever edition you go for, enjoy a scratch-resistant, anti-smudge coating!

Every purchase includes two screen protectors and a free easy installation kit, plus an instructional video to guide you through the application. And if you haven’t upgraded to the latest iPhone 17 or Air, Ghostek’s protectors are also available for the iPhone 15 and 16 series.

2.Otterbox Premium Glass Screen Protector

The Otterbox Premium Glass range is designed with 60% recycled materials, making it one of the most environmentally friendly screen protectors on our list!

Its main USP, however, is shatter resistance. This feature protects your iPhone from drops as high as 3 feet! It also offers complete fingerprint resistance and advanced scratch protection.

As well as being incredibly protective, the Premium Glass Protector's tempered glass material is super thin to maintain screen clarity. 

3.Spigen Glas.tR AlignMaster S Screen Protector

Looking for a convenient installation? Try the Spigen Glas.tR AlignMaster S Screen Protector.

Spigen’s most innovative model yet features a tray that ensures the tempered glass protector aligns perfectly with your iPhone screen. To apply, simply place the tray over the phone and press the center. The cover should then slide easily into place!

This quality screen protector also features a 9H hardness and complete fingerprint resistance.

4.ZAGG Glass Elite 

Made from aluminosilicate glass, Zagg’s Glass Elite combines aluminum with silicon and oxygen for greater scratch resistance. 

The ultra-durable cover is 5x stronger than basic glass screen protectors, with its tempered glass easily defending your iPhone screen from cracks. This is thanks to a trademarked ClearPrint surface treatment, which prevents fingerprint marks from showing when the screen is switched on. It also feels silky smooth, just like the iPhone’s original screen.

Benefit from the PerfectFit 2-step system for easy, accurate installation too!

5.Belkin ScreenForce UltraGlass 2 Screen Protector

The ScreenForce UltraGlass 2 series offers the most durable Belkin screen protectors yet. They’re 25 times stronger than traditional glass!

Belkin’s flat, full-screen coverage offers up to 7.2 feet of drop protection. An anti-fingerprint treatment keeps the screen smudge-free, while an antimicrobial coating stops discoloration to keep your iPhone screen looking pristine for longer.

Purchase this protector and you’ll receive an Easy Align tray for bubble-free application, plus a free cleaning cloth and dust removal sticker. Check out the Blue Light Filter and InvisiGlass Privacy Filter options for additional protection.

Do I Need an iPhone Screen Cover?

iPhone screen covers are an essential purchase for any iPhone owner. 

The iPhone 17's Ceramic Shield 2 is three times more scratch-resistant than its predecessor. You can leave the phone in your pocket without worrying about the screen being scratched by loose change or keys! 

However, this material remains vulnerable to damage from accidental drops. A screen cover can absorb any impact sustained from these drops. And if the protector gets scratched, you can simply replace it with a new one. Replacing an entire screen isn’t so simple!

You should also invest in a shockproof phone case. Ghostek’s Apple iPhone cases feature lifted bumpers and raised edges that offer military-grade drop protection, ensuring guaranteed security for the screen and internal components. Shop our protective case collection online today to maintain complete peace of mind!