If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Data privacy and the risk of having our personal information stolen digitally is something that’s consistently on the news, and on everyone’s minds when we’re online (which, is always, nowadays). And while the increasing amount of personal and sensitive information we store on our smartphones still needs to be protected from hackers, it’s absolutely crucial to protect our privacy from another, more localized threat: prying eyes. The best privacy phone screen protectors can help keep your sensitive data safe by restricting the visibility of your phone screen to anyone except you, especially in crowded places.
It’s an affordable addition to any smartphone or tablet, and we highly recommend it. However, with so many options available on Amazon, it can be challenging to select the best ones. That’s why we’ve broken down all the essential features to consider when selecting a privacy screen protector that works for you.
Privacy Phone Screen Protector Buying Guide
From the screen protector’s compatibility with your phone to its privacy level, these are the features to keep in mind when shopping for yours.
Compatibility: The first and most crucial feature to consider when purchasing a privacy phone screen protector on Amazon is compatibility: if the protector doesn’t fit your phone screen, it’s useless to you. Ensure that the screen protector you are purchasing is compatible with your phone’s model, and don’t just assume that it will be. Most phone manufacturers have different screen sizes and shapes, and the screen protector needs to match your phone model for it to function correctly – we can’t stress this enough, and it’s also a huge disappointment to choose a protector you’re excited about only to have it not fit.
Privacy Level: The privacy level of a phone screen protector is the degree to which it restricts visibility of the screen from side angles. A high privacy level means that the screen will be difficult to see from the side, which is often where unwanted eyes are lurking, unless viewed directly from the front where you’ll most likely be looking at it. Lower privacy levels allow more visibility from the side angles, but consider your needs when selecting a privacy level. If you use your phone to access sensitive data, such as bank account details, a high privacy level screen protector is recommended no matter what.
Material: Privacy phone screen protectors are usually made of tempered glass or plastic. Tempered glass is more durable and scratch-resistant than plastic, and it feels smoother to the touch, but plastic screen protectors, on the other hand, are cheaper and more flexible than tempered glass. However, plastic screen protectors are more susceptible to scratches and may require more frequent replacements, especially if your phone is prone to lots of drops and damage or a rough work environment.
Thickness: The thickness of a privacy phone screen protector is an essential feature to consider. As expected, thicker screen protectors offer better protection against drops and impacts. However, the downside is that thicker screen protectors can affect touch sensitivity and may even make the phone feel bulkier in your pocket and hand. There are plenty of thinner screen protectors that are less noticeable and don’t affect touch sensitivity nearly as much, but, they offer less protection against drops and impacts.
Anti-Fingerprint Coating: One of the most frustrating things about using a phone screen protector is dealing with smudges and fingerprints. Anti-fingerprint coatings reduce the visibility of smudges and fingerprints on the screen, making it easier to clean and maintain (and for you to view the screen without constantly seeing grime and dirt). Consider purchasing a privacy phone screen protector with an anti-fingerprint coating for an overall better user experience, particularly if fingerprint smudges are already a problem.
Easy Installation: Installing a phone screen protector can be one of those tasks that sounds quick and easy but ends up being frustrating, especially if you’ve never done it before. Some privacy phone screen protectors now come with installation kits that make it simpler to install the screen protector and smooth out any air bubbles that are trapped underneath the surface.
Warranty: A good privacy phone screen protector should come with a warranty, and luckily, most do. This gives you peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong, you can get a replacement or a refund. Check the product description on Amazon to confirm that the screen protector comes with one, or at least a customer service contact email or phone number.
What Are the Best Phone Screen Protectors?
With the above buying advice in mind, these are the top phone screen protectors to upgrade your device’s privacy.