The iPhone is a gorgeous phone (though we may be biased…), but sadly it isn’t the most durable – especially the display.
Here, we review and round up some of the best iPhone screen protectors that you can buy in the UK (and most are available in the US too). Many that fit the iPhone 8 will also fit the new iPhone SE 2020, though it’s always worth double-checking.
We’ve also rounded up the best screen protectors for the iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone XS and iPhone X and for iPhone 11 if you’re after the newer models instead.
Once you’ve made your choice, you may wish to find out how to put on an iPhone screen protector. Though, if you’ve already broken your iPhone display here’s how to fix it.
JETech Screen Protector
The JETech Screen Protector, made from tempered glass, offers hardy protection for your iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus for under £6/US$8 (5.5in displays only; also available for iPhone 8 and 7 screen for £6.49/US$7.97).
The glass can resist scratches up to 9H, which is a measurement on Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, where 10 is for diamonds and 1 is for talc.
The protector should keep your screen unsullied from greasy fingerprints and dust, while still maintaining transparency and responsiveness.
JETech promises bubble-free and hassle-free installation. The only thing to remember is the protector does not extend over the curved edge of the screen, but this may not be a dealbreaker considering JETech offers two protectors in a pack plus a lifetime warranty.
JETech also make tempered glass screen protectors for the iPhone 6/6s (£4.49/ US$6.99).
Unbreakcable iPhone 8/7/6s/6 Glass Screen Protector
This 9H tempered glass screen protector from Unbreakcable is compatible with the iPhone 8/7/6s and 6. It keeps your screen clean from scratches and fingerprints – plus, the company will send you a replacement if the protector is to ever crack.
It’s slightly smaller than the screen area so won’t cover the curved edge, but this does also make the protector case friendly.
Pick it up from Amazon for under £10 ( or US$13.99). Also available for the iPhone 8 Plus and 7 Plus for £7.99/US$13.99.
tech21 Evo Glass
One of the best screen protectors we’ve used for the iPhone is this one from tech21. The Evo Glass is actually tempered glass, so having a screen protector on doesn’t make your iPhone feel any less premium.
It’s scratch and smudge resistant and will of course protect your screen from cracks. Much better to have a screen protector crack than your phone.
It didn’t affect touch response in our test, so you’ll forget it’s even there. It comes with a useful application kit, too.
Available for the iPhone 7/8/iPhone SE for £34.95 directly from Tech21, or £3.49/US$7.85 on Amazon. The iPhone 7 Plus or 8 Plus version is available from Tech21 (£34.95/ US$49.95) and from Amazon (£8.90/US$2.41).
Nearpow Crystal Clear Screen Protector
Here’s another option if you want to protect your iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone 7 Plus from the dangers of bumps and scratches – and knives (though we wouldn’t advise testing this). This tempered glass protector is only 0.26mm and comes in a pack of three.
Application should be easy and leave a bubble-free finish. Removing the protector should not leave any residue on your phone either.
This protector is also 3D Touch sensitive, fingerprint resistant, anti-shatter and waterproof. The kit comes with wet and dry wipes, a microfibre cloth, a dust removal sticker, application guides, and a bubble-removal card.
It’s hard to go wrong, especially since you get all this for under a tenner on Amazon (UK only). There’s an option for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 that’s also £5.
In the US, pick it up for the iPhone 8/7 for $9.99 and for the iPhone 6/6s for $7.99.
Cadorabo Bulletproof Glass Screen Protector
Okay so first of all, we don’t recommend that anyone shoots their iPhone with this screen protector to test its bulletproof claim.
We think it’s bulletproof in a metaphorical way; the same way a bullet proof vest will protect a police officer, this tempered glass iPhone screen protector should protect your iPhone from damage and scratches.
The glass is also water, dust and fingerprint resistant and comes with an alcohol pad and micro-fibre cleaning cloth if you ever do need to give your phone the odd wipe.
The Cadorabo protector will fit the iPhone 8 and 7/7S, iPhone 8 Plus/7 Plus, 6/6s, and 5/5s. All models cost £5.90 (not available in the US).
Zagg InvisibleShield HDX Display Protection for iPhone
The ZAGG invisibleSHIELD HDX, for the iPhone 7, is a great combination of both clarity and protection, namely because of its origins in the military. ZAGG claims that the original concept for the invisibleSHIELD HDX was used to protect high-speed helicopter blades from dust, dirt and debris.
The InvisibleShield is available on Amazon for £21.07/$19.99. There are also options for the iPhone 6 (£24.21/$24.99) and 6s/6s Plus (£11.80).
Combining the military grade technology and nano-memory technology creates a tempered glass screen protector that, the company claims, can withstand up to 3x the pressure of standard tempered glass screen protectors. Don’t worry about losing quality with this protector either, as ZAGG claims that it will preserve the “vibrant colours of your display”.
Author: Lewis Painter, Senior Staff Writer
Lewis Painter is a Senior Staff Writer at Tech Advisor. Our resident Apple expert, Lewis covers everything from iPhone to AirPods, plus a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming hardware. You'll also find him on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.