Best iPhone and Android Screen Protectors – 2024 Buying Guide
We love to track our runs and of course, run to our favorite playlists. But, it sure is risky bringing it along, unprotected.
That's where a solid phone screen protector can come in handy. We reviewed dozens of top screen protectors to put together a list of the best options for runners. Our focus was on simple designs, easy installation, and long-lasting protection.
Read on to see which screen protectors passed our extensive testing and where to purchase the best option for you.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
Today, we face different risks due to the unexpected things that happen in our lives in the places we go to. Especially if you need additional protection alongside your phone armband when you go running.
You may be walking in the streets then accidentally someone knocks off your phone from your hands and it lands on a tarmac road. It is even worse on a training terrain where athletes and runners face the tough task of keeping up with obstacles that would definitely damage their phones.
In such a case, if you have a protector on your phone then it stands the chance of being recovered without a scratch. However, if you did not have a protector and the glass display ends up damaged you would be forced to use a large portion of your money to repair your device, which is something that would have never happened if your screen was protected.
That's why runners often seek out the best screen protector brands and reviews of such screen guards. We believe we offered a very detailed list with reviews of such.
Features
The types highlighted above have their advantages and disadvantages.
For those who would require a more affordable one, the plastic or polyurethane guards would be the best choice for you because they are always less expensive compared to the glass type. Plastic film designs are often lighter in weight or less bulky.
Subsequently, it is easy for a consumer to buy a pack of plastic film protectors so that it becomes easy to replace the guard when necessary or when the one you had on wears out. Due to their reduced thickness, the plastic kind would not protect against scratches and other damages, as well as the glass ones, would do.
Nevertheless, the glass made guards are thicker and heavier in terms of structure. In line with this, the glass designed ones fetch high prices. Ideally, you would buy a single glass protector for thrice as much as you would spend on a single plastic film one.
Despite the glass tempered protectors’ high cost, these types are of the highest quality and would work best in providing protection from scratches and other damages. These ones are thick and very durable if you compare them with the plastic designs.
Advanced Features
You may come across a type that is fitted with an anti-glare coating that would help improve your view on the display even during sunny days or when you use your phone in bright environments.
The best ones are those designed with an anti-glare coating, or designed with built-in smudge protection and fingerprint protection. The other important feature that you may consider when shopping for this accessory is the privacy finish. With the privacy finish, the display would appear dark when viewed at an angle so that people standing by your side would not be able to snoop on what you may be doing on the phone.
Some also have a mirror finish that allows the consumer to use the screen as a mirror when it is dimmed or when the display turns off. Based on these considerations, you should be able to find good screen protector brands for you depending on what you want.
Size
When pondering what is the best screen protector, you also need to consider whether you would need one that is specific for your device model or if you would prefer the universal type that you may be required to cut to the dimensions of your phone.
Although the universal ones would be affordable, they are difficult to apply. Universal protectors would not provide your device with maximum coverage. Nevertheless, the universal pack would be the best choice for consumers who often replace phones with different brands and those who wish to buy these accessories for friends and family members with different smartphone brands.
Top 10 Phone Screen Protectors
1. Liquid Glass
The best selling on Amazon
While other brands are made from a plastic material that acts as a second line of defense against accidents, this superior blend actually fuses to the glass on you to greatly increase the hardness of the glass. It’s important to note that this option is much more expensive than some of the budget-friendly blends, but it is well worth it for smartphone owners that suffer from mild to severe cases of butterfingers.
Read moreWhat makes this brand worth the higher price point is the materials used in this protector. It is composed of silica dioxide, which is basically tiny little glass particles that are suspended in a solution to make it a little bendier and forgiving in the event of sudden contact with the sidewalk.
The material is so tough that it increases the durability of your screen to 9H hardness. To put this into perspective, you can rub the sharpest pencil onto the screen and it will completely resist scratching! While this protector only comes in a pack of 1 screen, it also includes a wipe and a microfiber cloth to ensure that you affix it securely to the screen on your smartphone!
If you are super accident-prone and are on the hunt for the best of the best, this option from Liquid glass is an excellent choice. While it is much more expensive than other designs that we have seen, the unique blend of this screen and the durability makes it an excellent value, especially when you feel that you need to replace your cracked screen at least once a year!
2. Power Theory
The easiest to install
What we love most about this option from Power Theory is that it comes with the tools needed for proper installation. There is nothing worse than a protector that is offer-centered or crooked, and this set comes with an application tool to ensure that it fits snugly and securely on the screen of your phone.
Read moreWhat makes this set unique is that it comes with a phone mold for easy application. Simply place the protector (sticky side up) into the loading dock, and set your phone inside. Not only does this application method ensure that your protector is even, but it also helps smooth out annoying bubbles that can affect touch sensitivity.
Users also appreciate that it has a cyclist clear transparency that isn’t cloudy so you can still appreciate all of those little pixels on your phone. In fact, this screen is so clear that many even forget that they placed them on their phone! This set comes in a pack of two protectors, with the application tools included with purchase.
While this set is only slightly more expensive than many of the budget-friendly versions out there on the market, we feel that the extra cost is well worth it. The application dock makes it easy to affix these protectors to your phone expertly on the first try, and won’t affect your screen picture or touch sensitivity.
3. Spigen
The most durable option
The Spigen is designed for the Xs and X iPhones. If you want an iPhone screen protector that will protect your phone from shattering and ensure it stays safe from any drops or falls, then you will love this one. It has a cutout that allows it to be used with cases—so you won’t have to worry about the case peeling the screen protector off.
Read moreThis protector is made of tempered glass and offers 9H hardness. It works with any phone cases from the same brand, so you can have added protection by using both. You can use this strongest screen protector with the 11 Pros, Xs and X iPhones.
The product rounds out on the edges for a sleek look and it comes with installation wings to make the process easy enough for anyone to do. When it comes to advanced features, this protector also offers an oleophobic coating that prevents your fingerprints from getting all over your screen.
This screen protector is really responsive and does not block any of the sensors, so you can use it as if there was no screen protector on it, like with the majority of options on this list.
4. Tech Armor
Most runners prefer cell devices with high-quality recording and file storage capacity and this screen protector is compatible with a variety of products, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. This type of accessory provides consumers with maximum clarity when it is installed.
Read moreFurther, it can be acquired at a very affordable price making it a cheap way through which you could protect your phone from daily wear, drops, scratches, and dust. It is well designed with quality material.
It offers maximum clarity like most screen protector brands on the list, so you can see everything that you need without having to worry about any shadows or glares on your screen. This screen guard would fit well on your phone surface not to leave behind any bubble or protruding parts. It is easy to install and very convenient. When it comes to advanced features, this phone protector is really resistant to scratches and easy to install.
Other than the affordable price at which this product is being sold in the market, one of the primary reasons why it would best to buy this type of screen protector is that it has high resilience to tear and wear. Therefore, the moment you buy it and install it on your phone, you would not only be able to protect it from unnecessary damages.
5. JETech
This option has a lifetime warranty and the company offers excellent customer service which makes it truly one of the best screen guards. It's extremely thin for good responsiveness to your touch inputs but is still hardness rated to 9h which is approximately the same as a knife, so it does a good job of protecting your screen.
Read moreCustomers found this to be a good option for those who want good protection but don't want to spend a lot of money. It comes with a cloth for cleaning your screen prior to installation, a dust-removal stick for the same purpose, and easy to understand instructions for what the company claims are a one-touch installation.
This one is made of tempered glass that is only 0.33mm thick for unobtrusive protection. It comes in a two pack so you'll be ready with a replacement when it eventually needs to be replaced and comes with everything you need for a simple install.
This extremely thin protector allows phone users easy use of all their phone features without interference from the protector.
6. Maxboost
The Maxboost screen protector has a thin design it enables the consumer 100% touch accuracy with a 3D touch capability. It can easily absorb shocks that may cause damage while ensuring that your gadget is scratch free at all times.
Read moreThis product would adequately cover the entire surface of an iPhone 12/12 Pro screen. It also allows consumers to fit their devices with their most favorite casings while ensuring that they protect their screens.
The Maxboost comes with instructions the consumer could use to install it with ease. Alternatively, you could rely on instructions posted on YouTube to help you install it correctly: whichever technique best suits you in terms of your needs. It's sleek and compact so it won't bulk up your phone and you can still use it with a case.
The fact that it has a lifetime warranty assures consumers of the outstanding quality of this particular product. This screen protector won't hinder your phone's use and the sensors won't be obstructed, so it is definitely responsive.
7. Mkeke
If you are in the market for something that is super affordable and easy to apply, this design from Mkeke is a great choice. It is made from a very thin layer of sticky plastic that easily sticks onto the surface of your phone just like a second screen. It comes in at a super low price point and is designed for larger Apple devices out there on the market.
Read moreUsers love this design because it is incredibly easy to apply, and doesn’t bubble up the way some brands do. It holds in places for months of continued use, and will not affect the touch sensitivity of your screen.
This design comes in a pack of three that offer a one-use application. What makes this set unique is that it is larger than many of the standard sizes, which means that it will fit easily onto a larger touch screen and run end to end for full-length coverage.
The best part about this set is that it comes in at a price point that will set you back about the same amount that you spend on your morning cup of coffee. They are highly effective at protecting your phone, easy to apply, and will not affect your screen’s touch-sensitivity.
8. Anker
The Anker screen protector is designed for iPhone users who want an easy to install screen guard that won’t leave any bubbles behind. This cell phone screen protector is affordable and reliable, and it is definitely a great one to consider—especially if you are a runner.
Read moreThis phone protector will keep your phone safe from scratches and if you do drop it hard enough to shatter, your screen protector will shatter—not your phone’s screen.
When it comes to features, this screen protector is easy to install and offers the brand’s DoubleDefence technology —which means the glass is reinforced and allows for optimal resistance. It offers a perfect fit that allows the edges to round out. And does not cover the edges.
If you want a shatterproof protector, this one has a shatterproof membrane that will prevent the glass from sticking to each other if you do shatter it. It also comes with alcohol wipes, a microfiber cloth, an installation guide, and a warranty that lasts for a year and a half.
When it comes to responsiveness, it offers complete touch sensitivity and responsiveness so you can easily use your phones at all times.
9. Tozo
The Tozo screen protector is really affordable and easy to use. It is available for most models and it will definitely protect your phone from anything that may come your way. This one is sold in pairs ad well so if you want to keep a backup, then this is a great brand to consider getting.
Read moreWhen it comes to use, there is typically an option for most phones—just make sure to double check that it is compatible with your phone before purchasing it.
The screen protector uses PET material to ensure that the edges are rounded and soft and provide your phone with a perfect fit. The tempered glass makes it one of the hardest options out there and ensures that it is scratch resistant.
When it comes to style, it's is ultra-thin—just 0.2mm—and the edges curve so you never have to deal with broken edges. In terms of advanced features, this screen protector covers the entire frame of your phone and since it is ultrathin it will ensure you get the clearest view. It is fingerprint resistant and also filters the UV rays that the phone offers.
This option is ultra sensitive so it will allow you to use it as if it didn’t even have a screen protector on it.
10. G-Armor
If you are looking for an affordable screen protector, then you will love this one. Despite its price of a total of 2 with each purchase, this screen protector is still really durable and reliable! If you want to protect your phone without having to spend a ton on a screen protector, then you may want to get one of these screen protectors.
Read moreThis screen protector is made for several different smartphone models, so you definitely have options if you are an apple user. It is easy to install and perfect for those of you who need something that will last you the long haul.
The tempered glass this screen protector is made of is incredibly durable but still only 0.3mm thick! It is completely transparent and also allows for optimal touch sensitivity, so you don’t have to worry about your phone being unusable while you are out on your run and need to use your phone with your sweaty hands.
As far as advanced features, it features an Oleophobic coating that will prevent your screen from getting any smudges, scratches, and prevent your fingerprints from getting all over the screen. The company also offers a lifetime warranty, which further shows you how much the company stands behind this product.
Thanks to the oleophobic coating, this screen protector allows for optimal responsiveness when you use your phone.
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