After splurging on an iPhone XS Max, it’d be silly not to invest in a screen protector. After all, the XS Max packs some serious hardware, including Apple’s A12 Bionic CPU and a crystal-clear Super Retina display.
To protect your investment, however, we strongly suggest picking up a screen protector that fits the 6.5-inch XS Max display (also compatible with the iPhone 11 Pro Max, although the iPhone 12 Pro Max is 6.7 inches and not compatible). That way, you can keep your XS Max looking as fresh and fingerprint-free as the day you picked it up. Here are our favorite picks!
UAG Screen Shield
Urban Armor Gear makes a great variety of rugged protective cases, but its options for screen protection are just as good. The Screen Shield is made from high-quality and high-strength tempered glass from Japan. It scores a 9H on the hardness scale, making it resistant to most scratches, and it sports an oleophobic coating that should cut down on oily fingerprints and smears. It’s very thin, measuring just 0.2 mm thick, and it’s fully compatible with the iPhone XS Max’s 3D Touch feature.
Belkin ScreenForce InvisiGlass Ultra Screen Protector
If you’re looking for Apple accessories, Belkin is the first stop for many. Belkin’s ScreenForce InvisiGlass screen protector might be a mouthful to pronounce, but it also piles a lot of protection into a small package. It’s made from chemically strengthened tempered glass that Belkin claims is able to provide the highest possible level of scratch-resistance. Thanks to that added strength, Belkin’s also been able to make this protector very thin — just 0.29 mm thick. It’s compatible with most cases, and the supplied installation tray makes for an easy process. Best of all, buyers in the U.S. and Canada get Belkin’s limited lifetime warranty for easy replacements.
Bodyguardz Ultratough ScreenGuardz
Bodyguardz isn’t yet as well-known as some of the bigger names in the business, but with the quality it’s been pumping out, it’s only a matter of time before it is. This screen protector is made from a clear urethane film, and has been treated with an antimicrobial coating that helps to keep bacteria off your screen. It also has self-healing properties that help close up more minor scratches. It covers your phone’s display from edge-to-edge, folding around the curves. Since it’s film and not glass, it won’t take the hit for your screen if the worst happens, and won’t be as protective — but it’s still great scratch protection that’s easy to forget once it’s applied.
amFilm Glass Screen Protector 3-pack
This affordable option comes in a three-pack so that if the screen protector is damaged — doing its job – then you can take it off and apply one of the others. The 0.33-mm protectors have a 9H hardness rating and a top coating that’s designed to help prevent fingerprint smudges. It’s also very clear at 99% transparency, so you don’t have to worry about any distortion. The pack includes an installation tray and dust removal stickers to help out.
InvisibleShield Glass Elite
InvisibleShield offers a large range of screen protectors, and its Glass Elite line is one of the most advanced. It’s made from tempered glass that has been treated with ion exchange technology, which increases its strength, durability, and also scratch-resistance. Not only that, but this protector also boasts ClearPrint, an oil-diffusion treatment exclusive to InvisibleShield, which makes fingerprints and smudges disappear from your screen. However, premium protection comes with a premium price, and that may put some people off. Regardless, this is an easy-to-apply and strong protector for your iPhone.
Tech Armor Enhance Screen Protector
Tech Armor’s Enhance screen protector for the iPhone XS Max is a solid protector with one premium extra. It’s made from high-quality glass with a 9H hardness that boasts a 99% clarity rating. There’s also an oleophobic coating that resists smudges and fingerprints. It comes with a 2.5D edge that prevents chipping by curving away at the edges and is case-friendly. On top of this, the Enhance screen protector is built with technology that Tech Armor claims places a barrier directly between the RF emission source of your iPhone XS Max and your head, with radiation being redirected away through the rear of the device. Tech Armor also claims that redirecting radiation away from the smartphone helps achieve a stronger cellular connection, which in turn can help preserve battery life.
Skinomi TechSkin Case Compatible Twin Pack
Film protectors aren’t the best at dealing with drops, but they are great at handling scratches. Skinomi claims that its TechSkin is the toughest clear film protector on the market, and says the same material is often used to protect luxury cars, military aircraft, and NASA space shuttles. Whether that’s true or not, the TechSkin provides good protection against everyday wear and tear, and comes with a self-healing layer and anti-yellowing properties that keep your protector from looking old as it ages. It uses a wet installation method, so there’s a physical medium between the protector and the screen, which reduces any loss of touch sensitivity. Best of all, it comes in a twin pack, giving you great value for money.
Laut Prime Privacy
Privacy can be hard to come by in this day and age, but at the very least you can expect to keep yourself to yourself on the train with the assistance of Laut’s Prime Privacy protector. This protector is made from shatter-resistant tempered glass that should provide great resistance to scratches and other damage, while also protecting against drops and falls. The real magic here is the privacy filter laid over the top of the glass. Look straight on at your phone and everything’s normal, but try to view it at an angle and the filter fades the screen to black, stopping prying eyes from reading over your shoulder. It comes with an oleophobic coating and it’s not a bad price, but keep in mind that this will make it harder to share videos with other people.
Armorsuit Matte Protector
If you’re tired of light reflecting from your screen and making it hard to read anything, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are ways to cut down on bothersome glare, whether you’re indoors or out. The Armorsuit Matte Protector comes with a matte finish that cuts down on glare significantly. It even makes it easier to see your phone in direct sunlight. The surface is resistant to scratches and contains a self-healing layer. Plus, it comes with an oleophobic coating. Still, you can’t expect it to be as strong as a glass protector when it comes to drops and bumps. That doesn’t mean it’s not tough — Armorsuit claims it uses the same material that protects military vehicles, so it should hold up well over time. It’s a great choice if you have a problem with glare. But you should be aware that it will dull the XS Max’s screen.
Zizo Lightning Shield
When phones have curved edges, finding edge-to-edge coverage can be challenging to find. Thankfully, Zizo’s Lightning Shield comes to the rescue for edge-to-edge coverage. Like many of our favorite screen protectors, this one has a tempered glass shield that protects against drops, scratches, and other dangers. The guard gives the phone full coverage, with the edges curving gently downward and alongside your phone to avoid chipping.
A lot of times, you forget it’s there because it’s only 0.33mm thick. The Zizo Lightning Shield is also coated with an oleophobic substance to prevent oily fingerprints. This inexpensive glass protector with full coverage at only $20, plus its installation is simple.
IQ Shield Full Bodyskin Protector
Up to this point, we’ve focused primarily on screen protectors that pair with phone cases. However, sometimes phone owners wish to add a layer of protection without also adding a case. If that’s your predicament, check out the IQ Shield. This protective solution reinforces the front and back of your XS Max by attaching to both sides. The film’s layer adds multiple levels of security against scratches, UV rays, and prying eyes.
To attach the IQ Shield to your iPhone, you’ll need to use the wet installation process. This application method essentially bonds your solution to the phone’s exterior and layers protection over the device. It fills blemishes in your screen and holds everything in place. Unfortunately, this shield doesn’t do much to protect against drops. However, if scratches are a significant concern for you, this screen protector is an excellent product for overall scratch-resistant protection.
