The iPhone XS may no longer be Apple’s top iPhone — that’s the iPhone 12 Pro now — but 2018’s iPhone is still a top contender and a great-looking phone. The iPhone XS is gorgeous and capable of flexing some serious silicon muscle, and you’d be daft to turn it down if you’re an iPhone lover. While it’s a powerful phone, though, it’s not an invincible one — and that’s certainly the case when we’re talking about falls, drops, and bumps. You may have your iPhone XS case sorted out, but what about the 5.8-inch AMOLED display? Safeguarding that protects your window into the world, so it’s one of the most important parts to cover.
Don’t panic; we’ve got your back. We’ve checked out the options and put together a list of the best iPhone XS screen protectors that will keep your display safe.
JETech Screen Protector
If you want a durable screen protector for your iPhone XS that is also pretty thin and lightweight, this one from JETech may be just the ticket. It’s made of tempered glass with a 9H hardness rating, meaning that you can scratch it with keys and other household metal items and not make a dent in it. It’s also only 0.33mm thick, so you’ll barely notice it’s there, while the XS’ display will retain its usual luster and responsiveness. The protector is sold in a pack of two and comes with an installation kit, including a cleaning cloth, dust removal stick, and a guide stick.
Maxboost Screen Protector
Adding an extra layer of glass to your iPhone XS shouldn’t make it heavy or bulky. The Maxboost screen protector is one of the thinnest tempered glass offerings, measuring just 0.25 mm. The included installation tray helps you apply the screen protector perfectly every time. If you do mess up, you’ll have another two protectors included in the box to start over with. A hydrophobic coating on each screen creates a water-resistant barrier, so you won’t have to worry about damaging your iPhone when you’re around water. Priced very reasonably at $14, this is a quality screen protector that comes with a lifetime warranty.
Otterbox Alpha Glass Screen Protector
If you’ve bought an uber-protective case to guard your iPhone, then you’ve probably bought an Otterbox case. If that’s true, then complete the set with Otterbox’s Alpha Glass screen protector. It’s made from clear, anti-shatter, tempered glass that resists scratches and fingerprints, helping to keep your screen looking pristine and clear. It doesn’t reduce your screen’s touch sensitivity, and of course, it works perfectly with Otterbox’s full collection of protective cases. It may have started out at a high price, but thanks to the iPhone XS being a bit older, you can get it for a much-reduced price.
Skinomi MatteSkin Film Screen Protector
Only E Ink displays are immune from the glare created by strong lights, but your choice of screen protector can help with this. Skinomi specializes in providing film protectors that guard against dirt and fingerprints, but it also offers the MatteSkin protector. It offers all the benefits of Skinomi’s usual screen protectors, so it’s resistant against dirt, minor scratches, and fingerprints — but it also comes with a matte finish that helps you see your screen even when in the brightest situations. It’s cheap and comes in a dual pack for even better value, but be aware it won’t hold against against serious abuse in the way a glass protector would.
Spigen Glas.tr Slim Ez Fit Screen Protector
Spigen makes exceptional cases, but it also makes some equally good screen protectors. The Glas.tr screen protector is made from tempered glass, offering improved scratch-resistance and additional drop protection, and also comes with an oleophobic layer that stops greasy fingerprints and oils from marring your view. The real selling point here is the ease of installation. As anyone who’s installed a screen protector before knows, it can be a fiddly process. Spigen has reduced the hassle by including a guide with the protector. Simply place the guide over your phone, press down on the center of the protector, and you’re done.
Speck ShieldView
Another great option from a respectable name, Speck’s ShieldView glass screen protector offers great all-around protection. It’s made from 9H toughened glass, so it offers the expected high levels of scratch-resistance and drop protection, but it has also been treated with a layer that reduces smudging on the screen, as well as the usual oleophobic coating. Speck claims it doesn’t reduce touch sensitivity, but more importantly, it also reduces the glare hitting your screen thanks to a low-reflection design. On the minus side, it’s expensive for a glass screen protector, even by the usual standards. But if you’re using a Speck case and want a matching screen protector, it’s a solid protective option.
Peel Glass Protector
Peel is well known for its super-slim cases that leave little to the imagination, but did you know Peel also makes a screen protector? Peel’s screen protector is made from slim glass that’s been precisely cut to match the edges of your iPhone XS, and has been rounded to match the gentle curve of the AMOLED display. The glass feels like your iPhone’s display and has a colored border to match your phone’s body. Peel seems to have put a lot of thought into making this protector match your iPhone well. Like Peel’s cases, it’s likely you’ll forget this protector is applied. It’s also designed to perfectly align with a Peel case — so if you’re rocking a Peel case, this is a perfect match.
Tech Armor Anti-Glare Triple Pack
The iPhone XS’s screen gets bright enough, but it can still be a struggle to read your display if light is reflecting from it. That’s where these screen protectors from Tech Armor come in. These protectors have a matte finish that reduces glare on the screen, without impacting screen clarity or touchscreen sensitivity. Tech Armor claims there’s no chance of bubbles developing during installation, and there’s an oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints. Since this is made from film, it won’t be as protective as tempered glass, and won’t absorb impacts in the way glass would — but this is still a great choice if glass isn’t an option.
Tech21 Impact Shield
Tech21’s Impact Shield film protector is special because it contains “BulletShield,” a material Tech21 claims is most often used in the manufacture of bulletproof glass. That doesn’t mean it can stop a bullet — and we don’t recommend you try — but it should mean that the Impact Shield is well suited to resisting scratches and other damage. The protector also comes with a precise-align applicator to ensure an easy fit onto your device, and it has been finished with a self-healing layer, so minor scratches should heal up over time and not accumulate. It is expensive for a film protector, though.
Bodyguardz Pure 2 EyeGuard
Bodyguardz is an up-and-coming name in screen protection, and with a screen protector like the Pure 2 EyeGuard, it’s easy to see why. Bodyguardz uses aluminosilicate in its tempered glass, an advance that Bodyguardz claims allows its protectors to be thinner but more durable than the glass found in other screen protectors. There’s also a twist — this protector contains technology that helps to filter out blue light from the device’s display. This blue light may stop us from sleeping at night, and may have other detrimental side effects. The Pure 2 EyeGuard is purported to cut out 43% of blue light, reducing screen-strain without changing the color of your screen. It’s expensive, but if it’s better for your eyes, it may be a good buy.
Whitestone Dome Glass Protector
The Whitestone Dome screen protector fits phones like a glove because of its one of a kind liquid installation method. Whitestone plants an adhesive layer between your phone’s screen and the glass protector, providing a fantastic fit between the display and glass protector. Then, they cure the adhesive with a UV lamp to ensure everything is tight and secure.
The screen protector has a 9H rating for hardness, has an oleophobic coating to keep off fingerprints, and cuts out 25% of blue light. You can also apply it to an already cracked screen since the adhesive fills the cracks and prevents more damage.
The Whitestone Dome Glass Protector has high sensitivity to touch, excellent fingerprint recognition, and even comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. It’s a pricier screen protector, but it’s one of the best options if you consider its protective assets and perfect fit for your phone.
UAG Glass Privacy Tint
Having privacy when it comes to your personal data is crucial these days. However, cybersecurity won’t be around to protect you when someone is peeking at your screen on the ride to work. UAG’s glass protector covers all the bases with 9H rated Japanese glass and its quality materials to hide your private information from snoopers to increase your overall privacy.
Your first impression of this screen protector is probably that it appears nice and clear. However, tilt the phone slightly to the right or left, and you’ll see that the screen protector transitions to black, effectively shutting out anyone from trying to view your screen from a peripheral glance. The UAG glass protector is incredibly slim at just 0.2 mm, includes an oleophobic layer to protect against smudges, and pairs with Apple’s 3D Touch. It’s also scratch-proof and comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty. This protector is an investment, but it’s worth it if privacy is your priority.
RhinoShield Impact Protection
We like this particular screen protector because its application is virtually fool-proof. If you mess up in any way, the adhesive is forgiving. You can simply lift the film and try again as many times as necessary. It’s a no-fuss, low-stress way of applying one’s screen protector. If you’re prone to dropping your phone and are looking for a simple application process, strongly consider Rhinoshield.
For the iPhone owners who tend to drop their phones often or are continually testing their phones in harsher environments, you may need to seek out a glass shield instead. However, for average day-to-day phone use, the Rhinoshield is an excellent option.
