Are Screen Protectors Worth It? 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy One for Your Phone 

This article will help you decide whether a screen protector is worth buying. We'll teach you about the different types of covers and offer reasons why you should (or shouldn't) pick one up.

What Is a Screen Protector?

A screen protector is an extra layer of material that goes on top of your phone's display to protect it from both dirt and damage. The decision to use a screen protector can be less confounding than choosing the right type, as material differences exist among them. Here's a short description of common types of screen protectors.

PET Film

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the same material in plastic food wraps and disposable water bottles. These screen protectors are budget-friendly and offer clarity and protection against minor scratches. However, they won't survive a fall.

TPU

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) appears in items like shoe soles and sporting goods. These screen protectors are flexible and have excellent scratch resistance, elasticity, and toughness. Their softness gives them a "self-healing ability" to bounce back from minor bumps and scratches.

Tempered Glass

Super strong and scratch-resistant, these protectors feel like glass and are easy to put on. Arguably, they are the best types of screen protectors. However, they're thicker and might not fit perfectly on curved phone screens. Some brands also come with antiglare properties and blue-light filters.

Privacy Covers

These options are made from any of the above materials. However, they have an extra anti-spy layer that restricts the viewing angles of the screen, ensuring that only the user directly facing it can clearly see it. Some privacy screen protectors have limitations like reduced clarity, and video calls with friends and family can become cumbersome because of the viewing angle.

The materials and features advertised in screen protectors don't end here. You can also pick up options like antiglare coatings and smudge-proof oleophobic coatings. That said, tempered glass is usually the best choice for balancing all-around benefits.

Who Should Buy a Screen Protector

You might not need a screen protector for everyday use. But some situations warrant extra protection. A small spend on a screen protector can go a long way if you:

• Regularly use crowded public transport.
• Spend a lot of time outdoors (anti-glare screen protectors help in bright sunlight).
• Are a parent or pet owner who wants to keep their device safe from playful hands (and paws).
• Handle sensitive information on your phone.

Who Shouldn't Buy a Screen Protector

You may not need a screen protector if you are ultra-cautious with your phone. You shouldn't buy one if you:

• Are in a low-risk environment with less chances for scratches and drops.
• Feel confident that modern screen technology (like Gorilla Glass) can handle the occasional mishap.
• Use some alternative protection like a rugged phone case or a pouch.
• Frequently upgrade or replace your phone.

Why You Should Buy a Screen Protector

Gorilla Glass Victus 2—the highest-rated glass from Corning yet–can survive drops up to two meters. Even Apple's Ceramic Shield can withstand hard falls. But worse accidents happen, so a protective screen guard is a small price to pay. Here are a few more reasons a screen protectors might be worth it.

Safety Against Drops

Screen protectors can significantly improve a phone's impact resistance. For example, an excellent tempered glass protector can absorb some of the impact and hopefully save your screen from a spiderweb of cracks.

Shield From Scratching and Scuffing

A screen protector can be the first layer of protection in your pocket. Repeated exposure to items like keys or coins can scratch the screen glass, even if you're otherwise careful with your device. A screen protector can save you from any "passive" damage your display might suffer.

Save on Repair Costs

Touchscreens are less durable and more costly to repair. If your phone isn't covered by insurance (warranty only covers manufacturing defects), then the low price of a screen protector wins over the far higher cost of a replacement screen.

Keep Your Privacy Under Wraps

We have talked about the utility of a privacy screen protector. It could be critical for someone who wants to limit the viewing angle of bystanders during a crowded commute. Anytime you're in public, your data may be vulnerable to snooping. This kind of screen protector can keep you covered at coffee shops, the library, or anywhere else you don't want to worry about people seeing your screen.

For Aesthetic Appeal

A wide variety of screen protectors are available, including personalized ones. Consider a screen protector if you want to maintain the look of your phone, add something extra, or preserve it for resale.

Why You Shouldn't Buy a Screen Protector

You can do without a screen protector if you trust the durability of a high-end touchscreen and your habits. There can be a few more compelling reasons:

Cost Vs. Benefit for Cheaper Smartphones

Do you get what you paid for with premium screen protectors? For users of low-cost smartphones, a high-quality, expensive screen protector might not justify the benefits. Also, if the screen replacement cost is comparably low, a protector might be unnecessary.

Loss in Screen Clarity and Use

High-resolution displays like Quad HD (1440p), Ultra HD (4K), or iPhone's Retina make movies, video calls, and other tasks look amazing. Some screen protectors–especially those of lower quality–can reduce the sharpness of your phone's display. You want as clear a protector as possible to keep everything looking good, and you risk a small (but noticeable) drop in quality if you get a bad cover.

Some screen protectors can also make the display less responsive. Ideally, you wouldn't notice a difference in touch, tap, and gesture controls with or without the cover. But some thicker options (particularly plastic) can make things ever so slightly harder to do. It may just be enough that you can tell, but any change is unwelcome.

You Hate DIY Screen Protector Installation

Screen protectors are tricky to apply—you need delicate fingers and some preparation. It might be best to avoid using a screen protector if you are not confident and can't get it done by an expert.