Even the best iPad screen protectors don't cost much. And given that your iPad is a premium device that deserves proper protection, that makes them pretty much a must-buy.
While Apple designs these tablets with durability in mind, the reality of daily use means that scratches, smudges and even cracks remain constant threats. A quality screen protector, then, serves as an essential first line of defence. The best iPad screen protectors seamlessly integrate with your device, preserving the display quality you paid for while adding crucial protection against life's inevitable bumps and scrapes.
Note that if you use an iPad for drawing, you'll probably want a matte protector, as this will provide the right level of friction for your Apple Pencil. However, this type will slightly reduce screen quality, so there's a payoff to be made there. Finally, once you've chosen your protector, check which iPad generation you own and make sure the screen protector is compatible with it.
This is our overall best iPad screen protector for digital artists. Our reviewer gave this a strong 10/10 for its excellent drawing feel, and described it as a must-have for anyone who loves drawing on paper but wants to go digital. It also comes with two hard metal nibs for the Apple Pencil. Read more in our full Rock Paper Pencil review.
Best budget
02. Spigen Paper Touch Pro
Materials: Tempered glass Finish: Matte
The PaperTouch Pro is the best cheap iPad screen protector we can recommend today. Our reviewer found it ideal for artists who want more tactile feedback when drawing, although for general use, the surface may feel too "sandpapery," and there's a trade-off in the form of a slightly dulled colour vibrancy. Learn more by reading our Spigen Paper Touch Pro review.
Best for artists
03. Paperlike 2.1
Made from: Polyethylene Terephthalate Finish: Matte
Our top choice for artists, Paperlike significantly improves the stylus experience by adding a real paper-like friction to your iPad's screen. We loved it when we reviewed Paperlike 2; the latest 2.1 version offers improved transparency and colour reproduction, addressing concerns from those who found earlier models too cloudy. Like all matte protectors, though, it does still slightly reduce screen clarity a little.
If you don't want to draw or play games on your iPad, a tempered glass protector can provide protection without reducing screen quality. In which case, we recommend this model from ESR, which provides military grade protection, keeping your screen safe from everyday wear and tear. You won't get the paper-like feel of other models, though, so there's a compromise to be made there.
05. Bellemond Magnetic Kent Paper Screen Protector
Materials: Magnetic film Finish: Matte
With this magnetic screen protector, you can apply it to your iPad when you want a paper-like feel for drawing, then simply remove it when you want total screen clarity for (say) watching a movie. Made in Japan, its advanced magnets keep the film securely in place, even on top of tempered glass screen protectors, and you get a protective case for it as well.
Best for tired eyes
06. Ocushield Anti Blue Light Screen Protector
Materials: Tempered glass Finish: Gloss
The Ocushield Screen Protector is a tempered glass construction that's great at blocking blue light. This makes it easier and more comfortable to use your iPad at all times of day. It's a solid, multi-functional screen protector in general, and we found it easy to fit with the included applicator.
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Why do I need an iPad screen protector?
Technically, you can use an iPad without a screen protector. But without being rude about it, that would be really dumb, Screen protectors offer protection against scratches from everyday objects like keys and coins. And iPads are really expensive to repair or replace. Screen protectors aren't, so it makes a huge amount of sense to buy one. As a handy extra benefit, they can also help preserve the oleophobic coating that resists fingerprints.
Aren't iPad displays already protected?
While iPads are designed with durable screens, they're not impervious to damage. A screen protector adds an extra layer of defense against scratches, scuffs, and even cracks from accidental drops. Think of it like a seatbelt for your iPad – it's an added precaution to minimise harm.
After all, iPad screen protectors are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, while a damaged iPad screen can be costly and time-consuming to repair. So yes, you don't absolutely have to buy a screen protector; but if you want to keep your iPad's screen looking pristine, we'd argue it's a very good investment.
How often should I replace my iPad screen protector?
We'd recommend you replace a plastic film screen protector every 6-12 months or whenever it becomes heavily scratched or damaged. Tempered glass protectors can last longer, but should obviously be replaced if they crack or shatter from an impact.
What is the benefit of Paperlike screen protectors?
Paperlike is actually a brand name for this type of screen protector, but the paper-feel category of screen protectors essentially adds extra screen texture to your device screen, and creates a slight resistance between the screen and pencil, just like real paper does. So with one of these screen protectors applied, it's easier to control your strokes and get smooth lines.
Other benefits of using paper-feel protectors include fingerprint resistance, plus some are coated with anti-blue light filters which protects your eyes strain after staring at screens for long hours. The texture enhancement is also super helpful for creatives who work on a glossy iPad screen.
Does Apple recommend screen protectors?
Apple doesn't specifically say whether you should buy a screen protector for your iPad, although it doesn't sell them on its website. This doesn't mean that you can't use a screen protector for your iPad, though. Just make sure you buy one from a reputable brand like the ones listed above.
How to choose
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best iPad screen protector for you. First of all, think about what you need a screen protector for. Are you just trying to protect your iPad or do you want to get a paper-like feel for drawing on your iPad? Or perhaps you might want to block out blue light, or block prying eyes from seeing your iPad screen.
In the guide above, we've listed iPad screen protectors for specific use cases to make your decision easier. Of course the most important factor is compatibility. Most screen protectors have a range of sizes available but some are made/better suited to particular iPads, as we've detailed above.
How we test
To test the best iPad screen protectors, we tried them out on our own iPads for at least a couple of weeks, first of all examining how easy they are to fit, and then testing them for a range of tasks, including drawing on the likes of Procreate and writing using Notes and other apps.
We also looked at how easy it was to remove the screen protector once it was on, and also looked at whether the protector got any cracks or other damage after we'd been using it. Where we haven't been able to test the iPad screen protectors ourselves, we've trawled through user reviews to pull out the key things users like and dislike about this product, and used that to inform our guide.
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Beren has worked on creative titles at Future Publishing for over 13 years. Cutting his teeth as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, he moved on to edit several creative titles, and is currently the Ecommerce Editor on the most effective creative website in the world. When he's not testing and reviewing the best ergonomic office chairs, phones, laptops, TVs, monitors and various types of storage, he can be found finding and comparing the best deals on the tech that creatives value the most.
