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Best iPad screen protector: no scratch for you!
- Author: Ionut Popa (John Pope)
- Filed under: Apple iPad
- Updated: October 25, 2011
Everyone agrees that the best part of the iPad is the gorgeous 9.7 inch screen, LED backlit using an IPS panel. Naturally everyone who buys an iPad tries to protect the screen. There are quite a few ways to do so, using an iPad carrying case for example , but by far the best way is to use an iPad screen protector, which is basically an invisible layer that’s applied over the screen and protects it against scratches and smudges. Of course a screen protector is not invincible, as it gets damaged from time time to time, but because the scratch is on the protector, not the screen, you can always exchange it for a brand new one. That’s why a lot of screen protector kits for iPad come in more than one item usually.
This post tries to show you the best iPad screen protectors that you can purchase online. Some are simple (and inexpensive) film layers with an adhesive part that’s being applied over the screen of your iPad. Some are more expensive and offer better protection, plus there are also models who cover also the back of your iPad, protecting also the aluminum case. The choice, as always, belongs to you, as you are the only one knowing the purpose and the budget you have at your disposal. So here are my top picks for iPad screen protectors:
Also recommended:
Zagg Invisible Shield for iPad, full body – 39.99$, iPad 2 – 29.99$ – 39.99$
This is the best of the best, as they say, featuring a full cover for your precious iPad, one that doesn’t add to the overall bulk of the device and is invisible to an untrained eye, if applied correctly. If 40 bucks seem too much for you there’s always the option of getting just a cover for your back or front of the iPad.
Zagg Invisible Shield
Not sure this is the right choice? Take a look below at a short video showing the Zagg Invisible Shield for iPad protecting the screen against key scratches and even a dremel! That’s amazing:
Belkin F8N365tt Screen Overlay for iPad – 14.22$
This is a slightly cheaper iPad screen protector, but one made from durable urethane film. As Belkin says, the Screen Overlay is meant to protect your iPad against scratches and minor cosmetic damage from everyday use, so don’t go Terminator on the screen: the protector won’t resist abuse, like the Zagg Shield. Once worn, the Belkin F8N365tt can be easily replaced, as no adhesive residue is left upon tearing apart.
Belkin F8N365tt Screen Overlay for iPad
Speck ShieldView Anti-Glare Protective Screen Films, 2-Pack – 6.99$
If you’re the clumsy type (as me) you’ll love the Speck ShieldView set, featuring 2 film items, so you can exchange them once they become scratched (that will happen, have no fear). You’ll be glad to find out that the matte finish anti-glare coating will further improve visibility and clarity. Because adhesive residue is always a concern, Speck says the non-adhesive film is easy to apply and remove without any cleaning needed. The size is specially cut to leave buttons uncovered. As a bonus a microfiber cleaning cloth is provided in the package.
Speck ShieldView Anti-Glare Protective Screen Films
Griffin Screen Care Kit for iPad – 14.22$
This is another interesting screen protector for iPad choice, as it’s backed up by the Griffin Technology name, one of the dedicated iPad accessories manufacturer. Basically we have a low-glare matte-finish static peel screen protector, so during your daily screen usage will see less glare, partially eliminating reflections, useful especially in direct sunlight. A cleaning cloth is provided for cleaning the protector from smudges and dirt.
Griffin Screen Care Kit for iPad
Incipio Clear Screen Protector 2PK – 19.25$
Even if this item hasn’t been released yet (but can be pre-ordered), it’s still a very good alternative for an iPad screen protector because it’s hand washable, removable, and ready for multiple applications. A special chemical treatment ensures the Clear Screen Protector 2PK repels dust and reduces glare plus absorbs light impacts and helps prevent scratches. As design, you won’t feel it’s there, being custom fitted to the iPad dimensions, with special openings for iPad controls.
Incipio Clear Screen Protector 2PK
Why not buy a cheaper iPad screen protector?
Of course there are a lot of cheaper alternatives than the ones above, but why save 10 bucks over the price of the iPad and its accessories when you can’t be sure your screen won’t be protected. You know that cheaper doesn’t mean better and paying 3 bucks for a three pack screen protector kit means you can’t be sure what you’re getting. At least the models presented above are build by big names you can trust and are tested especially to ensure nothing bad happens to that gorgeous screen.
Also recommended:
John (Ionut Popa in Romanian) is the Editor in Chief at AllTouchTablet.com. He studied Computer Science and worked in IT press since 2002. He’s now involved in his own projects. My Google+ Profile, Twitter
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Would be great to also have some analysis of their quality!
One other observation–that pop up to subscribe cannot be sent away. That is irritating. You may have good info on the web site or blog, but few are going to come back if you insist on such a disruptive approach!
Robinson, could be tell me exactly what happens when the popup appears, as it should have an X for closing in the upper right corner. If you can please send me a printscreen so I can fix this.
I ensure you it’s not my intention to irritate anyone.
I’m surprised that you didn’t include the Power Support Crystal and Anti-glare screen protectors. I’ve tried a few including the Invisible Shield by Zagg and kept pulling them off in favor of the naked screen. That was until I found the Power Support screen savers. I tried the anti-glare which was really very nice but came with a very small reduction in clarity as is usual with anti-glare. So again even though it was pretty darn good, for me it wasn’t perfect. Off it came. I then put on the Power Support Crystal screen saver and I can say it is truly perfect. It doesn’t offer the anti-glare properties but it leaves the screen quality super clear and sharp along with a smooth tactile feel as close to the naked screen but even better as it’s now protected. One other bonus is that it also must offer some finger print protection as the constant wiping is gone. Application was pretty easy and my finished look is flawless – no bubbles, no dust and perfectly aligned. Just take your time and patiently keep working at it until it’s perfect. What’s nice about this film is that it is easy to manipulate and very forgiving. I pulled it up and put it down a few times to remove dust. All I can say it try this one first and you’ll only need to buy one.
The first screen protector I tried was the Zagg InvisibleShield. It was very difficult to apply, especially as the rolled up way it shipped meant the darn thing wanted to keep rolling up when I was applying it. After it was applied, there were micro-bubbles all over the place and a strange dotted line diagonally across the face (I am guessing the line was made by a machine during manufacturing). I waited a few days for the bubbled to dissapate and they mostly did. The result was an orange peel finish that I did not appreciate. My fingers did not easily glide over the surface, the texture was a bit sticky. And then the edges started collecting lint. So within a couple weeks I pulled the thing off and went looking again.
The solution I found was the PowerSupportUSA webssite and their awesome screen protectors. I got the crystal clear one and it installed in a few minutes and was perfect. Once it is applied, you can barely tell the protector is there. The finish is smooth and just like that of a naked screen. It still collects fingerprints, but nowhere near as badly as the naked screen. It is a much better solution. Apple sells PowerSupportUSA protectors for iPhones and iPods but not for iPads for some reason. The only place I have found to get them is at their website – unless you live in New York or LA.
I would trust this article if all the links in this article isn’t affiliated to the products (which mean the website makes money if anyone buy the product through their link). I’d really like to find an un-biased review.
If you want total body protection of your device from scratches, then the gadgetshieldz.com Ipad screen protector will give you just that. One that is ultra-thin, durable, and transparent that you won’t recognize its presence. And for a price of about $7 plus free shipping worldwide (something the other competitors cannot provide), you’ll have a winner in your hands.
Sorry, but these comments are just SLIGHTLY (alot) biased dont you think?
And why do apple not sell any if these? The screen is nowhere near as tought and scratch resiliant as it should be? Ive had anti-glare ones for my iphones and i need one for my ipad, but without bubbles!!!
Olly, I believe Apple doesn’t sell screen protectors because it can’t ask 30$ for one, so its margins would be to small to even bother with such an accessory.
Actually, I did find a cheaper screen protector that was better. But that was after using InvisibleShield.
Besides the difficulty in trying to install InvisibleShield, I was disappointed that I had just bought a scratch protector, that was allowing scratch marks as if it was some piece of paper on my screen. In other words the scratch protection of the InvisibleShield was nonsensical, and it didn’t do a better job at scratch protection than a piece of paper would’ve done. Frustration in the installation process wasn’t even as much as when I got to see for myself the true worthlessness of the “scratch-protector.” Wasn’t it supposed to protect my screen? Then why did my screen get an easy mark from a minor slip from my hand? That slip would’ve had the same effect on my screen if it were “naked.” But no. This time it wasn’t naked. I had a scratch protector. But the slip still had the same effect on my screen. That’s just something that happened 3 or 4 days into my use of InvisibleShield. Due to the nature of my work I go through a lot with my iPad. With use of the worthless thing my iPad saw absolutely zero scratch protection from any accidental situation.
After spending 3 months of sheer uselessness on my iPad, I removed InvisibleShield. The screen protector that I replaced it with, which is much better at protecting against scratches, was actually cheaper. After InvisibleShield, I initially thought that if this is how useless this costly screen protector is, then that means I would have to “break the bank” for real scratch protection. (And then that would mean it wouldn’t make sense to get scratch protection, just buy another iPad, Lol!)
Eventually got myself Gadgetshieldz. Besides its low price I’ve found it to be a tough screen protector and really reliable, especially with the nature of my job.