Maintaining eye health is crucial, no matter how old or young we are. Screen time is at an all-time high, and everyone should have antiglare screen protection on our phones, tablets, and computers. They protect you from glare and block some harmful shorter light waves, such as blue light. We’ve done all the research for you, and here are the best antiglare screen protectors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are antiglare screen protectors?
Tablets, smartphones and computer screens all transmit visible light well, but reflectiveness is a problem. The most effective way to scatter that light and reduce glare is by using an anti-reflective or AR coating or a matte finish. Matte finishes create a textured surface on the screen to reflect light. This surface hides fingerprints and smudges. Since it’s not a coating, it will not get scratched or rubbed off. AR coatings provide enhanced dark colour vibrancy, especially in strong lighting conditions. They are also easy to clean and reduce the amount of visible dust, grease, and dirt on your display.
In the past, you could hang antiglare screen protectors from the front of the computer monitor’s screen. Most modern versions come as a thin film you can apply. This design allows you to use your screen in bright light settings, like sitting near open windows or working outdoors, without a noticeable reflection. Both AR coatings and matte finishes are great options for antiglare screen protection. They reduce digital eyestrain and can lessen muscle soreness in the neck and shoulders, which is beneficial for those using devices for long hours of work or play.
How can I reduce eye strain while using the phone or computer?
We always hear that prolonged hours of screen time are bad for our eyes. The light from computers, phones and tablets can lead to eyestrain and eye fatigue and can even present as headaches or sore neck and arm muscles. Screen protectors can cut down the amount of ambient light reflecting off the screen. Using your computer all day exposes the retina to too much blue light and may cause damage or sleep disruptions. You can also consider blue light filtering glasses, which filter 100% blue light.
There are other methods to reduce eyestrain, which include practical solutions like blinking to replenish eye moisture. When staring at the digital screen, we sometimes don’t blink enough, causing our eyes to become dry. For dry, irritated eyes, lubricating with over-the-counter eye drops can bring relief. Looking away from the screen is also beneficial. The 20-20-20 rule helps your eyes rest and regain focus. It states that for every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. You can also take ten-minute breaks every hour to give your eyes some rest from staring at the screen.
Buying Guide:
There are many screen protector options available on the market. Here are details that can help you decide which antiglare screen protector is best for you.
- Type: Consider if an AR coating or matte finish will work for you. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages, but both offer exceptional protection from screen glare.
- Thickness: Some antiglare screen protectors boast a ‘protective layer’ that makes them thicker. These may negatively affect the device’s everyday usage and reduce touch sensitivity.
- Bonus features: Protecting the screen itself is also critical. Some antiglare protectors also offer protection options like shatter proofing to prevent cracks. If you decide on a glass protector, ensure it comprises tempered or military-grade glass because it’s less likely to break and damage the original screen. Water resistance is also another handy feature. Some antiglare protectors include a hydrophobic coating, which repels water droplets to protect your device.
iCarez Anti-Glare Matte Screen Protector
Best Overall
Antiglare Screen Protectors for Tablets
The iCarez antiglare screen protector features a durable scratch-resistant coating. It also includes an oleophobic and hydrophobic coating. This screen protector comprises Japanese PET film -not glass- for maximum display resolution. It maintains the sensitivity of touch screens and has a paper-like feel when writing or drawing with the stylus.
This screen protector is compatible with iPad Air fourth generation and iPod Pro 11-inch 2021, 2020 and 2018 models and features specific cutouts for flood illuminator, microphone, front camera and dot projector. It features hinge installation and is easy to install and remove.
Pros:
- Water and fingerprint resistant
- Comprises scratch-resistant hard-coating
- Features easy-to-use Hinge installation
Cons:
- Not compatible with 2015/2017 models
Tech Armor Matte Antiglare Film Screen Protector for Apple iPad Pro 12.9-Inch
Runner up
Matte Finish Antiglare Screen Protectors
This Tech Armor screen protector comprises multilayer protection, including antiglare and HD transparent layers. It features a matte finish with an oleophobic coating to repel oil, dirt and fingerprints. This protector supports touch sensitivity, is case friendly and is Apple Pencil compatible. It protects against scratches and falls and features rainbow-free adhesive.
This screen protector is compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-inch, featuring specific cutouts for speakers and sensors, and is compatible with original 2016 and 2017 models only. The matte antiglare finish may reduce display clarity.
Pros:
- Offers specific cutouts
- Is case friendly
- Two in a pack
- Installation is simple
Cons:
- Not compatible with the 2018 release
ABSONE Matte PET Paper Antiglare Screen Protector for iPad Air 10.9-Inch and iPad Pro 11-Inch
Easiest Install
Matte PET Antiglare Protectors
The ABSONE antiglare screen protector features a silicone adhesive layer and a PET film with a matte surface. The matte paper is ultra-thin to work with your FaceID, and keeps the touchscreen highly sensitive. Its oleophobic coating resists fingerprints and stains, and it is scratch resistant. This screen protector has easy-to-follow instructions, so you can install it bubble-free.
This screen protector is compatible with iPad Air 10.9-inch (2022, fifth and fourth generations) and with iPad Pro 11-inch (2021-2018). Its premium Japanese material provides a feeling of paper and is compatible with an Apple Pencil.
Pros:
- Includes stain and fingerprint-resistant layer
- Compatible with FaceID
- Scratch-resistant
- Includes two screen protectors and a pair of installation accessory packs
Cons:
- Follow instructions for the best installation experience
OMOTON Antiglare Paper Screen Protector
Best Protection
Antiglare Tablet Screen Protectors
The OMOTON antiglare screen protector comprises four layers: advanced frosted PET film, hydrophobic and oleophobic layer, matte layer, and adhesive layer. The bubble-free adhesive adheres easily to your iPad and leaves no residue when removed. This antiglare screen protector is ultra-thin and maintains the responsiveness of your touchscreen.
It is dust and scratch-resistant and is compatible with Apple Pencil, providing a paper-like texture when writing, drawing and sketching. This screen protector works with iPad 10.2-inch ninth, eighth and seventh (2021, 2020 and 2019) generation (models- A2270 / A2428 / A2429 / A2430 / A2197 / A2200 / A2198 only.)
Pros:
- Hydrophobic
- Offers oleophobic layer
- Bubble free adhesion
Cons:
- Works with limited iPad models
JETech Anti-Glare Matte PET Paper Screen Protector
User Friendly
Tablet and eReader Screen Protectors
The JETech screen protector comprises ultra-thin HD matte PET film. This film is non-slip and preserves the original sensitivity of your screen. The film is scratch and fingerprint-resistant and prevents bubble formation. This antiglare screen protector is easy to install and remove by following the instructions.
This film works with Apple Pencil and FaceID. It is compatible with the Liquid Retina Display of iPad Air 10.9-inch (fifth and fourth generation) and iPad Pro 11-inch 2021, 2020 and 2018 models.
Pros:
- Includes thin PET film
- Fingerprint and scratch resistant
- Compatible with Face ID
- Easy to install
Cons:
- May squeak when using a stylus
