Outfitting your iPhone 15 (or any model) with a screen protector should be as common sense if you care about your investment. The bottom line is your iPhone isn’t cheap, and purchasing accessories that can help care for your device is always a smart decision, even if it costs more upfront. Some of the easiest upgrades you can make are adding a durable case and a strong screen protector.
Also: Every iPhone 16 model compared: Which new iPhone should you buy?
Take it from us, preventative phone care upfront is always cheaper than a new phone or replacement screen later. A screen protector is a simple upgrade that you’ll never think about again — until your phone has a nasty fall and survives with its screen intact.
Also: We’ve tested hundreds of iPhone accessories. These are our favorites
What’s the best iPhone 15 screen protector right now?
Our pick for the best iPhone 15 screen protector overall is the Spigen EZ Fit Screen Protector thanks to its great price for value, easy installation, and superb durability. The Spigen EZ Fit Protector is such a great pick that it’s not only on my own iPhone, but is also frequently on ZDNET expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes’ new phones, too. And if you’re looking to add a privacy screen or blue-light filter, we’ve also rounded up some of the best screen protectors to safeguard and upgrade your iPhone 15 (or any model) too.
The best iPhone 15 screen protectors of 2024
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Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit
Best iPhone 15 screen protector overall
The Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit is our pick for the best iPhone screen protector you can buy. Made of tempered glass, it boasts a 9H surface hardness rating to protect your phone from bumps and scrapes throughout the day. Even better, it has an oleophobic coating that helps repel fingerprints and makes it easy to keep your screen looking clean and clear. Plus, this protector kit includes two screen protectors, cleaning wipes, and an auto-alignment tray for quick and easy installation.
Also: How to keep your iPhone looking like you just bought it
ZDNET expert Max Buondonno says that Spigen has “amazing protectors” and every time ZDNET’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes gets a new iPhone, he sets up this Spigen screen protector ASAP.
“At the top of my list of features I love about these screen protectors is that they are easy to fit, thanks to the frame system that holds the protector in place and makes applications a snap,” Kingsley-Hughes said of the EZ Fit protector.
Redditors agree, calling out the extra protection the EZ Fit adds to their iPhone screens, as well as how easy it is to install the screen protector with the auto-alignment application kit. Many current Redditors said the EZ Fit protector was worth the money and has an excellent value.
Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Screen Protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: Two
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Torras Diamond Shield
Best durable iPhone 15 screen protector
The Torras Diamond Shield has superb durability. This protector is certified to meet the Department of Defense’s MIL-STD-810G spec for durability. The company notes this screen protector uses a shatterproof composite layer to deliver protection up to an eight-foot drop. The Torras Diamond Shield has an edge-to-edge fit that works well with cases and an anti-glare coating, and it comes in a handy two-pack with an easy installation tray.
ZDNET’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes uses the Torras Diamond Shield protector on his phone and says it’s been great.
“I wanted a one-stop screen protector applicator that would automatically remove dirt and dust from the screen and give me a tough, bubble-free screen protector at the end of it. This product did just that, and I’ve even got a spare — just in case,” Kingsley-Hughes says.
Current users on Amazon said they like the appearance, quality, fit, and installation of the Torras protector. However, some customers said they struggled with air bubbles in the screen. One customer even said that they sat on a pair of pliers with their phone in their pocket and that the Torras protector blocked any screen damage.
“Pulled a boneheaded move. Put a pair of pliers in my pocket with my new phone. Sat down and heard a cracking noise. Looked at my phone and thought the screen was a goner. Nope. Just the Torras protector!! I replaced it with the second one that came with the package,” the customer wrote in their review.
Torras Diamond Shield screen protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: Two
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Zagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3
Best iPhone 15 blue light screen protector
If you are looking for top protection for your new iPhone 15 (or iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max), the Zagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 offers one of the most advanced impact technologies available. This screen protector has an adhesive, honeycomb-like structure that absorbs shock and strengthens your screen when dropped or scratched.
It’s also one of the most full-featured screen protectors. Made with 30% recycled glass, the XTR3 has a blue light filter to mitigate eye fatigue. It also has an oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprints and anti-reflective technology so you can enjoy your screen’s vibrant colors glare-free. The anti-dust adhesive and EZ application tray system make it a breeze to install this screen protector.
Zagg iPhone screen protectors are trusted picks by several ZDNET experts, including Taylor Clemons, Daniella Ramirez, and me, thanks to their great value and overall protection and Zagg’s limited lifetime warranty.
Current customers on Best Buy said they like the overall quality, value, and ease of use on the Zagg protector.
Zagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: One
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Ailun 3-Pack Screen Protector
Best budget iPhone 15 screen protector
This pack of Ailun screen protectors is our best budget choice. For the price, you get three screen protectors and three lens protectors for your rear camera and an easy installation frame to install the screen protector. The Ailun screen protector uses tempered glass, and it has both a hydrophobic and an oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprints. The protector is laser-cut to fit the iPhone display seamlessly.
ZDNET’s Senior Reviews Editor Kerry Wan has personally used these Ailun protectors and says they’re a good buy.
“I discovered these when I cheaped out on protectors a few years ago. Turns out they’re some of the best I’ve tried. Notably, the oleophobic coating (used to prevent fingerprint smudges) stays on for longer than other protectors I’ve tried and these come in a 3-pack + installation template + camera lens protectors at a fraction of the cost of other brands,” Wan says.
Current Amazon customers said they like the overall value, quality, and appearance of these Ailun protectors, however some note that its adhesion and sturdiness is lacking, or that air bubbles were present after application.
Ailun 3-Pack Screen Protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Product Dimensions: 5.62 x 2.63 x 0.5 inches | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: Three
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Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy
Best iPhone 15 screen protector for privacy
The Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy screen protector ensures two-way privacy so no one can peer over from the side and see your screen (the pricier InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy 360 delivers four-way privacy protection). The screen has scratch resistance with reinforced edges, and it has an oleophobic, anti-smudge coating. It’s also accompanied by Zagg’s limited lifetime warranty. Like many other options on this list, it comes with a tray for easy application to prevent bubbles.
ZDNET’s Taylor Clemons uses this Zagg privacy protector for an extra boost of security and says it’s been working great.
“I love privacy screens because I use my phone for both work and personal communication, and it cuts down on the possibility of someone being able to look over my shoulder and see sensitive information — especially when I’m traveling,” Clemons says.
Current Amazon customers said they liked the performance, privacy, and easy installation. However, some customers said that the protector breaks easily or has air bubbles and only offers light privacy.
Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy screen protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: One
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We chose the Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit screen protector for its overall balance of features and price. You get two top-quality screen protectors that safeguard your new iPhone from edge-to-edge with an anti-smudge coating and quick-touch responsiveness. The auto-alignment tray is an added bonus allowing for quick and easy installation.
Best Screen Protector | Cost | Compatibility | Unit Count | Material |
Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit | $19 | iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max | Two | 9H Tempered Glass |
Torras Diamond Shield | $26 | iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max | Two | 9H Tempered Glass |
Zagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 | $35 | iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max | One | 9H Tempered Glass |
Ailun 3-Pack | $7 | iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max | Three plus camera lens covers | 9H Tempered Glass |
Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy | $45 | iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max | One | 9H Tempered Glass |
*Lowest non-discounted price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
While many of these screen protectors are great options, it ultimately comes down to what type of screen protector you want, how many you want, and how much you are willing to spend on one.
Choose this screen protector… | If you want… | |
Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit | The best overall option by a trusted tech hardware brand. It’s easy to install, has two screen protectors, and has an anti-smudge coating. | |
Torras Diamond Shield | The most durable screen protector featuring military grade protection and features like shatterproof edges. | |
Zagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 | The most complete protection with blue light filtering and anti-reflective coating. | |
Ailun 3-Pack | A budget-friendly screen protector. You get three screen protectors, three glass camera lens protectors, and auto-alignment tools. | |
Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy | A screen protector that prevents people from looking at your phone from the side, thereby safeguarding your sensitive information while also protecting your screen from cracks or scratches. |
It’s probably helpful to consider the following factors when searching for the perfect screen protector for you:
- Material: When selecting the best screen protectors, we chose ones that were made of 9H Tempered Glass since this material does better against different drops or scratches than plastic. Consider what your protection needs are to decide the best material for your screen and your lifestyle.
- Count: We see the value in buying a protector that includes more than one protector. A higher count means you have an extra screen protector for another iPhone, or you have a spare as a backup. If you want more bang for your buck, look for multipack options.
- Price: Screen protectors can vary dramatically in price depending on their design, features, and count. The ones on this list range from $7 to over $50 to suit a variety of different budgets. Set a budget for yourself to help narrow down your search.
- Features: Screen protectors can do more than just protect your screen from scratches, bumps, or cracks. That is why we included different options with features, such as anti-smudge technology, blue light filtering, or even privacy screen protection. Decide what features are a must for you to help narrow your search.
ZDNET conducted expert research using our hands-own knowledge with various iPhone 15 models and prior experience with screen protectors for other devices. We spent time considering individual needs and wants for screen protectors, and prioritizing elements like cost, material, durability, extra features, and more. We considered the screen protectors we’re currently using, ones we’ve used before, and options that we haven’t personally tested, to provide a curated list of both hands-on tested and expert researched picks.
If we think another product is worth your money, we’ll update this list or write up a spotlight review highlighting its best qualities and specifying who it’s for.
Plus, we are routinely scouring the web for new products that are worthy of testing, and following news on product rollouts and upgrades, and sourcing the best deals. We know buying anything in the current economy is not just for your whims, and that’s why we build our lists to match different needs and budgets — and why our picks are expert-tested or expert-vetted.
Unless you like living on the edge, we recommend getting a screen protector for your iPhone 15 (or any phone model). While the iPhone 15 Pro is made of titanium, which is a lighter and more durable material, your phone can still crack if left bare and without a case.
Smartphones are hefty investments these days, and if you want your phone to look brand new, the best option is to add both a screen protector and a case.
Once you have a break or crack on your screen protector, you should ideally replace your screen protector. Doing so maintains the integrity of your phone’s screen, since a damaged protector provides diminished protection to your phone. You wouldn’t drive miles on a flat tire, so it’s best not to sport a cracked screen protector any longer than necessary.
If you’re a clumsy person or are prone to broken screens, look for a screen protector that offers a warranty, like Zagg, which will replace your broken screen protector for free (plus the cost of shipping).
While most screen protectors can protect from cracks and scratches, you can now use screen protectors to upgrade your device’s functionality too. Here are a few common iterations of screen protectors we’ve seen across multiple brands that you can shop for:
- Privacy protector
- Anti-glare protector
- Anti-rainbow protector
- Blue light blocking
- Anti-yellowing protector
Many iPhone screen protectors are, on average, 0.33mm thick, which according to Belkin, is about the equivalent of three sheets of paper. In other words, slim and fairly unnoticeable. However, screen protectors can range in thickness, with some thinner than average and others thicker than average. The Shellrus Sapphire for example, is only 0.3mm thick.
All iPhone 15 models have curved edges. This design makes it incredibly difficult to achieve a true “perfect” fit, but tons of screen protectors on the market come pretty close, and several on our list bill themselves as having edge-to-edge protection. Some protectors might leave space between the end of the screen protector and the edge of your phone, often to account for differing iPhone case models, many of which bump up over the top of the screen. Several companies, like Spigen, offer protectors with black-lined edges to minimize this look and cut back on a rainbow glare.
Likewise, some — but not all — protectors feature a notched space for the speaker or front camera. If you feel strongly about screen overhang or notches, be sure to keep that in mind while you shop.
Screen protectors aren’t just limited to tempered glass options, though they remain popular for the added drop and crack protection plastic based protectors can’t offer. Common materials screen protectors include:
- Tempered glass
- Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Ceramic
- Nano liquid
- Sapphire
Let’s start by acknowledging that any screen protector is better than nothing at all. That said, not all screen protectors provide the same level of damage control and protection. Ceramic and plastic-based screen protectors are typically good choices for safeguarding against everyday scratches, imperfections, and minor-impact related screen blemishes. If you’re not accident-prone, a simple protector like this might work great for you.
For more robust protection, look for a screen protector made from either tempered glass or sapphire. Tempered glass protectors are usually rated a 9H for their surface hardness, and they are much better options for preventing the scratches, cracks, and breaks that result from impacts and rougher use. Sapphire screen protectors have a surface hardness that bests typical tempered glass options, which makes sapphire a great material to protect against deep cuts, scratches, and more. Sapphire has a more brittle composition, though, which makes it less fit for impact and drop-related screen protection.
Many iPhone screen protectors are advertised to offer oleophobic coatings, more colloquially known as “anti-smudge” or “anti-fingerprint” technology. Per Merriam-Webster, oleophobic simply refers to a lack of strong affinity to oils. In terms of your phone screen, this just means that some screen protectors can aid in fighting off the smudges, prints, and marks caused by oil on the surface of your fingertips.
The best type of screen protector is one made with tempered glass since this material carries a 9H hardness rating and is much sturdier and more robust than plastic or ceramic. Tempered glass screens also better prevent excessive fingerprints and oil smudges.
However, the best screen protector for you is one that works for your lifestyle, so be sure to consider if you’re looking for features like added privacy or blue light blocking.
iPhone screen protectors are available at most major retailers today, including Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and more. You also have the options of purchasing screen protectors online directly from the manufacturers or from the same retailers. Amazon additionally has several of the picks on this list for purchase.
While we think Apple would probably agree with our team here at ZDNET that any type of screen protector is better than none at all, the tech giant does seem to favor one particular screen protector. On Apple’s website, you’ll only find several model iterations of the Belkin UltraGlass 2 screen protector available for purchase for Apple’s iPhone lineup. And although it doesn’t mean it’s the only screen protector that works, it is the only option Apple is choosing to carry for customers — do with that information what you will.
In September, Apple launched their new lineup of the iPhone, the 16 series. Apple says the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature the latest-generation Ceramic Shield screen with “an advanced formulation that is 50 percent tougher than the first generation and 2x tougher than glass on any other smartphone.”
Also: Every iPhone 16 model compared: Which new iPhone should you buy?
Although Apple says the new iPhone will be ultra durable, it’s always a good idea to equip your phone with a case and a screen protector. It’s never going to hurt your device.
Yes, online and in-store carriers like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and more will often sell screen protectors for the same model phones they carry. Some carriers, like AT&T offer a lifetime warranty on their protectors. That means they’ll replace it for free if it wears down, cracks, or scratches.
Additionally, you can often have these screen protectors put on for you at a carrier store, which is helpful if you don’t trust yourself to nail a seamless application. It’s also convenient, too.
Are there alternative iPhone 15 screen protectors to consider?
There are tons of other iPhone 15 screen protectors on the market from a multitude of brands. Here are a few more picks we considered that didn’t make our top cut.
View at ShellrusView at AT&TView at Nomad GoodsView at AppleView at Saharacase