Best Apple Watch screen protectors: our top picks and what to look out for

Date:
Thu, 26 Aug 2021 14:15:45 +0000

Description:
Is a thin film tough enough to protect your Apple Watch, or should you
enclose it in a rugged case?

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It's definitely worth buying an Apple Watch screen protector to keep your beloved smartwatch from getting damaged, however with the market that's saturated in many similar products, it can be hard to know which you should buy.

The best Apple Watch screen protector for you has lots of considerations too, beginning with 'do I need one in the first place?'. If you have a stainless steel Apple Watch, you likely don't, as its sapphire crystal glass is tough and scratch-resistant.

That's not necessarily the case for aluminum Apple Watch models though, as testing units we've used have sometimes accumulated lots of little scratches and dings. This can be annoying for some people, and also affects the resale value.

Since they count as 'everyday wear and tear', scratches aren't covered by
most warranties, though smashes are. If you really damage your screen and youve got AppleCare , Apple will replace the screen up to two times for a fee of $69 / 49 / AU$99 each time.

The out-of-warranty fees are much higher, starting at just under $200 / 200 / AU$300 with some fees running to over $800 or more depending on your watch version.

Even if you do have AppleCare, its better not to have to pay the fee. After all, protecting your watch from damage is cheaper than fixing it after damage has occurred. Even the most expensive Apple Watch screen protector here is a fraction of the price of an Apple Watch screen repair.

If you want to keep your watch pristine and protected, there are three main options. There are plastic screen protectors, very similar to smartphone
ones, where you peel off the backing, stick them to the screen and push out the bubbles. Repairing an Apple Watch is expensive, so it's best to protect it. Image Credit: TechRadar

If you want to keep your watch pristine and protected, there are three main options. There are plastic screen protectors, very similar to smartphone
ones, where you peel off the backing, stick them to the screen and push out the bubbles.

These are by far the cheapest screen protectors you can buy. They can be a little bit fiddly to fit but they do a decent job of standing up to everyday scrapes and bumps.

If youd rather add something a bit tougher, a tempered glass protector is a better option. However, these are much harder to fit as theyre not as
flexible or as forgiving as plastic.

Also consider that the cheaper aluminium Apple Watch is actually a lot less prone to obvious scratches than the fancier stainless steel version in terms of body (if not screen, as noted above).

While you might assume the steel is harder and tougher, it's actually softer than the aluminium used in the entry-level model. Don't forget about the finish either. Like the rear casing of iPods Classics, the steel Apple Watch has a super-shiny chrome finish that shows off scratches very readily. It almost seems like the little guy is proud of its war wounds.

Finally, if you're thinking about protection, there are cases that surround the whole watch. Inevitably, they add bulk and some models are hideous. But
if youre likely to be in an environment where your watch faces various hazards, a case may be a worthwhile investment unless that environment is hot and humid, or wet.

Most protective cases arent waterproof or airtight, so theyll often get
steamy in the gym or will let in water when you swim. That doesnt affect your watch but does make it hard to see the display.

Whatever your need at this point, we've tracked down the best Apple Watch screen protectors for every situation.

These are products that we haven't had in our test labs, but based on our experts' opinion and knowledge of the most reputable brands around, we think these are worth looking at.

Our selections, ranked from cheapest to most expensive, take into account online reviews, brand reputation, product capability or unique features to help you pick through the maze of choices available to you. After a dock? Check out the best Apple Watch charging stands Image Credit: IQ Shield 1. IQ Shield LiquidSkin Full Body Skin Screen Protector

Full body coverage for your entire watch Easy application Very affordable
Full coverage seems unnecessary Fiddlier than screen-only options

Most screen protectors just cover the screen. Not this one: its a full body protector with sections to cover the entire Apple Watch body, although were not entirely sure why you might want to do that. At the time of writing the full coverage model is available for the Apple Watch 3 but not the Apple
Watch 4 .

Its a 'liquid skin' film that you apply while wet, although some reviewers have found that the little sections for the sides of the Apple Watch are
very, very fiddly to apply. The main screen bit is a doddle, though. (Image credit: PZOZ) 2. PZOZ Apple Watch Series 5/Series 4 Screen Protector

Affordable shock protection Great price Access to both buttons Not the best fit Not waterproof

This is one of the most affordable screen protectors going with the bonus of full casing protection for your Apple Watch 4 or 5.

It gives you easy access to both the digital crown and the side button while protecting the Watch from dings and everyday wear.

One thing to note is that theres a slight gap between the screen cover and
the screen as this isnt an adhesive protector, so youll have to remove it
when you go swimming otherwise water will get under the protector. This also means youll have to take off your Watch when showering. (Image credit: Piuellia) 3. Piuellia Black Hard Case

A snug form of protection Good price Easy to apply Not the best water seal

Well priced and attractive looking, the Piuellia Black Hard Case works
equally well for the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE. It fits tightly around both the face and sides of the watch, while still offering easy access to relevant buttons and ensuring the touch screen feels as natural as before.

Ideal for protecting your timepiece from scratches, the Piuellia Black Hard Case doesn't have the greatest of water seals so that's something to be aware of if you swim regularly, but it's very easy to take on and off for times
like these. Image Credit: Misxi 4. Misxi Case for Apple Watch

Full coverage, but youll want to drop it when its hot Full protection Easy to fit Can trap moisture Some delivery issues

If you want to protect your Apple Watch with a case, this is one of the thinnest, least obtrusive ones around. Its made of the same TPU as rugged watch cases, so its tough and scratch-resistant, and its easy to fit.

The main downside to this kind of case is that it can trap moisture between the case and the screen, so for example its not one to wear to the gym or
when you go for a swim. Make sure you get what you order, though: some customers say they paid for a two-pack but only got one. Image Credit: Spigen 5. Spigen Rugged Armor Apple Watch Case

When the going gets tough, the tough get Spigen Its really tough It wont mist up Its very big Rugged, plasticky look

Spigen makes a whole bunch of Apple Watch cases with differing levels of protection: this, the Rugged Armor version, is one of the cheaper options.
Its a solid TPU case that protects your watch from impacts, though its bulky in a Casio G-Shock kind of way.

This case doesnt include any direct screen protection the raised lip around the screen should be enough and that means it wont suffer from the misting or water ingress that can affect some full-coverage cases. Image Credit: LK 6.
LK Liquid Skin Screen Protector for Apple Watch

Very cheap and pretty cheerful too Fairly easy to apply Very cheap Plastic film wont last forever Cheaper rivals, especially in the US

This is Amazons choice for the Apple Watch 4, and its also available for all generations of the Apple Watch.

The protectors are made of laser-cut liquid skin film that can be washed and reapplied; unlike some film protectors the LK ones are designed to be applied while wet, which makes it easier to get rid of the dreaded bubbles.

Theres also a lifetime warranty, although were not sure why youd bother invoking it when a six-pack of these protectors is so cheap: its much quicker to just chuck on another protector than to write an angry email to the manufacturer. Image Credit: Dalinch 7. Tempered Glass Screen Protector, various brands

When you want a protector made of something tougher Tougher than film Less prone to bubbles Fiddlier to apply Glass can smash

There are lots of brands offering very similar tempered glass screen protectors with very similar photography, which makes us think theyre coming from the same factories.

That means the buying decision here is largely down to price and reviews:
look for ones featuring customer images rather than just endless Best protector EVER! hyperbole.

Tempered glass is tougher than film and less prone to air bubbles but there are three minor downsides: its slightly fiddlier to apply, it costs more, and film doesnt smash if something hard hits it. That means even fairly minor knocks can mean its new-protector time. (Image credit: HAPAW) 8. HAPAW Screen Protector

Durable for the price Looks good Easy access Not waterproof

Reasonably priced, the HAPAW Screen Protector looks good for the price and is suitably durable too, able to protect your watch from scratches, collisions and general all-round damage.

The tempered glass gives you some added protection but it shouldn't affect
the touch sensitivity of the device with the buttons also easily reached thanks to precise hole cutouts. The only real downside here is the need to remove it before swimming as it isn't swim proof. Best Apple Watch bands



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/best-apple-watch-screen-protectors/


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