You've just bought an iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, or went all out on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. So you probably know you need an iPhone 17 case. But we also strongly recommend pairing a case with an appropriate iPhone 17 screen protector for the even better defence against drops, knicks, and bumps.
This guide covers the most popular screen protector categories, including privacy, tempered glass, matte, and anti-glare options.
Before you delve too far into picking a screen protector, you should only be looking for screen protectors designed for your specific iPhone model. There are different screen dimensions between iPhone generations and the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models.
If you buy a screen protector intended for another iPhone generation or model, you'll likely get an imperfect fit that's either too small or too large to properly cover your screen.
Best iPhone 17 privacy screen protector: Spigen Glass Screen Protector
RRP AUD$54.99
Privacy glass helps protect your screen physically and from prying eyes around you.
- Screen and privacy protection rolled into one
- Comes with a second screen protector
- Reportedly a bit of a fingerprint magnet
Thousands of Aussies search for privacy screen protectors each month, and it's understandable why. As iPhones and other smartphones offer clearer, anti-reflection screens that make it easy for their owners to see, they're also easier for other people to see when they're next to you. This is where a privacy screen protector can help, limiting iPhone visibility from angles that aren't directly in front of the screen.
The Spigen iPhone 17 Glass Screen Protector uses tempered privacy glass to stop angled viewing of the screen. As is the gold standard, this Spigen screen protector comes with an alignment case for precise-fit installation. Alongside the privacy and physical protection, this Spigen product is built to be as responsive as using your iPhone 17 without a screen protector.
Best tempered glass screen protector: Quad Lock Tempered Glass Screen Protector
RRP AUD$19.99
An affordably priced tempered glass screen protector that's best as a Quad Lock accessory add-on.
- Competitively priced screen protector
- Shaped to suit wrap-around phone cases
- Doesn't come with an easy-applicator tray
Tempered glass is popular among screen protectors, likely because of its mix of protection and affordability. Take the Quad Lock Tempered Glass Screen Protector, for example. The $20 asking price is competitive, and Quad Lock offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don't like it. Tempered glass screen protectors like this one guard against the scratches and smudges from everyday use, all while maintaining touch responsiveness. And the Quad Lock screen protector is only 0.3mm thick.
It's a shame this Quad Lock screen protector doesn't come with an easy-installation applicator tray, but that's to be expected at this price point. That said, there is a video installation guide on the product page, and you get an alcohol prep pad, dust removal sticker, and a microfibre cloth to help prep your screen before applying the screen protector.
Best matte screen protector: OneTech Matte Screen Protector
RRP AUD$9.22
A bare-bolts way to protect your iPhone 17 screen while reducing glare.
- Affordably priced matte screen protector
- Matte reduces glare and minimises fingerprints
- Doesn't ship with everything for a smooth application
For an even cheaper screen protector, check out the OneTech Matte Screen Protector. For under $10, you can get this matte screen protector. Matte screen protectors reduce reflections in well-lit areas, plus they're better at masking fingerprints than some glass protectors. Admittedly, matte screen protectors generally aren't as good with impact resistance, so they're best for users who have a history of no phone drops.
Despite its comparative fragility, this matte screen protector can still protect against everyday wear and tear, including scratches and dirt. While this OneTech screen protector doesn't come with all the essentials for zero-fuss installation, it does at least have a cleaning cloth. Additionally, if you end up replacing it down the track, you shouldn't expect to deal with any screen protector residue.
Best glass screen protector: Belkin UltraGlass 2 Treated Screen Protector
RRP AUD$49.95
Impressive screen protection without the thickness that's easy to install.
- Top-tier screen protection at under 3mm
- Protector limits fingerprints and stops discolouration
- That extra protection costs extra
We've already covered tempered glass screen protectors above. But while tempered glass is more popular and cheaper than competing materials, it's not the strongest available glass screen protector. For extra screen protection, we recommend checking out the Belkin UltraGlass 2 Treated Screen Protector. According to Belkin, its UltraGlass technology is up to two times stronger than tempered glass.
Practically speaking, the UltraGlass 2 Treated Screen Protector is rated for drops just over two metres. Additionally, you can expect protection against everyday wear and tear, including bumps, scratches, and even cracks. This Belkin screen protector also has coatings that prevent fingerprints, smudges, and discolouration. Alongside the extra durability, UltraGlass 2 screen protectors are built to feel like an iPhone screen.
Best hydrogel screen protector: 9EIGHT5 Hydrogel Screen Protector
RRP AUD$18.96 (2-pack)
An affordable two-pack screen protector that self-repairs minor scratches.
- Very affordable price for two screen protectors
- Self-repairs minor protector scratches
- Not as durable as glass screen protectors
If you want a dirt-cheap screen protector, you can nab the 9EIGHT5 iPhone 17 Hydrogel Screen Protector for under $15. That price point comes with one screen protector but, given the comparatively cheaper price, we reckon it's worth paying the extra $5 to get a two-pack version instead. The big selling point for hydrogel screen protectors is that they can self-repair minor scratches.
This 9EIGHT5 hydrogel screen protector is ultra-thin and doesn't get in the way of all-important screen clarity or responsiveness. You also get edge-to-edge protection. Installation is a bit trickier without an applicator tray, but this 9EIGHT5 screen protector comes with a wet and dry wipe to at least prep your screen. There's also a video guide on the product page to help with application.
Best anti-glare screen protector: Zagg Glass XTR5 Screen Protector
RRP AUD$69.95
Block out eye-straining blue light throughout the day with this durable Zagg screen protector.
- Screen protector fortified with durable Graphene
- Anti-reflective, anti-eye fatigue
- The full Zagg range isn't available in Australia
If you're someone who spends a lot of their day looking at screens — computers, TVs, smartphones — there's a good chance that eye strain may be contributing to lesser-quality sleep. The blue light from screens can be an invisible pain, but that's where a blue-light filter can help. Not only does the Zagg Glass XTR5 Screen Protector help filter out blue light, it also has an anti-reflective coating to minimise glare.
Sure, it's pricey at $70, but it's more than just an anti-glare screen protector with a blue light filter. For starters, Zagg claims this screen protector is up to 11 times stronger than basic glass protectors. And installation should be a breeze thanks to an applicator tray. Once installed, you can expect scratch resistance and the kind of touch sensitivity you get without a screen protector.
What to look for in an iPhone 17 screen protector
Sure, any screen protector is better than none. But not all screen protectors are created equal. Here's what to look out for if you're hunting an iPhone 17 screen protector:
- Material: As you've seen from our recommendations above, screen protectors aren't made of the same material. Tempered glass is a good starting place, but there are screen protectors that are stronger than tempered glass. Additionally, you can source screen protectors that offer anti-glare and/or additional privacy. Meanwhile, hydrogel screen protectors aren't as good for drops but can self-repair minor scratches.
- Functionality: The main thing you want from a screen protector is protection, but that comes in different forms. Some screen protectors are great for everyday blemishes, while others have a drop rating for harder impacts. You may also want a screen protector that has a protective barrier to minimise fingerprints and smudges, or one that stops discolouration so it can feasibly stay on your phone long-term.
- Application: A good screen protector is set and forget, so you shouldn't need to replace it often (unless it's damaged). But getting it on in the first place can be a challenge. If you're worried about the application, source a screen protector that has an applicator tray for perfect alignment. For bonus points, keep an eye out for kits that come with cleaning kits to ensure you're not trapping any dust or blemishes beneath the protector during application.
- Price: Screen protectors can be cheaper than phone cases. But screen protection isn't an area you should comprise on; the screen, after all, is the most important component of a smartphone. You can get a screen protector for under $20 in a pinch. But expect to pay $50+ for more advanced screen protectors from reputable brands.
iPhone 17 screen protector FAQs
How do you attach a screen protector?
The easiest way to attach a screen protector is with an applicator tray. If your screen protector doesn't come with one, take your time placing it for a better shot at perfect alignment. Before applying a screen protector, though, clean with a screen-safe wet wipe, anti-dust adhesive, and a microfibre cloth.
How do you remove a screen protector?
Ideally, a screen protector should come off easily by prising up a corner, then peeling it back slowly. If it's trickier, use a credit card or other plastic card to gently lift one of the corners of the screen protector. For screen protectors that use tougher adhesive, you may need to use a hairdryer to loosen the grip.
Hold the hair dryer about six inches from the screen, set it to the lowest setting, then heat the screen protector for around 15 seconds. If your screen protector is cracked and needs a hair dryer to loosen its grip, use tape on the cracks before applying the heat. For any leftover residue from the screen protector, use a screen-friendly cleaning agent to remove it with a clean microfibre cloth.
How often should screen protectors be replaced?
We're of the opinion that you shouldn't replace a screen protector until there's an issue. That might be screen protector cracks, nicks, or noticeable discolouration. But the same rule applies if functionality deteriorates. Ideally, a quality screen protector should last for a couple of years, but cheaper models may need to replaced every few months.
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Nathan Lawrence
Freelance Contributor
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