Laptop Screen Protectors

What a screen protector is for

A laptop screen is easy to mark. A grain of grit on the keyboard, a pen left on the keys or a hard bag can scratch it when the lid closes, and a touchscreen collects fingerprints. A screen protector takes that wear instead and can be replaced. The other reason people fit one is reflections: a matte film turns the mirror-like glare from a window or ceiling light into a soft haze, which many find easier to work with.

The kinds in this range

• Matte anti-glare films are the largest group. They cut reflections and fingerprints, at the cost of a slightly softer picture.
• Clear films keep the picture as sharp as the bare screen and guard against scratches and dust.
• Anti-blue-light films filter some of the screen's blue light, usually with a matte finish.
• Tempered glass protectors are made for the MacBook Air 13-inch (M2 to M5) and the 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2016 to 2022.

Many come as packs of two or three, so there is a spare if the first goes on badly.

Choosing the right one

Fit. Most here are listed for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models by size and year, and the shape of the cut differs between them, so check yours first under About This Mac in the Apple menu. For Windows laptops there are films in 16:9 sizes from 11.6 to 17.3 inches, given in millimetres, and one cut for the 14-inch Lenovo Yoga 7i. Measure the visible screen, width and height, and match the numbers.

Glare. The Health and Safety Executive's advice is to sort glare at the source first: a screen that does not face a window or bright light, blinds, and the right brightness. A matte film is a good next step where that is not possible, in a café or on a train.

Blue light. The College of Optometrists says the best evidence does not support blue-blocking spectacle lenses for the general population. It does not speak about films, and no health claim is made for them here. Your laptop also has a warmer screen setting built in: Night Shift on a Mac, Night light on Windows.

Questions people ask about laptop screen protectors

How do I fit one without bubbles?

Clean the screen with a screen cloth first, in a room with little dust. Line up one edge, then lay it down slowly, pushing air out towards the sides.

Will the lid still close?

Films are thin and made to close. After fitting glass, close the lid gently and check it shuts normally.

Matte, or a privacy filter?

A privacy filter also hides the screen from the side, but dims it a little. For glare alone, matte is enough.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when that protector usually arrives, so check it before ordering for a set date.

More to look at

• Laptop privacy filters
• Screen sprays and cloths
• Trackpad and palm rest protectors
• Keyboard covers
• Laptop skins
• Guide: Privacy and protection: filters, screen protectors, skins and locks
• Guide: Setting up a laptop desk that is kind to your back