Your Apple Watch may not have cost the earth, but it’s an expensive investment nonetheless. From a user’s point of view, you’ll do everything you can to keep the smartwatch in good condition – all the time. But does Apple Watch need a screen protector?
An Apple Watch doesn’t need a screen protector. Its screen is made of highly durable glass, which is crack and scratch-resistant. The screen won’t shutter if you drop the watch by accident. And even if the outer coating wears out under normal use, it’s unlikely that the screen beneath will damage.
While Apple doesn’t recommend that you fit a screen protector on you watch, you’re welcome to do so if you believe it will keep the watch in mint condition.
Some of the best examples you can use are as follows:
In my opinion, a screen protector goes a long way to give the watch an additional layer of protection. And fitting one can give you the assurance that your Apple Watch will be free of dings and scratches.
From What Material is the Apple Watch Screen Made?
Before we look at why you might need a screen protector for your Apple Watch and the examples you can use, it’s important to know what materials make the Apple Watch screen.
In this respect, note the following:
Apple Watches made of aluminum feature screens made of Ion-x glass. Models made of Titanium and Stainless Steel feature screes made of strong sapphire crystals, which Apple says are scratch resistant and therefore the best of their creation.
Why Does an Apple Watch Need a Screen Protector?
A new Apple Watch costs between $250 and $800 depending on the series, with the Ultra being the most expensive model Apple has ever created.
In my eyes, an Apple Watch is an expensive investment that you must protect. And one of the maintenance practices is to use a screen protector to keep the display from cracks and scratches.
I understand the part where Apple makes it clear that its watches don’t require screen protection because the displays are made of Ion-x and sapphire glasses.
But even if an Apple Watch is scratch resistant, it still needs protection from hard surfaces.
The benefits of an Apple Watch screen protector is threefold:
- It keeps your Watch from exposure to roughly textured objects, such as keys, pins, and clips, which can easily cause scratches.
- The protector gives the watch an additional safety layer that protects the screen underneath from accidental falls.
- It keeps the watch from exposure to harmful detergents and lotions, which can easily degrade the watertight components and cause the device to malfunction.
5 Best Screen Protectors for Apple Watch
Choosing the best screen protector for an Apple Watch can be challenging because there are excessively many options to consider.
To make your work easier, I’ve reviewed a few options that can fit and work well without causing Apple Watch to fail responding to touches.
Notably, your Apple Watch can work well with three unique types of screen protectors. You can go for:
- Plastic screen protector: Peel the protector’s backing, align the protector to the screen of your Apple Watch and push the bubbles out for it stick.
- Tempered glass screen protector: The material is tough and, although it’s somewhat pricey, it’s the best solution for safeguarding your Apple Watch’s screen.
- Apple Watch screen protector case: This option covers your entire watch. The only problem with this kind of screen protector is that it makes your watch appear rather bulky.
The following are some examples of protectors to buy right now:
1. PZOZ Case With Screen Protector
The PZOZ Case with Screen Protector is an excellent choice for Apple Watch Series 4 and 5.
Instead of just covering your smartwatch’s screen, PZOZ also covers the body of the watch, hence keeping the whole device from cracking or scratching in the event of an accidental fall.
You might find this protector somewhat tricky to apply to the watch, but the main screen feels a little bit easy.
PZOZ is a good option to consider if you want to prevent deep scratches and cut from getting to the main screen. It also makes the digital crown and side button easy to access.
The problem with PZOZ Case with Screen Protector is that it makes an Apple Watch look bulkier. Also, it doesn’t offer a perfect fit for all models.
2. LK Touch Sensitive Liquid Screen Protector for Apple Watch
The LK Touch Liquid Screen Protector is a good option to consider if you’re looking for an option that’s touch sensitive.
It’s compatible with Apple Watch Series 7 and 8. And you have to apply it when wet to get it to fit properly.
There are 6 pieces in the package, so you can change the protector from time to time should you feel that the previous application has lost its worth.
While LK Liquid Screen Protectors are affordable and easy to apply and remove, they do not offer long-term protection.
3. IQ Shield Anti Bubble Screen Protector
IQ Shield LiquidSkin adds four layers of protection to your Apple Watch.
The layers offer a strong bonding, enhance elasticity and transparency, keeps the film from yellowing, and enhances overall durability.
The IQ Shield LiquidSkin doesn’t cover the body of the watch. But it’s strong enough to protect the screen underneath from scratches and cracks in the event of an accidental fall.
Unfortunately, the cover is not waterproof and it is a little bit difficult to apply.
4. Smiling Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Made of tempered glass, Sliming is the ideal option to consider if you’re looking for a tough screen protector for Series 7 or Series 8.
The protector is tempered glass made of premium anti-yellow materials.
While it covers the screen as well as the body to offer protection from scratches, drops, and bumps, it doesn’t make the Apple Watch appear bulky.
Looking at this screen protector, I see a high level of creation that easily gives you access to the Digital Crown, side button, and microphone, while offering maximum protection.
5. Misxi 2 Pack Hard PC Case with Tempered Glass Screen Protector
The Misxi PC Case screen protector offers your Apple Watch adequate protection without compromising user experience.
It’s made of tempered glass, which means it’s scratch and crack-resistant.
Misxi screen protector costs a dollar more than value of the other screen protector on the list. But that’s not a big deal because it’s ideal for someone who needs something tougher for the Apple Watch display.
Misxi case and screen protector is easy to install.
The problem is that it does not support swimming activities. So you will need to remove it if you want to swim with the watch and put it back on after ejecting water from your Apple Watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Tempered Glass Screen Protectors Good for the Apple Watch?
Tempered glass screen protectors are good for Apple Watch because, unlike ordinary plastic screen protectors, they are strong, thicker, and durable.
And while it might be an expensive investment, the value you get is definitely worth the purchase.
2. Do You Need a Screen Protector for Your Apple Watch?
You do not really need a screen protector for your Apple Watch.
After all, Apple makes it clear that Apple Watch Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, SE, and Series 8 are already scratch resistant.
But that only hold up to a certain level of force.
That Apple Watch smartwatches are not scratch proof is a good reason to invest in a screen protector.
You should keep in mind that a screen protector is only there to offer added protection and not perfection.
3. Are Apple Watches Truly Scratch Resistant?
I know it’s easy to wonder whether Apple Watches scratch easily. Often, the answer is NO.
Apple makes it clear that its smartwatches are made of strong glass that can stand up to accidental drops and keep working just fine.
But just to make sure the device stays in good condition for the longest time possible, get a screen protector for an additional layer of a protective shield.
Final Thoughts
Apple invest billions to give its target audience the best technology. And they haven’t slowed down on making every new Apple Watch release the best it can be.
So when it comes to the issue of screen protectors, whether or not to fit one on your Apple Watch is a matter of personal preference.
After all, it would take a bit of force to scratch an Apple Watch’s screen. But then again, an additional layer of protection goes a long way to keep the smartwatch in good condition.
Hello, speaking from personal experience, the Apple Watch screen is not impenetrable and it will crack (or shatter in my case) if dropped on a hard surface. Just a few foot drop onto a tiled locker room floor and you will end up with a shattered screen. Can’t say a screen protector would even protect against that as I didn’t have one. But I can’t imagine a flimsy film would do much against that kind of force.
Have you tried tempered glass screen protector instead of a flimsy film?