Best screen protectors for your new Apple iPhone 16

You preordered your favorite iPhone 16 model. Then you ordered an iPhone 16 case to protect it. But now that it’s in your hands, your new phone is still looking a little vulnerable. What’s missing? A screen protector.

Accidents can and do happen. Your smartphone, strong as its frame and its build can be, is still a piece of fragile tech. And even with a solid case, the wrong kind of drop in the wrong place can still crack or shatter your screen. That’s where a screen protector comes in: They break so your screen doesn’t.

You’ll get smudges and scratches on the glass protector, but beneath that, your phone will look brand new. If you’re looking for your new iPhone to stay that way for as long as possible, see our favorite picks for the best iPhone 16 screen protectors below. 

The best Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro screen protectors

Screen protectors for your phone typically range between $10 and $50, depending on the level of protection and added features you want. Some options just protect your screen physically, while others add privacy protection, blue-light protection or camera lens protection.

Best iPhone 16 screen protector: Zagg Glass Elite Screen Protector

Zagg is a major name in the screen protector space, and for good reason. The brand makes durable screen protectors that not only offer fantastic drop protection but also advanced scratch and smudge resistance. Zagg screen protectors come with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can get a free replacement for as long as you own your phone.

The Zagg Glass Elite glass screen protector is made with 30% recycled materials. Its packaging is made with recycled materials as well. The package includes a special tray to apply your screen protector to avoid dust and bubbles, making for a quick and easy installation. 

Best tempered glass iPhone 16 screen protector: Belkin UltraGlass 2 screen protector

There’s a reason why Apple endorses this screen protector and sells it in its store. It’s a tough protector that offers stronger tempered glass than what you’d typically get from other manufacturers, boasting 2.7x stronger materials that make it perfect for random drops and spills.

It’s also just 0.29mm thick, so it won’t affect the phone’s touch sensor. It’s resistant against fingerprints and smudges, and comes with an easy align tray that makes it simple to apply.

Like many other screen protector brands, the Belkin UltraGlass 2 comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can get a replacement if this one doesn’t hold up.

Best iPhone 16 screen and lens protector bundle: Smartish iPhone 16 screen protector (2 pack)

The front face of your phone isn’t the only part that’s vulnerable to scratches and drops — your camera lenses need protection, as well. That’s why we like this Amazon screen protector bundle that comes with two screen protectors and two lens protectors.

They’re available for each model of the new phone. You get two great sheets of tempered, scratch-resistant glass. They’re nice and clear, simple to install thanks to their included installation frame, and versatile enough to apply to your phone even if your chosen case has a front lip.

Another thing to love about this two-pack: It’s just $25 at Amazon. Sure, these protectors don’t have all the bells and whistles you get from screen protectors that sell for double or triple the price. But considering what you get, this is an incredibly cost-effective option, especially if you have more than one new phone owner in your household.

Best blue light-reducing iPhone 16 screen protector: OtterBox Premium Pro Glass Blue Light Guard

This screen protector not only helps to defend your device from scratches and drops up to 6 feet, but it also shields your eyes from potentially harmful blue light waves. This added bonus makes the OtterBox screen protector more advanced than the others on this list.

If you want that protection and more, you can get it here: The OtterBox Premium Pro Glass Blue Light Guard screen protector features fingerprint and smudge resistance, 9H durability and a privacy screen effect that will keep others from seeing what you’re doing on your phone when it’s in viewing range.

It’ll keep its transparency for a long while, and it’s super easy to install. Though it’s an expensive option, it’s worth considering, especially if you’re on your phone a lot.

Best rugged iPhone 16 screen protection: ESR Armorite screen protector

If want to ensure your new iPhone stays as clean and nice as possible even in rough conditions, you want something heavy-duty. The ESR Armorite screen protector’s 9H+ is just what you need. It can take up to 110 pounds of impact, which can keep your phone protected at the gym or anywhere else you’re near heavy items that may drop on your phone.

You get two in a pack, and it’s super simple to apply to your phone, too. Plus, it uses a special adhesive to make sure when you do apply your new screen protector, you don’t have to contend with annoying bubbles. 

Brittany Vincent

Brittany Vincent has been covering gaming, tech, and all things entertainment for 16 years for a variety of online and print publications. She’s been covering the commerce space for nearly a decade.

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