We’ve all been there: applying a screen protector to a prized device, and that stray bubble caught below the plastic just will not move to the edge and escape. It can be so frustrating. If you recently picked up the new iPhone 17 and are hunting for the best screen protector for your new device, then one of the following options might be the right fit for you. As for the pesky stray bubble tormenting you beneath your brand-new screen protector, Johnny Kim, a technician from New York Computer Help, has a few tips.
“When it comes to installing screen protectors on your device, quality and type of protector really make all the difference,” says Kim. “By and large, most screen protectors on the market are made from glass or plastic; glass is almost always easier to install, and plastic screen protectors are the culprit behind the majority of the bubbles and wonky wrinkles.”
What’s the best way to install a screen protector on your phone?
Overall, Kim recommends picking up a glass screen protector to avoid the hassle of a bubbly install (especially for first-time screen protector buyers). If you have to spring for plastic, though, Kim recommends following the instructions as closely as possible or heading to your local phone repair shop and having an expert install it for a low fee.
Kim also says the best screen protector for your phone is most likely the one made by your phone’s manufacturer. “If that’s not an option, there aren’t a ton of well-known brands on the market, and it’s best to go off-screen protectors that have a significant amount of positive reviews,” he adds.
One of our editors also highly recommends the Spigen screen protector, which comes with an adorable little squeegee to help you iron out all those annoying bubbles.
Finally, don’t forget about scratchgate. Because the new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max scratch so easily, you’ll want to pair your screen protector with one of the best iPhone 17 Pro cases as well. With all that in mind, here are some of the best screen protectors for your new iPhone 17.
Magic John
This screen protector from Magic John comes with an “installation frame” for applying the protector to your phone screen. Reviewers have said that it was one of the easiest installation processes they’ve ever experienced. The screen protector is made of tempered glass and claims to be auto-dust-eliminating.
Spigen
This screen protector from Spigen is specifically designed to have enhanced durability. The glass of the protector is specifically enhanced with aluminium to make the surface of the protector stronger and more resistant to cracks. The tempered glass screen protector also comes with a guided installation kit and a squeegee, which makes the installation even easier.
TORRAS
$33.22
at Amazon
$41.99
Save $8.77
This screen protector has a “3D curved edge” to offer you the maximum surface area coverage possible. Reviews of this protector praise this feature as it feels like they’re not losing a sliver of their screen to the edge of the screen protector. The tempered glass is anti-scratch and anti-reflection as well.
Mkeke
$9.99
at Amazon
$16.99
Save $7.00
This screen protector 3-pack is almost half off right now at 9.99 down from its list price of 16.99. It has 210,000 reviews on Amazon that praise its quality and installation ease. The screen protector is designed with military grade drop protection and touch sensitivity.
Mashable Deals
Mothca
For those folks that want a matte, papery, almost Kindle-like screen feel to their phone– this protector from Mothca might just be the perfect option. The anti-glare and anti-fingerprint tempered glass protector is super smooth and reviewers rave about the texture of their new screen.
Supershieldz
Credit: Supershieldz screen protector
$5.99
at Amazon
$7.99
Save $2
This three-pack of screens rings in at such a lower price point than some of the aforementioned cases. A true budget option, especially if you want a pack of multiple protectors. The reason for the lower cost, though, is that these protectors are made of PET, which is, in fact, plastic. The install might be a little hard to execute with precision compared to some of the above options, but that price point is hard to beat.
Ailun
One of the best deals on this list is this pack of 3 Ailun Privacy screen protectors that cost a total of $7.99. That comes down to $2.66 per screen protector, and they are made of tempered glass. These screen protectors have a whopping 154,000 mostly positive reviews on Amazon. Some of the themes in critical reviews include that these protectors crack easily, especially on the sides.
