For most iPhone users, a transparent 9H tempered glass screen protector offers sufficient protection for daily use. Do you regularly use your phone outdoors, tend to drop it, or carry it without a case? Then a 360-degree screen protector is a better choice. There is no universal "best" screen protector — the right choice depends on how you use your phone.
In this article, we'll help you choose based on your situation — not on what's most expensive or has the most features. We'll explain what to look for, when a simple screen protector is enough, and when you should opt for a different variant. This includes honest advice on when you don't need a screen protector at all.
Caasi is active on Bol.com and Amazon and daily handles buyer questions about phone accessories. The conclusion is always the same: most people pay for features they don't need. We aim to prevent that here.
What is the best screen protector for an iPhone?
Short answer: The best screen protector is the one that fits your usage. That sounds simple, but it prevents you from paying too much for something you don't need — or buying too little protection when you do need it.
The choice depends on three things: how intensively you use your phone, whether you use a case, and whether you need privacy protection. Do you normally use your phone in the office or at home, do you have a case, and do you rarely drop it? Then a simple transparent 9H screen protector is exactly right. You don't need more than that.
Later in this article, we'll explain the best choice for each situation. There is no screen protector that can do everything — but there is always a screen protector that fits your specific situation.
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What should a good iPhone screen protector meet?
Not every screen protector is the same, even if they look identical. There are a few concrete criteria that a decent screen protector must meet — and these also help you identify poor quality ones.
Hardness rating 9H. This is the standard for tempered glass and the minimum for serious scratch resistance. A 9H screen protector resists key scratches, coins, and other daily materials. Anything below 8H is too soft for a phone screen and will get damaged too quickly.
Precise fit for your iPhone model. A screen protector that doesn't fit the edges of your specific model properly will leave air bubbles and start to peel off over time. Always check that the screen protector is made for your exact iPhone variant — an X and an Xs look almost identical but have subtle size differences.
Thickness of 0.33 mm. The common industry standard for tempered glass screen protectors is 0.33 mm — thin enough not to change the screen's feel. Thicker screen protectors dampen the screen's feel and can slightly slow down response time.
Installation kit included. Air bubbles after installation are almost always caused by dust or fingerprints not being properly removed. A good screen protector — like NuGlas — comes with an alcohol wipe, microfiber cloth, and dust sticker. That makes all the difference. Is an installation kit missing? Then the chance of a failed installation is much higher.
Compatibility with your case. Some 360-degree screen protectors are slightly larger than the screen surface and can interfere with the edge of your case. If in doubt, check product descriptions or reviews.
The three types of iPhone screen protectors compared
There are three common types of iPhone screen protectors. They all offer basic protection, but they differ in what extra features they provide — and for whom they are intended.
Type 1: Transparent tempered glass. Maximum clarity, no color distortion, the touch feels identical to the original screen. This is the most popular variant and suitable for most users. You pay the least, you notice it the least, and your screen is well protected.
Type 2: 360-degree protection. This variant also covers the edges of the screen — the most vulnerable point in case of a corner drop. Slightly larger fit, slightly fuller feel at the edges. Useful if you regularly drop your phone or use it without a case.
Type 3: Privacy screen protector. Filters side view via a micro-louver system, so bystanders cannot read along. The screen is slightly darker than without a filter. Useful if you work in public with sensitive information. Not useful if you use your phone at home or at a fixed workplace.
No single type is universally the best. The best type is the one that matches what you do with your phone daily.
When is a regular transparent screen protector enough?
For most people, a transparent 9H tempered glass screen protector is exactly what you need. Do you use your phone at home, in the office, or at another fixed location? Do you carry it in a case and rarely or never drop it? Then a transparent screen protector is the logical choice.
The advantages are clear: maximum clarity, the thinnest construction, and the lowest price. You literally don't notice it — and that's precisely the intention. A screen protector you don't feel and don't see, but which does its job.
Specifically: the NuGlas transparent for iPhone X, Xs and 11 Pro and the NuGlas transparent for iPhone Xs Max and 11 Pro Max are solid choices for daily use. No frills, but good protection.
If this describes your situation, the simplest variant is more than enough for you. Paying more for extra features you don't need makes no sense.
When is a 360-degree screen protector a better choice?
When your phone falls on its corner, the edge of the screen is the most vulnerable point. A standard screen protector covers the center of the screen but leaves the edges almost unprotected. A 360-degree screen protector solves this by extending slightly further along the sides.
This is a sensible choice if you regularly drop your phone, if you have a large iPhone model that is less comfortable to hold, or if you carry your phone without a case. If you already use a sturdy case with a protective lip around the screen, the 360-degree variant adds little — the case already does that job.
The NuGlas 360-degree for iPhone Xr and 11 and the NuGlas 360-degree for iPhone Xs Max and 11 Pro Max are two concrete options. The price difference with the transparent variant is small — less than €2.
An honest drawback: the edges of the screen protector feel slightly fuller, and not all cases are compatible with the slightly larger dimensions. If in doubt, check the product description or contact Caasi.
For whom is a screen protector NOT necessary or not the right choice?
This is the section most webshops skip. We don't, because it aligns with who we are: we help you choose, even if that means you don't buy anything.
Not necessary if you wear a rugged case with full lip protection. Sturdy outdoor cases completely enclose the screen. In case of a fall, the screen won't hit the ground — and a screen protector offers no added value. Applying a screen protector in a case that already protects the screen is redundant.
Not the right choice if you're considering a cheap screen protector. A thin, poorly fitting, low-quality screen protector will peel off after two weeks, leave air bubbles, and feel different from the original screen. Then you'll pay twice: once for the bad one, once for the good one. Choose a decent variant right away.
Nuance for iPhones with Ceramic Shield (iPhone 12 and newer). Apple's Ceramic Shield screen is significantly more drop-resistant than older screens. However: Ceramic Shield does not prevent scratches. Keys, sand, and grit can still damage the screen. For scratch protection, tempered glass is always the better choice, even on newer models.
Are you really in doubt? Then there's a good chance that a simple transparent screen protector is sufficient for you. There's no need to overcomplicate it.
“Customers who buy this come back later for other products. That's the real proof of quality for us.”
Director — Caasi
NuGlas iPhone 13 Pro Max/14 Plus screen protector - 5D privacy glass
Multiple iPhones or family: Is a 10-pack screen protector smart?
A 10-pack screen protector sounds attractive when you see that the price per piece is lower. But it's only smart if you actually intend to use all ten of them.
The NuGlas iPhone 12 Mini 10-pack transparent works out cheaper per piece — significantly cheaper than a single screen protector. This is useful for schools or catering businesses that manage multiple devices of the same model, for families with multiple iPhone 12 Minis, or for employers who regularly replace screen protectors on company phones.
However: if you have one phone and don't expect to replace your screen protector quickly, you'll have nine left over that will likely never be used. In that case, just buy a single screen protector.
Don't buy a 10-pack just because it seems cheaper per piece, unless you're actually going to use all of them.
NuGlas screen protectors for iPhone: Which model suits you?
Below is an overview of the NuGlas options per iPhone model, with a specific recommendation for each situation. NuGlas offers decent protection for daily use. No premium claims — a reliable choice at a fair price.
Doubt between transparent and 360 degrees? Look at your case. Does your case have a raised edge (lip) around the screen? Choose transparent. Do you not use a case, or does your case not have a lip? Choose 360 degrees.
Do you have an iPhone 13, 14, or 15? Check the full product page for compatible NuGlas models.
How to correctly apply a screen protector to an iPhone?
Most failed installations have one cause: dust or fingerprints not being completely removed before the screen protector is laid down. With a good approach, you can avoid this.
- Thoroughly clean the screen with the included alcohol wipe. Then remove all residue with the microfiber cloth. Do this in an area with little dust movement — not next to a fan or open window.
- Use the dust sticker (included with NuGlas) to pick up any remaining dust particles you can't see with the naked eye. This is the step people most often skip — and it makes the biggest difference.
- Align the screen protector above the screen and check that the cut-out for the camera and speaker is precisely correct, before laying it down. Once laid down, repositioning is difficult without risking air bubbles.
- Gently lower the screen protector from one side to the other — do not lay it flat all at once. This allows air to escape rather than getting trapped.
- Press any small air bubbles gently towards the nearest edge with a soft cloth. A small air bubble at the edge often disappears after a few hours due to the pressure of the glass. Is there a bubble in the middle? Then there's probably dust underneath — carefully remove the screen protector and start again from step 1.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a screen protector last on an iPhone?
A quality tempered glass screen protector typically lasts 1 to 2 years with normal use. Replace it if you see visible scratches that bother you, if it starts to peel at the edges, or if it's cracked after a drop. A cracked screen protector has done its job — the screen underneath remained intact.
Does an iPhone 12 or newer still need a screen protector?
The iPhone 12 and newer models feature a Ceramic Shield screen that is more drop-resistant than older models. However, Ceramic Shield does not prevent scratches — keys, sand, and grit can still damage the screen. For scratch protection, a tempered glass screen protector is still a sensible choice even on newer iPhones.
What's the difference between 9H and other hardness ratings for screen protectors?
9H is the hardest score on the Mohs scratch scale for tempered glass and the minimum standard you want. A 9H screen protector resists scratches from keys, coins, and other everyday materials. Anything below 8H is softer and will get damaged more quickly with normal use.
Does Face ID still work well with a screen protector?
Yes. A well-fitting screen protector does not block Face ID. The TrueDepth camera for Face ID is located in the notch or Dynamic Island, outside the screen area. As long as the screen protector doesn't cover the camera cut-out — which isn't the case with a correctly fitting model — Face ID will work normally.
Is a cheap screen protector as good as an expensive one?
Not always. Cheaper screen protectors sometimes use thinner or less pure glass, have a less precise fit, and come without an installation kit. This more often leads to air bubbles, peeling at the edges, and earlier replacement. A screen protector from a reliable brand generally lasts longer and fits better — meaning you don't pay more in the long run.
“More than 40% of our customers reorder within three months. That says enough, doesn't it?”
Customer Service — Caasi
NuGlas glass screen protector - 2.5D - iPhone 14 Pro
Conclusion: What is the best screen protector for your iPhone?
The best screen protector is the one that fits how you use your phone. Not the most expensive, not the most branded — but the right one for your situation.
Do you use your phone daily with a case and rarely drop it? A transparent 9H screen protector is exactly right. Do you sometimes drop your phone, or do you carry it without a case? Choose the 360-degree variant — the price difference is less than €2, and you'll never regret it. Do you work in public with sensitive information? Then a privacy screen protector is worth considering.
If after reading this article you still doubt between transparent and 360 degrees: choose the 360-degree. It's a small investment for extra peace of mind.
The cheapest option that fits your usage is always the best choice. Paying more for features you never use makes no sense.
