Product Comparisons

Best iPhone 14 Screen Protectors: Ultimate Guide for 2023

Best iPhone 14 Screen Protectors: Ultimate Guide for 2023

Are you scared of breaking your iPhone’s screen? Are you tired of constantly worrying about scratches and cracks on your iPhone 14 screen? Look no further!

We have rigorously tested 29 different screen protectors to bring you the ultimate guide for the best iPhone 14 screen protectors in 2023. Our in-depth analysis covers everything from oleophobic coating, fit, installation tools, impact resistance, edge strength, to scratch protection.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll unveil the top 5 screen protectors that will help keep your iPhone 14’s screen looking pristine. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect screen protector to keep your precious device safe and sound!

Table of Contents

Top 5 iPhone 14 Screen Protectors

Let’s dive into our list of the top 5 iPhone 14 screen protectors. We base our reviews on actual usage and we’re not sponsored by anybody. We’re reviewers NOT influencers so make sure you get your tech accessories through our links!

#5. Zagg Glass Elite – Reliable iPhone 14 Screen Protector


Are you ready for an unexpected twist? In our testing, the Zagg Glass Elite showed impressive performance. The glass protector ranked high in terms of toughness and scratch resistance, with scratches showing at level 7 on the Mohs scale.

It has excellent oleophobic coating and overall coverage. The only downside to the Zagg Glass Elite is its price, at around $40, making it one of the more expensive options on the market.

Want one? Use our links! Buy on Amazon or purchase directly from Zagg.

#4. Otterbox Alpha Glass – Most Expensive iPhone 14 Screen Protector


In our testing, the Alpha Glass, Otterbox’s mid-grade glass, outperformed the Amplify, which is Otterbox’s premium glass made by Corning.

The Alpha Glass was a hair tougher than the Amplify in both direct and edge tests, and from a scratch protection perspective, both showed scratches at level 7 on the Mohs scale. Furthermore, the Alpha Glass costs less and covers more of your iPhone. It ranked #1 for oleophobic coating, while the Amplify was #5. The only catch with the Alpha Glass compared to the rest of the screen protectors is the price – $40 is quite steep.

When compared to the rest of the screen protectors, the Alpha Glass performed above average in all categories except the price. At around $40, this will be one of the more expensive products that you can get.

Want one? Use our links! Buy on Amazon.

#3. ESR Amorite – Best Budget iPhone 14 Screen Protector


The ESR Amorite is a newer product and surprised us with its excellent performance in tests. ESR isn’t really known for high-quality products as their normal tempered glass is #23 out of 29.

From our perspective, the ESR Amorite quickly became one of the top screen protectors available on Amazon. Hooray for Amazon Prime!

What blew us away was the strength of the glass. It took so much effort to break. In fact, the Amorite has the strongest glass edges that we measured. The only products that beat it were plastic impact protectors.

The cherry on top of this screen protector sundae is the price. This screen protector comes in a pack of two and costs about $7 dollars per.

Now if we were to be picky, the coverage of the glass was average and the installation tools were basic, as ESR only provides a simple frame.

Want one? Use our links! Buy on Amazon.

#2. DBrand Tempered Glass – Superior iPhone 14 Screen Protector

The DBrand Tempered Glass screen protector is a solid choice for iPhone 14 users, offering excellent scratch resistance and durability. Its glass is strong and robust, providing great protection for your iPhone’s screen.

The oleophobic coating on the DBrand Tempered Glass is top-notch, repelling smudges and fingerprints with ease. The installation process is simple and straightforward, and the screen protector covers the entire display, providing maximum protection.

The only downside to the DBrand Tempered Glass is its price, coming in at around $30. However, considering its quality, many users find it worth the investment.

Want one? Use our links! Buy on Amazon.

#1. FloLab NanoArmor 3 – Best iPhone 14 Screen Protector

In 2022, the NanoArmor was handily defeated by the Zagg Glass XTR. But Zagg crapped the bed with the XTR2 so Flolab’s NanoArmor 3 is back at the top spot.

One of the most overlooked things when it comes to screen protectors is the install. Not FLoLab, they ensure the smoothest installation possible, thanks to their one-time install frame. They also include a massive dust sticker so you just slap it on and go!

Oh! They also statically charge their adhesive so it repels dust during the installation. Crazy.

Once the glass is on your iPhone, you’ll enjoy one of the best oleophobic coatings $25 can buy, with excellent coverage and durability. The NanoArmor 3 falls just short of DBrand and ESR Amorite in strength but still beats out 22 other screen protectors so you don’t have to be worried about it.

Want one? Use our links! Buy on Amazon or purchase directly from FloLab (Use “MRE10” for 10% off).

Testing Methodology and Criteria

Our review process is designed to simulate real-world conditions as closely as possible. Is there any other way to do a review? Every product we test we buy ourselves so you can be assured that we’re not trying to push one product over another. Here’s our testing methodology and the criteria we use to evaluate each product:

Installation: We evaluate how easy it is to install the screen protector without bubbles or misalignments using the tools provided by the manufacturer. Companies that provide better install tools like large dust stickers, electronic wipes, and install frames will score higher. A screen protector that is straightforward and minimizes dust during installation gets a higher score.

Installation Tools

Scratch Resistance: We test the scratch resistance of the screen protector by using the Mohs hardness scale. We start with a level 2 pick (equivalent to a fingernail) and increase the level until we see visible scratches on the protector. Screen protectors that resist scratches longer score higher. This is one of the last tests we do in our destructive testing portion.

Installation Tools

Impact Resistance: There are two parts to impact resistance: direct impact and edge. For direct impact, we measure the force required to break the screen protector at 90 degrees using a metal punch. For the edge, we take a flat metal punch and put pressure on the edge at a 15-degree angle. Screen protectors that take more effort to break score higher.

Installation Tools

Oleophobic Coating: We test the screen protector’s oleophobic resistance to fingerprints and face grease. The better a screen protector’s coating is at resisting fingerprints and smudges, the higher its score. We measure this by tracking how long a droplet of water takes to travel 7 inches at a 45-degree incline.

Extra Features: Certain companies will promote blue light reduction features or anti-static adhesives. Other companies will have warranties that allow you to keep replacing the screen protectors for free. Companies with features/warranties that are unique will score better.

Coverage: We check how well the screen protector fits the screen and determine how much it covers the entire front surface of the phone. The closer the screen protector is to the size of the iPhone screen, the higher the score.

Installation Tools

Price vs. Value: We compare the price of the product with the features it offers. From our experience, the $20 to $50 dollar screen protector range is filled with companies that offer poor products at high prices. If a screen protector delivers top-notch performance without breaking the bank, it’s a big win in our books!

The final score is based on each test group. We rank each product in each category and sum up the final standings. The products with the lowest combined score are the best. For this round, we’ve weighted each category equally though certain categories will lend themselves to be less important (i.e the extra features).

Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone Screen Protectors (FAQs)

Do I really need a screen protector for my iPhone 14?

While the iPhone 12, 13 and 14’s do have a feature called Ceramic Shield which greatly improves impact protection, scratches will still be an issue. Based on our testing, the latest iPhones will scratch just as easily as before. Using a screen protector will prevent your iPhone’s screen from permanent scratches. In general, a screen protector is a relatively small investment that can prevent more costly repairs in the future (especially if you’re out of warranty).

How often should I replace my screen protector?

The frequency of replacement really depends on the quality of the screen protector and how much wear and tear it experiences. As a rule of thumb, we’d recommend to replace a screen protector if there is a crack. We wouldn’t worry much about scratches but if your protector is scratched enough, cracks will definitely occur if you drop your device. If your screen protector starts chipping or peeling off your device, it’s a clear sign to replace it right away. Do you seriously want to deal with glass shards everywhere?
If you do end up with a cracked/chipping screen protector, using clear packing tape is a good way to tide you over until you can get a replacement

Are glass screen protectors better than plastic ones?

Glass screen protectors typically offer better clarity and feel more like the original screen than plastic ones. They also tend to be more scratch-resistant as most glass will scratch at a hardness of 7 on the Moh’s scale. Plastic screen protectors will scratch around 3. However, glass protectors can shatter upon impact, whereas plastic protectors are more likely to just scratch.

Will a screen protector affect the touch sensitivity of my screen?

Most screen protectors are only 0.33mm thick with a thin layer of adhesive. We haven’t come across any screen protectors in the last few years that reduced the sensitivity of the iPhone (even the cheap ones). The only time we had an issue was when we were playing around with using two screen protectors. The lag with two screen protectors was quite noticeable.

Can I install a screen protector myself or should I have it professionally installed?

You should be able to install a screen protector by yourself if you’ve purchased a good one (check out the Top 5 above). Reputable companies will include tools like install frames fitted to your specific device, non-alcoholic wipes and large dust stickers to ensure a dust-free/bubble free installation. However, if you’re uncomfortable with doing it yourself, we’ve seen many mall kiosks offer the service (though you won’t know the quality of glass you’re getting) or you could goto the Apple Store and buy a Belkin product

What’s the deal with screen protector prices? Why are some so much more expensive?

The price of a screen protector can vary based on the quality of the materials used, the brand, and any additional features like anti-glare or blue light filtering technology. That said, a higher price doesn’t always mean a better product, check out your YouTube channel if you want to know the difference between cheap and expensive screen protectors

How to Choose the Right Screen Protector

In general, when it comes to screen protectors, you get what you pay for. Cheaper products (like an Amazon 3-pack will) may seem like a good deal but you will be replacing the screen protectors often (that’s why there is 3 of them!). From our perspective these cheap protectors will be great for people who constantly drop their devices. If it breaks, put a new one on!
For those who are a bit more discerning with their devices, getting a more expensive one like a sapphire protector may be worth it because it will keep your iPhone looking scratch free as long as you don’t break it BUT they are expensive.

Installation Tips

Screen Protector Installation Steps

Preparation: Switch off your furnace or central air to reduce dust. If you own an air purifier, let it run for a while. Keep your pets away from the area. Some people suggest running a hot shower to let dust settle, but your mileage may vary.

Clean Install Area: Make sure your workspace is tidy, well-lit, and free of dust. A quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth should do the trick.

Personal Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly. You don’t want oils from your hands getting onto your screen.

Device Preparation: Remove any case from your device and clean it with a damp cloth. If you’re replacing a damaged screen protector, cover it with packing tape before removal to avoid scattering glass shards.

Read Instructions: Understand your screen protector’s installation instructions before starting. If it doesn’t come with an installation frame, practice aligning it with your device to get a feel for the correct positioning.

Pre-Install Clean: Before beginning the installation, use a lint roller or painter’s tape to eliminate as much dust as possible from your device.

Installation: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. If no instructions are given, remove the adhesive backing, align the protector based on your practice run, and lower it slowly onto your device. Press out any bubbles.

Post-Install Check: Celebrate if your screen protector is installed without dust. If dust is present, or if there are bubbles, don’t despair. More expensive brands often provide better installation tools and dust-resistant adhesive.

Troubleshooting: Bubbles along the edges usually resolve themselves after a few days. If there’s dust or bubbles in the middle, remove the protector carefully without bending it. Use a dust sticker to pick up the dust, then reinstall the protector.

Repeat If Necessary: Continue this process until all dust is removed. Be aware, after a couple of attempts, you might find more dust appearing on your protector.

Remember, these steps aren’t typically shared by screen protector companies as they might want you to purchase more protectors. Following these steps might eliminate the need for replacement protectors.

 

 

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