We’re still not sure if “Tocol” is the brand or the product name—or how to pronounce it—but what we do know is that the Tocol screen protector performs better than expected. Ranked #4 overall in our testing, it checks a lot of boxes for everyday iPhone users. While the design and protection aren’t perfect, the performance-to-price ratio is impressive. Let’s break down what makes the Tocol screen protector a surprisingly decent option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good optical clarity (0.91) | Weak impact protection (245.5N) |
| Reduces glare better than average | Installation frame could be clearer |
| Above-average edge strength (121.58N) | Smaller glass size than advertised |
| Smudge-resistant oleophobic coating | Design and protection ranks are mid-tier |
| Great value at $16.99 for a 2-pack | Unclear branding and exaggerated marketing |
Design
Design-wise, the Tocol screen protector comes in at #7 in our rankings. It’s made from what appears to be double-tempered glass based on the large crack patterns we observed. Tocol claims full edge-to-edge coverage, but the reality is a bit less: 93.5% front face coverage and 99.58% display coverage. That’s slightly below average for edge-to-edge glass but still decent overall.
The edges are rounded and there’s a small cutout at the top. Installation was mostly smooth, but we did run into a slight hiccup. There’s a center brace on the install frame that looks pressable—but you’re not supposed to touch it. There’s no indicator on the frame explaining that it should be aligned using the foam bottom. Once we figured that out, the dust-free install went fine. Still, a simple label would have helped.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Tocol screen protector ranks #3. Optical clarity came in at 0.91, just above the 0.9 average. Glare was reduced by 3.99%, which is actually better than the average increase of 5.64%. While it’s not anti-glare by any means, it helps keep reflections to a minimum.
The oleophobic coating is solid. It took oil droplets 53.11 seconds to travel 6cm down a 30° incline—longer than the 44-second average. More importantly, the residual trail was made up of big drops, which usually means better smudge resistance. We put more weight on that than the travel time, so overall we’d say the smudge resistance is effective.
Protection
This is where things get a little more mixed. The Tocol screen protector ranks #11 for protection overall. It held up well in edge strength tests—121.58N versus the 86.18N average—which suggests solid polishing work. It also passed basic scratch tests at 6H and 7H hardness. But in the sharp impact test, it only took 245.5N to break, which is noticeably below the 271.44N average. For a product that claims “military grade” shatter resistance, we were left wondering what kind of military standard they’re referencing.
Value
At $16.99 for a 2-pack, the Tocol screen protector offers fantastic value. You get a decent installation kit, good optical and glare performance, and above-average edge protection. The only trade-off is the below-average impact protection, which may concern some users. But for budget-conscious buyers, it’s a compelling pick.
Verdict
The Tocol screen protector punches above its weight when it comes to clarity, glare control, and edge strength. It’s not perfect—the installation could be clearer and the impact protection is on the weaker side—but for $16.99, it’s hard to complain. If you’re looking for a well-balanced screen protector that won’t break the bank, this one’s worth a look. Just be mindful of that center brace during install and maybe take the “military grade” marketing with a grain of salt.