The best screen protectors for Apple iPad (2021)

Apple has always used Corning’s tough Gorilla Glass on its iPad screens. While iPad glass is pretty strong, it can still shatter, get damaged, or sustain unsightly scratches from fingers, styluses, drops, or objects dropping on it. That damage will deface and interfere with the tablet’s proper use.

For an extra added layer of defense, screen protectors can come to the rescue. Screen protectors are made of either glass or plastic. Glass is sturdy, with a high level of clarity to view your on-screen content.

It feels similar to the iPad’s native display as your finger slides across the edge-to-edge protected screen. Plastic screen protectors tend to be a bit thicker but also more durable. While they scratch more easily than glass protectors and can attract more fingerprints, there’s less risk of permanent damage to your iPad.

Some screen protectors feature an anti-glare coating to ensure extra privacy by making it harder for casual observers to see what’s on your screen. Oleophobic coatings keep fingerprints from sticking to glass protectors. Our recommendations below refer to the 2021 iPad — Apple’s 10.2-inch basic model.

If you purchased this 9th-generation model, consider shielding it from harm with one of the following highly rated screen protectors. The same screen protectors are also compatible with previous 2020 and 2019 iPads. If you’re looking for a case to go with that, have a look at our case recommendations for your 2021 iPad.

If you have or plan to buy the brand new basic iPad released earlier this year (10th-generation), you can find our favorite screen protectors and cases as well.

Show 3 more items
JETech Screen Protector pictured with iPad and box.

JETech Screen Protector

  • Made of 0.33mm thick premium tempered glass
  • 9H hardness rating
  • Dust-free installation
  • Bubble problems reported

The JETech is a favored choice for your 10.2-inch iPad, featuring a 9H hardness rating that resists common scratches and impact. Made with high-quality, 0.33mm-thick premium tempered glass and rounded edges, it offers excellent transparency and fingertip response. Installation is dust-free, fingerprint-free, one-push easy, and bubble-free.

The package includes the tempered glass screen protector, cleaning cloth, dust removal stick, guide stick, and instructions.

JETech Screen ProtectorJETech Screen ProtectorSpigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector in demo mode.

Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector

  • 9H screen hardness rating
  • Oleophobic coating
  • Superior touch responsiveness
  • Difficult to install

Spigen’s Tempered Glass Screen Protector features a 9H screen hardness rating with guaranteed touch responsiveness and a high degree of clarity that preserves the original interface brightness. An oleophobic coating prevents oils and fingerprints from marring the surface of the screen. It’s case-compatible with the last three generations of Spigen iPad 10.2-inch cases.

Spigen Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorSpigen Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorESR Screen Protector with iPad.

ESR Screen Protector

  • Covers the front camera
  • 9H hardness rating
  • Measures 0.3mm thin
  • Reported sticking issues

Look no further than ESR for premium-quality HD screen protection for your iPad.

The screen protector’s glass is nearly 100% transparent, preserving your Retina screen’s quality. It even covers the front camera to protect the lens from scratches without affecting your photos. Its tempered glass, with a 9H-hardness rating, protects your screen from scratches caused by keys, coins, or other hard objects.

The screen protector measures 0.3mm, ensuring the touch screen response works just like it did originally, pristine from the box. Bubble-free installation via the included installation frame makes application effortless, giving you perfect alignment.

ESR Screen ProtectorESR Screen ProtectoramFilm Screen Protector with hands removing film.

amFilm Screen Protector

  • Comes in a two-pack
  • Oleophobic coating
  • Easy to install
  • Reported bubble issues

As one of the most popular brands of tablet screen protectors, amFilm is specifically designed to fit the 2021 iPad as well as the previous two iPad generations. It features an open U-shaped cutout for the home button and no camera cutout.

Its premium-grade tempered glass is scratchproof, resilient, clear, and long-lasting — custom fit for optimum screen protection. It absorbs damage from daily wear and tear and has an oleophobic coating that reduces fingerprints and smudges. The package includes two screen protectors, installation instructions, dust-removal stickers, wet and dry wipes, and a squeegee to remove bubbles.

amFilm Screen ProtectoramFilm Screen ProtectorLike Paper Screen Protector with had drawing on iPad.

Like Paper Screen Protector

  • Compatible with the Apple Pencil and other styluses
  • Made with premium Japanese PET film
  • Reduces glare and eyestrain
  • Can be hard to install

If you use your iPad for drawing, sketching, or note-taking, have a look at the Like Paper Screen Protector, made especially for the Apple Pencil or other active stylus. Fingerprint- and scratch-resistant with a 3H hardness level, the Like Paper matte coating promises a clean screen. The Like Paper uses premium Japanese PET film and high-definition matte material. The silicone skin uses self-absorption adhesion that is designed to push out bubbles and protect your screen from scratching and other damage.

The screen protector reduces glare and eyestrain, too, while at the same time, content remains legible under the strong sunlight. You get a natural feeling when writing on the screen, and it’s as smooth and responsive as a pencil on paper.

Like Paper Screen ProtectorLike Paper Screen ProtectorKCT Paperfeel Screen Protector pictured with iPad and packaging.

KCT Paperfeel Screen Protector

  • Comes in a two-pack
  • PET film feels like paper
  • Minimizes pen tip wear on the Apple Pencil or stylus
  • Does not feel paper-like

Specifically designed for compatibility with the iPad 10.2-inch display of the last three iPad generations, the KCT two-pack also works well with the Apple Pencil and other active styluses. The Paperfeel PET film feels like paper when you touch or draw on the screen, as its matte surface gives you better interface control, reduces fingerprints and smudges, and offers a clear, high-definition view of your content.

The special papery texture also minimizes pen tip wear on the Apple Pencil or stylus.

An easy installation kit helps you to install the Paperfeel film perfectly.

KCT [2 PACK] Paperfeel Screen Protector Compatible with iPad 9/8/7(10.2-Inch, 2021&2020&2019 Model, 9th 8th 7th generation),iPad 10.2 Matte PET Paperfeel Film No Glare Scratch Resistant Paperfeel Protector,Compatible with Apple PencilKCT Paperfeel Screen Protector

Editors’ Recommendations

amara listed on couponmatrix.ukmichael-kors listed on couponmatrix.ukschool-stickers listed on couponmatrix.ukscience-museum listed on couponmatrix.ukties-planet listed on couponmatrix.ukwalls-and-floors listed on couponmatrix.uk
amara listed on couponmatrix.ukLuxury is the name of the game at Amara, the interior design retailer that’s exploded from a single high-street boutique to an online superstore for home décor. Use an Amara discount code to full effect by slashing as much as three digits off designs from some of lifestyles most exceptional stylists – including Kartell, Ralph Lauren and Jonathan Adler. So next time you fancy shaking up your interior colour palette, take some fresh inspiration and spice up your home with Amara.
michael-kors listed on couponmatrix.ukGive your look a dose of Michael Kors magic and kit yourself out in award-winning designer fashion from head to toe. With the help of a Michael Kors discount code from us, you could indulge in a guilt-free spree of on-trend clothing and luxury accessories. From printed dresses and effortlessly cool jumpsuits to hooded jackets and razor-sharp suits, Michael Kors offers men and women alike the chance to up their style game with edgy designs and buckets of attitude.
school-stickers listed on couponmatrix.ukStocking everything from stickers to postcards, badges, trophies, and so much more, give your kids that bit of motivation they need to put in 110% at school with School Stickers. With customisable tools for parents and teachers of early years, primary school, and secondary school children, you’ll find everything you need and more to tell them “well done”. What’s more, with a School Stickers discount code, you can give a sense of pride for even less. After all, who doesn’t love an acknowledgement of a job well done?
science-museum listed on couponmatrix.ukExplore the wonders of the world from the moon to vacuum cleaners with a Science Museum visit. Spread over 5 floors, there are all sorts of exhibits to amaze the whole family, from the tiniest tots to grandparents and beyond. Experience a slice of history with an exhibit, and use your Science Museum promo code to get tickets for less. There are new things to discover throughout the year, so you can take in something different every time.
ties-planet listed on couponmatrix.ukFrom traditional to modern, there’s a tie for every occasion at Ties Planet, including fun novelty ties to spark conversations, business-approved ties for the office and bow ties for a quirky twist! Pair your new tie with one of our Ties Planet discount codes and you’ll walk away with a new look that costs less than you thought. Ties Planet has a great clearance section with over 50% off luxury and cotton ties, and you can get free delivery when you spend £10 or more. Keep checking back here for more great Ties Planet deals. Whether you need a tie for a special occasion or just want to add to your collection, we’ve curated a list of the best Ties Planet promotions so you can save money on this essential accessory. Check out the free tie swatches available to find the perfect match for a big event, and explore the Ties Planet sale for extra discounts. The most important part is to check Groupon first for the latest and greatest Ties Planet offers! While everyone knows this brand for ties, we’d like to bring some attention to Ties Planet socks. Ever fretted over matching your tie to your socks? Fret no more! You can find the sock equivalent of your Ties Planet tie in the exact same colour and pattern. Get more of the accessories you love without overspending with a Ties Planet promo code from Groupon, and you could find yourself the proud owner of the dream tie and socks combo.
walls-and-floors listed on couponmatrix.ukReady to give your home a bit of TLC? At Walls and Floors you’ll find some of the best tiles for your kitchen, living room, bathroom, and beyond. With over 4,000 tiles in stock, whether you’re looking for stunning ceramic tiles for your kitchen splashback, wooden tiles perfect for giving your living room that cosy feeling, or a glass mosaic effect, with your Walls and Floors discount code you can have that show-home ready house in no time.