A fusion of the best technology Apple has to offer, and some of the best looks in the industry — the iPhone 8 Plus is a great choice if you’re looking to upgrade your daily driver. But a massive screen and all that glass comes with a downside — it’s mighty fragile.
A screen protector will undoubtedly help, but which do you choose? Tempered glass or film? Wet application or dry? Which of the many brands to choose from? Thankfully for you, we’ve gathered some of the best iPhone 8 Plus screen protectors that you can buy right now. If you haven’t yet ordered your device, check out our guide to buying the iPhone 8 Plus.
Olixar Anti-Blue Light Glass Protector ($18)
Using devices close to bedtime can keep you awake for longer and mess up your sleep pattern, so it’s usually best to avoid using your phone in the evening, unless you’re using a blue light-filtering app. But if you really need to stay connected in the evening for whatever reason, then this screen protector could help. In protective terms, it’s very similar to every other tempered glass screen protector, with 9H hardness and a thickness of only 0.33mm. What really sets it apart is a finish that filters the blue light coming out from your device, reducing the effect of it and helping to reduce eye strain. It will, of course, also protect your phone’s screen from drop damage or scrapes.
Tech21 Impact Shield ($35)
Ever been out in strong sunlight and struggled to see your screen? There’s a screen protector that can solve that issue. This film screen protector diffuses light, cutting down on that pesky screen glare when out and about. The protective qualities are still just as good, too — Tech21’s reputation for screen protection is solid, and this protector comes with three layers, including a layer of “Bulletshield” material that helps to disperse shock. While it won’t be as protective as a tempered glass screen protector, the Impact Shield should do a good job of keeping your iPhone 8 Plus’s screen safe.
Case-Mate Gilded Glass ($35)
Screen protectors don’t have to be boring, clear windows. It’s a good chance to show off a little extra style and make your iPhone truly yours. If that sounds good to you, check out Case-Mate’s range of screen protectors. They’re made from 9H-hardness tempered glass that will resist scratches and take bumps for your phone’s glass, while still being super-thin. The real edge here is in the finishes applied to the protectors that make them look different. We picked the silver etching on this screen protector, but there’s also an iridescent option.
Spigen Steinheil Tempered Glass Screen Protector – Twin Pack ($8)
Spigen’s tempered glass screen protectors have always been at the front of the pack where quality is concerned. Fully case compatible, with edges that fall short of the edges of the device, the Steinheil is tough enough to resist scratches from keys, coins, and likely anything you have knocking around in your pocket. It’s also easy to install. As usual, Spigen has gone for a dry installation method, and the included materials and wings on the sides of the protector make it easy to apply without issues. But if you do mess up — there’s two in the pack, and they’re backed up by Spigen’s free replacement policy.
InvisibleShield HDX Film Screen Protector ($25)
InvisibleShield boasts that this protector is virtually indestructible, and makes your iPhone’s screen up to 3 times stronger than before, offering military grade protection and self-healing qualities. While we can’t say whether those claims are valid, we can certainly back up the quality of InvisibleShield’s design — and even if one lets you down, these are backed up by InvisibleShield’s replacement policy.
Whitestone Dome Tempered Glass Screen Protector ($47)
On the more expensive end, the Whitestone Dome enters the arena with everything to prove. But there is a reason for the high price — the Whitestone Dome uses a new wet application method that puts a layer of adhesive between the screen protector and the phone, reducing any loss of screen sensitivity and achieving a great fit. When in place, the UV lamp goes over your phone, curing the adhesive, ensuring a strong connection between the two layers and making sure you’re getting the best protection available. Be warned — it can be a touch fiddly to install, even for a screen protector — but if you’re willing to pay the price and take your chances, you’ll get screen protection like no other.
Otterbox Alpha Glass Screen Protector ($13)
Otterbox is known for its exceptionally protective cases, and that exceptionalism also applies to their screen protectors (we even chose the Alpha Glass as the best screen protector for the iPhone 7 Plus). The Alpha Glass is a blend of polyester and glass that resists scratches and shattering on a whole new level. Otterbox has worked hard to make sure you’ll be able to apply and forget, so this protector is ultra-thin and ultra-clear, with no loss of sensitivity.
Supershieldz Film Screen Protector – Six Pack ($6)
Why have one or two when you can have six? SuperShieldz may not have the superstar branding that Spigen, Otterbox, and Zagg can boast — but it’s hard to deny that their products offer great value for money, and great screen protection to boot. A five layer design works hard to provide a bubble-free application that provides flawless touchscreen accuracy. A special coating also reduces glare on the screen while outside, and protects well against all the usual phone-scratching suspects. And if they don’t hold the test of time — who cares? Slap another on and call it a day. With a six-pack, you’ve got screen protection for all your iPhone 8 Plus-owning friends as well.
BodyGuardz Pure® 2 Premium Glass Screen Protector ($14)
Another rising star in cell phone accessories, BodyGuardz has made a name for themselves in screen protection in particular. Thanks to their use of a new type of glass called “Aluminosilicate”, BodyGuardz promises that the Pure® 2 is able to more protective than rivals, yet somehow thinner. All we know is this screen protector does the business, and doesn’t disappoint in terms of screen sensitivity and clarity. If you’re the sort of person who struggles with the application process, then BodyGuardz has your back with their patented Express Align tray to help you ease your protector onto your phone.
Moshi AirFoil Glass ($40)
We’ve left one of the best for last. Moshi’s AirFoil screen protector offers fantastic shock and scratch-resistance, as well as a thinness of only 0.33m. Thanks to the “atomically-strengthened glass” used, Moshi’s AirFoil is capable of taking stresses and bends like no other screen protector. While we’re sure we won’t see a return to bendy iPhones, it’s nice to know the strength of your protector. Thanks to Moshi’s special AirFoil adhesive, applying it is easy, with it only taking a single tap to spread the adhesive and leave no bubbles.
Still not sure about which of Apple’s latest to pick up? We’ve got your back with our breakdown of how the iPhone X, 8, and 8 Plus, and you can find our hands-on review of the iPhone 8 and Plus too. If the prices of the newest devices have made you balk — and you’re not alone — don’t worry, Apple has slashed the prices on their older, but still great iPhones.
