The best iPad screen protectors in 2023

A press shot of the PaperLike 2, one of the best iPad screen protectors our there, on a green background.
(Image credit: Future)

Every iPad owner should consider getting one of the best iPad screen protectors to protect their expensive new tablet, but it's especially important for digital artists to ensure an enjoyable drawing experience with screen clarity.

See our picks of the top products below based on price, features, and protection to help you make an informed choice when shopping for the best iPad screen protector. There are some more affordable options on our list, but remember that iPads are pricey, and repairing them doesn't come cheap, either. So a quality screen protector is an investment more than anything else.

Make sure to double-check which iPad generation you own before you buy - we've listed this information for each entry - and while you're here, take a look at the best iPad keyboards and the best iPad stands to compliment your setup. 

The best iPad screen protectors

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Which is the best iPad screen protector?

The best iPad screen protector for you will depend on what you want it for. If you're going to carry your iPad in a case or sleeve and simply want a little extra protection against scratches, then you could get away with one of the cheapest iPad screen protectors like the Olixar Screen Protector. 

However, if you think you're going to use it a lot without a case or sleeve and want extra confidence – particularly if you have one of the more expensive iPads, then you might want to invest in some more heavy duty protection such as the ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Screen Protector.

Artists and illustrators, or indeed anyone who is going to use a stylus a lot on an iPad might have other requirements than simply protecting the screen, wanting a surface that will enhance their experience with the stylus. For that we recommend Paperlike, at number 1 in our list of the best iPad screen protectors, because it actually improves the feel of writing and drawing on the tablet.

What is the benefit of Paperlike screen protectors?

Paperlike is actually the brand name for this type of screen protector, but the paper-feel category of screen protectors essentially adds extra screen texture to your device screen, and creates a slight resistance between the screen and pencil, just like real paper does. So with one of these screen protectors applied, it's easier to control your strokes and get smooth lines.

Other benefits of using paper-feel [rotcetors include fingerprint resistance, plus some are coated with anti-blue light filters which protects your eyes strain after staring at screens for long hours. The texture enhancement is also super helpful for creatives who work on a glossy iPad screen.

Beren Neale
Deals Editor

Beren has worked on creative tech magazines and websites at Future Publishing for 13 years. He started this journey as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, and in 2012 found himself bridging the magazine/website divide as Commissioning Editor on the newly launched Creative Bloq. Since then he took the editor role on ImagineFX, was Launch Editor of the fine art magazine Paint & Draw, moved to Canon Pro Europe website as Deputy Editor, and then edited the graphic design magazine Computer Arts. In 2020 he moved back to Creative Bloq, the biggest global art and design website, and as Deals Editor has applied his expertise in creative tech to help digital creatives get the best deals on the kit that they need and love. Outside of work, Beren likes nothing better than to climb himself a bit of rock.  

With contributions from