Tech

The best Apple Watch screen protectors in 2023

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Angle down iconAn icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Safeguard your Apple Watch with the best screen protectors. Insider

Even the best Apple Watch isn't protected from scratches or nicks. You could just cross your fingers and hope it makes it through the day unscathed, or you could get yourself a screen protector. 

Similar to how screen protectors work for phones, the best screen protectors for the Apple Watch will fend off everyday wear and tear. They go a long way in helping your wristwatch keep that new, out-of-the-box look after months of wearing it. 

Before you commit, keep in mind case sizing and compatibility. The Apple Watch Series 8 is available in either a 45mm or 41mm display, while the second-gen Apple Watch SE is available in 44mm or 40mm. The Apple Watch Ultra has an even bigger display at 49mm. So be sure the check the specs and buy accordingly.

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  Waterproof protection
  Misxi Waterproof Case
  This case from Misxi protects the Apple Watch's screen and also creates a waterproof seal.
  • Shop at Amazon
• 
  Ultra-thin screen protection
  IQ Shield Screen Protector
  IQ Shield's Screen Protector features a thin design that's easy-to-apply and soft to the touch.
  • Shop at Amazon
• 
  Screen protection the rugged way
  Catalyst Active Defense
  This shock- and dust-proof case has a rugged design that doesn't sacrifice Apple Watch functionality.
  • Shop at Amazon
• Staff Pick

  
  Two-for-one case and screen protector
  Zagg GlassFusion 360
  Zagg's GlassFusion 360 is both a case and screen protector, giving the Apple Watch some serious defense.
  • Shop at Zagg
• 
  A bumper plus screen protector
  Belkin ScreenForce
  The ScreenForce from Belkin is part bumper, part screen protector, and comes in black or white.
  • Shop at Amazon
• Staff Pick

  
  Our pick for the Ultra
  Spigen For Apple Watch Ultra
  The Ultra isn't exactly indestructible and this case from Spigen helps give it some extra protection.
  • Shop at Amazon
• 
  The perfect-fitting case
  Gud Company Perfect Screen Protector
  Gud's Perfect Screen Protector case is exactly that — a perfect-fitting Apple Watch screen guard.
  • Shop at Amazon
• 
  For fans of Otterbox cases
  Otterbox Eclipse
  OtterBox's Eclipse case features a sleek, unassuming watch bumper as well as a durable screen protector.
  • Shop at Otterbox
• 
  A rugged case with a clean design
  Spigen Rugged Armor
  Spigen's Rugged Armor is scratch-resistant, shock-absorbent, and true to its name: rugged.
  • Shop at Amazon

FAQs

What Apple Watch screen protector is best? 

Some Apple watch screen protectors do not have "full" screen protection, meaning some are cases that wrap around the display that have no actual screen protector. Other cases offer built-in screen guards. There are also the traditional thin film screen protectors you can buy without a case.

How you use your Apple Watch dictates which is actually best for it. For instance, if you work with your hands and your Apple Watch has a tendency to take a few daily nicks, then a rugged case plus a screen protector is likely what you want. If you sit at a desk, you can get by with a screenless case or just a basic screen protector.  

How well do Apple Watch screen protectors help in avoiding scratches?  

While they're not 100% guaranteed to protect the Apple Watch against all damage, screen protectors do manage to keep the wearable well-protected. Of course, significant impacts can still produce damage but against everyday wear and tear, screen protectors work very well. 

Does an Apple Watch screen protector affect the touchscreen?  

Ideally, a screen protector should not impact the functionality of an Apple Watch's touchscreen. Quality screen protectors should work similarly to iPhone screen protectors in that it doesn't create any sort of touchscreen discrepancy or require you to touch the screen any harder than normal.