You’re pulling your phone out of your bag and—bam—it slips and hits the pavement. Your heart drops as you flip it over, hoping your screen survived. Sound familiar? Our experts at uBreakiFix® by Asurion have seen thousands of phones just like yours come through our doors—some scratched, some shattered, some saved by the right screen protector. That’s what makes us uniquely qualified to answer the question so many people ask after a close call (or a costly repair): What’s the best screen protector for your phone?
We’re breaking down the pros and cons of each type—from glass to plastic to liquid—so you can make the smartest choice for your phone and your lifestyle.
Do you really need a screen protector?
Not necessarily. But if you ask our repair techs who spend their days repairing cracked screens? It’s a smart move.
Tiny scratches might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time they can grow into full-on cracks—and those can make your phone hard (or painful) to use. A screen protector won’t make your phone indestructible, but it can absorb some of the impact from drops and scuffs that would otherwise hit your display directly.
Pair it with a good case, and you’ve got yourself some real peace of mind.
Types of screen protectors (and how to pick the right one)
Walk into the phone accessory aisle and you’ll see many options like glass, plastic, liquid—you name it. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and what to expect from each one.
Tempered glass
These are the heavy hitters. Tempered glass protectors do a great job of shielding your screen from scratches and small drops, and some even offer extra features like privacy filters or anti-glare coating. The tradeoff? They’re a little thicker than plastic, so you’ll feel it on your screen.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
This one’s a flexible, rubbery material that can “heal” light marks over time. It’s good for basic scratch protection—like from keys or coins in your pocket—but not great against serious drops. It also covers edge-to-edge screens nicely but may not feel quite as smooth as glass.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
These are your basic plastic protectors. They’re super thin and smooth, so you’ll barely notice them on your phone—but they don’t do much against impact or deeper scratches. They also don’t always fit well on curved screens.
Liquid screen protectors
Liquid screen protectors are more of a coating than a layer. You apply them like polish, and they create a clear barrier over your screen. They’re invisible and work with any device, but they wear off over time, and you can’t peel them off once applied. They’re better than nothing—but not by much.
So, which screen protector is best?
It really depends on what you care about most: protection, price, or looks.
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For serious protection: Go with tempered glass. It’s the most durable and offers the best overall feel.
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On a budget or using an older phone? TPU or PET plastic will do the trick for everyday wear and tear.
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Want something invisible? Liquid protectors offer a no-bulk option, but don’t expect much drop protection.
Talk to someone who’s seen it all
Still unsure which one to get? Your best bet is to swing by your local uBreakiFix® by Asurion store. Our team can recommend the right screen protector for your phone—and even install it for you, bubble-free. Because let’s face it: it’s a whole lot cheaper to protect your screen now than to replace it later.
