It’s always exciting to get a new TV, but what about protecting it from wear and tear? Whether your concern is privacy, blue light, keeping your living room TV safe from kids and guests or protecting your outdoor TV from the elements, there are many options available for TV screen protectors in a variety of materials.
If you’re looking for a quality TV screen protector, a top pick is the Photodon Anti-Glare Screen Protector. Available for many different models in several finish options, this matte-finish screen protector is easy to clean and install. It’s also touch-screen compatible, making it a great choice for anyone with a touch-screen TV that gets a lot of interaction.
What to know before you buy a TV screen protector
What is a TV screen protector made of?
TV screen protectors are generally made from plastic, which might be very stiff or several layers thick. Alternatively, the plastic may be thin and flexible, depending on the design and purpose of the screen protector. Some TV screen protectors for outdoor TVs are made of canvas or nylon.
Blue light-filtering TV screen protectors
Some TV screen protectors offer protection from blue light. Blue light is created by the color temperature of most indoor lights and is thought to cause eye strain and headaches. There are glasses available which block blue light, but in case you don’t want to wear glasses when you look at a screen, a screen protector which blocks blue light is a great alternative.
Installing a TV screen protector
Some TV screen protectors are installed with silicone adhesive, while some use static cling. Most TV screen protectors for outdoor TVs fit over the whole TV, generally with a zipper.
Size and thickness of a TV screen protector
Some TV screen protectors are thin, flexible plastic and are meant to protect from blue light or to create privacy for the viewer. Others are thicker and meant to protect from scratches, dust or fingerprints.
TV screen protector features
TV screen protectors for privacy protection
Some TV screen protectors are slightly tinted in order to prevent people from seeing what’s on the screen. This is useful not just for personal computer monitors and displays, but also for a TV in a public place like a conference room.
Anti-glare TV screen protectors
Most TV screen protectors also help to prevent glare, either with a slight tint or a coating. This is helpful if the TV is in a brightly lit room or a room that gets a lot of sunlight.
Blue/UV light protection via a TV screen protector
Some TV screen protectors offer protection from blue light and UV light, which is believed to cause symptoms such as eye strain, headaches and fatigue. If you know you’ll be watching TV for several hours a day or sitting close to the TV, this can be a great option.
TV screen protector cost
TV screen protectors typically range in cost from about $30-$70.
TV screen protector FAQ
How do I remove my TV screen protector to reposition or replace it?
A. Most thinner TV screen protectors are either held on with silicone adhesive, which can be peeled up and stuck down without losing staying power or with static, which allows the screen protector to be easily repositioned. Other TV screen protectors sit on top of the TV screen without adhesive and are heavy enough to stay in place.
How do I protect my TV from drops or scratches?
A. There are heavy-duty, scratch-resistant TV screen protectors made of hard plastic, which will help keep the screen from getting scratched or cracked if the TV falls.
Which TV screen protector should I get?
Best of the best TV screen protector
Photodon Anti-Glare Screen Protector: available at Amazon
Our take: This screen protector is available for most TV models in three varieties that offer anti-glare, blue-light-blocking and privacy-filter capabilities.
What we like: It has a matte finish and is easy to clean.
What we dislike: It requires a kit to install. Features such as anti-glare and blue-light blocking are not available in the same model.
Best bang for your buck TV screen protector
LISH Outdoor TV Cover with Front Flap: available at Amazon
Our take: This durable, weatherproof TV cover fits many different TVs and is great for outdoor TVs on the patio or porch.
What we like: It attaches with hook-and-loop fastener straps and protects against rain.
What we dislike: Some users found that it does not fit snugly, while others found it hard to fit onto wall-mounted TVs.
Honorable mention TV screen protector
EYES PC Blue Light Screen Protector: available at Amazon
Our take: This simple TV screen protector blocks blue light, is made of heavy-duty plastic and is especially great for TVs in the office that get a lot of usage.
What we like: It has a lip which allows it to sit on top of the TV, making for easy installation. It blocks blue and UV light.
What we dislike: Some users found there is a glare if the TV is in front of a window. Some users find it is too heavy for their TV or monitor screen.
Honorable mention TV screen protector
Vizomax TV Screen Protector: available at Amazon
Our take: This high-quality TV screen protector fits many different TV models depending on size and is resistant to fingerprints and impact.
What we like: It installs by sitting on top of the TV and is secured with hook-and-loop fastener straps. The plastic is heavy-duty, making it good for kids or corporate use.
What we dislike: Some users find it feels too thin. The price might be high for users on a budget.
Adrian Wengenroth is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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