Do it up right – Get a screen protector for your Apple Watch

Keep your Apple Watch screen scratch and scuff proof with a tempered glass screen protector. Even though your watch may not snag, bumps, and bruises happen during daily use. It's always best to play it safe. The Apple Watch's screen may seem small enough that is won't easily scratch, but wearing it on your wrist every day means it's prone to damage sooner or later!

Best Overall: JETech Tempered Glass Screen Protector (38mm)

If you're a minimalist and only want your Apple Watch's screen protected with no extra bulk or fuss, you can't go wrong with this option from JETech. These 0.2mm-thick tempered glass screen protectors are not going to provide full, edge-to-edge protection. Still, these are the easiest to install — with included sticker guides to help with placement and wipes to deal with fingerprints and dust — and are quite serviceable.

Pros:

• Very thin
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Not compatible with Apple Watch Series 4

Best Overall

JETech Tempered Glass Screen Protector (38mm)

• $5 from Amazon

Double the screens, double the protection

Very thin and easy to install, the JETech Tempered Glass Screen Protector is perfect for anyone with an older Apple Watch.

Best for Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5: IQ Shield (40m)

IQShield's LiQuidSkin Screen Protector offers the most minimal and rugged performance for your Apple Watch. The flexible smart film that it is made of is super easy to install, and it protects and lets you continue to interact normally with your Apple Watch display without any hindrance. It uses four layers of protection to ensure your Apple Watch screen is safe from scuffs and scratches. Plus, it comes in a pack of six, so you have backups if you need it.

Pros:

• 6-pack
• Four-layer protection

Cons:

• Not for older Apple Watch models

Best for Apple Watch Series 4

IQ Shield

• $8 from Amazon

Four layers of protection

IQ Shield's screen protector comes in a pack of six, so you'll always have extras.

Best Anti-Bubble installation: LK Apple Watch screen protectors (38mm and 40mm)

The thing about the Apple Watch is that it is a small gadget, and if you want some protection for it, you want it to be almost invisible. The LK Screen Protector delivers that with its military-grade thermoplastic urethane finish that is thinner than a glass screen protector and can withstand the day to day dings that comes with a wearable. Plus, the installation of a screen protector has never been easier!

Pros:

• 6-pack
• Anti-bubble installation
• Both for 38mm and 40mm Apple Watches

Cons:

• A little more expensive than others

Best Anti-Bubble installation

LK Apple Watch screen protectors (38mm and 40mm)

• $10 from Amazon

Super easy installation

Bubble-free installation every time, the LK Apple Watch screen protectors fit both the 38mm and 40mm Apple Watches.

Best Coverage: Zagg's Glass Curve Elite Screen Protector

Zagg's Glass Curve Elite Screen Protector offers a custom, curved fit to your Apple Watch that protects it from just about anything you can throw at it. A nice touch to the aesthetic of it is the black outer lining that matches the bezel of the watch, making it look as if you don't have a screen protector on at all.

Pros:

• Edge-to-edge coverage
• Black bezel for a seamless look
• Fit Series 3, Series 4, and Series 5 Apple Watches

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Coverage

Zagg Glass Curve Elite Screen Protector (Series 3, Series 4, and Series 5)

• $40 from Zagg

Edge-to-edge coverage

The curved edges of the Zagg Glass Curve Elite Screen Protector ensure that every bit of your Apple Watch screen is totally covered.

Best Film Protector: DeltaShield (38mm)

While film protectors don't offer as much protection as tempered glass, they are easier to install and a lot thinner. They are perfect for people who want a little extra protection but no extra bulk to the screen.

The DeltaShield film screen protector is super clear, and shouldn't yellow over time in the sun. Plus, it even has "self-healing" properties, so if the film does get a little scuffed, the DeltaShield should repair itself to be mostly clear once again.

Pros:

• Very thin
• Won't yellow over time

Cons:

• Not as protective as glass
• Only for 38mm Apple Watches

Best Flim Protector

DeltaShield (38mm)

• $8 from Amazon

Thin and clear film

Super clear and the ability to repair itself from minor imperfections, the DeltaShield is the best film protector around.

Bottom line

If you're serious about protecting your Apple Watch as much as possible, tempered glass is the way to do it. The JETech Tempered Glass Screen Protector is incredibly thin (only 0.2mm), meaning it's easy to forget it's even there. Your inputs on your Apple Watch screen won't be compromised at all. Plus, it's included stickers make installation a breeze, and it comes with wipes for fingerprints!

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Luke Filipowicz is an iMore staff writer, and his Apple Watches have had many different protectors on them over the years.

Lory Gil is the Managing Editor of iMore and a huge fan of her Apple Watch. You'll never see her without it on her wrist.