Top 5 Best Screen Protectors for iPhone 16 – Tested & Ranked

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for the best screen protector for your iPhone 16, and lucky for you, I’ve personally tested over 40 screen protectors to narrow it down to the top 5! From durability, scratch resistance, oleophobic coatings, and ease of installation, I’ve gone through it all to give you the ultimate list. And yes, Screen Guardian ranks #1—more on that later!

Introduction to iPhone 16 Screen Protection

The iPhone 16 has once again raised the bar in terms of design, with its sleek, slightly curved edges and larger display. Protecting this piece of tech is essential, especially with the price tag attached. While the iPhone 16 comes with impressive durability, even Apple’s innovations won’t shield your screen from inevitable scratches, cracks, and general wear and tear. That’s where a high-quality screen protector comes in.

Choosing the right one can be daunting. With endless options promising “military-grade” protection, edge-to-edge clarity, and advanced oleophobic coatings, how do you know what’s worth your money? Well, that’s what I’m here for. Let’s dive into my top 5 picks.

1. Screen Guardian 3D Infinity Edge Design – #1 Overall Best

At Screen Guardian, we’re not just about selling protectors—we’re safeguarding the screens that you rely on every day. We’re passionate about providing top-notch screen protection for a wide range of devices, including bikes, laptops, TVs, cars, watches, and of course, the iPhone 16.

What makes Screen Guardian 3D Infinity Edge the best?

• Unmatched Durability: This protector is tough. During testing, it withstood over 400 newtons of force before breaking. It’s one of the most durable screen protectors I’ve ever tested, offering excellent drop protection, even for those butterfinger moments.
• 3D Curved Design: Most screen protectors don’t follow the slight curve of the iPhone 16’s display, leading to annoying gaps around the edges. Screen Guardian‘s 3D design ensures a perfect fit, providing comprehensive edge-to-edge protection.
• Crystal Clarity: There’s no noticeable difference in screen brightness or sharpness. You won’t even notice it’s there—it’s that good.
• Oleophobic Coating: Water droplets, oil, and smudges basically fly off the surface. The oleophobic coating on the Screen Guardian is one of the best I’ve tested, making it easy to clean and keeping your screen looking flawless for longer.
• Superior Installation Tools: The installation process is easy thanks to the gigantic dust sticker and alignment frame. Even if you’re a first-timer, you can get a flawless, bubble-free application.
• Price: At $40, it’s priced slightly higher than the average screen protector. However, considering its quality and durability, it’s an investment worth making.

Verdict: The Screen Guardian 3D Infinity Edge protector does everything right. It’s strong, fits perfectly with the iPhone 16’s design, and has unbeatable clarity and oleophobic properties. If you’re looking for the best of the best, this is it.

2. Banks Glass Warrior

Second on my list is the Banks Glass Warrior, a product that took me by surprise during testing.

What’s good about Banks?

• Strong Oleophobic Coating: The water-repellent coating on the Banks Glass Warrior is insane. Water droplets literally slide off, and oil smudges clean off with minimal effort.
• Decent Scratch Resistance: It’s marketed as having a “Sapphire coating,” but in my tests, scratches started to appear at around a Mohs level of 6 and were much more pronounced at level 7. Still, it’s above average compared to other protectors.
• Solid Coverage: This protector covers most of the iPhone 16’s display, but its edges are slightly raised, which might annoy some users.
• Unique Design Feature: It includes a small bump at the bottom of the protector for extra reinforcement around the home button area, although I’m still unsure about its actual functionality.

Downsides

• Price: It’s priced at $50, which feels a little steep for what it offers. While the oleophobic coating is top-notch, the scratch resistance and edge coverage aren’t as strong as Screen Guardian.

Verdict: The Banks Glass Warrior is a solid option if you prioritize oleophobic coating above all else. It’s pricey, but you get a screen protector that excels at keeping fingerprints and smudges at bay.

3. Taurus Ultra Glass

The Taurus Ultra Glass ranks third due to its balance between price and performance.

Key Features of Taurus Ultra Glass:

• Good Oleophobic Coating: This protector has a strong oil-resistant coating, which means fewer smudges and easier cleaning.
• Decent Durability: It’s slightly above average when it comes to drop and scratch protection. It took some punishment but eventually cracked after multiple impacts.
• Good Installation Tools: Taurus has one of the better install kits in this list, providing tools that make application fairly straightforward.

Downsides

• Average Durability: It’s durable, but it ranked around 20 out of 44 in direct impact tests. So, while it offers decent protection, it’s not on the same level as Screen Guardian or Banks.
• Generic Design: This protector doesn’t feel premium. It’s a decent product, but it lacks the flair and additional features you’d get with higher-end options.

Verdict: The Taurus Ultra Glass is a strong contender if you’re looking for a more affordable option without compromising too much on quality.

4. dbrand Tempered Glass

dbrand makes great skins for phones, but their tempered glass screen protectors offer mixed results.

What works for dbrand?

• Tough Impact Resistance: This screen protector is one of the strongest when it comes to direct impact protection. It’s tougher than most on this list and is great if you’re prone to dropping your phone.
• Affordable Price: At around $35, this protector is well-priced for what it offers.

Downsides

• Weak Edges: Despite being strong in direct impact tests, the edges of the dbrand glass are surprisingly weak. In fact, it ranked 26 out of 44 in edge strength tests. If you drop your phone at an angle, the screen protector is more likely to crack along the edges.
• Average Oleophobic Coating: The oleophobic coating on this screen protector is not as durable as some of the others in this list. Over time, fingerprints start to become more visible.

Verdict: The dbrand Tempered Glass is a good choice if you’re looking for strong, affordable protection, but beware of the weaker edges.

5. ESR Armorite

Coming in at number five is the ESR Armorite, a product that has fallen from its previous glory.

The good?

• Affordability: ESR offers some of the most affordable screen protectors, and while the iPhone 16 version isn’t as impressive as the older iPhone 14 variant, it’s still good value for money.
• Extras: ESR throws in some extras, like camera lens protectors, which is nice if you want additional protection for your device.

What went wrong?

• Weak Oleophobic Coating: The oleophobic coating on this product is lackluster. Fingerprints and smudges show up very quickly, making your iPhone 16 look grimy unless you constantly wipe it down.
• Durability Decline: ESR’s iPhone 14 version was incredibly strong, but the iPhone 16 version feels weaker. It’s still better than most screen protectors on the market, but not as strong as some of the others on this list.

Verdict: The ESR Armorite is a decent budget option, but it doesn’t quite live up to its former glory. It’s good, but not great.

Conclusion: Which Screen Protector Should You Buy for Your iPhone 16?

If you want the absolute best screen protector for your iPhone 16, Screen Guardian 3D Infinity Edge is hands down the top choice. It excels in every category—durability, clarity, fit, oleophobic coating, and ease of installation. Plus, at $40, it’s a reasonable investment considering the protection it offers.

For those looking for more budget-friendly options, the Taurus Ultra Glass and Banks Glass Warrior are solid alternatives. And if you need something more rugged with slightly better impact protection, dbrand won’t disappoint—just watch out for those weak edges.

When choosing a screen protector, don’t settle for cheap, ineffective products. Your iPhone 16 deserves the best, and that’s what Screen Guardian delivers.