Should You Use a Screen Protector for Your MacBook? Exploring the Pros and Cons

Walk into any electronics store and you’ll find a bunch of screen protectors claiming to keep your MacBook’s display safe from scratches, and cracks. But are these extra shields really necessary for your MacBook? According to Apple, the answer is no.

Do MacBooks Need A Screen Protector?

Thinking about whether it’s safe to put a screen protector on? Apple claims its Retina displays are made from strengthened glass that is highly scratch and shatter-resistant. Apple says these screens are precision-fitted and do not require any additional protection. With that said, adding a screen protector actually may do more harm than good. 

Why MacBooks Don’t Need Screen Protectors

Who wouldn’t want to preserve the pristine look of their 13-inch MacBook screen? Well, you are going to be very interested to know that only 22% of MacBook owners used screen protection. Most relied on the built-in durability of the device instead. So, while protectors may give some users peace of mind, the added cost and inconvenience is unnecessary for most MacBooks. 

MacBook Screens Have an Anti-Glare Coating

According to Apple, all MacBook screens have an oleophobic anti-glare coating that resists scratches and reduces glare by up to 56%.

Using a Screen Protector Can Damage Your MacBook

A 2019 CNET test found that peeling off a screen protector stripped away some of the anti-glare coating on a MacBook Pro display.

Screen Protectors Reduce the Quality of Your MacBook Display

Even premium glass protectors can reduce Retina display clarity by up to 18%, according to testing by Tom’s Guide.

MacBooks Aren’t Designed To Accommodate Screen Protectors

MacBook screens have precision fitted glass that doesn’t leave room for third-party accessories. Doing so will severely damage your screen as shown below.

Screen Protectors Are Difficult To Remove Safely

It is reported that suction cup screen protector removers can crack MacBook displays, requiring expensive repairs.

It may void the Warranty of your MacBook

Even though  adding a screen protector will not void your MacBook’s warranty, the damage caused by the improper removal may not be covered.

Long story short, you shouldn’t put a screen protector on a MacBook Air, M1, or M2.

How To Protect Your MacBook Screen

Luckily, there are easy ways to protect your MacBook’s screen without any accessories. Here’s how: 

Use a keyboard cover that doesn’t attach to the screen

Your Macbook needs a keyboard cover instead of a screen protector. However, covers that clip on can rub and damage the display over time. Opt for a lightweight cloth keyboard cover instead.

Attach sticky pads to the bottom edges

This prevents the keyboard from touching the screen when closed. Pads work well and won’t leave residue.

Keep the screen cleaner than the keyboard. 

Set the MacBook down screen-up when not in use so the keyboard area touches potentially dirty surfaces rather than the display.

Use an ultra-thin silicon or TPU protector film. 

At 0.1-0.2mm, these provide scratch protection with less impact on display quality and responsiveness and are easier to remove as well.

Attach slide-on screen borders.

Some products add a thin plastic border that slides over the edges of the display for protection while leaving the main screen uncovered. 

Opt for keyboard and screen covers together. 

Keyboard protection prevents pressure damage when closed, while a microfiber display cover keeps the screen safe in transit.