Apple’s latest iPhone models have a screen comprised of Gorilla Glass, a tough composite glass material that is resistant to scratching. For many iPhone owners, this layer of protection is not enough, and they opt to install a screen protector over the original display. This extra layer of protection ensures the display remains blemish-free and helps preserve the resale price of the phone down the line. If you’re looking for screen protectors, read on for advice on which type you should buy and recommendations on the best ones for the iPhone 6/6s and iPhone 6 Plus,6s Plus.

Do you need protection?

This question is a tough one to answer as there is no correct response to this questions. It all comes down to personal preference. Many iPhone owners rely on Gorilla Glass to protect their screen from the occasional blemish, but there are an equal number of users who prefer to install a screen protector and add an extra layer of protection to their display. As someone who has used an iPhone both with and without a screen protector, there is only one issue you need to consider when making the decision to purchase a screen protector and that is resale value. When you use a screen protector, your screen will remain blemish free, and you can use that as a selling point. Most people won’t use a screen protector, and their phones will be scratched when they go to resell them. When choosing between two phones, a buyer may be willing to pay a little bit more for a phone with a perfect screen. From a usability perspective, there is little to no difference between a phone with a screen protector and a phone without one. I usually put a screen protector on my phone because it does not affect how I use it and it provides me a tangible benefit when I go to resell my iPhone.

Basic Plastic

The most affordable screen protectors are made of a basic plastic material. These screen protectors are clear and, for the most part, do not change how your screen appears. They provide simple scratch protection and nothing else. The quality of the screen — how easy it is to apply, how sticky or smooth it feels to the touch and how clear it is, depends on the model you purchase. These screen protectors are very affordable costing less than $10 for a multi-pack.

• JETech Screen Protector Film HD 3-Pack iPhone 6S/6 (3-pack) – $6
• B-Tech Ultra-Clear High Definition (HD) Screen Protectors for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s (3-Pack) – $8

Privacy Protectors

Privacy protectors are specialty category of screen protectors that let the user view the screen when it held face forward but obscures it when someone is trying to view the display from an angle. These screen protectors tend to be more expensive, but many people are willing to pay extra for that privacy. This feature may be particularly important to those who travel by bus, train or airplane and don’t want their neighbor gawking at their screen.

• ZAGG InvisibleShield Privacy Glass Screen Protector – $20
• 3M Privacy Screen Protector for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s – $12.99
• Bodyguardz Privacy Screen Protectors for iPhone 6 Plus – $19.95
• Otterbox Alpha Glass Privacy for iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus – $18

Military-Grade

Military grade screen protectors became the most popular type of screen protectors thanks to the heavy marketing of companies like Zagg. Among the first to the market, Zagg’s Invisible Shield and its lifetime warranty set the standard for this type of protector. Though the InvisibleShiled brand has the name recognition, it is not the only game in down and several other high profile manufacturers are now manufacturing the screens.

These military grade protectors offer extra protection for your screen because the material is more resistant to scratches. It is almost rubbery in nature and can withstand a lot of abuse without tearing.They are easy to apply and do not distort the screen. The biggest drawback to this type of screen protector is its relative tackiness. These screens tend to be a bit sticky when you touch them, which is a much difference experience from the smooth glass. For most users, this difference is negligible, but for those who draw on their device or do a lot of swiping, you may want to stay away from these rubber protectors. Te military grade protectors are variable in price with Invisible Shields costing $25 or more, while no-name brands can be purchased for $10-15. The quality is about the same with knock off brands; you just lose some of the convenience features –Invisible Shield protectors are designed with an easy installation process and include a lifetime warranty.

• ZAGG InvisibleShield HDX – $20
• Skinomi TechSkin for iPhone 6/6s – $7.85
• Skinomi TechSkin for iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus – $7.85
• Spigen Steinheil Flex HD for iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus – $15
• Spigen Steinheil Flex HD for iPhone 6/6s – $14

Tempered Glass

If you don’t like the sticky feel of the military grade screen protectors, you should take a look at the tempered glass screen protectors. These screen protectors are a thin piece of glass that you apply to your screen. They offer an extra layer of protection on your screen because they absorb most of the impact of a drop or fall. If you drop your phone, the tempered glass layer may shatter protecting the gorilla glass screen of your iPhone. As an added benefit these screen protectors also are smooth to touch, allowing your fingers to glide smoothly over the screen.

• ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass – $14
  Moshi iVisor Glass – Edge to edge glass screen protector for iPhone 6/6s – Black or White– $25
• Moshi iVisor Glass – Edge-to-edge glass screen protector for iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus – Black or White – $25
• Otterbox Alpha Glass for iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus – $12
• Belkin TruClear InvisiGlass – $35

Which screen protector do you use?

Do you use a screen protector on your iPhone? Which one do you use and why? Please share your opinions and experiences in the comments.