Best screen protectors for Apple Pencil 2024


Someone using a white stylus to draw on an iPad.
Credit: Samuel Bryngelsson

The best screen protector for Apple Pencil is going to make sure you can use your devices safely, and as often as you like.

For those with an iPad, the Apple Pencil is almost an essential addition for those looking to take their tablet to the next level. Seriously, this combination can have your iPad rivalling some of the best graphics tablets for photo editing, some of the best graphic design monitors for PC users, and the best laptops for illustrators. Just make sure you get a screen protector as well to avoid damaging your screen and ruining just how effective the Apple Pencil is.

Fortunately, that's where we come in. We've put together a list of screen protectors based on our research into their specs, features, general reviews, and other general points that we think make them worth considering. We've also answered some of your most frequently asked questions so you can pick the best one for you. Before getting into that though, here are our top picks...

Best screen protectors for Apple Pencil

  1. Paperlike - a well-rounded choice for most people
  2. amFilm Glass Screen Protector - top alternative from amFilm
  3. ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Plus - great choice from ZAGG
  4. JETech Write Like Paper - a superb scratch-resistant option from JETech
  5. ESR Paper-Feel - best option for a paper-like feel
Paperlike product image of a black tablet being written on by a white stylus.
click to enlarge
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Credit: Paperlike

1. Paperlike

Best screen protector for Apple Pencil overall

If you're looking for a marvellous all-rounder for a screen protector to use your Apple Pencil with, then the Paperlike looks like a great choice.

It's been designed specifically with performance in mind and features tiny microbeads on the screen protector's surface to give just the right amount of friction so you can feel exactly what you're doing when using the touchscreen.

The Paperlike is comprised of Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET for short, meaning it's comprised of a durable but thin plastic that goes over your screen, and for design work, where close contact is vital for the most accurate on-screen results, it should be a good choice.

Compatibility is also good, as this screen protector should work with pretty much all iPads, with all of the iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad Mini support.

Reasons to buy:

  • Great all-rounder
  • Lovely feel thanks to its PET composition

Read More: Best rugged tablet cases

amFilm product image of a black tablet next to a white box with green branding of screen protectors.
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Credit: amFilm

2. amFilm Glass Screen Protector

Best screen protector for Apple Pencil from amFilm

The amFilm Glass Screen Protector looks like a handy choice if you're wanting a good option for your 12.9-inch iPad Pro and your Apple Pencil.

Being compatible with Apple Pencil means that should you be able to draw until your heart's content and every input should be picked up accurately. It's comprised of strong tempered glass, so should be incredibly durable and scratch-resistant.

You'll also find that the amFilm Glass Screen Protector features an oleophobic coating, so any fingerprints or smudges encountered during day-to-day use should be reduced.

The entire bundle looks to be rather good too, as you don't just get a screen protector and instead get two, with dust removal stickers and wipes, as well as a squeegee to remove bubbles.

Reasons to buy:

  • Harder to smudge
  • Comes with more than just one protector

Read More: Best Apple Pencil alternatives

ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Plus product image of a screen protector being placed on a black iPad.
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Credit: ZAGG

3. ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Plus

Best screen protector for Apple Pencil from ZAGG

Speaking of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Plus looks like an immensely durable and premium screen protector that should also work well with your Apple Pencil.

It's made from some smooth tempered glass that should offer up some fantastic touch sensitivity and great accuracy for your Apple Pencil, providing a great user experience. That glass should also mean this is a rather strong protector too, and rather durable too.

The ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Plus is also oil-resistant, so it should keep any unwanted oils or smudges away, keeping the screen nice and clear.

Reasons to buy:

  • Oil-resistant
  • Tempered for strength

Read More: Best budget tablets for drawing

JETech Write Like Paper product image of someone using a white stylus on a tablet with a screen protector on it.
click to enlarge
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Credit: JETech

4. JETech Write Like Paper

Best screen protector for Apple Pencil from JETech

The JETech Write Like Paper, in our humble opinion, looks like a brilliant budget screen protector so that you can use your Apple Pencil with ease.

It's comprised of a Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) film that offers more of a paper-like feel, which is handy for design work or any drawing you're going with the Apple Pencil. In addition, a PET film protector can also help to reduce glare, which is convenient.

PET screen protectors are less flexible than other Screen Protector materials, which is why it's important to get protectors like the Write Like Paper which is designed for your device.

This protector is also rather scratch and fingerprint-resistant, which is good for peace of mind, and should also be relatively easy to fit, meaning you can be up and running with your iPad in no time at all,

As for compatibility, the JETech Write Like Paper only works with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but for that device specifically, should be a marvellous choice.

Reasons to buy:

  • Great budget choice
  • Very durable with a paper-like feel

Read More: Best anti-glare screen protectors for computer monitor

ESR Paper-Feel product image of a screen protector being peeled off a black iPad.
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Credit: ESR

5. ESR Paper-Feel

Best screen protector for Apple Pencil from ESR

If it's a convenient user experience with a paper-like feel you're after, then the ESR Paper-Feel should serve you rather well.

It's comprised of some specially-treated PET to offer that thin film for a more accurate and sensitive feeling like you're writing or drawing on paper, which is very useful for the Apple Pencil. It's also handily fingerprint resistant so should keep your iPad looking rather fresh and new.

You should be able to use the ESR Paper-Feel with a multitude of different iPads too, with the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and the standard iPad all supported, which is rather convenient.

Reasons to buy:

  • Lovely feel, almost like paper
  • Great look and compatible with a range of devices

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Finding the right screen protector can be tricky and may lead to a ton of questions. Don't worry though, we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions right here.

What kind of screen protector is best for Apple Pencil?

We'd say that a thin PET screen protector is likely to be best for most people to use with their Apple Pencil. This is because they should offer a more life-like drawing and writing experience, as well as being durable and resistant to scratches.

Should I use a screen protector with Apple Pencil?

In short, you definitely can use a screen protector with Apple Pencil as our above ranking shows.

For the best experience, opting for a thin PET protector may be better as they'll offer more contact than a thicker glass protector, but either way, you can still get accurate and realistic drawing results with a protector on your iPad.

How much should I spend on a screen protector for Apple Pencil?

For a good screen protector, spending around $20 will get you a good PET one, complete with additional wipes and squeegees for easy application.

Spending more will probably get you a more premium feeling PET one, or you could opt for higher quality tempered glass, which may be more durable, but not offer as good of a drawing experience, It's all down to personal preference.

Will the Apple Pencil scratch my screen?

In short, no. The Apple Pencil isn't particularly sharp or incisive, so shouldn't damage your screen, unless you're using it improperly, or in a particularly aggressive manner, but screens like these can protect you from other dangers, whilst still allowing you to use your Apple Pen.

Can you draw on an iPad with a screen protector?

In short, yes. Having a screen protector shouldn't affect your ability to draw on your iPad - sometimes, with the right thin screen protector, they can even make your drawing experience even better, given they make the drawing surface more akin to paper than a screen.

Do matte screen protectors wear down Apple Pencil tips?

Unfortunately, matted screen protectors can have the adverse effect of rubbing down the rubber tips of the Apple Pencil, given that these protectors can feature a slightly rougher surface.

There are ways to reduce the rate at which it wears down, such as not pressing so hard when using your Apple Pencil, as well as using a tip protector, although this may introduce some input lag into the equation.

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