Typically in a roundup like this, we’d sit here extolling the virtues of the many excellent screen protectors available and why they’re all great and easy to use. But we’re also committed to providing objective, helpful information, so we’ll give it to you straight: It’s a bit of a tricky business to keep the glass on your Google Pixel 7 Pro (recently named our Phone of the Year) in perfect condition.
There are a couple of apparent reasons for this. One, the Pixel 7 Pro is the only current Pixel with a curved screen. Those curved screens are produced en masse in large facilities with remarkable precision. It’s harder for a third-party manufacturer to match that level of consistent construction.
Two, the Pixel 7 Pro’s in-display fingerprint reader is highly sensitive to interference from some protective layers. You are able to adjust the screen sensitivity to mitigate this exact effect, but it doesn’t work perfectly with every material. Even a slightly imprecise piece of curved glass or an infinitesimally small gap will compound the issue.
That’s not to say there aren’t any good screen protectors out there because there certainly are. Unlike with some phones, though, there’s not one perfect screen protector that will satisfy all needs. Each protector has some nuanced pros and cons that you’ll want to consider.
You probably haven’t heard of IMBZBK, as it’s not a super well-known company — but where screen protectors from the big names tend to fall short, it often succeeds. It’s one of the few options that consistently gets high marks from users regarding ease of installation, fingerprint reader support, and long-term performance. If you’re dead set on a smooth, glass screen, this is probably the one you want to start with. Better yet, it’s reasonably priced for a three-pack, so you have a couple of extra chances if the first one doesn’t go on just right.
IMBZBK Tempered Glass for Pixel 7 Pro
The Whitestone Dome Glass option is one of our go-to choices for many phones, and it’s one of the big-name brands that actually holds up with the Pixel 7 Pro. As usual with Whitestone, it requires a moderately precise UV-cure installation process, and the company offers a specialized video tutorial to help you get through it.
The refined liquid dispersion technology helps the glass form a perfect seal with the display, which is very helpful in maintaining the touch response and the in-display fingerprint sensor’s performance. While not every user has perfect success with it, most agree that it’s a bit more reliable and easier to install than most others, so it remains one of our top picks.
Whitestone Dome Glass For Pixel 7 Pro
If you’ve never used a TPU option like the AmFilm Elastic Skin, know that the installation process is significantly different from installing glass. For example, they’re extremely unforgiving when it comes to dust — much more so than glass — since you can’t remove any wayward specks with a piece of tape like some glass models allow. As long as you know what you’re in for, this is one of the most affordable and regularly praised gel-type screen protectors on the market. Bear in mind that the included directions are widely considered very poor, so you’ll want to look up a third-party tutorial online.
amFilm Elastic Skin For Pixel 7 Pro
Otterbox makes premium cases across the board, and we’re happy to report that its Alpha Flex Antimicrobial screen protector works better than most on the Pixel 7 Pro. It extends across the entire screen, feels a touch smoother than other TPU films, and does an excellent job healing itself from minor scratches.
As the name indicates, it’s also made with chemicals that inhibit microbial growth. That’s no replacement for regular screen disinfection, but it’s certainly a good start, considering how many germs are usually lounging around on our phone screens. The only significant con is its somewhat high cost, similar to many of the company’s products.
Otterbox Alpha Flex Antimicrobial for Pixel 7 Pro
Using Liquid Optically Clear Adhesive Technology, Akcoo’s glass screen protector takes a two-pronged approach to fixing and protecting your phone’s display. As long as you do it just right, the high-tech glue can fill in any scratches you may already have accrued, while offering practically crystallized protection from future scratches. You’ll have three chances to get it right, which is important because installing LOCA screen protectors requires some expertise.
Akcoo Glass for Pixel 7 Pro
If you frequently find yourself squinting and trying to peer past screen glare, the ArmorSuit MilitaryShield TPU film might be what you need. It sports a more matte finish than most other non-glass films. And although it does require a somewhat involved “wet” installation, by most accounts it’s not very difficult to install. Part of the reason for that might be the fact that it doesn’t quite meet the edges of the screen due to a tiny gap at the end of the curve. While that could make it a little easier to put on, it’s also evidence that this one is more effective for preventing scratches than cracks. Finally, it’s made in the USA, if that’s something you find important.
ArmorSuit MilitaryShield For Pixel 7 Pro
Whitestone Dome’s screen protection film takes a multi-layered approach. It uses ultraviolet light to give soft, stretchy material a harder, glass-like feel that greatly protects from scratches and dings. If you install it with 100% exact precision, it’s one of the most reliable and best-feeling options you can buy.
The issue is that getting that perfect installation is somewhat hit or miss. If you have a decent amount of experience with wet screen protector installation, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything with better performance. If you’re not quite so confident in your abilities, though, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Whitestone Dome UV Gen for Pixel 7 Pro
Tocol’s two-pack of TPU films is the perfect choice for Pixel 7 Pro owners who haven’t installed one before and don’t want to spend too much the first time they try. The application and the day-to-day feel of a soft film screen protector are significantly different from those of a glass one. By most accounts, it’s slightly easier to install than other flexible models, but don’t forget that it’s not nearly as smooth or crack-resistant as glass.
Tocol TPU for Pixel 7 Pro
The (impossible) Pixel 7 Pro screen protector challenge
The accessory selection for Google’s newest flagship phone is a bit all over the place. For example, the Pixel 7 Pro case selection is dominated by some of our favorite big-name brands, most of which make highly protective, functional cases. At the same time, the no-name import companies don’t have much presence. The screen protector market is notably different.
We usually start by evaluating the most reputable brands. Unfortunately, in the case of the Pixel 7 Pro case, screen protectors from experienced companies like Zagg and Spigen have fallen shockingly short in user satisfaction. Granted, needs can differ from person to person, but consistently poor real-world reviews prevent us from recommending models from some brands we usually love.
To that end, we’ve settled on various good choices, each with pros and cons. Interestingly, a relatively unknown brand comes out on top in terms of real-world consistency. An IMBZBK accessory wouldn’t normally get our Editor’s Choice badge, but in this case, a slew of positive reviews across various outlets indicates it’s a great choice. If you only have moderate experience with screen protectors and you’re attached to the feel of glass, this is the one to start with. Highly experienced users might have a better result with the Akcoo, but that one’s not for beginners.
Those looking for value should consider a TPU option, like the AmFilm Elastic Skin or Tocol TPU; while they’re not super forgiving during installation, they are pretty affordable. Otterbox’s Alpha Flex Antimicrobial series, by comparison, offers better protection and full coverage but is also considerably more expensive. Otterbox also provides only a single skin, so you’d better know what you’re doing when installing. Nevertheless, for anybody who’s done a TPU installation, the Otterbox delivers great results.
