The smartwatch screen protector market is worth tens of billions of dollars, suggesting that many people consider a protector an essential purchase. Screen protectors usually come in the form of thin adhesive films (plastic or TPU) or as layers of rigid tempered glass that stick directly to the screen to protect it from scratches and impacts. But are they really necessary?
It could be that the popularity of screen protectors stems from a habit we developed with another popular device: the smartphone. The first purchase many people make after buying a smartphone is a screen protector, and perhaps we are also programmed to do the same when buying a smartwatch. It’s also possible that because the watch is usually exposed to our wrist, we instinctively feel that it requires an additional layer of protection in the form of a film or glass covering the screen.
But truth be told, smartwatch screens have become more durable over time thanks to better glass and ceramic coatings, with high-end watch makers using ion-exchanged tempered glass, sapphire, and Gorilla Glass to improve scratch resistance and everyday durability. With that in mind, unless you spend most of your time in a very physical environment that results in constant scrapes and bumps, or you’re buying a budget watch with less reliable glass, a smartwatch screen protector is a purchase you don’t really need.
Durable materials for hard hits
Modern smartwatches, especially mid-range and high-end models, almost always use one of two main materials. For example, Apple Watch Series 11 and SE models use Ion-X Glass, a hardened material designed for rugged impact resistance and everyday durability. The higher-end Apple Watch Ultra 3, on the other hand, uses sapphire crystal, which is harder and significantly more scratch-resistant. Garmin, another premium smartwatch maker, often uses Corning Gorilla Glass, which is also great for everyday protection. Like Apple, Garmin also uses sapphire glass for its most expensive smartwatch models.
If your unprotected smartwatch screen comes into contact with materials like plastic and wood, you will be fine. There is more risk with harder materials like sand and concrete, but unless the impact is particularly severe and prolonged, it is unlikely that your watch will show visible damage. We know this from testing based on the Mohs hardness scale, which ranks materials from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Gorilla Glass is rated between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale, while sapphire is around 9, meaning that everyday materials like wood, plastic, keys, and even steel (4-5) are too soft to leave a mark. Only harder materials, such as quartz found in sand (7) or concrete (including dust and rough surfaces), could potentially be a problem. It’s also worth noting that most marks detected by screen protectors would not have appeared on the actual watch screen, as the protector is usually made of a softer material.
To determine if your smartwatch really needs a screen protector, ask yourself how often it comes into contact with damaged surfaces. Chances are, unless you work on a construction site or in a workshop, your watch will wear just fine without it.
Spend your money on something else for your smart watch
If you’re the cautious type and don’t feel comfortable wearing your watch without a screen protector, then for added peace of mind, it’s a good idea to slap one on. But if you’re willing to go without the protector, you’ll save a few dollars that you can spend on something else.
Have you ever thought about a 3-in-1 charging station? The WAITIEE 3-in-1 Wireless Charger, for example, is currently available on Amazon for just under $20. It can charge not only your smartwatch, but also compatible smartphones and headphones, at the same time. Another advantage is that the device has a small footprint and eliminates cable clutter. A charging station like this would be ideal for travel, or even for the home or office if you’re a fan of convenience and like to have a tidy desk.
You can also spend money on a new strap for your smart watch. Maybe your current device seems a little less wear-resistant, or maybe a second one can be used for sweaty workouts while you keep the first one for everyday use.
