3 Disadvantages of Privacy Screen Protectors You Need to Know

From checking sensitive emails to discussing private matters with family and friends, there are plenty of things you can do on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop that you don’t want others to see. Understandably, you might feel uncomfortable performing these privacy-centric tasks in places where your device may be the focus of wandering eyes, like on public transportation. Specific types of screen protectors, called privacy screen protectors, can address this natural concern. However, before investing in a privacy screen protector, it’s worth learning about some of the common drawbacks that users often notice after making the switch.

Not all privacy screen protectors are created equal. If you’re considering purchasing one, it’s important to do your research to confirm that you’re spending money on something that will meet your needs. This goes for any piece of technology that will theoretically protect your privacy. However, in general, a privacy screen protector makes it so that a user can only see what is on a device’s screen when looking directly at it. Anyone looking at the screen at an angle should see an image that is too dark or distorted to make out. If the idea of ​​such an object offers obvious advantages, be aware that some users have encountered disadvantages which should be aware of before making an investment.

In online communities like Reddit’s /r/privacy subreddit, users who have previously used privacy screen protectors discuss the pros and cons of these upgrades. One user who applied a privacy screen protector to their laptop found it made collaborating with other people difficult. They explained that because the screen protector requires users to look at a screen head-on to see what is displayed, it can be difficult for team members to gather around a laptop and work on a project together.

This doesn’t seem like a major drawback if you plan to use a privacy screen protector only with a personal device, like a smartphone. However, it’s worth considering the different ways you might still want to share the contents of your screen with others. For example, maybe you want to show someone a photo you took, or maybe you need to show a digital ticket or other similar document to someone to gain access to an event. Being forced to view your screen at a direct angle to properly show it to others can quickly become a problem once you’ve applied a screen protector that limits how you can share your screen.

Again, the main feature of a privacy screen protector – making it virtually impossible to view the contents of a screen unless you’re looking directly at it – can also be a headache for users. As one Redditor on the /r/privacy sub pointed out, remembering that you have to look directly at your device’s screen to see what’s on it can take some getting used to. For example, maybe you tend to leave your phone at your desk. When you receive a notification, you can casually touch the screen to check the content instead of picking up the phone and looking directly at the screen.

This is no longer an option with a privacy screen protector. Every time you want to see what’s on your device’s screen, you’ll have to tilt it to get a front perspective. The Reddit author who pointed out this limitation even explained that frustration with this unforeseen issue led him to remove the privacy screen protector about two hours after applying it. The extent to which this prevented them from easily checking their device’s screen was not worth the privacy benefits.

A privacy screen protector uses small parallel slats, functioning much like a Venetian blind, to prevent viewers from seeing what’s on a device’s screen. While these slats can help you hide your screen content from prying eyes, according to some users, they can also have a negative impact on the appearance of a screen’s content. Even on a device with an otherwise impressive screen, some find that a privacy screen protector can make images grainy. Some even find that the way this type of screen protector affects picture quality can actually trigger migraines in people prone to the condition.

It’s also worth noting that reviews indicate that privacy screen protectors aren’t always as effective as they claim. For example, while a screen protector might prevent someone sitting next to you from seeing the contents of your screen (which, again, seriously hampers collaboration), someone looking over your shoulder could snoop quite easily. As long as they have a direct view of the screen, even from a distance, they can potentially see what is being displayed.

All this discussion about the merits and weaknesses of privacy screen protectors ignores the fact that screen protectors in general may no longer be necessary. If you buy one, be aware that an expensive screen protector may not be worth the extra money. On the other hand, some Redditors disagree with those who claim that a privacy screen protector is a waste.

For some, increased privacy is worth tailoring to the requirements of a privacy screen protector. Yes, the accessory may change the way you check your phone when it’s buzzing, but you might decide that’s a small price to pay for your peace of mind. Consider these factors when deciding whether or not to make a purchase, but remember that your individual priorities are what matters most. As always, take the time to research your options to be sure you’re investing in a privacy screen protector that will actually do its job reliably.