There are several types of screen guards you can get for your watch. Thin films, tempered glass protectors, and even cases with built-in protection for the screen. So, if you wish to protect your new smartwatch, here’s a list of the best Apple Watch Series 9 screen protectors you can invest in. Finally, if you're thinking about protection, there are cases that surround the whole watch. Inevitably, they add bulk and some models are hideous. But if you’re likely to be in an environment where your watch faces various hazards, a case may be a worthwhile investment unless that environment is hot and humid, or wet.

If you’d rather add something a bit tougher, a tempered glass protector is a better option. However, these are much harder to fit as they’re not as flexible or as forgiving as plastic.

Which screen protector is right for you?

Of course, films like this and the SuperShields option below will protect from scratches, and may help to ward off minor impacts. But, they will do little to prevent damage from severe blows. For owners expecting that type of abuse, we suggest one of the sturdier, albeit far more noticeable options towards the top of this list. Most protective cases aren’t waterproof or airtight, so they’ll often get steamy in the gym or will let in water when you swim. That doesn’t affect your watch but does make it hard to see the display. Like most matte-finish films, the IQ Shield version does have some minimal impact on things like screen brightness and color accuracy. However, the benefit of not having to fight bright outside lights, especially when trying to view the somewhat dimmer displays on older Apple Watch models, will likely be more than enough to make up for any modest impact on image quality.

For wearers that want to protect their unit's display, but just can't stand the idea of covering any of the Apple Watch's visual appeal, the LK Screen Protector is an excellent option. Made of "Self-Healing" TPU, the skin is designed to provide 99% transparency and complete retention of screen sensitivity and responsiveness. Also consider that the cheaper aluminum Apple Watch is actually a lot less prone to obvious scratches than the fancier stainless steel version in terms of body (if not screen, as noted above). IQ Shield is also somewhat unique in designing its flexible film to fit right up against the curved edges of the Apple Watch display, something many manufacturers skip in favor of a smaller, rectangular film with visible edges. This "precise fitment" not only improves the appearance of the protector, but also helps eliminate the annoying sensation of running over the edge of a screen protector when using the Apple Watch touchscreen.While you might assume the steel is harder and tougher, it's actually softer than the aluminum used in the entry-level model. Don't forget about the finish either. Like the rear casing of iPods Classics, the steel Apple Watch has a super-shiny chrome finish that shows off scratches very readily. It almost seems like the little guy is proud of its war wounds. Some Apple watch screen protectors do not have "full" screen protection, meaning some are cases that wrap around the display and have no actual screen protector. Other cases offer built-in screen guards. There are also the traditional thin film screen protectors you can buy without a case. Some brands do offer the same screen protector in a range of sizes, so while one may look like it's for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the sizing could be for a different model altogether. Is an Apple Watch screen protector necessary? Spigen’s Tough Armor case is exactly what it sounds like. It’s tough, rugged, and offers excellent protection for your Apple Watch. The TPU bumpers ensure the sides of your watch are protected from scratches and dents. And the tempered glass screen protector saves the screen in case of an impact.

Ideally, the best Apple Watch screen protector should not impact the functionality of the watch's touchscreen. Quality screen protectors should work similarly to iPhone screen protectors in that it doesn't create any sort of touchscreen discrepancy or require you to touch the screen any harder than usual. Are all Apple Watch screen protectors compatible with the Apple Watch Ultra 2?While a full enclosure can never be truly invisible, this protector is about as close as you can get. Using clear plastic and tempered glass, a bystander might actually miss it at a casual glance. Despite its stealth, the product still provides protection for the metal sides and display, while promising accurate and responsive pass-through of all touch commands. While they're not 100% guaranteed to protect the Apple Watch against all damage, the best Apple Watch screen protectors do manage to keep the wearable well-protected. Of course, significant impacts can still produce damage, but screen protectors work very well against everyday wear and tear. Does an Apple Watch screen protector affect the touchscreen? The Catalyst Waterproof Case is also one of the few options that even enclose the smartwatch's Digital Crown, providing a water-tight seal that Catalyst claims can essentially double the unit's 164-foot of water resistance to 330 feet. It may seem a bit odd that one of the most ruggedized Apple Watch screen protectors on this list doesn't actually cover the device's display. Instead, it surrounds it with one of the beefiest enclosures we were able to find, including raised bezels that greatly reduce the chance of anything impacting the display. Not a fan of film screen protectors? If you want more protection for your Apple Watch’s screen — especially on occasions where you may involuntarily hit the watch against the edges of a table or against a wall. We have the YMHML 3D Curved Screen Guard for you.