3 Disadvantages Of Privacy Screen Protectors You Need To Know About

From checking sensitive emails to chatting with family and friends about private matters, there's a lot you might do on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop that you don't want others seeing. Naturally, you might feel uncomfortable performing these privacy-centric tasks in locations where your device may be the focus of wandering eyes, such as public transportation. Specific types of screen protectors, known as privacy screen protectors, can address this natural concern. However, before you invest in a privacy screen protector, it's worth learning more about some of the common disadvantages users often notice after making the switch.

Not all privacy screen protectors are created equal. If you're thinking about buying one, it's important to do your research to confirm you're spending money on something that will serve your needs. This goes for any tech item that will theoretically protect your privacy. Generally, though, a privacy screen protector makes it so that a user can only see what's on a device's screen when looking straight at it. Anyone viewing the screen from an angle should see an image that's too dark or distorted to make out. While the idea of such an item offers clear benefits, you should know that some users have experienced drawbacks worth being aware of before making an investment.

In online communities like Reddit's /r/privacy subreddit, users who've had experience with 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 others difficult. They explained that, because the screen protector requires users to look at a screen head-on to see what's on display, it can be hard for team members to huddle around a laptop and work together on a project.

That might not seem like a major disadvantage if you only plan on using a privacy screen protector with a personal device, like a smartphone. However, it's worth considering the various 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 such document to someone to gain access to an event. Being required to display your screen at a direct angle to properly show it to others can become a hassle quite fast 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 to users. As a Redditor on the /r/privacy sub pointed out, remembering that you have to look right at your device's screen to see what's on it can take some getting used to. For example, maybe you tend to have your phone sitting at your desk. When you receive a notification, you might casually tap the screen to check the contents instead of picking up the phone and looking right at the screen.

That's no longer an option with a privacy screen protector. Every time you want to see what's on the screen of your device, you'll have to angle it so that you have a head-on perspective. The Redditor who pointed out this limitation even explained that the frustration of this unforeseen issue caused them to remove the privacy screen protector within about two hours of applying it. The degree to which it restricted them from easily checking their device's screen wasn't worth the privacy benefits.

A privacy screen protector uses small parallel slats, functioning a bit like a Venetian blind, to prevent onlookers from seeing what's on a device's screen. While these slats may help you hide the contents of your screen from prying eyes, according to some users, they can also negatively impact the appearance of a screen's contents. Even on a device with an otherwise impressive display, some find that a privacy screen protector can cause the images to become grainy. Some even find that the way this type of screen protector affects image quality can actually trigger migraines in those prone to this malady.

It's also worth noting that reviews indicate privacy screen protectors may not always be as effective as they claim. For example, while a screen protector might make it difficult for someone sitting next to you to see the contents of your screen (which, again, is a major detriment to collaboration), someone looking over your shoulder could spy fairly easily. As long as they have a direct view of the screen, even if it's from a distance, they can potentially see what's on display.

All this discussion of the merits and weaknesses of privacy screen protectors ignores the fact that screen protectors in general may not be necessary anymore. If you do buy one, be aware that an expensive screen protector may not be worth the extra money. On the other hand, at the very least, some Redditors disagree with those who claim a privacy screen protector is a waste.

For some, added privacy is worth adjusting to the demands of a privacy screen protector. Yes, the accessory might change how you check your phone when it buzzes, but you might decide that's a small price to pay for peace of mind. Account for the factors here when deciding whether to make a purchase, but remember that your individual priorities are what matter most. As always, take the time to research your options to be certain you're putting down cash for a privacy screen protector that will actually do its job reliably.