Why You Should Be Using a Privacy Screen Filter on Your Laptop and Tablet (2024)

We often hear about email phishing, wireless identity theft and other technologically-advanced scams. Digital scammers won’t hesitate to steal important information from your grasp. While these issues definitely deserve your attention, it’s also important to remember that there are still con artists who prefer good old fashioned methods of information theft, like stealing your information as you view it on your screen in public areas. This is called visual hacking, and it’s successful an astounding 91% of the time.

Of course, if you’re working at home or in your own office, this isn’t really a concern. However, if you often work in busy environments like a co-working space, a coffee shop or a library, then you really don’t know when someone has paid a little more attention to your screen than they should. It’s really incredibly easy for people to see what you’re doing on your laptops and tablets.

Luckily, adding a privacy filter to your laptop screen is a quick and simple way to prevent the loss of your information and protect your passwords. These privacy filters stop people from seeing what’s on your screen when you don’t want them to. These handy screen additions simply attach using adhesive or magnets to restrict the viewing angle. Viewing from either side of your screen becomes nearly impossible yet the main user still enjoys a clear view. In addition, these covers also provide added protection to the screen, reduce glare and minimize exposure to both UV and blue light.

We’ve put together a list of 15 popular options for computer screen privacy. These include filters for all sizes of screens as well as temporary and semi-permanent options depending on your needs. With options for MacBooks and all other popular models, the best laptop privacy screens keep your information safe.

1. Homy Privacy Screen Protector Kit

BEST OVERALL

The Homy Privacy Screen Protector Kit allows you and only you to see your screen clearly without fear of snoopers. The front-facing, 60-degree viewing angle prevents people to either side of you from seeing your screen, meaning there’s no need to worry if you’re handling sensitive data in public places like a cafe or library. In addition to providing privacy, the 5H hardness protector also prevents scratches, dust and scrapes from affecting your screen. It reduces UV light and blue light, and the kit also includes a washable keyboard cover to keep your keys clean and like new. This kit fits MacBook Pro 13-inch models from 2016 onwards.

2. Adaptix Laptop Privacy Screen

BEST FOR SQUARE SCREENS

The Adaptix Laptop Privacy Screen is another well-reviewed option, which blocks UV and blue light, provides protection for your screen and also prevents glare. It lets you choose between a glossy and matte finish simply by flipping it to one side or the other and includes both adhesive strips and adhesive tabs for your choice of attachment. When in use, the privacy screen provides a viewing angle of approximately 60 degrees. Plus, this particular option comes with a lifetime warranty and a handy cleaning cloth. Screen size options range from 12 inches all the way up to 17 inches with both square and widescreen styles available.

3. AirMat Laptop Privacy Screen Filter

BEST COLORED

If plain black isn’t your bag, you may prefer the AirMat Laptop Privacy Screen Filter for your computer privacy needs. In addition to the plain black option most privacy screens come in, you’ll also have the option of an all-gold filter, giving your computer a more individual appearance. Of course, inside the 60-degree viewing angle, you won’t see the color. However, for people sitting outside, they’ll simply see the all-gold screen and nothing more. This well-reviewed filter is also UV-blocking, blue light-blocking and anti-glare, meaning it puts less strain on your eyes. Furthermore, it comes in a range of different screen sizes and is compatible with touch screens.

4. Privox Computer Privacy Screen Filter

BEST TOUCH-SCREEN OPTION

The Privox Computer Privacy Screen Filter is an anti-glare, anti-scratch and blue and UV light-blocking answer to your privacy needs. The double-sided filter lets you choose between either a matte or glossy finish and includes two different attachment options for fitting the filter to your screen. Sizes range from 14 to 24 inches across, and the kit also includes a handy cloth to keep your screen clean at all times.

5. J-Dream Privacy Screen for Laptops

BEST FOR SMALL SCREENS

The J-Dream Privacy Screen for Laptops is available in a range of sizes from 10.1 to 17.3 inches across, including wide screens. It provides a 60-degree viewing angle and will also block out up to 60% of blue light and 90% of UV light, too. The privacy screen comes with two different, easy-to-fit attachment options, namely slide mounting tabs and adhesive attachment strips, so you can choose the best option for you and your laptop. The reversible design also allows you to choose between a glossy or matte finish for your screen.

6. AmazonBasics Slim Magnetic Privacy Screen Filter

BEST VALUE

The AmazonBasics Slim Magnetic Privacy Screen Filter covers all the bases you need from a privacy screen at a budget-friendly price. It’s available for MacBooks with screens ranging from 12 to 15 inches and includes a magnetic fitting which makes installation and removal nearly instantaneous. The 60-degree viewing angle ensures you can see what you need to on your daily commute while enjoying a screen experience with reduced blue light. This reliable privacy screen also offers you a choice of a glossy or matte finish and includes an AmazonBasics one-year limited warranty for further peace of mind.

7. SightPro Laptop Privacy Screen Filter

BEST 15.6 INCH OPTION

Inside this SightPro Laptop Privacy Screen Filter, you’ll find everything you need to keep your business your own in coffee shops and other public areas. The kit includes a premium privacy screen and both adhesive strips and slide mounts, giving you a choice of how to attach your filter. There’s also an included microfiber cloth to help you keep your screen clean. Plus, the cover comes in both 15.4 and 15.6-inch screen sizes and reduces your exposure to glare, UV and blue light.

8. Akamai Office Products Privacy Screen Filter

MOST POPULAR

With more than 500 five-star reviews on Amazon, the Akamai Office Products Privacy Screen Filter is a tried and tested answer to your privacy needs. It’s available in a range of sizes, including smaller, 12.1-inch and larger, 17.3-inch options. This nifty laptop accessory provides a 60-degree viewing angle and includes eightlayers of film to deliver reliable blocking from all other viewing angles. The filter also helps to protect your eyes by blocking up to 97% of UV light and 70% of blue light. Plus, it includes two different options for attaching it to your screen and a lifetime guarantee.

9. 3M Privacy Widescreen Laptop Filter

BEST BUILT-IN SWITCH

With its limited, 60-degree viewing angle, the 3M Privacy Widescreen Laptop Filter delivers a complete blackout experience for people sitting outside of the centralized field of view. The advanced screen includes a hinged COMPLY attachment system which lets you switch between personal privacy and a sharable screen with one single flip. This feature makes this a great choice for business people who need to share their work from time to time. You’ll also find that this handy privacy screen blocks out up to 35% of blue light and allows you to choose between a glossy or glare-reducing matte side, depending on your personal preference.

10. VINTEZ Privacy Screen Filter

BEST BIG SCREEN OPTION

With options capable of fitting even the largest laptop screens, the VINTEZ Privacy Screen Filter is a simple way to keep your business out of the view of prying eyes. The screen cover features revolutionary microlouver technology along with anti-glare and anti-scratch elements, which provide privacy and protection all in one simple screen addition. The 60-degree viewing angle is ideal for ensuring you’re the only one to see your screen while the choice of adhesive strips and side mount tabs mean attaching the screen is quick and simple.

11. SightPro Magnetic Privacy Screen

BEST MAGNETIC FOR MACBOOKS

If you’re looking for a magnetic privacy screen for your MacBook, look no further than the SightPro Magnetic Privacy Screen. This well-reviewed privacy screen is available in a range of MacBook-compatible options from screen sizes 12 to 16 inches and allows for near-instant installation using the screen’s built-in magnetic straps, alleviating the need for tape, stickers or other fiddly fittings. The screen comes with a cleaning cloth to keep it spick and span. It also prevents glare, UV light and blue light from reaching your eyes and is ideal for open-space office workers and regular commuters alike.

12. FILMEXT MacBook Pro Privacy Screen Protector Filter

BEST BUILT-IN WEBCAM COVER

If, like Mark Zuckerberg, you prefer to keep your webcam covered when it’s not in use, the FILMEXT MacBook Pro Privacy Screen Protector Filter is the right choice for you. This magnetic screen cover is built for MacBook screens ranging from 12 to 16 inches. The magnetic fittings make it easy to install, while the 60-degree visibility provides a limited viewing angle no matter whether you’re at a desk, in a coffee shop or on the train. You’ll also enjoy a high-resolution experience when the cover is on, and even though there’ll be a slightly larger gap when your computer is closed, this screen cover can remain on your computer when you put it into sleep mode. In addition, the protecting filter comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth and a TPU keyboard cover.

13. Tuxlke MacBook Pro Privacy Screen Protector

BEST UV-BLOCKING

By filtering out 99% of UV light and curbing blue light by 30%, the Tuxlke MacBook Pro Privacy Screen Protector delivers protection for your eyes as well as a private working environment. It’s available for a range of MacBook models with screen sizes between 13 and 16 inches and includes patented, revolutionary, micro-louver technology to ensure you enjoy an ultra-clear view when you’re inside the 60-degree viewing window. In addition, this screen protector comes with a detachable and reusable silicone seal for easy removal when the protector needs a clean. This product also lets you choose between a matte and glossy appearance.

14. Kensington Magnetic Privacy Screen

BEST TEMPORARY OPTION

The Kensington Magnetic Privacy Screen is available for 12, 13 and 15-inch MacBooks. Because it attaches to the magnets already in your screen, it’s removable and can be added and detached whenever the occasion requires. This privacy screen filter reduces your field of view to 60 degrees and reduces your exposure to both blue and UV light. The privacy screen is also reversible, meaning you can choose between a matte and glossy finish with ease. Plus, the anti-glare function of the screen filter makes this a great choice for users who want to use their device outside or in sunnier conditions.

15. YBP MacBook Pro Privacy Screen Protector

BEST WASHABLE

The YBP MacBook Pro Privacy Screen Protector comes in 13, 15 and 16-inch sizes and provides comprehensive privacy for your computer use as well as several other handy features, too. This screen protector gives you a clear, HD viewing experience when you’re sat inside the 60-degree window. Side peepers on the outside will see nothing more than a clear, black screen. This protector is made from the latest R & D materials which block 30% blue light and 99% ultraviolet light, prevent scratches and are both oil and waterproof, meaning it’s easy to clean the screen without worry. In addition, this screen protector includes a free keyboard film.

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