Hands-on: This is the best tempered glass screen protector I’ve tried for the Google Pixel

Ben Schoon | Dec 12 2016 - 7:52 am PT

Screen protectors aren’t for everyone, but for those who spend a lot on their device and want to better protect it from scratches and the occasional drop, a good tempered glass screen protector is well worth the investment, along with a solid case. I’ve tested several tempered glass screen protectors since buying the Google Pixel XL, but none have really impressed me, until I tried one from Orzly…

So first of all, why is it so hard to find a good screen protector for the Pixel? Due to the use of 2.5D curved glass, an average screen protector cannot fully adhere to the glass on the entire surface of the Pixel. To get around that, most manufacturers trim around the edges on the screen protector, leaving a significant portion of the display unprotected. Going any further results in some ugly bubbles along the edges and less protection in a drop.

However, with Orzly’s full coverage screen protector, that isn’t the case. This option covers your entire display without leaving any unsightly bubbles along the edges. Instead, it curves ever so slightly along the edges and also uses a matching black or white color to cover up the bezels. It leaves the screen clear and if installed properly, you can’t even tell that it’s installed. It even fits perfectly with a case. I tried it out with a few of my favorite cases including the Caseology Parallax and RhinoShield Crashguard.

The screen protector ships in just a single-pack and comes with an alcohol wipe, microfiber cloth, and also a small card which helps remove bubbles (spoiler alert ─ you won’t need it). Installation is ridiculously easy. Simply clean off the screen with the alcohol wipe, dry it off with the microfiber cloth, ensure there’s no dust left on the display, and line up the protector. Out of every screen protector I’ve ever installed, this was by far the easiest.

Best of all, this screen protector costs just $8 on Amazon. If you’ve been on the hunt for a screen protector for your Google Pixel or Pixel XL, it ends here. You can buy the screen protector in white or black for the 5-inch Pixel or 5.5-inch Pixel XL below, and view some shots of the installed screen protector in the gallery below.