Best Camera Lens Protectors

Phone cameras now protrude and cost a lot to repair, so a lens protector makes sense. But a cheap protector can ruin photo quality, which defeats the purpose of having a good camera.

Why protect the lens

The camera lens is exposed glass that sits proud of the case. A cracked or scratched lens blurs every photo and can cost as much to repair as a screen. A protector is cheap insurance.

What to look for

• Tempered glass that's optically clear
• Individual lens covers or a single fitted cover for the camera bump
• A coating that resists fingerprints and glare

The mistake to avoid

A low-quality lens protector adds glare, haze, and lens flare that degrade every photo. The camera is the one place where you shouldn't buy the cheapest protector, because it sits directly in the optical path.

Buy an optically clear tempered glass lens protector from a known brand. It's the rare accessory where paying a little more directly protects the quality of every photo you take.