While the screen on the iPhone 17 is impressive in its strength, no phone display on the market is perfect. They can all have an errant run-in with a pair of keys or an accidental, unlucky drop onto a hard surface, like asphalt. The best bet to keep your investment in one of the best phones of 2025 is a more layered approach: pair it with a good screen protector and a case that fits your lifestyle.

A screen protector for the iPhone 16 will not fit the iPhone 17 due to their differing dimensions; the iPhone 17 is slightly taller, narrower, and thicker. If you have the iPhone 16, you can refer to our compilation of the best iPhone 16 screen protectors for further guidance.

The best screen protectors for your brand new iPhone will be made of tempered glass. Plastic screen protectors do exist, but they do not provide adequate protection for your phone.

In general, so long as you go with a tempered glass screen protector that is for your given model of phone, you can't go wrong. While you want your screen protector to protect your phone, it can be expected that in the event of a fall, it may crack or chip — thereby dispersing the impact force of the fall and protecting your iPhone 17's screen. In this scenario, it could be useful to have purchased a pack with multiple protectors, like the ESR 3 Pack Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 17.