Is the Paperlike Screen Protector Worth It?

Published January 6, 2022

Because I’m “frugal”, I didn’t initially purchase the Paperlike screen protector for my iPad. Sometimes my frugality doesn’t make sense. Why scrimp on a screen protector after spending a small fortune on an iPad. When it comes to saving a few pennies, tools and peripherals for the iPad are not a good place to scrimp.

Why I Didn’t Buy Paperlike

In my misguided attempt to save $40, I purchased removable matte screen protectors. Why? Well, I didn’t want a matte protector on my iPad at all times. I preferred the matte protector for when I took notes or drew with the Apple pencil, but when streaming videos, searching the web, playing games or writing with a keyboard, I wanted the complete vibrant experience of the iPad screen.

Also, I wanted a screen protector that was easy to remove and easy to clean. Not to mention, it had to sit atop the glass screen protector that I had already installed. Yep, you heard me right. I’d have two screen protectors on my iPad (what was I thinking).

First iPad Matte Screen Protector

From Amazon, I purchased the STARY (Amazon affiliate link) magnetic matte screen protector to work with the Apple Pencil. It was easy to attach and detach. It was also easy to clean, sort of. It never got totally clean, but it was workable. The only problem I had was the magnet strips along the top and bottom (or sides depending on orientation) wouldn’t always hold the screen protector in place. That became particularly bothersome when drawing.

Second Matte Screen Protector

I then went looking for something a little more permanent and found a removable screen protector (Amazon affiliate link) that adhered to the screen. The catch was, I didn’t want something that adhered as strongly as the glass protector.

Attaching and removing the screen was easy, but I didn’t like the way the screen looked with it on. It reminded me of trying to read through dirty reading glasses.

Additionally, having two protectors on the iPad made it difficult to navigate. Sometimes I had to remove it in order to swipe.

Finally Spending the $40 on Paperlike

After futzing around wasting time and money on protectors that didn’t give me what I wanted, I decided to give in and purchase the PaperLike (Amazon affiliate link) screen protector. Let’s face it, in my attempt not to spend $40, I wasted money on inadequate protectors. Now the cost of my frugality is almost twice what I would have spent if I purchased Paperlike out the gate. Sometimes I don’t make sense even to myself!

Before installing Paperlike, however, I had to remove the glass protector I had so carefully adhered to the iPad screen. Removing that glass protector was no joke! You’ve got to slide something thin, like a credit card, underneath the glass protector to gently release the pressure so the glass will come up without ruining the iPad screen.

Before I Continue let me Digress for a Moment

[Beginning of Digression]

When I bought my iPad Air 4, I placed a tempered glass screen protector on it. I have one on my iPhone so I might as well protect the iPad also.

When I put the protector on, I almost put it on correctly. I say almost because one of the edges was protruding slightly. It didn’t affect the tablet’s operation nor did the Magic Keyboard case seem to mind, so all was good.

All was good until I switched iPad cases (reasons for which I’ll outline in a different post). Unlike the Magic Keyboard, the corners of the new case fit snugly around the edges of the iPad. In my attempt to insert the improperly installed protector into the new case, I heard “crack”. It was a muted sound, but it was distinctly a crack.

Fortunately, the crack was the tempered glass protector and not the actual iPad screen.

Lesson learned: Magic Keyboard cases are forgiving when it comes to screen protectors, fitted cases are not.

[End of Digression]

Once I finally removed the old screen protector, I followed the installation instructions and affixed the PaperLike protector.

All I can say is, OMG, why did I waste my money on other “paper feel” protectors! I can’t believe I didn’t want to spend $40 for a pack of 2 PaperLike screen protectors. Once I put it on the iPad I was in love!

There was no decline in screen vibrancy as there was with the other two protectors. Videos display crystal clear. Also, because it’s securely affixed to the iPad, it doesn’t move and I don’t have difficulty swiping and navigating around the device.

Paperlike - The Writing Experience

The feel of the Paperlike screen is much different and better than the other protectors I bought. In my opinion, nothing feels like pen on paper but putting an actual pen on paper, but the Paperlike does a good job in improving the pen to tablet experience.

Update: 10/7/22, I made a new discovery! I figured out how to get the actual feel of pen on paper! It's so simple. I can't believe I didn't figure this out before. Check this out: How to get the Perfect Apple Pen Writing Resistance

Now with Paperlike, I’m able to make good use of GoodNotes 5 and AutoDesk Sketchbook. With GoodNotes I’m much more organized in my note-taking (no more yellow stickies all around the house). My notes are now all on the iPad.

In addition, Paperlike is helping me with AutoDesk Sketchbook to rekindle my love for drawing. I’m starting small because it’s been decades since I’ve drawn anything. To get used to the tools I’m starting out by tracing photos that I’ve taken. Once I get the hang of things, I’m hoping I’ll be able to produce something worth looking at.

The more I think about it, not buying the Paperlike screen protector wasn’t due to frugality. That was a cheapskate move and I’ve learned my lesson.

Last Modified: 4 September 2023