iPads are versatile devices on which you can watch movies, play games, surf the web, read, edit photos, draw, take notes, etc.
Among the various iPad accessories, screen protectors stand out as one of the most popular choices. Paperlike is one of the most recognized brands.
Paperlike is a brand that produces matte anti-glare screen protectors designed to mimic the feel of paper when using an Apple Pencil on an iPad. These protectors are specifically tailored for artists, designers, and anyone who wants a paper-like experience while drawing or writing on their iPad and wants to protect their iPads from scratches.
Paperlike screen protectors are not cheap and can be costly in comparison to other brands. There also might be other reasons why you dislike a brand, and it’s good to have other alternative options. It benefits everyone. So today, we’re looking for the Best Paperlike Alternatives for iPads.
ESR Paperfeel Screen Protector
| Brand: | ESR |
| Screen Protector Type: | Matte anti-glare |
| Unit Count: | 2 |
| Mimics Paper: | Yes |
| Hardness: | 3H |
The ESR Paperfeel screen protector is a popular choice among iPad users. Its installation is easy(the best one I’ve seen so far), and there’s an installation tray included in the package that allows you to install it without any bubbles. it’s anti-glare, matte, and iPad response is perfect, as there would be nothing in between the screen and Apple Pencil.
The Paperfeel screen protector is scratch resistant, matte anti-glare and mimics the feeling you would be drawing or writing on paper. It’s just like Paperlike, except this one is two times cheaper.
The distinctions lie in the brands and packaging. ESR screen protectors, in particular, stand out for their reduced glare, making them an excellent choice. Not only do they enhance the drawing and note-taking experience with the Apple Pencil, but they also ensure that you can seamlessly transition to enjoying movies, surfing the web, and appreciating the vibrant colors that the iPad has to offer.
Compatible with: iPad Air and iPad Pro (11-inch and 12.9-inch)
Tech Armor Screen Protector
| Brand: | Tech Armor |
| Screen Protector Type: | Matte anti-glare |
| Unit Count: | 2 |
| Mimics Paper: | Yes |
| Hardness: | 3H |
Tech Armor Screen Protector is a matte anti-glare, that is scratch and smudge-resistant and also mimics the paper feeling, exactly like Paperlike screen protectors. The surface of the Tech Armor film uses PET Film and an oleophobic coating. This ensures there isn’t any rainbow-hued reflection and keeps off fingerprints, liquids, and oils.
The installation is relatively simple, it comes in the package with everything that is required: cleaning cloth, dust remover, and instructions.
Otherwise, the Tech Armor is a familiar screen protector. It doesn’t outdo the competition, but it works well in everyday use and keeps micro scratches off. It doesn’t have much drop protection, so we’d advise using it with a case. The differences between Paperlike and Tech Armor screen protectors are the brand and price. Tech Armor is cheaper. If you put them side-by-side, the Tech Armor screen protector has reduced display clarity.
Compatible with: iPad Air and iPad Pro (11-inch and 12.9-inch)
XIRON Paper Screen Protector
| Brand: | XIRON |
| Screen Protector Type: | Matte anti-glare |
| Unit Count: | 2 |
| Mimics Paper: | Yes |
| Hardness: | 3H |
The XIRON Matte Film is a great option if you want a cheaper Paperlike Alternative for iPad 10. The XIRON film costs $10.97 for a two-pack. Some other options on the list have the same price for only one piece.
Otherwise, the surface of the XIRON Matte Film is made of PET film and has a plasma matter layer and a polymer resin layer. This helps stop reflected light and ensures HD clarity on the screen.
However, one downside of the XIRON Matte film is the lack of an oleophobic coating. While anti-glare works well, it struggles to keep off fingerprints, liquids, and oil smudges. If that is a big problem for you, we’d recommend one of the other options on our list.
XIRON has also stated this screen protector doesn’t work well when put on top of a tempered glass screen protector. You may lose responsiveness or it may not function altogether. This can be a deal breaker if you need a tempered glass layer for protection.
Overall, the XIRON Matte Film is a great screen protector. It doesn’t keep fingerprints/oils off-screen. But if you can live with that, it’s one of the cheapest alternatives to Paperlike.
Compatible with: iPad 10
SPARIN Screen Protector
| Brand: | Sparin |
| Screen Protector Type: | Tempered Glass |
| Unit Count: | 3 |
| Mimics Paper: | No |
| Hardness: | 9H |
The SPARIN Tempered Glass screen protector is the go-to option if you need a simple, durable screen protector. Unlike Paperlike, this screen protector is a simple tempered glass option. It doesn’t have a paperlike feel or anti-glare/matte surface.
But even without the matte texture, the SPARIN Tempered Glass performs well with the Apple Pencil and other active styluses. It’s 0.3mm thick so it has a solid layer of protection against drops but is thin enough that you don’t notice it.
The best part is it comes in a 3-pack for $10.98. It’s the same price as other Paperlike alternatives that usually include only 1 or 2 screen protectors. It also comes with a handy alignment frame that makes it much easier to apply.
Overall, the SPARIN Tempered Glass is a great option for people who want a secure screen protector and don’t care about the paper feeling when using Apple Pencil on the iPad.
Compatible with: all iPads. iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro
ESR Paperfeel Magnetic Screen Protector
| Brand: | ESR |
| Screen Protector Type: | Matte anti-glare |
| Unit Count: | 1 |
| Mimics Paper: | Yes |
| Hardness: | 3H |
The ESR Paper Feel Magnetic screen protector is a unique entry to the list. Unlike traditional screen protectors, the ESR Paper-Feel Magnetic is a detachable and reusable screen protector. You don’t leave the ESR Paper-Feel Magnetic on the screen at all times, only use it when necessary.
This can be a great advantage or a big downfall, depending on what you are looking for.
The ESR Paper Feel Magnetic works great if you don’t like the matte texture when you’re not drawing/writing with a stylus. You can take it out of the included protective envelope and slap it on. It’s easy to install, thanks to the strong magnets.
But a downside is it can be inconvenient to bring around the screen protector separately.
The good news is the ESR Paper Feel Magnetic is compatible with tempered glass screen protectors. You can have tempered glass for durability and scratch protection, and use the ESR Paper Feel only when you need it. The tempered glass screen protector has to be thinner than 0.33mm.
The ESR Paper Feel Magnetic is an innovative screen protector. If you value your iPad’s glass finish but want a paper feel when drawing, the ESR Paper Feel is the best option.
Compatible with: iPad Air and iPad Pro (11-inch and 12.9-inch)
KCT Paperfeel Screen Protector
| Brand: | KCT |
| Screen Protector Type: | Matte anti-glare |
| Unit Count: | 2 |
| Mimics Paper: | Yes |
| Hardness: | 3H |
The KCT Paperfeel is a great Paperlike alternative and does the same job for a major discount. Similar to Paperlike, the KCT Paperfeel is a film screen protector. This means it does not have the protection of tempered glass screen protectors.
But since it has a ‘paper feel’, it comes with anti-glare properties which keep light from reflecting off your iPad. This also means it has an anti-fingerprint texture to keep off pesky fingerprints and liquids.
The KCT Paperfeel has a natural texture and gives the screen additional friction. This makes writing/drawing with a stylus feel better while making strokes much more stable. The film itself is 0.17mm thin so it won’t protrude from the screen.
It also comes with an installation kit to make it easier to apply.
The KCT Paperfeel is priced at $10.98 for one screen protector film. It’s slightly pricey for only one piece, but it’s still much cheaper than the Paperlike screen protector.
Compatible with: all iPads. iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro
Hocents Screen Protector
| Brand: | Hocents |
| Screen Protector Type: | Tempered Glass |
| Unit Count: | 1 |
| Mimics Paper: | Yes |
| Hardness: | 9H |
The Hocents Paper-Feel Glass screen protector is a rare case. Not only does it feature a matte, anti-glare texture, but it has a tempered glass layer underneath.
You get the best of both worlds: paper-like texture when drawing with tempered glass protection.
Similar to other paper-feel screen protectors, the Hocents screen protector has anti-glare and anti–fingerprint properties. The oleophobic coating keeps fingerprints off the screen and helps reduce smudges and liquid stains. It measures 0.33mm in thickness, which is on par with other tempered glass screen protectors.
Another standout of the Hocents screen protector is the included installation frame. You simply need to align the frame over your iPad and set it into place. It’s super easy to install and doesn’t get any bubbles on the screen. But we noticed here isn’t as much friction as paper-feel film screen protectors. You can still feel the paper-like texture, but it’s slightly dampened by the tempered glass layer.
Otherwise, the Hocents Paper-Feel screen protector is a great option. It’s slightly more expensive, priced at $16.
Compatible with: iPad Pro 12.9-inch and iPad 10.2-inches
What’s the Closest Alternative to Paperlike?
Products like screen protectors are rarely ‘different’ from the competition. Most screen protectors are very similar and hard to distinguish. A $40 screen protector like Paperlike won’t wear the nib out as fast as a bit cheaper alternatives.
Considering these factors, I would suggest the ESR Paperfeel as the closest and most preferable alternative to the Paperlike screen protector. Additionally, the Hocents Paper Feel Glass is another excellent option, offering the tactile paper-like sensation and ensuring protection against drops with its 9H tempered glass a 2-in-1 screen protector.
Do Screen Protectors Wear Out Apple Pencil Nibs Quicker?
Yes, iPad screen protectors will wear out Apple Pencisl nibs a lot faster compared to use without it, especially if you are using a Matte screen protector like Paperlike.
It’s not a problem exclusive only to Apple Pencils but all Stylus Pens. Apple Pencils nibs are expensive, and this is a common drawback to artists.
Apple does not assume responsibility for the use of third-party accessories with their devices.”
Verdict
While there are numerous fantastic and affordable alternatives to Paperlike, the choice depends on your specific preferences. If cost-effectiveness is your priority, any option from the list will suffice. However, if you prioritize enhanced iPad protection against screen cracks, I recommend opting for a tempered glass screen protector.
Apple doesn’t have a specific policy on screen protectors, essentially leaving the choice to the user.
In my experience, while they don’t provide extensive protection, they serve as an additional layer. The unique charm of these screen protectors lies in their ability to replicate the tactile sensation of writing on paper. Once you’ve experienced the pleasure of taking notes or drawing on an iPad with a ‘paper feel’ screen protector, it becomes a game-changer, significantly enhancing the enjoyment of various activities on your iPad.
| Product | Finish | Mimics Paper |
| ESR Paperfeel | Matte/Anti-Glare | Yes |
| Tech Armor | Matte/Anti-Glare | Yes |
| XIRON | Matte/Anti-Glare | Yes |
| SPARIN | Tempered Glass | No |
| ESR Paperfeel Magnetic | Matte/Anti-Glare | Yes |
| KCT Paperfeel | Matte/Anti-Glare | Yes |
| Hocents | Tempered Glass + Matte/Anti-Glare | Yes |
| Paperlike | Matte/Anti-Glare | Yes |
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I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.
