The 7 Best Privacy Screens for Laptops and External Monitors, Ranked & Reviewed

Our verdict: The fastest filter to put on and take off, thanks to a magnetic attachment.

This SightPro filter fits a 14 inch, 16:9 laptop and attaches with magnets, with a removable filter design the listing calls patented. Its $25 to $50 price is the upper end for laptop-sized filters.

It ranks first because the biggest practical problem with privacy filters is that they are annoying to remove. If you share your screen in a meeting or want full brightness at home, a tab-mounted filter is a chore. The magnetic mount solves it. It beats the 15.6 inch SightPro for daily users, though that one covers a more common screen size. The tradeoff is the 14 inch 16:9 fit, which is narrower than newer 16:10 laptops.

Buy it if you carry a laptop between office, café and home. Skip it if your screen is 16:10.

Size

14 inch

Aspect ratio

16:9

Mount

Magnetic, removable

Price bracket

$25 to $50

Our verdict: A proven, tab-mounted filter for the most common laptop size, priced under $25.

This SightPro filter is made for 15.6 inch, 16:9 laptops and uses a standard removable tab mount. It sells for less than $25.

It ranks second because the 15.6 inch, 16:9 screen is the most common laptop format, so more buyers can use it. The tab mount holds the filter in place with adhesive tabs on the bezel, which is secure but slower to remove than a magnet. The tradeoff is convenience: you will leave it on most days, and you will notice the slightly dimmer picture.

Choose it if you have a 15.6 inch laptop and want a cheap, effective filter. Skip it if you need frequent on-off removal.

Size

15.6 inch

Aspect ratio

16:9

Mount

Removable tabs

Price bracket

Under $25

Our verdict: The right-shaped filter for a newer business ultrabook with a 16:10 screen.

This SightPro filter fits a 14 inch, 16:10 laptop and uses a standard removable tab mount. It is sold for under $25.

It ranks third because 16:10 laptops have become common among business ultrabooks, and most cheap filters are cut for 16:9, so a correct-ratio option has real value. It sits behind the 15.6 inch only because that screen size is more widespread. The tradeoff is the same as the other tab-mounted filters: it is secure but not as quick to remove as the magnetic version.

Buy it if your 14 inch ultrabook has a taller 16:10 panel. Skip it if you have the older 16:9 shape.

Size

14 inch

Aspect ratio

16:10

Mount

Removable tabs

Price bracket

Under $25

Our verdict: A low-cost 14 inch filter that lists its active area and the laptop lines it fits.

This 14 inch, 16:9 filter lists a 12.2 by 6.9 inch active area and names compatibility with Lenovo, HP, Asus, ThinkPad, Envy and XPS laptops. It sells for under $25.

It ranks fourth because the published active dimensions let you check fit with a ruler before buying, which most filters do not allow. That is a real advantage for anyone unsure about their screen. It sits behind the SightPro filters because the brand is less established and the listing does not describe the mount. The tradeoff is certainty: a generic filter needs a careful measurement from you.

Choose it if you want to verify dimensions before ordering. Skip it if you prefer a known laptop-filter brand.

Size

14 inch

Aspect ratio

16:9

Active area

12.2 x 6.9 in

Price bracket

Under $25

Our verdict: A desktop-sized filter for a laptop user who docks to a 24 inch external display.

This SightPro filter is a 24 inch, 16:9 desktop monitor filter, not a laptop-sized one. Expect to pay $25 to $50 for it.

Fifth place fits it because it solves a different problem from the laptop filters above: protecting an external monitor when your laptop is docked. That is a common situation in open offices and shared spaces, and a laptop filter does nothing for the second screen. The tradeoff is mounting and size, since it is much larger and needs to be aligned and held securely.

Buy it if you dock to a 24 inch monitor in a shared space. Skip it if you only use the laptop screen.

Size

24 inch

Aspect ratio

16:9

Use

Desktop monitor filter

Price bracket

$25 to $50

Our verdict: A two-pack of 22 inch 16:10 filters, enough for a pair of external monitors.

This Vxaop set contains two 22 inch, 16:10 desktop privacy filters, for $25 to $50. It is intended for external monitors, not laptops.

It ranks sixth because the two-pack covers a dual-monitor desk in one purchase, which is cheaper than buying two single filters. The 16:10 ratio is less common on 22 inch monitors, so check your screen carefully. The tradeoff is the fit risk: a wrong ratio leaves gaps, and returns on filters can be inconvenient.

Choose it if you have two 22 inch 16:10 monitors. Skip it if your displays are 16:9.

Size

22 inch

Aspect ratio

16:10

Pack

2 filters

Price bracket

$25 to $50

Our verdict: A cheap 15.6 inch filter matched to 1920 x 1080 screens, for trying a privacy filter.

This filter is for a 15.6 inch, 16:9 screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution, and costs under $25. The listing gives no other detail, such as the mount or brand history.

It ranks last because the SightPro 15.6 inch covers the same size from a more proven brand at a similar price. This one is useful as a low-risk trial for people who want to find out whether they like a privacy filter at all. The tradeoff is less information about the mount, the finish and the viewing angle, so treat it as a budget experiment.

Buy it if you want to test a filter cheaply. Skip it if you want the safer SightPro.

Size

15.6 inch

Aspect ratio

16:9

Resolution

1920 x 1080

Price bracket

Under $25