One of the best privacy upgrades you can give to your laptop costs less than you think

Source: ZDNet

Review

I spend quite a bit of time on my laptop in public, from coffee shops to public transport. No matter where I go, I can’t help but notice other people trying to sneak a peek at my screen. I can hardly blame them; after all, we’ve become so conditioned to looking at screens. It’s tempting.

A less passive‑aggressive alternative to shouting “stop looking at my screen” is to add a privacy screen, and I’ve finally found one I’m happy with: the StarTech.com MacBook Pro privacy screen with a double‑sided gold filter.

I was a bit apprehensive before installing any kind of screen protector or filter—past experiences with adhesive getting stuck to my hand or trapping debris between the screen and the film were not pleasant. This kit, however, was easy to install and comes with everything you need: a microfiber cloth for cleaning the screen, transparent, residue‑free adhesive strips, and the filter itself.

The installation took only a few minutes, and the fit is spot‑on, even around the camera and sensor cutouts at the top of the display. While the filter does require the display to be set a little brighter than normal, it dramatically reduces visibility from side angles. Even someone sitting right next to the laptop can’t easily see what’s on the screen.

Note: The filter alters brightness and color calibration, so it isn’t ideal for photo or video editing. It works best for tasks like writing emails, handling sensitive documents, or working with spreadsheets—any situation where you want to prevent casual snooping without a major trade‑off.

ZDNET’s buying advice

If you’re worried about people snooping on your screen while working in public, the StarTech.com MacBook Pro Privacy Screen is a great way to boost privacy without adding eyestrain. If you don’t have a new MacBook Pro, StarTech offers a range of privacy screens for other displays.

Although the cut and shape are designed for a MacBook Pro, the screen can technically fit other 14‑ or 16‑inch laptops, give or take a few centimeters depending on the display size.

This is one of the best privacy filters I’ve used. I love the reflective gold finish when viewed off‑angle; it’s precision‑cut, fits perfectly, and resists fingerprints even when touched with dirty fingers.

StarTech.com MacBook Pro privacy screen tech specs

• Available for 14‑ and 16‑inch 2021 and 2023 MacBook Pros.
• Microlouver technology obscures the view outside a 60‑degree viewing angle.
• Precision fit ensures the filter does not interfere with top‑mounted webcams, sensors, or when closing the lid.
• Blocks up to 51 % of blue light.
• Allows 60 % light transmission for better screen readability.
• Anti‑glare matte side has a scratch‑ and fingerprint‑resistant coating.
• Includes a microfiber cloth and transparent, residue‑free adhesive strips.