Sick of screen snoopers? This privacy screen is a must for working in public

Source: ZDNet

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The StarTech.com MacBook Pro privacy screen is available on Amazon for $45.
• It’s easy to apply and provides extra privacy for your laptop.
• It reduces brightness and isn’t suitable for photo/video editors who need accurate color.

$45.52 at Amazon

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.

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Short of typing “stop looking at my screen” in a huge font size, a less passive‑aggressive alternative 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 get a bit apprehensive before installing any kind of screen protector or filter, as I’ve had so many bad experiences — from getting adhesive stuck to my hand, to trapping huge chunks of debris between the screen and the film I’m applying.

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What’s in the kit

• A microfiber cloth for cleaning the screen.
• Transparent, residue‑free adhesive strips for affixing the filter.
• The filter itself.

The installation took only a few minutes, and I’m pleased with how easy it was and how well it fits. Even the cutout for the camera and sensors at the top of the display is perfect. I’m thrilled with the added privacy this screen offers.

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While sitting in front of the screen, I didn’t notice it, but I did have to set the display a little brighter than normal. When I shift to the side, however, the screen goes from bright to dark. Even sitting right next to the laptop, it’s hard to see what’s being displayed thanks to how much it obscures the view.

Note that this filter does alter the brightness and color calibration of your display. Therefore, if you’re engaged in tasks like photo or video editing, it probably won’t be suitable for you. However, if your day consists primarily of writing emails, or working with sensitive documents or spreadsheets, it’s ideal. For preventing casual snooping, it’s a clever solution with minimal trade‑offs.

ZDNET’s buying advice

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

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

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This is one of the best privacy filters I’ve used, and I love the reflective gold finish when viewed off‑angle. It’s very well made, precision‑cut to fit perfectly, and resists fingerprints when you—or others—touch the screen 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 will not interfere with top‑mounted webcams or 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.
• Microfiber cloth and transparent, residue‑free adhesive strips included.