Is Paperlike Worth It?: $40 Screen Protector vs. $10 Screen Protector! 

You are not cheap. You are just a smart shopper.

I'm about to get my iPad and I was SOOOOO close to buying paper like I NEEDED THIS VIDEO thanksss!!

I do appreciate the honest review. Nearly every Paperlike review I've found has been sponsored, and therefore untrusted. I only have one problem with the way this was handled. You are comparing a product you've used for years to something you used for a few minutes. Nearly 100% of the time, the old and comfortable is going to win this kind of comparison. A fair comparison would have been to use the Paperlike for a month or so and give your opinion. That said, I personally went cheap and while I'm mostly happy with the screen protector I got (3 for $12) it has a bit of a sandpaper feel to it. I'm curious if Paperlike or TechArmor have that problem as well.

A good, honest review. Thank you. Paperlike's marketing and design is very attractive, but the product is far too expensive. It makes Apple pricing look restrained. And, as you say, far too many real-world users on Amazon have said that Paperlike destroys the Apple Pencil tips. Also, the way Paperlike has saturation-bombed social media influencers with these things... it's really heavy-handed. It all feels like an exercise in style over substance. But the difference between paid-up influencer reviews and real-world reviews is stark.

0:56 “100% completely unbiased comparison” 11:06 “I’ve been using tech armor for years, it’s my favorite” Not really unbiased if you’re comparing something you’ve been using for years and are comfortable with to another product that is new to you. I just felt this was much more one sided than a true non biased review imo

I got Paperlike and hated it. I was really surprised because so many people recommended them. I get Tech Armor every time. Glad to see someone giving it an honest review.

I personally don't trust a product that EVERY SINGLE iPad video on youtube are sponsoring. Its absurd how many videos are promoting the Paperlike and yet they are still $20 bucks a piece. That said, you have used one product for years and years, so you are more than likely used to it and any little change is going to feel odd. So who knows, maybe it is good for someone who is just moving over to a "paper like" protector. I just got an iPad for casual use, prob will be picking up the Tech Armor.

There are still people disliking this video...I could even see how you were struggling trying to get smooth lines with paperlike...maybe some people like to use more force while drawing and change their pen nibs every few months, but for me this video was very helpful and i could almost feel how trashy paperlike is...thank you very much for this video, hope this one goes viral so nobody is going to waste their money on Sandpaperlike

not sure what i look more, that hoodie or how beautiful your set looks 👊🏻

Great video! I was just, literally, looking at screen protectors so my Apple Pencil doesn’t ice skate across my tablet. 😌

Im madison, and im 11 years old, iv been saving for a ipad pro 12.9 inch. my ipad that im typing on now is broken..but iv been looking for a paperlike screen protector thats like tech armor! thank you for the honest opinion. im really excited to maybe become a artist!!

I like the paperlike, but that's also the only one I've been using - so I've become used to the way it feels (like a pencil on paper) Now when I go back to something more slippery, it feels off. I assume this is the same thing but in reverse. Different strokes for different folks!

As someone who did have Paperlike I can definitely say it does wear down the nib faster than a basic matte screen protector (which I started using after I saw many artists doing so.) the matte screen protector doesn’t distort the colors like the paperlike did.

interesting. i have been using pencil to glass for years and this week finally installed a paper like and maybe it is because I have not used a tech armor but my initial impression of the paper like is a HUGE benefit to drawing. i can immediately get smoother lines than I was getting straight glass. if that other one is even better I am going to have to give it a try after I use the paper like for some time.

Thank you so much! I was actually searching for something more affordable and good quality. Everyone was telling paper like was the best but I just didn’t feel comfortable without doing my own research? I already saw more than 5 artist and only one said they liked it and you sold me in the tech armor! So tysm!!

I'm new to procreate art, I needed this video a week ago, already placed an order... sigh! P.S I like your brushes.

it's honestly hit or miss with paperlike...i just ordered it, and hoping its a hit. i know its going to damage the tip of my apple pencil, but im prepared to replace the tips.

I am so glad I saw this. I’ll stick to my tech armor.

I'm a cheapass too lol Thanks for the video I never could justify 40 bucks for a screen protector. Glad to know I'm not missing anything.

So glad I have been buying the cheaper ones 👍 great video, appreciate your honesty.

I'm not buying it really, mid way through you talk about not expecting the outcome of being disappointed about the Paperlike, but from the opening line it felt like you were ready to shit on Paperlike. Review doesn't feel unbias, and more like a shill for Tech Armor

At first I thought this was Unbox Therapy channel because you look like Lew.

Thinking my first buy of paper like must have been dodgy I bought a second “ nope” the second batch was just as resolution distorting and for me personally rubbish. Can’t bare watching you tube artists promote it. Either they haven’t used cheaper ones. Or possibly don’t mind the distortion. Or yes promoting it for the 💷💰

My biggest problem with these protectors is, that after just a bit of drawing, it feels like they got very slick and the paper effect fades away. I so far was using a cheap alternative to paperlike but I have heard the same about paperlike, so 40€ seems like a big risk. I am using a Belle Mond made in Japan protector, which feels pretty thick too, so I have a hard time believing, that paperlike uses fundamentally different tech. Already thought of maybe getting one of these apple pencil tip caps instead of a screen protector.

Thank you for the honest review. I was looking at the Paperlike but wasn't ready to pay that much. So I purchased a simple paper-style screen protector and are happy with it. I assume it is more like the Tech Armor. And yes, I saw that especially newbs grind the pencil tip to the bone, so to speak, in a month or so on the Paperlike

Is tech armor a brand that you like, or is it just one among the cheaper brands? I’m asking because I’ve seen a number of brands in the cheaper range (including some a little bit cheaper than tech armor) and I’m not sure if it’s worth taking a chance

Is there one from Tech Armor for 8th gen iPad? I can’t seem to find it in the descriptions. Thanks for any advice!

OK! Ordered. Thanks fella!

Thank you. I just ordered a 11”and 10.2for my new iPad Pro and 9th generation iPads. I cannot stand those glass and plastic screen protectors. They add excess weight and are a bitch to put on and allow you to access the fingerprint button on the ninth generation iPad. I have a tech armor screen protector on my 2018, 9.7” iPad and have had no problems with it. The original is still on the 9.7 iPad with no scratches in it. I thought about the Paper lite ones but am not spending $44 for one,like you.

I had to adjust my pencil settings so I wouldn’t have to press down so hard with the papermate

Is this is the Paperlike 2.0 or 2.1? If you have the 2.1 version would love a review please!

I’ve been intrigued by Paperlike for a loonnnggg time. So glad I didn’t pull the trigger. Knowing how happy you are with the Tech Armor has me sold. I’ve been drawing on the iPad glass long enough.

Explains why I cant get the nice strokes from your videos with your Custom brushes. I have paperlike and it just shreds the tip og the Apple pencil

The ICarez Matte Screen Protector is the best I've found...looks to basically be the same as your Tech Armor. The one time I tried a Paperlike Clone, it was like drawing on rough sand paper.

Hey jay. I have an iPad 7th gen which is 10.2. I can’t seem to find a tech armour to fit. Do they do it for this iPad

Update: I just bought a new ipad pro 12.9" and decided to get the Tech Armor screen protector that you linked to and this thing is awesome! I was using a different one on my regular ipad and it was good, but this Tech armor is way better.

You aren't cheap you are just not wasting money!

I use the SuperShieldz matte screen protector that Teoh Yi Chie recommended a while back. It has not let me down! I think it was $12 USD when he spoke about it, it was $9.99 when I got it, and now it’s $7.99! I’ve used mine for 3 months, drawing comics, and the nib hasn’t worn down yet.

Watching in 4K and the color reproduction looks the same to me. 😗 That being said I’ll try Tech Armor since it’s a 1/4 the price of paperlike. I’m assuming most of the cost goes towards their marketing cause they be sponsoring videos like crazy. 😅

I have an ipad air 4th gen. 10.9 inch. any suggestions on a screen protector for that model?

Tech Armor are currently out of stock of the one I need. Is there another brand you suggest?

I think this comes down to Paperlike sponsoring a ton of known tech / ipad YTers. So it's created this false sense of - must pay more for better -

Thank you so much, I was looking for an honest review, looking for what real artists recommend for ipad drawing - I haven't done digital art in years, not since I was a teenager at least a decade ago, and really wanted to get back into it, and I'd heard of paperlike but immediately I saw the reviews on amazon complaining that it just destroys your nib and I did not want that. Thank you for mentioning the brand you use regularly and have had good long-term experience with, that's what I really needed to hear from seasoned digital artists when deciding what to get to get me started. This video was a lifesaver for my wallet and nib, lmao.

hi! thanks for your video! very clear and useful!! One question.. .is there tech armor version for IPAD AIR 4??? I can't find it... any other similar??? THANKS!!!

Thank you for making this video! Definitely going to try your recommendation. I was so excited for my Paperlike screens to arrive and I ruined both of them almost immediately. There's no way I'm going to waste another $40 to replace the ones that got ruined. ): Looks like a $10 protector will be just fine.

Thank you for the video, i wouldnt really describe it as an unbiased opinion mind, its paper like vs your bae XD

Paper like is expensive because you’re paying for their marketing. Also agreed, tech is better. For me, the paper like was waaaaay too smooth. Tech was much crispier.

One of my favorite tech review channels, MobileReviewsEh, also reviewed Paperlike versus a cheap matte protector and found the Paperlike to be worse. It seems like the real opinion when it’s not a paid sponsor.

Glad to see the American perspective on it, even more glad to have my one one. I would definitely spend the extra money for the higher quality (not produced in china). You can really see your initial bias (almost seems kind of sponsored by the other company)

Well shucks. I was going to get Paperlike for my new Air (4th gen), but then I saw your vid. Unfortunately, I can't find Tech Armor for the 10.9 Air 4!! 😭😭😭 So now I don't know what to get!

I’ll be honest, when you got to the Paperlike review it felt like you jumped in with a preconceived opinion (maybe because the price is outrageous and you didn’t think it would be able to justify the extra $30), but the main difference I’m seeing is the drag, and the fact that you have to press harder on the paperlike when you’ve been using the other one for years (and liked it) could be the deciding point. I appreciate your honest opinion though! I started with the Paperlike and I loved it (compared to writing on glass). I’ve had it for about a year now and had to change my pen tip. I also didn’t know it was the screen protector that was making me press so hard since I naturally draw very violently, but I wanted to try something new as my Paperlike is very scratched after a year (this could be added to your Cons list). So yea! Thanks for the video!! I’ll deff give TechArmour a try

that's a great background for your videos..

Dumb question but I have to ask could the techsrmour be used over a glass screen protector? Sorry for asking. Regards Fred

I appreciate this review so much. I just bought an iPad 8th generation and they didn’t have any matte tech armor screen protectors for it. Is there another kind of paper/matte protector you recommend? Also, is it fine to stack a matte protector over a glass one to make sure my iPad is protected from scratches?

Does tech armor make this for the iPad Air 4 I can’t seem to be able to find it??

One thing I disliked about Paperlike is when using fingers/touch it lost functionality at times when swiping and tapping.

You just saved me 30 bucksss

I have watch so many RU-vid videos about what screen protector to and I can say that tgis is the best video. Other videos focused way to much on the packaging rather than actually giving us useful information. I would like to see a comparison between tech armor and bellemond because I often see people bashing on paper like and suggesting one or the other but they never compare each other.

I tried the Paperlike also. I don't like it either. It's too grippy and does chew up the pencil much faster. This was a great and honest review.

Goddammit. I’m just applying my paperlike screenprotector and watching the video of paperlike. And what video is next.!!? This one. #%@&!

Hi. Can't don't this anywhere in EU... Do have anu links were to buy it? I would even buy it from outside of the EU...

Luckily, I got to purchase the Tech Armor last week. Because it’s currently unavailable for the 11 inch on Amazon.

Confirmed-- just threw down $45, and wish I hadn't. Going back my supershieldz. The paper like was more rubbery-feeling than my previous. Listen to the reviews lol

I have only had an ipad mini for about 2 months and I bought a paperlike screen protector thinking I would like it since I used to just draw on a sketch pad. I agree with you so much. I am going to order myself a regular one now. The paperlike almost felt like a texture on there and I can't get the hang of how much pressure I have to put on everything to write or draw. And it does have a milky color to it also. I am ordering myself the regular screen protector now.

Paperlike: Excellent Marketing, Great Packaging, Unimpressive Product that's too expensive to justify itself, especially when you can find the exact same protector on Amazon for much less

I’m glad I found this video, I was about to buy paperlike. Not anymore lol!! Thanks for the comparison!!!

Totally rad video! Thanks for the shout! Great review.

I’m so glad that I found ur video,it was very helpful😁,thank u for being honest☺️

Smith Patricia Harris Kimberly Young Elizabeth

I always just buy the random matte screen protectors. They last months and work fine.

And what about playing some casual games on the ipad, how does that work with the matte screen protector???

So I picked up the TechArmor ones suggested in this video after watching to see what cheaper options still do the trick. I have been using paper like on my regular iPad for years. I just got an iPad Pro and have the TechArmor on the new iPad right next to my old iPad with paper like. While I do feel that the TechArmor is a fair product that will work well, some of your criticisms confuse me. Looking at both of my iPads side by side, the TechArmor is clearly less translucent than the paper like. The black border on the iPad Pro looks much milkier than the one on my other iPad, and the colors are more muted. Also, the pencil glides very easily, essentially the exact same feeling on both. The way paperlike was portrayed as hard to move your pencil across in this video looked strange to me as that’s never happened for me, and having them side by side I feel no difference. The one thing I haven’t checked yet is the amount of pressure difference for making marks. The TechArmor is noticeably thinner so it may have the advantage of less pressure for pencil registration. But for smoothness/gliding and opacity I have quite a different back to back comparison. All in all, I’d say the TechArmor is a great, cheaper alternative, but PaperLike is still also fantastic.

So I didn't understand which screen protector you are suggesting exactly? I would appreciate it if you could send a link to buy please. I have an iPad mini 6 that I use mainly for drawing..

The only 2 writing systems Americans know: the Latin alphabet (aka English and Spanish because what other languages even use the Latin alphabet) and Chinese (because what other languages use the Chinese script)

ANYONE I NEED TECH amor for the 9th gen it’s so hard to find it it’s 10.2 inches anyone if you can send me the link for one

I ain't got iPad yet (just waiting half May) but surely I'll get the best extras to wear on it. As you said it´s all about practical, comfort and price. I´ll be good to know about protector cases too, thanks again Jay!

I'm thankful I came across this video before making the purchase, as I was planning on getting Paperlike as well (given the amount of promotion on RU-vid itself)

Thanks for this, i was just about to order paperlike and decided to do a quick search and you popped up. $15 later (price went up i guess) and I have Tech Armor matte screen protector on my ipad 11 pro

Crap.. I just ordered the mini6 and paper like 👎🏻 Edit: after some research I can see Tech Armor haven’t made one for the mini6 👎🏻

Not sure about Tech armor, but I can tell you that I've also gone through 2 apple pencil nibs in just a few months of drawing on Paperlike. It's like Sand paper...

I can't find which one works for an iPad Air 4. I guess the one for the iPad Pro 2018 11", right? 🤔

been drawing on the damn glass screen since 2016 LMFAO so thank you

Thank you sooo much! Just watching you draw was enough for me to make a decision. The ASMR was the topper. Appreciate you

Wow the tech armor is now $24 for a 1 pack for the 12.9 iPad!!

paperlike is overrated anyway

I have seen so many honest reviews about the paperlike today, and what am I glad you guys made these. I’m getting my iPad this october and I wanted a paperlike. But it’s an expensive joke if the paperlike really sucks. Cheaper one it is then!

First time iPad owner & I’m very happy to save money where I can 😅 Thank you so much for the video, very informative.

I could ever justify a forty dollar screen protector. So I bought a cheap set of three via Amazon, and it does what I need.

How often to you change your screen cover and apple pencil tips? Love the review helped me alot

I have been using the paperlike and I like it. Maybe I will give the other one a try.

I hear bellemond Kent paper screen protector is better than paper like

Glad to save the money!! I'm super new to iPad and digital art and I wondered if using a regular screen protector was holding me back after hearing about Paperlike but naaaah. I already have a shaky hand, I don't think this would help. Good to know, though, that looking specifically for matte ones will get a better feel, because I think the one I have may be tempered glass.

I think ill follow yr advice, cos I have a light touch and pressing on the paperlike would not work for me.

Thanks for the honest review! I have been considering paper like but couldn’t bring myself to drop $40 on them. Giving tech armor a try

Of course you can get scatches, but I rather look at a scratch then a bad screen. I use a iPad mini 5 and I do not use a screen protector. I have no marks after using it over a year now. I love the clear view on it. I was able to compare some iPads of friends with iPad air and pro with screen protectors on it. When I was using them, I felt like having some bad sunglasses with the typical foggy sight in it. They also compared and decided to take the protector off. They were amazed how nice the their screen is now. Also much better in the sun.

Goddammit, I ordered Paperlike because of word of mouth and I needed this video so bad 2 days ago. Ugh, definitely going to return them once they arrive alter today and buy some Tech Armour. Really appreciate the honesty and overall attitude in this video.

I have the first version if the screen protector and I have been using the same sheet since august of 2019 and I haven't needed to switch nibs and I am still far from needing it. But I also changed the pressure sensitivity to fit my needs and don't need to press hard at all. Have you other people done this when you have problems with the nib and paperlike?

I use a generic 3 pack matte screen protector, less than $10 on Amazon. Gets the job done 💪

I use 10 dollar paper feel 2 sheets for 10 bucks works good and it’s cheep

I wanted to buy the screen protector your using yet its not available anymore. Do you have any other recommendations?