Sick of screen snoopers? This privacy screen is a must fo…

This privacy screen shuts off visibility to your laptop’s display outside of a 60-degree angle.

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Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. 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.  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.

This kit, however, was easy to install and comes with everything you need in the box. There's a microfiber cloth for cleaning the screen, and transparent, residue-free adhesive strips for affixing the filter to the screen. Oh, and there's 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 are perfect.

I'm thrilled with the added privacy this screen offers. While sitting in front of the screen, I don'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 in a seat right next to the laptop, it's hard to see what's being displayed thanks to how much it obscures the screen.  Note that this filter does alter the brightness and color calibration of your display.

Therefore, if you're engaged in tasks like photo and video editing, it probably won't be suitable for you. However, if your day consists of primarily writing emails, or working with sensitive documents or spreadsheets, it's ideal. For preventing casual snooping of what's on your screen, it's a clever solution without a whole lot of trade-off.  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 eyestrain.

If you don't have a new MacBook Pro, fear not: StarTech makes a range of privacy screens for other displays.   Also, although the cut and shape of the screen is made for a MacBook Pro, technically it could fit on other 14- or 16-inch laptops, give or take a few centimeters depending on the display size.  Also: Does your old PC need a speed boost? This thumb-sized accessory did the trick for me This is one of the best privacy filters I've used, and I love the reflective gold finish on the filter when viewed off-angle.

It's also very well made, precision cut so it fits perfectly, and resists fingerprints when you — or others — touch your screen with dirty fingers.

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