Putting a screen protector on expensive electronics is second nature for any experienced technology user, and in almost all cases is the smart choice for your device. Considering how much a new MacBook costs, it's a natural assumption that this same logic would apply. However, putting a screen protector on your MacBook can actually do more harm than good.

There are a lot of theoretical boons that come along with using a protector on your MacBook, especially if you're frequently transporting it from place to place. Fancier ones that boast privacy from prying eyes can be particularly appealing for anyone who frequently uses their laptop while out in public. A laptop is different from a phone, though, and in practice screen protectors really aren't that necessary — it's closed when on the move, and you aren't nearly as liable to drop it since it's used on a sturdy surface instead of one-handed. More so than that, though, the cons simply outweigh the benefits.

From a purely aesthetic point of view, a screen protector on your MacBook can visibly dampen the display you spent good money on. A protector can scatter more light and reduce overall clarity, and with such a large surface area, the chances you're sticking one on with zero air bubbles is slim. However, the much bigger threat is to your screen's overall health, particularly the anti-reflective coating that sits on the top layer of the screen. It's something imperceptible so long as it's not damaged, but a screen protector can ruin it.

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