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

StarTech.com MacBook Pro privacy screen

ZDNET's key takeaways

• The StarTech.com MacBook Pro privacy screen is available on Amazon for $45.
• It's easy to apply, and a perfect way to add extra privacy to your laptop.
• It will reduce brightness, and it's not suitable for photo/video editors who need accurate color.

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. 

Also: This USB-C accessory gave my iPhone and Android a surprisingly useful functionality

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.

Also: I opened a 9,000,000mAh power bank from eBay to learn the truth - here's what I saw

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.

Also: I created the ultimate Wi-Fi password key with the most unsuspecting gadget - how it works

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. 

Cleaning the screen before applying the adhesive strips for the filter.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

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. 

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 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. 

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.