Privacy Filters for Laptops and Monitors — 3M and Lapcare LapxPro Compared
Two brands, twenty-four filters, one question: which fits your screen? This guide compares 3M and Lapcare LapxPro privacy filters and gives you a size finder for every laptop, Surface, MacBook and monitor we supply.
In short: A privacy filter narrows the viewing angle to about 60 degrees so a screen goes dark to anyone beside or behind you. Choose by exact device and aspect ratio (16:9, 16:10 or 3:2): 3M covers 12.5 to 15.6 inch laptops with flip-attach fitting, and Lapcare LapxPro covers Windows laptops, Surface, MacBooks and monitors. Send your model with your enquiry and the fit is confirmed before ordering.
By Aureval Computers & IT Solutions · Published · Updated
What every privacy filter does
A privacy filter is a thin panel that fits over a screen and narrows the viewing angle to about 60°. The person in front sees the display normally; anyone beside or behind sees it go dark. Most filters also cut glare with a matte surface, help reduce blue light and are reversible, with a glossy side for darker rooms. For how the technology works, see why offices use laptop privacy filters.
3M and Lapcare at a glance
Range covered
3M: six laptop sizes from 12.5″ to 15.6″ in 16:9 and 16:10. Lapcare LapxPro: 13″ to 15.6″ Windows laptops, Microsoft Surface, MacBooks and 21.5″ to 27″ monitors.
Fitting
3M: the COMPLY attachment system with flip-attach strips to switch between privacy and screen sharing. Lapcare: slide-mount tabs or adhesive strips, or magnetic attachment on the MacBook and Surface models.
Brightness
3M’s Bright Screen filters use nanolouver technology; 3M states they transmit about 85% of screen brightness. Any privacy filter dims the screen somewhat.
Touch
3M Bright Screen filters are listed as touchscreen compatible, and most Lapcare laptop sizes are too; each product page states it.
Find your size
Choose by exact screen size and aspect ratio — the same diagonal can be 16:9 or 16:10, and the two are cut differently. Here is every 3M and Lapcare filter by size.
- 12.5″ (16:9)
- 3M Black (PF125W9B)
- 13″ / 13.3″ (16:10)
- 3M Bright Screen (BP133W1B), Lapcare LapxPro (LPXPF133W1)
- 13.3″ (16:9)
- 3M Bright Screen (BP133W9B)
- 14″ (16:9)
- 3M Black (PF140W9B), Lapcare LapxPro (LPXPF140W9)
- 15.6″ (16:9)
- 3M Black (PF156W9B)
- 15.6″ (16:10)
- Lapcare LapxPro ()
- Microsoft Surface (3:2)
- Lapcare LapxPro magnetic (LPXPFMMSPX), Lapcare LapxPro magnetic (LPXPFMMSL2), Lapcare LapxPro (LPXPFMSL2)
- MacBook Air and Pro (16:10)
- Lapcare LapxPro standard and magnetic filters for 13″, 14″, 15″ and 16″ models — see the MacBook filters.
How to choose between them
Start with the device
Only some sizes are offered by both brands. If your laptop is 12.5″, 13.3″ 16:9 or 15.6″ 16:9, the 3M range is the match here; for Surface, MacBook and monitors it is Lapcare.
Then aspect ratio
Check your screen’s resolution: 1920 x 1080 is 16:9, 1920 x 1200 is 16:10 and Surface panels are 3:2. A filter for the wrong ratio will not sit right.
Then how you use it
If you often switch between private work and sharing your screen with a colleague, the 3M flip-attach system suits. If you prefer a fixed fit, the Lapcare tab-and-adhesive filters do; on MacBooks and Surface, choose magnetic.
Confirm before ordering
Send your laptop model with the enquiry and the fit is confirmed before you order.
The 3M range
Six filters in two lines: the Black Privacy Filter and the Bright Screen Privacy Filter. Read the full explanation in 3M privacy filters explained.
- 3M Black Privacy Filter — 15.6″ (16:9)
- A 3M Black privacy filter for 15.6″ (16:9) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — reversible with a glare-reducing matte side, and supplied on GST invoice.
- 3M Black Privacy Filter — 14″ (16:9)
- A 3M Black privacy filter for 14″ (16:9) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — reversible with a glare-reducing matte side, and supplied on GST invoice.
- 3M Black Privacy Filter — 12.5″ (16:9)
- A 3M Black privacy filter for 12.5″ (16:9) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — reversible with a glare-reducing matte side, and supplied on GST invoice.
- 3M Bright Screen Privacy Filter — 14″ (16:10)
- A 3M Bright Screen privacy filter for 14″ (16:10) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — touchscreen compatible, reversible, and supplied on GST invoice.
- 3M Bright Screen Privacy Filter — 13.3″ (16:10)
- A 3M Bright Screen privacy filter for 13.3″ (16:10) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — touchscreen compatible, reversible, and supplied on GST invoice.
- 3M Bright Screen Privacy Filter — 13.3″ (16:9)
- A 3M Bright Screen privacy filter for 13.3″ (16:9) laptops that blacks out the screen from side angles while staying clear head-on — touchscreen compatible, reversible, and supplied on GST invoice.
The Lapcare LapxPro range
Eighteen filters covering Windows laptops, Surface, MacBooks and monitors — see every size in the LapxPro range guide or browse them on the privacy filters page. Everyday value is covered in how privacy filters add value to everyday work.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, 3M or Lapcare?
Both give 60 degree side-view privacy; choose by your device size and aspect ratio, whether you want the 3M flip-attach system or Lapcare's tab, adhesive or magnetic fitting, and which brand offers your exact size.
Do privacy filters work on touchscreens?
Many do: the 3M Bright Screen filters and most Lapcare laptop sizes are listed as touch compatible, so check the product page for your size.
How do I know my laptop's aspect ratio?
Check the screen resolution: 1920 x 1080 is 16:9, 1920 x 1200 is 16:10, and Surface panels are 3:2. If unsure, send your laptop model with the enquiry.
Will a privacy filter dim my screen?
Slightly, as any privacy filter reduces some brightness; 3M states its Bright Screen filters transmit about 85 percent of screen brightness.
Can I remove the filter?
Yes: 3M's COMPLY flip-attach system lets you switch between privacy and screen sharing, and Lapcare filters attach with slide-mount tabs, adhesive strips or magnets.
Do you provide a GST invoice for ITC?
Yes, every order, HSN and tax breakup included.
Ordering for a team
Every filter is available on request and sourced against your order, so nothing is shown as ready-to-ship. Orders are supplied on a GST invoice with HSN and tax breakup for ITC and dispatched pan-India; delivery time and any delivery charge are confirmed in your written quotation. Browse all privacy filters or read about bulk orders and dispatch.
Have a requirement?
Send your device models and quantities through the enquiry form and you’ll receive a written quotation against your requirement.
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