Similar situation here - I actually tried a matte protector from TWRAPS because the glare was driving me crazy. Honestly? I was kinda disappointed. It definitely cut the reflections, but it made the screen look a bit grainy, you know? Plus, it was like $50 which felt steep. I ended up switching to a Spigen tempered glass instead. It's way easier to clean, but yeah, the sun still hits it hard sometimes. Just my two cents!

Seconding the recommendation above. I just saw this thread and honestly, the Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Rivian R1S is the way to go if you're worried about safety and long-term durability.

* **Safe for screens:** Tempered glass is way better at absorbing impact than those thin films.
* **Visibility:** Glossy looks better, but it can be blinding in direct sun.

I was a bit nervous about the install, but it's super easy tho. Just gotta be careful about dust! Good luck!

Ok so, I'm pretty new to the R1S too, but I've been really happy with the Spigen one. I was kinda worried about the cost, but for like $35 it's a solid value since it comes with that alignment tool... literally makes it impossible to mess up the install. Personally, I'd stick with the tempered glass over matte. The matte seems safer for glare, but honestly, you dont want to lose that screen clarity. Just my two cents!

yo, congrats on the delivery!! i totally get being paranoid about those fingerprints, literally felt the same way when i brought mine home. i'm still kinda new to this whole EV world, but i did a ton of research into the specs before i bought anything cuz i'm a bit of a nerd for data. basically, i went with a matte finish from spigen and i'm honestly super happy with it.

BUT first, a huge warning: do NOT rush the install or do it with the windows down. the biggest mistake people make is not being 100% sterile with the environment. if even one tiny piece of lint gets under that glass, it's gonna look like a massive blemish on that beautiful display. i actually turned off the climate control so no air was blowing dust around while i was doing it... (at least thats what worked for me) and it stayed totally bubble-free!!

tbh, i was worried about the matte version blurring the screen too, but it's reallyyy subtle. i think the matte texture actually makes the touch feel smoother, kinda like a high-end tablet. i noticed the glare reduction is massive, especially when the sun hits at that weird angle through the driver side window. i looked at the twraps ones too, and they seem legit, but i liked the alignment tool the spigen one comes with since i'm kinda clumsy. iirc, it's rated at 9H hardness, which is basically standard for tempered glass these days, but it gives me peace of mind. i havent noticed any issues with touch sensitivity at all, and the maps still look sharp enough for me. if ur super picky about pixels maybe go clear, but for real, the fingerprints on the clear glass would drive me way crazier lol. are u planning on doing the smaller driver display too or just the main one?? gl!

Honestly, I've been thinking about your situation and before I give you my full take on the cheaper DIY routes, I gotta ask—are you just looking to cover that main center screen, or do you want a full kit that includes the driver’s display and the rear passenger one too? It makes a huge difference in the price point you're looking at. I tend to be pretty cautious with my spending on stuff like this, especially since I'm a big DIY enthusiast and hate paying "tech taxes" for simple accessories. If you're willing to do the work yourself, you can definitely save a lot of money over those $50 brands or paying a pro to do it. I’ve been looking at the EVBASE Matte Screen Protector for Rivian lately as a more budget-friendly alternative that supposedly doesn't have that grainy texture people complain about. Let me know about the screen coverage you're after and I can probably find you a better deal than the standard ones everyone usually suggests.

Yeah, I totally agree with the point about looking at the full kit—consistency across the screens makes a huge difference in the cabin's look. As someone who’s had an R1S for a long minute now, I’ve noticed the long-term durability is where most people get caught out. Tbh, I'm not 100% sure if the newer batches have improved, but I think the oleophobic coating on most aftermarket protectors starts to wear thin after about a year of heavy swiping. IIRC, some of the early owners in the warmer climates mentioned that the extreme heat cycles in the cabin can eventually mess with the adhesive on the edges. Not sure if that's still a major issue with current tech, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you're parking outside a lot. Honestly, if you’re like me and plan on keeping the truck for 5+ years, you might end up replacing the protector once or twice anyway just to keep that fresh 'glide' feel. Just my experience from the long-term side of things!