Do iPhone protective screens work?

Do iPhone screen protectors actually work? Do they prevent scratches? I'm contemplating getting an iPhone 5 but since I dropped my iPod I'm petrified about dropping it. I don't want a protective case because those are ugly, so I was wondering if the screen protectors work just as well. I was also wondering if the silicone covers actually protect because I heard they do but I'm not sure if it's true.

Added (1). My iPod is actually shattered, if I had a screen protector would that prevent that happening?

I have a case by a brand called "Ballistic".It's slim, and hard so it is easy to get in and our of my pocket. It has soft inserts in the corners that protect it if the phone falls and hits a corner. As for screen protectors, I got one at Best Buy; I think I paid $20-$25 for it, and put it on myself. I don't get scratches, and I've dropped it once or twice with no ill effect. If you don't throw your phone, it's a good choice.

The screen protector is in case it scratches you can peel it off and VOILA perfect screen, you need a case because a screen protector is what it implies, protects the SCREEN

It works from avoiding scratches like from everyday usage such as key scratches or finger nail scratchs. Though it won't protect the screen very well from hammers, guns, knife, etc…

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