I feel you on the scratches, it drives me crazy too. Protecting that screen is a must if you wanna keep it pristine. Honestly, dont even worry about those pricey ones at the store, you can do better. Just make sure you clean the display perfectly before applying anything, or you'll get dust bubbles that you just cant unsee. Here is what I have been looking at:

• Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Tempered Glass
• These are my go-to. The installation tray is a life saver so you dont mess up the alignment. It sits pretty flush, but just double-check that you press down evenly on the edges. If you arent sure about your steady hand, I'd recommend getting it professionally done, but honestly, this kit is foolproof.
• ESR Armorite Screen Protector
• These are super tough. They feel a bit thicker than the Spigen, but the scratch resistance is top tier. If you are paranoid like me, the peace of mind is worth it. Just keep in mind that they can be a bit tricky to line up perfectly if you rush. Belkin is fine but you are mostly paying for the brand name tbh. Whatever you pick, just take your time during the install. Better to spend an extra ten minutes making sure there is absolutely no lint on the glass than having to peel it off and start over... trust me.

Rarely post but I have been using screen protectors since the iPhone 4 and have learned that the oleophobic coating quality is what actually matters, not just the glass hardness. TL;DR: Get the ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite. It is expensive, but it has the best smudge resistance and feels exactly like the native glass, unlike cheaper tempered glass that gets tacky after a week. Re: "Like someone mentioned, save your cash." While cheap protectors prevent deep gouges, they usually have terrible coatings. You end up wiping your screen every five minutes because of oils. The ZAGG has a reinforced edge that prevents the chipping you get with thinner sheets. It sits perfectly flush on the 17 Pro because the adhesive is engineered for the exact curvature of the display. If you want a cheaper alternative that is still high quality, look at JETech Tempered Glass Screen Protector. It is significantly thinner than the heavy-duty options, so it won't interfere with your case fit or the front-facing camera sensors. It doesn't have the premium coating of the ZAGG, but it is accurate to the dimensions of the screen and won't lift at the corners like the budget brands. Clean the screen with 90% isopropyl alcohol and use a dust removal sticker repeatedly before application to ensure that flush fit.

Like someone mentioned, save your cash. I bought Torras Diamond Shield iPhone 17 Pro for $20. It saved me a ton compared to the $50+ shop fees. DIY is simple.