HTC’s flagship One line has claimed a place in the top tier of stunningly attractive smartphones in the last couple of years. Perhaps that’s why the One M9 doesn’t look significantly different from its predecessor, though there are a few subtle improvements. You may not like the idea of putting something so beautiful in a case, but you have to do something if you want to keep that brushed metal and glass in tip-top condition. Here are our recommendations for the best HTC One M9 cases.
Updated on 5-13-2015 by Simon Hill: Added cases by Seidio, Ballistic, Terrapin, Spigen, and Verus.
Seidio Dilex Pro Case ($55)
Here’s a case that offers rugged protection and some handy extras. The inside layer is malleable TPU, and there’s a tough polycarbonate exterior. The soft touch finish makes it very comfortable to hold and enhances grip. A lot of cases with kickstands feel flimsy, but this case has a solid metal kickstand and it stays shut, thanks to a magnet. The cut-outs are accurate, and the button covers work well. The Combo pack also includes a felt-lined holster with swiveling belt clip, which is ideal if you work outdoors. Cases like this inevitably add a bit of bulk, but it offers good protection, and it’s well made. You can get it in black, blue, or red.
Ballistic Tough Jacket Case ($23)
A classic combination of hard polycarbonate on the outside, with a shock absorbent inner, is enhanced further here with chunky silicone corners. If you’re after drop protection, then this is going to deliver. Those corners also curl around the front to protect the screen. All the openings you need are present and correct, and the button covers are good. There’s a dot pattern on the back panel, and you can opt for an all black version, or black with white highlights. It’s not the most subtle look, but your One M9 will stay pretty with this case on.
Terrapin Gel Case ($6)
You can’t expect much from a case at this price, but if you just want a basic layer of protection for stowing your One M9 in a bag or pocket, then it will do the trick. It’s a thin, flexible, gel case that wraps around the phone snugly. The openings are generous, and it’s easy to push the buttons with the case on, but there isn’t a cut-out for the IR blaster on the top. The finish is translucent in various colors, and there’s a shiny gloss to it. There is a lip round the front to protect the screen, but this is not a rugged case. It’s comfortable to hold, but it definitely looks as cheap as it is.
Spigen Neo Hybrid Case ($20)
This case has a textured TPU layer which provides added grip on the back, and helps to dissipate impact shock on the inside. On top of the TPU, there’s a polycarbonate bumper, in silver, gray, or gold, with metallic-looking buttons that are easy to find and press. The lip on the front keeps the screen free from contact with the ground, if it should land face down. The cut-outs are accurate, but, as with many cases, you might have trouble with the headphone port depending on how thick the surround on your audio jack is. It looks more expensive than it feels. Bear in the mind that the metallic look doesn’t involve any actual metal, and you shouldn’t be disappointed.
Verus Wallet Case ($24)
Wallet cases can be expensive, but this one’s affordably priced and fairly stylish. Unfortunately, it isn’t real leather, but the polyurethane does look quite authentic, complete with neat stitching. The closure tab is magnetic, so it stays securely closed. Inside there are three slots for cards and a bigger pocket in the back for cash. The One M9 sits in a soft-coated minimal shell, and you’ll find access to controls and features is uninterrupted. You can get it in black, brown, or red, with contrasting interiors in red, orange, and black respectively.
Next page: 5 more HTC One M9 cases
Body Glove Fusion Pro Case ($30)
This case combines a stylish design with solid, dual layer protection. It features a brushed metal effect on the back panel, reinforced corners to provide drop protection, and precise cut-outs for the camera, microphone, and ports. The button covers can be a little stiff, but they keep your buttons safe from harm, and the textured sides improve grip. The hard shell exterior combined with a gel lining handles scrapes and bumps without passing any damage along to your One M9.
Olixar Flexishield Case ($7.50)
Some people prefer simple, basic protection that’s also cheap. This slim, flexible, gel case is very easy to fit and comfortable to hold. All the openings you need are present and correct, including a wide cut-out for the IR blaster on the top, which you won’t typically find on cases. The button covers aren’t the best, and this won’t handle rugged treatment, but for the money it’s a good choice. You can pick it up in four different colors and there’s a discount for bulk buying. If you opt for a four pack with one of each color it’ll cost you $19.
Noreve Tradition Leather Case ($60)
As a classy phone you may feel the One M9 deserves a classy case. Noreve has you covered. The Tradition case is crafted from real, premium leather offered in a wide range of different colors. It’s a vertical flip case with a cut-out for the camera, flash, and microphone on the back. There’s also a cut-out for the top speaker on the front, and an opening on the right spine for easy access to the volume and power buttons. This case looks and feels expensive, and it should keep your One M9 looking good. You can get a belt clip with it for an extra fee.
Roocase Glacier Tough Case ($27)
Here’s an interesting option that’s billed as a rugged case offering solid drop protection. It combines three separate materials – there’s a hard polycarbonate frame, a soft TPU bumper, and a transparent scratch-resistant acrylic back panel. To round things off there’s a built-in screen protector with a 5H hardness rating. A protective flap at the bottom opens for access to ports, there’s a cut-out on top for the IR blaster, and openings for the microphone and camera on the back, and the front-facing camera and speakers on the front. It is quite chunky, but it has some smart protective features, and the clear back panel is a smart idea. You can get the frame in five different colors.
OtterBox Defender Series Case ($50)
Probably the most well-known rugged case brand around is OtterBox, and it is offering the seriously tough Defender Series for the One M9. It’s an expensive option, but it offers a trio of layered protection so every angle is covered. There’s a polycarbonate shell that snaps the One M9 securely in place, a built-in screen protector, and a rubber slipcover that wraps around to absorb impact. You’ll also find plugs for the ports to keep them dust-free, and you get a holster for easy carrying. There are four colors to choose from.
Next page: 5 more HTC One M9 cases
Incipio Corbin Wallet Folio ($40)
You could ditch the wallet or purse and travel light with the Corbin case for the HTC One M9. It offers all-round protection with a shell that holds the phone in place, and a wrap-around synthetic leather cover with a magnetic closure. You’ll find generous openings in the case for access to controls and ports. There’s also a large cut-out on the back for the camera and flash. Inside there are two slots for ID or credit cards. You can also use the case to prop your phone up when you’re watching a movie. Color choices are black, gray, pink, and purple. If you want something more traditional, check out the rest of Incipio’s One M9 case range.
HTC Dot View Case ($50)
A new and improved version of HTC’s Dot View case is sure to prove popular with M9 owners, though the retro dot matrix look doesn’t really match the expensive, brushed metal design. You can pick up this case in various colors, and there’s also a variant with a clear back panel for an uninterrupted view of your M9. The shell has all the necessary cut-outs, and the cover offers screen protection, but the dots allow notifications and calls to shine through. Paired with the innovative app, you can design your own look or even play games through the cover.
Urban Armor Gear Maverick ($35)
The number one choice for space marines, there’s an undeniably futuristic, sci-fi look to UAG’s industrial designs. This case looks as though it would survive a direct laser blast. The Maverick is the clear version of the line, allowing you a glimpse at the beauty inside, though there is an hexagonal pattern. There are also rubbery black button covers, skid pads, and reinforcements at the top and bottom. It’s a lot lighter than it looks, but it does meet military drop test standards, and there’s an accurate cut-out on the back for glare-free photography.
Speck CandyShell Grip Case ($35)
Who says you can’t have style and protection in a single package? Certainly not Speck, as the memorable, stripy design of the CandyShell Grip is eye-catching and very practical at the same time. It exceeds military drop test standards, so no worries if your One M9 tumbles from your hand, but that’s unlikely to happen anyway if you use this case, because the contrasting stripes really enhance your grip. The openings are accurate, the button covers work well, and the camera is unaffected by the case. You’ll find a variety of color combos for this one.
Case-Mate Barely There Case ($25)
If you’re seeking a minimal solution that will keep your One M9 free of scratches, then you should check this out. The clear version is designed to be virtually invisible. The hard shell covers the back and frame of your phone, and there’s a lip to protect the screen if it should land face down. Case-Mate has put metal accents on the buttons to make them easy to find and to add a little class. All the other openings you would want are there. You can also get this slim case in black.
Next page: 5 more HTC One M9 cases
Pure Gear DualTek Extreme Shock Case ($35)
You are unlikely to be wowed by the aesthetic on offer here from Pure Gear, but this case is really all about practicality. It offers dual-layer protection with a hard shell and shock absorbent core. There are also rubbery details on the spines to enhance grip, well-defined button covers, and reinforced corners for solid drop protection. A pronounced lip around the screen rounds off the protection, and ensures that your screen doesn’t make contact with the ground. Your choice of colors pair gray with either black or white.
Tudia Slim Bumper Case ($10)
Some people prefer not to spend much on a case for basic protection, and this offering from Tudia is ideal for limited budgets. It’s made from soft TPU with a matte back and glossy highlights on the top and bottom. There are purple and teal variants, which are also slightly translucent, and a plain black version that isn’t. These cases are really easy to fit, comfortable to hold, and fairly understated, though the glossy Tudia logo could put you off.
Tech21 Evo Check Case ($40)
The technology inside Tech21’s cases is all about absorbing and dissipating the force of impacts to ensure that your phone doesn’t bear the marks of a fall or bump. The company has tweaked the design, so you can get the same protection as before in a smokey gray or pink package. Both cases are slightly translucent with a check design. These are slim, lightweight cases with accurate cut-outs and protective button covers.
Rearth Ringke Slim Case ($8)
Here’s another very cheap, basic case that will safeguard your One M9 from scratches. It covers the back and frame of the phone, and there’s a lip on the front to protect the screen. There are cut-outs for the ports, buttons, and camera, though the camera and flash cut-outs are a little tight. The coating is smooth, and it’s supposed to reduce smudging and repel dust. This case comes in black, teal, and crystal (clear).
Evocel Armor Case ($9)
This HTC One M9 case is chunky and maybe even a little ugly, but it does provide decent protection, and it has a kickstand. The inner layer is soft TPU in a variety of colors and there’s a hard, black polycarbonate shell that goes on top. There are openings for the port and camera, though the depth on the camera cut-out means you might get a little flash splash back. The kick stand is handy for propping the M9 in landscape view, and it’s a cheap option.
There are lots more HTC One M9 cases on the way, and we’ll be adding the best of them to this roundup just as soon as we get our hands on them.
Updated on 4-8-2015 by Simon Hill: Added cases by Body Glove, Olixar, Noreve, Roocase, and OtterBox.
Article originally published 3-11-2015.
