The iPhone X signaled a huge design change for its time, with a large, gorgeous, edge-to-edge bezel-less screen, dual-lens camera, and packing serious muscle under the hood. We lauded the phone’s gorgeous design in our iPhone X review, but the glass panels located on the front and back of the phone make it fragile. If you’ve been rocking your iPhone X for the past few years, you may be looking for a case refresh.
There’s an abundance of aesthetically pleasing designs to choose from, including polycarbonate cases and highly durable utilitarian structures. There is so much competition in the iPhone case market that you’ll never have to settle for a case you don’t like. You want a cover that will protect your investment while making your iPhone X look sleek. We have some suggestions for the best iPhone X cases and covers available, whether you want stylish protection or something more durable.
Otterbox Symmetry Series Case
One name comes up again and again when you talk about smartphone protection: Otterbox. Otterbox cases go through a stringent series of tests. The company covers everything from standard drop tests to makeup resistance, so you can be sure that Otterbox cases will last. The Symmetry series is of particular interest to anyone who wants to keep their device protected and looking classy. It’s built from a mix of polycarbonate and synthetic rubber, which together provide tough durability and grippy flexibility. It will provide a good level of protection against drops and shocks, with the raised bumpers reducing the chances of damage specifically to the phone’s screen and camera lenses. Not only that, but it’s also one of the thinnest OtterBox cases you can possibly find, so it will be easy enough to get in and out of your pocket.
Tech21 Evo Elite Case
Here’s a very discreet case from Tech21 that shows off the iPhone X’s beauty while keeping said beauty preserved from damage. It’s made from Tech21’s own Flexshock material, which combines TPU and PC to offer drop protection at up to 6.6 feet (or 2 meters). The addition of shock-absorbing bumpers around the sides of the case helps in this respect, meaning you’d have to try pretty hard to make a dent in your iPhone X. As the picture above indicates, it’s also a very thin case that’s practical to use and won’t detract from the phone’s aesthetic appeal.
Moment Photo Case
Anyone who loves iPhone X photography can appreciate this case from Moment that will help take your vision to the next level. The case’s thin but durable body protects against drops and bumps. The back panel of is made of walnut, providing a textured surface to help keep your grip. This is a welcome feature when you’re aiming for the perfect shot. A layer of microsuede inside the case cushions and protects your phone. Plus, the bottom of the case even has a wrist-strap attachment for ultimate peace of mind. And it wouldn’t be a Moment case without attachments for each of Moment’s premium photo lenses. Overall, the Moment is the perfect case for any smartphone photography enthusiast.
Ghostek Atomic Slim Case
Ghostek cases are usually the pinnacle in stylishness and durability, and this is certainly the case with its Atomic Slim cover for the iPhone X. It mixes a flexible TPU inner skin with a very durable PC back and outer layer, with shock-absorbing corners added for good measure. It has been drop-tested to military standard, so you needn’t worry that your iPhone X will be breaking into pieces anytime soon. If that weren’t enough, an anti-slip grip has been added around the edges, just in case you have butterfingers. It’s also an appreciably thin and lightweight case, and is fully compatible with Face ID and wireless charging.
Mikol Waitomo Ruby Travertine Case
Seeking something different? Mikol offers a stunning range of marble, amethyst, and other stone cases. This travertine case is very expensive at $175, but it boasts Italian limestone that gets its special look from mineral springs — it also glows in the dark. The case features black plastic with accurate cutouts for easy access to everything. The hand-cut and sanded stone is unique, and you can get your initials or name engraved in gold on the back for an extra $25. This case is really all about style, and it’s sure to turn heads wherever you go. We don’t think it will provide much in the way of drop protection — in fact, the stone may be at risk of damage if you fumble it.
Lumee Duo Vibes Case
If you like to capture photos in dark environments, Lumee’s light-up cases could be just what you need. Even during the day, extra lighting can help you get better photos. There are LED strips front and back on this case that go way beyond your iPhone flash to light up any scene. Press the button on the back to cycle through your lighting options, which include a fun strobe effect. The case is charged via a Micro USB port and it will last up to two hours at full brightness, but there are different settings. This case should also keep your iPhone safe from drop damage.
Incipio Carnaby Esquire Case
Fabric is a nice alternative to plastic that’s always comfortable to hold and enhances your grip on your iPhone X. Incipio does a slim version that’s like this case, but the Carnaby has a protective layer of shock-absorbent TPE inside that protects from drops of up to 6 feet. You’ll also find chunky button covers and a raised bezel around the screen. The fabric comes in the blue pictured or a couple of different shades of gray and there’s a subtle metallic black bar with the Incipio logo to break up the pattern.
Speck Presidio Grip Case
It’s certainly on the chunky side, but we love the Presidio Grip. A fusion of polycarbonate and Speck’s proprietary flexible rubber blend, known as Impactium, this case protects your iPhone X from falls of up to 10 feet. The ridges don’t just dissipate shock and provide an eye-catching design, they also make it much easier to grip your phone. Pronounced button covers, accurate openings, and a raised lip around the screen complete one of the best protective iPhone cases you can buy.
RhinoShield SolidSuit Case
Originally taking the market by storm with its highly protective CrashGuard bumper, RhinoShield has moved on to full cases, and the SolidSuit range will tempt iPhone X owners. All of these cases offer the same impressive drop protection from up to 11 feet. There’s a protective lip for the screen, tactile button covers, and precise cutouts. The cases are also compatible with RhinoShield’s tempered glass screen protector and the nifty lens adapters for things like wide-angle and macro photography. You can opt for various finishes, including plain black or white plastic, carbon fiber, and a range of wood finishes — our favorite is dark walnut with a black bumper.
Urban Armor Gear Monarch Case
With five layers of protection, the Monarch case from UAG is every bit as tough as it looks. We like the platinum finish, which is actually polycarbonate over leather with a textured area that enhances your grip. If your prized possession does slip from your hands, have no fear — this case will safeguard your iPhone X from falls and bumps. Despite the chunky look, it’s actually quite slim and lightweight. It also doesn’t interfere with wireless charging or Apple Pay.
Noreve Tradition Case
Stylish padded leather from France is a nice way to dress your iPhone X, to achieve an elegant look and ensure protection against damage. This case flips open with a hinge at the bottom and a secure snap closure at the top. The iPhone X is held snug and secure and you’ll find cutouts for the buttons, camera, and port. You can choose the precise leather grain and color you want to achieve your ideal leather iPhone X case, but prices start around $65 and go up from there.
Nomad Clear Case
Nomad always makes great use of leather in its cases, and the Clear Case for the iPhone X may be our favorite design from the company. It doesn’t overdo the leather, restricting it to a single panel on the back of the phone to enhance grip and give the case a classy look. The rear panel is crystal-clear polycarbonate, which is blended into softer, protective TPU on the sides. Nomad has put the case through some serious protection tests, and says it’s good for drops from up to 6 feet. Nomad also makes the same case for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.
Gear4 D3O Piccadilly Case
Crafted using the remarkable D3O material, this case from Gear4 can handle drops and bumps with ease, protecting your iPhone X from falls of up to 10 feet. The case is clear, with accurate cutouts for the camera, side button, and port, as well as tactile button covers. The chunky, colored, rounded frame adds some grip and extends beyond the screen to take the sting out of impacts. It comes in white, rose gold, gold, or black.
Mous Limitless Case
Here’s another case manufacturer intent on delivering military-grade protection in a stylish package. The Limitless case from Mous is a fairly slim shell with an inlaid back panel that comes in a range of different materials including wood, carbon fiber, leather, and marble. Mous relies on “AiroShock,” a smart material that can absorb a lot of impact and take the sting out of falls. The case design includes the usual range of button covers and cutouts for easy access to all your iPhone’s functions.
Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet
These soft leather wallet cases for your iPhone X come in a range of deep appealing colors for a different look. The nubuck leather exterior has a soft suede texture that’s comfortable to hold. There’s a magnetic closure on the cover and you’ll find space inside for a few cards. The cover can also fold back to act as a landscape stand. There’s a plastic shell inside to hold your iPhone X in place, while openings and button covers provide full access to everything.
Spigen Hybrid Armor Tough Case
The newest addition to Spigen’s classic cases has hit the market, and it’s well worth the wait. The Hybrid Armor case offers dual levels of protection for users; its inner-layer absorbs shock through TPU. It also helps keep the phone safe from bumps and makes it easier for users to grip the phone. On the outside of the case, a polycarbonate layer adds the rigidity and structure needed to protect your device. Spigen’s Air Cushion technology protects the iPhone X’s vulnerable corners, which is very useful if it awkwardly falls. Thanks to the raised edges along the outer edge of the screen and near the camera lens, the vulnerable glass areas of your phone will stay protected from touching other surfaces. The case will feel extremely solid in your hands, but it won’t look particularly stylish. We strongly recommend the Hybrid Armor Tough Case, as it’s another potential hit for Spigen.
