Apple’s latest flagship iPhone models are more durable than ever. Last year, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models got a healthy upgrade to Apple’s Ceramic Shield glass, which the company says is 50% tougher than before, and the iPhone still boasts the best IP68 water resistance rating of any smartphone, surviving immersion in up to six feet of water for at least 30 minutes.
As impressive as these specs are, none of them make your iPhone impervious to damage. Professional drop tests done by insurance firms like Allstate prove that a cracked screen or back glass panel is still a very real risk — and iPhone screen repairs aren’t cheap. Plus, even if a drop doesn’t result in a cracked screen, it’s still likely to leave unsightly scratches, scuffs, and dents on the elegant glass and aluminum stainless steel, or titanium finish of your iPhone. You can add some peace of mind against shattered glass with an AppleCare+ plan, but it’s important to remember this won’t cover cosmetic damage to your iPhone.
The with color-infused back glass and sleek titanium frames, the latest iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 models may look great without a case, but they’re also quite expensive. Even Apple’s affordable iPhone 16e pushes the envelope of what we’d call a “budget” phone. This makes it a good idea to protect your investment with a case — especially since scratches and dings not only look unsightly, but will almost certainly impact the trade-in or resale value of your iPhone down the road.
The good news is that the popularity of the iPhone lineup means that you don’t need to compromise on style to get a protective case. Some may like the rugged look, while others want to show off the gorgeous ultramarine iPhone 16, or prefer something that’s more unique to their own style. There’s a case for everyone, and we’ve rounded up the top picks for those looking to protect their iPhone while still adding some personal flair. Here are the best protective iPhone cases in 2025!
Best rugged cases
If you live an adventurous lifestyle, or you simply aren’t confident that your iPhone won’t take a tumble, then you want one of the strongest and most rugged cases available. While all the cases in this round-up are designed to protect your iPhone, these go the extra mile by offering the best protection you can get without adding a ton of bulk.
Otterbox Commuter Series Antimicrobial Case
Many people consider Otterbox to be the gold standard when it comes to rugged protection for your iPhone, and the Commuter Series is one of the best it offers. This case is made from 35% recycled plastic and boasts a layered design with a durable synthetic rubber slipcover surrounded by a polycarbonate shell with clean lines that enhance grip. This enables it to provide three times as much drop protection as the MIL-STD-810G 516.6 military standard, so you’d be hard-pressed to find a more durable case. There’s also a silver-based antimicrobial coating that will reduce bacteria growth, helping to keep your phone and your hands clean (although it won’t reduce bacteria growth on the iPhone’s screen). It’s compatible with the best MagSafe accessories, too. The Commuter Series for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro comes in blue (“Baby Blue Jeans”), black, purple (“Denver Dusk”), pink (“Foxberry”), and green (“Sagebrush”), while the iPhone 16e version is availalbe in Crisp Denim (blue), Run Wildflower (pink), and Get Your Greens.
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ESR Cyber Tough Case
ESR’s Cyber Tough case promises military-grade drop protection from heights of up to 23 feet, thanks to a three-layer design that combines an inner Poron foam lining with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) soft shell and a polycarbonate hard shell to absorb shocks, protect against impacts, and resist scratches. In addition to offering great drop protection, ESR’s case features the company’s HaloLock enhanced MagSafe technology that provides 25% stronger attachment force, ensuring that your iPhone will stay on your magnetic mounts on even the bumpiest roads of life. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro version also features a protective camera ring that doubles as a stand, folding out to let you prop your iPhone up in portrait or landscape mode.
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Pelican Shield for iPhone 16
Pelican is well known for its extensive lineup of protective cases for everything from cameras to sporting equipment and outdoor gear. So, it’s not surprising that the company makes top-notch rugged cases for your iPhone. The Pelican Shield offers 21-foot military-grade drop protection with a design that looks the part. The carbon fibre gives your iPhone a tactical look and feel, whiel an included belt clip holster lets you keep it within easy reach when you’re working or adventuring in the great outdoors. Four protective layers of hard polymers and soft rubber, including a shock-absorbind interior shell, cushioned corners, and raised edges around the screen and camera provide a 360-degree reinforced defense for ultimate protection. There’s a cutout to provide easy access to the capacitive Camera Control with full coverage for all other buttons.
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Scooch Wingman Case
What’s a better rugged case than the one you’re less likely to drop? Scooch’s Wingman isn’t just a protective case that meets military protection standards, it also comes with Scooch’s unique kickstand. When folded, it sits flush with the case’s back, but when it’s unfurled, it can be used as a kickstand, a finger grip, and even as a car vent mount. This level of utility isn’t common in rugged cases, and it’s great to see a company try something so different. It’s an attractive enough case, too, and we’ve picked the Carbon Fiber variant, but you can also choose from six other designs.
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Urban Armor Gear Monarch Case
Rugged protection doesn’t always have to look tough, but no one dares to tell Urban Armor Gear that. UAG’s cases look like something a space marine would use, and there’s no doubt from looking at the Monarch case that it’s tough. It’s made with five layers of protection, including rubber feet that stop your iPhone from slipping from surfaces, plus airbags in each corner to dull the shocks from impacts and drops. While the outer frame may look like metal, it’s actually lightweight plastic. But that little deception doesn’t reduce the protection, and UAG claims the Monarch case can withstand drops of 8 feet up to 26 times with no damage — and it comes with a 10-year limited warranty if it doesn’t perform to standard. It comes in black, red, or a carbon fiber design.
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Speck Presidio 2 Grip Case
One of our favorite iPhone cases by any measure, the Speck Presidio2 Grip is also pretty rugged. Speck claims it’s 20% thinner than the original Presidio Grip and can withstand drops up to 13 feet. It’s also capable of handling falls and bumps thanks to Armor Cloud technology which works like an airbag to absorb shock and protect your phone. A soft-touch finish enables the case to resist scratches, while the raised rubber ridges on top of the case provide additional grip (hence the name). A raised bezel will keep the screen in perfect condition when face-down, cutouts are precise, and the button covers work well.
There’s also a Microban antimicrobial treatment on this case to prevent any bacteria from building up. This isn’t strictly the most protective case Speck offers — that would probably be the Presidio Sport, which offers 15-foot drop protection — but we think the enhanced grip this case provides makes it a better pick. After all, the best drop protection is to not drop your iPhone in the first place.
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Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Series Case
Fancy a case that looks like it’s straight out of Black Mirror, and offers drop protection of up to 20 feet? This case from Supcase ticks both boxes, and with its dual-layer construction, rubberized grip, and shockproof TPU bumper, it offers serious protection for your iPhone. The built-in screen protector ensures 360-degree protection, so no more smashed screens should you drop your phone. It’s compatible with Apple MagSafe and most other wireless chargers and features a handy built-in kickstand — there’s even a rotatable holster clip, so you don’t need to sling your phone in your bag or pocket. We’d opt for the eye-catching Cerulean version (pictured), but this case also comes in black or red.
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Best waterproof cases
Apple’s latest iPhones feature IP68 water resistance, with the iPhone 16 lineup certified to withstand immersion in up to 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t make any of Apple’s iPhones waterproof, and even the IP68 rating is for freshwater — all bets are off if your iPhone ends up in a chlorinated swimming pool or a salty ocean. So, if you plan to be around water, it’s a good idea to get a case that’s designed to keep the water out entirely. Here are some of the best waterproof iPhone cases out there.
OtterBox FRĒ (Designed by LifeProof)
Waterproof to a depth of 2 meters (about 6.6 feet) for up to an hour, this LifeProof case is also snow-proof, dirt-proof, and drop-proof. Made using 60% recycled plastic, it boasts a maximum drop height of two meters, meaning you can probably drop it out of a small tree and it will keep your iPhone in one piece. As a waterproof case, it’s completely sealed from front to back to keep out water, yet it has a maximum thickness of only 14.92mm (just over half an inch), so it won’t be too bulky. It also works with Apple’s MagSafe charger and with Qi wireless charging, so you can keep it on pretty much all the time. Pick it up in basic black, Sagebrush Green, or Denver Dusk Purple.
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Spidercase Waterproof Case
This is a waterproof case that comes with a built-in screen protector and also a scratch-resistant back panel, providing your phone will all-over coverage. It’s a cheaper alternative to the Ghostek Nautical case that’s next on our list, but not quite as impenetrable by water at greater depths. That said, it will resist exposure to shallow water, so it’s great for casual swimmers (as opposed to divers). It also includes accurate cutouts for the iPhone’s buttons, sensors, and cameras, and it’s compatible with wireless chargers. As a bonus, it incorporates shock-absorbing edges and corners, giving you plenty of insurance against shocks and drops.
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Ghostek Nautical Waterproof MagSafe Case
Do you want to make sure your iPhone never comes into direct contact with water? Then the Ghostek Nautical case is the item for you. It consists of a full-body, watertight sealed shell, making it submersible in up to 20 feet of water (about six meters), and it’s IP68 rated. It’s therefore perfect for shallow-water dives and taking underwater photos. As a bonus, it also has a high-performance rugged design, with shock-absorbing edges and corners, ensuring that your iPhone won’t be breaking or cracking anytime soon. It has been drop-tested to military standards, withstanding drops of up to 12 feet. It’s also compatible with wireless charging and MagSafe accessories, so it’s a great all-around case in its own right.
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Best transparent cases
The iPhone is a phenomenally gorgeous device, and you shouldn’t have to hide it away in the name of protection. These tough cases are also clear (to some extent), so you can still show off your smartphone.
dbrand Ghost Case 2.0
Dbrand’s Ghost Case 2.0 has a bit more personality than you’ll find on most clear cases. The MagSafe ring loops around into a hook or question mark-like curl. It also offers a strong magnetic attachment that ensures that even the largest and heaviest iPhone models will stay securely anchored to your charging stand or car mount. More than 300 built-in ridges on the sides ensure that you’ll be able to keep a solid grip on your iPhone, but if it does slip out of your hand, you’ll still be able to rely on 12-foot drop protection. The two-tone design is also guaranteed to never yellow and the scratch-resistant polymer on the back will keep your iPhone color shining through clearly. All the button covers are clicky and responsive, and unlike many iPhone 16 cases the Ghost Case doesn’t just leave an opening for the Camera Control but covers it with a proper capacitive button that protects it while passing through every touch and swipe gesture.
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Tech21 EvoLite Case
For those who want to combine a transparent design with superior drop protection, the Evo Lite case from Tech21 ticks both boxes. Super-strong yet ultra-light, it offers up to 10 feet of drop protection and boasts innovative self-cleaning technology built into the case to help it stay clean over time. A raised bezel around the camera keeps it safe should you drop your phone or place it down, and it won’t add bulk to your phone either, making it a great choice if you like to slip your phone into a pocket.
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Catalyst Influence Series Case
This case offers drop protection from falls of up to 10 feet (three meters) thanks to air-cushioned engineering — and it has a transparent design that shows off your iPhone, plus a fingerprint-resistant finish. The micro-textured back ensures excellent grip, helping to prevent any drops from happening in the first place. Raised bezels keep your screen safe, and there’s a cutout that ensures the Camera Control remains fully accessible.
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Zagg Santa Cruz Snap Case
The Santa Cruz Snap case from Zagg offers some of the most advanced impact protection around thanks to D30, a flexible material used for impact protection by the military that’s injection-molded into the case. The D30 used here is a sustainable version called D30 Bio, made with 52% renewable resources, and the case also uses recycled plastics to keep things green. The clear case is available in with black, green, Hyacinth Purple, or Retro Blue accents, all compatible with MagSafe chargers. The scratch-resistant surface keeps your case looking as good as new, and it’s designed to protect against drops of up to 13 feet (4 meters). There’s even built-in antimicrobial protection to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
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Ringke Fusion Matte Case
Ringke’s Fusion Matte is a translucent clear case with a minimalist design to let the color of your iPhone 16 shine through. Unlike other clear cases, though, Ringke’s Fusion Matte has a frosted that gives it some style and avoids the glossy finish that tends to attract fingerprints. Nevertheless, despite the frosted back, the sides remain transparent. This lets you can see the elegant aluminum or stainless steel flattened edges of your iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, while the TPU provides a much better grip. Lanyard holes in each bottom corner also let you attach hand straps, wrist lanyards, or even phone charms to accent the design.
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Best leather and wallet cases
Nothing has quite the same impact as leather. If you want your iPhone to look (and feel) good as well as be protected, then these are the cases you want.
Torro Leather Wallet Case
Made in the U.K. with genuine cowhide leather, this slimline wallet case is stylish and strong. It combines a durable silicone frame with a soft microfiber lining (to protect the iPhone’s screen), while the addition of a leather upper layer makes it highly durable, capable of withstanding even the most serious of falls. The genuine, luxury leather also feels great to the touch, and the case is appreciably lightweight and slim, so even with a front and back cover, it doesn’t feel bulky. As it’s a leather wallet case, it has slots for cards and cash, and it comes with a magnetic clasp that will keep it securely closed.
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Nomad Modern Leather Case
Leather is a hardy material, but often you’ll sacrifice drop protection with a leather case. Not so with this case from Nomad. The base layer of the case is made from hard polycarbonate and combined with a raised TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) bumper around the outside and an internal shock-absorbent air bumper. The addition of high-quality Horween leather from one of America’s oldest tanneries in Chicago imbues the case with leather’s natural durability and luxurious style. The vegetable-tanned leather will develop a gorgeous patina over time, making each case completely unique. This case is drop-tested up to 10 feet, and it has two lanyard attachment points for drop-proofing, plus built-in magnets for MagSafe charging. It’s expensive, but it’s certainly worth the money.
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Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet
If you’re looking for a folio case that will add a bit of elegant old-world class to your iPhone, Snakehive’s Vintage Leather Wallet is worth a serious look. Handcrafted using top-grain nubuck leather, this case looks great as soon as you slide your iPhone into it and will just get even classier over time as the leather develops a rich patina. What’s more, it’s available in some very unique and attractive colors like Bottle Green and teal, giving you more options than just the basic leather brown and black.
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Smartish Wallet Slayer
Between Apple Pay and the advent of digital driver’s licenses, it won’t be long before your iPhone can replace your wallet entirely. Sadly, though, we’re not quite there yet, and most of us have at least a couple of physical cards we still need to carry. However, that doesn’t mean you need to tote around a separate wallet or even resort to a bulky folio case for your iPhone if that’s not your style. That’s where Smartish’s Wallet Slayer comes in, giving you a traditional case that will give you =easy access to your iPhone and your cards. It’s a minimalist case with a dash of whimsy, considering that you can get it in basic black or opt for fun designs with fanciful names like Black Tie Affair, Blues on the Green, and So Jaded. You get room for up to three cards without dealing with a flap over your screen as they slide into a slot on the back, where they’re held in place with a built-in spring mechanism.
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Best slim and lightweight cases
Not every case is a big, hefty chunk of plastic that adds inches onto your svelte iPhone. These cases are lightweight and slim while also affording decent protection against everyday drops, bumps, and scrapes.
Ghostek Atomic Slim MagSafe Case
You might not have heard of Ghostek, but it could soon become a household name if it keeps producing cases this good. We’re huge fans of the Atomic Slim case — as the name suggests, it’s slim, but it packs a punch when it comes to protection. It’s constructed from a shock-absorbent TPU inner core and a strong, scratch-resistant polycarbonate back panel and features a lightweight yet tough aluminum frame. There’s some serious drop protection going on here, with this case protecting your phone against drops of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters), as well as a raised bezel that keeps your display and camera lenses safe from dirt and grit and R7X shock absorbing corners. It’s compatible with MagSafe charging too, with built-in magnets. Yes, it’s a little bulkier than a standard silicone case, but it’s one of the slimmest rugged cases around right now and is well worth the price.
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Tech21 Evo Check Case
Some of the best rugged iPhone cases can be expensive, but sometimes they’re worth it. We’ve seen firsthand how Tech21 tests rugged cases and its full range offers solid drop protection for your iPhone. The Evo Check has been drop tested from 16 feet, which is a lot higher than the typical height of a smartphone fall. The protection extends around the entirety of the case, with three layers of protection in the bumper to take the sting out of any impact. This case is also relatively light, thin, comfortable to hold, and there’s even built-in antimicrobial protection to keep things nice and hygienic. It has built-in button covers, and generous cutouts for the camera, port, Action button, and Camera Control.
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Mous Limitless 6.0 Case
Mous somehow manages to combine rugged protection with good looks in the Limitless 6.0 case. The slimmest Limitless case ever, it features AiroShock impact-absorbing technology to protect against drops and bumps, while its tough polycarbonate and TPU construction keep your phone safe. This robust case has an N45 magnet array on the back to ensure compatibility with MagSafe charging and accessories, and Mous sells its own range of magnetic accessories, like a magnetic wallet, should you wish. The Limitless 6.0 is avilable in two Carbon Fibre styles, plus Black Leather, Bamboo, Walnut, Speckled Black Fabric, and several other standard colors.
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Best budget cases
Not every case has to put a hole in your wallet, and protection on a budget is possible.
Spigen Tough Armor Case
Spigen knows tough, and the Tough Armor is one of the toughest in its arsenal. It’s a classic dual-layer shell case, with a flexible TPU inner case paired with a hard polycarbonate outer shell, complete with a horizontal kickstand. The hard outer shell will work wonders at stopping scratches and other such damage, while the inner TPU core will protect your buttons from harm, while also absorbing the impact from drops and shocks. This shock protection has been further enhanced with a layer of impact foam inside the case, along with some strategically placed airbags that help to dissipate energy from impacts. It’s tough, but it’s not the thinnest, and you should be prepared to add a layer of thickness to your phone.
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Fntcase Clear Magnetic Case
Fntcase makes some remarkably affordable cases for the protection they offer. For less than ten bucks, you get a strong MagSafe attachment that helps your iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro hold on to docks and stands even more securely while also adding MagSafe to the iPhone 16e that otherwise lacks it. Fntcase also offers a pass-through capacitive button that protects the iPhone’s Camera Control rather than just leaving it exposed like many other cases. The clear design has a coating that ensures it won’t yellow over time, and it still manages to offer 10-foot drop protection, thanks to a rigid polycarbonate construction with shockproof TPU bumpers around the edges and corner airbags. Raised lips around the camera array, screen, and back corners also provide extra protection and reduce scratches by ensuring the most sensitive parts of your iPhone are less likely to come into contact with the pavement.
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JETech Matte Case
JETech is another company that makes fun and affordable cases that deliver solid protection. The Matte Case is available in up to eight colors in the iPhone 16 version, and delivers military grade shockproofing for drops from up to 6 feet. That’s not as much as many of the more rugged cases, but should cover most folks for the bumps and scrapes of everyday life, and the best part is that the slim and translucent design avoids bulking up your iPhone while still allowing its colors to shine through. There’s button coverage for everything but the Camera Control, which is just a pass-through cutout, plus raised edges around the cameras and screen.
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Mkeke Clear Case
Here’s a no-nonsense case from Mkeke that offers a slimline profile, flattering transparency, and a sturdy combination of TPU and PC. The mix of a hard PC rear and a flexible yet rugged TPU frame means that it should guard your iPhone against everyday accidents and impacts. Its curved shape is also easy to grip, and it includes precise cutouts for all of the phone’s buttons and ports. Transparency is another bonus, providing an inexpensive way of showing off the phone’s good looks.
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Best fun and cute cases
“Protective” doesn’t have to mean “ugly”, and these cases are, quite simply, adorable. They’re also extremely brawny, so don’t say it to their faces.
Casetify Impact
If you’re looking for a fun and protective case that expresses your unique style, it’s hard to go wrong with the Casetify Impact. With dozens of cool and flashy designs, you’ll have no problem finding one that gives your iPhone the flair you’re looking for. Plus, Casetify doesn’t just have its own original patterns; its massive “Co-Lab” collection features designs licensed from Disney, including Spider-Man and The Mandalorian, plus The Office, Peanuts, Harry Potter, Barbie, BTS, and more. However, there’s more to these than just great looks — as the name implies, you’ll also get strong “military-grade protection, with certified drop resistance of up to 6.6 feet (two meters).
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Gviewin Clear Floral Case
Here’s a chic decorated case that happens to be slim, lightweight, and pretty protective. It is made of impact-resistant and flexible TPU, giving it decent protection against pretty much every accident that’s likely to come your way. It also offers a wide selection of different floral designs, which come in a range of tasteful and color schemes that are pretty without being too strong. Owners with wireless chargers will also be pleased to note that these remain compatible with your phone even when the case is on, while the case’s cutouts fit the iPhone very snugly.
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Kate Spade New York Wavy Nightfall Designer Case
Now, for something completely different, we have the Kate Spade Wavy Nightfall. While Kate Spade New York is known for its eclectic assortment of fashionable designer cases, this one is a refreshin change of pace for those who are tired of carrying around a boring rectangular slab of glass and metal. As the name suggests, Wavy Nightfall has an eye-catching design that’s also practical as it will help you keep an easy grip on your iPhone. It also features its own MagSafe ring for a strong attachment to docks, stands, and other MagSafe accessories, plus a cutout for the iPhone 16 Camera Control that doesn’t seem as obvious thanks to the way it blends in with the flowing edges. There’s more to this case than just looks, though, as it also promises to deliver 12-foot drop protection and features an anti-scratch coating so it will remain looking pristine even after a long night out on the town.
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Case-Mate Soap Bubble Case
Cases don’t have to be utilitarian, and this eye-catching case proves it. The iridescent finish changes depending on the light and the color of the device inside. The hard-shell back is made from plant-based materials and offers great grip, but if your iPhone should slip from your grasp, there’s no need to worry because this case offers drop protection of up to 10 feet. There’s an anti-scratch coating on the back to keep it looking good, along with MicroPel antimicrobial protection. Case-Mate also offers a lifetime warranty. Accurate cutouts and good button covers complete this tempting package.
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What to consider when buying an iPhone protective case
As we mentioned at the start, the popularity of the iPhone means you’ll have no shortage of protective cases to choose from. That can make it tricky to find the best one for your needs, but you’ll generally be okay if you stick with reputable brands and read the reviews. Many of the best case companies have years of experience, so even if you can’t find a lot of reviews for the latest iPhone 16 models, it’s a safe bet their latest cases will provide just as much protection as the previous generation. Still, here are a few other things you may want to consider.
How protective should my case be?
Each unique lifestyle demands a different level of protection. If you’re a rugged outdoor adventure and plan to take your iPhone 16 Pro Max on camping, hiking, and mountain-climbing excursions, you’ll want something ultra-rugged like ESR’s Cyber Tough or Pelican’s Shield. These both offer 20-plus-foot drop protection, and the latter even includes a holster to keep your iPhone within easy reach when you’re dangling off the side of a cliff. If you’re into water sports like white water rafting or kayaking, a waterproof case like the OtterBox FRĒ or Ghostek Nautical should be on your list.
On the other hand, if your idea of an outdoor adventure is a walk to the local Starbucks, a rugged case will be overkill (unless you merely like the look). This will free you to choose from a broad assortment of more affordable and even whimiscal options that still offer solid impact protection of six feet or more — more than enough if your only concern is accidentally dropping your iPhone on a sidewalk.
Although there are cases offer the best of both worlds, there’s also no rule that says you have to live with only a single case on your iPhone. Cases come off easily enough that you should have no problem swapping between a fashionable option for a night on the town and a rugged case for your weekend excursions.
What features do I need?
The best iPhone protective cases also come with a lot of options and features that go beyond protection.
Chief among these is a MagSafe ring. While most cases let the built-in MagSafe pass through for charging, the attachment isn’t strong enough for docks, mounts, and other accessories. If you plan to use any of these, getting a case with its own MagSafe ring is a must. These can also be used to add MagSafe to an iPhone 16e (although they can’t do anything about the slower 7.5W wireless charging on that model). Some cases, including those by ESR and dbrand, even feature stronger magnetic attachment than the standard iPhone MagSafe ring, ensuring your iPhone won’t easily be knocked off a stand or car mount.
Wallet and folio cases are also common options for folks who want to leave their wallets at home. While Apple Wallet has reduced the number of cards we need to carry around, it will probably still be a few years before you can leave home without your driver’s license; even the U.S. states that support Apple’s Digital IDs still require you to present the physical card in many places. In additon to letting you stash up to three cards and some cash, folio wallets also protect your screen, but the tradeoff is that they make it more complicated to just pull out your iPhone when you want to glance at your notifications or dash off a quick message.
Lastly, the iPhone 16 lineup also adds a new wrinkle when choosing a case. The Camera Control is a capacitive button that can’t just be covered up like the Action button and volume controls. Many case makers have chosen to just add a cut-out to leave it exposed to you can manipulate it directly. However, if you want the best coverage, you’ll want to look for a case that includes a special capacitative pass-through button. If you go that route, be sure to read the reviews to find out what kind of experiences other have had with it, as this is something that can be tricky to get right.
How expensive should a case be?
While you don’t need to spend a bundle to get basic protection, you’ll want to be more cautious when buying at the bottom end of the scale. Reputation espeically matters here, so if you want a budget case, make sure you pick one from a company with a really good track record. We’ve included some cases that will get the job done for under $20, but these only offer what we consider a minimum standard for drop protection, and may compromise on other features.
Expect to pay at least $25 or more for a case that delivers above-average protection, but also be careful that you’re not paying for features you don’t need. Some of the more expensive cases on our list justify their higher prices through unique designs and secondary features without offering significantly better protection than less expensive options. There’s nothing wrong with paying more to get a case you like, but don’t assume that a higher price automatically translates to better protection.
How we tested
While there are far too many cases on the market for us to get hands-on time with every one, our team has had a great deal of experience with all best-known brands for as long as they’ve been around. We’ve actively used cases made by nearly every company on our list, and not just for testing. Companies like Otterbox, ESR, Pelican, UAG, Spigen, dbrand, Catalyst, and JETech make the cases we use on our personal iPhones — and are among the brands we recommend to our closest friends and family members. If a case is on this list, it’s because we know and trust the company behind it. They’ve kept our phones safe for well over a decade.
Why trust us
We starting reviewing mobile phones and cases here at Digital Trends back when Samsung was still making “feature phones” and the iPhone wasn’t even a glint in Apple’s eye. That’s over 20 years of experience, multiplied across our entire team of mobile reviewers and writers. We’re passionate about technology and everything adjacent to it, and we know mobile phones and the cases they fit into extremely well.
We’ve collectively reviewed, used, and tested nearly every mobile phone ever made, and we’ve used all the big name and many of the lesser-known case brands on every one of them. We don’t just do this in a lab, either, but out in the real world, facing all the same bumps and scrapes of life that you do. We’ve used our phones sipping lattes at our local coffee shops and rappelling down the sides of cliffs — and just about everything in between. We’ve also had enough mishaps to know what makes a case great and where they come short — and we’re not afraid to objectively tell you when a product doesn’t cut it. We have no vested interest in any of these products other than picking the very best ones for our needs. The cases we recommend to you are many of the same ones we use and love every day.
