The 20 Best Phone Cases With Next-level Protection to Safeguard Your Device in Style (2024)

Otterbox is practically synonymous with phone cases at this point. Founded in 1998, the company has been there from the beginning, surely protecting thousands upon thousands of phones from shattering into pieces thanks to its rugged cases. But the Otterbox bricks you remember aren’t what the Symmetry Series is all about. This model is as slim as many on the market — ideal for phone purses and fanny packs —only tougher, with the ability to withstand drops three times the military standard (which are drop tests on all sides 26 times from a height of four feet).

The Symmetry Series is also much easier to put on than OtterBoxes of years past, and has an antimicrobial coating. Fortunately, this case is made for almost any phone you can think of, including LG and Huawei models as well as iPhones dating all the way back to the 5.

The Details: Polycarbonate and rubber | Tested 78 drops from 4 feet | iPhone 5-15, Galaxy S7-Z, Pixel 4-7, and others | MagSafe

For the amount that some brands charge for a slice of plastic to protect your phone, it’s amazing how low Smartish keeps its prices for its great case. For around $20, the Smartish Gripmunk can protect iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S phones from drops of six feet or less — certainly enough for hip-height drops. To do so, the case uses tiny air pockets in the corners, where most phones are made to drop. It’s also compatible with Apple’s MagSafe and wireless charging technology. Smartish also advertises its lifetime warranty, but it’s a bit of a misnomer;the warranty is for the case itself, not for your smartphone if it breaks.

This case comes in a few different color schemes, but if you want to boast about your dog or last trip, you can personalize it by uploading an image via Smartish’s website.

The Details: TPU plastic | Tested 50 drops from 6 feet | iPhone 12-15, Galaxy S | MagSafe

If you want to treat yourself to something that feels like you’re touching a grippy satin cloth in your hands, this Mujjo case is for you. With military-grade drop protection from 15 feet, it does the job of protecting your investment, including solid protection of the camera bulge.

Sure, if you’re just looking for protection, there are less expensive cases, but what really makes the Mujjo stand out is the quality of its materials. This case is made with premium leather designed in the Netherlands, along with recycled plastic “clicky” buttons.

While you’re splurging, complete the full package by pairing it with a MagSafe wallet and matching AirPods case.

The Details: Premium leather | 15 feet drop protection | iPhone X-15 | MagSafe

It’s starting to get cold out in the northern hemisphere, meaning it’s time to pull out your favorite puffer jacket. Luckily, there’s a puffer jacket for your iPhone, too. Urban Sophistication’s Puffer Case feels like a pillow or a marshmallow to the touch and comes in a bunch of tasty colors like matcha and chai. And if you’re wondering whether it’s really cool enough, Justin Bieber and Dua Lipa certainly think so.

The Details: Water-resistant polyurethane | iPhone 12-15 | Magsafe

This case packs a lot of features into a timeless leather case. In addition to protecting your phone (though it’s not published exactly how protective), there are a few slots for credit or bank cards with RFID protection, which is especially helpful for travelers worried about the unlikely chance their card data will be stolen. It also has room for a few bills, which is, again, key for travel as many countries aren’t fully on board with wireless or even card payments. Another great feature for travelers is that it can transform into a kickstand, which is perfect for streaming or even getting a little work as it easily turns your phone into a little extra screen.

In addition to newer iPhones, Android users will be happy to see that this case is also made for a wide range of Samsung Galaxy devices, too.

The Details: Leather and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) | iPhone 14/15, Galaxy S23/Z/A/S/Note

For those who don’t want their phone to break under any circ*mstances, ever, this is the case for you. Otterbox’s Defender Series is the chunky model you think of when you think of phone cases —and a well-tested classic for thousands. The Defender Series protects against drops four times the military standard as well as from dust and dirt getting in. It’s a decent choice for the environmentally conscious as well, as it’s made with 50 percent recycled plastic.

The Details: Polycarbonate and rubber | Tested 104 drops from 4 feet | iPhone 5-15, Galaxy S7-Z, Pixel 4-7, and others | MagSafe

Peak Design’s Everyday case is slim and has a smooth fabric finish on the back, which is nice to touch. But what really stands out with this case is that it boosts Apple’s MagSafe capabilities by adding extra magnets and a special square that holds it into place. It can even lock securely to an accessory, which means you can use it when cycling or with video-recording rigs. You can also add a loop case in the back for extra security while holding it.

The Details: Polycarbonate and nylon canvas | Drop protection from 6 feet | iPhone 7-15 | MagSafe

This heavy-duty clear case is more protective than most, thanks to its G-form shock-absorbing plastic. This case is also a standout for using recycled plastic, a rarity in the cases we reviewed. According to Clckr, the use of recycled plastic in addition to its partnership with an NGO that removes plastic before it enters the ocean makes this the world’s first plastic-neutral case.

For added protection, Clckr also sells a MagSafe Stand and Grip and Wallet Stand and Grip if you want to carry a few cards.

The Details: Recycled Plastic | Drop protection from 13 feet | iPhone 15 | MagSafe

Designed and produced in New York, these cases are made with high-quality TPU, having been tested with drops from eight feet, and are oh-so-cute. Spice up your life with a cute leopard print, coffee cup, or checkered case, and bathe in the compliments.

For extra security —and flair — grab a grip ring, or a matching AirPod case or even one for your MacBook.

The Details: TPU | Drop protection from 8 feet | iPhone 7-15, Galaxy S10-23 | MagSafe

Thanks to digital payments like Apple Pay, you rarely need to bring a wallet around these days. That said, you still need your ID and perhaps a bank card. Enter the phone case wallet. This one from Smartish holds three cards that conveniently burst into accessibility via a thumb button on the side. You can also hold a bill or two, but the space isn’t that big.

For this neat feature, you won’t pay much more than Smartish’s Gripmunk case, though this one won’t work with Apple MagSafe or other wireless technology.

The Details: TPU | Tested 50 drops from 6 feet | iPhone 12-15, Galaxy S

While phones these days boast their battery life, let’s face it: it’s rare to go a full day without a charge, especially if you’ve had the phone for a while. One solution is a compact phone charger, now considered a travel tech essential. Or, you can give your phone a boost with this case that has an embedded battery. The thing is, this case isn’t meant to be tossed around and dropped from high heights like others on this list. Your phone will probably be fine, but the battery might not survive a big drop. Still, this case is worth it for its battery-boosting capability, and you can always sub it in and out with a more protective case.

An added bonus with this case is that it comes with a screen protector. Just know that while it works with wireless charging, it isn’t MagSafe compatible.

The Details: 7000mAh Li-Polymer Rechargeable Battery | iPhone 6-15, Galaxy S4-7

This gorgeous phone case is definitely an eye-catcher. And, like the New Balance shoe craze, it mixes style with function —the strap is so nice for those who constantly misplace their phone. It’s also great for traveling since you can wear it around your neck or over the shoulder, or detach it if you don’t want the strap. It also comes with a cute little card and cash pouch that snaps closed. Having the strap makes this case inherently more protective, but the company doesn’t list how protective it is from drops.

Bandolier also makes slightly more affordable cases with thinner lanyards as well as the Billie strap, which has extra pockets to serve as a small purse.

The Details: Genuine leather | iPhone 13-15

If you don’t trust Apple when they say their phones are waterproof, trust Otterbox. This case promises to be submersible of 6.5 feet for an hour, which is the same IP68 rating as Apple claims. Though unlike what comes out of the box on your new iPhone, you can (and should) test the case before you use it to make absolutely sure it’s waterproof. This Otterbox is also super tough —it can withstand drops five times the military standard, which is even more than the Defender Series.

This case comes with a built-in screen protector and port cover, which will keep gunk out of the USB-C or Lightning port.

The Details: Plastic | 130 drops from 4 feet | iPhone 14 and 15 | Magsafe

It doesn’t get any slimmer than the Arc Pulse. This case isn’t so much as a case as a couple of bumpers on the top and bottom to protect the edges and the lens bulge. The selling point here is that you can actually hold your phone as it was meant to be held, without having to worry that it’ll break if it slips out of your hand. The idea is definitely an attractive one, and the company says it can be dropped from a height of 10 feet.

However, definitely don’t skimp on a screen protector with this one.

The Details: Aerospace-grade aluminum and elastomer | Drop protection from 10 feet | iPhone 13 and 14 (Pro and Pro Max only) and 15, Galaxy S22 and S23 Ultra | MagSafe

Moment focuses on amping up your phone’s capabilities by selling an array of lenses that attach to the back —and even front lenses — for elevated snaps. Since it’s holding such heavy cargo, the Moment Case is made with a grippy TPU material to prevent it slipping out of your head. But if that’s not safe enough (which it isn’t if you have extra lenses on it), the case has extra magnets to ensure that MagSafe accessories stick better than usual.

Even if you don’t want to buy the extra lenses and accessories, this is a great, slim case made with solid materials.

The Details: TPU | Drop protection up to 10 feet | iPhone 14/15, Pixel 6/7, Galaxy M-Series | MagSafe

This case is a Jack-of-all-trades. It can withstand drops thanks to its thermoplastic elastomer bumper that’s been filled with air pockets, and there’s a honeycomb microfiber lining on the inside for extra protection. Since it’s a folio, the case covers the screen for both protection and privacy, then opens like a book to reveal three pockets for cards plus a slot for cash. Flip it around and the fold also works as a stand for an extra screen or to watch movies on the plane.

Unlike many of its competitors, Torro is also Android-friendly. Here are its cases for the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 7.

The Details: Genuine leather, thermoplastic elastomer | iPhone 7-15, Galaxy A54 and S20-23, Pixel 6-7 | MagSafe

Mous is extremely confident that its cases will protect your new iPhone. So confident in fact, that the brand dropped a previous model from the world’s fastest zipline going 100 mph. The Limitless 5.0 is even more protective, with an added interlocking frame, microfiber lining, and enhanced camera protection, so you can rest assured your phone will be safe.

This case is also customizable, since you can choose from eight different backplate looks and feels, including smooth bamboo, speckled black fabric, and silver pearl. It’s also compatible with wrist loops and straps and a detachable MagSafe wallet that attaches to the case’s side eyelets (sold separately).

The Details: Polycarbonate, TPU, and TPE | Drop tested from 45 feet | iPhone 14-15, Pixel 7, Galaxy S23 | MagSafe

It would be weird to leave the official Apple case off the list, so here it is. Built for the iPhone 15 (and every other model from the 12 up aside from SE), this case is very smooth yet grippy, and you know it’ll work for all of Apple’s tech including wireless charging and MagSafe. It also is the only case with the famous Apple logo on the back and comes in a variety of attractive colors.

Apple doesn’t list its drop test results, but plenty of reviewer tests have proven it’s a capable case.

If you’re a Google user, here’s the comparable official case for the Pixel 7a.

The Details: Silicone | iPhone 12-15 | MagSafe

The waterproof pouch is a simple yet highly effective concept and makes for a very useful tech gadget. Juststick your phone, cash, and/or passport inside and it’ll stay dry. This pouch boasts an IPX8 rating, which means it can be submerged down to 5 feet for up to 30 minutes. Use this pouch for a day at the beach to keep water and sand out of your phone port, or for taking sweet underwater picks in the pool. It’d also be a must in a place like Mexico’s Playa del Amor, where you have to swim under a rock to get to the hidden beach.

No matter which case you buy, you should probably also get one of these pouches for your next trip. I’d say get two, but it already comes in a pair.

The Details: Polyvinyl Chloride | All Phones

Despite what case brands say about shock absorption, if you drop your phone flat on pavement with pebbles sticking up, your screen is probably going to shatter. That’s why you’ll need to buy a screen protector. There are many on the market, but Spigen’s stands out for using durable and scratch-resistant, 9H tempered glass. It also comes with a plastic tray, so you won’t be left with air bubbles or a misaligned cover when you install it. Each purchase also comes with a backup glass.

Here’s Spigen’s screen protector for the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 5 as well.

The Details: 9H tempered glass | iPhone 7-15, Galaxy S23, Z, Tab S9

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do cases really protect phones?

  Yes, but not all cases are made equal. The point of a case is to protect your expensive, delicate device from scratches and dents. In that regard, most will do, though cases with more shock absorption are better bets.

  Regardless of what case you get, you’ll also need a screen protector.

• What phone cases are the most protective?

  Look for cases with air pockets and other shock-absorption technology to prevent any scratches. Also make sure the case has edges that protect the screen and camera bulge (if your phone has one), though be careful that the edges aren’t too big or they’ll obstruct your photos.

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