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11 Best Phone Cases To Protect Your Device

No more cracked screens, dents or nasty scratches.

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phone case testing
Philip Friedman

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Whether you’re clumsy (like me) or you want to add some personality to your device, a phone case is always a good idea. As someone who drops their phone daily, I can attest to the fact that a quality phone case can help prevent your phone’s screen from shattering when it hits the ground. It also helps shield it from scratches, dents and general wear and tear so you’re able to keep your device looking as good as new for longer.

Our top pick: OtterBox Symmetry Series. Slim yet secure, this phone case has built-in drop protection to help keep your device in pristine condition. Our Lab experts love that it comes in a variety of colors and prints and is comfortable to hold.

The tech experts and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested phone cases for decades, including the best iPhone cases and waterproof phone cases for Apple and Android devices. Our pros have done everything from dropping phone cases from our drop tester machine to dunking them in tanks of water to check for damage. In the past three years alone, I’ve been hands-on with more than 50 phone cases, regularly using them with my phone to see how they hold up on a daily basis. Based on our extensive Lab data and real-world tester feedback, these are the best phone cases to keep your smartphone safe.

    1
    Best Overall

    OtterBox Symmetry Series

    Symmetry Series
    Credit: Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

    Pros

    • Slim yet durable design
    • Multiple color options
    • Rigorous drop testing certification

    Cons

    • Expensive

    Since 1998, OtterBox has been developing cases with its signature DROP+ certification, meaning that each case has been tested to withstand a set number of four-foot drops beyond the military standard. I’ve used the Symmetry Series for years now on several devices, and it’s done an incredible job at protecting each one from damage when dropped. I love that it’s slim and easy to slide into my purse or back pocket without adding any bulk to my already oversized cell phone, and that my phone’s buttons remain easily accessible and responsive.

    The Symmetry Series is available in a wide range of shades and patterns, from a classic clear case to fun floral prints, for a variety of Apple and Android devices. While it is on the more expensive end for phone cases, the higher price tag is well worth the peace of mind.

    Compatible withMost Apple iPhones, Google Pixel models and Samsung Galaxy Series
    MagSafeYes
    2
    Best Value

    Spigen Ultra Hybrid

    Ultra Hybrid
    Credit: Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

    Pros

    • Available in a variety of transparent options
    • Inexpensive
    • Slim and minimalist

    Cons

    • Single layer protection

    I love a slim, clear phone case that showcases your smartphone without leaving it exposed to potential damage. Not only is this case from Spigen affordable, but you can purchase it with a bumper to match your phone's color (like Apple's beautiful desert titanium), as well as matte and frosted versions.

    Consumers on Amazon also love it; it's garnered more than 21,000 reviews with an average 4.6-star rating. While this case won't be as durable as our best overall pick or some tougher cases (it only has a single layer of protection), it should effectively safeguard your device thanks to raised edges and built-in drop protection.

    Compatible withMost Apple iPhones and Androids
    MagSafeYes
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    3
    Best for Style

    CASETiFY Impact Case

    Impact Case
    Credit: Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

    Pros

    • Tons of fun prints
    • Slim, sleek and durable construction
    • Easy to add on accessories
    • Can be customized
    • Multiple protection levels to choose from

    Cons

    • May see wear and tear over time

    CASETiFY offers some of the best selections if you want to add customization and personality to your device. I've scrolled through hundreds of their best-selling prints and designs, and there's truly something for everyone.

    What I love most about this brand is that having style doesn't have to replace quality. The popular Impact Case, which is designed to withstand drops up to 8.2 feet, according to the brand, has done a fantastic job at keeping my devices clean of scratches, dents and shatters. But if you find that you need even more protection, you can always opt for a heavy-duty Ultra Bounce Case that features "bounce" corners. Just note that though the cases are durable, you can still expect to see some wear and tear over time.

    Compatible withMost Apple iPhones, Google Pixel models and Samsung Galaxy Series
    MagSafeCertain cases (most support Qi wireless charging compatible)
    4
    Best Grip

    Speck Presidio2 Grip

    Presidio2 Grip

    Pros

    • Feels sturdy and durable
    • Easy to grip
    • Soft-touch material
    • 13-foot drop protection, according to Speck

    Cons

    • Not available in any patterns or prints

    For those who can never seem to hang onto their phone (like me), the Speck Presidio2 is an excellent choice. Featuring grippy edges that make it comfortable to grasp, the case is both sleek and functional. I love the feel of the soft-touch material, which isn't too plastic-y, and I appreciate that it comes in a variety of colors.

    According to Speck, it features 13-foot drop protection and is compatible with all Apple MagSafe accessories. The raised bezel adds extra protection to help prevent your screen from scattering should it somehow slip out of your hands.

    Compatible withMost Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S Series and Google Pixel phones
    MagSafeYes
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    5
    Best Waterproof

    OtterBox Frē Series

    On Sale
    Frē Series
    Now 20% Off
    Credit: Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

    Pros

    • Waterproof up to 2 meters for 1 hour
    • Includes built-in screen cover
    • Easy to use

    Cons

    • Bulky and not attractive, according to testers

    If you like to take your phone out onto the lake, to the beach or in the pool, this FRĒ case designed by LifeProof (and owned by OtterBox) was made for you. I've personally taken it to the bottom of a swimming pool and it kept my phone 100 percent dry. In Lab tests, it withstood being completely submerged under 6.5 feet of water continuously for an hour without harm.

    While it's a bit bulky for my taste and not as attractive as some other phone cases, you can count on it to protect your phone from water, snow, dirt and even the floor in case you drop it, thanks to a sturdy design that also features a built-in screen protector. “This case is much more protective and durable than any phone case I've tried in the past,” one tester said.

    Compatible withMost Apple iPhones
    MagSafeYes
    6
    Best Wallet

    Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1

    On Sale
    Wallet Slayer Vol. 1
    Now 17% Off
    Credit: Smartish

    Pros

    • Can hold up to four cards and cash
    • Easy to grip
    • Available in various prints, colors and customizable designs

    Cons

    • Not compatible with wireless charging

    Ditch your wallet and make some room for credit cards and cash on your smartphone with the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1. This flexible softback wallet case is designed to hold up to four credit cards and some cash. I love the case's textured, grip-friendly sides that help it stay put in my hands. Plus, it demonstrated good shock absorption when dropped in the Lab.

    The case features a lip to help prevent your valuables from falling out. Just keep in mind that it’s not compatible with wireless charging, but it's available in a variety of fun prints and you can even customize your case via Amazon or the Smartish design studio with your own creative artwork, images or text. For a grippier texture and built-in kickstand, consider the Wallet Slayer 2.

    Compatible withMost Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy S-series
    MagSafeNo
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    7
    Best for iPhones

    Apple Silicone Case

    Silicone Case

    Pros

    • Soft, silky feel
    • Slim, snug fit on iPhones
    • Available in a variety of shades

    Cons

    • Not as protective as other phone cases

    You won’t find a better fit for your iPhone than a case made by Apple itself. I like the Silicone Case in particular, which features a soft, silky backing that makes the case comfortable to hold in your hand while a microfiber-lined interior helps protect your device from unwanted scratches. It's not the most bulletproof phone case you'll find and the edges are only raised minimally, but it’s perfect for anyone who wants to hang onto the iPhone’s slim, minimalist feel with the bonus of added protection.

    Our pros like that the Silicone Case is sold in a variety of shades so you can match your case to your phone and that it’s compatible with MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.

    Compatible withMost Apple iPhones
    MagSafeYes
    8
    Best Multipurpose

    Peak Design Mobile Everyday Case

    Mobile Everyday Case
    Credit: Peak Design

    Pros

    • Slim, sleek design
    • Compatible with various mounts and accessories
    • Weatherproof shell, according to Nomad
    • Great value

    Cons

    • Fabric material may not be for everyone

    Having a phone case is great (and usually necessary), but what if you could find one that does a bit more than protect your phone? The Everyday Case does just that by being compatible with Nomad's vast ecosystem of mounts and handy accessories that easily snap on, including a tripod, wallet, bike mount and much more. I like that on top of being super versatile, the Everyday Case is compatible with MagSafe and features a slim, lightweight and attractive design that’ll flatter your iPhone, Samsung or Pixel. It should also do a solid job of protecting your phone thanks to its weatherproof shell and 6-foot drop protection, according to the brand.

    Compatible withMost Apple iPhones, Google Pixels and Samsung Galaxy S series phones
    MagSafeYes
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    9
    Best Leather

    Nomad Modern Leather Case

    Modern Leather Case
    Credit: Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

    Pros

    • Beautiful leather design
    • Ages well over time

    Cons

    • Bumper is not leather

    Made from full-grain leather, this phone case from Nomad is both elegant and sophisticated. Whether you choose a phone case made of full grain leather or a slightly more expensive tanned Horween leather, it ages nicely over time while still protecting your phone from damage thanks to a microfiber lining, raised edges and a bumper.

    Though the case looks minimalist, Nomad claims that it’s constructed to withstand drops up to 8 feet. In addition to being MagSafe, I like that you have the choice between three timeless, neutral shades: black, brown or English tan. For those who like using their phone as a wallet, the Nomad’s folio case is another classy option to consider.

    Compatible withApple iPhone 7 and above
    MagSafeYes
    10
    Best Minimalist

    Arc Pulse

    Pulse
    Credit: Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

    Pros

    • Minimalist, futuristic design
    • Secure, sturdy fit
    • Effectively absorbs shock
    • Available in a variety of matching iPhone shades

    Cons

    • Case may appear worn down over extended use

    For some of us, it can be painful to invest in a new, shiny phone just to cover it up with a phone case. That's what makes the Arc Pulse so special. I've used this case for more than six months and can confirm that its minimalist design survived everyday wear and tear (in addition to several drops onto concrete). It protected my device and absorbed any shock. Though the case itself collected scuff marks eventually, the phone itself was flawless.

    I love that the case allows you to use MagSafe or wireless chargers without any interference and it's available for Android devices, too.

    Bonus tip: You can find an Arc case that matches your phone on the brand's website, so it blends in seamlessly with your device. You'll find everything from gold to rose gold, matte black and more.

    Compatible withApple iPhone 13 and above; Samsung S-Series; Google Pixel
    MagSafeYes
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    11
    Best Stylish

    Bandolier Mila MagSafe

    Mila MagSafe
    Credit: Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

    Pros

    • Attractive leather design
    • Features a wallet and detachable, adjustable crossbody straps

    Cons

    • Only available for iPhones

    Stylish Bandolier phone cases have topped our list of best iPhone cases for a while now (sorry Android lovers, but this one is only available for iPhones!). What sets the Mila apart from other phone cases isn’t just its leather design. It doubles up as a wallet and purse, featuring crossbody straps so you can always keep your phone on you.

    I've personally popped my phone into the Bandolier when heading out to a concert or an event, and I've loved being able to easily access my phone without digging around in my purse for it. It's been a lifesaver when wearing a dress without pockets. Also, I appreciate that the straps are easily detachable, and the slim wallet is the perfect size to fit an ID and a few credit cards. On top of a chic design, it's MagSafe.

    MagSafeYes

    How we test the best phone cases

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    The product analysts and engineers at the GH Institute Media & Tech Lab have evaluated more than 50 phone cases in the past three years alone for their ease of use, performance, comfort, durability and design.

    We’ve also recruited more than 100 consumer testers to use phone cases for multiple days and share real-world feedback. Our picks above are comprised of top-performing phone cases from Lab tests as well as new and innovative variations we’ve been hands-on with as well as those our testers rave about.

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    phone case testing
    Philip Friedman

    When assessing ease of use and design, we rate how easy it is to take a phone case on or off, factoring in whether buttons remain responsive and ports are accessible. We also evaluate how the phone case looks and feels. Is it comfortable to hold and nice to touch? Does it look stylish and of high quality? Next, we test phone cases for performance and durability. We observe how well phone cases hold up over time as well as how effectively they protect a phone when it’s dropped by drop-testing phone cases and assessing any damage incurred.

    For phones that claim to be MagSafe or Qi wireless charging compatible, we note whether phones charge properly to ensure that these claims are accurate. For phone cases that claim to be waterproof, we submerge them in water for a set time to assess any water damage.

    What to look for when shopping for a phone case

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    ✔️ Durability: Though having some sort of phone case is usually better than having no phone case at all, you’ll want to choose whether you need one that’s extra durable or one that’s on the slimmer, more minimalist side. While some phone cases are super tough and have been constructed to withstand more serious drops, others put style and design first. Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll want to ensure that the phone case fits snugly around your phone so if your phone were to fly out of your hands, it’ll stay inside its case. It’s also important to check whether the case has raised edges that will help protect your screen and cameras when it hits the ground.

    ✔️ Materials: Phone cases are constructed from several different materials, oftentimes flexible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and durable PC (polycarbonate). PC is lightweight and impact resistant, but a pricier material that is commonly found in luxury hardshell luggage, while TPU offers a great mix of flexibility and durability while remaining lightweight. If you prefer a softer, more luxurious feel, you can also opt for a leather phone case exterior or a more flexible silicone. Ultimately, the best way to choose the right material for you is to test (and touch) multiple phone cases to gauge how they feel in your hand and whether they’re easy and comfortable to grip or if they feel too slippery.

    ✔️ Compatibility: No phone case is one-size-fits-all so it’s super important to make sure that you purchase the correct case for your phone. To do so, check exactly what phone model you have and buy a case that was specifically designed for it; for instance, if you have an iPhone 16, you’ll need a phone case made for iPhone 16. Also, if you have a newer device and would like to charge it wirelessly, you’ll need to purchase a phone case that claims to support MagSafe or Qi wireless charging so you don’t have to take your phone case on and off just to charge it. You should also ensure that charging ports are easily accessible and not blocked by your case’s design, though this isn’t typically an issue when you purchase a compatible case for your phone.

    ✔️ Extra features: If an extra durable, protective phone case is what you’re after, consider one that is waterproof or features built-in screen protection. Our pros also suggest checking whether the phone case has an IP rating, which will indicate whether it can be submerged in water (an IPX7 rating means that the phone case is waterproof based upon a submersion test of up to one meter in water for 30 minutes). Some phone cases even have wallets inside so you can store a few credit cards and cash, while others may include a kickstand for watching movies or a PopSocket or something similar integrated into the case to help you better grip your phone.

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    Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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    For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on cellphone accessories.

    Senior Reviews Writer and Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, home and more. Not only does she bring years of product review experience to GH, but she's made it a habit to rotate through the latest cell phone cases every few weeks to discover her favorite ones.

    Headshot of Olivia Lipski
    Olivia Lipski
    Senior Reviews Writer & Analyst

    Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.


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