Tech

Best Phone Cases of 2024

1. BEST OVERALL PHONE CASE

Symmetry for MagSafe

OtterBox Symmetry for MagSafe

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

If you have a habit of dropping your phone, look no further than OtterBox phone cases. Since 1998, this phone case brand has been developing cases with its signature DROP+ certification, meaning that each case has been tested to withstand multiple drops from at least four feet above. Our product analysts like that the Symmetry for MagSafe case gives you the same level of protection you can expect from the rugged Otterbox Defender Series, only this time without the added bulk. Its ultra-slim yet protective design makes it perfect for carrying your phone around in your pocket.

The Symmetry case is available for most latest phone models and it’s offered in a wide range of color and style options, plus, it’s MagSafe. For easy gripping like when you’re scrolling in bed, our pros also recommend the Otter + Pop iPhone case that comes with a swappable PopSocket.

2. BEST VALUE PHONE CASE

Duo

Incipio Duo

PROS
  • Great value
  • Comfortable to grip exterior
CONS
  • Limited design options

Sometimes all you need is a classic, comfortable casethat does the job, which is where the Incipio Duo comes in. This slim case is not only protective but it features raised edges to keep your screen safe should your phone slip away. Our pros like the case’s soft exterior that makes it easy and pleasant to grip as well as its ultra-responsive buttons. For those with newer phones, you can find the Duo available for the latest iPhone 15 as well as some of the most popular Androids.

3. BEST CLEAR PHONE CASE

Ultra Hybrid

Spigen Ultra Hybrid

PROS
  • Clear, transparent design
  • Great value
CONS
  • Not MagSafe

Not only does this phone case have a hard to beat price, but its clear design lets you show off your smartphone’s original design while still protecting it from any accidents. If you own an iPhone or Android, you’ll likely be able to find a compatible case, but we like this pick for iPhones in particular since you have the option of not only a transparent case, but clear cases with bumpers to match your phone’s color or even matte and frosted versions. While we haven’t tested this one in the Lab yet, our pros like that the case is built with anti-yellow blue resin so the material should remain transparent for longer.

4. BEST WATERPROOF PHONE CASE

FRĒ Series

LifeProof FRĒ Series

PROS
  • Waterproof up to 2 meters for 1 hour
  • Includes built-in screen cover
  • Easy to use
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Bulky and not attractive, according to testers

Worried about dropping your phone in the pool or lake? This FRĒ case designed by LifeProof (and owned by OtterBox) was made for you. It protects 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 says.

In our Lab tests, we were able to completely submerge the waterproof phone case under about 6.5 feet of water continuously for an hour without harm — and yes, the fingerprint sensor that unlocks the phone still worked. Though some testers found the case too bulky for everyday use and not quite as attractive as other phone cases, we think it’s a top choice for adventures, traveling and anyone who wants their phone to be protected against accidents and nature’s elements.

5. BEST PHONE CASE FOR STYLE

Impact Case

Casetify Impact Case

PROS
  • Tons of fun prints
  • Slim and sleek construction
  • Easy to add on accessories
  • Can be customized
CONS
  • Expensive

You’ve likely come across this popular phone case brand, which has no shortage of choices when it comes to best-selling prints and designs. Not only do Casetify phone cases represent your style, but they also help protect your phone from everyday mishaps, like this Impact Case that was designed to withstand drops up to 8.2 feet, according to the brand.

Fortunately, the majority of Casetify’s cases support wireless charging but if you’re looking for a MagSafe phone case, you can find that too. Though they’re pricey, our pros found that Casetify phone cases held up well over time and effectively protected phones when dropped. But if you find that you need a bit more protection, you can always opt for a heavy-duty Ultra Bounce Case.

6. BEST WALLET PHONE CASE

Wallet Slayer Vol. 1

Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1

PROS
  • Can hold up to three cards
  • Easy to grip
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 three credit cards, but you can likely fit some cash and maybe even a fourth card depending on the thickness.

Our experts like that the case is constructed with a lip to help prevent your valuables from falling out and that the textured sides are super easy to grip. Best of all, this protective case is likely to survive any drop test you throw at it. 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 opt for the Wallet Slayer 2 if you prefer a phone case with a less plastic-y texture.

7. BEST IPHONE PHONE CASE

Silicone Case

Apple 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. Our pros 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. But if you’re looking for a slightly different look or feel, we’re also long-time fans of Apple’s leather phone case (which was unfortunately discontinued for the iPhone 15) or this clear Apple phone case.

8. BEST LEATHER PHONE CASE

Modern Leather Case

Nomad Modern Leather Case

PROS
  • Beautiful leather design
  • Should age well
  • Good value
CONS
  • Bumper is not leather

We haven’t yet tested this elegant, leather phone case from Nomad in the Lab, but our pros can’t wait to get their hands on it. Whether you choose a phone case made of full grain leather or a slightly more expensive tanned Horween leather, we expect it’ll age 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, we like that you have the choice between three timeless, neutral shades: black, brown or English tan. And for those who like using their phone as a wallet, the Nomad’s folio case is another classy option to consider.

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