The best iPhone cases, from ultra-thin shells to trendy prints

No matter how many Ceramic Shield iterations Apple introduces (we're on Ceramic Shield 2, for the record), a case is always the right choice for prolonging your iPhone's performance and appearance. With so many options ranging in price, design, and utility, you can find a good option for every type of iOS user. Whether you're a modern minimalist or quirky accessorizer, I've got you covered with the best iPhone cases below.

Not only have I spent the last few months testing the biggest brands in the tech accessory space, but I also have years of product experience and research to back up the picks below. While my team and I weren't throwing iPhones off of balconies to assess the damage, we put every model through the throes of daily life, including frequent pocketing, button pressing, and waist-height falls.

A quick look at our top 5 picks

Since iPhone cases are a largely subjective category, I recommend reading through all of our picks below — you might be surprised by which fits your needs. However, if you're looking for the best offerings in terms of affordability, quality, protection, and appearance, these designs stood out.

Below I've highlighted some of the best styles from our favorite brands. If you have an older device, don't be afraid to click in and check for your size; all of our picks make cases for a range of iPhones, and some even cover Android models.

Best overall: ESR

With so many random tech brands vying for shoppers' attention on Amazon, I didn't expect much from ESR before testing the brand's designs. After getting a few cases in hand, though, the quality, craftsmanship, convenience, and durability blew me away.

My personal favorite is the Classic Hybrid with the built-in stand, but the full ESR lineup is worth looking at if you want an iPhone case that won't cost an arm and a leg. For surprisingly cheap, these cases fit like a second skin — they're not the slimmest you can find (especially because of the stand's extra bulk), but each hugs its device tightly and securely. The frosted finish of the Classic Hybrid and the smooth faux leather of the Atelier also feel great to hold, and are sleek enough to slide in and out of pockets with ease.

For a case that covers the essentials and stretches your dollar as far as it can, ESR is my favorite. I'm also a big fan of the brand's accessories — the Geo MagSafe Wallet Stand is a resident on the back of my phone.

• Find a case for your iPhone at ESR's storefront.

Best protective: OtterBox

If you've shopped for a new phone case any time in the last decade, chances are, you've already heard of OtterBox. The brand has made a name for itself in the industry, and for good reason. Its designs offer some serious defense against even the toughest environments.

Ideal for the clumsy, sporty, or anyone else who puts their iPhone in danger, OtterBox's cases spare no expense in keeping your device protected with layers of shock-absorbing plastic. They're on the pricier side for sure, but in exchange, you likely won't need to buy another for as long as you have your smartphone.

Based on years of using the brand and updated tests across its recent case line, we still recommend the Defender Series Pro for shoppers in need of top-tier protection. Alternatively, we also like the brand's lighter, sleeker designs for more casual shielding against everyday threats — theSymmetry Series Standand shoe-likeSole Seriesboth stood out in our experience.

• Find a case for your iPhone at OtterBox.

Best budget: Spigen

Spigen has been in the iPhone case game for what feels like forever, and over the years, it has perfected the balance between low cost and quality coverage. For a long time, it rose to the top as our top case pick across all brands, and while it's no longer our best overall, we still love what Spigen offers.

You've got a lot to choose from in the lineup, but it especially shines in affordable yet quality cases. If you spent all your money getting your phone, this is the brand to browse for something that won't bleed you dry. You can keep it simple with a clear resin option for less than $15, or flash some techy style with the brand's signature teardown cases. Personally, I really enjoyed the Parallax S MagFit, which offers some nice texture variation for added friction and visual interest.

The Nano Pop cases are a potential hit for being especially slim with satisfying buttons and grippy silicone, but I also found that the flexible material is prone to fingerprints and smudges from food oils.

• Find a case for your iPhone at Spigen's storefront.

Best grippy: Smartish

Beloved across the internet, Smartish comes with a reputation for reasonable pricing, striking prints, and butterfinger-proof grips. I was excited to give them a shot and found that while they may miss the mark with more fashion-forward iPhone owners, they're a hit for functionality and design. They've actually become a staff favorite for some of my teammates.

While rubbery cases may seem like a low-quality option in the age of thick resin, Smartish does them well. The brand's designs are easy to put on and take off, yet still fit like a glove. While the Gripzilla stood out as our favorite with its ridged, textured sides that feel excellent in hand, the simpler Gripmunk also offers solid protection and friction. Fans of quirky designs will also revel in the brand's striking graphics, such as Y2K flame decals, trippy optical illusions, and vaporwave compositions.

The Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1, though great in theory, sacrifices MagSafe compatibility to keep your cards on the back. It's also bulkier, as you might expect from a wallet case.

• Find a case for your iPhone at Smartish.

Best ultra-slim: Pitaka

If unnecessary phone bulk is your pet peeve, Pitaka has you and your iPhone covered. I've been a fan since finding the brand in 2016, and I'm happy to say its designs have only gotten better, with excellent additions like metallic accents, capacitive buttons, and new styles to choose from. Its signature appearance features woven fibers that lend strength and style without weighing you down.

The Edge Case is the thinnest option offered by the brand; it's available for the newest iPhones and even Android devices. While you won't find trendy Y2K prints and photos on these cases, Pitaka has created an aesthetic of its own, with woven designs invoking vivid sunsets, starry skies, and more. If you want a little extra protection, you can opt for the hefty and ruggedCairn caseor the thin, full-coverageSumma case, both of which shield more surface area while still showcasing the brand's signature look.

Though I've only just snapped one on the 18 Pro, I can attest to Pitaka's Edge Case heartiness — my husband used one on an older iPhone for years. The construction makes them hard (but not impossible) to scratch, and the slightly raised edges lend enough display and lens protection for careful users to sleep soundly.

• Find a case for your iPhone at Pitaka's storefront.

Best designs: Society6

If you prefer to go big and bold, Society6 is where it's at. Another longtime name in the custom printing business, the brand offers artist-designed phone cases, wall art, bedding, and more. In terms of iPhone coverage, it's yet another hub of striking designs to choose from.

Though there are literally thousands of prints to choose from, Society6 keeps it simple with two main bases: MagSafe and Tough cases. The latter isn't MagSafe compatible, but knocks $5 off the price in exchange. In hand, the brand's shells are thick, rigid, and glossy, providing reasonable protection without adding too much weight. The buttons work nicely, and the tapered edge to the camera button makes it easy to access even with longer nails. The MagSafe Case's magnet is strong, too, making it easy to pair with grips and mounts.

You've got a lot of options for printed cases, but if you're more of an art connoisseur, or if no other options have satisfied you yet, Society6 is your best bet.

• Find a case for your iPhone at Society6.

Best clear: Zagg

Another longtime contender in the tech space, Zagg is one of our tried-and-true favorites. You may have heard of its lifetime warranty-backed screen protectors, but don't ignore its cases. No one does clear quite like Zagg.

For a durable, long-lasting, super-clear case, Zagg's Crystal Palace Snap is our pick, but I'd also recommend checking out the brand's other cases. It's expanded its library to include an array of equally protective yet slightly more colorful cases, still featuring a perfect see-through back so you can peep your device's finish anytime. Favorites include the rugged Rainier and the glittery Milan.

For more colorful defense than what OtterBox offers, I've also loved the durability and comfortable grip of Zagg's Sedona case. Overall, where OtterBox leans rugged visually, Zagg veers bright and bold. Users of MagSafe accessories can also trust these cases, as they use some of the strongest magnets of all the models we've tested to date.

• Find a case for your iPhone on Zagg.

Best leather: Troubador

It's hard to deny the classiness of a simple, one-piece leather iPhone case, and Troubador does them best. Formerly known as Mujjo, the brand's precisely engineered shells offer a shocking amount of protection, with ridges to spare your camera lenses and display from damage.

The brand's catalog keeps it short and sweet, offering just a one-piece leather case in five colors. In real life, the leather is supple and smooth for a luxurious phone-use experience, though the Tan and Terracotta colors look a little cheap compared to the darker options. The buttons are excellent, save for the camera button, which might be a little too deeply recessed in the case for long-nailed users.

Troubador also offers a Modular case that pairs excellently with the brand's MagSafe 3 Card Leather Wallet Stand, reducing the bulk by making the back panel removable. However, if you don't intend to get the wallet, I advise against the Modular option, as it introduces an unnecessary crevice that can lead to dust and leather damage.

• Find a case for your iPhone on Troubador.

Best statement: Bandolier

If you don't want your phone case dragging down your look, check out Bandolier. We've tested and loved the brand for years, and its polished leather wallet cases just get better with every new design. With a slew of styles, colorways, and straps to choose from, the frequently pocketless should not sleep on this brand.

The most versatile in its lineup, theRemi Magnetuses a MagSafe base case with a magnetic envelope-style wallet that snaps onto the back and attaches to the phone's loops for added security. It's a modular format, perfect for magnetic accessory users who like versatility. Alternatively, if you prefer your cards firmly secured at all times, the Hailey keeps it simple and more compact with a card slot permanently affixed to the shell. In exchange, it loses MagSafe compatibility.

After using a Bandolier case for a year, I was very pleased with the protection and the built-in strong magnets. The on-case loops are also the most secure lanyard and charm attachment methods I've tested to date, though they definitely add some extra bulk to the overall silhouette.

• Find a case for your iPhone on Bandolier.

Best accessories: PopSocket

PopSocket has, at this point, become synonymous with phone grips. Regardless of whether it was the first to do them, the brand definitely perfected the design over the years, with collapsible pucks that can use adhesive or MagSafe to firmly hold your device. It should be no surprise that the brand also offers iPhone cases to pair seamlessly with them.

If you like quirky designs and official collaborations, PopSocket is where to look. While its solid- and gradient-color cases are a little pricey for what you get, its designs (like this floral or Winnie the Pooh print) are adorable and beautifully accommodate the space aPopSocket Grip takes up. The magnets are also robust, making the MagSafe shells ideal for grip and mounting use.

The brand also just released its latest phone grip, the Low-Pro, which boasts a flatter-than-ever profile while still providing a handle and a stand for your device. The flexi plastic feels a bit different than the brand's traditional design, but it is an excellent option for users who don't like extra bulk.

• Find a case and grip for your iPhone at PopSocket.

Best sporty: Torras

One of the best brands you can find on Amazon, Torras cases integrate extra features, and rather than hiding them, spotlight them as part of the design. It's reminiscent of athleticwear and designer sneakers, and the available colorways lean into it.

Depending on what model you're covering, Torras has several designs to choose from. One of the priciest, the Q3 Air Pro, showcases built-in airbags along the corners to absorb shock when dropped. Its back ring is also adjustable, giving you a kickstand for watching videos, or it can be collapsed flat for use with MagSafe accessories. For a more designer look, you can also find the brand's signature features in a faux-leather finish on the Q3 VegSkin.

Torras definitely offers a unique visual that some iPhone users will love. I found the cases to be shockingly slim, as they don't add much to the phone's thickness. However, the airbags and corner protections do add width and length that may feel uncomfortable in smaller hands.

• Find a case for your iPhone at Torras' storefront.

Best for all of your devices: Casely

If it wasn't already obvious, there are a lot of case brands to choose from, especially in the printed design space. Casely is another contender here, and its pieces stand out for neat printing, solid all-around protection, and quality coverage for all of your devices.

My personal favorite, the Bold Flex MagSafe case, is the heartier of Casely's iPhone case designs, featuring a plastic outer shell and a rubber inner lining for shock absorption. While not the thinnest case, it's not bulky either, and the beveled edges make it smooth to put in and take out of your pockets. A little cheaper, the Classic MagSafe is more of the traditional printed shell you'd expect, with a thinner silhouette and the same eggshell finish.

Casely's strength as an option is in its collection of designs and cases. Tons of brands offer an overwhelming amount of flowers, animal hides, and stripes you can have printed on your phone. Casely stands out for its options for Apple, Samsung, and Google smartphones, along with laptop, iPad, Kindle, and other tech device cases to browse. Whether you want to match with your bestie or keep your AirPods coordinated with your MacBook, this is the brand that'll help you do it.

• Find a case for your iPhone and other devices at Casely.

Best for bikers: Peak Design

Peak Design is known for luggage, travel gear, and other accessories that move with you. Its phone cases are no different. Deceivingly simple, we found that the brand's iPhone designs offer minimal, sleek protection and, with SlimLink-compatible options, integrate seamlessly with biking.

SlimLink, as the name suggests, is Peak Design's low-profile mounting hardware intended for use on handlebars. The Universal Mount features a silicone band with some stretch, making it adaptable to a range of handlebar diameters. The small square indent on the back of a SlimLink Case is unintrusive and snaps easily yet securely onto the compatible mount.

Even if you're not a biker or motorcyclist, the brand's Everyday Case gives that same techy yet outdoorsy look, and feels nice to hold. It's slim and sleek, too, making it pocket- and purse-friendly. Peak Design also makes a Loop Case, which is the same thing with a slot for your finger. It's initially attractive because the loop collapses so flat, but in testing, we found it to be a tight fit even for slim and average-sized fingers, so we don't recommend it.

• Find a case for your iPhone at Peak Design.

How we test iPhone cases

While I could make an argument for throwing iPhones in cases from great heights to see exactly what "military-grade drop protection" really means, most people aren't doing that in their daily lives. So, rather than creating a lot of electronic waste in the name of science, my team and I opted to assess these products based on a few key factors instead.

Preliminary research: With so many brands vying for shoppers' attention, I narrowed my initial focus to industry staples, viral sensations, and cult favorites. From there, I looked through countless customer reviews, Reddit threads, and, of course, price points, to see what was worth testing in the first place. I still test plenty of new names and startups if the prices aren't astronomical, though.

Appearance: A largely subjective factor, I do my best to withhold personal bias when judging appearance. Instead, this is best assessed through quality markers such as print irregularities, overall finish/texture, leather grain, smudgability, and the variety of available colorways and styles. All of the iPhone cases above passed most, if not all, of these tests, leaving it up to your personal preference from there.

Thickness/bulk: Though this can also be a very personal preference, I assessed a case's clunkiness based on how the bulk is allocated and whether it serves a purpose. For example, a wallet case will always be thicker than a minimalist one, but is it unnecessarily so? Alternatively, is a design heavy because it has more drop protection, or is it simply made of weighty materials?

Glass protection: All smartphone cases should have at least a small ridge around the display and camera lenses to reduce the chances of glass breakage in a fall. The height of this lip depends on how protective the design is: the higher it is, the more defensive it is, but it will also make it bulkier. All of the picks above offer at least a small ridge, with some brands going minimal to reduce thickness.

Magnet strength: Since MagSafe is one of the major selling points of iPhones, it's important for your case to have strong magnets for use with accessories like grips, car mounts, and wireless chargers. Thin cases can get away with weaker ones, as they compound on the magnetic strength already built into your iPhone. Thicker cases require especially powerful magnets to ensure true compatibility.

Fit: For comfort, protection, and quality, an iPhone case should fit snugly, but not be impossible to remove. All of the picks above held the device without it shifting around within, and while some took a little elbow grease, they could all be removed without damaging the phone. Tougher designs include specific instructions for uncasing, too.

Buttons: You don't want a case that makes your phone harder to use or less pleasant to use, so buttons are an important feature of any model. There are a variety of ways manufacturers address them, like cutouts, metallic caps, and capacitive touch sliders.

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