Buying a colorful phone case can be a quick and easy way to personalize your smartphone and make it stand out in a crowd. But that’s not the only function a case serves. Some cases protect the phone’s hardware and screen from drops and the elements, while others double as a wallet.

This buying guide will help you find the best phone case for your smartphone model based on your style and what features are important to you.

5 Factors to Consider When Buying a Phone Case

The sheer variety of phone cases on the market can make picking one very intimidating. The process can be much more complicated than deciding between a clear phone case and a colorful one.

Here are the five most important things to consider when choosing which phone case to buy for your smartphone:

• Size
• Protection Type
• Style
• Features
• Cost

Sizing a Phone Case

The most crucial factor to consider when buying a phone case is the smartphone model it fits.

You can’t simply buy any phone case for your iPhone or Android. Most cases fit only one smartphone model. For example, an Android-compatible phone case designed for the Pixel 8 won't work on a Pixel 4. This is true even within similar models; e.g., an iPhone 15 Plus case won’t fit a regular iPhone 15. Similarly, just because two phones run the Android OS doesn't mean they are at all physically related enough to support the same case.

You can use sleeves with more smartphone models than a silicone or hardshell phone case, but it’s still worth checking the list of supported phones first.

What Type of Protection Does the Phone Case Offer?

If you don't have a good rugged phone and so your primary motivation for buying a phone case is to protect your smartphone from physical damage, check what type of protection it offers. This information is usually on the case’s packaging and official website.

Here are some terms to keep in mind.

• Waterproof: Protection against splashes and submersion
• Shock Absorption: Protection against hits and bangs
• Drop Proof: Protection from drops and throws
• Dust Proof: Will stop dust from entering a phone’s ports

Most phone cases offer some degree of protection. Still, there’s a big difference between the protection offered by a cheap hardshell phone case and that provided by a higher-end product offered by companies such as Urban Armor Gear and OtterBox.

Some phone case companies offer hacker or intrusion proofing. These phone cases are sleeves that function as a Faraday cage and block most outgoing and incoming wireless signals. 

What Style of Phone Case Do You Want?

Are you just looking for a case to make your smartphone stand out in a crowd and match your aesthetic? If so, there’s an almost unlimited number of colorful phone cases to choose from featuring artwork ranging from traditional paintings to modern pop culture characters.

Hardshell and silicone phone cases that snap onto the back and sides of your smartphone have the most variety in designs though you may also like to consider the selection of leather and faux leather phone cases that look like a purse or wallet. These phone cases can usually close around the entire device to cover the screen when you're not using it.

What Phone Case Features Do You Want?

Many phone cases boast additional features such as notches for connecting your case to a lanyard or strap, a built-in kickstand, a battery for extending the phone’s battery life, and even LED lights.

Many leather phone cases include card holder slots which can be incredibly convenient for a night out on the town. If you track your workouts, you may want to consider an armband phone case that can attach to your arm during your cardio sessions.

How Much Should a Phone Case Cost?

Phone case prices do vary quite a bit. Plastic phone cases usually fall within the $5-15 price range, while high-quality leather cases and those designed for heavy-duty damage protection can cost around $25-50.

Some premium phone cases with professional-grade shielding or a famous brand name can cost over $100.

Types of Phone Cases

A phone case is typically a soft silicone, leather, or rigid plastic shell that protects your phone. While these phone cases are the most popular styles, others look like a leather journal with a cover that closes over the screen like a book cover, some can transform into a stand, and there are sleeves that look like a bag or purse.

Other types of phone cases include armbands for strapping a smartphone to your arm during exercise, and lanyard cases to hang your phone from while attending an event. Clear screen protectors, which only protect the smartphone’s screen, also often fall within the phone case category. Some phone cases feature a built-in screen protector and function as a two-in-one product.

Who Should Buy a Phone Case?

Simple phone cases add visual flair to a smartphone. However, those who tend to drop their devices may benefit from one that offers impact protection.

On the other hand, people with an active or outdoor lifestyle may benefit from investing in a phone case that protects against the elements. For example, someone who swims or surfs a lot would do well to buy a phone case that provides waterproofing, while someone who goes camping would need one that has impact protection and a built-in battery.

What to Do After You Buy

After you buy a phone case, there are several things you may want to try.

• Keep your phone case clean. Even though it’s new, you'd be surprised how quickly dust and germs can build up on your case. Cleaning your phone case is definitely worth doing on occasion.
• Remove the screen protector. If your new phone case has a built-in screen protector, remove your existing one if you have one.
• Clean your smartphone. Cleaning your phone is essential so you don’t trap dirt, dust, and germs when putting the phone case on.
• Clean your phone’s speakers. Make sure to clean your smartphone’s speakers, especially if your new case will cover them.
• Clean the charging port. Sometimes putting a new case on your phone can push grime further into a charging port, so clean the ports before placing the phone in the case.

More Tips for Buying Phone Cases

Here's some quick last-minute advice before you make your phone case purchase.

• Plan ahead. Don't buy a new case if you're considering upgrading your smartphone, as the size may differ.
• Choose a case for every occasion. That case may look great while camping, but how will it look in a business meeting?
• Do you need a phone case with cardholder functionality? You may regret not having this popular feature down the line.
• Check for certifications. Ensure that a brand can back up its phone case's strength.