Our gadget experts researched over 200 of the best iPhone cases on the market before purchasing 50 cases to test side-by-side. We tested cases for several different iPhone models and used each of these cases on our personal phones. We used these cases in our daily lives: going to work, hitting the gym, doing chores around town, and running in the mountains. Back in the lab, we measured weight and length and tested material longevity. We dropped them, bent the cases, and scratched their surfaces to see which ones were more durable than the others. Our careful analysis allows us to offer you expert insights and recommendations on the best iPhone case for your needs and budget.

Our review takes a closer look at top cases for individual iPhone models, including those designed for the latest iPhone 15. We've also tested the best iPhone 14 cases and best iPhone 13 cases on the market. If you still have an older model, check out our list of the best iPhone 12 case options and our top picks for iPhone 11 cases. If it's accessories you're seeking, we also have in-depth reviews covering everything from the best car phone mounts to our favorite phone stands and the top charging stations to juice back up at the end of the day. We've even tested the best iPhone lenses to help you up your photo game.

Editor's Note: We updated our iPhone case review on March 20, 2024, to include our favorite iPhone 14 and 15 cases and to share more information on how we tested these products. We're currently testing a new fleet of iPhone 15 cases, and we'll add our favorites to this article when testing concludes.

If you're in the market for a highly functional and stylish case that provides a high level of protection, check out the OtterBox Commuter Series. This model meets MIL-STD-810G US military environmental protection standards and has been specifically engineered to withstand repeated drops onto concrete. The rubber and plastic combination allows the case to slip in and out of pockets easily but also provides a decent grip on hard surfaces. This model has a charge-port cover that keeps dust and debris from getting jammed in the slot, and we found the buttons and silent toggle to function perfectly with the case installed. If you ever need to remove the Commuter, all you have to do is slip the outer plastic layer off then the soft inner rubber layer peels off with hardly any effort at all. This case is available in an array of colors so that you can select the tone that best suits your style.

There are some drawbacks to the OtterBox Commuter. Unboxing and installing is more time-consuming than other models with a simpler design, which is often true for dual-layer cases featuring military-certified protection. It is rather heavy and bulky, especially compared to thin silicone models. If you're searching for a low-profile case, this isn't the one for you and we would recommend the Totallee Thin. Shortcomings aside, the OtterBox Commuter is our top pick for an iPhone case that provides a terrific balance of protection and style.

• Available for iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max

• Available for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max

• Available for iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

• Available for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max

• Available for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

• Available for iPhone SE

• The ESR Air Armor is not only a great deal, but it is also light and stylish. It threads the needle of offering protection without the bulk. It is grippy enough that it feels secure and yet still slides easily into a pocket. The edges around the camera are raised to protect the lenses. It is easy to get your phone in and out and to use in general.

  Most cases with clear plastic have the same downside: the plastic shows scratches easily. The ESR has this problem as well. We didn't find it a big deal, but if you are sensitive to your case showing visible signs of wear after a few months, you should consider this. That was really the only downside. If you want even more protection, consider the Otterbox Defender. However, that case is a lot more bulky.
  
  • Available for iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
  • Available for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
  • Available for iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
  • Available for iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 mini
  • Available for iPhone 11, 11 Pro Max
  • Available for iPhone SE

  • The Spigen Ultra Hybrid is our recommendation for folks shopping for an affordable iPhone 12 case. For a clear case, this model is especially scratch-resistant, providing itself with high marks in our durability assessments. Although it's nothing fancy, there's something to be said for simplicity. It's very easy to install and a cinch to remove. The Spigen Ultra Hybrid is your run-of-the-mill clear case, offering everything you need at an affordable price point.

    The buttons on the Spigen Ultra Hybrid are more difficult to push than many of the other models in our review. If you decide to go with this case, be prepared to use a little bit of extra force for the volume and menu buttons, especially if you're used to the function of a bare phone. If you're looking for leather, metal, kickstands, or other accessories, we'd recommend a model with a little more personality — some people may think this clear case is kind of boring. But as we mentioned, there is something to be said for simplicity, and the Spigen Ultra Hybrid is a solid choice for an inexpensive iPhone case.
    
    • Available for iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
    • Available for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
    • Available for iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
    • Available for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
    • Available for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
    • Available for iPhone SE
    • 

    • If you're the type of person who's super hard on your gear, we recommend the OtterBox Defender Series. Whether you're headed out on a backpacking trip, going snorkeling in the tropics, or constantly using your phone at the job site, this model will keep your investment safer than the rest. It meets the same military-grade drop-test requirements as several other models in our review, but its outer rubber layer is the thickest we've seen to date. While many iPhone cases leave your charge port and silent switch exposed, the Defender has rubber flaps that cover both of them, ensuring that your phone is practically sealed from dust and debris. This model also includes a plastic holster with a utility clip on the back that doubles as a kickstand. The case attaches to the holster in four different positions, two of which have the screen oriented to the inside, effectively protecting it from impacts.

      Unfortunately, this level of protection comes with tradeoffs. For starters, the OtterBox Defender is bulky. It adds about ⅛ of an inch to a naked phone — that might seem minimal, but it's very noticeable compared to other, thinner cases. It's also super heavy, weighing twice as much as most low-profile models without the holster. The Defender disables iPhone wireless charging capabilities, which makes it less convenient with Magsafe chargers becoming more popular. It will cost you top dollar, but for the level of protection, we think the OtterBox Defender is well worth the investment. If you want a little less bulk but still want great protection, we recommend the OtterBox Commuter.
      
      • Available for iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
      • Available for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
      • Available for iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
      • Available for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
      • Available for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
      • Available for iPhone SE