Most smartphones nowadays feature metal or glass builds, so keeping them safe and free from damage can be quite difficult. If you’re looking to buy a case, you might be curious about what kinds of cases are out there or what phone case brands you should trust. In this case buyer’s guide, we do our best to answer these questions and highlight some of the best smartphone case manufacturers around.

Looking to get more out of your phone? Check out our guide to the best phone accessories you can buy.

What kind of phone case should I buy?

One of the first key decisions you need to make is the type of phone case you want to buy. We’re happy to report that nowadays you have a lot of options. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Thin cases: These trade protection for style and simplicity. They add little bulk to the phone itself but offer limited drop protection or additional features.
• Hybrid cases: Hybrid cases are the “normal” cases that you see at most retailers, and there’s a lot of design variety here. For most people, these are the cases to buy.
• Rugged cases: Thick and bulky, rugged cases offer maximum protection from drops, often at the expense of design niceties. They also often include extras like kickstands and waterproofing.
• Clear cases: Transparent and simple, clear cases allow you to show off your phone’s design while protecting it from drops. Just be aware that they can be difficult to keep clean.
• Wallet cases: Wallet cases allow you to store cards, IDs, or cash while keeping your phone protected. Apart from cardholder cases, there are also folio-style cases with a cover to protect your screen.
• Magnetic cases: These are designed to work with magnetic accessories like Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem. There aren’t too many options, and they’re fairly niche, but they can open some interesting possibilities.
• Battery cases: While too bulky for everyday use, cases with a built-in battery pack are great for camping or long trips. Often they have reverse-wireless charging for other accessories, too.
• Waterproof cases: Nowadays, most flagship phones offer some form of water resistance, but none of them will stand up to saltwater. These relatively rare and niche cases exist to fill that gap.
• Skins: Skins aren’t exactly cases, but they often perform the same task. However, they offer very little protection as they just stick to your phone with adhesive, like a sticker.

For most people, thin and hybrid cases are the way to go. They offer a good mix of protection and style, often without breaking the bank. Plus, there are so many designs and colors to choose from (including clear cases) that you’re sure to find one that suits your style. With some brands, you can even customize the case with text or other designs.

If you want a little more utility from your case, you’ve got even more options. Wallets and magnetic cases offer everyday convenience, and more niche options like battery cases can be a great pick for certain situations. If you work in the field (or are just a bit clumsy), rugged cases frequently offer military-grade protection, preventing major damage from drops as high as 20 feet.

Foldable phones are a bit of a different beast since they typically require a two-piece design. Hinge protection is what really matters here because that’s the most vulnerable part of the phone. For more on these, check out our favorite cases for the Z Flip 4, Z Flip 5. Z Fold 4, and Z Fold 5.

What are phone cases made of?

Phone cases are generally made from polymers like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polycarbonate (PC), and silicone. The most common material is TPU, which offers the ideal balance between weight, flexibility, and durability.

More rigid plastics like PC are typically used in conjunction with TPU to add bumpers and other protective elements to a case. These cases also offer lots of design options, including clear finishes and a host of color options.

Silicone has great properties for phone cases like flexibility, durability, and a nice soft rubbery finish. It’s less prone to cracking than TPU or PC, and they’re typically thinner and lighter. They also offer great color options, although they tend to be much more difficult to clean due to their rubbery texture.

Leather is also sometimes found in cases but typically as part of a hybrid design. This means that the case’s interior is TPU, and the exterior has a thin layer of leather. These cases can be beautiful and develop a patina over time, but the thin leather layer can get damaged fairly easily. Keep this in mind before purchasing.

In recent years we’ve also seen more environmentally-friendly materials like biodegradable plastic and even wood used in cases. These are less resistant than polymers and often don’t last as long. That said, most people will upgrade their phone every few years, and when they do, that plastic case is going right into the trash dump. This is a way to lessen your impact on the planet.

What are the best phone case brands?

Of course, at some point, you are at the mercy of what phone case brands have for sale. Each brand has its own lineup of unique cases, and generally releases the same designs for different phones. That said, popular phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Apple iPhone 14 often have a much wider variety of cases on offer.

To help you give an idea of what’s out there, here’s a breakdown of each major phone case manufacturer and the types of cases each one offers.

Spigen

Spigen cases have long been favorites of ours here at Android Authority, and they’ve also been popular among our readers. The company offers an excellent range of cases, primarily thin or rugged, for a wide range of phones.

Most importantly, they’re all extremely affordable, ranging from $8 to $20 on average. That’s a fraction of the cost of most cases, which in some cases can cost well over $50.

The easiest Spigen case to recommend is the Rugged Armor, which is thin and light but offers everyday drop protection. The carbon-fiber elements on the back look great, and the raised lip around the display help prevent damage to your screen. Learn more about this case for some of the most popular phone models below.

The company offers many other cases, too, of course, ranging from the ultra-thin Thin Fit and Air Armor models to clear models like the Liquid Crystal and Ultra Hybrid. There’s even an ultra-rugged case called the Tough Armor that features a built-in kickstand. It isn’t the most rugged we’ve tested, but it’s good value for the price.

If we have any criticism of Spigen cases, it’s that they don’t offer the best color options. Most cases are limited to black or gray colorways, and there aren’t any options to customize them. Most of the designs are decidedly masculine, as well. If you’re looking for colorful or intricate designs, you’d best look elsewhere.