Best iPhone Cases of 2025, Tested by Experts
Accidents happen, but these cases will help protect your device from damage.
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iPhones have become tougher over the years, with Apple claiming that its latest iPhone Air is one of the most durable iPhones to date. Even so, iPhones aren’t indestructible and you’ll always find my device inside a case to give it a bit of extra protection. A phone case can not only help prevent scratches and dents from gathering on your device over time, but it can also stop your screen from shattering into a million pieces should it accidentally hit the ground at an unfortunate angle.
Our top pick: OtterBox Symmetry Series. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, it’s hard to go wrong with the Symmetry Series. Our pros love it for its slim, sleek design that’s secure and both easy and comfortable to grip.
The tech experts and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute review all types phone cases and phone accessories, from solar phone chargers to portable chargers. To find the best iPhone cases on the market, we perform at-home and in-Lab evaluations, assessing each phone case for its design, how comfortable they are to hold and much more. I’ve been hands-on with at least 25 phone cases annually, regularly rotating them onto my personal device to see how they perform on a daily basis. Based on our extensive testing and real-world feedback, these are the best phone cases to consider to keep your iPhone in pristine condition.
Best Deal
Pros
- Slim, secure design
- Comfortable to hold
- Great drop protection
- Available in a variety of colorways and prints
Cons
- Pricey
OtterBox phone cases have historically performed well in Lab tests, and the Symmetry Series stands out as one of the brand’s slimmer options. I like it not only for its comfortable feel and easy-to-grip design but for its ability to effectively protect my iPhone from sudden drops.
Another plus: Buttons are easily accessible, including the iPhone 17's camera control button, and it offers just enough of a raised edge to feel secure without adding extra bulk. I also like that it comes in a variety of patterns and colorways, like this catchy Opal Prism featured or an Encore (Orange) that will match the iPhone 17 Pro's new vibrant Cosmic Orange shade.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Traditional, slim design
- Variety of transparent options
Cons
- Single layer protection
A phone case shouldn’t cost a fortune, which is why I like this option from Spigen. Not only does it have an average 4.6 rating on Amazon with more than 45,000 5-star reviews backing it up, but it costs under $15. As someone who loves a slim, lightweight case that shows off my iPhone’s beautiful silver shade, I appreciate that there are several transparent choices with various embellishments.
Although this case might not offer as much protection as some tougher cases due to only a single layer of protection, it should do a good job at safeguarding your iPhone from scratches and cracks without added bulk, thanks to raised edges and built-in drop protection.
Pros
- Beautiful textured design
- Sides are easy to grip
- Covered buttons and raised bezel add extra protection
Cons
- Pricey
- Not as slim as other cases
This latest case from Apple is constructed from woven fabric and multiple colored yarns to give it a beautiful texture and appearance. The TPU sides have proved easy to grip, and I love the look and feel of the case, which fits my iPhone Pro Max like a glove. I also like that the raised bezel and covered buttons add protection to my device, though the overall design does make my phone feel a bit bulkier in my pocket.
It’s available in five shades that pair nicely with your Pro device, and it works seamlessly with MagSafe chargers as well as accessories like this snap-on wallet from Apple.
For a more classic Apple option, you could also consider the iPhone 17 Pro silicone case. It’s even softer (albeit less grippy), and comes in six shades to complement your device. I also love this simple Apple clear case that doesn’t mask your device’s color.
Pros
- Endless design, print and customization options
- Multiple protection levels to choose from
- Sturdy design
Cons
- May see some wear and tear over time
If being able to choose from tons of prints and designs as well as having the option to customize your phone case is important to you, then look no further than Casetify. I’ve personally been caught spending hours browsing through all of Casetify’s phone cases on their website, and I’m convinced there’s something for everyone
.The Impact Series is my favorite style if you’re looking for an everyday phone case that does a good job at keeping your phone protected. But if you need a bit of extra toughness, I recommend the Bounce Case that features “bounce corners” intended to protect your phone from more significant falls. Just keep in mind that, like other phone cases, you can expect to see some slight wear and tear over extended use.
Pros
- Several fun, playful designs
- Comfortable to hold
- Drop protection
Cons
- Glittery, colorful style may not appeal to everyone
A Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards-winning brand, I love Case-Mate phone cases for their playful, glittery style, like the Soap Bubble case that features iridescent swirls. Whether you’re shopping for a teenager in your home or yourself, you can choose among several prints. On top of being comfortable to hold and easy to grip, the case’s cushioned corners and raised edges help protect your phone from falls. The manufacturer also claims 12-foot drop protection, so it's a good choice for those who are clumsier (such as myself).
Pros
- Durable, quality design
- DROP+ certification
- Covers all ports
- Available in five colors
Cons
- Bulky
The Defender Pro phone case was designed for anyone who can’t seem to keep their phone from slipping out of their hands. Rugged and protective, it’s backed by OtterBox’s signature DROP+ certification, which means the case has been tested to withstand multiple drops from at least four feet above.
When I put the case to the test on our Lab’s drop tester machine, it held up to these claims and left my phone unscathed. Just keep in mind that this case is on the bulkier side and won’t fit quite as nicely into a back pocket. Also, the charger port is covered so you'll have to open it each time you want to connect your iPhone via USB. On the bright side, covered buttons and ports will help prevent dirt, sand and other outdoor elements from creeping inside.
Pros
- Slim, minimalist design
- Available in matching iPhone shades
- Made of soft material that’s easy to grip
Cons
- Only for the iPhone Air
- Doesn’t offer as much protection as other cases
Exclusive to the iPhone Air, I couldn’t get enough of this bumper when I was testing it out. It leaves the back of your iPhone exposed so you’re not covering up your entire device, but it still provides some extra grip on the sides to make your phone easier to hold onto. The bumper is both slim and lightweight, like the Air, and adds edge protection should your phone slip out of your hands (but definitely not as much as a more robust case).
Pair it with Apple’s new Crossbody strap so you can wear your phone hands-free. For a case that’s still super slim but offers a bit more coverage, you can also consider Apple’s iPhone Air Case.
Pros
- Wallet and phone case in one
- Offered in various prints, colors and customizable designs
- Dependable drop protection at bargain price
Cons
- Not compatible with wireless chargers
A phone case and wallet in one, Good Housekeeping Institute experts have been fans of the Wallet Slayer for years. Not only is it reasonably priced, but I like that it has room for up to four cards and some cash. I also appreciate the case’s textured, grip-friendly sides that make it easy to grasp. When dropping the case in the Lab, it demonstrated good shock absorption and protected my device.
Though the Wallet Slayer isn’t compatible with MagSafe or wireless chargers, our pros also recommend the Smartish Gripmunk case that is (just keep in mind that you’ll lose out on the handy wallet storage). For anyone who wants to personalize their iPhone, you can customize your case via Amazon or the Smartish design studio with your own creative artwork, images or text.
Pros
- Luxurious leather look
- Slim design
- Available in three shades
Cons
- Will gather scratches and marks over time
Leather always feels professional and sophisticated, which is just part of the reason why I’ve always been drawn to this leather phone case from Nomad. During my time using it, I found that the leather exterior aged nicely with everyday use, though you can expect some scratches and marks to gather over time. The modern leather case features a TPU bumper to make it easier to grip than the traditional leather case, which I also like.
Not only did the Nomad protect my device when I dropped it, but I liked that the case is on the slimmer side so it fits easily into pockets and small purses. It looks and feels high-quality, and it’s offered in three shades: black, brown and English tan. You can also upgrade to a more premium Horween leather, which is available in four rich leather shades.
For those looking for a wallet phone case (or a gift for dad), the Folio case is also an excellent option.
Other phone cases we like
Bandolier Remi: This phone case (pictured left) is one of my go-tos when I want to wear my phone like a purse. It offers quick and easy access to my phone when I don’t have pockets or don’t want to dig through my bag to find my device, like when I’m at a concert or a museum. I love that the leather makes the case look super stylish, and that the strap is adjustable and removable. The Remi also comes with a small magnetic wallet that holds up to 5 cards, which you can easily detach when you want to use a MagSafe charger.
Velvet Caviar: Just because these phone cases are stylish, it doesn’t mean that they sacrifice safety. I’ve used a few Velvet Caviar cases in the past two years, and they’ve consistently done a good job at keeping my device intact when dropped. You can look through tons of options on the brand’s website, which features phone cases with a variety of colorful, creative designs and prints.
ZAGG Santa Cruz Snap: ZAGG makes some of my favorite phone screen protectors on the market, and its phone cases are just as worthy of consideration for their quality construction and design. Finding the perfect balance of rugged yet sleek, the Santa Cruz Snap case does an excellent job of protecting your iPhone from impact. The built-in kickstand is also useful for watching content while at home or on-the-go, hands-free.
Arc Pulse: Minimalist at its finest, I love that the Arc Pulse phone case (pictured left) enables you to show off your phone’s natural design while still providing shock absorption when dropped. Plus, it lets you use MagSafe chargers without any interference.
Peak Design Everyday Case: Thanks to an integrated connection system (called SlimLink), you’re able to quickly attach your phone to all types of mounts and accessories, like bike mounts, a mobile creator kit, wallets and more. In addition to its versatility, I love the phone case’s look. It features a smooth yet durable nylon canvas exterior as well as the five rich colors to choose from.
Speck Presidio 2 Grip: Like the name of this phone case insinuates, I find this one easy to grip but also soft to the touch. It feels sturdy and durable and has a raised bezel, so I’m not worried about my phone when it does drop (according to the brand, the case has 13-foot drop protection).
Mujjo Leather Case: Yet another gorgeous leather phone case, I love that this pick from Mujjo (pictured left) features an entirely leather exterior that gives your phone a sleek, classy edge. I found the buttons super responsive, and I appreciate that it's available in five shades. I do wish, however, that the logo was more discreet.
Clicks: Reminiscent of the beloved BlackBerry, Clicks is one of the most original phone cases I’ve tested in recent years. Featuring a built-in keyboard, this phone case makes it possible to ditch your touchscreen when typing messages. While the concept may not be for everyone, I love that the keyboard works flawlessly with iOS and that it unlocks more screen space on your device.
How we test phone cases
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Media & Tech Lab, we test accessories for every gadget you can think of, from the best waterproof phone cases to bring along on your next vacation to car phone holders.
Each year, our analysts test dozens of new iPhone cases for criteria such as performance, water-resistance, durability and construction. To test durability, we drop test phone cases and assess any damage. To confirm wireless charging or MagSafe claims, we ensure that phones charge properly. To gather real-world feedback, we’ve had over 100 consumer testers use select phone cases for multiple days, evaluating each model’s ease of use and design — such as whether the phone case was easy to take on and off, comfortable to grip, nice to touch and more.
What to consider when shopping for an iPhone case
✔️ Durability: You want a case that protects your phone, no matter how many times it drops. Check out manufacturer claims on drop tests, materials and how long it will last. IPX ratings denote how rugged and weather-resistant products are. The first number after IP refers to solids (i.e. dust) and the second for liquids (i.e. water). The higher the number, the more protection you can expect.
✔️ Protection: Nobody wants to see their beloved iPhone cracked or broken. Choose a case made of a shock-absorbent material (like silicone or rubber) that covers your phone’s vulnerable corners. Raised edges and a snug fit can help protect your screen's edges and camera lenses.
✔️ Weight: Some cases are lightweight and thin, some a bit bulkier. Decide what is important to you, as the heavier options generally offer more features like an extra layer of protection, a clip or a wallet. Keep in mind that slimmer cases will be easier to slide into your pockets.
✔️ Usability: Is the case easy to take on and off? Does it have easy access to the charging port? Can you access all of your buttons?
✔️ Cost: Some cases run under 10 bucks, some well over $50. Figure out what your budget is beforehand, and see what you can afford that meets all of your needs.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Senior Reviews Writer and Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, home and more. Not only does she bring years of product review experience to GH, but she’s a long-standing iPhone user who regularly rotates through phone cases to find the most reliable ones. She’s been hands-on with each of the cases featured above, and many more.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
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