The iPhone is a phenomenal device that has set new standards at every turn. On the other hand, it’s still a phone—and the everyday wear and tear that most people put their phones through are enough to leave scratches and dings in them. In some cases, the damage can be enough to make it hard to use.

The best way to make sure your phone continues to operate as intended is to guard it with a protective phone case. There are numerous options out there, but the best protective phone cases can be hard to find. To help you make the right choice, we’ve narrowed down the best options on the market.

Table of Contents
    A bunch of iPhone cases

    OtterBox Commuter Series

    The OtterBox Commuter Series is compatible with multiple versions of the iPhone. It’s a two-piece protective phone case that protects your phone against drops and shock damage. There are also covers that block the entry of dust and debris, but it doesn’t make the phone water-resistant.

    Otterbox Commuter Series

    OtterBox has a well-established reputation for quality, and the Commuter series comes with a lifetime limited warranty. For just $23, the Commuter series is a great, affordable option. After all, if you’re going to spend nearly $1,000 on a phone, it’s a good idea to protect it.

    Spigen Rugged Armor

    Spigen isn’t as well-known as OtterBox, but they produce protective phone cases that can easily rival the biggest names on the market. Spigen uses a patented Air Cushion shock absorption technology to prevent damage, even from higher drops. The Spigen Rugged Armor case also has a raised lip to protect the screen.

    Spigen Rugged Armor

    The buttons on the case are tactile and provide unmistakable feedback, so you’ll know when you’ve pressed a button. The Spigen Rugged Armor is even more affordable than the OtterBox Commuter series, coming in at just $12. It works with wireless charging, too—perfect for laying your phone on a wireless charging pad at night.

    X-Doria Defense Shield

    The downside to so many of the best protective phone cases on the market is their total lack of style. They’re built for utility, not looks. The X-Doria Defense Shield breaks that pattern. Despite sturdy materials that can withstand drops from up to 10 feet, the X-Doria is designed to show off your phone.

    X-Doria Defense Shield

    Its machined metal build is attractive in its own right, but the clear plastic allows your phone to show through. An integrated sound channel sends the sound to the front of the device, rather than muffling it. There is a raised lip to protect the front of the screen, too.

    The X-Doria Defense Shield is available for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. It retails for roughly $20 on Amazon.

    Speck Presidio Pro

    If over-stylized, bulky cases aren’t your thing, the Speck Presidio Pro might appeal to you. This case is designed with a matte-black finish. It has a certain elegance and subtlety that other cases do not. It’s also available in blue, grey, and pink color options, all with the same matte finish.

    The Speck Presidio Pro has been tested with drops up to 13 feet. For reference, that’s roughly the height of a single-story roof. The case uses raised bezels to protect the screen while still allowing wireless charging.

    Speck Presidio Pro

    One notable feature of the Presidio Pro, particularly in today’s world, is the inclusion of Microban technology. This is a type of coating on the case that discourages the growth of bacteria. If you’re worried about the hygiene of your phone case, the Speck Presidio Pro is worth a look.

    This case is available on Amazon for $22, although some color options may add a couple of extra dollars to that price.

    When you invest in a new phone, spend a little bit extra and invest in a protective phone case, too. The last thing you want is to render your phone unusable because you accidentally dropped it. A reliable case doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either; just spend $20 or so and you can equip your phone with style and protection.