Protect Your New Phone from Nasty Shatters, Scratches and Cracks

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Though cell phones tend to be much more durable than they were a few years ago, investing in a protective phone case remains one of the easiest and most affordable ways to keep your device looking as good as new. Not only can a phone case help prevent your device from gathering too many ugly scratches, dents or marks, but some of the more rugged designs can stop it from shattering should it fall out of your hands. Below we’ve narrowed down our favorite phone cases for iPhone and Android users, including stylish picks available in fun colors and prints as well as ones with extra features like straps, built-in wallets, MagSafe compatibility and more.

The tech experts and analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test all sorts of accessories for your electronics, from waterproof phone cases to solar phone chargers, travel gadgets and more. Over the past three years, we’ve been hands-on with more than 50 of the best protective phone cases on the market, assessing their ease of use, comfort, protection, durability and design. We’ve done everything from drop phone cases to see how well they withstand impact, to dunk them into tanks of water and check for damage. Whether you need a phone case that’ll protect your device from everyday wear and tear or one that can survive collisions with unforgiving sidewalks, these are the best cell phone cases of 2023 to help keep your phone looking flawless, according to testing and rave consumer feedback.

After checking out our favorite picks, which include everything from the best iPhone phone cases to phone cases for ultimate protection, waterproof phone cases and more, keep scrolling to find out what to look for when choosing the right phone case brand for you.

Symmetry for MagSafe

If you have a habit of dropping your phone, look no further than OtterBox phone cases. Since 1998, this phone case brand has been developing cases with its signature DROP+ certification, meaning that each case has been tested to withstand multiple drops from at least 4 feet above. Our product analysts like that the Symmetry for MagSafe case gives you the same level of protection you can expect from the rugged Otterbox Defender Series, only this time without the added bulk. Its ultra-slim yet protective design makes it perfect for carrying your phone around in your pocket.

The Symmetry case is available for most latest phone models and it's offered in a wide range of color and style options - plus, it's MagSafe. For easy gripping like when you're scrolling in bed, our pros also recommend the Otter + Pop iPhone case that comes with a swappable PopSocket.

Duo

Sometimes all you need is a classic, comfortable case that does the job, which is where the Incipio Duo comes in. This slim case is not only protective but it features raised edges to keep your screen safe should your phone slip away. Our pros like the case’s soft exterior that makes it easy and pleasant to grip as well as its ultra-responsive buttons. For those with newer phones, you can find the Duo available for the latest iPhone 15 as well as some of the most popular Androids.

Ultra Hybrid

Not only does this phone case have a hard-to-beat price, but its clear design lets you show off your smartphone’s original design while still protecting it from any accidents. If you own an iPhone or Android, you’ll likely be able to find a compatible case, but we like this pick for iPhones in particular since you have the option of not only a transparent case, but clear cases with bumpers to match your phone’s color or even matte and frosted versions. While we haven’t tested this one in the Lab yet, our pros like that the case is built with anti-yellow blue resin so the material should remain transparent for longer.

FRĒ Series

Worried about dropping your phone in the pool or lake? This FRĒ case designed by LifeProof (and owned by OtterBox) was made for you. It protects your phone from water, snow, dirt and even the floor in case you drop it thanks to a sturdy design that also features a built-in screen protector. “This case is much more protective and durable than any phone case I've tried in the past,” one tester says.

In our Lab tests, we were able to completely submerge the waterproof phone case under about 6.5 feet of water continuously for an hour without harm - and yes, the fingerprint sensor that unlocks the phone still worked. Though some testers found the case too bulky for everyday use and not quite as attractive as other phone cases, we think it’s a top choice for adventures, traveling and anyone who wants their phone to be protected against accidents and nature's elements.

Impact Case

You've likely come across this popular phone case brand, which has no shortage of choices when it comes to best-selling prints and designs. Not only do Casetify phone cases represent your style, but they also help protect your phone from everyday mishaps - like this Impact Case that was designed to withstand drops up to 8.2 feet, according to the brand.

Fortunately, the majority of Casetify’s cases support wireless charging but if you’re looking for a MagSafe phone case, you can find that too. Though they're pricey, our pros found that Casetify phone cases held up well over time and effectively protected phones when dropped. But if you find that you need a bit more protection, you can always opt for a heavy-duty Ultra Bounce Case.

Wallet Slayer Vol. 1

Ditch your wallet and make some room for credit cards and cash on your smartphone with the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1. This flexible softback wallet case is designed to hold up to three credit cards, but you can likely fit some cash and maybe even a fourth card depending on the thickness.

Our experts like that the case is constructed with a lip to help prevent your valuables from falling out and that the textured sides are super easy to grip. Best of all, this protective case is likely to survive any drop test you throw at it. Just keep in mind that it’s not compatible with wireless charging, but it's available in a variety of fun prints and you can even opt for the Wallet Slayer 2 if you prefer a phone case with a less plastic-y texture.

Silicone Case

You won’t find a better fit for your iPhone than a case made by Apple itself. Our pros like the Silicone Case in particular, which features a soft, silky backing that makes the case comfortable to hold in your hand while a microfiber-lined interior helps protect your device from unwanted scratches. It's not the most bulletproof phone case you'll find and the edges are only raised minimally, but it’s perfect for anyone who wants to hang onto the iPhone’s slim, minimalist feel with the bonus of added protection.

Our pros like that the Silicone Case is sold in a variety of shades so you can match your case to your phone and that it’s compatible with MagSafe and Qi wireless charging. But if you’re looking for a slightly different look or feel, we’re also long-time fans of Apple’s leather phone case (which was unfortunately discontinued for the iPhone 15) or this clear Apple phone case.

Modern Leather Case

We haven’t yet tested this elegant, leather phone case from Nomad in the Lab, but our pros can’t wait to get their hands on it. Whether you choose a phone case made of full grain leather or a slightly more expensive tanned Horween leather, we expect it’ll age nicely over time while still protecting your phone from damage thanks to a microfiber lining, raised edges and a bumper.

Though the case looks minimalist, Nomad claims that it’s constructed to withstand drops up to 8 feet. In addition to being MagSafe, we like that you have the choice between three timeless, neutral shades: black, brown or English tan. And for those who like using their phone as a wallet, the Nomad’s folio case is another classy option to consider.

Hailey

This stylish phone case tops our list of best iPhone cases (sorry Android lovers, but it’s only available for iPhones!). What sets it apart from other phone cases isn’t just its leather design. The Hailey doubles up as a wallet and purse, featuring crossbody straps so you can always keep your phone on you – including days when your dress doesn’t have pockets. Our tech analysts love that the straps are easily detachable, and we found the slim wallet to be the perfect size. Though it may not be MagSafe (the Hailey Folio and other Bandolier cases are), the chic design makes it 100% worth it.

Everyday Case

Having a phone case is great (and usually necessary), but what if you could find one that does a bit more than protect your phone? The Everyday Case does just that by being compatible with Nomad's vast ecosystem of mounts and handy accessories that easily snap on, including a tripod, wallet, bike mount and much more. Our analysts like that on top of being super versatile, the Everyday Case is compatible with MagSafe and features a slim, lightweight and attractive design that’ll flatter your iPhone, Samsung or Pixel. It should also do a solid job of protecting your phone thanks to its weatherproof shell and 6-foot drop protection, according to the brand.

Pulse

For some of us, it can be painful to invest in a new, shiny phone just to cover it up with a phone case. Our tech analysts tested the Arc for more than six months to prove whether its minimalist design could survive everyday wear and tear (in addition to several drops onto concrete) and it surprised us by how well it protected the device and absorbed any shock. Though the case itself eventually ended up scuffed up, the phone was never damaged. Best of all, you can use your phone with MagSafe or wireless chargers without any interference.

Mophie Juice Pack

Those with an older iPhone 7, 8 or SE who feel like their phone is always dying will appreciate this battery case from Mophie that gives your phone some new life. Not only does it keep your phone away from harm, but it provides it with some extra power. According to our pros, the phone case is surprisingly thin for having a built-in backup battery that can wirelessly supply your phone with up to 27 hours of battery life, according to the brand. We like that there’s an on/off button so overcharging isn’t a concern and that it can be charged wirelessly. While it's not available for more recent iPhones, Android users with the Samsung Galaxy S10e can purchase the Mophie case as well.

Presidio Folio

The Speck Presidio Folio is a minimalist folio case designed to store up to three credit cards, though we found you can get away with storing four cards and some cash. While it's only available for older iPhone models, we love that it comes equipped with a discreet card slot on the case’s interior to keep your necessities handy yet not exposed to everyone. Our pros also like that its design is durable (though a few color and pattern options would be preferred) and that the case can be propped up with an adjustable viewing stand for long car trips or flights.

iGlaze Slim Hardshell Case

It might look like your average phone case, but when you purchase this alongside the SnapTo phone holder, the Moshi iGlaze can be mounted to your car’s dashboard thanks to a magnetic mounting system. Our experts like its lightweight, sleek design that features a glossy finish as well as the responsive metal side buttons and textured frame that makes it easy and comfortable to hold on to.

How we test phone cases

The product analysts and engineers at the GH Institute Media & Tech Lab have evaluated more than 50 phone cases in the past three years alone for their ease of use, performance, comfort, durability and design. We’ve also recruited more than 100 consumer testers to use phone cases for multiple days and share real-world feedback. Our picks above are comprised of top-performing phone cases from Lab tests as well as new and innovative variations we’ve been hands-on with as well as those our testers rave about.

When assessing ease of use and design, we rate how easy it is to take a phone case on or off, factoring in whether buttons remain responsive and ports are accessible. We also evaluate how the phone case looks and feels – is it comfortable to hold and nice to touch? Does it look stylish and of high quality? Next, we test phone cases for performance and durability. We observe how well phone cases hold up over time as well as how effectively they protect a phone when it’s dropped by drop-testing phone cases and assessing any damage incurred. For phones that claim to be MagSafe or Qi wireless charging compatible, we note whether phones charge properly to ensure that these claims are accurate. For phone cases that claim to be waterproof, we submerge them in water for a set time to assess any water damage.

What to look for when shopping for a phone case

✔️ Durability: Though having some sort of phone case is usually better than having no phone case at all, you’ll want to choose whether you need one that’s extra durable or one that’s on the slimmer, more minimalist side. While some phone cases are super tough and have been constructed to withstand more serious drops, others put style and design first. Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll want to ensure that the phone case fits snugly around your phone so if your phone were to fly out of your hands, it’ll stay inside its case. It’s also important to check whether the case has raised edges that will help protect your screen and cameras when it hits the ground.

✔️ Materials: Phone cases are constructed from several different materials, oftentimes flexible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and durable PC (polycarbonate). PC is lightweight and impact resistant, but a pricier material that is commonly found in luxury hardshell luggage, while TPU offers a great mix of flexibility and durability while remaining lightweight. If you prefer a softer, more luxurious feel you can also opt for a leather phone case exterior or a more flexible silicone. Ultimately the best way to choose the right material for you is to test (and touch) multiple phone cases to gauge how they feel in your hand and whether they’re easy and comfortable to grip or if they feel too slippery.

✔️ Compatibility: No phone case is one-size-fits-all so it’s super important to make sure that you purchase the correct case for your phone. To do so, check exactly what phone model you have and buy a case that was specifically designed for it – for instance, if you have an iPhone 15, you’ll need a phone case made for iPhone 15. Also, if you have a newer device and would like to charge it wirelessly, you’ll need to purchase a phone case that claims to support MagSafe or Qi wireless charging so you don’t have to take your phone case on and off just to charge it. You should also ensure that charging ports are easily accessible and not blocked by your case’s design, though this isn’t typically an issue when you purchase a compatible case for your phone.

✔️ Extra features: If an extra durable, protective phone case is what you’re after, consider one that is waterproof or features built-in screen protection. Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman suggests checking whether the phone case has an IP rating, which will indicate whether it can be submerged in water. “An IPX7 rating means that the phone case is waterproof based upon a submersion test of up to one meter in water for 30 minutes,” Rothman says. If you’re someone who’s always draining your cellphone’s battery, you can get a phone case with a built-in battery to extend your phone’s life or purchase a battery pack attachment. Some phone cases even have wallets inside so you can store a few credit cards and cash, while others may include a kickstand for watching movies or a PopSocket or similar integrated into the case to help you better grip your phone.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on cellphone accessories like the best phone cases. Fariha Ahmed originally wrote this piece, vetting a majority of the picks above and leading consumer testing of the phone cases featured. This guide was most recently updated by Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski, who 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 made it a habit to rotate through the latest cell phone cases every few weeks to discover the best ones.

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