Key Takeaways
- A well-made protective case is essential to protect your expensive smartphone from scratches and accidental drops.
- Spigen offers a variety of high-quality cases for popular devices, providing complete protection at an affordable price.
- Choose from other top brands like Mous, OtterBox, Supcase, and Nomad for stylish, rugged, or premium phone case options.
There are plenty of reasons you might want to put a case on a smartphone, from style, to protection, to in-hand feel. The best smartphones you can buy today can get quite expensive, costing over $1,000 in some instances. To protect your investment, many slap a protective case on their device. Some would argue that cases are a necessity. A well-made protective case not only protects your shiny new phone from scratches but can also reduce the chances of its screen or back glass cracking on an accidental drop.
With that being said, not just any case will do the job. A low-quality case won’t protect your phone, but more than that, it could actively make matters worse. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top case brands in the smartphone accessory market here, after testing all of them firsthand. These companies are reputable, make quality cases, and support the latest phone models for all the top brands.
1 Spigen
Best overall with plenty of options
Spigen is one of the most popular phone case brands on the market, with solutions for many Android phones and almost all the latest iPhones of recent times. It offers a variety of protective cases for a vast selection of smartphones that cater to your needs. Its Thin Fit, Rugged Armor, Tough Armor, Ultra Hybrid, Liquid Air, Neo Hybrid, Core Armor, Liquid Crystal, and Slim Armor lineup of cases feature different designs, ranging from basic clear cases to rugged ones offering ample drop protection.
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In addition to its regular lineup of phone cases, Spigen has some specialized cases, like Mag Armor, Optik Armor, and Cryo Armor, that address specific concerns like Apple MagSafe compatibility, camera lens protection, and keeping your hands cool during intense gaming sessions. Furthermore, Spigen offers a range of screen protectors and camera lens protectors for multiple devices, along with a wide range of accessories, like detachable wallets, wireless chargers, power bricks, portable battery packs, and more. The company also has a couple of car accessories, like car mounts, car chargers, and screen protectors for your in-car infotainment system.
Spigen’s case lineup isn’t limited to phones, either. The company also offers cases for tablets, smartwatches, and earbuds, and it even has some laptop cases and screen protectors in its portfolio. Spigen also has protective cases and sleeves for handheld gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Logitech G Cloud. A Spigen case is usually our go-to choice for most smartphones, as it offers complete protection at a rather affordable price. Grab a Spigen case for your new phone by following the link below.
Best overall
Spigen
A wide range of cases for most popular devices
Spigen offers a wide variety of protective cases for most popular devices, ranging from basic clear cases to ultra-durable rugged options that provide complete drop protection.
2 Mous
All about a premium feel with wood, fiber, and other material choices
Mous is a company that’s all about offering high-quality phone cases that keep a low profile. These cases won’t be the cheapest on the market; in fact, the flagship Mous Limitless 5.0 case can cost well over $50 in many cases. We’ve tried many iterations of the Limitless 5.0 case, and there’s something for everyone. Wood finishes appeal to those who love a natural look, speckled fabric options are there for those who want to make a statement, and my personal favorite is the aramid fiber finish.
These cases are feature-rich as well. Of course, the main back panel has the design or material of your choice. But on the inside, there’s also a MagSafe-compatible ring that lets both iPhones and Android phones connect with MagSafe accessories and chargers. The edges of the Limitless 5.0 case have grips that make your smartphone easier to hold, and raised edges protect both the rear camera bump and the display. The Mous Limitless 5.0 might cost around $75 for modern flagship phones, but you get a premium experience for your money.
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We think the reason to buy a Mous case is the Limitless 5.0 lineup, but there are other case options too. The Mous Clarity case is a classic clear option with many of the things we love about the Limitless 5.0 as well. Additionally, the Clarity 2.0 case takes the clear look and adds a custom design on top of it. Finally, there’s the Super Thin case for people who really want to keep a low profile.
Premium pick
Mous
Spending a lot to get a lot
Mous is a premium case brand known for its Limitless 5.0 cases, which can be configured with wooden, aramid fiber, leather, or fabric finishes. These cases are expensive, but include excellent build quality and MagSafe support.
3 CASETiFY
Stylish cases for those into pop culture
What started as a simple brand using Instagram photos to make cases has now turned into a global name in the creative accessories space. CASETiFY is easily among the most popular accessories manufacturers out there, delivering great cases for a variety of devices. CASETiFY’s list of supported devices is constantly growing, and it now includes the likes of iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, Pixel phones, Samsung devices, and more.
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One of the highlights of CASETiFY is the sheer variety it offers with its cases, be it in terms of the design or the type of the cases themselves. From simple see-through cases to more sophisticated options that offer superior drop protection like the new Ultra Bounce cases, CASETiFY has it all. The brand is also known for its special collaborations with the likes of Thom Browne, BTS, and more, which almost always sell out in minutes.
Best stylish cases
CASETiFY
For special collaborations and creative designs.
CASETiFY is a popular name that’s been around for over a decade now. It’s easily among our top picks here at XDA, thanks to its expansive list of cases and accessories that are available for a variety of devices.It’s also known for its collaborations that help amplify your self-expression.
4 Supcase
Supcase makes some of the best rugged phone cases currently on the market, and it’s a great choice for those who want a case that offers a high level of durability. Its highly acclaimed Unicorn Beetle Pro series is available for pretty much all popular devices, offering edge-to-edge coverage for your phone with up to 20ft of drop protection. The case also features port plugs to keep dust and moisture out of the charging port, a built-in screen protector to keep your phone’s display scratch-free, and a kickstand that supports three viewing angles.
Supcase is a partner of XDA, but the company had no input in the contents of this article.
Along with the Unicorn Beetle Pro, Supcase’s portfolio includes sleek rugged cases like the Unicorn Beetle Edge XT, which provides ample protection without adding too much bulk. It also features a transparent back panel that doesn’t hide your phone’s cool color and design. The regular Unicorn Beetle series cases offer everything you get with the Unicorn Beetle Pro in a relatively slimmer profile and without a built-in screen protector.
In addition to phone cases, Supcase offers protective cases for tablets from Apple, Amazon, and Samsung. The company also has protective cases for smartwatches, fitness trackers, wireless earbuds, and MacBooks. For gaming enthusiasts, Supcase has a range of cases for the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch. But that’s not all.
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It’s a rugged case, screen protector, stand, and holster all in one.
Supcase also offers a wide selection of accessories, like charging bricks, cables, and screen protectors, along with accessories for the Apple Pencil, AirTags, stands, and holsters.
Promoted pick
Supcase
In partnership with Supcase
Supcase is another great phone case brand that offers rugged cases for a variety of smartphones. Its highly-acclaimed UB Pro case provides the best drop protection for your phone.
5 OtterBox
Premium rugged cases for select phones
If you’re looking for a premium rugged case for your iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel devices, you should definitely check out OtterBox. The company’s Defender series offers a multi-layer construction that protects your phone from drops, dust, scrapes, and bumps while providing wireless charging compatibility. It comes with a built-in holster that doubles up as a belt clip or a kickstand.
OtterBox also offers sleek antimicrobial cases as part of its Symmetry series, which feature silver phosphate glass to prevent bacteria buildup on your phone. These cases are available in some cool colors and designs that give your phone a unique look. The company’s Commuter series cases are sleeker versions of the rugged Defender series models, offering a textured grip and complete scratch resistance, while the React series features a clear back that lets you show off your phone’s design.
Along with the aforementioned cases, OtterBox offers screen protectors for devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google, charging bricks, wireless chargers, charging cables, car chargers, and a host of MagSafe-compatible accessories. Furthermore, OtterBox has cases for the Apple Watch lineup, AirPods, Galaxy Buds, and AirTags. In addition, the company also offers water and snow-proof cases as part of its Lifeproof brand.
Although a bit expensive, OtterBox cases are a great choice if you want a high-quality, rugged case for your phone that can take a beating, and you should check out its entire collection.
Premium option
Otterbox
Pricey but durable rugged cases
Otterbox is known for its impressive range of premium rugged cases that provide a great level of drop protection. It offers cases for a small selection of Apple, Samsung, and Google devices.
6 Nomad
They’re sporty, they’re rugged, and they’re premium
Nomad is certainly one of the more versatile case manufacturers out there, making cases with sporty, rugged, and premium looks. One of the reasons people love Nomad is because of the company’s limited-edition drops. Kind of like how Casetify or Dbrand makes custom case designs, Nomad makes custom colors and finishes that are available for a limited time. They’re great for people who want a bit of flair while keeping somewhat of a minimalist appearance. For example, the Nomad Sport Case pictured above is in the limited edition High Volta colorway.
The company’s sport cases feature a plastic back and rounded corners that feel comfortable in the hand. They have a glossy back that really pops when it’s made of a unique color, like High Volta. Although these cases aren’t the most protective, they certainly get the job done for everyday use. The next step up would be the Nomad Rugged Case, which has reinforced rubber corners and edges to add additional protection. The rugged cases also have matte plastic backs, and I think these feel nicer in the hand than the sport cases.
If you’re into a more premium feel, Nomad is known for its fantastic leather cases. You have the choice between regular leather and genuine Horween leather, and can get a standard or folio-style case. Nomad’s leather develops a real patina over time as it wears with use, and arguably looks better as it ages. If you love leather, Nomad’s cases are a must-buy for your smartphone.
Best variety
Nomad
Nomad has something for everyone
Nomad is known for its flashy and well-made cases that fit a variety of styles. The company’s sport cases are a fun look, rugged cases are designed for outdoor adventure, and leather cases are decidedly premium.
7 Peak Design
Cases that fit into a rich accessory ecosystem
Lastly, we have Peak Design. When you buy a Peak Design Everyday Case, you’re not just buying a case for your smartphone. You’re buying into an entire mobile ecosystem of Peak Design accessories. The case itself is made out of plastic and has a nice woven finish on the back. However, the magic starts when you look at the center of the case. You’ll see a square on the back of Peak Design’s Everyday Case that is used to connect with SlimLink accessories. Basically, accessories like bike or motorcycle mounts can lock into the Peak Design case, ensuring your phone won’t go anywhere.
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Additionally, the Peak Design Everyday Case also supports MagSafe. The company sells tripods, wallets, stands, chargers, and all sorts of MagSafe accessories that work with Peak Design cases. And since Peak Design makes the accessories and the cases, they’re certain to work great with your smartphone — regardless of whether you have an iPhone or Android phone. In fact, I think the Peak Design mobile ecosystem is the best way to use MagSafe on Android in 2024.
Best for accessories
Peak Design
A superb mobile ecosystem
Peak Design is a lifestyle, photography, and gear brand that makes phone cases that fit into a mobile ecosystem. The cases are great on their own, but they’re even better when paired with Peak Design accessories, like tripods, wallets, and more.
Honorable Mentions
If you don’t like cases from the brands mentioned above or are looking for something a bit more unique, the following phone case brands are also worth checking out.
- Goospery: Goospery is known for its impressive wallet cases that offer unique solutions for card storage. The brand also makes regular rugged, and slim cases for several devices.
- Smartish: Smartish is another notable phone case brand that has some amazing wallet cases that let you store cards and cash right on your phone.
- Bellroy: If Nomad’s cases are a bit too expensive for you, or you want a leather case for a Pixel or Samsung Galaxy phone, Bellroy has you covered.
- Tech21: While Tech21 offers a wide range of cases, it’s best known for its sustainable cases made with materials that disintegrate faster than regular phone cases.
- Speck: Speck is another reliable phone case brand that offers a wide variety of cases for iPhones, Galaxy devices, Google Pixels, and a couple of Motorola devices.
- Caseborne: Caseborne, formerly ArmadilloTek, is known for its durable rugged cases that offer full body protection for your device.
- Urban Armor Gear: Urban Armor Gear’s portfolio includes rugged cases for smartphones, tablets, MacBooks, smartwatches, and much more.
- dbrand: dbrand’s popular Grip case is a great pick for those who love customizability. It’s a rugged case that’s compatible with dbrand skins and is available for iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, Google Pixels, and the Steam Deck.
- Incipio: Incipio also has a solid list of cases that look premium and offer great protection to your device. Its new “cru.” collection for the iPhone 15 series is among the most popular options right now, so be sure to check it out.
Our favorite phone case brands in 2024
That rounds up our selection of the best phone case brands in 2024. We can assure you that a phone case from these brands will keep your phone safe, and they definitely won’t disappoint you. While you may find similar-looking cases from no-name brands on Amazon at a much cheaper price, you won’t get the same level of protection or quality with those cases. So it’s best if you spend a few more dollars on cases from these brands rather than regret penny-pinching when your phone breaks after an accidental drop.
If you need more help finalizing a case for your smartphone, then check out our guide on how to pick the perfect phone case for tips on selecting the right phone case for your needs.