10 tough iPhone cases

10 tough cases that keep your iPhone in top condition

Ensure your iPhone always looks brand-new.Photos: OtterBox, Casetify, LifeProof, SwitchEasy, Elago

If you want your iPhone to always look brand-new — even after you’ve dropped it over and over again — you’ll need a rugged case that offers plenty of impact protection. And there are loads of tough iPhone cases to choose from.

We rounded up 10, starting at just $7.99, that are all built to be robust bodyguards for your iPhone.

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10 tough iPhone cases

Whether you need additional impact protection or increased water resistance, there are some terrific iPhone cases from a whole host of trusted brands to choose from. But with so many options, where do you start?

Cult of Mac can help. We’ve picked out 10 excellent options — many of which we’ve used and reviewed ourselves — to make things easier.

Protects your iPhone without hiding its design.
Photo: Elago

Elago Hybrid

Made from transparent polycarbonate and TPU, the Elago Hybrid gives you reliable protection without hiding your iPhone’s attractive design. It doesn’t discolor like some transparent cases, and it’s a bargain at just $7.99.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

A transparent design with MagSafe support.
Photo: SwitchEasy

SwitchEasy MagCrush

MagCrush is a great alternative to the Elago Hybrid above for those who also want MagSafe functionality. It offers similar protection but with added (and iron-free) rare earth magnets, and prices start at $24.99.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

Enjoy a pretty splash of color.
Photo: Laut

Laut Crystal Ink

If you’re looking for something a little more colorful, there’s the Crystal Ink case from Laut. Its durable, polycarbonate design offers excellent drop protection, and it’s finished with pretty ink prints. Get yours for $29.99.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

Great protection with a built-in kickstand.
Photo: Spigen

Spigen Tough Armor

Spigen has become a hugely popular accessory maker among Amazon shoppers, thanks to its wide range of excellent products at affordable prices. The Tough Armor uses an all-new foam technology to keep your iPhone protected during impact, and it’s certified to military standards.

As an added bonus, the Touch Armor includes a kickstand that’s great for propping up your iPhone watching movies and enjoying hands-free FaceTime calls. Get yours for just $17.99.

Buy from: Amazon

Get all kinds of awesome patterns from Casetify.
Photo: Casetify

Casetify Impact

Casetify makes some of the best, most durable (and most attractive) iPhone cases money can buy. The Impact case follows that trend with a robust design that’s finished in a whole bunch of gorgeous patterns for $40.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

The OtterBox Commuter is built like a tank.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox Commuter

OtterBox is famous for its extremely tough smartphone cases. The Commuter is tested to survive three times as many drops as military standards demand, making it ideal for those who work in harsh environments. It also features MagSafe compatibility and an antimicrobial coating for $39.95.

Buy from: Amazon

Almost as tough as the Commuter but with a nicer design.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox Symmetry

If the Commuter doesn’t float your boat, how about the OtterBox Symmetry instead? It offers the same level as protection and MagSafe compatibility, but with slightly more attractive design options to choose from for those who care about that kind of thing. Get yours for $48.95.

Buy from: Amazon

A flexible bumper combined with a tough shell.
Photo: SwitchEasy

SwitchEasy Aero+

SwitchEasy’s Aero+ case combines a shock-resistant bumper with an “AirBarrier” panel that’s designed to prevent your iPhone’s glass back from shattering during a drop. Its nano coating improves grip and prevents its silicones sides from attracting lint and other debris. Prices start at $24.99.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

The Protective Armor is as strong as it looks.
Photo: Elago

Elago Protective Armor

For a distinctive look that screams strength, check out Elago’s terrific Protective Armor case. It combines a flexible thermoplastic bumper with a rigid TPU frame — like others — but with a unique design that makes your iPhone look like it’s ready for battle. Get yours from just $10.99.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

The Fre Series bolsters iPhone’s water resistance.
Photo: LifeProof

LifeProof Fre Series

Want to bolster your iPhone’s liquid protection? Try the waterproof LifeProof Fre Series. It’s completely sealed and designed to be submersed in up to two meters of water for one hour. It’s also incredibly tough, with a built-in screen protector that ensures every inch of your iPhone is covered for $89.99.

Buy from: Amazon