Best Smart Home Gadgets 2025
We’ve bought over 50 of the most popular iPhone cases from well-known brands like OtterBox, Peak Design, Apple, ESR, and others and tested them over months to help point you to the perfect match.
Smartphones are a lifeline for many of us as we juggle all things, work and play. Whether running about the house, across town, or around the world, busy days often see us moving quickly and carelessly, with hands full and minds distracted. This is where a reliable iPhone case comes in: a small protective layer standing between us and any unexpected bumps, drops, and falls that could ruin our tech and our day.
We’ve spent the last five years testing iPhone cases for several different iPhone models, with our test team placing these protective cases around their personal phones. We’ve put them to work in our daily lives and run them through a series of drop and scratch tests to help determine the true degree of tech-safety and durability each provides.
Our favorite iPhone case overall is the OtterBox Commuter Series, which is super protective but a tad bulkier than what some people may prefer for a phone case. Others may prefer a slimmer, easier-to-pocket, and more affordable option, like the ESR Classic Hybrid, which performed admirably well and can be picked up for a very reasonable price.
Editor’s Note: On May 22, 2025, we reformatted our award section and added more stories from our testing.
Related: Best iPhone 16 Cases
Related: Best iPhone 15 Cases
Our Top Picks
The Best iPhone Cases
Our Favorite All-Around iPhone Case
Otterbox Commuter Series iPhone 16
Available for iPhone models: iPhone16, iPhone15, iPhone14, iPhone13
| REASONS TO BUY | REASONS TO AVOID |
|---|---|
 Military drop-test certification |  Bulkier than many |
| Buttons work well | Extra install time |
| Dual-layer rubber and plastic | |
| Charge port protection | |
| Easy to remove |
Who it is best for: The OtterBox Commuter Series is ideal for iPhone users who prioritize durability and protection without completely sacrificing portability. It’s especially well-suited for people who work or play in environments where drops, dust, and impact are common—like job sites, trails, or the daily commute. If you’re frequently tossing your phone in a bag, juggling tools, or just tend to drop your phone a lot, this case is built to take that beating.
Why we love it: This case has proven itself over and over across generations of iPhones. It meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade protection standards, so you can trust it to survive real-world abuse. Lead tester Kat Elliott says, “This is one of the most reliably impressive cases we’ve seen since we started testing iPhone cases — it delivers every time, and I never worry about handing my phone off to a kid or dropping it on pavement.” The dual-layer design—a rubber inner sleeve and hard plastic outer shell—offers excellent grip and impact absorption while still sliding easily in and out of pockets. Other standout features include a snug port cover to keep out dust and debris, responsive button cutouts, and an easy-to-remove build that lets you pop the case off without a wrestling match.
Should you buy it? If you value rugged protection over ultra-slim design, then yes—this case is a smart investment. Just be aware that it’s bulkier and a bit heavier than minimalist cases. Kat adds, “I’ve found that installing it takes longer than thinner cases, but that’s typical of cases with serious drop protection—and I think the tradeoff is absolutely worth it.” It may not be ideal for small pockets or phone mounts on bikes and electric scooters, but if you’re not worried about a little extra size, the OtterBox Commuter delivers top-tier protection in a package that still looks clean and professional.
We are big fans of the OtterBox Commuter Series because of how well it balances all of our top priorities: great protection from falls and scratches, a slim, pocket-friendly design, and the option to utilize MagSafe accessories.
Credit: Kat Elliott
The Best iPhone Cases
Our Favorite All-Around iPhone Case
Otterbox Commuter Series iPhone 16
Available for iPhone models: iPhone16, iPhone15, iPhone14, iPhone13
| REASONS TO BUY | REASONS TO AVOID |
|---|---|
| Military drop-test certification | Bulkier than many |
| Buttons work well | Extra install time |
| Dual-layer rubber and plastic | |
| Charge port protection | |
| Easy to remove |
Who it is best for: The OtterBox Commuter Series is ideal for iPhone users who prioritize durability and protection without completely sacrificing portability. It’s especially well-suited for people who work or play in environments where drops, dust, and impact are common—like job sites, trails, or the daily commute. If you’re frequently tossing your phone in a bag, juggling tools, or just tend to drop your phone a lot, this case is built to take that beating.
Why we love it: This case has proven itself over and over across generations of iPhones. It meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade protection standards, so you can trust it to survive real-world abuse. Lead tester Kat Elliott says, “This is one of the most reliably impressive cases we’ve seen since we started testing iPhone cases — it delivers every time, and I never worry about handing my phone off to a kid or dropping it on pavement.” The dual-layer design—a rubber inner sleeve and hard plastic outer shell—offers excellent grip and impact absorption while still sliding easily in and out of pockets. Other standout features include a snug port cover to keep out dust and debris, responsive button cutouts, and an easy-to-remove build that lets you pop the case off without a wrestling match.
Should you buy it? If you value rugged protection over ultra-slim design, then yes—this case is a smart investment. Just be aware that it’s bulkier and a bit heavier than minimalist cases. Kat adds, “I’ve found that installing it takes longer than thinner cases, but that’s typical of cases with serious drop protection—and I think the tradeoff is absolutely worth it.” It may not be ideal for small pockets or phone mounts on bikes and electric scooters, but if you’re not worried about a little extra size, the OtterBox Commuter delivers top-tier protection in a package that still looks clean and professional.
We are big fans of the OtterBox Commuter Series because of how well it balances all of our top priorities: great protection from falls and scratches, a slim, pocket-friendly design, and the option to utilize MagSafe accessories.
Credit: Kat Elliott
The Best iPhone Cases
Our Favorite All-Around iPhone Case
Otterbox Commuter Series iPhone 16
Available for iPhone models: iPhone16, iPhone15, iPhone14, iPhone13
| REASONS TO BUY | REASONS TO AVOID |
|---|---|
| Military drop-test certification | Bulkier than many |
| Buttons work well | Extra install time |
| Dual-layer rubber and plastic | |
| Charge port protection | |
| Easy to remove |
Who it is best for: The OtterBox Commuter Series is ideal for iPhone users who prioritize durability and protection without completely sacrificing portability. It’s especially well-suited for people who work or play in environments where drops, dust, and impact are common—like job sites, trails, or the daily commute. If you’re frequently tossing your phone in a bag, juggling tools, or just tend to drop your phone a lot, this case is built to take that beating.
Why we love it: This case has proven itself over and over across generations of iPhones. It meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade protection standards, so you can trust it to survive real-world abuse. Lead tester Kat Elliott says, “This is one of the most reliably impressive cases we’ve seen since we started testing iPhone cases — it delivers every time, and I never worry about handing my phone off to a kid or dropping it on pavement.” The dual-layer design—a rubber inner sleeve and hard plastic outer shell—offers excellent grip and impact absorption while still sliding easily in and out of pockets. Other standout features include a snug port cover to keep out dust and debris, responsive button cutouts, and an easy-to-remove build that lets you pop the case off without a wrestling match.
Should you buy it? If you value rugged protection over ultra-slim design, then yes—this case is a smart investment. Just be aware that it’s bulkier and a bit heavier than minimalist cases. Kat adds, “I’ve found that installing it takes longer than thinner cases, but that’s typical of cases with serious drop protection—and I think the tradeoff is absolutely worth it.” It may not be ideal for small pockets or phone mounts on bikes and electric scooters, but if you’re not worried about a little extra size, the OtterBox Commuter delivers top-tier protection in a package that still looks clean and professional.
We are big fans of the OtterBox Commuter Series because of how well it balances all of our top priorities: great protection from falls and scratches, a slim, pocket-friendly design, and the option to utilize MagSafe accessories.
Credit: Kat Elliott
The Best iPhone Cases
Our Favorite All-Around iPhone Case
Otterbox Commuter Series iPhone 16
Available for iPhone models: iPhone16, iPhone15, iPhone14, iPhone13
| REASONS TO BUY | REASONS TO AVOID |
|---|---|
| Military drop-test certification | Bulkier than many |
| Buttons work well | Extra install time |
| Dual-layer rubber and plastic | |
| Charge port protection | |
| Easy to remove |
Who it is best for: The OtterBox Commuter Series is ideal for iPhone users who prioritize durability and protection without completely sacrificing portability. It’s especially well-suited for people who work or play in environments where drops, dust, and impact are common—like job sites, trails, or the daily commute. If you’re frequently tossing your phone in a bag, juggling tools, or just tend to drop your phone a lot, this case is built to take that beating.
Why we love it: This case has proven itself over and over across generations of iPhones. It meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade protection standards, so you can trust it to survive real-world abuse. Lead tester Kat Elliott says, “This is one of the most reliably impressive cases we’ve seen since we started testing iPhone cases — it delivers every time, and I never worry about handing my phone off to a kid or dropping it on pavement.” The dual-layer design—a rubber inner sleeve and hard plastic outer shell—offers excellent grip and impact absorption while still sliding easily in and out of pockets. Other standout features include a snug port cover to keep out dust and debris, responsive button cutouts, and an easy-to-remove build that lets you pop the case off without a wrestling match.
Should you buy it? If you value rugged protection over ultra-slim design, then yes—this case is a smart investment. Just be aware that it’s bulkier and a bit heavier than minimalist cases. Kat adds, “I’ve found that installing it takes longer than thinner cases, but that’s typical of cases with serious drop protection—and I think the tradeoff is absolutely worth it.” It may not be ideal for small pockets or phone mounts on bikes and electric scooters, but if you’re not worried about a little extra size, the OtterBox Commuter delivers top-tier protection in a package that still looks clean and professional.
We are big fans of the OtterBox Commuter Series because of how well it balances all of our top priorities: great protection from falls and scratches, a slim, pocket-friendly design, and the option to utilize MagSafe accessories.
Credit: Kat Elliott
How We Tested
The GearLab team has been conducting hands-on reviews of the latest iPhone cases for years, purchasing more than 50 for hands-on testing in the lab and out in the real world. We’ve toted them to weddings, concerts, and on backcountry trips, and we’ve carried them around the world, from Patagonia’s peaks to the Yucatan cenotes. Every single model is bought at full price to ensure a zero-biased approach throughout the review process. Each then undergoes more than a dozen tests during our side-by-side comparative analysis, where we assess factors like protection, grip, ease of installation, durability, and additional features.
We use four performance metrics: to rate iPhone cases:
- Protection (40% of total score weight)
- Portability (25% weight)
- Design (25% weight)
- Ease of Use (10% weight)
Why Trust GearLab
We put four of our top review editors -– Jane Jackson, Amber King, Ross Patton and Kat Elliott -– to work on this category. Between the four, they have tested hundreds of products over a combined tenure of more than twenty years with GearLab. Jane has been testing gear with GearLab since 2016, working with products ranging from laptop sleeves to top-tier water bottles. Amber has worked with GearLab since 2015, testing more than 300 products ranging from cookware sets to handheld GPS units. Ross has tested hundreds of products across dozens of categories, working with everything from electric skateboards to putting his skills as a professional photographer to use by testing iPhone gimbals. Kat, who led the iPhone 14 and 15 case reviews, has been a senior review editor for GearLab for over a decade, testing various products from bike trailers to laptop backpacks.
We conducted a broad and diverse set of tests on each iPhone case we handled to decipher which truly delivers on the protection and functionality promised.
How to Pick the Best iPhone Case
At this point, a new iPhone costs as much, or more, than a laptop. When spending that much money on a computer that fits in your hand, you must do something to protect it. Whether you’re looking for a low-profile case to keep your iPhone from getting scratched, a stylish one to add some flair to your outfit, or a model you can go cliff diving with, our head-to-head review process will help you quickly and easily sort through the seemingly limitless options to find your ideal case.
The OtterBox Commuter blends durable protection with everyday style.
Credit: Katherine Elliott
Conclusion
Choosing the best iPhone case will largely depend on your lifestyle and personality. Over our years of testing these cases, we’ve found that any given member of our team will choose a different case as their favorite. Our goal is to purchase and conduct a side-by-side analysis to give you the insights to hone in on your favorites based on your needs and budget.
If you’re sporting an older model, we’ve got reviews on the top iPhone 14 cases, iPhone 13 cases, and even iPhone 12 case options.
To help keep your mobile kit dialed, we’ve tested plenty of phone accessories, from car phone mounts to phone stands and the top charging stations to juice back up at the end of the day. If you are looking for a top-quality audio experience as well, take a look at our earbuds review to find the perfect buds to go with your iPhone.
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