Best iPhone XR cases
Need some protection for your new iPhone XR? Here’s a bunch of top cases to check out, all of them compatible with wireless charging.
The i Phone 11 is the new hotness, but the iPhone XR is no slouch: The 2018 model got a 150 price cut when the 11 hit, so it remains a go-to option for anyone seeking out a mid-priced iPhone. But even at a discount, that sweet new XR needs to be protected.- and that’s exactly why we’ve rounded up these iPhone XR cases. Each one will keep your shiny new XR safe, and they all work with wirelessly charging accessories, too.
Note that CNET may get a share of revenue from the sale of the products featured in this gallery.
Speck Stay Clear Presidio
The claim to fame of Speck’s Stay Clear Presidio case (40, £20) is that it stays clear and doesn’t turn yellow over time, like many cheaper clear cases do. Why? It’s infused with a special coating to keep the oil from your skin from penetrating it. And it’s tough, drop-tested to 8 feet.
OtterBox Symmetry Series
The OtterBox Symmetry Series is the company’s most stylish case and is both fairly slim and protective. It’s similar to Speck’s cases, which certainly influenced OtterBox’s design. The Symmetry Series comes in a variety of color options and starts at 50 (£30, AU75).
Speck Presidio Pro
I’m a fan of Speck’s Presidio Sport case, which is basically a tougher version of Apple’s Silicone case and has a similar soft-touch finish that’s nice and grippy. Speck calls it a “no-slip grip.”
For some folks, the Sport was a little bulky, so Speck decided to make the Presidio Pro, which is essentially a standard Presidio case with its no-slip grip. Like the Sport it has Microban antimicrobial technology, which is supposed to “inhibit the growth bacteria that causes stains and odors.”
It’s a little expensive at 40 (£20), but it is one of the best iPhone XR cases out there.
Speck Candyshell Fit Textured
The Candyshell Fit Textured is a new case for Speck and one my favorites from the company. It comes in several color options for 30.
OtterBox Strada
One of my favorite folio cases.- the OtterBox Strada.- is available for the XR. It’s highly protective and has a card slot on the inside of the cover that allows you to store a single credit card and perhaps a driver’s license or some money. Handy, since Apple Pay still isn’t universally accepted yet. It costs 50 (£43 or AU75).
Speck Presidio Sport
Available in a few different color options, the Presidio Sport was ostensibly designed for gym rats or people who run with their iPhones. It holds up well over time. It also feels good in your hand and isn’t too bulky for a tough case. Some people don’t like the little button that covers the mute switch.- it does stick out a little.- but that’s the only design gripe.
At 45 or £25, it is a little expensive. However, Apple’s Silicone case is 39, so maybe it’s not such a bad deal when you consider that it’s more protective and has that extra layer of Microban.
Speck Presidio Show
Speck’s Presidio range comes in a multitude of flavors, including the aforementioned Grip and Clear, as well as the new V-Grip (shown here.- 40), which comes in a few different trim color options.
Speck Presidio Grip
Speck’s popular Grip series cases (40, £20) come to the iPhone XR in a variety of colors. I’m partial to the dark blue.
Gear4 Battersea
We like a lot of Gear4’s cases and who wouldn’t like a case called the Battersea?
It’s lined with the company’s special D3O shock-absorbing material. The case is 45 or £35.
Gear4 Victoria
This Gear4 Victoria Case is a protective translucent case that comes in several variations with different design. Its other clear cases, including the Piccadilly and Crystal Palace, are also very good. (Yes, this is a UK company.)
They all feature a lining of the company’s special D3O shock-absorbing material. The case is 40 or £30.
Spigen Ultra Hybrid
Thanks to decent designs and affordable prices, Korean company Spigen has sold thousands (probably millions) of phone cases on Amazon. Its Ultra Hybrid is its simple clear case, selling for around 12 (£10 or AU20 ).
Spigen Liquid Crystal
Another popular slim case from Spigen, the Liquid Crystal is an inexpensive clear case that costs 13 (£10 or AU18 ). It’s not all that protective but it will appeal to folks who want a “barely there” slim case.
Tech21 cases
We’re longtime fans of cases from Tech21. The company has an assortment of new cases for the iPhone XR, including (from left to right) the Evo Luxe Faux Leather, Evo Luxe Active Edition, Evo Luxe Woven Fabric and Pure Soda. range from 40-55 (£30-£40, AU50-AU60).
Old stalwarts such as the Evo Check are also available for the iPhone XR.
LifeProof Slam
When phones started becoming waterproof, LifeProof lost a little bit of its raison d’etre. After all, one of the main selling points of its cases was that they allowed your phone to take a dip.
Now the company has shifted gears and is focusing instead on making slimmer, more attractive cases that offer good drop protection. Case in point: its Slam case that retails for 50 (£43, AU55) and comes in four different color options, all of which feature a translucent back to show off your iPhone’s rear.
I’m not sure it’s all that different from competing cases out there, including ones from LifeProof’s parent company OtterBox. But I like it.- it’s well-designed.- and at least it costs less than LifeProof’s other cases like the Next, which goes for 80 (see next slide).
LifeProof Next Case
Available in a few different trim colors, the LifeProof Next Case is a bit more protective and has a gasket that seals off the Lightning port. The case is “drop-proof, dirt-proof and snow-proof.” It goes for 80 (£50).
LifeProof’s totally waterproof Fre (90, £70) remains the most protective in the line. They’re good cases, but they should cost less.
Urban Armor Gear cases
Urban Armor Gear is bringing its full line of cases to the iPhone XR, which start at 35 (£25). I personally like the Plasma (shown here in “ice”), which features a translucent design in a few color options, and Pathfinder.
The Plyo is a slimmer case that lists for 40.
The Metropolis is a folio case with a slot for storing credit cards and cash (the Trooper also has a card holder). The extra-tough Monarch Series costs 60.
PureGear Slim Shell
We’ve always liked PureGear’s DualTek cases and their added corner protection, but the company also makes a 30 Slim Shell case for those who want a truly transparent case for their iPhone XR.
Incipio DualPro iPhone XR
The Incipio DualPro is a dual-layer case with a soft-touch finish that comes in multiple color options for around 30.
Rokform Rugged Case
This is Rokform’s Rugged Case, which also starts at 50 and is available in multiple color options. Like the Crystal, it includes a magnetic car mount and magnetic lanyard accessories.
Rokform Crystal
Rokform makes cases with an integrated dual mounting system, with both the RokSafe magnet and RokLock that’s compatible with Rokform’s line of mount accessories for bikes, motorcycles, cars and more. Its Crystal Case has a slimmer design than its Rugged Case and starts at 40. Available in multiple color options, it includes a magnetic car-mount and magnetic lanyard accessories.
Nomad Rugged Case
This is Nomad’s new Horween leather Rugged Case that costs 45 (£34 or AU70 from Amazon ). It’s available in rustic brown or black, and ages well over time, darkening up a bit with a nice patina.
Skech Cache
The Cache has an integrated credit card holder on the back (it holds up to four cards) and comes with both a magnetic vent mount and a mounting plate that you slip into the card holder. The Cache also doubles as a viewing stand (you use a credit card to prop it up). The 45 (roughly £35 and AU60) case comes in black and gold.
Skech Echo
The Echo is Skech’s tough, transparent case that’s designed to withstand falls up to 15 feet (4.6 meters). It comes in clear and black for 40. The Matrix, which is a little slimmer, is also a good clear case.
Nomad Rugged Folio
It also comes in a Rugged Folio version for 60 ( AU90 ), which features three slots inside the cover to store a couple of credit cards and some money. Also available in rustic brown or black.
If you want room for even more credit cards and cash, you could opt for the 80 Nomad Tri-Folio.
Casetify XR cases
Casetify’s line of iPhone XR cases start around 35 and go up to around 50. They’re relatively slim, sleek-looking cases that offer a decent protection and come in a variety of design patterns. They’re worth checking out but they should probably cost a little less.
Catalyst Impact Protection case
Catalyst was once known for its waterproof cases (it still has them). However, it’s shifted to making slim “shockproof cases” with a clear back.
I liked this one.- and it comes with a removable lanyard. I just wish the lanyard could be tightened on your wrist. It’s a available in a few color options for 40 (£40).
iPhone XR Wallet Case- Pink
Our ultra slim wallet case is both stylish and protective featuring a raised rubber edge for front screen protection! This is the perfectly coordinated combination. Whatever your style this iPhone XR case was made to match. An ultra-slim profile, unique design and back panel can be used to store both cash and bank cards, ID cards and much more! The perfect functional everyday case.
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The Best iPhone Cases
This guide has been updated to add our case picks for the iPhone 14 series.
A good case is a wise investment for your iPhone. Even the least expensive iPhone is pricey, and the right case offers protection against scratches, dings, and cracks—and allows you to personalize your phone—often without adding much bulk or changing how you use your device. Whether you’re looking for a case to conveniently attach to various accessories throughout your day or seeking the most protection possible, we’ve tested hundreds of iPhone cases and can recommend the right one to fit your needs.
Best basic case for any iPhone: Smartish Gripmunk
- Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- Smartish Gripmunk for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- Smartish Gripmunk for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- Smartish Gripmunk for iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR
- Smartish Gripmunk for iPhone SE (2nd generation), 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus
The Smartish Gripmunk is a reliable choice for anyone seeking a simple, durable, and protective case generally available for 10 to 15. It has been our favorite case for every iPhone model since the iPhone 7, and although it isn’t particularly flashy, it is dependable. The case is flexible enough to allow for an easy installation, but it won’t stretch out or pull off over time. It also offers finger grooves on the edges that help improve grip, plus excellent shock absorption. Though every accident is different, we’ve dropped iPhones wearing this case dozens of times and never damaged their bodies. You’re unlikely to find a case of this quality at a lower price.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Visually, the Smartish Gripmunk isn’t the most exciting case out there, but Amazon offers a “secret menu” with a handful of patterns you can have printed on the back of the case; another alternative is to upload your own images or text on the Smartish website for more personalization. Note that the Gripmunk doesn’t protect against every impact—no case truly can—but if you want to be extra safe, check out our protective picks for every iPhone model.
Read more about the Smartish Gripmunk in our full guides to the best cases for the iPhone 14 series, the iPhone 13 series, the iPhone 12 series, the iPhone 11 series, the iPhone X series, and the iPhone SE (2nd gen), iPhone 7, and iPhone 8.
Best leather cases: Apple Leather Case and Mujjo Full Leather Case
- Apple Leather Case with MagSafe for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- Apple Leather Case with MagSafe for iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- Apple Leather Case with MagSafe for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- Apple Leather Case for iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- Apple Leather Case for iPhone XS, XS Max
- Apple Leather Case for iPhone SE (2nd generation), 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus
For those who prefer the look and feel of leather, we’ve found Apple’s Leather Case to be notably better than those of any other brand we’ve tested over the years. It’s the thinnest, most attractive leather case available, and it offers as much protection as you could hope for from this style. The iPhone 12, 13, and 14 versions conveniently include MagSafe, and we love the color options for this case across all models. No leather case will last forever, but Apple’s material feels premium and provides a solid grip.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Among Wirecutter staffers, we’ve found that the lifespan of the Apple Leather Case is about one year. Around that time, the underlying plastic starts to show through, and what starts out as handsome weathering becomes ratty and torn up. Leather wears more obviously than plastic, so don’t expect this case to keep its day-one appearance for long. Apple also discloses that if you use MagSafe accessories with it, you will see slight imprints in the case over time.
Apple no longer sells an iPhone X–specific version of the Leather Case. The iPhone XS model fits the iPhone X but with a small gap (of less than a millimeter) underneath the camera “bump.” If that bothers you, this may not be the right case for your 2017 iPhone X, but no other leather case makes fewer trade-offs.
Because Apple doesn’t make a leather case for the iPhone 11, we recommend the Mujjo Full Leather Case; it isn’t quite as good as Apple’s Leather Case, but it is the best you’ll find for this model. The Mujjo case’s design is extremely similar to that of the Apple case, with slightly rough but supple leather on the outside, microfiber on the inside, and an open bottom edge. It also has a matte finish that feels just as nice.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The button covers on the Mujjo Full Leather Case are molded into the leather rather than inserted as metal accents, which makes the buttons feel squishier than we’d like. Still, it’s a great case with a slim and understated look. We used to recommend this case for the iPhone XR, but it’s since been discontinued.
Read more about the Apple Leather Case and the Mujjo Full Leather Case in our full guides to the best cases for the iPhone 14 series, the iPhone 13 series, the iPhone 12 series, the iPhone 11 series, the iPhone X series, and the iPhone SE (2nd gen), iPhone 7, and iPhone 8.
Best wallet case for all iPhones: Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1
- Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone 13, 13 mini,13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR
- Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone SE (2nd generation), 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus
Anyone looking to combine their wallet with their iPhone should consider the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 case. It does a great job of keeping your cards (up to three) protected and in place, and it can also accommodate some cash. The case’s molded plastic design fits well in the hand, and you don’t have to worry about it deforming over time—the Wallet Slayer maintains its shape and thickness no matter how full (or empty) it is.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 is certainly as bulky as you might expect a wallet case to be, but we don’t think it feels overly thick. People with tighter s may want to consider something slimmer; this case is also too thick to work with most Qi wireless chargers and MagSafe chargers.
Read more about the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 in our full guides to the best cases for the iPhone 14 series, the iPhone 13 series, the iPhone 12 series, the iPhone 11 series, the iPhone X series, and the iPhone SE (2nd gen), iPhone 7, and iPhone 8.
Best clear cases for all iPhones: Smartish Gripmunk Nothin’ to Hide and Spigen Liquid Crystal
- Smartish Gripmunk Nothin’ to Hide with MagSafe for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- Smartish Gripmunk Nothin’ to Hide with MagSafe for iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
Apple’s most recent generations of iPhones come in an array of striking body colors such as pale pink, cherry red, and navy blue, but unfortunately, none of those shades are visible from the front. If you don’t want to cover up the bold color on the back of your new phone but still need the protection of a good case, the Nothin’ to Hide is a clear variant of our favorite basic case for the iPhone 13 and 14 series. It’s identical in every way regarding size and design, but it’s made of hard plastic rather than the more rubber-like TPU of the basic Gripmunk.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Over time, every clear case will turn yellow to some degree, and the Nothin’ to Hide is no exception. We’ve seen claims of “anti-yellowing technology” over the years, but we’ve never found a transparent case that hasn’t become a bit grimy over time.
- Spigen Liquid Crystal for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- Spigen Liquid Crystal for iPhone11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- Spigen Liquid Crystal for iPhone XS Max, XR
- Spigen Liquid Crystal for iPhone SE (2nd generation), 8, 7
For iPhones older than the 13 series, the Spigen Liquid Crystal has been our favorite transparent case for years. It’s simple and protective, and it has air s in the corners for drop protection. The inside is lined with small dots to prevent the water-like splotches that can appear when a case sticks to the phone’s glass back, and we like that fingerprints are less evident on the Liquid Crystal than on many other transparent cases.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Just like the Nothin’ to Hide, the Spigen Liquid Crystal will yellow over time. You may not notice the change in color until you compare your case directly with a brand-new one, and we think the Liquid Crystal is inexpensive enough to merit a replacement down the line. We used to recommend the Liquid Crystal for the iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone 7 Plus, but the case has been discontinued for those models.
Read more about the Smartish Gripmunk Nothin’ to Hide and the Spigen Liquid Crystal in our full guides to the best cases for the iPhone 14 series, the iPhone 13 series, the iPhone 12 series, the iPhone 11 series, the iPhone X series, and the iPhone SE (2nd gen), iPhone 7, and iPhone 8.
Protective cases we recommend: Smartish Gripzilla, Speck Presidio Pro, and Speck Presidio Grip
- Smartish Gripzilla with MagSafe for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- Smartish Gripzilla with MagSafe for iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- Smartish Gripzilla for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
If you tend to drop your phone a lot—or if you simply don’t want to take any risks when it comes to damage—the Smartish Gripzilla is the most protective case we recommend for the iPhone 12, 13 and 14. Deep grooves molded into the sides provide better grip for those who are more prone to dropping their devices. Despite its thickness, pressing the buttons remains easy, and the case works with both Qi and MagSafe chargers. Though no case can guarantee a damage-free fall, the air s inside the Gripzilla’s raised corners and its soft rubber interior provide strong shock absorption.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Smartish Gripzilla is bulky but not unreasonably so. It makes the phone about 50% thicker, adding ⅛ inch to the overall size.
We love the Speck Presidio Pro for the iPhone 11 and iPhone X series because it holds up against drops better than most other cases that are bulkier and less attractive, and it’s reasonably priced. The Presidio Pro is built with a hard, matte-plastic exterior and lined with rubber. Shock-absorbent air s on the border help it provide more protection than thinner or more basic cases offer, though we still don’t recommend trying to test its limits on purpose.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Speck Presidio Pro is not the most protective case available, but it’s our favorite because it’s slightly more stylish than bulkier cases from other companies yet it still offers great defense against drops and other damage. If you’re looking for something truly bulletproof, consider a case from OtterBox or Urban Armor Gear. We used to recommend the Speck Presidio Pro for the iPhone XR, but it’s currently unavailable online.
The Speck Presidio Grip is the best protective case for older iPhone models, as well as for the SE. Like the Presidio Pro, it has hard plastic on the outside and rubber on the inside, but the Grip is built with raised ridges on the back to help prevent it from slipping out of your hand. If the unfortunate fall does happen, the Grip should armor your phone to withstand drops of as much as 10 feet—but again, no case is a true guarantee. We like that it comes in a range of color options, and we also appreciated that the phone’s buttons stayed nice and clicky through the case in our tests.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Many customer reviews complain that the Presidio Grip feels cheap compared with Speck’s previous CandyShell line. We disagree that it’s inferior, though it certainly feels different. We also prefer not to recommend protective cases that cost more than 25, but we found that the Presidio Grip was worth its price tag. We used to recommend the Presidio Grip for the iPhone SE, 7, and 8, but it’s since been discontinued.
Read more about the Smartish Gripzilla, the Speck Presidio Pro, and the Speck Presidio Grip in our full guides to the best cases for the iPhone 14 series, the iPhone 13 series, the iPhone 12 series, the iPhone 11 series, the iPhone X series, and the iPhone SE (2nd gen), iPhone 7, and iPhone 8.
Best folio case for the iPhone 11 and iPhone X: Speck Presidio Folio
We have yet to find a folio-case recommendation for the iPhone SE, iPhone 12, or iPhone 13. We will update this guide if we do.
If you like using your phone case in place of a wallet, and if you welcome an extra layer of screen protection, we recommend the Speck Presidio Folio case for the iPhone 11 and iPhone X series. In a category full of bulky options, it’s one of the thinnest folios we’ve ever tested, and it’s well designed from the case down to the folding cover. The Presidio Folio consists of hard plastic covered by waxed fabric, and it offers good button protection while still allowing for volume control even when the lid is closed. (Many other folio cases omit this feature.) The inside of the front cover features a little door that flips up to reveal a plastic card holder, a design that offers significantly more security for your cards compared with many other cases. Although it’s thicker than a basic case, it’s still compatible with Qi wireless charging.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The lid of the Presidio Folio case stays in place better than those of most other folios we tested, but it can still flop around a bit when you’re using your phone. We like the plastic that protects and holds cards, but it does mean you have to take out the entire stack to access the card hidden in the back. We used to recommend the Speck Presidio Folio for the iPhone 11 series, but it’s since been discontinued.
Read more about the Speck Presidio Folio in our full guides to the best cases for the iPhone X series.
