Durability is a key part of the iPhone 17 story, but you’ll still want one of the best iPhone 17 cases to help you keep your new phone safe from danger. Because while the new Ceramic Shield 2 material Apple uses may be more scratch resistance, there are other dangers that can befall your phone.
And as detailed in our iPhone 17 review, there’s a lot worth protecting on this model, from a brighter screen to an upgraded camera setup. The iPhone 17’s price may not have gone up, but you’re not going to want to see that $799 investment smashed to pieces should you ever accidentally drop your new handset.
To make sure your iPhone 17 keeps looking its best, I found the top cases to fit a variety of needs and budgets. All of my iPhone 17 case picks will help keep your new device safe from daily wear — most also provide excellent protection against drops and falls. I’ve also highlighted features like kickstands and accessory compatibility for those who demand more out of their devices. Here are the best iPhone 17 cases right now.
Best iPhone 17 cases right now
Best case overall
Colors: Black, gunmetal, green
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.1 ounces
+ Military-grade drop protection
+ Low profile
+ MagSafe compatibility
- Basic colors
You can’t go wrong with any Spigen case, but the Thin Fit for iPhone 17 is an excellent choice for most people. It offers military-grade drop protection with a minimalist design, neutral colors, and a low profile as well as MagSafe compatibility for chargers and accessories. The Thin Fit falls around the middle of Spigen’s price range, making it a reasonable investment with a lot of value.
Best budget case
Colors: 12+ options
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane, rubber
Weight: 1.6 ounces
+ 6-foot drop protection
+ MagSafe compatibility
+ Low profile in multiple colors and patterns
- Camera control button with black case only
Smartish’s low-cost Gripmunk case for iPhone 17 offers an enormous amount of value. For around $20, you get a grippy case with raised edges and 6-foot drop protection as well as MagSafe compatibility for chargers and accessories (which Smartish also stocks). You can choose from more than a dozen design options, including solid colors, patterns, and accented clear — though note that only the solid black case comes with a Camera Control button.
Best clear case
Colors: Clear
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: TBA
+ Military-grade drop protection
+ Built-in adjustable kickstand
+ Anti-yellowing clear finish
- Basic design
ESR’s Classic Hybrid Magnetic is a solid (and affordable) choice for those who want to protect their iPhone 17 while allowing the device’s color to shine through. The clear case includes anti-yellowing properties, is MagSafe compatible, and promises 11-foot drop protection. It comes with a kickstand adjustable to multiple angles for propping your device up in landscape and portrait modes.
Apple’s best case
Colors: Yellow, blue, purple, green, black
Materials: Silicone, microfiber
Weight: TBA
+ Seamless fit
+ Camera Control button
+ MagSafe and accessory compatibility
- Not as durable as other options
If you want a guaranteed snug fit, consider Apple’s classic Silicone design, which also works seamlessly with Camera Control. Apple uses 45% recycled material on this case, which is compatible with MagSafe and works with Apple’s new crossbody strap. You can choose from five colors to complement your iPhone 17. While it will protect your device from minor wear and tear, the case itself isn’t as durable as our other picks, nor does it offer the best drop protection of the cases we’ve seen.
Best design options
Colors: 40 designs
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: TBA
+ 4-foot drop protection
+ Plenty of patterns and colors to choose from
+ MagSafe compatibility
- Pricey
Casetify’s Compact case for iPhone 17 will make a statement, thanks to 40 creative patterns, which range from a black kingsnake to lipstick kisses. (The option pictured here, Clouds, also has a somewhat clear back, so your iPhone 17 can make an appearance.) The case offers 4 feet of drop protection, along with a raised bezel and camera ring to keep your device from cracking. It is also MagSafe and compatible and has side sockets for adding charms. However, it is one of the more expensive iPhone 17 case options.
Best leather case
Colors: Tan, blue, black
Materials: Polycarbonate, leather
Weight: 1.2 ounces
+ Smart leather finish
+ MagSafe compatibility
+ Made with recycled materials
- Not as durable as other cases
If you want an elevated look for your iPhone 17, consider the Mujjo Full Leather case. Choose from three neutral colors for your smooth leather finish, which will patina over time with proper care. The case is also MagSafe compatible for chargers and accessories, such as a wallet stand (also by Mujjo). Of course, leather isn’t as durable against the elements — and Mujjo doesn’t provide any specific drop protection specs for its case.
Sleekest design
Colors: 10 options
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, aramid fibre
Weight: 1.62 ounces
+ Sleek, durable aramid fibre finish
+ MagSafe compatibility
+ Drop and shock protection
- Pricey
The Mous Limitless for iPhone 17 is a sleek and protective case at a premium price. Mous promises “extreme” drop protection with reinforcement around the camera, but it also manages to keep its case slim and low profile. The aramid fibre finish pictured above is especially durable, but you have other options like bamboo and fabric. The case is also MagSafe compatible for charging and works with a range of Mous accessories.
Color: Black, green, purple, blue, orange
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic elastomer
Weight: 2.24 ounces
+ 7X military-grade drop protection
+ Port covers and strap anchors
+ Holster with kickstand function
- Slightly bulkier than other cases
- Pricey
The Otterbox Defender is consistently among our top contenders for a rugged case that protects your device against even the most extreme elements and activities. For the iPhone 17, this means drop protection in the event of major falls, port covers to keep out dust and debris, textured grip, and anchors for carrying straps. You can also get a holster, which doubles as a kickstand, with your purchase. The Defender is the bulkiest case on our list as well as the priciest.
What to look for in the best iPhone 17 cases
Each of Apple’s latest iPhones has slightly different specs — even the iPhone 17 Pro is slightly taller, wider and thicker than the iPhone 17 despite those two models featuring the same size screens. Speaking of iPhone 17 screen size, it’s now 6.3 inches, so the best iPhone 16 cases won’t work for your new phone either, as that model has a 6.1-inch panel.
In other words, make sure you’re buying a case that’s specifically designed for the iPhone 17.
We also recommend weighing the following factors:
- Protection: At the very least, your iPhone 17 case needs to protect your device from daily wear, including dings and scratches — but if your device often slips from your hand, you may want to invest in a model that has gone through drop testing and provides military-grade protection (or at least 4 feet of height).
- Durability: In addition to protection for your device, you’ll want to consider how well the case itself will hold up against the elements. Hard-shell plastic cases are likely to be more durable and last longer, while those made of leather or silicone tend to wear down over time.
- Features: Depending on how you use your phone, you may want a case with multiple design options or additional features like kickstands, wallet slots, or accessory compatibility.
- Cost: Our favorite iPhone 17 cases range in cost from $20 to $80. You don’t need to spend a lot to get solid protection, but doing so may get you premium materials and extra features.
How we pick the best iPhone 17 cases
Our recommendations for the best iPhone 17 cases come from reputable brands known for making high-quality products. Through a head-to-head comparison, we narrow down which cases can stand up to wear and tear while also meeting a variety of user needs and preferences at a range of price points. If possible, we go hands-on with cases.
