Best protective phone case brands to keep your device safe

Phones are expensive and worth protecting. Here are our top picks for the best protective case brands.
Best overall
OtterBox
  • pro
    Wide range
  • pro
    Up to 7 years warranty
Runner up
UAG
  • pro
    Wide range
  • pro
    More affordable
Best budget
SUPCASE
  • pro
    Affordable
  • pro
    Excellent protection
Best design
LifeProof
  • pro
    Subtle design
  • pro
    Great protection

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You might think that those ultra-tough protective phone cases are just for tradies, but think again. With most new flagship phones now retailing for well over $1,000, investing in a high-quality protective phone case is in all of our best interests.

Whether you're after the most rugged phone case you can find or something a little more subtle to protect your device, we've rounded up five of the best protective phone case brands for keeping your pricey gadget safe.



Compare the best protective phone cases

Brand
Best for
Price range*
Compatible phone brands
Warranty
Learn more
Best overalliPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google PixelUp to 7 years
Runner upiPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and moreLifetime (limited)
Best budgetiPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and more1 year
Best designiPhone, Samsung Galaxy1 year

*Price range based on iPhone 14.
Prices are accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

1. OtterBox: Best protective phone case brand overall

Best overall
OtterBox
$39.95 to $129.95
Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The fact that it's the most recognisable name on the list isn't a coincidence—OtterBox has been protecting devices for over 20 years and its waterproof and drop-proof designs have become a favourite among tradies and adventurers.

We love that OtterBox caters to so many phone brands and models. In addition to every iPhone model, they offer cases for a huge range of Samsung and Google Pixel devices, not to mention a handful of iPads and Samsung tablets.

As you might expect, that reputation and years of experience do come at a higher cost, with OtterBox phone cases coming with bigger price tags than the competition.

pro
Pros
pro Wide range of compatible devices
pro Up to 7 years warranty
pro Excellent reputation
con
Cons
con Expensive

Still, we think the Commuter Series (our pick for most people) and Defender Series (the chunkiest case that offers the most protection) are some of the best protective phone cases on the market.

It's also worth noting that OtterBox phone cases come with a seven-year warranty, so they're designed to last.

2. UAG: Runner up

Runner up
UAG
$29.95 to $89.95
Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you like the protective factor of OtterBox cases but not necessarily the high price tag, Urban Armor Gear (UAG) is your next best bet.

The military-inspired look of UAG cases may not be for everyone, but they certainly bring the protection factor. Its flagship case series, Monarch, boasts five layers of impact-resistant materials, with some even using Kevlar (yep, the same material used in bulletproof vests) and carbon fibre. We also like that UAG makes protective cases for a wide range of devices, included iPhone and iPad, Samsung Galaxy and Samsung tablets, Google Pixel, Microsoft Surface, MacBooks and more.

pro
Pros
pro Massive range of compatible devices
pro Cheaper than OtterBox
pro Fantastic protections
con
Cons
con Design won't suit everyone's tastes
con Confusing warranty

Though they're still not what we'd call "cheap", UAG cases are certainly a little more affordable than OtterBox. They also come with a limited lifetime warranty, which is better than a lot of the competition, but after hours of research we're still a bit unsure about what the terms of that warranty actually are.

3. SUPCASE: Best budget protective phone case brand

Best budget
SUPCASE
$29.99 to $55.99
Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

It's not the most well-known brand on our list, but SUPCASE has been making waves with its budget-friendly yet ultra-protective Unicorn Beetle Pro series.

Starting at just $29.99, these heavy duty cases boast impressive drop protection (they exceed the same military shock specification as OtterBox) along with a bunch of other handy features, including a built-in kickstand, belt clip holster, and a built-in screen protector that doesn't compromise touch sensitivity.

The downside is that SUPCASE only offers a one-year warranty, but considering how affordable its cases are, replacing a broken one isn't going to drain your bank account.

pro
Pros
pro Affordable
pro Excellent protection
pro Wide range of compatible devices
con
Cons
con Cheaper models don't support wireless charging
con Bulky looking

4. LifeProof: Best design

Best design
LifeProof
$59.95 to $129.95
Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

On the surface, it might seem like there isn't a whole lot of difference between LifeProof and its parent company (and our top pick) OtterBox. However, there are a few key points of distinction.

The easiest way to tell them apart is by their appearance—OtterBox cases are a bit more rugged-looking and provide better drop protection, while LifeProof cases offer more understated and stylish designs. Simply put, they look more like "normal" phone cases, despite offering the kind of excellent protection you'd expect from an OtterBox.

Another difference is the warranty. OtterBox offers a seven-year warranty, while LifeProof only offers one year. Additionally, LifeProof cases are compatible with far fewer devices.

pro
Pros
pro Subtle design
pro Excellent protection
pro Some cases use recycled plastics
con
Cons
con Expensive
con Only one year warranty
con Limited range of compatible devices

LifeProof cases are priced very similarly to its OtterBox counterparts, with prices ranging from around $60 to $130. Since they're roughly the same prices, it's up to you what's more important—if it's protection, go with an OtterBox; if it's aesthetics, opt for a LifeProof case.

Final word

Any phone case is going to be better than no phone case, but if you're looking for a little more protection than what your standard case can give you, an OtterBox, UAG or SUPCASE might just be for you. A little more style-minded? Opt for a LifeProof case instead.


Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links.
Georgia Dixon
Written by
Georgia Dixon
Georgia Dixon has 10 years of experience writing about all things tech, entertainment and lifestyle, with bylines on Reviews.org, 7NEWS, Stuff.co.nz and in TechLife magazine. In her spare time, you'll find her playing games and daydreaming about good food, wine, and dogs.

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