Best cases for the iPhone XS Max 2023
Get a case on that big, beautiful iPhone.
You're still going strong with your iPhone XS Max, and you'd like to hang on to it for a while longer. The best way to do that is by keeping it in a good case until you're ready for an upgrade. The iPhone XS Max is a big, beautiful phone. Grab one of these cases for your iPhone XS Max and keep it looking great.
The best cases for your iPhone XS Max
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Just the basics
If you're not looking to spend a ton of money or carry a big, bulky case, this slim clear case from JETech does the job. The hard PC (polycarbonate) back and flexible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) bumper with a raised lip on the front and back combine to provide drop protection with minimal bulk.
Get a grip
I'll admit I thought that PopSockets were a bit silly at first, until I actually started using one. In my OtterBox Otter + Pop Symmetry case review, l likened this case to an OtterBox/PopSocket baby. Get the best of both: OtterBox protection and PopSocket functionality in one fantastic case that comes in lots of colors and patterns.
Fun and protective
Case-Mate offers lots of protective case styles in fun colors and patterns; we've reviewed several different styles and really like them. This iridescent color is adorable, and the case itself is tough, with 10-foot drop protection. The colors are translucent, so you'll still get a hint of your iPhone's color through the case.
The tough choice
Urban Armor Gear, or UAG, offers superior drop protection with this case, which is armor for your phone. It meets military drop-test standards. Despite its toughness, this masculine-looking case is surprisingly lightweight, as we noted in our UAG Plasma case review.
Simple elegance
For some people, there is no case but an Apple case. This sumptuous leather case is designed to hug your iPhone's every curve. New colors are released regularly to keep the classic design from getting stale. The embossed Apple logo on the back is just the thing for every fanboy or fangirl.
A limitless case
Mous is famous for creating the toughest cases in beautiful, unique designs. As you can tell from our Mous Limitless 2.0 case review, we were impressed. The case is drop-tested to over 30 feet, and the walnut backing is an attractive touch.
Protective and fun
Who says protection can't be cute? Velvet Caviar cases offer 8-foot drop protection and trendy designs, as pointed out in our review. Choose from so many different colorful designs, you'll have trouble picking just one.
Wallet slayer
Smartish's Wallet Case (formerly knows as Silk) holds up to three credit cards and a bit of cash. There is a clever slot on one side; pop a credit card in there, and it acts as a kickstand for your iPhone so you can watch videos. It's lightweight, and it comes with a screen protector, as explained in our review.
Budget leather
Looking for a genuine leather case that won't break the bank? Check out Case-Mate's Barely There. As the name implies, it's quite thin at just 2mm thick. It's also lined with microfiber to cradle your iPhone. This case reminds me of Apple's — it even has metallic buttons. We were quite impressed when we reviewed this case.
Slim and mighty
Looking for a trusted brand with tough protection. Otterbox has an excellent phone case that is all in one slim package. It is also available in more than one color, so you don't have to sacrifice color for your protection.
Blingy protection
If pink and glittery is your style, but you want full front and back protection, check out this gem from i-Blason. It's a two-piece case with a built-in screen protector. The back has a TPU bumper and a hard PC back panel. If the pink glitter is just a bit much, this case also comes in a more sedate marble pattern.
The whole package
Sure, this is just a simple, clear case, but I've seen the Sonix brand cases at a certain high-end department store for a lot more than the current price at Amazon, and it comes with a bubble-free tempered glass screen protector. The case is military drop-test certified and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Find the perfect case for your iPhone XS Max
The JETech case is a great pick if you just want a basic case with no bells and whistles. It protects your iPhone XS Max from everyday drops and bumps without adding a lot of bulk. Wireless charging works just fine through this case. A raised lip around the screen keeps the screen off the table when you set the phone facedown; a raised lip around the back of the case keeps the camera module from contacting the table when you place it face up. The case is clear so you can clearly see the color you chose through the case, though there are some colorful bumper options if you'd like just a splash of color.
My personal favorite is the OtterBox Otter + Pop Symmetry Series case. OtterBox is known for serious protection, and the Symmetry Series takes a slimmer approach without sacrificing protectiveness. If you've never used a PopSocket before, you'll get hooked quickly. Not only does it give you a better grip on your iPhone, but it balances the weight of the phone rather than having it all rest on your pinky finger. Plus, it acts as a kickstand when you're watching videos on your iPhone. I find myself using the PopSocket as a fidget as well, opening and closing it repeatedly.
Whichever case you choose, you probably want to pick up a good screen protector for your iPhone XS Max as well. Thus protected, your iPhone XS Max should get you through until you're ready to upgrade to the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, or whichever iPhone you buy next.
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Karen is a contributor to iMore.com as a writer and co-host of the iMore Show. She’s been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at an Apple Store as a product specialist. She's also a contributor at CNET. Before joining iMore in 2018, Karen wrote for Macworld, AppAdvice, WatchAware. She’s an early adopter who used to wait in long lines on release days before pre-ordering made things much easier. Karen is also a part-time teacher and occasional movie extra. She loves to spend time with her family, travel the world, and is always looking for portable tech and accessories so she can work from anywhere.