Best iPhone XR cases 2023
Still rocking an iPhone XR? Grabbing a new case can help it feel new again!
Even though Apple has released the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, not everyone needs the latest and greatest. The iPhone XR is still a fantastic device, despite being several years old at this point. Despite its age, if you treat the iPhone XR well, it can still feel new and fresh, especially with iOS 16. And if you keep your iPhone XR protected in a great case, then it should last you a few more years. Here are our top picks for the best iPhone XR cases money can buy right now.
Keep your iPhone XR safe and sound in a great case
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Fashion forward
Velvet Caviar has a huge collection of cute and stylish designs, from bold colors to eye-turning patterns. But these cases don't just look cute — they're also super protective and durable! Velvet Caviar uses some of the highest grade materials to create slim but rugged cases that can withstand any drop that your iPhone may incur. Who said protection had to be ugly?
Grippy and glittery
One of my favorite brands is Speck, and one of my preferred cases is the Presidio Grip. I love these cases because the rubberized stripes on the back really help you keep your phone in your hand, and not on the floor. Plus, the glitter is embedded inside the case, so it is sparkly and doesn't rub off. What's not to like?
Show it off
We hailed all the fabulous available color choices in our review of the iPhone XR. Our favorite case from Mkeke also happens to be one of the best clear cases for iPhone XR. Mkeke's case has a transparent body and colored bumpers that pop. This case is anti-scratch, lightweight, shockproof, and totally see-through so you can show off your iPhone XR's colors in all their glory.
Military-grade strength
There's nothing better than Spigen Tough Armor when you need top-level coverage. A combination build of TPU and polycarbonate gives your XR a ton of protection against nicks and scratches, while its Air Cushion Technology guards against damage from drops. There's even a built-in kickstand. Grab the Spigen Tough Armor case for the iPhone XR in gunmetal, blue, black, or red.
Best all-around defense
The beloved Otterbox Commuter case might be from a company known for chunky cases, but it's actually quite pocket-friendly. The sleek design has a unique two-layer construction with a soft inner liner and hard outer layer to absorb impacts and keep you covered against scratches. The no-slip grippy edges make this case easy to hold while still keeping it slim.
Best color choices
The OTOFLY iPhone XR cases are silky smooth. Made from silicone and rubber, these cases fit your XR perfectly and have precision cutouts for all the ports and buttons. OTOFLY holds its color, never turning yellow over time, and offers excellent drop protection. Best of all, you can snag one of these cases in one of 28 colors.
Best total protection
Most iPhone cases take care of the body of your phone but neglect to cover the screen, leaving you to buy one of the best screen protectors for iPhone XR separately or trust that the glass really is shatterproof. COOLQO offers up this shockproof case and includes two tempered glass screen protectors in the deal. If you walk around with your keys and your phone in the same pocket, toss this in your cart now.
Best drop protection
If you're notoriously tough on your smartphone, the Otterbox Defender is one of the best iPhone XR cases for you. It has sealed port covers to keep dust and debris out, and comes with multi-layer defenses that ensure your phone stays in one piece, even when dropped. The Defender comes with a belt-clip holster that doubles as a kickstand so you can watch videos or follow along with recipes hands-free.
Best slim coverage
Most ultraprotective cases are big, bulky, and awkward to handle. That's not the case with the slim Humixx Shockproof Series. It has a hard anti-drop back and soft TPU edges to keep every corner, port, and button free from harm. The raised lips also keep your camera lens and screen scratch-free. You can get the Humixx in one of seven colors.
Perfectly clear
You took a lot of care to pick out just the right color iPhone XR, so why not show it off. Speck's Gemshell case is perfectly clear, putting the highlight on your gorgeous phone. Of course, it's not all about looks. The GemShell also has a tough outer shell and dual-layer perimeter to shelter your phone from impact and absorb shock. The raised screen bezels keep your glass and camera lens safe, too.
It's so metal
YOUMAKER makes a rock-solid iPhone XR case that covers every port and button, plus your phone's screen. This cool metal-looking case has a touch-sensitive built-in screen protector on the front and a backplate that resists scuffing and scratches. Corner cushions encircle your phone, guarding it against drops, and even the buttons get airtight covers.
Best folio
When you want to keep all of your valuables in one place, you want the Snakehive Vintage Wallet. Made of genuine European nubuck leather and available in seven colors, this wallet-style case has a lot to offer. Inside, you'll get three card slots and a money slip, and on the outside, a magnetic closure and a kickstand. The Snakehive is drop and scratchproof and looks oh-so-fine.
Give your iPhone XR some TLC
And there you have it. These are the best iPhone XR cases out there. The iPhone XR might be outdated at this point, but that doesn't mean you should forgo protection. You can keep your iPhone XR going for a few more years until you're ready to upgrade to the best iPhone, which at the moment is the iPhone 14 Pro. After all, the iPhone XR can still run iOS 16, so you can still experience some fresh new features for the time being.
But with so many great recommendations, which case is the best for you? My personal favorite is Velvet Caviar. You can find colors, patterns, and unique designs that are cute and definitely stand out among the crowd. But despite the cute appearances, Velvet Caviar cases are tough and durable. I've used several different ones over the years and they have all withstood my numerous drops, keeping my iPhones safe from any damage.
Another great one is the Speck Presidio Grip + Glitter. I especially love the Presidio Grip cases because those rubber ridges on the back really do help you hold your iPhone better, preventing it from slipping out and falling to the floor. I'm also a big sucker for all things glitter, so I appreciate the fact that the glitter is embedded inside the case itself, preventing it from rubbing off over time. Oh, and glitter won't get on everything else in your life!
If you're prone to dropping your XR or tend to toss it in a bag and forget about it, we recommend the Spigen Tough Armor. It has military-grade strength and Air Cushion Technology that keeps your phone safe even when dropped. It also has a built-in kickstand so you can go hands-free when needed. And if you want something that is affordable but still lets you show off your iPhone XR color, go with the Mkeke clear iPhone XR case.
And if you prefer a folio, you can't go wrong with the Snakehive Vintage Wallet. It's made of genuine leather, holds your cards and cash, and has a magnetic closure to keep everything safely inside.
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Christine Romero-Chan was formerly a Senior Editor for iMore. She has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade at a variety of websites. She is currently part of the Digital Trends team, and has been using Apple’s smartphone since the original iPhone back in 2007. While her main speciality is the iPhone, she also covers Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac when needed.
When she isn’t writing about Apple, Christine can often be found at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as she is a passholder and obsessed with all things Disney, especially Star Wars. Christine also enjoys coffee, food, photography, mechanical keyboards, and spending as much time with her new daughter as possible.