iPhone XSSource: iMore

Best iPhone XS Cases iMore 2021

Who doesn't love getting a brand new gorgeous case for their iPhone, especially when it's a brand new iPhone XS? Even though it's yesterday's news, the iPhone XS is still a great phone to have and gets the job done. A new case makes a phone seem even more special and new. When it comes to getting the best iPhone XS cases, the Catalyst Waterproof Case is our go-to choice.

Best Overall: Catalyst Waterproof Case

Catalyst Waterproof CaseSource: Catalyst

The Catalyst Waterproof case is solidly built without being uncomfortable to hold. It features two clear hardshell panels on the front and back, with the rear plate removable to allow you to insert your iPhone. The silicone band around the side of the case has a rubbery feel without sacrificing rigidity, allowing the case to feel comfortable in your hand without feeling flimsy.

Pros:

  • IP68 rating
  • Mute switch
  • Included screen protector

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Stiff Wake/Sleep button

Best Overall

Catalyst Waterproof iPhone X Case

The ultimate protection

This waterproof case keeps your iPhone safe without adding heft to your phone or interfering with regular phone operation.

Best Thin Case: Totallee Thin iPhone Case

Totallee Thin Case iPhone XSSource: Totallee

You don't want a case covering up your gorgeous phone, but you know you need a little something. Enter Totallee with its ultra-thin cases. You aren't going to get much drop protection with a case that's about as thick as my fingernail (0.02 inches, to be precise), but it will at least ward off scratches.

Pros:

  • Extremely thin
  • No branding
  • Camera lip

Cons:

  • No drop protection

Best Thin Case

Totallee Thin iPhone Case

As thin as can be

The Totallee Thin iPhone Case is great for the absolute minimalist. No branding and no bulk to be seen!

Best Battery Case: Lonlif Battery Case

Lonlif iPhone XS Battery CaseSource: Lonlif

The 4000mAh Li-polymer rechargeable Lonlif Battery Case basically doubles your iPhone's battery life. The case is ruggedly designed to help prevent damage from impacts (like dropping your iPhone), and you can charge the case and the phone simultaneously. The small LED lights on the back of the case indicate the current battery power left in the battery case, so you'll always know when it's time to charge it up.

Pros:

  • Extra battery life
  • Rugged design
  • Charge phone and battery case together

Cons:

  • Wireless charging not supported

Best Battery Case

Lonlif Battery Case

Extra juice when you need it

Fantastic protection and enough extra battery power to ensure you get through even the busiest of days.

Best Clear Case: Spigen Ultra Hybrid

Spigen Ultra Hybrid iPhone XS CaseSource: iMore

If you want crystal clear protection without breaking the bank, Spigen's Ultra Hybrid in Crystal Clear is the best option. The rigid back and a flexible bumper's hybrid design means it's easy to get on and off, and the Air Cushion technology means any impact is absorbed. Your iPhone XS remains safe, snug, and you can show it off without sacrificing a thing. You can get the case in a completely clear option or have a colored bumper like the image up above. Plus, it's incredibly affordable.

Pros:

  • Clear
  • Military drop tested
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • A little bulky

Best Clear Case

Spigen Ultra Hybrid

Clear as day

The dual-layer design of the Spigen Ultra Hybrid shows off the beauty of your phone without having to sacrifice protection.

Best Photography Case: RhinoShield Mod case

Rhinoshield Add On Lens with iPhone XS CaseSource: iMore

The RhinoShield Mod case gets its name because it has a modular design. It lets you change the way it looks and functions by swapping in-and-out different parts. With varying designs of backplates to choose from, different colored bumpers, and even different colored button covers, you can have your iPhone looking exactly how you want.

You can get multiple lenses that screw into the case with ease allowing you to transform the iPhone Xs camera into a Macro shooter or a wide-angle lens. Plus, the case is made from RhinoShield's Shockspread material that is drop tested to 11 feet.

Pros:

  • Modular design
  • Drop tested
  • Extremely customizable

Cons:

  • Difficult to get on and off
  • Lenses sold separately

Best Photography Case

RhinoShield Modular Case

Step up your photography game

Customizable in many ways, the RhinoShield Modular Case will up your photography game and protect your phone.

Best Heavy-Duty Case: UAG Plasma

UAG PlasmaSource: iMore

Urban Armor Gear, or UAG, has legions of devoted fans for a good reason. The UAG Plasma is feather-light, yet it offers rugged protection your iPhone. I half-expected it to unfold into a robot; its looks are very masculine and machine-like.

Pros:

  • Military drop tested
  • Not overly bulky
  • Translucent back
  • Good grip

Cons:

  • Very particular style

Best Heavy-Duty Case

UAG Plasma

Dropproof

UAG Plasma iPhone Case protects your phone without weighing it down.

Best Wallet Folio: Snakehive iPhone Wallet Case

Snakehive iPhone Wallet CaseSource: iMore

The Snakehive iPhone Wallet Case hits the sweet spot between quality and price. Constructed from full-grain nubuck leather and a TPU inner case, your phone is held securely in place along with up to three cards and some cash. A magnetic tab closure adds extra security. The folio cover can also be folded back into a kickstand, perfect for watching videos. Choose from lots of fun colors.

Pros:

  • Soft, full-grain nubuck leather
  • Holds up to three cards plus cash
  • Kickstand for video viewing
  • Professional-looking

Cons:

  • Closure clasp awkward when open

Best Wallet Folio

Snakehive iPhone Wallet Case

Ideal folio

Snakehive combines quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, sharp aesthetics, and function with this folio wallet case.

Best Minimalist Leather Case: Case-Mate Barely There

Case-Mate Barely ThereSource: iMore

If you love leather, but you don't love bulk, the Case-Mate Barely There is the case for you. It's an ultra-thin, minimalist case crafted from genuine leather. The interior is microfiber, and you have several color options from which to choose. While this case will protect your phone from scratches (and look darn good doing it), it's not meant to protect from severe drops.

Pros:

  • Ultra-light
  • Genuine leather
  • Microfiber interior

Cons:

  • Not protective enough for big drops

Best Minimalist Leather Case

Case-Mate Barely There

Barely ... there

Case-Mate Barely There Leather iPhone Case is a lightly protective genuine leather case, with an emphasis on the "lightly."

Best Bargain Wallet Case: Silk Wallet Slayer Vol.1

Silk Wallet Slayer Vol.1Source: iMore

Looking for a wallet case, but you don't want to spend a lot? The Silk Wallet Slayer Vol.1 is here for you. It can hold up to three cards in its back pocket plus some cash. Unlike many wallet cases, wireless charging will still work through the case, even with cards in the slot. Not only is it well-priced to begin with, but that price includes a plastic screen protector film. Choose from lots of fun colors and patterns.

Pros:

  • Holds up to three cards plus cash
  • Lots of colors and patterns
  • Screen protector included
  • Wireless charging still works

Cons:

  • Looks odd without cards in the slot

Best Bargain Wallet Case

Silk Wallet Slayer Vol.1

Convenient

Carry your essential cards and protect your iPhone in this slim, well-priced case, and you can leave your wallet at home.

Trendiest: GVIEWIN iPhone Case

GVIEWIN iPhone CaseSource: iMore

Marble patterns are trending right now, and the GVIEWIN iPhone Case comes in several hot colors. This is an ultra-slim, minimal case, not intended for significant drops. But if you want to add a little protection and a lot of style, look no further. Even though it is such a slim case, there is still a slight lip around the iPhone's bezel and the camera. It comes with a glass screen protector, lanyard, and keychain.

Pros:

  • Trendy marble pattern
  • Glass screen protector, lanyard, and keychain included
  • Ultra-slim case
  • Well-priced

Cons:

  • Not as protective as a thicker case

Trendiest

GVIEWIN iPhone Case

Striking

GVIEWIN iPhone Case is an absolute bare minimum case with appealing patterns and charming touches.

Bottom line

The best iPhone XS cases should not only protect your iPhone but should complement how you use your phone. That way, you get the most enjoyment out of it as you can, and I can't imagine any better case than the Catalyst Waterproof Case.

Despite its focus on protection, the Catalyst case doesn't interfere with regular phone operations to any significant degree. I'm getting the same results out of my iPhone's camera both in and out of the case, for instance. And the Catalyst case adds barely any weight to your phone, and only a little noticeable thickness and width.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Luke Filipowicz He has multiple cases for his iPhone so he can switch the look day to day — yeah, he's that guy.

Karen Freeman is a teacher, writer, social media person, and family woman. She loves to travel, play with tech stuff, drink coffee, discover amazing new restaurants, and experience new things. She definitely has even more cases to go with more outfits than Luke does.

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