Best Cases for the iPhone XS Max in 2020
You've picked out the iPhone XS Max, which is still a great phone (despite being previous-gen) with a big beautiful screen that you will no doubt want to protect. However, before you unbox that beauty, you'll want to make sure you have a case in hand. Here, we've rounded up the best of the cases available for this big beauty of a phone.
The bare minimum
This is the minimalist protection option for people that don't want to add any noticeable bulk to their phones. These cases are just 0.03 inches thick so they won't protect your phone from a severe fall. If you're looking for scratch protection more than drop protection, Torras is an excellent option.
Fun and protective
Case-Mate offers lots of protective case styles in fun colours and patterns. This iridescent colour is adorable, and the case itself is tough, with 10-foot drop protection. The cases come in unique translucent colours with a glowing edge effect.
A simple sleeve
Perhaps you don't want a proper case, but just a soft protective sleeve in which to store your iPhone when not in use. This CushCase case is constructed from premium soft Italian leather, and an ultra-soft suede lining and the phone slides in smoothly with a snug for all-round protection.
The tough choice
Urban Armor Gear, or UAG, offers superior drop protection with this case, which is armour for your phone. It meets military drop-test standards. Despite its toughness, this masculine-looking case is surprisingly lightweight.
Trusted protection
Otterbox has become synonymous with protection. Their new Traction series shows off your new iPhone while protecting it with a clear back and touch of colour around the edges. You can't go wrong with an Otterbox case on your iPhone XS Max.
Wallet slayer
Silk's Wallet Case holds up to three credit cards and a bit of cash. There is an ingenious slot on one side; prop 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 film.
One of a kind case
iATO's wood case is not wood veneer, nor is it wood glued onto plastic. It's a real wood case, crafted from real Rosewood. The iATO Case is smooth, gorgeous, lightweight yet strong enough to protect your phone. Choose from 3 different kinds of wood, and you can have it monogrammed or engraved with your logo.
Shock-absorbent
This case is a little different style-wise with a clear back and options of a coloured border. It allows you to show off the beauty of your phone while still protecting that investment. This case is sturdy and has shock-absorbent corners so that you won't be so nervous every time your phone slips from your finger-tips...or table...or countertop.
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 colours 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.
Comfort Grip
Looking for a genuine gel rubber case that won't disappoint? Check out Gorain Case. It's quite thin and protrudes 2mm higher than the screen and camera to offer more protection. It's also lined with microfiber to cradle your iPhone. It comes in black, red, spearmint and sand pink.
Slim and mighty
Are you looking for a trusted brand with robust protection? Otterbox has an excellent phone case that is all in one slim package. It is also available in more than one colour, so you don't have to sacrifice colour for your protection.
Clearly a good pick
If you need an inexpensive clear case, MoKo does the job. The reinforced corners protect the most vulnerable part of the phone. A TPU bumper around the edges and a scratch-resistant hard PC back lets your iPhone XS Max's beauty shine through.
Built-in kickstand
ESR offers a functional case with a bonus. A built-in metal kickstand is a handy way to get your phone more secure on horizontal and vertical modes and to watch videos. The case has some lip to protect your screen and camera. Also, there's no need to remove the case as it supports wireless charging.
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 case, but it gives you all-round phone protection against falls from about two metres. Available in four fun colours, it comes with a tempered glass screen protector for added protection. The case spots precise button cutouts, and all you need is a wet cloth to wipe the case clean.
Find the perfect case for your iPhone XS Max
You don't want that gorgeous and expensive new phone to go unprotected, even for a minute. Pick up one of these cases and keep that iPhone XS Max pristine with options like the Torras Thin Case. It's both protective and minimal, adding little to no bulk to your iPhone XS Max which is terrific considering it's already the biggest iPhone yet.
If you wanted something even more rugged, the tried and true OtterBox SYMMETRY SERIES is designed to keep your iPhone protected and secure. The cases come in a variety of designs, colours, patterns. Plus, the Symmetry Series offers heavy-duty protection without the bulk of the Defender Series, and it is relatively easy to care for and maintain. And if you change cases often, then it's pretty easy to remove too.
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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 TechRadar and Tom's Guide. Before joining iMore in 2018, Karen wrote for Macworld, CNET, AppAdvice, and 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.