Best iPhone XR Cases in 2020

Best iPhone XR Cases iMore 2020

• Best Overall: Speck GemShell
• Thinnest: Totallee Thin Case
• Best Texture: Case-Mate Carbon Fibre
• Best Medium Weight Protection: Lifeproof SLAM
• Best Lightweight Protection: UAG Pathfinder Series
• Most Elegant Folio: Nodus Access Case III
• Best Value Wallet Case: Silk Wallet Case
• Coolest: Mous Limitless 2.0
• Best Value Wallet Folio: Snakehive Leather Wallet Case
• Best Value: Spigen Neo Hybrid
• Best Trendy Case: Sonix Case
• Best Protection: Otterbox Defender

Best Overall: Speck GemShell

Speck is a popular brand for a good reason. It makes protective cases in a variety of style, and this dual-layer case meets military drop-test standards. It's see-through to show off your new iPhone. Rubber might not be what you think of when you consider a new phone case, which is a shame because it can be a super reliable way to protect your phone from the elements, moisture, drops, and plenty more.

The Speck GemShell case is a rubber case that tries to be everything you could need from a case without making your phone harder to use in the process. Rubber enclosures will cover the buttons on the side of your phone, but because they're articulated, you'll still be able to use them without any issues. Likewise, the entire case is made to not only protect your phone when you accidentally drop it, but to absorb shock as well. Unlike some other cases, there is also a raised bezel to protect your screen. This means that even if you drop your phone face down, it isn't going to shatter the screen.

Along with all of the serious protection you get from a Speck GemShell case, it's still capable of being charged wirelessly. So you never need to remove your case when it's time to power back up, letting you keep it protected at all times. Altogether, this makes the GemShell case the absolute best choice when it comes to protecting your shiny new iPhone XR.

Thinnest: Totallee Thin Case

Totallee's cases are just about as thin as a case can be and still be a case. They're meant to give you a fraction of protection without bulking up your phone or getting in your way. At only .02 inches to get any thinner, you'd need to put a decal on your phone. Totallee offers up a pretty significant variety of cases as well with eight different colour options running the gamut from completely clear to jet black.

All of the cases are the same super-thin construction. However, some differences are depending on the colour option you choose. Some of them offer up an extra grippy case to ensure it doesn't slip out of your hand at an inopportune time, while others have raised protection around your camera lens.

Best Texture: Case-Mate Carbon Fibre

Case-Mate offers a huge variety of cases that can fit every level of protection and tastes, but it's their Carbon Fibre option that will turn your head. This case delivers tons of protection along with a grippy case that's easy to hold onto.

The Carbon Fibre case from Case-Mate offers up more than a grippy carbon fibre case. It's got two pieces to fit onto your phone to get started. Once you've installed your new case, you can look forward to five layers of protection that will ensure that your phone is as safe as can be. That includes drop protection because this case is rated for up to 3.6-metre drops without damaging anything.

Best Medium Weight Protection: Lifeproof SLAM

Lifeproof dubs the SLAM case as one that is "dedicated to the drop." This case isn't nearly as bulky as some other options but still manages to keep your phone protected when it inevitably gets dropped. The construction gives you two tiers of protection so that drops don't have to be terrifying as you check your phone to ensure it hasn't been irreparably damaged.

The cases themselves are mostly clear and designed to complement the fabulous new iPhone XR colours. However, they do have a thin strip of colour to differentiate the case from your actual phone. The Lifeproof SLAM also doesn't cover any of your ports or buttons, ensuring that usability doesn't suffer for protection.

Best Lightweight Protection: UAG Pathfinder Series

The UAG Pathfinder series of cases deliver a case that looks like it can withstand just about anything that life throws at you and your phone. It features an ultra-light composite shell that protects your phone without weighing it down and includes a soft impact resistant core.

It isn't all about looks either. The UAG Pathfinder is Apple Pay and wireless charging compatible, which means you'll never need to rip your case off at an inopportune time. While this case does cover your buttons, they're still usable, and a rubber lip also protects your screen during falls. Best of all, this case is rated for severe falls making it all-around protection you can trust.

Most Elegant Folio: Nodus Access Case III

For some folks having a case that makes a statement helps to differentiate you from other people. The Nodus Access Case III is a perfect example. This full-grain vegetable-tanned Italian leather folio case holds up to three cards, so you might be able to avoid carrying a wallet. Unlike most folio cases that have an inner shell, this one holds your phone with a micro-suction strip. This means you're able to make a statement, add a bit of style and protect your phone without needing to strap on a bulky case.

This case is available in nine different colours, including brown, grey and black. No matter which colour is up your alley, they all come with a 2-year warranty. You'll also be able to keep this case on your phone since it is compatible with Qi wireless charging.

Best Value Wallet Case: Silk Wallet Case

In your busy life carrying around more than you need to is a serious hassle. When you have a phone, wallet, keys, and other odds and ends, it can be easy to forget things in places. The Silk Wallet Case aims to make that a little easier by giving you a phone case that can hold your cards and cash.

This wallet case holds up to three cards plus some cash. A smartly designed groove on one side lets you pop in a card to use as a kickstand when you want to watch a video. It comes in black or pink and will protect both your phone and your cards all at the same time.

Coolest: Mous Limitless 2.0

Not all phone cases are created equal, but it seems like many of them share a certain aesthetic. If you want to stand out from the crowd, the Mous Limitless 2.0 might be just the ticket. These cases are made from natural materials like bamboo or walnut that give them a unique look.

Mous cases are crafted from a high impact material, AiroShock™, which "contains tiny air pockets and cross-linking polymer chains that work like springs." They also include screen protectors and are compatible with wireless charging.

Best Value Wallet Folio: Snakehive Leather Wallet Case

Having a gorgeous leather case for your phone doesn't need to be an expensive accessory. The Snakehive Leather Wallet Case delivers a great leather folio that won't break the bank. Hand-crafted from European nubuck leather, the Snakehive Leather Wallet case has a nice velvety feel to it. It holds up to three cards plus cash and the folio portion can be used to prop up the phone for video watching.

You're able to choose from eleven different colour options, including black, brown, plum, and even moss green. Since the cases are made from real leather, they'll gain a patina as they age, making them an excellent investment. There is also a case stand so you can set your phone on its side to watch videos.

Best Value: Spigen Neo Hybrid

Spigen is a longtime favourite brand; its mix of price and quality can't be beaten. You can't go wrong with any of its cases, but the Neo Hybrid has an unusual and masculine look. The case has a slim profile, and it's also lightweight, so your phone will be protected without feeling heavy or bulky. It uses a combination shock-absorbing TPU case and polycarbonate bumper to ensure your phone doesn't take damage when it's dropped.

The Spigen Neo Hybrid is available in four colours: jet black, gunmetal, red, and satin silver. Instead of covering your buttons and ports, there are cutouts to ensure that you never have issues pressing buttons. It's even reinforced at the cutouts to provide a snug fit over the frame of your phone.

Best Trendy Case: Sonix Case

The Sonix brand cases are sold at high-end department stores, usually for a lot more money. It comes in tons of fun, pretty colours, and patterns on clear cases that allow the iPhone XR to shine through. While technically there are 13 different design options available you'll need to double-check since not all of them are available for your iPhone XR.

These cases are also more than cute. Each one can take a 2.2-metre drop without damaging your phone, which makes them charming and capable. They include shock absorbent rubber sides, a bevelled camera lens cutout, and even anti-scratch UV coating. Sonix cases enclose your buttons but still make them easy press to keep your phone protected and usable.

Best Protection: *Otterbox Defender *

When it comes to heavy-duty protection, there is only one option that should come to mind: Otterbox. These cases are large and built with only one thing in mind, keeping your phone safe and secure, no matter what you're getting into. The Otterbox Defender has a solid inner shell with a soft outer cover.

This particular model doesn't come with a built-in screen protector, but it still offers tons of protection. What it does include is a belt holster that doubles as a kickstand for video viewing. It's also got a super grippy feel which makes it easier to hold onto, even when your hands are slippery.

Best Ombré Case: X-Doria Defense Air Series

Making a statement with your phone case is fun, but many cases share the same look or feel. The X-Doria Defense Air Series lets you rock an Ombré look that will be sure to set you apart. It's built with a soft bubble pattern rubber interior to absorb shock from drops and is reinforced by aluminium at the top and bottom of the case. It's also rated for 3-meter drops which makes it extremely capable of surviving falls that other cases can't save you from.

There are four different colour options available from X-Doria: black, red, silver, and teal. This is a single-piece case which means you may struggle to get in on your phone initially, but once it's there the raised lip will add extra protection.

Bottom line

Finding the right case for you isn't always an easy call, and with so many options available, it can become even more difficult. Every option that we've suggested here will protect your phone from accidental mishaps. However, our pick for the absolute best is definitely the Speck GemShell.

This case can be trusted to protect your phone when (not if) you drop it, but it still lets you show off my new phone. The corners have a flexible strip, which makes it easy to take off this case and put it on. The lip of the case comes just up over the screen for face-down protection. You can still charge your iPhone XR wirelessly with this case on it.

Credits — Who created this guide

Karen S. 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.

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