Best protective phone case brands to keep your device safe

Phones are expensive and worth protecting. Here are our top picks for the best protective case brands.
Best overall
OtterBox
  • pro
    Wide range
  • pro
    Up to 7 years warranty
Runner up
UAG
  • pro
    Wide range
  • pro
    More affordable
Best budget
SUPCASE
  • pro
    Affordable
  • pro
    Excellent protection
Best design
Spigen
  • pro
    Versatile designs
  • pro
    Great protection

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

You might think that those ultra-tough protective phone cases are just for tradies, but think again. With most new flagship phones now retailing for well over $1,000, investing in a high-quality protective phone case is in all of our best interests.

Whether you're after the most rugged phone case you can find or something a little more subtle to protect your device, we've rounded up five of the best protective phone case brands for keeping your pricey gadget safe.



Compare the best protective phone cases

Brand
Best for
Price range*
Compatible phone brands
Warranty
Learn more
Best overalliPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google PixelUp to 7 years
Runner upiPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and moreLifetime (limited)
Best budgetiPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and more1 year
Best designiPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and more2 years (limited)

*Price range based on iPhone 15.
Prices are accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

1. OtterBox: Best protective phone case brand overall

Best overall
OtterBox
$39.95 to $129.95
Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The fact that it's the most recognisable name on the list isn't a coincidence—OtterBox has been protecting devices for over 20 years and its waterproof and drop-proof designs have become a favourite among tradies and adventurers.

We love that OtterBox caters to so many phone brands and models. In addition to every iPhone model, they offer cases for a huge range of Samsung and Google Pixel devices, not to mention a handful of iPads and Samsung tablets.

As you might expect, that reputation and years of experience do come at a higher cost, with OtterBox phone cases coming with bigger price tags than the competition. That said, you can usually score a good deal on Amazon.

pro
Pros
pro Wide range of compatible devices
pro Up to 7 years warranty
pro Excellent reputation
con
Cons
con Expensive

Still, we think the Commuter Series (our pick for most people) and Defender Series (the chunkiest case that offers the most protection) are some of the best protective phone cases on the market.

It's also worth noting that OtterBox phone cases come with a seven-year warranty, so they're designed to last.

2. UAG: Runner up

Runner up
UAG
$59.95 to $149.95
Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you like the protective factor of OtterBox cases but not necessarily the high price tag, Urban Armor Gear (UAG) is your next best bet. You might be looking at the price range and think it's way more expensive, but in most cases, UAG is roughly $20 cheaper than the RRP of its OtterBox counterparts.

The military-inspired look of UAG cases may not be for everyone, but they certainly bring the protection factor. Its flagship case series, Monarch, boasts five layers of impact-resistant materials, with some even using Kevlar (yep, the same material used in bulletproof vests) and carbon fibre. We also like that UAG makes protective cases for a wide range of devices, included iPhone and iPad, Samsung Galaxy and Samsung tablets, Google Pixel, Microsoft Surface, MacBooks and more.

pro
Pros
pro Massive range of compatible devices
pro Cheaper than OtterBox
pro Fantastic protections
con
Cons
con Design won't suit everyone's tastes
con Confusing warranty

Though they're still not what we'd call "cheap", UAG cases are certainly a little more affordable than OtterBox. They also come with a limited lifetime warranty, which is better than a lot of the competition, but after hours of research we're still a bit unsure about what the terms of that warranty actually are.

3. SUPCASE: Best budget protective phone case brand

Best budget
SUPCASE
$25.99 to $45.99
Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

It's not the most well-known brand on our list, but SUPCASE has been making waves with its budget-friendly yet ultra-protective Unicorn Beetle Pro series.

Starting at just $25.99, these heavy-duty cases boast impressive drop protection (they exceed the same military shock specification as OtterBox) along with a bunch of other handy features, including a built-in kickstand, belt clip holster, and a built-in screen protector that doesn't compromise touch sensitivity.

The downside is that SUPCASE only offers a one-year warranty, but considering how affordable its cases are, replacing a broken one isn't going to drain your bank account.

pro
Pros
pro Affordable
pro Excellent protection
pro Wide range of compatible devices
con
Cons
con Cheaper models don't support wireless charging
con Bulky looking

4. Spigen: Best design

Best design
Spigen
$34.99 to $114.99
Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you're trying to strike a balance between solid protection, aesthetics and affordability, Spigen might just be your best bet.

With products ranging from slim yet sturdy clear cases to rugged, multi-layered MagSafe-compatible models and even a classic iMac G3-inspired case (pictured), there's something for every taste. Even the highest-protection models don't have that chunky look you expect to find with a protective case.

We also like that each case comes with a two-year limited warranty, and they're compatible with so many different devices, including laptops and phones from Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, OPPO, Huawei, OnePlus and more.

pro
Pros
pro Versatile designs
pro Wide range of compatible devices
pro Two-year warranty
con
Cons
con Cheaper models provide little protection

Final word

Any phone case is going to be better than no phone case, but if you're looking for a little more protection than what your standard case can give you, an OtterBox, UAG or SUPCASE might just be for you. A little more style-minded? Opt for a Spigen case instead.


Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links.
Georgia Dixon
Written by
Georgia Dixon
Georgia Dixon has 10 years of experience writing about all things tech, entertainment and lifestyle. She has bylines on Reviews.org, 7NEWS, Stuff.co.nz, in TechLife magazine and more. In 2023 she won Best News Writer at the Consensus IT Awards, and in 2024 she was a finalist for Best News Journalist at the Samsung IT Journalism Awards (The Lizzies). In her spare time, you'll find her playing games and daydreaming about good food, wine, and dogs.

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