Your smartphone is one of your most important daily companions, so it's only natural to want to protect it with a quality case. Not only does a good case protect your expensive device from drops, scratches, and other damage, but it can also express your personal style. With the vast array of options available today, finding the right case can be overwhelming. In this guide, we've tested dozens of cases to bring you the best options for protection, style, and functionality in 2023.
What to Look for in a Phone Case
Before diving into our top picks, here are the key factors to consider when choosing a phone case:
Protection Level
Cases offer varying degrees of protection, from basic scratch resistance to military-grade drop protection. Consider your lifestyle and how prone you are to dropping your phone when choosing the right level of protection.
Material Quality
Common materials include silicone, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), polycarbonate, leather, and metal. Each has its advantages in terms of feel, durability, and protection.
Design and Style
Your phone case is something you'll see and use daily, so choose a design that reflects your personal style. Options range from minimalist clear cases to bold patterns, solid colors, or natural materials like wood or leather.
Additional Features
Many modern cases offer extra functionality like card slots, kickstands, battery packs, or compatibility with magnetic mounts or wireless charging.
Best Overall Case: Premium Silicone Case
Our top pick for most users is the Premium Silicone Case, which offers an excellent balance of protection, style, and value. These cases feature:
- Soft-touch silicone exterior that feels great in hand
- Microfiber lining to prevent scratches on your phone
- Precise cutouts for ports and buttons
- Raised edges to protect screen and camera
- Compatible with wireless charging
- Available in a wide range of colors
What sets these cases apart is their perfect fit and excellent build quality. The silicone material provides enough grip to prevent accidental drops while still sliding easily in and out of pockets. They add minimal bulk to your phone while still offering reliable protection against everyday bumps and minor drops.
Price range: 200-300 kr
Best for Maximum Protection: Rugged Armor Case
If you work in construction, enjoy outdoor activities, or are simply prone to dropping your phone, the Rugged Armor Case provides exceptional protection:
- Multi-layer design with shock-absorbing inner layer and hard outer shell
- Certified drop protection from heights of up to 4 meters
- Port covers to keep out dust and debris
- Reinforced corners where impact damage is most common
- Textured sides for improved grip
Despite their robust protection, modern rugged cases have become much more streamlined than their bulky predecessors. Many models now support wireless charging and maintain a relatively slim profile considering the level of protection they offer.
Price range: 300-450 kr
Best Clear Case: Ultra-Clear TPU Case
For those who want to show off their phone's original design while still providing protection, clear cases are the way to go. The best options feature:
- Completely transparent, non-yellowing material
- Slim profile that maintains the phone's original feel
- Anti-scratch coating
- Anti-fingerprint treatment
- UV resistance to prevent yellowing over time
- Shock-absorbing bumpers
The latest generation of clear cases has largely solved the yellowing problem that plagued earlier models. Look for cases specifically advertising anti-yellowing technology for the best long-term clarity.
Price range: 150-250 kr
Best Luxury Option: Genuine Leather Wallet Case
For a premium look and feel, genuine leather wallet cases offer sophistication and functionality:
- High-quality genuine leather that develops a beautiful patina over time
- Card slots for carrying essential cards or ID
- Folio design that protects both front and back
- Kickstand functionality for hands-free viewing
- Magnetic closure for security
These cases are perfect for professionals who want their phone to match their refined aesthetic. The added functionality of card storage means you can potentially leave your wallet behind for quick errands.
Price range: 350-600 kr
Best Eco-Friendly Option: Biodegradable Case
As environmental concerns become increasingly important, several manufacturers have developed outstanding eco-friendly cases:
- Made from biodegradable materials like plant-based polymers
- Compostable packaging
- Manufacturing processes that minimize carbon footprint
- Donations to environmental causes with each purchase
- Available in natural, earthy colors and designs
The latest generation of eco-friendly cases no longer requires sacrificing protection or style for sustainability. These cases offer comparable drop protection to standard cases while being much kinder to the planet at the end of their life cycle.
Price range: 200-350 kr
Best Slim Case: Ultra-Thin Case
If maintaining your phone's slim profile is a priority, ultra-thin cases offer basic protection with minimal bulk:
- Only 0.3-0.5mm thick
- Weighs just a few grams
- Basic scratch protection
- Perfect fit that feels like part of the phone
- Available in various colors and finishes
These cases won't provide significant drop protection, but they're perfect for careful users who rarely drop their phones and just want basic scratch protection without changing the feel of their device.
Price range: 100-200 kr
Best Value: Hybrid Case
For those wanting a good balance of protection, style, and affordability, hybrid cases offer excellent value:
- Combination of TPU bumper and hard polycarbonate back
- Good drop protection from 1-2 meters
- Wide variety of designs and colors
- Compatible with wireless charging
- Slim profile with targeted protection where needed
These cases hit the sweet spot for most users, offering enough protection for everyday use while maintaining a reasonable price point and stylish design options.
Price range: 150-250 kr
Cases for Specific Phone Models
Best for iPhone 14 Pro
For the latest iPhone models, look for cases specifically designed to accommodate the larger camera module and Dynamic Island feature. The best options integrate these design elements seamlessly while maintaining the phone's premium feel.
Best for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
With its S Pen functionality, the Galaxy S23 Ultra needs cases that allow easy access to the stylus while providing protection for the curved display. Look for cases with precise cutouts and raised lips around the screen edges.
Best for Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Pixel 7 Pro's distinctive camera bar requires cases designed specifically for its unique shape. The best options incorporate this design element while providing adequate protection for the slightly curved display.
How We Tested
Our testing process involved evaluating cases across several key metrics:
- Drop tests: We dropped phones from various heights onto different surfaces to evaluate protection.
- Fit and finish: We assessed how precisely the cases fit, the quality of button covers, and overall build quality.
- Daily usability: We carried phones with cases for at least a week to evaluate comfort, bulk, and how they affect daily use.
- Feature compatibility: We tested compatibility with wireless charging, MagSafe accessories, and other phone features.
- Long-term durability: We examined how cases held up over time, looking for issues like color fading, material degradation, or stretching.
Conclusion
The right phone case can extend the life of your device while complementing your personal style. In 2023, manufacturers have continued to innovate with better materials, more refined designs, and improved protection without adding unnecessary bulk.
Our top overall recommendation is the Premium Silicone Case for its excellent balance of protection, style, and value. However, your specific needs and preferences might make one of our other top picks a better choice for you.
Remember that the best case is one that suits your lifestyle – whether you need maximum protection for outdoor adventures or a slim, elegant case for professional environments. With the options outlined in this guide, you're sure to find the perfect case to protect and personalize your smartphone.
