Despite being on the market for a couple of years, the iPhone 8 Plus is showing no signs of slowing down. Powered by an A11 processor and 3GB of RAM, the iPhone 8 Plus has a lot to offer even by today’s standards.
That being the case, it’s never a bad idea to protect your smartphone with a durable, hardbody case. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite iPhone 8 Plus cases, each of which is designed to extend the lifespan of your device.
Ringke Air Prism ($13)
Like making a statement? Ringke has specialized in protective cases for the fashion conscious, and the Air Prism is a great example of the company’s ethos. Shock-absorbing TPU guards your phone’s fragile glass body against bumps, scratches, and nicks, and also comes with raised edges for additional display and camera protection. The funky triangular pattern on the rear of the case gives a 3D embossed effect that’s also see-through, allowing your phone’s style to shine through. If you’re not a fan of the clear chic, you can also pick up a variety of other colors, including Smoke Black and Rose Gold Crystal.
Mous Limitless 2.0 ($40)
Protection doesn’t have to be big and bulky, and Mous’s Limitless 2.0 cases prove that. Each Limitless 2.0 case comes with a variety of finishes, including bamboo, leather, and shell — but it’s what lies beneath that gives Mous cases such good protection. A material called “Airoshock” sits between your phone and the outside world, and Mous claims this material is even better than regular TPU at absorbing shocks and impacts, providing excellent protection. Each Mous case also comes with a free screen protector, and every case comes with Mous’s AutoAlign — a magnetic add-on system that allows you to further accessorize and adapt your case to your needs.
Scooch Wingman case ($40)
Love your Popsocket? Think of Scooch’s Wingman case as the next step up. Scooch’s Wingman case is drop-tested up to six feet, and meets military standards — but it’s the addition to the back which should really catch your fancy. Mounted on the back of the case is a small flap which folds out to function as a hand grip, a horizontal and vertical stand, and even a car vent mount. When you don’t need it, fold it back in, where it sits flush with the case. It’s basically a Popsocket built into the case that folds back away when you don’t need it — and if you’re worried about dropping your expensive device, this case doesn’t just rely on drop protection to keep your phone safe.
Slickwraps Retro Apple Case ($37)
Apple hasn’t always been the world-straddling behemoth it is now, and there was once a time when Apple was known for making kooky little Macintosh computers. While it’s unlikely any Apple fan would want a return to those days, some might miss the unforgettable style of those early machines. This case from Slickwraps emulates those original machines, complete with beige styling and a rainbow-colored Apple logo. It’s made from hard polycarbonate with a soft TPU bumper, and should resist damage well. It also has a raised bezel to stop the phone from resting on harmful surfaces, and the button covers are large, easy to find, and protective.
Tech21 Evo Mesh ($40)
Tech21 specializes in light and stylish cases that deliver fantastic protection against drops, and the Evo Mesh case is no exception to that rule. It’s made from three layers of TPU and includes Tech21’s special FlexShock material, which makes the Evo Mesh case 30 percent slimmer and 60 percent lighter than other similar cases, while also providing drop protection that’s been tested up to 3 meters (10 feet). It comes with a sturdy bumper outside the case for additional grip, and the unique mesh pattern on the rear of the case lends a cool style, while also allowing the Apple logo to show through.
Otterbox Strada Shadow Leather Case ($54)
Otterbox is one of the most prominent names in protection, but it has a stylish side too. Otterbox’s Strada series of cases feature all the usual protective qualities that you’d expect from the case manufacturer — they are tested exhaustively to earn Otterbox’s Certified Drop+ Protection designation — but they also packing some serious style. Soft premium leather covers the case, adding grip to your phone and lending a classy air. As a folio wallet case, it also includes a cover that protects the screen when not in use, and has a handy card slot on the inside so you can take some spare cash or a payment card with you. It’s on the expensive side, but it’s strong and exceptionally good-looking.
Zizo Ion Series ($17)
A strong new name in device protection, Zizo offers some great cases at competitive prices. The Ion series for the iPhone 8 Plus uses three layers of protection to get the job done. The inner core is made from shock-absorbent and flexible TPU that is sandwiched between two hard polycarbonate plates to help keep your device protected from scratches and other hazards. It’s been drop tested to be compliant with military standard 810-G, while still managing to be lightweight. A raised lip around the edges of the case keeps your phone elevated, while a nonslip coating helps with grip, and dust covers keep small particles out of your device’s ports. It even comes with a glass screen protector for full protection.
LifeProof FRE Case ($90)
You may love extreme pastimes, but it’s likely your phone won’t take to them as well as you do. But no fear — that’s why LifeProof’s cases exist. LifeProof’s Fre case is one of LifeProof’s most protective cases, and it’s proof against water, snow, dirt, and debris. Close the case around your phone and it provides a complete seal that includes built-in screen protection and port covers — and once it’s sealed in, you’ll be able to immerse your iPhone in two meters of water for up to an hour. It’s not just a seal either — the Fre case provides drop protection for drops up to 6.6 feet too. If you need extreme protection to protect against extreme conditions, LifeProof is pricey but perfect.
Peel Super Thin Case ($25)
One of the worst things about cases can be the feeling that there’s something between you and your phone. Apple has spent millions of hours ensuring that the iPhone 8 Plus is as thin as possible, so why ruin that with a bulky protective case? Peel’s superthin case is designed to make you forget it’s even there. At only 0.35mm thick, it’s minimalist to the extreme — even forgoing a Peel logo — and it’s thin enough for the Apple logo to show right through it. Despite its thinness, it still provides decent protection against hazards, thanks to impact-absorbing material. A very slight protrusion on the rear camera helps to keep those lenses elevated from surfaces, and it doesn’t interfere with wireless charging. With a range of colors to choose from, you can select a color that matches your iPhone, ensuring it all but disappears once it’s on there.
Incipio Stashback Case ($40)
Tired of carrying around your wallet as well as your phone? If you’re not one for wallet cases, you could try out this stylish case from Incipio. The Stashback comes with a shock-absorbing exterior design that still manages to be slim. The case’s name comes from the back panel that opens to reveal a space handy for keeping credit cards, travel passes, or a bit of spare cash. It’s built to Incipio’s usual high standards, with button covers around the sides of the case and a raised lip to protect your phone when placed facedown on surfaces. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but we’ve always been impressed by Incipio’s offerings, and this is no different.
Moment Photo Case ($40)
The iPhone 8 Plus has one of the best phone cameras in the business — good enough to top our list of the best smartphone cameras. So if you’re serious about your photography, why not get a case that complements it? Moment is dedicated to upping your photography game, and this case is the first step. Made from a hard thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the case has a textured back panel that helps you maintain a good grip. Button covers on the side ensure complete protection, and an optional lanyard attachment means you won’t be dropping your phone on the floor while taking those tricky shots. The real stars here are the additional lenses that attach to the case, adding functionality for macro shots, wide-angle, or fisheye effects. Easy to use and attach, Moment’s photography package is great for anyone who wants to up their game.
Noreve Leather Wallet Case (from $50)
No gimmicks here — just some of the best leather wallet cases you can buy. Noreve’s quality is second to none, with a design based on Saint-Tropez. Noreve offers the largest amount of choice of any case on this list. Do you want durable and easy-to-maintain PU leather or extravagant saffiano leather? In a natural tan or a deep blue ocean color? Finally, with or without a belt clip? The breadth of choice is astounding, and although you’ll be paying a premium for the most luxurious options, it’s worth it if you want to make sure you’re wrapping your iPhone 8 Plus in a leather case that’s 100 percent your style.
Nomad Clear Case ($40)
Nomad has always impressed with its designs, but the company has outdone itself with the Clear Case for the iPhone 8 Plus. A clear polycarbonate rear shell provides great protection and shows off your phone’s gorgeous design. Softer TPU sides aid grip, and a wonderfully tactile and classy Horween leather panel gets better-looking with time. Inside is a soft microfiber lining. The fit is excellent on our iPhone 8 Plus, and the 6-foot drop protection puts our minds at rest. A version is also available for the iPhone 8. We love it, find it very comfortable to hold, and it hasn’t left our iPhone yet.
Ghostek Cloak 3 Clear Protective Case ($20)
Stylish and slim protection is one of Ghostek’s primary mission statements, and although the fledgling case maker is better known for its larger, waterproof cases, its slimmer offerings are not to be missed. The latest in their Cloak range, the Cloak 3, is one of those smaller offerings. Styled to match the contours of your device, the Cloak 3 also comes with a clear back — if you’ve got it, flaunt it. The hard polycarbonate bumper protects the phone’s edges from scratches and physical hazards, while the soft TPU inner case absorbs impacts and offers shock protection that exceeds the military standard for drop testing. Even better, the Cloak 3 has raised edges that protect the 5.5-inch Super Retina screen on the front and the raised camera bump on the rear.
VRS Design SimpliMod Leather-Style Case ($25)
Searching for a different style? VRS Design might have the case you’ve been looking for. Featuring a blend of protective polycarbonate and luxurious-feeling PU leather, VRS’ SimpliMod case combines two state-of-the-art materials into one case for a unique look. A slim-fitting shell holds your phone snugly, while the sleek lines of the case add barely any bulk. The polycarbonate keeps your phone safe against scrapes and scratches, and the PU leather adds extra grip to a slippery phone. Raised edges keep your screen and camera from contacting flat surfaces, and spacious cutouts allow for full use of your phone at all times.
LuMee Duo Case ($70)
A “lit” choice for the selfie-conscious out there. LuMee’s iconic range of light-up cases shot into the spotlight after Selfie Queen Kim Kardashian posted a picture of her iPhone with a LuMee case (and partnered with them). Since then, LuMee’s range of cases, with included soft lighting, has been the go-to for any wannabe Instagram star — or anyone who cares about keeping their selfie game on point. The LuMee Duo doubles the effective uses of the case by adding forward-facing light, so you’ll never be without the perfect, studio-level lighting for your snaps. But it’s not all about the lighting. LuMee has added an extra layer of protection to the Duo in the form of cushioned corners, as well as improved drop resistance, which is extra useful when your phone is pulling double duty as your camera. The Duo is available in black, rose, gold, and white matte, so you can get the perfect color to match your style.
Vaja Wallet Agenda Leather Case ($129)
Your iPhone 8 Plus is one of the finest smartphones in the world — and it deserves the best in protection. Vaja crafts cases by hand from the finest Bridge leather, ensuring that each case has a 100 percent unique leather grain. As the case ages, so does the leather, becoming more beautiful over time. The Agenda Wallet series also comes with several card and money slots, along with a cover that folds around the screen when it’s not in use to protect it from harm. The black matte camera frame also helps to enhance the camera flash, assisting low-light photography (check out our iPhone camera tips for more). It’s an expensive option, but if you can afford to part with the cash, then you’re unlikely to find a more luxurious case.
Spigen Liquid Air Armor Case ($15)
What sort of case roundup would this be without the current king of the hill? Spigen is well-known for its range of uber-protective cases that add functionality as well as protection. But bigger doesn’t always mean better, and that’s why we’ve moved away from Spigen’s usual range to show you one of the case titan’s slimmer offerings. Spigen’s Air Cushion technology provides protection against outside hazards, bumps, and drops, while only adding 0.3cm of thickness to your slim iPhone 8 Plus. The distinct (and stylish pattern) on the back of the case isn’t just for looks — it provides a solid grip on what can be a slippery phone, helping stop drops before they happen. The Liquid Air Armor is a solid pick if you’re after a slim but effective case.
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Style Clear Case ($18)
Supcase has made a splash in the past few years with a range of budget cases that offer great protection for reasonable prices. And it’s back with a slightly updates design for the iPhone 8 Plus. The clear back of the Unicorn Beetle Style shows off the color choice of your iPhone, offering protection with a scratch-resistant clear back plate and military-standard drop resistance. A raised edge around the screen and rear camera protect those vulnerable areas from damage, and the high-grade TPU and polycarbonate materials ensure that this is protection that will last. Don’t let misgivings about the low price put you off — the Unicorn Beetle Style is definitely worth a look.
UAG Monarch Series Case ($60)
Looking to double-down on your drop protection? UAG’s Monarch series of cases provides an impressive drop rating that exceeds military drop-test standards (MIL-STD 810G 516.6) by two-times the passing grade. The secret is in the construction — the Monarch case is made from five layers of protection that includes top-grain leather, metal, and a soft impact-absorbing inner core. A honeycomb pattern on the outside boosts your grip, and despite all the protection here, it’s still a very light case. A raised edge protects your screen, while clicky tactile covers protect your buttons. With a 10-year limited warranty, it’s highly likely this case will outlast your phone — but it’s also likely your phone will last longer thanks to being inside this case.
Still want to know more about the iPhone 8 Plus? Then check out our iPhone 8 Plus tips and tricks to get more from Apple’s latest and greatest.
