The best iPhone XS Max cases and covers

The iPhone XS Max remains a statement piece of tech, so you might be reluctant to cover it up with a case. However, it’s also a big financial investment that you want to protect. A shattered screen can ruin your aesthetics pretty quickly.

Finding a case or cover that matches durability with a healthy dose of style can be tough. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite options to protect your iPhone XS and keep it looking good.

Apple iPhone XS Max Silicone Case

Designed by Apple, you can be sure that this iPhone XS Max case will complement your phone. It’s made of silicone, which fits closely over the phone and will cushion falls and other impacts. The microfiber lining also does a job of ensuring that your phone doesn’t end up with scratches or scuffs, and the textured feel of the silicone makes it harder for your phone to slip out of your hands. As an added bonus, the case is appreciably slim, and is fully compatible with wireless charging.

Ghostek Atomic Slim Case

Ghostek’s case for the iPhone XS Max does a great job of balancing practicality, looks, and protection. It’s built with lightweight aluminum, hard PC, and a flexible inner TPU skin, all of which combine to provide some of the most comprehensive protection you can get for your iPhone. The corners are shock-absorbing, and together with the raised bumpers, the case is capable of withstanding drops from up to 12 feet. Despite its ruggedness, the case is slim and easy to handle, and it’s also fully compatible with Face ID and wireless charging.

Tech21 Evo Check Case

Tech21’s Evo Check case for the iPhone XS Max is one of the thinnest and most discreet covers on this list, yet it will still protect your phone against the vast majority of accidents. It includes air-cushioned bumpers for enhanced drop protection, while the mix of TPU and PC ensure that damage from other impacts and shocks remains largely non-existent. The case’s transparency lets you show off the impressive beauty of the iPhone XS Max, while its thinness means that you can continue charging it wirelessly as normal.

UAG Plasma Case

If you want maximum protection without having to really dent your wallet, this UAG Plasma series case for the iPhone XS Max is one of the best ways to go. It’s a very light case that combines a soft, impact-resistant core with a hard outer shell, allowing it to offer military-grade shock protection [MIL STD 810G 516.6]. It also features a raised rubber lip for the phone’s touchscreen to reduce the chances that something will mark or damage the display. You may be forgiven for supposing that such a rugged case might interfere with how the iPhone XS Max works, but the case is fully compatible with Apple Pay and wireless charging, while its buttons are super tactile and work very well.

Vaja Grip GT Leather Case

The iPhone XS Max has no shortage of style, but if you’re an adventurous sort who loves speed and style in equal measure, you may want something a little more dynamic. Vaja’s Grip GT is the case for the sports car lover, with an unmistakable style and presence. It’s made from premium Argentine leather that’s soft to the touch while also being durable and protective. While it won’t surpass a bigger (and uglier) rugged case in protection, it’s still equal to most tasks, and will guard against scratches and minor bumps. It’s absolutely, utterly gorgeous, and while it’s certainly not cheap, it’s a great choice if you won’t compromise on style.

Otterbox Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case

The Otterbox Symmetry case is made from TPU and polycarbonate, so was already pretty protective. However, there’s one easy way to improve it hugely — chuck a Popsocket on there. The Otter + Pop Symmetry case is the tough case you need if you love hard-wearing protection and the extra grip afforded by Popsockets. The Popsocket PopTop can be swapped out for other designs and stays flush with the case when not needed — so you don’t need to have the PopTop sticking out all the time. You can do everything you’d normally do with your Popsocket, except now you have Otterbox’s amazing protection thrown into the mix. You’ll pay a pretty penny for this case though, which is definitely a downside.

Skech Stark Minimal Protective Case

Do you know the reason why so many cases have reinforced corners and airbags? It’s because corners are the part of a phone that’ll hit the ground first in a fall, and reinforcing those areas against impact damage is the best route to take when guarding against drops. This case from Skech maximizes drop-protection, but does so in a way that doesn’t cramp your phone’s style. The top, back, and corners of the device are covered with transparent and impact-absorbant TPU, while the sides are left exposed so you can still feel the cool metal of your iPhone. These exposed sides are nice if you want to pretend you aren’t using a case, but it’s important to note it’s less than complete protection and leaves the sides open to scratches and other damage. If that doesn’t bother you, then this is an excellent case.

Snakehive Vintage Plum Wallet Case

Wallet cases are the best option if you want to add an element of chic, executive style to your phone. Each Snakehive case is handmade from quality European nubuck leather that will age over time and develop a unique patina. A front cover offers all-over protection that lays across the screen when not in use, but can also fold into a horizontal stand if required. A plastic holder on the inside holds your phone snugly in place, while a layer of soft leather on the inside protects it from scratches. The front cover also contains three card slots for keeping spare cash or cards, so you can quickly stash away travel cards or spare cash. Snug and chic, this is an excellent choice.

Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case

This case from Mujjo is an excellent example of a luxurious, sumptuous leather case. It’s made from a soft and beautiful leather that will develop a unique patina as it ages, and it also uses an inner layer of microfiber that pads your phone and protects it from scratches. It doesn’t have a folding folio-style cover, but it’s still a wallet case, thanks to the leather card pocket on the back that will comfortably accommodate up to three cards or some spare cash. It’s super-slim, comes with a raised bezel that protects your screen, and has leather button covers for complete protection. It’s certainly expensive, but if you want some great protection with a beautiful style, it’s right here.

Incipio Carnaby Esquire Series

The Incipio Carnaby Esquire is certainly an eye-catcher, with a distinctive layer of fabric laid over a tough TPU core. The fabric lends a more casual feel than you get with most cases, and its tight material provides a good grip for your fingers. The TPU core beneath is no less important though, and adds shock-resistance, as well as adding more grip to the sides. It’s drop-proofed up to 6 feet, which is no mean feat, and there are raised edges to protect your phone from being laid down on dirty surfaces. It’s slim and stylish, and while it won’t be as protective as other, larger cases, it’s still very protective, and there’s no doubt in our mind the textiled look is worth it.

Spigen Ultra Hybrid

Spigen is well-known for providing great smartphone protection, and the Ultra Hybrid case is no different. It’s a hybrid of materials — hence the name — combining an absorbent TPU bumper with a hard and clear polycarbonate back panel to provide great protection against a variety of threats. The soft TPU provides an extra grippy surface for your fingers, while the transparent back panel gives a clear view of your phone — allowing you to show it off while also keeping it protected. Each corner is equipped with an air cushion for extra protection against drops, and it has been treated to prevent yellowing over time. It’s a simple but effective option.

Hitcase Splash

The iPhone XS Max has a water-resistance rating of IP68, which should mean it’s capable of being immersed in water for up to an hour — but if you’re heading into a watery environment and you want to be sure your expensive phone will be fine, consider grabbing a waterproof case. The Hitcase Splash is on the expensive side for a protective case, but this fully enclosed case comes with an IP68 rating to keep mud and water away from your device, while a combination of TPU and polycarbonate protects against drops and bumps. It’s fairly bulky, as this sort of protection often is — but there’s a clear window to your iPhone, and it’s not a bad looker for what it is. But boy, is it expensive. On the plus side, it’s also compatible with Hitcase’s range of camera lenses, giving you a range of options to capture your adventures, and creating a great utility case.

Nomad Rugged Case

Nothing screams “style” quite like leather, and if you’re wanting to wrap your iPhone XS Max in some serious style, then check out Nomad’s rugged case. It’s made from a variety of materials, but it starts with a tough polycarbonate shell that clips onto your iPhone and holds it tight. A TPU bumper is then bonded onto the edges of the polycarbonate, adding extra impact resistance. Finally, the case is wrapped in high-quality Horween leather that ages over time to create a truly unique case. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re looking to make a statement with your choice of protection, then Nomad’s rugged case provides just that, as well as good protection.

Speck Candyshell Grip

Speck cases are known for the company’s distinct look, and the Candyshell Grip fits the bill. The reason for its unique look comes from its dual-layer construction. It has a softer TPU core surrounded by a protective layer of hardened polycarbonate. Speck claims this particular design is what helps disperse and absorb shock effectively. On the back of the case, the raised edges were added to improve a user’s grip and prevent drops. The case features a raised bezel as well to keep the phone’s screen away from other surfaces. This case was tested to meet military standards for drop testing, and it’ll keep your iPhone XS Max well-protected against drops, scratches, and bumps.

Catalyst Impact Protection

In the case race, don’t count Catalyst out just yet. The company manufactures a high-quality case that comes with several fantastic features. Catalyst’s Impact Protection case brings all the features you’d expect from a reliable case, like drop resistance of up to three meters, a flexible TPU bumper, and a clear polycarbonate back panel. The design then goes a step further, featuring an innovative seal to help prevent dust, dirt, or more from getting into the case and affecting your phone. The raised bezel keeps the screen far away from unwanted surfaces. The case can be attached to a lanyard for security, and there’s a revolving switch for the iPhone’s mute switch (to make phone calls even easier to navigate). Its compact, slim design has a subtle but rugged style. The one and only downside to this case is the higher cost.

Noreve Tradition D Wallet Case

Many customers value the sleek and professional appearance of a leather phone case. One company getting the leather design right in their phone cases is Noreve. Its highly customizable collection of wallet cases is made of the best materials and is designed to last. They’re available in a variety of designs and 20 different types of leather, from vegan-friendly PU leather to the luxuriously aged Patine leather. You have the choice to pick between a sea of colors and to add a belt clip if you’d like. You can build the wallet that best fits you and your style. Noreve also recently added the ability to choose from a selection of paintings to add to your case. This company is for you if you have a specific image in mind for how you’d like your case to look. Just remember that those choices can add up in price, and each custom decision will make it a bit more expensive.