Best protective phone case brands to keep your device safe | SafeWise (2024)

Phones are expensive and worth protecting. Here are our top picks for the best protective case brands.

Aug 28, 2023

3 min read

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.

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.

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.

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 $29.99, 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.

On the surface, it might seem like there isn't a whole lot of difference between LifeProof and its parent company (and our top pick) OtterBox. However, there are a few key points of distinction.

The easiest way to tell them apart is by their appearance—OtterBox cases are a bit more rugged-looking and provide better drop protection, while LifeProof cases offer more understated and stylish designs. Simply put, they look more like "normal" phone cases, despite offering the kind of excellent protection you'd expect from an OtterBox.

Another difference is the warranty. OtterBox offers a seven-year warranty, while LifeProof only offers one year. Additionally, LifeProof cases are compatible with far fewer devices.