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3 min readYou 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.
Brand | Best for | Price range* | Compatible phone brands | Warranty | Learn more |
| Best overall | $39.95 to $129.95 | iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel | Up to 7 years | View on Amazon | |
| Runner up | $59.95 to $149.95 | iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and more | Lifetime (limited) | View on Amazon | |
| Best budget | $25.99 to $45.99 | iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and more | 1 year | View on Amazon | |
| Best design | $34.99 to $114.99 | iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and more | 2 years (limited) | View on Amazon |
*Price range based on iPhone 15.
Prices are 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.
Wide range of compatible devices
Up to 7 years warranty
Excellent reputation 
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.
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.
Massive range of compatible devices
Cheaper than OtterBox
Fantastic protections
Design won't suit everyone's tastes
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.
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.
Affordable
Excellent protection
Wide range of compatible devices
Cheaper models don't support wireless charging
Bulky looking 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.
Versatile designs
Wide range of compatible devices
Two-year warranty
Cheaper models provide little protection 
