Many of my favorite iPhone cases for the iPhone 16 have returned for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but top case makers have put out some new case designs for the iPhone 17 Series phones. Note that iPhone 16 cases won't fit iPhone 17 models, which all have different cameras and slightly different dimensions. Like the iPhone 16 Series, the iPhone 17 Series has a camera control button that's touch-sensitive. Case manufacturers offer varying degrees of exposure to the button, which I've noted in each case's review. It's also worth mentioning that the Trump administration tariffs appear to have impacted prices for iPhone 17 cases, as I'm seeing increases of up to $10 on more premium cases.
- The Best iPhone 17 Cases for 2025
- Best iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air cases of 2025
- Top new Otterbox case for iPhone 17
- Best new protective case with built-in kickstand for iPhone 17
- Affordable iPhone 17 case with built-in kickstand
- Top budget MagSafe case for iPhone 17
- Best new Apple case for the iPhone 17
- Best rugged case with ultra strong MagSafe magnets
- Slim yet tough iPhone 17 cases
- Best iPhone 17 cases with crossbody option
- Top leather iPhone 17 cases
- Best super-thin cases
- Top vegan leather iPhone 17 case
- Best full-grain leather wallet case for iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
- Factors to consider when buying an iPhone 17 case
- How we test the best iPhone 17 cases
- iPhone 17 case FAQ
Best iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air cases of 2025
Pros
- Slim, yet highly protective
- Eye-catching design with "hardwearing" fabric with ombre fade on the back.
- High-ridge thread on the sides of the case for good grip
- Removable lanyard loop
Otterbox is serving up its usual expansive lineup of cases for the iPhone 17, including its tough Defender Series Pro and Defender Series Pro/Pro XT. I remain a fan of the Symmetry Series Clear cases in various color options and the Symmetry Series Cactus Leather, which incorporates a cactus-based leather substitute in its design (Otterbox says the faux leather is organically grown and sustainably harvested from nopal cactus). But all that said, my favorite Otterbox case for the iPhone 17 is the new-for-2025 Sole Series. It has a high-ridge thread on the sides of the case for better grip and a "hardwearing" fabric with ombre fade on the back. Available in a few different color options, Otterbox says it's 5X tested to military drop standard MIL-STD-810G 516.6 (130 drops from 4 feet) and has a removable lanyard loop.
Type of access to camera control button: Touch-sensitive integrated control button cover.
Like Otterbox and Speck, Zagg makes several different iPhone 17 cases. My current favorite for premium protection is the Rainier ($70 -- pictured), but I also like the somewhat slimmer Santa Cruz ($55), both of which are clear cases with a few different trim color options and also feature a built-in kickstand (Zagg has improved the design of its kickstands, making the hinge sturdier). The Rainier is the tougher of the two cases, offering a dual-layer design, higher raised bumpers, excellent corner protection, a gasket that covers the USB-C port and 22-foot drop protection (the Santa Cruz is rated for 13-foot drop protection). Both cases are "fortified" with graphene and have anti-yellowing tech to help keep the case clear over time. While they're pretty pricey, Zagg will replace your case should it get damaged (for the life of your phone). Also, look for discounts on Zagg's site; they seem to turn up fairly regularly.
Type of access to camera control button: The Rainier case has a touch-sensitive integrated control button cover while the Santa Cruz has a cutout for the button (about half of Zagg's case lineup features a touch-sensitive control button cover).
Pros
- Silicone, clear and rugged finishes available
- Built-in kickstand with adjustable 15° to 85° angles doubles as lens protector
- Well-priced with a premium feel
- Ring magnets are stronger for MagSafe accessories
Cons
- Kickstand in portrait mode tilts at an angle rather than fully upright
ESR Kickstand cases aren't your typical cases with an integrated kickstand. That's because the kickstand doesn't flip out of the backside of the case at the bottom. Instead, it serves as a protective ring around your camera lenses when it's retracted and not in use (ESR calls it a foldable stash stand). The stand can be extended anywhere between 15° and 85° for comfortable, hands-free viewing. You'll find other generic cases on Amazon with a design like this, but ESR stands out for having a more premium feel to its value cases. Note that you can get the case in a soft silicone version (pictured), a thicker tough version (it really is tough) and a simple clear version. They all cost around $25 at launch (that price should come down a bit over time), but I like the soft silicone version best.
Type of access to camera control button: Touch-sensitive integrated control button cover.
Pros
- Simple budget case option with MagSafe compatibility and some added design flair
- Slim design
- Infused with anti-yellow DuraClear blue resin
Cons
- Only moderate protection
- Even with anti-yellowing tech, case may yellow over time
Known for its value cases, Spigen returns with its usual assortment of cases for the iPhone 17 series. If you're looking for an inexpensive clear MagSafe case for your new iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro models, the standard version of Spigen's Ultra Hybrid MagFit is a good value for around $14. But I like the slightly more expensive Ultra Hybrid S MagFit ($20), which has a built-in kickstand, and some of the Ultra Hybrid "Direct Digital Printing" models ($20 -- pictured) that have computer component accents integrated into them. These include the Neo One (pictured), Zero One and Hello Again, which gives your phone iPod vibes.
Type of access to camera control button: Camera control button is covered by a thin TPU layer that maintains touch-sensitivity.
Beats is owned by Apple, so its cases are technically Apple cases, though they appear separately from Apple's lineup of cases for the iPhone 17 on its website. I wasn't so impressed with Beats' inaugural case effort for last year's iPhone 16, but these second-gen Beats cases are substantially better. There are three models: Regular, Kickstand and Rugged. The Regular and Kickstand are the same case (it's a nice-looking hard plastic case with a matte finish), but the Kickstand comes with a removable lanyard that converts into a kickstand). I personally prefer the Beats Rugged case, which is a little thicker and has some grippy tecure on the sides and also fully covers the bottom of your phone. It's pricier but more special and protective. The sierra orange may be a little too bright for some folks -- I like it because it makes your phone easy to spot -- but it also comes in rocky blue, alpine gray and everest black.
Pros
- Highly protective and durable with clear back that gives it some design flair
- Great for mounting (compatible mounts sold separately)
- Very strong MagSafe magnets
- Removable center magnet allows you to stick the case to any magnetic surface
Cons
- Case isn't as lightweight as some
- Case and mounts are pretty pricey
- Must remove center magnet to wirelessly charge
I liked Rokform's new Slim Magnetic for the iPhone 16, which was geared toward folks who find its highly protective Rokform Crystal and Rugged cases a little too chunky. But that model isn't out yet for the iPhone 17 Series (it's unclear if or when it will be released), so the Crystal and Rugged cases are currently your Rokform choices for the iPhone 17. That's not a bad thing as they're both very tough cases, though I prefer the Crystal because it's got more design flare than the utilitarian looking Rugged model.
Both the Crystal and Rugged cases have Rokform's RokLok twist system and are specially designed to work with the company's various mounts, including bike and motorcycle mounts, that are sold separately. While the Rokform Rugged and Crystal cases have a center magnet that allows you to stick the case to any magnetic surface, they're MagSafe-enabled and compatible with wireless charging if you remove that center magnet (as shown in the photo). I also like to point out that the MagSafe ring is equipped with very strong magnets, so MagSafe accessories -- Rokform sell some of those, too -- adhere quite securely to the case. The cases are expensive, but Rokform offers discounts to first-time buyers on its site.
Type of access to camera control button: Both Rokform's Crystal and Rugged case have touch-sensitive integrated control button covers, which is new this year.
Pros
- Excellent drop protection despite slim profile
- Several unique design options, including bamboo and carbon fiber, among others
- Durable with a lifetime warranty
Since I get a lot of iPhone cases in for testing, I often end up giving away a fair amount of them. More often than not, when given a choice between a few different top case options, friends and family select a Mous case, and this blue Marine case (pictured) is a hit. Maybe it's because they've seen ads for Mous cases on YouTube or social media, in which the company drops a phone from a helicopter and it somehow survives the fall. While Mous cases aren't rated for 1,000-feet drop protection, they do offer excellent protection and are pretty slim, with backs that include bamboo, carbon fiber and various other materials. While they're pretty pricey, all Mous cases have have a lifetime warranty.
Mous also makes more standard Magsafe-enabled clear cases that cost less, and I included its IntraLock case in our best bike phone mount list. That case snaps into a bike mount, and Mous makes a variety of other MagSafe accessories including a wallet, phone grip with kickstand and magnetic car mounts.
Type of access to camera control button: Touch-sensitive integrated control button cover.
Pros
- Excellent drop protection -- up to 25 feet with flagship model
- Crossbody strap with removable eyelets included with some models
- 360° rotating kickstand for landscape and portrait hands-free viewing available with certain cases
- Variety of cases ranging from $20-$85
Cons
- Certain models are a little bulky
- With so many model options, it can be hard to choose which one is best
Ranging in price from $20-$85, there are several Mageasy case options for the various iPhone 17 models, including some that come with a crossbody strap and retractable ring kickstand that rotates 360-degrees so you can prop up your phone in landscape or portrait mode. The Odyssey Ultra M Plus Strap ($85 -- pictured) is Mageasy's flagship case and features 25-foot drop protection. While the Odyssey M Plus Strap ($50) doesn't have the built-in kickstand, it is more affordable and also has excellent 20-foot drop protection. They're both available in a few color options, as is the Mageasy Wallet Case with Crossbody Strap ($35), which is geared toward women.
Note that you don't have to use the cases with the strap. The eyelets are removable (the M Plus Strap has a few different bumper options you can swap in for more or less corner protection). Just don't lose them if you want to use the strap in the future. I should also note that while the Odyssey Ultra M is a really protective case, it is a bit weighty. Some simpler Mageasy cases are lighter.
Type of access to camera control button: Touch-sensitive integrated control button covers (new this year).
Pros
- Established brand for leather cases
- Several options available with different price points
- Leather develops a patina that changes the leather's color of time
- Solid non-leather case options
Cons
- Pricey
- So many options it's a little hard to figure out which model is best for you
- No drop rating given for the Traditional Leather case
Nomad make some of my favorite leather cases, and its lineup of iPhone 17 cases hasn't changed too much from what it was offering for the iPhone 16 except that it's now making trimmed down leather cases for the iPhone Air that leave more of the phone exposed (it's a great iPhone Air case but expensive at $89). Once again, its "sustainably-sourced" leather cases come in two grades of leather: the standard variety and a higher-end Horween that costs $20 more. They both develop a "rugged" patina as the oils from your skin interact with the leather over time. Nomad's Traditional Leather case starts at $69 while its Modern Leather Case ($59) is a little cheaper because it's not completely wrapped in leather (it's sides aren't wrapped).
If you're looking maximum protection in a leather-styled case, you can opt for the Leather Rugged ($79), which has 15-foot drop protection compared to the Modern Leather's 8-foot drop rating. Nomad doesn't give a drop rating for its Traditional Leather case, so one can assume it isn't as protective. I can attest to it having at least 4-foot drop protection because I've dropped my phone from that distance and it survived just fine.
I also like the Modern Leather Folio wallet case, though I wish it converted into a kickstand like some wallet cases do, and the more affordable Sport case ($50) and Rugged case ($50 -- without leather). They're both not leather case, but they do look pretty slick. It's also worth noting
Type of access to camera control button: Most of Nomad's iPhone 17 cases, except for its iPhone Air cases, feature a touch-sensitive integrated control button cover, which is new for this year (they had cutouts before). Its new iPhone Air cases leave the button fully exposed.
Pros
- Lightweight, ultra-slim design with eye-catching patterns and colors
- Constructed with aramid fiber that offers very good scratch-resistance
- Strong MagSafe compatibility
Cons
- Fairly pricey
- Don't offer great drop protection
Available in a few different striking color options and patterns, Pitaka cases are very thin yet offer a little more protection than some other ultra-slim cases. That's because they're made from "selected 600D aramid fiber, which is widely used in aerospace and military applications," according to Pitaka. Unlike carbon fiber, "this fine-weaved case will not interfere with the signal and it is non-conductive, offering long-lasting protection for your phone, and preventing color fading and daily scratches." All Pitaka cases are MagSafe-enabled using Pitaka's MagSafe SlimBoard technology and this year's models feature a touch-sensitive integrated control button cover rather than a cutout for the button. While this case doesn't offer serious protection from drops it's still better than not having anything on your phone. If you're looking for a very slim, lightweight case it should be near the top of your list, especially if you want an ultra-slim case to cover the iPhone Air.
Pros
- High-quality vegan leather with a nice texture and decent grip
- Pairs well with Moft's MagSafe accessories, including wallets, kickstands and tripods
- Strong MagSafe magnets for secure connection
Cons
- Somewhat expensive for vegan leather
At launch, Moft is only selling one case for the iPhone 17 Series, the Snap Movas, its signature case that's designed to be paired with a variety of Moft MagSafe accessories, including wallets that convert into stands, an iPhone Tripod Stand and its new "origami-inspired" Snap Field Wallet that stores several credit cards and also converts into a stand. Available in 7 color options, the faux leather Movas case is slim and elegant (Vegan leather is designed to look and feel like real leather but is synthetic). It's a good option for those who want a thinner case that offers some degree of protection. I've recommended this case to a few friends who've bought the iPhone Air.
Type of access to camera control button: Touch-sensitive integrated control button cover, which is new for this year (Moft cases had cutouts for the iPhone 16 Series)
Pros
- Attractively designed high-end leather case that ages nicely
- Grip stitching on back that doesn't interfere with MagSafe use
- Well-sized cut out for camera control button
Cons
- Only compatible with iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Case and available accessories are relatively expensive
Back in 2023 Minnesota-based Pad & Quill, which used to make some of our favorite leather wallet cases, morphed into Burton Goods, which now sells very similar premium leather cases for various Apple products. Arguably the best option from Burton is the Modern Pocket Book Wallet case ($90), which is actually two cases in one. It includes a standalone case that has a leather back stitched onto the TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) case and an outer leather-clad wallet folio cover. The MagSafe-enabled standalone case adheres magnetically to the folio cover (the magnets are strong) and is removable, so you can easily charge your phone wirelessly. Like other folio cases of this style, it's a tad bulky but stores multiple credit cards and a bit of cash.
As far as non-folio cases go, the fully leather-clad Heritage Leather ($80) case comes in three color options and is one of the best leather cases out there. Burton previously made a Luxury Modern Pocket Book Wallet case that included a Heritage Leather case for $130, but that combo currently isn't available for the the iPhone 17. Burton Goods also sells a couple of magnetic MagSafe Wallet Stands that adhere nicely to the back of the case. Note that Burton Goods only makes cases for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
Type of access to camera control button: The case that's included with the Modern Book Wallet case has a cutout that leaves camera control button exposed while the Heritage Leather case has a touch-sensitive integrated control button cover.
MagSafe support
Most but not all iPhone 17 Series cases have MagSafe support (the metal ring built into the case). I generally encourage people to make sure they get a MagSafe-enabled case because of the number of MagSafe accessories on the market, some of them quite useful. In the past, you could $5-$10 by getting a case that leaves off the Magsafe ring, but, as I said, the vast majority of iPhone 17 Series cases are MagSafe-enabled.
Thickness
Some people like minimal cases that add little to no bulk to their iPhones, but the majority of people are looking for a case that offers good protection -- or even maximum protection. I tell people to find a case that's not too thick -- and maybe even pretty slim -- that offers at least 6-foot drop protection (and good corner protection).
Clear case
Clear cases are popular because they show off your phone (and its color). Clear cases, especially cheaper ones, can become less clear over time and slowly start to yellow. Many case makers now add UV protection to their clear cases to prevent yellowing.
Typically, we try to use the case on the phone for at least two days and make sure the buttons on the phone work properly with the case on. With some phone cases, we use them for several days or even weeks to see how they wear over time.
- Design: We evaluate the more superficial and cosmetic aspects of cases and consider how aesthetically pleasing they are because people sometimes buy cases solely for their colors and artwork.
- Durability: We look at how durable a case is, paying particular attention to corner and camera protection (raised corners on a case can help your phone survive face-down falls).
- Grip factor: We review the material the case is made of so we can talk about such factors as how grippy the phone feels in your hand and how protective the material is.
- Extra features: Some iPhone cases have extra features such as MagSafe, an integrated kickstand or grips, and, in the case of folio models, slots for storing credit cards and cash.
- Long-term testing: Although we don't do long-term testing for most cases, we do use some of the most popular cases for longer periods to gauge how they wear over time and see how well our phone holds up during accidental drops with the case on it. We don't do formal drop tests.
- Waterproof cases: Only a few fully waterproof cases are available, but If the case is supposed to be fully waterproof, we test it by submerging it in water.
We look at design features like the raised corners on this Otterbox case when we test the best iPhone cases.
David Carnoy/CNET
Is USB-C charging an issue with some cases?
With most phone cases, the cutout for the USB-C port is wide enough to allow you to use most USB-C charging cables. Some USB-C charging cables with particularly large heads may not fit certain cases. The USB-C charging cable included with the new iPhones has a relatively compact head.
How protective of an iPhone 17 case should you buy?
I like cases that aren't too thick but offer decent drop protection, with a lip over the edge of the screen (sometimes referred to as a "screen bumper") and raised corners that help prevent your screen from cracking if your phone should fall face down. A folio case will more fully protect your screen.
The good news is that you don't have to buy a super-protective iPhone 17 case like the OtterBox Defender XT to get good protection. Most cases are reasonably thin and still offer at least 4-foot drop protection and usually more. iPhone Air owners who value the slimness of that device may want to get a very slim minimalist case, which I get. That's why I've included a couple of very slim cases on this list for those folks who prefer minimal protection. Before you go with a case like that, just remember how much your phone costs. That said, Iit is better than having no case at all. Another good idea: Get a tempered glass screen protector for your iPhone 17 model to prevent deep scratches and safeguard the screen.
Should I get a MagSafe case for my iPhone 17?
All the iPhone 17 models are equipped with Apple's MagSafe feature, which offers faster wireless charging with compatible chargers. It also supports optional accessories -- including the MagSafe wallet, mini wallets and various mounts -- that adhere magnetically to the back of your phone. Like the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 has "an array of magnets" (Apple says they're recycled) embedded around a charging coil that can pull up to 25 watts of power if you have a compatible 25-watt wireless charger.
While most iPhone 17 cases are MagSafe-enabled, there are still some models that leave off the MagSafe ring. I would avoid cases that aren't Mag-Safe enabled.
Should I get an iPhone 17 case with a kickstand?
This is a hot new case feature, and more cases are including a kickstand that allows you to prop your phone up. You can buy a MagSafe kickstand accessory, but it's nice to have a kickstand feature integrated into the case. Sometimes cases have a flip-out kickstand while others have a retractable ring holder or "grip" that helps you hold your phone in your more securely and also converts into a kickstand. Also, some cases have a the ring around the camera hole with raised edges (to protect the cameras) that flips out and converts into a stand. And finally, some folio cases convert into a stand.
Should I get a waterproof iPhone case?
iPhone 17 models are water-resistant with an IP68 rating, which means they can be submerged in up to 6 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. A waterproof case offers increased waterproofing but they tend to be bulky and some have a screen that covers the iPhone's screen, reducing touch sensitivity. Therefore, I generally advise people not to bother with a waterproof case unless they're going snorkeling with their phone (just make sure the waterproof case you guarantees it's suitable for snorkeling) or really need the added water protection due to the environment they're in.
Are there disadvantages of silicone cases?
While silicone cases often have a nice soft-to-the-touch feel and are grippy, they tend to be less durable than TPU cases and don't offer as good drop-protection. Additionally, silicone tends to attract dust and dirt, which can make your case look a little grimy over time. This applies more to cheaper silicone cases, but even more premium silicone cases can have durability issues depending on how rough you are on them.
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