Apple’s latest lineup of iPhone has arrived: On Wednesday at an Apple Event in Cupertino, the company unveiled the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the iPhone 17 Air — a brand new model and the thinnest iPhone ever made. The new phones feature the A19 chipset (and for the iPhone 17 Air, a new N1 chip), and, for the first time, a 120Hz ProMotion display, with a new camera module for the iPhone 17 Pro models.
If you’re looking to upgrade, you can preorder the iPhone 17 from Apple, Best Buy<!–>, Amazon–>, or phone carriers starting Friday. All iPhone 17 models will hit shelves on Sept. 19. To prepare for their arrival, we found the best iPhone 17 cases to protect your brand-new phone.
Also: The best phones we’ve tested this year
What is the best iPhone 17 case right now?
Our pick for the best iPhone 17 case is the Nomad Modern Leather case<!–>, thanks to its mix of style, durability, and premium feel. But if you’re looking for a more traditional case that comes in several colors and designs (and is less expensive), check out our runner-up, the Smartish Gripmunk case–>. Read on for the rest of our picks for the best iPhone 17 cases so far. (All of the cases on this list have a version for each iPhone 17 model, including the Air.) Also: You can preorder Apple’s new devices this week: iPhone 17, Watch 11, AirPods Pro 3 and more
The best iPhone 17 cases of 2025
The Nomad Modern Leather case is once again our pick for the best iPhone case this year. ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner said he loves Nomad for “its mix of style, durability, and premium feel.”
The case features 8-foot drop protection. Leather isn’t for everyone (Nomad says that it sources its leather sustainably). But if you’re in the market for a sleek leather case that’s MagSafe compatible and offers camera protection — and you want to invest in a quality product — this is the case for you.
Nomad Modern Leather case features: MagSafe compatible | 8-foot drop protection | Sustainably sourced leather
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Smartish’s Gripmunk cases combine a slim style and trendy designs with top-notch protection. They feature a grippy texture and raised edges to keep your screen and camera safe. They’re also affordable, at just $20 for the MagSafe version (and $15 for non-MagSafe). The cases have been drop tested 50 times from 6 feet high, according to the company, and phone screens and cameras remained safe. That’s not as protective as some others on the list, but is more than enough for daily wear and tear.
“Gripmunk feels better in the hand than any other case I’ve tried, and I feel more confident about drops with that case on,” said ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner.
The cases also feature protective air pocket corners and a soft microfiber inner lining to protect against scratches. The Smartish Gripmunk iPhone 17 cases come in several colors and fun designs that are worth checking out, especially for the price.
Smartish Gripmunk case features: MagSafe compatible | 6-foot drop protection | Several colors and designs
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Pitaka’s ultra-thin iPhone 17 case aims to fit the phone like a glove, at just 0.88mm thick and weighing as little as 17 grams. It’s made from aramid fibers, which are virtually the same as Kevlar, the fabric used in bulletproof vests — making it durable and scratch-resistant, and also MagSafe compatible.
“Pitaka is one of the originators of the ultra-thin Aramid Fiber case that you see so many brands remix today,” said ZDNET editor and phone reviewer Kerry Wan, who tested the iPhone 16 version of the Ultra Slim case. “With such cases, you’re trading drop protection in favor of slimness and minimalism.”
This case comes in four colors, including black. There’s also a PitaTap version — basically, one where the case covers the camera button but still allows you to control it, instead of leaving the button open. The Ultra Slim case is $50, while the PitaTap edition is $60.
Pitaka Ultra Slim case features: MagSafe compatible | Ultra-thin form factor | Camera protection | Aramid fiber material
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Spigen’s iPhone 17 cases are reliable and affordable, starting at just $15 for the popular Ultra Hybrid Mag Fit case. These cases are also extremely well-reviewed on Amazon, with 4.6/5 stars and over 11,000 reviews. The camera control button is covered and protected but still functional, and it features military-grade drop protection (though the company doesn’t specify from how high). These cases also use blue resin for anti-yellowing clarity, the company says.
If you’re looking for a solid, low-cost case, this is a good option. It comes in several colors, including clear, as well.
Spigen Ultra Hubrid Mag Fit case features: MagSafe compatible | Lower cost | Camera button protection | Anti-yellowing resin
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Torras cases are a longtime ZDNET editor favorite for their versatility and durability. As the name suggests, the phone’s MagSafe kickstand ring lets you adjust with 360-degree rotation and up to 170-degree tilt flexibility, making it easier for you to watch content or FaceTime on your phone.
The case passed 16-foot military-grade drop tests. And the clear option lets you show off the color of your new iPhone. It’s also one of the more affordable options.
ZDNET reviews editor Kerry Wan tested this case for the iPhone 16, and noted that its MagSafe ring could keep compatible accessories attached to the iPhone at virtually every angle.
Torras 360-degree Ostand features: MagSafe compatible | Rotating kickstand ring | 16-foot drop protection
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If you’re looking for a case that can handle outdoor adventures or larger drops, consider the Supcase UB Grip case. This MagSafe-compatible case includes a kickstand, a button to protect the camera, and military-grade drop protection up to 15 feet. It also features an anti-slip grip and textured sides to prevent accidental drops.
The extra protection is also more affordable, starting at $26. ZDNET deals and shopping editor Kayla Solino has tested other Supcase accessories, and vouches for the brand’s rugged design and strong price point.
The case comes in four colors, and is compatible with every iPhone 17 model.
Supcase UB Grip case features: MagSafe compatible | 15-foot drop protection | Kickstand | Rugged design
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Casetify’s Impact Case is its durable, everyday option that has sold over 15 million units worldwide. It offers 8.2-foot drop protection and 4x military grade standard, and no lifted edges. It comes in several fun, colorful designs, while still offering durability and MagSafe compatibility.
ZDNET deals and shopping editor Kayla Solino has tested Casetify Impact cases, and said she likes that they’re durable and come in several fun designs — but also notes that they can be expensive, with the iPhone 17 cases starting at $70. “They’re worth it if you’re going to buy one or two cases over the time you have your phone, but if you’re doing more than that, I’d go for something cheaper,” she said.
Casetify Impact case features: MagSafe compatible | Drop protection | Several fun designs
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Also: The best MagSafe accessories for your iPhone
The best iPhone 17 case depends on your individual needs. Our top picks are the Nomad Modern Leather case, and the Smartish Gripmunk case. Compare prices and top features of all of the cases on this list below.
| iPhone 17 cases | Price | MagSafe | Drop Protection |
| Nomad | $55 | Yes | Yes |
| Smartish Gripmunk case | $20 | Yes | Yes |
| Pitaka Ultra Slim | $50 | Yes | Yes |
| Spigen Ultra Hybrid Mag Fit | $15 | Yes | Yes |
| Supcase UB Grip | $26 | Yes | Yes |
| Torras 360-degree Ostand | $45 | Yes | Yes |
| Casetify Impact | $70 | Yes | Yes |
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| Choose this iPhone 17 case… | If you want… |
| Nomad | A stylish and durable case with a premium feel. |
| Smartish Gripmunk case | A very good, affordable everyday case with great color and design options. |
| Pitaka Ultra Slim | An extremely slim, lightweight case. |
| Spigen Ultra Hybrid Mag Fit | An inexpensive, well-reviewed case. |
| Supcase UB Grip | A more rugged case that will protect your new phone on adventures. |
| Torras 360-degree Ostand | A clear case with strong drop protection and an innovative rotating kickstand ring. |
| Casetify Impact | A case that comes in lots of different designs while still offering drop protection. |
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Our picks for the best iPhone 17 cases reflect different needs and features. We took the following factors into consideration when making our picks:
- Size: Phone cases can add bulk to your device. If you’re looking for a sturdier case that offers lots of protection, you might not mind. But if you’re looking for something more sleek, you’ll want to consider the size.
- Durability: No one wants to spend money on a phone case only to have it break after a few months, or not adequately protect your device. The best cases last for a long time while also surviving daily wear and drops. You should look for a case made from high-quality materials such as wood, polycarbonate, or silicone.
- Style: Let’s face it, many of us want a pretty phone case to look at. We look at cases and determine if their style matches their performance and features. It’s OK if you’d rather have a stylish case over a protective one.
- Price: Price is a very important factor when considering the right phone case for you. Many people do not want to spend more than $20 on a phone case, and we are aware of that, and tried to balance affordability with performance.
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When considering the best iPhone 17 cases, we took into account past testing we’ve done on cases and mobile accessories, researched options from trusted brands, got recommendations from ZDNET editors and writers, and scoured online reviews. When we go hands-on with a phone case, we consider ease of setup, performance quality, functionality, and value for the price.
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The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be available for preorder starting Friday, Sept. 12. The phones will hit shelves on XXXXXXXX.
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Whether or not your new iPhone needs a case is ultimately your choice. We recommend putting a case on your phone, since these are expensive devices that you want to last and function long-term through daily life and the inevitable drops and bumps that happen.
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You can find several phone cases that fit the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Brands like Spigen, Casetify, Dbrand, Supcase, and more are offering options for the new Apple phones. We’ll continue to update this list as we find and test more iPhone 17 cases.
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