I tried dozens of iPhone 17 cases – these are my 7 favorites for every type of user

I’ve been a longtime fan of CASETiFY’s phone cases, and when the brand first launched its non-yellowing clear case a few years ago, I was one of the first to try it and rave about its prowess.

I’ve used this very case in my past two phone models (the iPhone 14 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max) and can firmly attest to its leading claim that it doesn’t turn yellow! Let’s take my most recent iPhone 16 Pro Max, for example. I tested this case on my device for over two months and it remained clear the entire time with no traces of color-turning at all — not even at the corners.

What I also love about this case is its truly protective design. Aside from its clear and crisp aesthetic, this case is a shielding beast. The Impact bumpers (which CASETiFY is known for) absorb shock and add a solid barrier between your phone and the elements. It also full protects your device from harsh falls and drops.

I’ve dropped my phone from my kitchen island onto the tiled floor a few times and the case simply bounced, leaving no scratches or cracks on the device or my screen.

The case itself did incur some minor scratches, but nothing that was noticeable enough to warrant replacing the case, altogether.

CASETiFY is also one of the few brands that offer complimentary customization, allowing you to add text in various colors and fonts to the back of your case.

If you’re a clear case-lover like I am and prefer seeing your phone’s natural beauty without going the naked route, this non-yellowing CASETiFY gem is my top recommendation.

Most people know Kevlar for being a hyper-resistant material that’s even stronger than steel. But a phone case is the last place you’d expect for it to be used. However, in hindsight, it makes perfect sense.

Since so many phone users drop their devices routinely and need an extra layer of protection, finding a case that’s as protective as they come is the goal for many, and this case from UAG surpassed that mark in my tests.

Despite its material, this case actually isn’t heavy at all. In fact, it’s one of the most lightweight options I’ve tested. I used a dummy iPhone 17 Pro Max device that was built to look and feel like the real thing to test its drop protection and this case didn’t disappoint.

I dropped it from the top balcony of my house to the ground floor (approximately 20 feet), and to my honest surprise, the case didn’t incur a single scratch and neither did the device.

The case also feels extremely sturdy and tight in-hand. I felt like I was in complete control of the device and never once did I expect it to slip out of my hands.

If you’re a bit clumsy and need a case with extra rigor to keep your expensive smartphone in one piece, this is, without a doubt, the most protective case I’ve tested to date.

Troubadour is one of my favorite fashion accessory brands. I’ve tested its weekender bags, work bags and wallets for various roundups, and it’s constantly made it into my final rankings.

So, finding out that the brand expanded into the phone cases category left me pleasantly surprised, especially anticipating the quality level being the same as its larger products. After testing its leather wallet case for the iPhone 17 Pro, my expectations were definitely met.

This case feels extremely luxe and one-of-a kind. It doesn’t feel bulky, but also doesn’t feel too insubstantial. It strikes that ideal middle point that protects your device without leaving you feeling like you’re toting around a brick throughout the day.

Its Velore leather design, crafted from fine-grain Danish calfskin using waterless DriTan technology, gives it this smooth hand-feel that makes you want to constantly rub the phone at random occasions.

While its material is definitely a standout, there are two features that I appreciate just a bit more: its incredibly responsive buttons and integrated wallet slot.

This phone’s buttons are among some of the most precise and seamless that I’ve used on any case. Made of machined-metal, the buttons are slightly raised and don’t require much effort to push, coming in handy for those with dexterity issues.

As for the wallet feature — it’s pretty straightforward, which I can appreciate. It’s located in the back of the case, just under the camera, and snugly houses a couple of cards for easy access.

I have to admit that I’m not a raving fan of folio phone cases. To me, they tend to look a bit dated and offer very little protection for your device. In essence, I consider most to just be glorified phone wallets.

However, Nomad made me a believer with its Modern Leather Folio iPhone 17 case range. It maintains that classic leather style that only gets better with time, but modern touches like anodized aluminum buttons, massive drop protection and super soft interior make this a case your grandparents wouldn’t have once owned.

Its raised camera framing and solid bumper also lend to its protective elements that make this the perfect blend of functional and fashionable. In fact, the all-around TPU bumper absorbs shocks and protects against drops of up to 8 feet.

As for the folio element, this case has three card slots built into the interior of the front flap. The case also comes with a magnetic clasp that’s completely removable.

So, if you want to go for that classic folio design, attach it with just a quick magnetic snap. Otherwise, leave it off for a more seamless, easy-breeze look.

Admittedly, rugged cases aren’t my speed. Many of the ones I’ve tested and reviewed over the years have been significantly bulkier than I prefer and add extra heft and weight to my device. And no one actually likes a heavy phone.

But, putting those preconceived judgments aside, I decided to test the Nomad Rugged Case for review and it became one of my favorites for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it added a noticeable extra layer of protection to my device without piling on so many extra layers that it felt like I was carrying around a phone that was double its original size. Instead, the brand added impact-absorbing points to the case to draw in any shock and protect the device from harsh drops.

I also appreciated that the design remained mostly streamlined and clean. The back has one smooth surface that’s free of any texture or bulky extremities that just make an already large phone feel even more substantial than it is.

Lastly, and similarly to the Folio Case, the Rugged Case’s buttons are extremely responsive and tactile. The phone-locking button even has a textured design on this case for an extra rugged look and feel.

Whether you’re going for a run or just need a case that’s drop-proof for everyday use, this is one that you’re sure to get lots of use out of — and it won’t look out of place in any setting.

Sometimes, especially for everyday use, you prefer a case that has just enough protection while being more aesthetically pleasing and easy to hold. This case from Nudient checks all of those boxes with ease.

Available for the entire iPhone 17 lineup, this case mimics the look of a piece of high-end luggage, but without that hard, easily dented aluminum build. Instead, it has a soft-to-the-touch silicone and recycled plastic design that’s still firm enough to remain in your hands without slipping.

I was also impressed by a few small, but noticeable design elements on this case like its sapphire crystal camera button and microfiber lining.

Its polished raised camera lens bumper also adds a layer of protection that doubles as a design element that makes your phone look and feel much more expensive than it is.

This case also has the widest color variety of any of the options on this list (with the exception of CASETiFY’s customization feature that lets you add text to your case). It comes in muted colors like beige, olive green and the brown that I’ve tested as well as bolder colors like red and nordic white.

Though slim, this case has a drop-proof design that protects your device without adding much extra bulk, making it ideal for those who want to add a bit of a luxe touch to their device without sacrificing what matters most: phone safety.

Otterbox remains one of those legacy phone accessory brands that’s known for delivering in the phone protection department. However, for years, it was known for producing some of the bulkiest and most aesthetically unappealing designs seen in recent memory.

For years, shoppers associated Otterbox with phone users who prioritized phone protection over design. But it was only over the past couple of years that the brand shifted its focus by reshaping its design outlook to reflect much slimmer and more approachable silhouettes that still align with its safety-first ethos.

This philosophy perfectly applies to its new Sole Series of iPhone 17 cases. They’re slim, lightweight and are the complete antithesis to what Otterbox was known for producing years ago.

The case has a grippy, lightweight design that adds very little bulk and weight to your device. I barely felt a difference in the heft of the phone when I snapped this case on.

Clumsy phone users will also appreciate that it comes with a built-in lanyard loop that you can slip your wrist through for extra protection and reinforcement.

Keep in mind that this case does has a slightly textured feel and isn’t as smooth and unassuming as some of the other cases on this list, so this may affect your buying decision.

But if this isn’t an issue for you, this case is worth the buy. It has all of the elements that makes Otterbox an all-star legacy phone case brand just in a much more modern and streamlined package.