Different Display Protectors I’ve Examined
ESR Armorite Screen Protector and Privacy Protector for $20: This pack is best worth than Smartish’s display screen protectors, since you get three tempered glass sheets as an alternative of two. All the required tools is right here, from an utility device to moist wipes. Whereas it makes use of a pull-tab, I discovered Smartish’s and Dbrand’s methods simpler to make use of total. I additionally tried ESR’s Privateness Protector, which was efficient at blocking the display screen when seen from the left or proper. I did not see a significant impression on sharpness or shade accuracy. I examined ESR’s Armorite Pro ($36) with tempered glass made by Corning, the corporate that makes a lot of the glass discovered on smartphones. The sting feels a tiny bit sharp, but it surely was in any other case straightforward to use and appears nice.
OtterBox Glass Screen Protector for $40: OtterBox is now utilizing a pull-tab system for set up, and the method was very straightforward, although I did find yourself with extra air bubbles than my high picks. It comes with a microfiber, moist wipe, and dust-removal stickers, however you solely get one aluminosilicate display screen protector.
Nomad ProShield Glass for $39: This is one other aluminosilicate display screen protector made by Corning, the corporate that makes the glass on most smartphones. As a substitute of a pull-tab, you place the cellphone within the utility device, then shut the device like a ebook and push down as glass sticks to glass. It labored surprisingly nicely, with just some air bubbles. I nonetheless really feel like the sides of the protector are a little bit sharper than I would like, in comparison with the Dbrand and Smartish. It additionally solely comes with one.
Zagg XTR5 Screen Protector for $60: Zagg is actually going after the blue-light crowd. If you happen to suppose reducing as a lot blue mild out of your smartphone will provide help to sleep higher or is likely to be simpler on the eyes, by all means, strive the XTR5. It might offer you peace of thoughts. However research are nonetheless blended on the efficacy of this, although Zagg claims this model particularly cuts out the wavelengths that impression sleep and eye consolation. The glass feels clean and is thick. It annoyingly does not cowl the complete display screen, however the edges do not feel sharp. Set up was straightforward with the pull-tab system (a primary for Zagg), and the corporate says this tempered glass is fortified with graphene for further sturdiness; it is laborious to say simply how a lot it helps. It is value noting that I did discover an impression on shade accuracy. In contrast with one other iPhone, the XTR5 delivered a cooler tone to the iPhone display screen.
Astropad Fresh Coat Anti-Reflective Screen Protector for $35: Apple already added an anti-reflective coating to all the new iPhones, however this Astropad display screen protector can take that even additional. Set up was straightforward with the pull-tab utility system, although I received much more air bubbles with it than with any of the opposite pull-tab installations. It really does work and cuts glare. I in contrast it with one other iPhone that did not have a display screen protector, and observed glare was much less pronounced with the Astropad. There isn’t any actual loss in shade accuracy or sharpness. I in contrast photographs on the 2 telephones, they usually appeared nearly equivalent. I have never discovered a lot cause to complain about glare on the iPhone 17 display screen, but when one thing like that has bothered you earlier than, the Recent Coat is likely to be up your alley.
Rhinoshield Impact Protector Pro (Transparent) for $36: This versatile display screen protector was straightforward to use, although I’m a bit miffed that Rhinoshield did not embody a moist wipe (only a microfiber and dust-removal stickers). It nonetheless left air bubbles, however the squeegee was in a position to eliminate them. The perimeters are a little bit sharp, which is not an issue on my high picks. This is not as a lot of a problem when paired with a case. The corporate claims it restricts blue mild, however take this with a grain of salt. Research have proven blended outcomes that reducing blue mild from a smartphone will provide help to sleep higher.
UAG Glass Shield Screen Protector for $40: This tempered glass display screen protector is offered for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. However the utility device is a little bit too fundamental. It permits for some room for error, a minimum of, greater than my high picks, and it additionally gave me lots of air bubbles. The glass is fairly thick, which feels protecting, however you can even really feel the sharp edges working alongside the facet.
Different Nice Instances
I’ve examined greater than 50 instances for the iPhone 17 lineup. Not all of them deserve a high spot above, however many are nonetheless nice and are available in enjoyable designs and types. Examine ’em out.
Alto Wood Case for $41: I like wooden case, however I’ve some blended emotions about these instances from Alto. You may get customized laser-carved prints, like from its Wildlife or Flora collection; you’ll be able to even add your personal picture. However these look a little bit cheesy to me. Why disguise that beautiful wooden? You may select from a variety of wooden types, from olive wooden to cherry. I would in all probability seize one thing from the corporate’s Burl & Exotic Series. The case itself is OK. The rubber bumper across the edges is grippy, however feels a little bit low-cost. The ability button is strong, and there is a cutout for the Digicam Management button, however the quantity rocker feels a tiny bit mushy.
Beats Rugged Case for $79: This case is the alternative of the Beats Kickstand case that I listed within the keep away from part under. The place that case was tremendous slippery, this one presents a a lot better grip. The buttons are clicky, the show and cameras are protected, and it seems to be very fairly. It isn’t the grippiest case I’ve tried, neither is it essentially the most rugged, regardless of its identify. I choose the Digicam Management button design on the Nomad Rugged Case, which has a thicker bumper. It is out there for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
BodyGuardz Performance Pro and Pulse Cases for $50+: BodyGuardz’s Pulse case is a positive case that is available in a enjoyable matcha shade and features a wrist strap. The Digicam Management button is properly elevated. Look alongside the facet edges and you may see vents—that is to assist disperse warmth, together with the assistance of cooling gel on the inside lining. I’ve tried testing this up to now and have not observed a lot of a distinction in gaming efficiency on the cellphone. The directional speaker is one thing that does really work. Principally, the case directs the audio from the rear audio system in direction of you rather than downward, and you’ll marginally hear the distinction. The Efficiency Professional takes it to the max with bigger vents, and it provides a kickstand. I simply don’t love how the case feels if you maintain it.
Burton Goods Heritage Leather Case for $79+: Burton Items is from the creator of Pad & Quill, which shut down in 2023 on account of chapter. The corporate was identified for its stylish leather-based instances, and that has continued with the brand new model. The Heritage will make you’re feeling such as you’re sitting on a comfortable armchair close to a hearth in an outdated English examine. The complete-grain leather-based feels supple (and smells nice), and the stitching provides it much more character. There’s MagSafe baked in, a microfiber inside, and all of the buttons are responsive. The perimeters are raised nicely across the show and Digicam Plateau, too. You may pair it with the Heritage MagSafe Wallet Stand, which is a magnetic pockets with a kickstand. I used to be in a position to match about three bank cards, although the highest cowl flap makes it a little bit laborious to take away the playing cards.
Rhinoshield SolidX and Clear Cases for $38+: I’ve no qualms with both of those Rhinoshield instances. The SolidX is powerful, thick, and protecting, with clicky buttons and MagSafe. The Clear case has extraordinarily clicky buttons that stick out fairly a bit, and it feels very sturdy. There’s simply not a lot else to them, apart from the truth that the corporate makes use of a proprietary materials known as Mono. It is one hundred pc recycled and is basically a single compound, making recyclability simpler.
OtterBox Symmetry Series Case for $60: OtterBox’s Symmetry collection is its most enjoyable lineup as a result of there are normally a number of nifty designs to select from. Working example, take a look at this adorable cactus embroidered case! It is a enjoyable texture to have on the again of your cellphone, and it is tremendous cute. This model is definitely constructed from cactus leather-based, however different Symmetry instances are customary plastic. I do not suppose the essential Symmetry instances are definitely worth the $60 worth, however the embroidered variations are value contemplating. Whereas these have MagSafe baked in, the embroidery does weaken the magnetic connection. It nonetheless charged my iPhone, however I would not belief it on a MagSafe automobile dock.
OtterBox Commuter Series Case for $50: OtterBox’s Commuter case is easy and inoffensive. You’ve a number of muted colours to select from, and the dual-layer design has a rubber slipcover surrounded by a more durable plastic shell. I just like the rubber edges as they assist with grip, too. It checks off all of the packing containers—even the USB-C port is roofed up—but it surely’s simply not very thrilling.
OtterBox Sole Series Case for $70: I really actually like the appear and feel of this case. The ridged edges are grippy, and the netting-like cloth texture on the again is so satisfying to run my fingers over. It is sort of like sandpaper, however in a great way. The cameras and show are protected, and the buttons are clicky. Nevertheless, I am very confused by the included lanyard loop. It is method too tiny to placed on even the smallest wrists. I think you are meant to affix it to a carabiner or backpack as an alternative. If that is your jam, you may like this. If not, the lanyard is detachable, and you should buy one other one designed for wrists.
Mous Super Thin Aramid Fibre Case for $70: A number of firms now make aramid fiber ultra-thin instances, and truthfully, you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with most of them. I choose the delicate texture of Pitaka’s case (see above), however Mous’ Tremendous Skinny is a detailed second, and it even comes in a clear option with MagSafe. I very very like the raised safety for the digicam, although the Digicam Management button is uncovered, and there is much less safety on the highest and backside, not like Pitaka’s case. As at all times, this sturdy case is extraordinarily skinny and isn’t going to supply the most effective safety, particularly for the display screen, but it surely’ll cowl the same old put on and tear. Pair it with a display screen protector.
Thinborne Super Thin Aramid Fiber Case for $70: It is tremendous skinny just like the Pitaka and Mous aramid fiber instances, with baked-in MagSafe, however I like Pitaka’s designs higher. The entire buttons are uncovered right here, together with the Digicam Management. Thinborne features a display screen protector, however you must freehand the set up because it does not include an utility device.
Zagg iPhone 17 Cases for $50+: I’ve tried all of Zagg’s instances, they usually’re all strong, although I choose the Sedona (see above) essentially the most. Listed below are some ideas on the lineup. The Crystal Palace Snap With Stand has the identical nice kickstand because the Sedona, in addition to an precise button for Digicam Management, however this case is evident. It is a good way to point out off your iPhone’s shade, although it smudges simply. The Manhattan Snap ditches the kickstand and is silicone, however I discovered it attracts an excessive amount of mud and lint; it is very tender, although. The Milan Snap has a enjoyable iridescent shade, and the Santa Cruz Snap With Stand has a placing, colourful bumper that is grippy, however the Digicam Management button is a cutout. The Luxe Snap is likely to be my favourite of the lot by way of design, with a enjoyable texture on the again and grooved edges, however there is no kickstand. Lastly, the Rainier Case With Kickstand is the most recent in Zagg’s lineup, and if you would like sturdy safety, this one will fulfill. It is a two-shell case with a tough and thick bumper, and severely raised edges for max display screen safety with extra-thick corners. Even the USB-C port is roofed up. You get the identical nice kickstand, however the buttons are a bit mushy.
ESR Clear, Soft, and Tough Magnetic Case for $30: ESR has three variations of this case, every in a unique materials. The Soft employs a soft-touch silicone, and it is fairly good, with clicky buttons and a devoted Digicam Management button. The Clear is, nicely, clear, and the Robust makes use of a tough plastic shell. None of them notably excites me, however what makes them distinctive is the built-in kickstand that surrounds the digicam module. It is a neat thought, however you’ll be able to solely prop these telephones up in panorama orientation. Technically, you’ll be able to put them upright in portrait mode, however the cellphone must be the wrong way up. Both method, the Zagg suggestion above is a a lot better kickstand case.
Smartish Gripzilla, Gripmunk, and Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 Cases for $20+: These instances are good and reasonably priced. The Gripzilla has textured edges that make for a pleasant grip, although it is nowhere close to as grippy as Dbrand’s Grip case that I like to recommend above. The Gripmunk has some ridges to assist with grip, and the Pockets Slayer Vol. 2 permits you to stuff a number of bank cards on the again. Nevertheless, the pockets interferes with MagSafe and has no magnets inside, so it cuts you off from wi-fi charging. It additionally makes the case very thick. They’re all strong instances for the cash, and it’s best to shop directly from Smartish because it has some unique designs on its retailer.
Matter HT Snap Cases for $60: Previously generally known as Atom Studios, these “Snap” instances aren’t really instances. They’re only a backing you’ll be able to magnetically stick with your cellphone to guard the rear glass. The corporate presents them in a transparent, wooden fiber, or agave materials. All of them look good and really feel nice, particularly the Clear model for the iPhone Air. Nevertheless, I do not see the purpose of those. They do not cowl the sides in any respect, which is the place you may most definitely see scuffs and scratches after a drop. I would a lot moderately go for an ultra-thin case that wraps the sides of a cellphone, or one thing just like the Arc Pulse.
UAG Cases for $45+: I’ve examined the complete suite of UAG’s instances, from the Plyo and the Monarch Pro to the Metropolis LT and Plasma XTE. If I needed to decide one, I would purchase the Pathfinder ($60). I like the intense yellow shade, and the design is daring, but it surely works. It makes me really feel tactical, like I am about to scale and infiltrate a constructing. The issue with all of UAG’s instances is that they are costly, and none of them characteristic a devoted button for Digicam Management; it is all a cutout. (I’ve simply come to actually choose having an precise button on the case!) I additionally like the UAG Dot ($45) and its enjoyable translucent case.
Keep away from These Instances
Beats Kickstand Case for $59: This case is offered for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, however not the iPhone Air. I really feel dangerous not recommending it as a result of it is lovable, particularly in pink, and the kickstand is tremendous inventive. As a substitute of embedding a kickstand into the case, the included lanyard has a pill-shaped kickstand that pops out. Place it on one of many longer edges of the iPhone, and voila, kickstand! The issue is that it does not work in any respect in portrait orientation, so it is restricted as a kickstand case. Additionally, the polycarbonate case is shockingly slippery. I do not suppose I’ve ever used a case extra slippery. I used to be so shocked I confirmed my spouse, and she or he instantly stated, “Yeah, no, I do not like that.” I assume that is why a lanyard is included.
Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case for $69: I like Mujjo’s leather-based instances, however I do not actually like those with a pockets sleeve embedded into the case itself. Firstly, the sleeve barely matches my card correctly, not to mention three, like the corporate claims. It is also actually laborious to take the playing cards out. Whereas Mujjo has built-in magnets within the case, the magnetic connection is pretty weak as a result of the sleeve interrupts it. To not point out the truth that you must take away your playing cards to really use MagSafe. It simply appears counterintuitive. Simply get a MagSafe wallet at that time.
OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT Case for $80: I am so used to OtterBox’s Defender collection having strong colours that the clear design right here threw me off. I do not hate it, but it surely does present smudges simply. Whereas I normally select this case as essentially the most protecting on account of its dual-layer design (a polycarbonate body sits on high and a rubber slipcover rests beneath), I bumped into an issue. The Digicam Management button is method too responsive. It is really easy to press that I saved launching the digicam each time I picked up the iPhone. My grip alone would find yourself pushing the button. I’ve tried putting in and reinstalling this case a number of occasions to verify the match was proper, however the issue nonetheless retains taking place. Bah.
Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for $30: That is an odd case. The pockets sleeve on the again is actually tight, and I had hassle stuffing two playing cards in. Taking them out is not straightforward both as a result of they get caught on the sting. Smartish additionally advertises a kickstand, however there is no such thing as a kickstand on the case. As a substitute, you are supposed to make use of your personal bank card because the kickstand, which is just a bit bizarre.
UAG Trooper Case for $65: Instances are so good lately, which is why it irks me when there’s an apparent flaw in a design. UAG’s Trooper is a rugged, robust case that may be very cumbersome. But as an alternative of including a button for Digicam Management, the corporate saved a cutout. However when the sting is so thick, it is genuinely laborious to press this button, even when the again edge is sloped in. (Might be my fats fingers.) The quantity rocker and Motion Button are additionally laborious to press.
