Your smartphone is like a part of your body. You’ll always have it within reach to check messages, answer calls, or see your mate’s holiday snaps on Insta. And while you might be the most careful person in the world, you’ll probably drop your device at some point. That’s why you’ll want to grab yourself a phone case. It’s the best way to protect your handheld from scratches, dents, and the absolute worst — a shattered screen.
After all, most iPhones and Android smartphones cost a fair chunk of change, so they’re worth keeping safe with a relatively affordable case. Phone cases also let you add a personal touch to your mobile, with loads of cool colours and designs to choose from.
Trouble is, there are so many types of phone case to pick from that it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best phone cases you can buy in our guide. From difficult-to-drop phone grips to handy 2-in-1 wallet cases — you’re bound to pick up the right protection for your mobile.
Our top phone case choices
You’ve called, we’ve answered. Here are the main types of phone case you'll come across:
Flip phone cases — Fully shield the front and back of your phone for great peace of mind.
Wallet phone cases — Protect your device and store cards all in one package.
Leather phone cases — Durable and comfortable with a classy, timeless look.
Phone grips — Help to prevent accidental drops and make one-handed use way easier.
You’ll come across some other niche options too. Some of these come with cool features to get the most from your mobile:
Protective phone cases — Equipped with extra padding for the best security.
Battery phone cases — Feature a built-in power bank to recharge your device on the go.
Magnetic phone cases — Turn any magnetic surface into a mounting point for your phone.
Clear phone cases — Protect your device without spoiling its good looks.
Or, you could also start by checking out all our iPhone cases and Android cases and going from there.
Best phone case overall
When it comes to finding the best phone case, you’ll probably want a solid all-rounder that ticks many boxes. We’re talking robust, great value for money, and flexible for different situations.
First off, you’ll want a mobile phone case that offers solid protection. This means you’d be best off with a flip case that can cover the whole device. And fortunately, lots of these cases feature built-in sleeves for your bank or ID cards. Two birds, one stone! A grippy exterior wouldn’t be a bad idea either, as it’ll lower the chance of you dropping your device. Luckily, there are plenty of phone cases out there that merge all of these features together.
Best flip phone case
Flip phone cases are flipping good! With full 360-degree protection for your phone, flip cases are also perfect for users who appreciate a little privacy — thanks to that moveable screen cover. Speaking of which, many flip cases have front covers that double as a built-in stand feature too. This is great if you want to prop up your phone for watching your favourite show, or going on a Facetime call with your family.
Best wallet phone case
Phones are getting bigger and bigger, which can make carrying around a phone and your wallet difficult. Luckily, wallet phone cases combine the two — protecting your mobile and giving you a space to store your cards in one spot. Streamlining your life has never been easier! Oh, and if you’re wondering — it’s perfectly safe to store your bank cards near your phone.
Best leather phone case
There's nothing like a bit of leather to add some class to your smartphone. Leather looks elegant and professional, and it’ll age nicely over time too. Leather phone cases are comfortable and reasonably grippy as well, so your phone will be less likely to slip out your hand. Plus, the material is not as bulky as some of the plastics used for other types of phone case, providing a slim feel in your pocket.
Best phone grip
Do these count as phone cases? Well, sort of. While not offering full protection like a traditional case, sticky phone grips are designed to give you a more secure hold of your mobile. The idea is to stop accidental drops by attaching one of these to the back. Of course, you could always double up and attach a phone grip to a case for ultimate protection!
Best protective phone case
If you’re a real stickler for safeguarding your smartphone, then you’ll need a hardy case that delivers the best security possible. These types of cases are popular with tradespeople and manual workers. And while they’re not much of a looker, they’re very effective — with reinforced corners and shock-absorbing materials. Some of the best protective phone cases also filter out dust thanks to their snug fit. This keeps nasty debris from getting into your phone’s ports.
Best battery phone case
There’s nothing worse than running out of battery halfway through the day with nowhere to plug in. That’s where a battery phone case will save your bacon. These smart 2-in-1 gadgets protect your device and provide on-the-go charging with their built-in power banks. You’ll never have to worry about running out of juice!
Best magnetic phone case
At first glance, magnetic phone cases look pretty normal. But, these cool cases feature built-in magnets on the back that let you attach your phone to a magnetic surface. If you want to use your mobile as a sat-nav then you can easily pop your phone near your dashboard for those long car journeys (with a mount). Content creators also like using these cases with magnetic tripods.
What about MagSafe cases?
MagSafe cases are made by Apple and specifically fit iPhones (12 and beyond). These official protective cases feature magnets that can pair up with other iPhone accessories in a snap. This includes Apple’s MagSafe wireless charger, which gives you fast wireless charging up to 15W. There’s also the MagSafe Battery Pack (power bank) that latches straight onto the back of your iPhone for on-the-go charging.
Best clear phone case
So, you love the design of your mobile and don’t want to cover it up. A clear phone case might be just what you need. It’ll let you show off your smartphone’s good looks while protecting it from danger. These cases also tend to have a slim profile, so your phone won’t be too chunky to fit in your pocket. Clear cases come in all shapes and sizes, so finding one that fits your device shouldn’t be too tricky.
FAQs
Are silicone phone cases good?
Phone cases made from silicone are very common and popular. That’s because they’re both durable and affordable, with their soft texture designed to absorb shocks and protect your phone. Just a heads up though — silicone can feel quite slippery in your hand and it’s also prone to yellowing over time.
Are hard or soft phone cases better?
Hard phone cases (those made from plastic and other rigid materials) are better at protecting against impacts, scratches, and drops from a low-to-medium height. Soft cases (made from rubber or silicone) don’t offer as much day-to-day protection but are better at absorbing shocks from higher drops.
Can a phone case affect your signal?
Most phone cases won’t get in the way of your signal or connection to Wi-Fi. Their benefits far outweigh the odd chance of weakening your signal.
What is the difference between a wallet case and a flip case?
A wallet phone case features pouches that let you store bank, ID, or any other essential cards. A flip case protects an entire phone (especially the screen) and features a front cover that can be folded open like the page of a book. However, there are many smartphone cases out there which handily combine the two.
Can a phone case make your phone overheat?
In most cases (pun intended), the answer is no. However, materials like rubber can retain heat better than other materials — meaning that some phones can overheat when they’re attached. Most modern phones won’t reach a high temperature anyway unless you leave it out in the sun or put it on charge.
For another layer of protection, why not check out our mobile phone insurance service? And if you’re looking for face-to-face advice, head into your nearest Currys store and talk to a tech expert.
