What iPhone 17 Case is Best for Protection & Style?

You’ve just got a brand-new, sleek, and shiny iPhone 17. Fresh from the box. It’s slim, and so pretty. But it’s also incredibly vulnerable – and that slippery aluminum frame back is tempting fate. 

The newest iPhone on the block is a refreshing shake up for Apple. Your old iPhone 16 or iPhone SE case won’t do the job.

So, you need a new protective phone case to keep your new purchase safe. You also want something that will showcase the beauty of your market-leading smartphone. Here are our top picks for iPhone 17 cases that put protection and style first.

What Makes a Good Phone Case Good?

How do you pick the perfect phone case? There are so many options on the market, and it’s not always clear whether a silicone phone case or a thick, bulky case will do the job.

The most common damage to phones is often to the screen, usually when you drop your phone. You can buy separate screen protectors or look for a phone case with built-in screen protection to keep it safe. 

Here are the most important features you should look out for:

• Reinforced corners and bulky cases – while less attractive – offer better protection in case you drop your phone.

• A built-in screen protector is vital. Your phone screen is the most vulnerable part of your device, and is usually the first to go.

• Shock-absorbent materials, like silicone or rubber, will protect your phone better than plastic cases, which usually transfer impact to your phone.

Water damage is another common issue. While the latest smartphones offer some degree of protection against water, it’s not foolproof. If you spend a lot of time by water, you might want to consider a specialized iPhone case – but it’s worth noting that these still don’t protect against salt corrosion if your phone lands in the sea.

What else do you need to consider? It might not be about protecting your phone, but things like non-slip hand grips, MagSafe and wireless charging features, and Face ID compatibility will ensure your case doesn’t impact the best parts of your new device. You should also double check that the case allows for using other accessories and Apple products, like chargers.

Best iPhone 17 Cases for Protection

Now you know what details to look out for, here are our top recommendations for iPhone 17 cases.

Best for All-Round Protection: iPhone 17 Pro – ATOMIC

Your brand-new iPhone deserves a top-of-the-range case that shines as brightly as your Apple device. The iPhone 17 Atomic case is exactly that – it comes with a scratch-resistant clear back with dual layer aluminum construction. This means extra protection for your iPhone 17.

And you don’t need to worry about losing your wireless charging or camera quality. The Atomic case has built-in MagSafe magnets to support wireless charging. It also features a raised camera lens perimeter to keep your market-leading camera safe from scratches or damage.

As for style? This sleek case compliments the modern-look of your iPhone. It’s available in a range of colors with limited edition leather materials.

Dimensions:

• iPhone 17 Pro – 6.20 x 3.17 x 0.55 inches

• iPhone 17 Pro Max – 6.73 x 3.42 x 0.55 inches

Colors:

• Black

• Prismatic

• Red

• Blue [Limited edition]

• Green [Limited edition]

• Gunmetal with brown leather [Limited edition]

• Orange with tan fabric [Limited edition]

• Pink [Limited edition]

• Silver [Limited edition]

• Aramid red [Limited edition]

Best for Water Protection: iPhone 17 – NAUTICAL

The iPhone 17 Nautical case is best for anyone who spends a lot of time by water. Whether you live on a boat or just like beach days, the Nautical iPhone case has a full body watertight design and is submersible six feet underwater.

And what about out of the water? This phone case comes with a protective camera lens, durable built-in screen protector, and heavy duty shock protection. Don’t worry about dropping it, either. The case can withstand falls from up to 12 feet. It also has a non-slip grip and is MagSafe compatible.

Dimensions:

• iPhone Air – 6.59 x 3.41 x 0.45 inches

• iPhone 17 – 6.34 x 3.29 x 0.51 inches

• iPhone 17 Pro – 6.32 x 3.27 x 0.53 inches

• iPhone 17 Pro Max – 6.85 x 3.54 x 0.53 inches

Colors:

• Black

• Clear

Best for Style: iPhone 17 – COVERT

This value-for-money phone case comes at a reasonable price, while offering best-in-class protection and style.

The iPhone 17 Covert case has limited-edition colors that are a statement of your style. It’s got a minimalist, lightweight design and a scratch-proof, crystal clear back that will keep your phone looking good for a long time. The case is compatible with MagSafe, wireless charging, and Face ID.

With shock-absorbing corners and a raised camera lens perimeter, this case also offers military-grade protection and can withstand falls from eight feet.

Dimensions:

• iPhone Air – 6.42 x 3.21 x 0.39 inches

• iPhone 17 – 6.14 x 3.07 x 0.51 inches

• iPhone 17 Pro – 6.16 x 3.09 x 0.51 inches

• iPhone 17 Pro Max – 6.69 x 3.33 x 0.51 inches

Colors:

• Clear

• Clear Matte

• Smoke

• Smoke Matte

• Black [Limited edition]

• Blue [Limited edition]

• Gray [Limited edition]

• Purple [Limited edition]

• Red [Limited edition]

• Teal [Limited edition]

What About Screen Protectors?

If you’ve already got a case or are risking the bare look, you might want to invest in a screen protector, at least. A tempered glass screen protector will keep the most vulnerable part of your new iPhone safe from falls and slips.

Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Screen protection is vital. The best screen protectors are not noticeable. You’ll stick them on, and forget that it’s there – except for when you thank it each time you drop your phone.

You can also buy privacy screen protectors. These shield your phone screen from nosy eyes, without affecting your own view.

If you’re upgrading from the iPhone 16 Pro, the screen size should be the same as the 17 base model.

Camera Lens Protector

One of the best features the new Apple iPhone 17 has to offer is the professional-quality camera lenses. You don’t want to damage these. Even with the best phone case, it’s a good idea to invest in camera lens protection as well.

These protectors are made from 9H tempered glass and are anti-fingerprint and anti-reflection, so nothing impairs your photographic masterpieces. 

What to Look for in Your iPhone 17 Case? 

If there’s one thing you should be looking for in your new iPhone 17 case, it’s protection. With military-grade materials and shock-absorbant corners, your phone will survive most drops and falls. And when it comes to style? Sleek, minimalist cases are in.