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Best iPhone 8 Cases

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
OtterBox Symmetry Series iPhone 8 Case
OtterBox
Symmetry Series iPhone 8 Case
Heavy Duty

A top design by a top brand in cases that is built to stand up to mishaps and looks good without detracting from the looks of your iPhone 8.

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Heavy Duty
Bottom Line

A top design by a top brand in cases that is built to stand up to mishaps and looks good without detracting from the looks of your iPhone 8.

Pros

Attractive, slim design by a trusted brand that fits most pockets easily while also offering superior protection from drops and bumps. 2-layer design adds protection but not bulk. Precise fit without covering phone cutouts. Will also fit the iPhone 7.

Cons

Doesn't come with a screen protector. The finish is a bit slippery.

Best Bang for the Buck
Shamo's TPU Rubber Gel Case
Shamo's
TPU Rubber Gel Case
Affordable Pick

Extremely inexpensive phone case that uses soft silicone to enhance your grip on the phone.

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Affordable Pick
Bottom Line

Extremely inexpensive phone case that uses soft silicone to enhance your grip on the phone.

Pros

Available as an all-clear design, or in 6 other slight color tints. Extremely thin design means it won't add much bulk to the phone. Soft material will protect the phone from scratches and dirt while providing a little bit of fall protection. Very easy to take the case off or put it on as required.

Cons

Quality control is questionable. Will not protect against falls from a height.

Caseology Skyfall Case
Caseology
Skyfall Case
Stylish but Simple

Simple case with a good price point that will enhance the sharp look of your smartphone.

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Stylish but Simple
Bottom Line

Simple case with a good price point that will enhance the sharp look of your smartphone.

Pros

Uses a clear case design to show off the look of your phone. Colors in the edges provide a nice accent and will match the colors featured in different models of the iPhone 8. Frame is impact resistant with a dual-layer design. Uses a thin configuration that won't add bulk to the phone's profile.

Cons

Won't survive falls from height. May suffer discoloration after several months.

TORRAS Slim Fit Case
TORRAS
Slim Fit Case
Protection Without Bulk

Hard plastic case provides a basic level of protection, while the extremely slim case looks sleek.

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Protection Without Bulk
Bottom Line

Hard plastic case provides a basic level of protection, while the extremely slim case looks sleek.

Pros

8 different color options. Hard plastic case protects the unit from scratches, but it also has enough flexibility around the buttons to ensure you can use them. Easy to put on and take off the case as needed. Includes a slight lip around the camera to protect it.

Cons

Hard plastic cover doesn't provide much of a grip. Limited drop protection.

OtterBox Defender Series
OtterBox
Defender Series
Triple Layer Protection

Nice level of protection for your phone from scratches with a triple-layer case design.

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Triple Layer Protection
Bottom Line

Nice level of protection for your phone from scratches with a triple-layer case design.

Pros

Includes a screen protector to help you avoid scratches. Trusted brand name for smartphone cases. Has a belt clip that you also can use as a kickstand to provide hands-free use of the phone. Available in several colors. Protects better than similarly priced cases.

Cons

Screen protector may make the screen far less responsive to touch.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
August 25, 2021
36
Models
considered
14
Hours
researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Best iPhone 8 cases

Jennifer Blair
Written by Jennifer Blair

Updated December 2021

When you invest in an iPhone 8, with all its cool, convenient features (and hefty price tag), you want to make sure that it stays in one piece. That’s why it’s so important to find the right case to keep your phone from shattering or breaking if you drop it.

Choosing an iPhone 8 case can be tricky because of the sheer number of options on the market. You have to decide what type of case works best for your needs, as well as what material and other features will make it the most effective option for your lifestyle.

A hand holds an iPhone in front of an indistinct, but lovely, background
An iPhone 8 case should be open at the bottom to provide access to the Lightning port.

iPhone 8 case types

Shell

For the most complete protection for your iPhone 8, a shell case (also known as a snap-on case) is usually your best bet. The case covers the entire phone frame, including the back and sides. Some styles also extend a bit over the front to offer some protection for the screen. Shell cases are often the heaviest, but they still provide easy access to all of the phone’s buttons and features.

Bumper

A rectangular bumper case fits around the outer edges of the iPhone 8 to protect the corners. They’re designed to bounce, so the phone doesn’t shatter if you drop it. Bumper cases are lightweight but not as rugged or protective as shell cases.

"A rugged, highly protective iPhone 8 case adds bulk to your phone and may make it heavier to hold. "
STAFF
BestReviews

Soft-fitted

Soft-fitted cases (also known as faceplates) are very lightweight and flexible, features that help absorb the impact if you drop your iPhone 8.

Skin

Skin cases are the lightest available for your iPhone 8. These are made of thin, flexible material that sticks to the phone. This type of case is more for decoration. It doesn’t offer much in the way of protection.

Key considerations

Material

Silicone, rubber, plastic, and metal are the most common materials in iPhone 8 cases.

  • Silicone has a soft, flexible feel and is often used for soft-fitted cases. It can absorb shock if you drop your phone.

  • Rubber can absorb shock like silicone, but it’s much more durable. You’ll find rugged shell or bumper cases made of rubber.

  • Plastic is often used for shell iPhone 8 cases. Because it’s harder than silicone or rubber, it’s possible for a plastic case to crack if you drop your phone, so it doesn’t necessarily offer the best protection.

  • Metal won’t crack if you drop it, so metal cases offer the most protection for your phone. The most durable iPhone 8 cases are made of metal, but these are also the most expensive.

Screen protector

While iPhone 8 cases are designed to protect the exterior of the phone, it’s important to look for one that can also protect the screen. Many cases include a screen protector, which is usually a thin plastic sticker that adheres to the screen. The screen protector is thin enough that the touchscreen surface is still operational.

Some iPhone 8 cases have a hinged plastic screen protector that opens and closes. The plastic is thicker, so you need to open it to use the touchscreen.

Color/design

While most people get an iPhone 8 case to protect their phone, the case also provides an opportunity to customize your phone’s appearance. You can find cases in a wide array of colors and patterns, so it’s easy to choose one that suits your personal style. There are cases that feature sports team logos, cartoon characters, famous artwork, and other pop culture designs, allowing you to have a lot of fun with your phone.

Pockets

If you want an iPhone 8 case that’s as functional as possible, look for one that includes pockets for credit cards, money, or ID. These allow you to slip in a card and a few dollars, so you can leave your wallet at home for quick errands. For added security, choose a case with a hidden pocket.

Content Image
Avoid any cases designated as “universal” iPhone covers. They may not fit your iPhone 8.

FAQ

Q. What type of iPhone 8 case is best if I’m extremely active?

A. If you regularly go for runs, hikes, bike rides, or engage in other physical activities, choose an iPhone 8 case that offers the most protection possible. Look for a rugged shell or bumper case that’s made of metal or rubber to ensure that your iPhone is protected from falls, scratches, dirt, and other environmental dangers.

Q. Which iPhone 8 case material offers the best grip?

A. While your case can protect your phone in case it falls, we’d all prefer to avoid dropping it in the first place. Look for a style made of silicone or rubber to get the best grip. Some cases even have a textured surface that makes it even easier to keep a good hold on your phone.

Q. Can a case protect my iPhone 8 from rain and snow?

A. Some iPhone 8 cases are rugged and durable enough to be rated snow- and waterproof. In addition to withstanding inclement weather, some even protect your phone in several feet of water for a certain period of time. Cases that can protect your phone against weather, water, dust, and dirt are more expensive.

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