Different Display Protectors I’ve Examined
ESR Armorite Display Protector and Privateness Protector for $20: This pack is healthier worth than Smartish’s display screen protectors, since you get three tempered glass sheets as an alternative of two. All the mandatory tools is right here, from an software software to moist wipes. Whereas it makes use of a pull-tab, I discovered Smartish’s and Dbrand’s methods simpler to make use of general. 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 influence on sharpness or colour accuracy. I examined ESR’s Armorite Professional ($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, nevertheless it was in any other case simple to use and appears nice.
OtterBox Glass Display Protector for $40: OtterBox is now utilizing a pull-tab system for set up, and the method was very simple, 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: Here is one other aluminosilicate display screen protector made by Corning, the corporate that makes the glass on most smartphones. As an alternative of a pull-tab, you place the cellphone within the software software, then shut the software 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 bit sharper than I would like, in comparison with the Dbrand and Smartish. It additionally solely comes with one.
Zagg XTR5 Display Protector for $60: Zagg is actually going after the blue-light crowd. For those who assume chopping as a lot blue gentle out of your smartphone will make it easier to sleep higher or is likely to be simpler on the eyes, by all means, attempt the XTR5. It might provide you with peace of thoughts. However research are nonetheless blended on the efficacy of this, although Zagg claims this model particularly cuts out the wavelengths that influence sleep and eye consolation. The glass feels clean and is thick. It annoyingly does not cowl your complete display screen, however the edges do not feel sharp. Set up was simple 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 exhausting to say simply how a lot it helps. It is price noting that I did discover an influence on colour accuracy. In contrast with one other iPhone, the XTR5 delivered a cooler tone to the iPhone display screen.
Astropad Contemporary Coat Anti-Reflective Display Protector for $35: Apple already added an anti-reflective coating to the entire new iPhones, however this Astropad display screen protector can take that even additional. Set up was simple with the pull-tab software system, although I received way 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 seen glare was much less pronounced with the Astropad. There is no actual loss in colour accuracy or sharpness. I in contrast pictures on the 2 telephones, they usually appeared just about an identical. I have not 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 Contemporary Coat is likely to be up your alley.
Rhinoshield Affect Protector Professional (Clear) for $36: This versatile display screen protector was simple to use, although I’m a bit miffed that Rhinoshield did not embrace a moist wipe (only a microfiber and dust-removal stickers). It nonetheless left air bubbles, however the squeegee was capable of eliminate them. The sides are a 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 gentle, however take this with a grain of salt. Research have proven blended outcomes that chopping blue gentle from a smartphone will make it easier to sleep higher.
UAG Glass Protect Display Protector for $40: This tempered glass display screen protector is out there for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max. However the software software is a bit too fundamental. It permits for some room for error, at the least, greater than my high picks, and it additionally gave me a whole lot of air bubbles. The glass is fairly thick, which feels protecting, however you may also really feel the sharp edges operating alongside the aspect.
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 kinds. Verify ’em out.
Alto Wooden Case for $41: I really like a great 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 possibly can even add your individual picture. However these look a bit cheesy to me. Why cover that attractive wooden? You may select from a variety of wooden kinds, from olive wooden to cherry. I would in all probability seize one thing from the corporate’s Burl & Unique Collection. The case itself is OK. The rubber bumper across the edges is grippy, however feels a bit low-cost. The facility button is stable, 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 other of the Beats Kickstand case that I listed within the keep away from part beneath. The place that case was tremendous slippery, this one gives 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 probably the most rugged, regardless of its title. I want 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 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max.
BodyGuardz Efficiency Professional and Pulse Instances for $50+: BodyGuardz’s Pulse case is a positive case that is available in a enjoyable matcha colour and features a wrist strap. The Digicam Management button is properly elevated. Look alongside the aspect edges and you will see vents—that is to assist disperse warmth, together with the assistance of cooling gel on the internal lining. I’ve tried testing this up to now and have not seen a lot of a distinction in gaming efficiency on the cellphone. The directional speaker is one thing that does really work. Mainly, 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 do not like how the case feels once you maintain it.
Burton Items Heritage Leather-based Case for $79+: Burton Items is from the creator of Pad & Quill, which shut down in 2023 resulting from chapter. The corporate was identified for its elegant 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 fire in an outdated English research. The total-grain leather-based feels supple (and smells nice), and the stitching offers it much more character. There’s MagSafe baked in, a microfiber inside, and all of the buttons are responsive. The sides are raised nicely across the show and Digicam Plateau, too. You may pair it with the Heritage MagSafe Pockets Stand, which is a magnetic pockets with a kickstand. I used to be capable of match about three bank cards, although the highest cowl flap makes it a bit exhausting to take away the playing cards.
Rhinoshield SolidX and Clear Instances 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, aside from the truth that the corporate makes use of a proprietary materials known as Mono. It is 100% recycled and is actually a single compound, making recyclability simpler.
OtterBox Symmetry Collection 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 lovable 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 created from cactus leather-based, however different Symmetry instances are customary plastic. I do not assume the essential Symmetry instances are well worth the $60 value, however the embroidered variations are price 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 automotive dock.
OtterBox Commuter Collection Case for $50: OtterBox’s Commuter case is easy and inoffensive. You’ve got a couple 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 bins—even the USB-C port is roofed up—nevertheless it’s simply not very thrilling.
OtterBox Sole Collection Case for $70: I really actually like the appear and feel of this case. The ridged edges are grippy, and the netting-like material texture on the again is so satisfying to run my fingers over. It is form of like sandpaper, however in a great way. The cameras and show are protected, and the buttons are clicky. Nonetheless, I am very confused by the included lanyard loop. It is manner 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 will like this. If not, the lanyard is detachable, and you should purchase one other one designed for wrists.
Mous Tremendous Skinny Aramid Fibre Case for $70: A number of corporations now make aramid fiber ultra-thin instances, and actually, you possibly can’t go unsuitable with most of them. I want the delicate texture of Pitaka’s case (see above), however Mous’ Tremendous Skinny is an in depth second, and it even is available in a transparent possibility 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, in contrast to Pitaka’s case. As all the time, this sturdy case is extraordinarily skinny and isn’t going to supply the perfect safety, particularly for the display screen, nevertheless it’ll cowl the same old put on and tear. Pair it with a display screen protector.
Thinborne Tremendous Skinny 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. All the buttons are uncovered right here, together with the Digicam Management. Thinborne features a display screen protector, however it’s a must to freehand the set up because it does not include an software software.
Zagg iPhone 17 Instances for $50+: I’ve tried all of Zagg’s instances, they usually’re all stable, although I want the Sedona (see above) probably the most. Listed here 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 obvious. It is a good way to indicate off your iPhone’s colour, 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 smooth, although. The Milan Snap has a enjoyable iridescent colour, 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 when it comes to design, with a enjoyable texture on the again and grooved edges, however there isn’t any kickstand. Lastly, the Rainier Case With Kickstand is the most recent in Zagg’s lineup, and if you need sturdy safety, this one will fulfill. It is a two-shell case with a tough and thick bumper, and critically raised edges for optimum 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, Mushy, and Robust Magnetic Case for $30: ESR has three variations of this case, every in a special materials. The Mushy 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 significantly excites me, however what makes them distinctive is the built-in kickstand that surrounds the digicam module. It is a neat concept, however you possibly can solely prop these telephones up in panorama orientation. Technically, you possibly can put them upright in portrait mode, however the cellphone must be the wrong way up. Both manner, the Zagg suggestion above is a a lot better kickstand case.
Smartish Gripzilla, Gripmunk, and Pockets Slayer Vol. 2 Instances for $20+: These instances are good and inexpensive. 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 allows you to stuff a number of bank cards on the again. Nonetheless, 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 stable instances for the cash, and it is best to store instantly from Smartish because it has some unique designs on its retailer.
Matter HT Snap Instances for $60: Previously often called Atom Studios, these “Snap” instances aren’t really instances. They’re only a backing you possibly can magnetically persist with your cellphone to guard the rear glass. The corporate gives 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. Nonetheless, I do not see the purpose of those. They do not cowl the sides in any respect, which is the place you will almost certainly see scuffs and scratches after a drop. I would a lot quite go for an ultra-thin case that wraps the sides of a cellphone, or one thing just like the Arc Pulse.
UAG Instances for $45+: I’ve examined the total suite of UAG’s instances, from the Plyo and the Monarch Professional to the Metropolis LT and Plasma XTE. If I needed to decide one, I would purchase the Pathfinder ($60). I really like the brilliant yellow colour, and the design is daring, nevertheless it 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 essentially want 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 out there for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max, however not the iPhone Air. I really feel unhealthy not recommending it as a result of it is lovable, particularly in pink, and the kickstand is tremendous artistic. As an alternative 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 assume I’ve ever used a case extra slippery. I used to be so shocked I confirmed my spouse, and he or she instantly stated, “Yeah, no, I do not like that.” I suppose that is why a lanyard is included.
Mujjo Full Leather-based Pockets 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 suits my card correctly, not to mention three, like the corporate claims. It is also actually exhausting 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 it’s a must to take away your playing cards to truly use MagSafe. It simply appears counterintuitive. Simply get a MagSafe pockets at that time.
OtterBox Defender Collection Professional XT Case for $80: I am so used to OtterBox’s Defender collection having stable colours that the clear design right here threw me off. I do not hate it, nevertheless it does present smudges simply. Whereas I normally select this case as probably the most protecting resulting from 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 manner too responsive. It is really easy to press that I stored 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 instances to verify the match was proper, however the issue nonetheless retains taking place. Bah.
Smartish Pockets 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 simple both as a result of they get caught on the sting. Smartish additionally advertises a kickstand, however there isn’t a kickstand on the case. As an alternative, you are supposed to make use of your individual bank card because the kickstand, which is just a bit bizarre.
UAG Trooper Case for $65: Instances are so good nowadays, which is why it irks me when there’s an apparent flaw in a design. UAG’s Trooper is a rugged, powerful case that could be very cumbersome. But as an alternative of including a button for Digicam Management, the corporate stored a cutout. However when the sting is so thick, it is genuinely exhausting to press this button, even when the again edge is sloped in. (Could possibly be my fats fingers.) The quantity rocker and Motion Button are additionally exhausting to press.
