The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are no longer the newest iPhones, but they're still some of the most powerful smartphones on the market - and pricey to boot. It's a good idea to protect your prized smartphone with a case, as Apple handsets aren't the most sturdy around, and they cost enough that it's worth protecting them. Some iPhone XS and XS Max cases come with basic to advanced damage protection, others double as wallets to hold your credit cards and cash, and still more include battery packs to keep your smartphone charged and going for a lot longer. Because the iPhone is so popular, there are far too many on the market, so we’ve compiled our favourites here for you. As is always the situation with Apple, you can choose between official cases, or a range of third-party options with other benefits. Now that the iPhone 11 range is out, many case manufacturers have moved onto those newer phones, but there are still plenty of options still on sale if you're looking for a case for your iPhone XS or XS Max. These are products that we haven't had in our test labs, but based on our experts' opinion and knowledge of the most reputable brands around, we think these are worth looking at. Our selections, ranked with newer additions at the top, take into account online reviews, brand reputation, product capability or unique features to help you pick through the maze of choices available to you. Best iPhone XS and XS Max cases Image credit: OtterBox A surfboard like the iPhone XS Max, even for those with larger hands, can be a little difficult to handle - solutions like PopSockets may be inelegant but can also be indispensable. Veteran case-maker OtterBox has produced a case with a PopSocket built in, which is retractable for placing the device in pockets while also providing the expected surety of mind and extra durability - this is one for those with big dreams but hobbit-sized mitts. Available directly from OtterBox in a variety of colors from $59.95 / £39.99 (roughly AU$75). Image credit: Tech21 2. Tech21 Pure Design Liberty Grosvenor iPhone XS Case TODAY'S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Empty List Reasons to avoid - Empty List Without a doubt, protection is important, however it is also possible to show a hint of personality while armoring your handset. Case-maker Tech21 vigorously tests its cases for drop protection and shock absorption, while also showing more than a little design flair, such as with this attractive floral option. Available from Tech21 directly in a number of different style options. Image credit: 15:21 3. 15:21 iPhone XS Max Cork Case TODAY'S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Empty List Reasons to avoid - Empty List Are you a little different in your tastes? Do you consider plastic phone cases as so 2015, and balk at the thought of buying something ordinary? Swedish start-up 15:21 has your number, with a range of highly unusual cork cases. Recycled and coming with a 4-year warranty, these are a must-have for the discerning style enthusiast while also offering a little buoyancy in the process. Available from 15:21 directly with prices starting at €39 (roughly $45/£35/AU$65). Image credit: Element 4. Element Katana Case TODAY'S BEST DEALS Prime $350 View at Amazon 10 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Empty List Reasons to avoid - Empty List Is money no object in your quest to protect your beloved iPhone? Case-maker Element has made a name for itself in using high-quality materials for its various offerings, and the Katana is one of the latest such options. Featuring machined stainless steel and an almost unmatched construction process, this is for those willing to shell out by the bucket-load for the ultimate peace of mind. Available from Element directly with prices starting at $379.95 (around £305/AU$555). Image credit: Olixar 5. Olixar ArmourDillo Case TODAY'S BEST DEALS Check Amazon 4 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Empty List Reasons to avoid - Empty List For those times where money is an object, and where ultimate protection is still an issue, there are still options aplenty. This example from Olixar, exotic nomenclature aside, comes with rugged looks, a handy kickstand and some serious drop protection for the small cash outlay required. Available from Olixar directly for £7.01 (roughly $9/AU$13). Image credit: Noreve 6. Noreve iPhone XS Max Leather Case TODAY'S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Empty List Reasons to avoid - Empty List This case from French leather workers Noreve is premium in all the right ways. Coming in a variety of different colors and finishes, there is a plethora of customization options available for those who want them. Offering protection and style, this is a solid overall combination. Available directly from Noreve, with prices starting at €70 (around $80/£60/AU$115). Image 1 of 4 Image credit: Spigen Image 2 of 4 Image credit: Spigen Image 3 of 4 Image credit: Spigen Image 4 of 4 Image credit: Spigen Spigen makes an affordable case with a rigid back and flexible bumper for the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. It's slim, has clear options and gives your phone a more grip-friendly feeling. Spigen also claims it has long-lasting clarity resistant to prevent yellowing found on cheaper iPhone cases and its mil-grade certified protection is designed with Air Cushion Technology. You can grab it for the iPhone XS from $11.99 / £8.99, or the iPhone XS Max from $12.99 / £7.99, on Amazon in both cases. Image 1 of 3 Image credit: Mous Image 2 of 3 Image credit: Mous Image 3 of 3 Image credit: Mous 8. Mous Limitless 2.0 Case TODAY'S BEST DEALS Prime $44.99 View at Amazon 2 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Empty List Reasons to avoid - Empty List Mous makes high-end cases that stress the use of real materials, including authentic walnut. The new range of Limitless 2.0 iPhone cases from Mous is both super durable and aesthetically pleasing. According to Mous, the new cases contain "tiny air pockets and cross linking polymer chains that work like springs", helping to absorb any impact if you drop your iPhone XS by mistake. Available for both the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max sizes, these cases come in nature-inspired skins, including bamboo, shell, walnut and more, and start at around $40 (£30 / AU$55). Image credit: Speck The Speck Presidio range of cases for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR is a great option if you're looking for something really functional and protective. Particularly effective is the Presidio Grip, which features diagonal ridges to stop your new phone from slipping out of you fingers, plus raised edges to protect your bezel-less screen. The Presidio Grip is available to buy from the Speck store for about $40 (£30 / AU$55). Image credit: Dog & Bone 10. Dog & Bone Wetsuit Impact Waterproof Case TODAY'S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Empty List Reasons to avoid - Empty List Whatever life throws at your iPhone, the added protection this Wetsuit Impact case provides should keep it out of harm's way. It sports 360 degrees of water, shock, snow, and dirt protection, thanks in no small part to a flexible glass impact screen that has an anti-fingerprint coating. The transparent design keeps your iPhone's back on show, and despite its strong defenses against knocks, drops and scratches, it's actually quite slim and lightweight, so it won't slow you down either. You can pick up the Wetsuit Impact case on Dog & Bone's website for $80 (£60, AU$110). Image credit: Sandmarc 11. Sandmarc Telephoto Lens Edition TODAY'S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Empty List Reasons to avoid - Empty List Quality cases geared towards improving smartphone photography are few and far between, but with the Telephoto Lens Edition for iPhone XS, Sandmarc has pulled out the stops to create a super-thin case-and-lens-mount that protects your device on intrepid shoots.<doc-sep>You’ve got a shiny new iPhone XS or XS Max, and you want top keep it that way. Thankfully, there are already a ton of cases available for you. For simple protection, there’s Apple’s own leather or silicone case, but why stop there? You can choose for rugged cases, cases that hold two phones, cases that also work as wallets, and cases that can carry your EarPods. Even if you don’t normally go for a case, you may like one just so it covers up the iPhone XS’ big camera bump, which really does make the phone wobble on the table. So, sit back, relax, and read our guide to the best iPhone cases around right now. This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items. Read our reviews policy. The good news is that your old iPhone X case probably will fit your new iPhone XS perfectly. According to Apple’s own specs, the new XS is the exact same size as the X. True, there are some physical differences — the antenna band gaps are in different spots, and the camera bump on back is slightly bigger. Plus, the iPhone XS has asymmetrical speaker grilles, so there could be some muffled audio or other weirdness. However, size-wise you’re most likely good. For the iPhone XS Max? Not such good news. If you have an old iPhone 7 Plus case, you will probably be able to squeeze the Max in there if you want some protection from Day One. The 7 Plus is ever so slightly bigger in all directions except thickness, but it might fit. However, even if you manage that, the dual cameras on the 7 Plus are set horizontal, while on the Max they’re set vertically. So, time for a new case. The extra-good news is that there are already plenty of iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max cases available. Here are some of our favorites so far, along with some rather entertaining extras . Nomad Rugged Tri-Folio Nomad’s leather folio lets you stow three credit card inside the front flap, plus a bunch of paper cash in yet another flap. The nice part of this dual-flap design is that they close face-to-face, so that they don’t rub against the iPhone’s screen when the case is shut. There’s also a polycarbonate bumper around the edge, so it’s also protected against drops. Nice. Buy from: Amazon Waterfield Fused Suede We’re big fans of Waterfield stuff here at Cult of Mac. In general, Waterfield cases and bags will way outlast any gadgets that you place in them — not because those gadgets break, but because they will grow old and obsolete. That’s why the brand spanking new Fused Suede for iPhone XS case is great — its like a close fitting sleeping bag for your iPhone, and it will continue to be useful in future with any similarly-sized iPhones. The suede sleeve coddles the iPhone within (any size from naked iPhone 7 up to XS Max in another case), has a hole in the bottom for the charger cable, and a mesh pocket on the side, for earbuds or whatever. And just $29. Ullu Dual Case Take two phones out into the world, not one? Then you need the Ullu Dual Case, a leather sleeve that can hold two iPhones XS (or Max) at once. Aimed at businesspersons who carry two iPhones to make themselves look important, the Ullu has an open bottom so you can hear and charge the iPhone while cased. Why carry two iPhones? To keep work and business numbers separate. It’s ironic, then, that the case is for the XS, which can use two SIM cards (one virtual, one physical). Unfortunately, Ullu’s marketing manager Manish Hazarani doesn’t appear to have read about that part: “Should Apple ever develop a handset with two SIM card slots, Hazarani said people will carry one less phone and the niche market for the two-phone case will dry up,” wrote our own David Pierini earlier this week. Just $199 Alter Ego Stealth — expensive iPhone XS case If you can wait until “early October,” then you can buy a titanium monokini for your iPhone XS for around $1,850. The Alter Ego Stealth is just as difficult to put on as a real monokini, too — you have to use a Torx screwdriver to fit the X-shaped exoskeleton to the iPhone. Should this titanium excess not be expensive enough for you, there’s also a gold version for $2,250 (not made of actual gold, but gold-colored titanium). An “Aurora” version, “hand-torched” to add color, costs $2,750. LOL, as they say. What is the seller, Gray, spending all that money on? Not ad copywriters, that’s for sure. Here’s the blurb, pasted in full, because … well, you’ll see. Engineered to thrill both you and those around you, the Alter Ego sees the iPhone radically transformed with a distinct jaw-dropping aesthetic persona, allowing it to look and feel like nothing you have ever seen before. The Alter Ego was not made the same, but then neither were you. The Alter Ego was made for You. You, the individual who refuses to blend into the crowd, instead seeking to excel at every step of the way. You, who chooses everyday to live different, work different, be different. In creating the Alter Ego, You were at the top of our minds. The Alter Ego turns your phone into an object of mystery and power, stopping the world at its tracks every time it leaves your pocket. But, hey, Gray’s PR team is definitely fast. Nodus Access — handy iPhone XS case This is the Nodus Access, a leather book-cover type case for the iPhone XS, XR and XS Max. Prices start at $53, and the cases look pretty sweet. They remind me of the old Twelve South SurfacePad I used to use, and the Access uses the same kind of reusable adhesive pad to stick itself to the back of the iPhone. It also packs a vertical pocket inside the front flap, for cards, metro tickets and bills. If you have an iPhone XS MaXXXXXXX on the way, you’ll have to wait. But iPhone XS owners can buy the iPhone X version right now. Buy from: Amazon Grovemade — beautiful iPhone XS case Grovemade doesn’t just have a new iPhone case. It has also a wireless charging pad, one that’s made of cork. In fact, the pad is way more interesting than the case, so let’s take a look at that instead. The charging mat, or rather charging coaster, is topped with a layer or cork. This does more than protect your iPhone’s finish. It also means that every single person you invite into your home will place their tea of coffee cup onto the mat. What could be less annoying? Oh, the cases are cool, too. They’re made of wood and/or leather, and come in the form of bumpers (remember those? ), regular open-face cases and wallets. I really like the look of the Maple & Leather iPhone wallet case, pictured above. Buy from: Amazon Encased holster clip — commuter-ready iPhone XS case What could be cooler than a holster clip for your iPhone? You’re getting ready for a day at work, or a night on the town. Your jeans are freshly pressed, creases sharp. Your shirt is tucked in tight, giving your belly a nice comfy place to rest, and your collar is buttoned down. All you need is a manly holster to hook that phone in your belt, ready for a quick draw. The Encased iPhone XS Max Belt Clip Clear Case with Holster Clip has your six, big boy. It’s a clear case with a clip-on frame that also clips to your belt. And oh is it tough. How tough? This tough: Built to last with a solid-core commuter ready polycarbonate frame and a rotating belt clip for vertical or horizontal use. Say that again. Whisper those words to yourself. “Solid-core commuter ready.” Hoo boy. And look at that price. Buy from: Amazon Pad & Quill Traveler — classy iPhone XS case<doc-sep>Totallee just released its super thin cases for all the new iPhones including the iPhone Xs Max, Xs, and iPhone XR. Totallee has been making high-quality ultra thin iPhone cases since 2013. All of its cases are incredibly slim (only 0.02”), branding free and reasonably priced. The company’s cases are available in 9 different colors and 3 different styles: matte, glossy and leather. Head below for a look at the whole collection. SUPER THIN AND BRANDING FREE Shop iPhone XS Max Case | iPhone XS Case | iPhone XR Case All totallee cases follow Apple’s minimalistic design aesthetic and are meant to complement, rather than overwhelm, the iPhone’s beautiful design. All its cases are incredibly thin and ultra light. Totallee’s iPhone cases are all about being subtle and elegant; that’s why it does away with logos and other distractions on its cases. Despite being ultra thin, totallee’s cases do also add protection where it’s most important. These covers will protect your phone from bumps and scrapes, without suiting up your phone like it’s going into battle. For example, Totallee added a raised ring around the camera lens to keep it protected when the phone is placed face down. The case covers all sides and every corner of the iPhone while still giving you easy access to all necessary buttons and ports. The case’s finish also adds some much needed grip to make your iPhone less slippery. 3 STYLES, 2-YEAR WARRANTY Shop iPhone XS Max Case | iPhone XS Case | iPhone XR Case Totallee’s cases are available in three finishes – matte, glossy and leather. The matte cases are semi-transparent, which allows the Apple logo and other iPhone design details to shine through. The glossy collection features a jet black, jet white and a completely clear case. The clear option adds an almost invisible layer of protection and is the perfect choice if you’re looking to show off your brand new iPhone. Last but not least, its premium option features a genuine leather back that adds a touch of ruggedness and sophistication. It’s the thinnest leather case on the market. Totallee’s cases are incredibly precise and made with premium polypropylene that last longer than other imitations. And unlike a lot of case makers, Totallee backs each one with a 2-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out the full collection of iPhone cases here. The company’s regular cases are available for only $25 and its premium leather-backed cases go for $29. Totallee also sells earlier model cases on Amazon. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:<doc-sep>
With iPhone XS and XS Max orders now shipping, we're rounding up the best cases you can buy right now to protect your new device, keeping it safe from drops, spills and scratches. Since Apple announced the new iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, case manufacturers have been steadily unveiling protective covers compatible with the new devices. We've rounded up an assortment of styles and colors, from flashy patterns to extra rugged protection, to provide you with the best options available that can be purchased today. Nomad We've been fans of Nomad's excellent rugged cases for some time. They've updated their lineup for this year's iPhones with new designs and features. Their popular Rugged Leather Case has been redesigned to be 33-percent thinner while still being as rugged as ever. The Rugged Leather is now available in both brown and black Horween leather. The Rugged Folio has also been upgraded to include the construction of the Rugged Case, while still offering a trio of card slots and a cash pocket. New hinge grooves make the cover more responsive, which is available in black and brown leather. Lastly, Nomad introduced a new Rugged Tri Folio that is perfect for those with larger wallets. It comes packed with eight card slots and a cash pocket. The additional fold also covers the card slots to give it a cleaner look for everyday use. At the moment, the Rugged Tri Folio is only available in the brown Horween Leather, but does support all three phones. Pad & Quill Known for using premium materials, Pad & Quill's line of cases for 2018 iPhones are expertly crafted using full-grain leather that's wireless charging compatible. The cases also carry a 30-day money back promise and 25-year leather warranty. At press time, these Pad & Quill iPhone XS cases are in stock and ready to ship. Plus, AppleInsider readers can save 10% sitewide at Pad & Quill with coupon code INSIDER. Spigen Spigen has been a fixture in case roundups from years past, and 2018 is no exception. With retail prices starting at $19.99, the cases are durable, yet affordable. This year's lineup features Tough Armor covers for the XS (on sale for $15.99), XS Max (on sale for $17.99) and XR ($39.99). Speck Speck, another well-known brand in the accessory space, has just launched a new collection of cases designed for the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. The largest unveiling yet for a device launch, the line includes all-new Presidio Pro, Presidio Stay Clear and Presidio V-Grip styles. With 10-foot drop protection and raised bezel screen protection, the Presidio Pro is equipped with a scratch-resistant, soft-touch exterior and anti-microbial treatment. The Presidio Ultra is a 2-in-1 ultra protective case that defends against drops of up to 15 feet. The 2-in-1 design allows for more protection when needed with the Presidio Pro as the base of the case. Prices for the Presidio line start at $39.95. Those looking for more vibrant designs can also peruse Speck's CandyShell assortment starting at $24.95. It too offers military-grade drop protection like the Presidio line. An assortment of colors can be found on Speck's iPhone page with $5 two-day shipping for faster delivery. OtterBox Known for coverings that offer military-grade protection, OtterBox has just unveiled its line of cases for the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. Starting with the Symmetry Series, which offers a slimmer profile than other OtterBox offerings, the cases come in a multitide of colors and patterns. Need more rugged protection? The Defender Series protects from both drops and germs, thanks to built-in OtterArmor Microbial Defense. The raised edge protects the screen for added peace of mind as well. OtterBox's entire selection can be found here with prices starting at $39.95. If you're in the market for more than one case, OtterBox is taking 10% off orders over $65 with coupon code OTTERAFF38. Offer ends on Sept. 23. Totallee Totallee is known for their extremely thin and minimalist iPhone cases, which act more as a tight-fitting skin or shell than anything. They keep the original iPhone size, while adding protection and avoiding any bulk. Available in a few different colors, including a clear model that largely lets the iPhone's design show through, Totallee cases are for the absolute minimalist. Totallee also leaves off any sort of logo, so these truly are as minimal as a case can come.