iPhone 17 Cases: The 4 That Actually Cut It (After Testing Hundreds!)

The new iPhone 17 is here, and it's a bit different from the iPhone 16. The edges are rounder, it's a little thicker, and that camera bump is seriously massive. This means cases that fit the iPhone 16 might not work for the 17. Plus, some of the best cases aren't even out yet. So, I've narrowed it down to four cases you can actually buy right now that I've tested thoroughly.

Key Takeaways

• The iPhone 17's design changes require new cases, and many popular brands haven't released theirs yet.
• Case protection varies significantly, with some offering minimal improvement over no case at all.
• MagSafe strength is a key factor, and some cases struggle to maintain a strong connection.
• Button design and feel can greatly impact the user experience.

Number 4: The Taurus Stand Case

Alright, let's start with number four, the Taurus Stand Case. Honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of this one, but as a reviewer, I've got to talk about it because it actually scores pretty well on protection. Compared to the iPhone 16 version, this one is much thicker. The top of the case feels a bit flimsy for my taste, and the buttons are rounded, making them hard to find on the edge. It's also quite slick, so if you tend to drop your phone a lot, this might not be the best choice. The back is frosted, so you'll see a bit of your iPhone's colour through it, and the corners are slightly raised to stop the back from scratching when you lay it flat. The main selling point is the stand, but it's also its biggest downfall. It just doesn't hold up well. This, combined with below-average MagSafe strength, is a bit of a dealbreaker for me. For drop protection, it uses airbags on the edges, and the top and bottom are thicker than the sides. In my tests, it offers about 20-25% better protection than a standard slim case, mainly because the initial impact is lower.

Number 3: Apple's Tech Woven Case

If you're looking for something that feels good and you don't want to mess with MagSafe, check out number three. Apple hasn't always had the best track record with cases – their clear cases are usually bad, the fine woven was a mess, and the leather ones were just okay. The silicone case was decent, but this new Tech Woven case is a game-changer. It has a really nice finish if you're tired of smooth or gummy rubber. I did some scratch tests, and the fabric held up well. However, the edge finish is just glued on, so if your phone tumbles against a rough surface, the fabric could tear. The buttons are metallic and feel good. MagSafe strength was a bit better than the Taurus case, at 8.7 Newtons. For protection, it has 2mm thick corners, making it a bit more substantial than Apple's other cases, but it doesn't feel bulky – in fact, it's the thinnest case in this video. It offers about 15% better drop protection than the average slim case. My only worry is the shallow edges, which don't offer much screen protection. But if you want an Apple case that feels great, this is the one.

Number 2: Spigen Tough Armor

Coming in at number two is the Spigen Tough Armor. Last year's version had 'AI' in the name, but they've dropped it for the iPhone 17, which is probably for the best. It looks pretty much the same. Spigen has extended the polycarbonate shell to cover the entire camera area, offering better protection. They also cover part of the camera bump, which I actually prefer as it might stop dust getting in. The buttons are unique – they're not flow-through but 'pass-through'. Normally, I'd call that lazy design, but these buttons are large and easy to find. The action button has a different finish, making it even easier to locate. The case has a soft rubber coating, and the edges are chamfered, so you don't really feel the bulk. The edge thickness is about the same as your iPhone. One thing I noticed on the iPhone 16 version was friction marks in the MagSafe area, so keep an eye on that. MagSafe strength is excellent, close to 11 Newtons. Protection-wise, the standout feature is the yellow foam, especially in the corners. In my drop tests, the corners took hits better than average multi-layer cases. However, the phone tends to bounce a lot after impact, which isn't ideal. Overall, the Spigen Tough Armor offers about 15% more protection than the average multi-layer case. It's not the slimmest, but it's not overly bulky either – a solid, tough case.

Number 1: Mous Limitless Case

And finally, the number one case, which probably won't surprise anyone who's seen my other videos. There are two main changes between the iPhone 16 and 17 versions due to the larger camera bump: the top of the case is much more rigid, and the camera button is now built into the case. Mous uses flow-through buttons that feel pretty good. They've added little bumps near the buttons to help you find them. The finish is nice and grippy, especially on the sides with the grip strips. Technically, it's the thickest case here, but it tapers in the middle, making it feel thinner. The back comes in various finishes and might show wear around the MagSafe magnets. Speaking of MagSafe, the magnets are a bit weaker than I'd like, about a Newton less, which is noticeable. For protection, it still uses TPE in the corners for shock absorption. Mous seems to be using less of that green material now, which might explain the increased rigidity. Overall, this case offers 30-35% better protection than the average multi-layer case. If you're planning on getting any of these cases, please use my links. I'm a reviewer, not an influencer, and I don't get paid to make these videos. Your support helps me keep doing what I love.