Best iPhone 17 cases for iPhone Air, iPhone 17, 17 Pro & Pro Max

Macworld

Before you even start the setup on your new iPhone 17—be it an iPhone 17 or Air, 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max— you should consider what type of case you need to protect it in.

Cases come in more shapes and sizes and with more functionality than you’d believe. Hit these links to jump straight to our recommendations, reviews and tests to find the perfect case for your iPhone 17, Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. Or read on for more case advice before reaching the product charts.

Best clear iPhone 17 cases

Best-looking iPhone 17 cases

Best protective cases for iPhone 17

Best leather and leather-alternative iPhone 17 cases

Best iPhone 17 cases with wallet

Do I need an iPhone case for iPhone 17?

You may have heard that Apple’s new-generation Ceramic Shield 2 front cover promises 3x better scratch resistance, and for the Pro and Pro Max models Ceramic Shield also protects the back of iPhone, delivering 4x better resistance to cracks than the back glass on previous models. Does that mean that you no longer need a case? A case will keep your iPhone looking at it’s best, which will be a benefit when and if you come to sell it. Also, note that neither the plain iPhone 17 nor Air feature the same level of back protection.

Why you need an iPhone case

The primary function of a phone case is to protect your high-cost but fragile device from physical damage—caused by accidental impacts such as shocks from drops and scrapes that can leave your phone with a cracked screen, scratches, dents, a shattered back or internal harm. In fact, research shows that within 10 weeks of purchase, half of all new phone users will drop their handset. D’oh!

Just being pulled from your pocket many times a day causes gradual wear that adds to the unseen damage from UV exposure and other environmental factors. Environmental protection safeguards against water and dust damage that can degrade or destroy your precious phone. Putting your iPhone into a case doesn’t make it indestructible, but it will reduce the risk of everyday or unexpected damage that might otherwise save a costly repair or full replacement.

Which type of iPhone case to choose

As nice as Apple makes its phones look there are only a handful of colors, so a case also offers aesthetic personalization through design (there are thousands to choose from) and customized style. Love the Cosmic Orange iPhone Pro but want to save money with the basic iPhone 17 model? Why not just buy a bold orange case for the 17, such as the Beats iPhone 17 Rugged Case in Sierra Orange?

Choosing the right case material (be that silicone, leather, Graphene or Kevlar) is also key—depending on whether you are after better grip, more robust protection or luxurious leather.

Cases can also add functionality, with handy features such as stands for hands-free viewing or wallet holders for carrying cards and cash. If you ever wirelessly charge your phone, make sure the case is MagSafe compatible—most are these days.

Best clear iPhone cases for iPhone 17, Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max

If covering up Apple’s iPhone offends your inner Jony Ive, look for a clear, transparent case that keeps the iPhone’s looks as wonderful as they were straight out of the box. Why pick out a Sky Blue iPhone Air or Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, only to cover it up in a black plastic case or something with badly drawn flowers on it? With a Clear case, you get decent protection without ruining the look of the phone—although Apple has rather mucked this up with its own version; see review below.

If you want a plain black case or flowery pattern instead of Apple’s small palette of colors, we have plenty for you to choose from further down this feature.






1. Apple iPhone 17 Clear Case with MagSafe – Simple but flawed clear iPhone 17 case















Pros

Made by Apple

Shows off iPhone 17’s color


Cons

Basic protection

Ugly on Pro / Pro Max

Open bottom section

Expensive














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MagSafe compatible: Yes

Weight: 29g

Camera edge: 2mm

Button covers: Plastic

Colors: Clear

Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max

Amazon: All iPhone 17 models

Amazon UK: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max

This simple, rigid iPhone 17 protective case from Apple is thin and light. By design, clear cases shouldn’t disguise the color of your iPhone that you chose when you purchased it. The Apple Clear Case is made from a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and other flexible materials, with a scratch-resistant coating on both the inside and outside. While it’s more protective than silicone cases and features a robust-looking 2mm camera lip, you can find tougher cases, which we have reviewed below.

While the Clear Case for the basic iPhone 17 is as you’d expect, Apple has somewhat ruined the idea of a “clear” case for its Pro and Pro Mac versions of the iPhone 17, which feature a slab of white plastic at the back under the camera area. It’s white whatever color of iPhone 17 Pro or Max that you own.

This is because Apple added its second-generation Ceramic Shield glass as a separate panel on the back of the Pro models—it’s on only the front of all the 17 family. To keep the back design visually balanced, the Apple logo was repositioned slightly lower. The white slab on Apple’s clear case is related to this adjustment and the alignment of the MagSafe magnets. Customers are already complaining that Apple should have created cases with a block in the color of the phone. If your iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max is orange or deep blue that slab of white is, well I’ll say it, ugly.

The bottom of the Clear Case is nearly fully open, which reduces the level protection.

For the iPhone Air Apple has another not really clear solution: the iPhone Air Bumper. This protects the edges of the phone and matches the Air’s color but leaves the back exposed. With a raised bezel it will also stop the screen touching the surface when laid flat. You can choose the bumper color to match your iPhone Air or select another color if you are feeling adventurous.

Apple also sells the iPhone Air Case with MagSafe in Frost or Shadow, with a 0.9mm back panel that’s reinforced with a polycarbonate frame. The inside is lightly frosted, while the exterior is finished to a high gloss.

At 29g it’s super light, and while the rigid case adds a little bulk, it’s worth a little compromise for that layer of protection. All materials and coatings are optimized to prevent yellowing over time.

There are also cheaper clear cases, which we have also tested for you. But the Apple badge is a sure sign of quality, as you’d expect.







2. ESR Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case – Best budget clear iPhone 17 case















Pros

Shows off iPhone’s color

Affordable

Stash Stand option














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MagSafe compatible: Yes

Weight: 42g (with Stash Stand)

Raised edge: 1.2mm

Camera edge: 0.8mm to 2mm

Button covers: Plastic

Colors: Clear, plus frosted pink, blue, black and green

Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max

Amazon: All iPhone 17 models

If you want see-through protection for your new iPhone 17 ESR’s Classic Hybrid Case—with 1.5mm back—features shock-absorbing Air Guard corners that can protect from drops up to 11ft. ESR claims its clear plastic resists yellowing for longer than cheaper cases.

ESR also makes a version of the clear Classic Hybrid Case that features a handy built-in kickstand for stable viewing. The $25.99 ESR Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case with Stash Stand hides its pull-out stand in the zinc alloy camera guard. It supports 15-85° viewing angles in both portrait and landscape orientations. With its 2mm camera edge it’s more protective than the basic model.

Unlike Apple’s ugly Pro and Pro Max clear cases, ESR’s design ensures that the Apple logo remains fully visible without obstruction, while still providing strong magnetic performance. That means you can see Apple’s original iPhone color through the clear case, and the bottom section has cutouts where necessary compared to the fully open section on the Apple Clear Case.







3. Totallee Scarf Case for iPhone 17 – Slimmest, lightest hard clear iPhone 17 case















Pros

Slimmest clear case

Lightest case

Pro model colors show through


Cons

Basic protection

MagSafe costs more














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Totallee



$39


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MagSafe compatible: Optional

Weight: 6g

Raised edge: 0.2mm (Scarf); 0.5mm (Spy)

Camera edge: 0.2mm (Scarf); 0.5mm (Spy)

Button covers: Plastic

Colors: Clear, Red, Navy, Green, Black, Frosted

Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max

Made of polypropylene, a hard yet flexible plastic, the Totallee Scarf is the slimmest (0.5mm) iPhone 17 case available and—by a long way—the lightest. Even at this weight, there are button covers, and a cutout for the Camera Control. The lip around the camera and at the front are smaller than on other cases but the emphasis is on thinness rather than chunky protection. It offers protection from bumps, scratches, dirt, and minor drops (3 feet).

There is a clear version and a similar Frosted Clear model, plus a bunch of other frosted colors to choose from, but only Clear, Frosted and Black options for the MagSafe-compatible versions. Note that you have to pay a little more ($4) for the MagSafe-compatible versions, which we think is worth it but for a pure clear look the non-MagSafe version is the way to go.

The Totallee Spy case isn’t as thin but is still pretty marginal at 1mm thick, and has been tested with a 6-foot drop so you may thank yourself next time your new phone slips from your grasp. It is available only in only a Clear version for iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro.

As with the ESR clear case reviewed above the Totallee clear cases don’t obstruct the phone’s true color like the ugly Apple case. This is achieved in the same way by having a small break in the magnet ring—without loss of functionality—so that Apple’s lower logo on the Pro models isn’t obscured.







4. Casetify clear Impact and Bounce Cases for iPhone 17 – Most customizable clear iPhone 17 case















Pros

Shows off iPhone’s true color

Protection level options

Built-in kickstand option


Cons

Not entirely transparent














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MagSafe compatible: Yes

Weight: 45g

Raised edge: 1.4mm to 1.6mm

Camera edge: 1mm to 3.9mm

Button covers: Plastic

Colors: Clear

Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max

Offering a selection of protection levels, Casetify’s Impact and Bounce cases are available for all models of the iPhone 17 family. It is solidly built and feels robust, offering a minimum of 6.6ft (2m) drop protection up to 32.8ft (10m) if you choose the Ultra Bounce Case with its standout corner bumpers.

The case edges aren’t clear because they feature extra-protective EcoShock or TesseLock designs. On one side there are sockets to easily attach phone charms. The more protection, sadly the less of the original phone can be seen even in a clear case, but most of the shock absorption on the Bounce case family protrudes from the corners.

For a little extra outlay, the Impact Case can be ordered with an integrated stand, otherwise cleverly hidden in the camera ring in a similar design to the ESR Stash Stand reviewed above.







5. Rokform Crystal Case iPhone 17 – Most protective clear iPhone 17 case















Pros

Shows off iPhone’s color (a little)

Robust protection


Cons

Not entirely transparent

MagSafe compatibility not 100%

Heavy














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Rokform



$69.99


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MagSafe compatible: Yes (not with all chargers)

Weight: 75g

Raised edge: 1.5mm

Camera edge: 2.5mm

Button covers: Plastic

Colors: Clear with black trim

Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max

For those who want to see and show off at least some of their iPhone’s original coloring, but still gain maximum protection, Rokform offers its Crystal Case for the iPhone 17 family. This is more solid looking than even the Casetify Ultra Bounce reviewed above.

As you’d expect, that protection comes at the price of some bulk and heft. It’s not fully clear because its dual-construction black sides, textured-grip edges and corners are made from a military-grade polycarbonate and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) combination to absorb shocks from drops and falls of up to 6 feet.

At present, the Rokform cases are too thick to work with all MagSafe chargers—it didn’t work with all the chargers we tested it with—so you will likely need to remove your phone from the case to charge it wirelessly.

The case also features the Rokform’s famous twist-lock and magnetic mounting system for bike, motorcycle and car mounts. If you’re going biking with iPhone on your handlebars, a super-protective case is a must.

Rokform does ship internationally, but you’ll need to check the fees depending on your region, and remember that customs charges also vary by country.







Best-looking iPhone cases for iPhone 17, Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max

While some will prefer a clear case to keep their iPhone’s natural color, others are more gregarious and want a splash of difference, from plain new colors, through pretty, cool or sometimes hideous patterns, to fully customizable designs. We’ve counted hundreds of designs on offer, so there must be something here for you and your iPhone 17.






1. Apple iPhone 17 Silicone Case with MagSafe – Popular, Apple-branded colorful case range















Pros

Made by Apple

Vibrant color range


Cons

Not as protective as others

Not for iPhone Air

Expensive














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MagSafe compatible: Yes

Weight: 30g

Button covers: Silicone

Colors: Neon Yellow, Orange, Purple Fog, Midnight, Black, Terra Cotta, Light Moss, Anchor Blue

Apple: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max

Amazon: All iPhone 17 models

Amazon UK: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max

The smooth Apple Silicone case is a classic, popular protective iPhone covering—available in the widest range of colors with eight to choose from depending on which model you are buying for. There’s enough choice here to satisfy most people, but if you prefer to see the color of the iPhone itself, look to a clear case; see above.

It is as protective as you need for everyday calamities except big falls—if you want ultra protection, look to our best protective cases reviewed further down. If you are prone to letting your phone slip out of your hand, look for cases made from TPU, Kevlar or Graphene.

It is made with a soft-touch, almost silky 45% recycled silicone material. Inside, the lining is soft microfiber to protect the iPhone itself from scratches.

Aside from the colors and the attention to detail, people flock to this Apple case apart because it’s made by Apple and has the famous logo on the back. You can’t go wrong buying an Apple-made case, but you can find more options elsewhere.







2. Casetify iPhone 17 Case – Best custom iPhone 17 cases















Pros

Many customization options

Protection levels


Cons

Expensive














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MagSafe compatible: Yes (where stated)

Weight: 69g (Ultra Case)

Raised edge: 1.4 to 1.6mm

Camera edge: 1.17 to 3.8mm

Button covers: Plastic

Colors: Multiple customization options

Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max

Amazon: All iPhone 17

Amazon UK: All iPhone 17

With nearly 5,000 designs to choose from, the Casetify range gives you almost too many choices—and some of the designs are pretty out there. Each to their own! To add some fun you need a non-clear case, and if you want to impose your own personality then look for customization options.

The most customizable range of iPhone 17 cases we’ve seen are from Casetify, where you can mix and match colors, patterns, prints, artists, and personalization options, as well as several levels of protection. There’s a smaller selection of the company’s case designs on Amazon.

Prices vary and rise depending on the protection levels, but for most you get a wide range of design options, including character-led designs such as Disney, Smurfs, SpongeBob and Peanuts.

You can add a name or short word, plus add hearts and stars, fonts, and text colors if you desire. Some cases feature a pull-out stand, which is otherwise hidden in the camera ring.

Casetify also offers a range of protection levels: Impact (8.2ft drop protection, 4x MIL-STD-810G or 6.6ft and 3x with a ring stand), Bounce (21.3ft drop protection, 6x MIL-STD-810G), Ultra Bounce (Bounce corners, 32.8 ft. drop protection, 10x MIL-STD-810G) and, for the 17 Pro and Pro Max, Ultra (Ultra Bounce corners, 32.8 ft. drop protection, 10x MIL-STD-810G, 6-layered rugged protection).

The raised bezel to protect the screen can be either 1.4mm or 1.6mm, and the protective camera ring from 2mm to 3.8mm. The Impact Ring case features the tallest camera-protecting lip at 3.6mm, the biggest we’ve seen in our tests.

A new customizable Glaze case offers an inner printing method, where designs are printed underneath a protective inner layer, preventing them from fading and losing quality over time.







3. Casely iPhone 17 Classic and Bold Cases – Best iPhone 17 case for colorful protection















Pros

Optional protection levels

Design options


Cons

Low camera edge














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Casely



$25


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MagSafe compatible: Yes

Weight: 34g (Bold Case)

Raised edge: 3mm (Bold), 1.3mm (Classic)

Camera edge: 1.33mm (Bold), 0.75mm (Classic)

Button covers: Plastic

Colors: Over 60 designs available

Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max

While not as customizable as the Casetify iPhone 17 cases, the range of Casely design options is almost overwhelming, including designs based on works by Impressionists Van Gogh and Monet.

Aside from the 240+ designs, you can choose between the Classic and Bold case models for each type of iPhone 17. The Classic Collection is lighter and more flexible with a glossy finish, while the Bold Collection is more protective and comes with a matte finish.

The Bold models have ribbed sides, which adds real grip, making it less likely that you’ll drop your iPhone in the first place—but if you do there’s impressive 8-foot drop protection and a 3mm raised screen lip (only 1.3mm on the Classic), the highest we’ve tested. The camera edge could be a little higher, but we are big fans nonetheless.

Casely adds small shipping fees if bought direct—these are calculated at final checkout. Uniquely Casely offers club membership where subscribers receive a new phone case every month, with exclusive members-only styles released each month. Users choose a style or Casely can send a surprise case.







4. Nomad Modern & Rugged Cases for iPhone 17 – Slick and cool















Pros

Cool colors

Matte finish

Protection levels


Cons

Not for basic iPhone 17














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MagSafe compatible: Yes

Weight: 34g

Raised edge: 1mm (Modern), 1.85mm Rugged)

Camera edge: 1.33mm (Bold), 0.75mm (Classic)

Button covers: Metal

Colors: Volt, Lunar Gray, Vulcan Black, Ultra Orange, Black

Available for: iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max

Nomad has a range of cooly colored cases for the iPhone 17, although none for the plain 17 model. The slim, minimalist Modern Case features a satin-smooth matte backplate, grippy bumpers and metal buttons. It claims 8ft drop protection with a shock-absorbing TPU bumper.

As you’d expect from its name, the equally matte Rugged Case is more robust with 15ft drop protection, as its polycarbonate frame boasts fortified corner bumpers. Its bumpers are grooved bumpers for a better grip.







5. dbrand Grip Case for iPhone 17 – Best grippy iPhone 17 case for cool designs















Pros

Many cool design options

Tactile grippy sides














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dbrand