Different Display screen Protectors I’ve Examined
ESR Armorite Display screen Protector and Privateness Protector for $20: This pack is healthier worth than Smartish’s display protectors, since you get three tempered glass sheets as a substitute of two. All the required tools is right here, from an software device 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 when considered from the left or proper. I did not see a significant impression on sharpness or colour accuracy. I examined ESR’s Armorite Professional ($36) with tempered glass made by Corning, the corporate that makes many of the glass discovered on smartphones. The sting feels a tiny bit sharp, but it surely was in any other case simple to use and appears nice.
OtterBox Glass Display screen 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 prime picks. It comes with a microfiber, moist wipe, and dust-removal stickers, however you solely get one aluminosilicate display protector.
Nomad ProShield Glass for $39: This is one other aluminosilicate display protector made by Corning, the corporate that makes the glass on most smartphones. As an alternative of a pull-tab, you place the telephone within the software device, then shut the device like a e book and push down as glass sticks to glass. It labored surprisingly nicely, with only a few air bubbles. I nonetheless really feel like the perimeters 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 screen Protector for $60: Zagg is basically going after the blue-light crowd. When you assume reducing as a lot blue gentle out of your smartphone will assist you sleep higher or may be simpler on the eyes, by all means, strive the XTR5. It could 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 impression sleep and eye consolation. The glass feels easy and is thick. It annoyingly does not cowl the whole display, 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 additional sturdiness; it is laborious to say simply how a lot it helps. It is value noting that I did discover an impression on colour accuracy. In contrast with one other iPhone, the XTR5 delivered a cooler tone to the iPhone display.
Astropad Recent Coat Anti-Reflective Display screen Protector for $35: Apple already added an anti-reflective coating to all the new iPhones, however this Astropad display protector can take that even additional. Set up was simple with the pull-tab software system, although I acquired way more air bubbles with it than with any of the opposite pull-tab installations. It truly does work and cuts glare. I in contrast it with one other iPhone that did not have a display protector, and seen glare was much less pronounced with the Astropad. There is no actual loss in colour accuracy or sharpness. I in contrast images on the 2 telephones, and so they appeared just about an identical. I have never discovered a lot cause to complain about glare on the iPhone 17 display, but when one thing like that has bothered you earlier than, the Recent Coat may be up your alley.
Rhinoshield Impression Protector Professional (Clear) for $36: This versatile display 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 prime 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 reducing blue gentle from a smartphone will assist you sleep higher.
UAG Glass Defend Display screen Protector for $40: This tempered glass display protector is out there for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max. However the software device is a bit too primary. It permits for some room for error, no less than, greater than my prime picks, and it additionally gave me lots of air bubbles. The glass is fairly thick, which feels protecting, however it’s also possible to really feel the sharp edges operating alongside the facet.
Different Nice Circumstances
I’ve examined greater than 50 instances for the iPhone 17 lineup. Not all of them deserve a prime spot above, however many are nonetheless nice and are available in enjoyable designs and kinds. Test ’em out.
Alto Wooden Case for $41: I like 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 sequence; you may even add your individual picture. However these look a bit cheesy to me. Why disguise that attractive wooden? You possibly can select from a spread of wooden kinds, from olive wooden to cherry. I would most likely 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 appears to be like very fairly. It is not 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 accessible for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max.
BodyGuardz Efficiency Professional and Pulse Circumstances for $50+: BodyGuardz’s Pulse case is a superb case that is available in a enjoyable matcha colour and features a wrist strap. The Digicam Management button is properly elevated. Look alongside the facet edges and you will see vents—that is to assist disperse warmth, together with the assistance of cooling gel on the interior lining. I’ve tried testing this prior to now and have not seen a lot of a distinction in gaming efficiency on the telephone. The directional speaker is one thing that does truly work. Principally, the case directs the audio from the rear audio system in the direction of you rather than downward, and you may marginally hear the distinction. The Efficiency Professional takes it to the max with bigger vents, and it provides a kickstand. I simply don’t love how the case feels while 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 as a consequence of chapter. The corporate was recognized 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 examine. 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 possibly can 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 laborious to take away the playing cards.
Rhinoshield SolidX and Clear Circumstances 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, apart from the truth that the corporate makes use of a proprietary materials known as Mono. It is one hundred pc recycled and is basically a single compound, making recyclability simpler.
OtterBox Symmetry Collection Case for $60: OtterBox’s Symmetry sequence is its most enjoyable lineup as a result of there are normally a number of nifty designs to select from. Living proof, have a look at this lovable cactus embroidered case! It is a enjoyable texture to have on the again of your telephone, and it is tremendous cute. This model is definitely created from cactus leather-based, however different Symmetry instances are commonplace plastic. I do not assume the fundamental Symmetry instances are well worth the $60 value, however the embroidered variations are value 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 gotten just a few 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—but it surely’s simply not very thrilling.
OtterBox Sole Collection Case for $70: I truly 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 sort 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 approach too tiny to placed on even the smallest wrists. I believe you are meant to affix it to a carabiner or backpack as a substitute. If that is your jam, you may like this. If not, the lanyard is detachable, and you should buy 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 may’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 choice with MagSafe. I very very similar to 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 at all times, this sturdy case is extraordinarily skinny and isn’t going to supply one of the best safety, particularly for the display, but it surely’ll cowl the standard put on and tear. Pair it with a display 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. The entire buttons are uncovered right here, together with the Digicam Management. Thinborne features a display protector, however it’s a must to freehand the set up because it does not include an software device.
Zagg iPhone 17 Circumstances for $50+: I’ve tried all of Zagg’s instances, and so they’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 evident. It is an effective way to point out 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 hanging, colourful bumper that is grippy, however the Digicam Management button is a cutout. The Luxe Snap may be my favourite of the lot by way of design, with a enjoyable texture on the again and grooved edges, however there is no kickstand. Lastly, the Rainier Case With Kickstand is the latest in Zagg’s lineup, and in order for you strong safety, this one will fulfill. It is a two-shell case with a tough and thick bumper, and critically raised edges for max display 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 distinct 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 notably excites me, however what makes them distinctive is the built-in kickstand that surrounds the digicam module. It is a neat thought, however you may solely prop these telephones up in panorama orientation. Technically, you may put them upright in portrait mode, however the telephone needs to be the wrong way up. Both approach, the Zagg suggestion above is a a lot better kickstand case.
Smartish Gripzilla, Gripmunk, and Pockets Slayer Vol. 2 Circumstances for $20+: These instances are good and reasonably priced. 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 enables 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 you need to store straight from Smartish because it has some unique designs on its retailer.
Matter HT Snap Circumstances for $60: Previously often called Atom Studios, these “Snap” instances aren’t truly instances. They’re only a backing you may magnetically follow your telephone 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 perimeters in any respect, which is the place you may almost definitely see scuffs and scratches after a drop. I would a lot moderately go for an ultra-thin case that wraps the perimeters of a telephone, or one thing just like the Arc Pulse.
UAG Circumstances for $45+: I’ve examined the complete suite of UAG’s instances, from the Plyo and the Monarch Professional to the Metropolis LT and Plasma XTE. If I needed to choose one, I would purchase the Pathfinder ($60). I like the brilliant yellow colour, and the design is daring, but it surely 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 function a devoted button for Digicam Management; it is all a cutout. (I’ve simply come to actually want having an precise button on the case!) I additionally like the UAG Dot ($45) and its enjoyable translucent case.
Keep away from These Circumstances
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 dangerous not recommending it as a result of it is lovable, particularly in pink, and the kickstand is tremendous inventive. 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 stunned I confirmed my spouse, and he or she instantly mentioned, “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 laborious 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 sequence having stable colours that the clear design right here threw me off. I do not hate it, but it surely does present smudges simply. Whereas I normally select this case as probably the most protecting as a consequence of its dual-layer design (a polycarbonate body sits on prime and a rubber slipcover rests beneath), I bumped into an issue. The Digicam Management button is approach too responsive. It is really easy to press that I saved 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 occasions 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 basically tight, and I had bother 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 any 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: Circumstances are so good today, which is why it irks me when there’s an apparent flaw in a design. UAG’s Trooper is a rugged, robust case that may be very cumbersome. But as a substitute of including a button for Digicam Management, the corporate saved a cutout. However when the sting is so thick, it is genuinely laborious 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 laborious to press.