The Top 9 Tough Phone Cases on the Market in 2023

Studies show there are nearly 7 billion smartphones in the world. Chances are, anyone reading this has a phone they'd like to protect. Protecting your phone is crucial to make sure you don't damage your expensive investment, as well as making a fashion statement.

But what are the best tough phone cases for keeping your phone safe? There are hundreds of options for protecting your phone, making finding a good tough phone case a difficult task.

If you're looking for different types of phone cases that can keep your smartphone safe, we're here to offer our guidance. Read on for our picks of the nine toughest phone cases on the market.

1. OtterBox Defender Series

For as long as smartphones have been popular, OtterBox has been one of the most well-known names. Their Defender series is one of the greatest reasons for this.

The Defender series is arguably the top-quality phone case you can find. These cases use a three-layer construction to provide protection against any threat.

These cases protect against drops and impacts, which are responsible for most phone breaks. Additionally, these phones have port covers to keep out dust, sand, and other debris.

One drawback many phone users find with this case is the astronomical price tag. You can often find phone cases that can protect your phone just as well without spending so much money. Still, if you're fine with the price, these cases provide incredible protection.

2. Lifeproof Fre Series

One issue with many drop-proof phone cases is their design focuses solely on impacts and drops. How do these cases handle water?

Whether it's rain, a pool, or a spilled glass, water poses a serious threat to your phone. To make matters worse, many phone insurance plans won't pay for water damage.

The Lifeproof Fre Series is an excellent waterproof option. These phone cases focus on keeping your phone watertight and safe from any source of water. Ports are tightly sealed, while everything else is closed off to avoid water.

3. Spigen Tough Armor

If you don't anticipate needing the most thorough protection, Spigen Tough Armor is an excellent option. Their drop-proof phone cases are great for defending against drops and other impacts.

These cases use double-layered protection to defend against impact shock. An outer rubber layer absorbs most of the impact, while a hard plastic interior keeps your phone safe. However, they don't present the greatest water resistance.

4. Ballistic Tough Jacket Series

One issue many phone owners have is the bulk and style of tough phone cases. Many of these phone cases end up massive, making them unappealing. Worse of all, they're difficult to fit in a pocket or clutch due to their size.

Ballistic's Tough Jacket series is excellent at marrying protection and style. These cases have multiple layers of protection to keep your phone safe without making it too thick.

One way they do so is by emphasizing certain areas rather than everything. Your corners are a weak spot for your phone, for example.

As such, Tough Jacket places a reinforcement on the corner to absorb impact. There are also raised lips on the screen and camera to help avoid any damage to these portions.

5. Catalyst Impact Protection Case

Catalyst's claim to fame is their strong water protection for their cases. These cases often come with screw-in covers, particularly on ports and buttons. They also meet military standards for drop protection.

Overall, this is an excellent choice for a slim, waterproof, drop-resistant phone. However, it's significantly thinner than most other options. As such, the Catalyst Impact Protection case isn't superior to other cases when it comes to resisting impact.

6. SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro Series

SUPCASE is a name that can't go unsaid on a list of tough phone cases. SUPCASE is known for its strong, durable phone cases, and its Unicorn Beetle Pro series is no exception.

These phone cases provide a military-grade phone case, reputable for defending phones in the harshest environments. The case has won awards for its drop protection in particular.

These cases are bulky but stylish and not quite enough to break the bank. Few things will keep your phone this safe, to the point where some find it overkill.

7. UAG Pathfinder Series

Urban Armor Gear, or UAG, has a reputation for military-inspired phone cases. As such, it's unsurprising to see them making one of the best phone cases for travel.

The UAG Pathfinder series provides an impact-resistant core and a tough armor shell. If you live a life where your phone is knocked around or dropped often, this is the case for you.

8. Ghostek Nautical Series

Ghostek Nautical, as the name suggests, is ideal for people who find themselves around water. The case is waterproof, shockproof, and even snowproof.

With so much protection, you may expect the phone to have an unwieldy, unfashionable bulk. But Ghostek manages to make this phone slim and fashionable despite the protection.

The Nautical series provides a scratch-resistant clear back if you'd like to show off your phone. That said, this protective back isn't as strong as using the full case.

9. Griffin Survivor Extreme

Closing our list is one of the strongest cases on the market. The Griffin Survivor Extreme is one of the flagship Griffin phone cases.

The case is most known for its clear design, which lets you show off your phone's aesthetics. For phone case accessories, this case also provides a built-in kickstand.

Built to handle extreme situations, this case is a can't-miss. However, some don't prefer the clear aesthetic and may want a case with more color to it.

Picking Between Tough Phone Cases

Tough phone cases are all over the market, making it easy to find a reliable and strong case. No matter what brand you prefer, you can find something that will fulfill your needs perfectly.

Here at Case Store Outlet, we carry all of the phone cases you'll need. Our cases are frequently on sale, helping you find even the most expensive brands at an affordable price. Contact us to see how we can keep your phone safe.