Shopping·9 min read

Our Favorite Phone and Laptop Cases to Keep Your Tech Protected

phone-cases-header
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Urban Sophistication, West & Willow
February 21, 2023

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The difference between protective and cute phone cases could have you replacing your phone before your upgrade is available (we’ve all been there). Luckily we’ve found cases and tech accessories that won’t make you choose between durability and style. From waterproof to colorful options, below you’ll find (at least) one that’ll have you toting around your phone with full confidence. You’ll like it so much, you’ll wanna take a mirror selfie. Oh snap.

hardshell-phone-case
Smartish

A hardshell phone case that won’t slip out of your hands…

This incredibly affordable case is MagSafe-compatible (a magnetic technology that allows you to wirelessly charge your phone with the right accessories) and has a grippable texture with raised edges that’ll protect your camera and screen. It comes in three solid colors, two patterns, and a clear option. ($19.99+, Smartish)

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colorful-phone-case
Baublebar

A colorful phone case you can customize…

Between the bright sherbert colors and the block lettering, these cases are Fun with a capital F. Each one is made of smooth leather with your name, nickname, or initials screen printed on the back. We’re partial to the pink and green option, but there are four color schemes to choose from. Just note, these cases are final sale. ($68, Baublebar)

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cloud-case
Casetify

A cloud case that lets you pick how heavy-duty you want it…

We admit that when we saw these hazy, sunset-like clouds, we had to have this case immediately. The best part about Casetify is that you can choose how intense you want the case to be, from the lightweight Impact Case to the Bounce Case with ultra-reinforced edges. It’s also super cute that your phone color shows through. Dreamy. ($68+, Casetify)

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otterbox-case
Amazon

A classic Otterbox phone case for keeping it simple…

If you’re a minimalist, or worried your phone case might clash with your otherwise loud outfit, go for this classic clear case. We’ve dropped it, kicked it (lol, oops), and scratched it, and still our phone has remained in perfect condition. Pair with a glass screen protector and you’re set. Leave it to Otterbox. ($23.70, Amazon)

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pet-phone-case
West & Willow

A custom phone case to honor your most beloved family member...

Our lives revolve around our pets and our phones. Why not combine the two? This lifelike portrait-style phone case — available for both iPhone and Samsung models — pays homage to your furry (or not-so-furry) friend, whether you own a dog, cat, horse, or reptile. So adorable. ($50, West & Willow)

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puffer-phone-case
Urban Sophistication

A water-resistant case that’s like a puffer jacket for your phone…

Beloved by celebrities and influencers alike, this case is soft, squishy, and puffy, but not too bulky to feel good in your hand. It has raised edges to protect the screen and full coverage on the sides (great for rough button-pressers). Plus, the more than 20 bright colors to choose from make us so happy. ($65, Urban Sophistication)

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wildflower-phone-case
Amazon

A tough phone case that reminds us of our Limited Too days…

Baby animals? Horoscopes? Lisa Frank-looking dolphins? We’re in nostalgia heaven. Also widely spotted on celebs, these cases are incredibly durable, trust us. The raised rubber edges protect the screen and back from cracking, and the pattern is protected by plastic, so you don’t have to worry about getting it dirty. Music to our ears. ($35, Amazon)

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designer-phone-case
Coach

A designer phone case with a bit of spunk…

If you’d like to show a little brand love, Coach is having a moment. See the revived Demi Bag for reference. This case is made of soft leather with Coach’s friendly dinosaur mascot Rexy stamped on the back. Rawr. ($65, Coach)

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ghost-laptop-case
Casetify

A laptop case with a delightful graphic…

We love this “Happy Ghost” illustration by Lorien Stern. It comes printed on a soft neoprene laptop case to fully protect your device while traveling. It comes in two sizes and two colors, purple and black. Grab the iPad case and phone case to match all the way. Spooky. ($52, Casetify)

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neoprene-laptop-case
Amazon

A classic, no-fail neoprene laptop case…

This is the case we had for our first laptop, and it’s remained our tried and true. It has a zip top and a cushioned interior with faux-fur lining to keep your laptop nestled. We almost wish we could climb inside. The bright red ensures we can find it easily in our bags. ($11.99, Amazon)

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phone-wristlet
Case-Mate

A phone wristlet to let you go hands-free…

This gold-chain wristlet attaches to any phone case, turning your phone into a wearable accessory, and, let’s be honest, just looks cool. If you’re notorious for losing your phone, what better way to keep track of it than having it on your wrist? ($30, Case-Mate)

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ring-stand
Case-Mate

A ring stand that snaps onto the back of your case…

Made of high-quality stainless steel, just attach this ring stand to the back of your MagSafe case, and you instantly have a kickstand perfect for watching videos or taking selfies. You’ll also get a better grip on your phone so you won’t have to worry about dropping it again. There are four options to choose from, but we love the bedazzled one. Life’s short, get the rhinestones. ($30, Case-Mate)

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waterproof-phone-case
Best Buy

The most heavy-duty, waterproof phone case we’ve ever seen…

If you’re incredibly clumsy with your phone, or if you’re planning an adventurous outdoor getaway, this case has you covered. It’s been thoroughly tested and can fall over six feet without shattering. But that’s not all — it can also withstand being dropped in water or snow and is antimicrobial. Trust. ($36.99, Best Buy)

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western-case
Society6

A cheeky case to get into the Western trend…

The cute little illustration, the saying — it’s just too doggone good. Just snap this sleek case on and think less about bumps and scratches. Upgrade to the Tough Case for extra shock absorption thanks to a silicone liner. Yeehaw is right. ($15+, Society6)

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