Search ‘tough phone case’ in Google and you’re greeted with a swarm. Some options are fantastic, many are terrible. When you’re going over scree, mud, or whatever terrain you’re covering, a tough phone case you know actually protects the precious occupant is a very useful hiking accessory indeed.
It's quite a challenge, finding decent options among the sea of second-rate products. Here, we’ve tried to keep things super simple with a concise collection of the best tough smartphone cases.
The best tough phone cases
Mous Limitless 5.0
Best in Test
Description
It’s easy to be sceptical about such as slim phone case being anything other than mildly
Pros
- Really impressive impact protection
- MagSafe compatible
- Still slim and minimalist
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Only available for the latest smartphones
Quad Lock Case
Best Value
Description
Quad Lock phone mounts has been popular in the world of cycling for over a decade. The
Pros
- Great value
- Huge range of add-ons and accessories
- Suitable for a wide range of smartphone models
Cons
- Poncho doesn’t work well with screen protector
Tech21 Evo Check
Recommended
3. Tech21 Evo Check
Description
There’s a lot to praise the Evo Check phone case for. And because it’s also noticeably cheaper
Pros
- Good impact absorption
- Range of colours available
- Antimicrobial
Cons
- MagSafe-compatible iPhone cases cost extra
Aquapac Waterproof Phone Case
Best waterproof phone case
4. Aquapac Waterproof Phone Case
Description
Aquapac has been making waterproof cases for years, supplying individuals and organisations. And
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Different sizes and colours available
Cons
- Not exactly stylish – form definitely follows function here
What to look for in a tough phone case
Drop rating: If the case claims impact resistance, check what height it’s rated to. Some are better than others, with impact-absorbing materials like Mous’ AiroShock, having a proven track record.
IP rating: If it’s a sealed case, an IP rating is a very useful indicator of how weather- or water-resistant that case is. For fully waterproof, you want a water ingress rating of 7 or 8.
Charge compatibility: Most of us want to be able to charge our phones with a case fitted. Check whether the case allows that through MagSafe compatibility.
Phone model: Most phone cases cater to iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel. Unfortunately, there aren’t many options for other models of phones.