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We tested iPhone 11 cases by OtterBox, LifeProof, Pelican, Spigen and more to find the best of the best
We purchased all of the top iPhone 11 cases available for head-to-head testing.
Credit: Ross Patton
By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Jan 5, 2024
In the market for a new iPhone 11 case? Over the past three years, we have spent hundreds of hours examining 17 of the best iPhone cases on the market. We used each of these cases for weeks, from running our daily errands, to nights out on the town, to going on backpacking trips. For our in-depth analysis, we timed how long it took to unbox and install each model, weighed and measured them, and conducted our own in-house experiment to measure grip. We noted each case's environmental protection certifications and took metal tools to them to see how easily they scratched. We inspected every model to identify flaws or highlight elements that make them more useful or easier to operate than others. We designed this comprehensive review to help you find the perfect iPhone 11 case for your style, budget, and needs.
Editor's Note: This article was edited for clarity on January 5, 2024, to include more comparisons to alternative case models that may better fit your needs.
Phenomenal protection, silent switch and power port covers, included belt holster
Drop certification, looks great, lots of grip
High level of protection, resistant to scratches, affordable
Holds cash and cards, doesn't cover screen, buttons work great
Scratch-proof, easy to unbox and install, includes stickers
Cons
Bulky, heavy, pricey, more difficult installation than most
Pricey, bigger and heavier than most
Limited color options, slippery compared to rubber and plastic combo cases
No drop protection rating, thick, heavy
Minimal drop protection, sticks to pocket liners
Bottom Line
This case is one of our favorites for its excellent features, like a belt holster and built-in kickstand, and supersedes the rest when it comes to protection
An all-around high-performance iPhone case that offers lots of protection but still looks great
As a protective, sleek, stylish, and durable option, this is by far our favorite, even after using it for over a year
A stylish iPhone case that doubles as a wallet and doesn't affect phone operation
A silicone case that will protect your phone from scratches but not necessarily from drops
Weight: 1.9 ounces | Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.2 x 0.5 inches
REASONS TO BUY
High level of protection
Resistant to scratching
Easy removal
Does not affect switch action
REASONS TO AVOID
Larger than many
Time-consuming installation
The Otterbox Commuter Series is one of our favorite all-around iPhone 11 cases. This model offers more style than many highly protective cases and more protection than the models solely designed for style. With a US military certification level of MIL-STD-810G, the Commuter is designed to repeatedly survive drops from a height of twelve feet onto concrete. The engineers behind this version included an inner layer of rubber with a plastic outer shell that snaps into place, which makes this case especially easy to remove. There are ports in the plastic that allows rubber bumpers to protrude through, allowing the Commuter to stick in place on slippery surfaces. Since the entire exterior isn't covered in tacky rubber, this dual-case design also allows this case to slide in and out of a pocket or purse easily. Once installed, the phone buttons and silent switch still function perfectly, which is not always a given with many highly protective models. When we subjected it to our scratch test, we had to lean on a flathead screwdriver with significant force to damage the case even slightly.
The biggest downside of the Commuter is its overall mass. It is slightly longer, wider, and thicker than super low-profile cases. If you're the type of person who counts every ounce for activities such as cycling and running, lighter cases are available. Removing the case is an easy process, but unboxing and installing this case takes a little longer than single-layer plastic and silicone models that immediately snap or stretch into place. Despite our critiques, this case is the way to go if you're shopping for a model that looks great and still provides military-grade drop protection. If you prefer a slimmer case that still offers good protection, check out the Spigen Tough Armor.
The OtterBox Commuter offers ample protection without sacrificing style.
Weight: 3.0 ounces | Dimensions: 6.1 X 3.2 X 0.5 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Burly and durable design
Relatively scratch proof
Great value considering its lifespan
REASONS TO AVOID
One of the heavier cases tested
Not many color options
The Pelican Rogue Series is one of our favorite cases in the test and also a great value. In our ongoing testing of this case, we barely see a scratch due to the burly polycarbonate construction. It's one of the similar and sleeker protective cases if you prefer less military styling.
This is one of the heavier cases we have tested. It is not the bulkiest case we tested, but the durable materials have a weight penalty. There are not many color options to personalize the case. While we would not say this case is hard to hold, it is not quite as grippy as some competitors. That said, the case was one of our favorites at any price, and we especially love the long-term value it offers. If you want a slimmer case with more color options, check out the Cordking iPhone 11.
We love the Pelican Rogue because it's durable and light enough to take on adventures. We also appreciate the waffled style that's protective and non-slip.
Weight: 2.3 ounces | Dimensions: 6.3 X 3.3 X 0.5 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Grippy 2-layer design
Built-in kickstand
Excellent value
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulkier and heavier than most
The kickstand can become loose
Buttons aren't very responsive
The Kitoo Military Grade is an excellent bargain and a great choice for most people who want a burly and protective case. It has a built-in kickstand and a lot of material around the phone to protect it from big drops. There is a lot to grip and material to hold onto. The camera area has a raised bezel to protect the lens.
This big and burly case is, well, big and burly. It is heavy and will not easily slide into your pocket like many other models. While we love the kickstand, we are not sure how durable it is and several user reviews have complained that it becomes loose over time (we never noticed that). If you need a beefier case at an affordable price, the Kitoo Military Grade is within budget. Folks who want something more minimal may find the Cordking iPhone 11 more suitable.
Cases with features are fun and allow you to do things like watch TV. Here we use the Kitoo Military with the kickstand that switches from landscape to portrait mode.
Weight: 2.4 ounces | Dimensions: 6.4 X 3.5 X 0.7 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Durable and high-quality construction
Very protective
Kickstand and belt holster
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Expensive
The OtterBox Defender stands out for its undeniable durability and protection. The two-piece construction uses a thick, high-quality polycarbonate shell and rubberized bumper. The interior has a thin foam layer to keep the phone in place and cushion it from tall drops. All ports are covered; our tests proved that this case would protect your phone from dust and water. The exterior has superior scratch resistance, with a grippy, easy-to-hold backing. The Defender also stands out for its features and comes with a carry holster that clips to a belt buckle and converts into a super sturdy kickstand.
The degree of protection the OtterBox Defender offers is on point. Sadly, the size is not. It is bulkier and heavier than many contenders. The weight is almost double that of the slimmest models we tested. It can fit into larger pockets, but smaller ones? Forget it. Previous Defender series phone cases used to offer full-faced protection. However, with modern phones now carrying IP ratings, which rate water resistance and protection from dust, companies have gotten away from offering fully sealed cases, OtterBox included. Without an additional screen protector, this case only offers protection for the back and sides of the phone unless you face it inward inside the belt holster. Despite these minor complaints, the OtterBox Defender is still the best of the best when it comes to a super protective iPhone case with utilitarian features. We also like the protective Otterbox Commuter Series, which is a little lighter and a bit smaller in design.
This beefy case is the most protective and of the highest quality. If you want to ensure your phone won't get damaged, the OtterBox Defender is the case to buy.
Weight: 1.9 ounces | Dimensions: 6.0 x 3.0 x 0.6 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Holds cards and cash
Design does not cover screen or buttons
Light and compact for this type
REASONS TO AVOID
Minimal grip
No drop test certification
Cases that double as a wallet are a fantastic way to reduce the number of objects in your purse or pocket, whether it's for a night on the town or day-to-day use. Most of the leather wallet cases we've seen have a flap that covers the buttons on one side of the phone and the screen. However, the Onetop Wallet Case has the entire wallet portion of the case integrated into the backside so that your buttons and screen are always accessible. This is a lot more practical than having to unfold a wallet just to see who sent you a text or silence a call. Not only is this model our favorite wallet-style iPhone 11 case, but it's also one of the lightest and smallest versions we've tested.
During our grip assessment, the Onetop Wallet proved especially slippery. In fact, it's about as grippy as a naked phone. While it offers more drop protection than no case at all, it lacks any sort of certification to prove the type of impact from which it can protect your phone. Despite its flaws, the Onetop is the best wallet-style iPhone 11 case we've seen to date. But if you're the type who can never find their phone, skip the wallet version and go with another model like the OtterBox Defender. It is not only more grippy, but also offers better protection.
The Onetop Wallet holds cards and cash but does not disrupt access to your phone buttons or screen.
Weight: 1.8 ounces | Dimensions: 6.3 X 3.5 X 0.3 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Two-layer protective construction
Kickstand feature
Clean and stylish look
High-quality materials
REASONS TO AVOID
Can't accommodate a pop socket
You can't use the kickstand feature in portrait orientation
Expensive
The Spigen Tough Armor is a protective, well-featured case with a sleek design. Built with a two-layer construction, it has a removable plastic exterior shell with a rubberized foam interior. The raised bezel around the camera offers excellent protection, while the covered power port protects it from dust. The exterior crushed our scratch tests, not showing any damage, even after scraping it with a knife. We especially love the kickstand feature that allows you to watch videos hands-free.
The Spigen Tough Armor is not the least expensive model in our lineup. The silent switch is recessed far back into the case, which makes it somewhat challenging to operate. Though the kickstand is stable, it only allows you to watch in landscape mode at two different angles, depending on how you flip your phone around. Still, the Spigen Tough Armor is our top recommendation for those who desire a protective case with a kickstand feature. Those who want a kickstand model at a lower price should consider the Kitoo Military Grade.
The Spigen Tough Armor is protective, slim, and comes with a nifty kickstand for hands-free use.
Weight: 1.8 ounces | Dimensions: 6.4 X 3.2 X 0.3 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Clear back allows you to see the phone
Drop test certification
Louder sound with a front-facing speaker
REASONS TO AVOID
Attracts lint and isn't scratch-resistant
Difficult to get out of the case
The X-Doria Defense Shield offers excellent overall protection for a case with crystal clear backing. Its flexible thermoplastic skeleton is strong, with an anodized metal edge and a thick rubberized bumper. The phone fits snugly into the case, and its deep bezel offers excellent camera protection. The drop rating is trust-inspiring, and this case backed up those claims in our tests. The buttons are easy to use, clickable, and responsive. Furthermore, this phone case uses a front-facing "sound channel" that directs video sound or music toward you instead of downwards. As a result, it offers an "amplified" sound effect.
Unfortunately, many of the clear phone cases we tested easily get scratched. If you're not careful, these can look thrashed after just a few weeks of hard use. The X-Doria Defense Shield has a snug fit, so it can sometimes be difficult to get your phone out of the case. While we're excited about the prospect of sound amplification, the marketing material could be confusing to some consumers. To clarify, the case design amplifies sound from the bottom speaker only, and does not actually make call volume from the earpiece any louder. These few flaws aside, this is still our top recommendation if you're seeking a clear case to show off your new phone. For better protection, the Pelican Rogue Series is a great choice that is also scratch-resistant.
Protective with the opportunity for you to see the true color of your phone. Here is the X-Doria Defense Shield pictured with the phone inside the case, alongside other clear cases we tested.
Credit: Amber King
Compare Products
We measured and weighed every model in the lab before field testing.
Credit: Ross Patton
Why You Should Trust Us
We focused on the market's best-selling and most highly-rated products to select the iPhone 11 cases you see in this line-up. We look at a wide variety of options, with protection as our number one concern. After all, what good is an iPhone case that doesn't protect your phone? We purchase each of these cases at retail — just like you — and spend a week or more testing each case. We put these cases on our own phones and then go about our daily routines as a real-life testing regime. We assess materials and quality in the lab by bending, folding, and trying to break each case. We look at slippage, grip, how it fits into a pocket, and whether it easily picks up lint or scratches. We analyze installation and removal and assess ease of use considerations like button functionality. We also measure and weigh each case to judge its portability. During our comparative testing, these phone cases undergo 143 individual tests.
We break down our overall score into four key metrics:
Protection (40% of overall score weighting)
Portability (25% weighting)
Design (25% weighting)
Ease of Use (10% weighting)
This in-depth review is brought to you by gear junkies Amber King and Ross Patton. Amber is an avid iPhone user that's been testing all sorts of gear for over seven years. In addition to testing over 25 different gear categories, she's a science teacher who knows how to develop fair, repeatable tests to push the limits of the gear she reviews. Other reviews she's completed include kitchen cookware, external hard drives, and women's clothing. When she's not getting super-nerdy about testing products, you'll find her running, camping, and exploring with her iPhone (and protective case) in tow. Ross has been with the GearLab team for nearly four years, testing a swath of products ranging from chainsaws to MacBook cases. With a formal education in environmental science and a tendency to destroy his own gear, you can bet that he has put every one of these iPhone 11 cases through the wringer.
The Onetop Wallet's leather flap doubles as a kickstand.
The OtterBox Defender includes a large plastic holster that can be clipped to belts and straps.
The OtterBox Commuter is one of the best all-around iPhone 11 cases.
Analysis and Test Results
To select iPhone 11 cases for this review, we considered the market's top sellers, focusing on quality construction and protectiveness. The models we tested are suitable for pulling out at work, to sport at black-tie affairs, to carry on your run, or to bring on a river trip. This review tells of our experiences as we put each case through specific tests to look at protection, portability, design, and how easy each model is to use.
Value
One of our primary goals at GearLab is to help you find the best product for your budget.
Even simple products, like phone cases, exist across a wide range of price points. It can be daunting and confusing to try and figure out why one product is more expensive than another.
To further convolute things, we often find that expensive products are far from the top performers and that some affordable models offer more value in the long run. Both of these instances hold true for iPhone 11 cases. Our top choice for value is the Pelican Rogue Series, an easy-to-install case that is very protective. For those shopping for a case that holds cards and cash, the Onetop Wallet Case is worth every penny. There are many cases with clear backs available, but the X-Doria Defense Shield is our recommendation for an affordable version that offers great protection. If you're a fan of kickstands, the Spigen Tough Armor has a dapper design for a reasonable price. If you want a drop-tested case with a classy appearance, the OtterBox Commuter is one instance where price matches performance. Finally, the OtterBox Defender might have a hefty price tag, but it offers more protection than any case we've ever tested.
Protection
When you throw down a chunk of change on a new phone, you don't want an accidental drop to destroy your investment. Protection is the primary function of any cell phone case. While all cases protect from small drops and scrapes, some are more trustworthy than others. We began our assessment by noting any environmental protection certifications a case may carry. We then assess the material construction of each case by performing scratch tests and identifying features that protect the body and camera from falls and ports from dust and water.
Buy a Screen Protector
Most modern iPhones are water-resistant, so cases have shifted from a closed construction to an open-faced construction. Unfortunately, this shift means your phone isn't protected from falls on the face of the phone. Be sure to buy a screen protector to keep the glass from scratching or cracking.
It's no surprise that the OtterBox Defender Series is the most protective iPhone 11 case in our lineup. In addition to a military-grade drop certification, it features a protective two-layer construction with thick rubber bumpers around the edges and corners of the phone. The materials are durable and trustworthy, and OtterBox cases are known for their reliability. Unlike most cases, it also has flaps over all the ports to offer protection from water and dust.
The OtterBox Defender comes equipped with covered ports and a super beefy construction, which makes it the most protective iPhone case tested.
Credit: Amber King
As a bonus, the OtterBox Defender includes a plastic holster that you can clip to belts, backpacks, and straps — the holster also doubles as a kickstand. The case clips into the holster in four different positions: right side up, upside down, and with the screen facing either in or out. With the screen facing the holster, this model offers comprehensive impact protection for every part of your phone except for the camera lenses.
The OtterBox Defender fully protects your phone screen when it's clipped into the included holster.
Credit: Ross Patton
Scoring just behind its big cousin, the OtterBox Commuter also offers military-certified drop protection and a charge port cover but comes in a smaller and lighter package. This model did great during our scratch tests, and we feel very confident in the plastic and rubber combo construction.
The dual-layer OtterBox Commuter offers enough protection for many rugged outdoor activities.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Spigen Tough Armor doesn't score as highly as the OtterBox models simply because it isn't as thick, and there aren't any port covers. But it does have a two-layer construction with absorptive foam insulation that'll keep it well protected from a fall. The Kitoo Military Grade is an armored, feature-laden case with a construction similar to the OtterBox and Spigen cases. The Kitoo earned a lower score because it doesn't use the same high-quality plastic. However, it still passes the same MIL-STD-810 516.6 testing, so it carries the same certification as the other cases.
Raised bezels, like the one we see here on the Kitoo Military Grade, will keep your camera well protected when you put the phone down on flat surfaces.
Credit: Amber King
Of the single-layer iPhone 11 cases, the Pelican Rogue Series and X-Doria Defense are the most protective. They all have a raised bezel around the camera to protect the exposed lens when placing the phone on its back. The Pelican Rogue is a rubberized, lightweight, slim case with additional protection around the corners of the phone. The X-Doria Defense features metal construction and a clear back that look and feel super solid and protective in hand. All three of these models are military drop-test certified.
In addition to assessing the material construction, we physically scratch each iPhone 11 case. First, we start with our fingernail, then move on to a flathead screwdriver to see how easily the material scratches. Cases with heavier rubber materials like the Pelican Rogue Series and silicone ones like the Miracase Liquid Silicone and the Cordking case didn't scratch at all. Those built with heavier plastics, such as the OtterBox Defender and OtterBox Commuter, hardly scratched even with a good amount of force applied to the screwdriver. We know that leather cases will form a patina over time. Still, both the Onetop Wallet Case and the icarercase Wallet Case held up just fine to our screwdriver abuse.
The Cordking passed our scratch test with flying colors.
Credit: Ross Patton
Portability
Most people prefer iPhone cases that are slim and lightweight over those that are bulky and heavy. For this metric, we weighed and measured the dimensions of each case. The lighter and slimmer a case is, the easier a phone will fit into a small pocket, purse, or backpack.
Throughout our years of testing, we've found — perhaps unsurprisingly — that weight directly correlates to the bulk of a phone case. The lighter a case is, typically, the slimmer it'll be, too. The most portable phone case is the Mkeke Clear Cover, weighing a mere 0.9 ounces. All weighing 1.3 ounces or less, the Otterbox Symmetry, Cordking, and Mkeke Clear Cover cases are all highly portable.
Cases that fit into small pocket are quite portable and easy to use. Here we use the Mkeke Compatible before taking a long trail run.
We measured each case to double-check the manufacturer's claims.
Credit: Ross Patton
More protective and beefier cases aren't as slim or as portable. Of those with a two-layer construction, the Spigen Tough Armour weighs 1.8 ounces but is a tiny bit longer than the OtterBox Commuter, which weighs 1.9 ounces. The OtterBox Defender is the most protective phone case tested but, unfortunately, weighs in at 2.4 ounces without the utility holster. Using the holster nearly doubles the weight of this case, making it a burly option.
The OtterBox Commuter is a bit hefty but worth the extra weight for the extra protection.
Credit: Ross Patton
Our two favorite wallet-style models have vastly different sizes and weights. The icarercase weighs a whopping 3.1 ounces and is one of the thickest models we've tested. The Onetop Wallet Case is surprisingly lightweight at 2.4 ounces. While it's a bit thicker than most cases we tested, its length and width are comparable to the low-profile models.
Not all wallet cases are as slim as our favorite, the Onetop Wallet (right). We tested the icarercase (left) for iPhone 11s, which is a substantially larger wallet-style case than the Onetop Wallet.
Credit: Ross Patton
Design
For this section of our review, we discuss any special features and the overall style of each phone case. While features are concrete elements, style is highly subjective and will truly depend on your taste and personality.
The Onetop Wallet Case earned some bonus points for its combination of features and style. This model can store several cards and some cash. But unlike other wallet-style cases, the front-mounted flap doesn't cover the screen or the buttons. The flap stays shut with the use of magnets, and it can also be used as a kickstand. If you're looking for a case with enough class for a business meeting or a wedding, this is the one.
The Onetop has the wallet portion of the case on the back of the phone.
The Onetop Wallet holds cash and cards but doesn't affect phone functions.
Unlike many wallet cases, the Onetop does not cover the phone screen or buttons.
We love the look and features of the highly protective OtterBox Commuter. The Commuter is offered in various colors so that you can add your own flavor to your stock phone. Taking advantage of the iPhone 11's IP68 water-resistance rating, this model does not have an integrated screen protector, leaving your screen open for better operation and viewing. The OtterBox Defender has a similar open-faced construction, but you can clip it to its holster with the screen facing inward to protect it. The Defender's clip doubles as a sturdy kickstand, and each of these models has rubber charge port covers. The Defender also goes a bit further than the rest with a silent switch cover.
The utility clip on the back of the OtterBox Defender's holster snaps out to be used as a kickstand.
Credit: Ross Patton
If you're searching for a slimmer case with an integrated kickstand, the Spigen Tough Armor is our team's top choice. There's something to be said for simplicity and the clear-backed X-Doria Defense Shield offers solid protection without disguising your phone. If you're looking for a simple case offered in various colors, the Cordking is a great and highly affordable option.
The Spigen (left) and the Otterbox Defender (right) are compared. The Spigen uses absorptive foam in its construction but is notably slimmer in profile.
Credit: Amber King
Ease of Use
The remaining portion of the total score is dedicated to the operation of each iPhone 11 case. We timed how long they took to unbox and install and how long they took to remove. We carefully noted instances where the case affected the buttons or the silent toggle and subjectively judged how easily they slid in and out of a pocket. Finally, we used an inclinometer and a wooden board to measure the maximum angle each case can grip. Much like design, the importance of this metric will largely depend on the individual. Some people may want a super grippy model, while others may want a slick version that easily slides in and out of pockets.
The top-scoring option for this section of our assessment is the Cordking case. It only took 24 seconds to unbox and install it and a mere five seconds to remove it. The case hardly affects button operation and stuck to our grip test board up to an impressive 40 degrees. Even when it began to slip, it slowly slid down the board rather than releasing and falling like most other models we tested.
The Cordking keeps the design simplistic and basic.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Onetop Wallet Case is also very easy to install and remove. Although it isn't the grippiest model, we awarded it extra points for button operation — the silent toggle is fully accessible, and the rest of the buttons are easy to push.
The silent switch and volume buttons are very easy to operate with the Onetop Wallet installed.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Spigen Tough Armor and OtterBox Commuter both take an extra few seconds to install because of their two-layer construction, but each are easy to remove. The Commuter's outer shell is hard plastic, but there are sections on the sides, front, and back where the interior rubber layer protrudes. This combination of rubber and plastic gives it a great deal of grip and allows it to slide in and out of pockets easily.
The OtterBox Commuter grips hard surfaces immensely better than a naked phone.
Credit: Ross Patton
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the model that offers the highest degree of protection is also one of the most difficult cases to use. The OtterBox Defender takes longer to install and remove than the other award-winning models in our review, and the buttons require a bit of force to push. The silent toggle is underneath a rubber flap, so it takes an extra second or two every time you want to flip this switch. But if unparalleled protection is your prerogative, this is a slight inconvenience once the Defender is installed on your phone.
The OtterBox Defender takes a few more seconds to install than the average case but is still much easier to deal with than several of the competitors.
Credit: Ross Patton
Conclusion
When you've spent hundreds of dollars on an iPhone, buying a case that'll keep it well-protected is essential. To make your decision easier, we've done all the research for you. Via our side-by-side comparisons, we assessed materials, features, style, protection, and ease of use for the best iPhone 11 cases on the market. We offer our expert recommendations to help you quickly and easily find the best case for your needs.
