The best tough phone cases reviewed (2023)

It’s easy to be sceptical about such as slim phone case being anything other than mildly protective. The key to impact-protecting phone cases is impact absorption. The inside edges of the Limitless 5.0 case are lined with AiroShock, which absorbs and dissipates the impact energy instead of the phone.

Along with the AiroShock technology, we particularly the ribbed texture on the side of the case to reduce the likelihood of dropping it in the first place. The slightly raised edge on the front and around the camera cut-out also means that the phone’s screen and camera are protected when lying on a flat surface.

Is it MagSafe compatible? Yes it is. And there are a number of finishes available too. The Limitless 5.0 is for iPhone 14 (including Plus, Pro and Pro Max), Samsung Galaxy S23 (including Plus and Ultra), and Pixel 7 (including Pro).

Quad Lock phone mounts has been popular in the world of cycling for over a decade. The Melbourne-based brand now covers other areas too, but we’re interested in the Quad Lock case. It’s essentially a base you can then attach to various things with the appropriate Quad Lock mount, including your arm if you’re a runner.

Vast accessory range aside, the brand’s phone case is a decent tough case in its own right. It’s not quite as protective as the Mous Limitless 5.0, but the plastic case is designed to absorb impacts and there is a slightly spongy microfibre backing too.

One of its aces, however, is the additional poncho. The poncho fits over the case and protects against water and mud. But we found out that – as Quad Lock itself points out – if the touchscreen has a screen protector, it doesn’t work well with the poncho fitted.

There’s a lot to praise the Evo Check phone case for. And because it’s also noticeably cheaper than the Mous Limitless 5.0, it starts giving it a run for its money.

It’s a lightweight but protective case with drop protection up to just under 5 metres, courtesy of its FlexShock material (similar to Mous’ AiroShock). Like the Mous and Quad Lock cases, the Tech21 Evo Check also features a lip around the camera.

There are quite a few colours for each phone model available and interchangeable buttons for mixing and matching. For iPhones, there are MagSafe-compatible and non-compatible versions. Another unique strong point for the Check Evo is that it’s antimicrobial too.

Aquapac has been making waterproof cases for years, supplying individuals and organisations. And it’s still the best place to turn to for a fully waterproof phone case.

The Aquaclip is the key to this phone case’s complete (IPX8) waterproofing. But you can still use the phone’s touchscreen and have phone calls, you just can’t use fingerprint or face recognition to unlock it. You can still use the camera too because there’s a rear window.

If there’s air inside, the case is buoyant, and there is more than one size to choose from, though today’s phones are quite big so the Plus or Plus Plus size will likely be your best bet.