The Top 20 Cases for the iPhone 4 and 4S
1. Otterbox Defender
The Otterbox Defender for iPhone 4 and 4S ($25, review) is a three-part case (hard-plastic interior, silicone rubber exterior, and clear-plastic front screen) that offers the most protection you can provide the iPhone 4 and still be able to use all the features of the device. The downsides are that it increases the bulk of the phone and makes accessing some of the iPhone’s ports less convenient. Still, if you’re interested in the Defender, it’s for protection, and the Defender is the most protective case you can buy and still be able to use all the features of the iPhone.
Helpful links:
Official website: Otterbox Defender for iPhone 4 (AT&T and Verizon)
Official website: Otterbox Defender for iPhone 4S
Second Opinion: ZDNet review
Amazon.com: Otterbox Defender for iPhone 4 (AT&T and Verizon) $25
2. Case-Mate Tough
The Case-Mate Tough for iPhone 4 and 4S ($35, review) offers excellent protection with its two-layer approach. A soft silicone layer adds shock absorption while a hard plastic layer adds strength and rigidity. A textured surface improves grip, and the case feels good to hold in the hand. Overall, it’s a well-designed case with no big flaws.
Helpful links:
Official website: Case-Mate Tough for iPhone 4 and 4S
Second Opinion: Runaround Tech review
Amazon.com: Case-Mate Tough for iPhone 4 and 4S $29
3. Otterbox Commuter
The Otterbox Commuter for iPhone 4 and 4S ($20, $35 for 4S, review) is a protection-focused case similar in design to the Otterbox Defender, only slightly thinner and without a built-in screen protector. It’s a dual-layer case made of an interior silicone rubber sleeve and an outer hard-plastic casing. It’s only flaws are its bulky size and less convenient access to the iPhone’s headphone and docking ports. Overall, it’s a well-designed case made of quality materials, and some of the best protection you can get for the iPhone 4.
Helpful links:
Official website for Otterbox Commuter for iPhone 4
Official website for Otterbox Commuter for iPhone 4S
Second Opinion: iLounge review
Amazon.com: Otterbox Commuter $20
4. Case-Mate Pop!
The Case-Mate Pop! for iPhone 4 and 4S ($20, review) is a dual-layer case that combines hard plastic with silicone rubber to offer the best of both worlds. It offers good protection in a lightweight, slim profile. The only flaws are minor in the form of a hard-to-access ringer switch and a glossy surface that takes on tiny scratches, which weren’t too noticeable in our testing. Overall, the Pop! is an excellent case we can highly recommend. It’s compatible with the CDMA (Verizon) and GSM (AT&T) iPhone 4.
Helpful links:
Official website Case-Mate Pop! iPhone 4 and 4S
Second Opinion: iPhone Guru review
Amazon.com: Case-Mate Pop! iPhone 4 case $20
5. ZeroChroma Teatro
The ZeroChroma Teatro ($25, review) snap-on case for iPhone 4 and 4S comes with a built-in stand that can rotate and hold the iPhone in both portrait and landscape positions. The stand itself is sturdy, and the case is the best case/stand combo we’ve seen yet. Its svelte profile prevents it from offering the amount of protection we like to see in a premium iPhone case. But even at the expensive $45 price tag, we found many nice design touches in the Teatro that, along with its utility, justify spending a few extra bucks on it. Compatible with Verizon and AT&T iPhones.
Helpful links:
Official website for ZeroChroma Teatro for iPhone 4 and 4S
Second Opinion: CNET review
6. Ballistic SG
The Ballistic SG for iPhone 4 and 4S ($20, review) is a protection-focused case that combines two layers of hard plastic and silicone rubber along with extra thick corners for excellent shock absorption. An overall well-designed case, the only flaws are additional bulk and a hard-to-access ringer switch.
Helpful links:
Official Ballistic SG for iPhone 4 and 4S website
Second Opinion: Pixelated Geek review
Amazon.com: Ballistic SG for iPhone 4 $20
7. Otterbox Impact
The Otterbox Impact for iPhone 4 and 4S ($12, review) is one of the thickest silicone cases we’ve reviewed and one of the most protective. Offering good accessibility, improved grip, and excellent build quality, the Impact is one of the best choices for anyone looking for an affordable protective silicone case.
Helpful links:
Official website for Otterbox Impact for iPhone 4
Official website for Otterbox Impact for iPhone 4S
Second Opinion: 9to5Mac review
Amazon.com: Otterbox Impact for iPhone 4 $12
8. Trident Cyclops Hybrid (iPhone 4 Only)
The Trident Cyclops Hybrid ($25, review) is a protection-focused cased that combines a hard-plastic snap case with a silicone rubber band that fits over the case’s edges and adds shock absorption for the iPhone’s impact points. Overall, a solid case that offers excellent protection, improved grip, and a comfortable feel. We had a few minor quibbles about accessibility the headphone port and a loose fit for the silicone rim of the case.
Helpful links:
Official website for the Trident Cyclops Hybrid case
Amazon.com: Trident Cyclops Hybrid for iPhone $25
9. Speck Fitted
The Speck Fitted case for iPhone 4 and 4S ($15, review) is a stylish case that also offers solid protection. The exterior of the case is mostly hard plastic except for a cloth backing that is available in a variety of patterns and styles. Overall, the case is sturdy enough to offer superb protection for your iPhone, and the cloth backing makes it feel nice in the hand. The case’s downsides are that it increases the iPhone 4′s size and weight, while also decreasing accessibility to some of the iPhone’s buttons. It’s compatible with Verizon and AT&T iPhones.
Helpful links:
Official website for Speck Fitted iPhone 4/4S case
Second Opinion: Geeky Gadgets review
Amazon.com: Speck Fitted Case for iPhone 4 and 4S $15
10. Case-Mate Vroom
The Case-Mate Vroom for iPhone 4 and 4S ($10, review) is an affordable silicone rubber case with a distinctive tire-tread pattern on its back. It offers good shock absorption and improved grip. A thick rim that sticks up above the iPhone’s front screen adds some protection should the iPhone drop on that side. Overall, a convenient, good-looking case at a low price. Compatible with Verizon and AT&T iPhones.
Helpful links:
Official website for Case-Mate Vroom for iPhone 4/4S
Amazon.com: Case-Mate Vroom $10 (Fits 4S)
11. SwitchEasy Colors
The SwitchEasy Colors for iPhone 4/4S ($15, review) is a silicone case available in 9 different colors. The Colors case gets all the details right and is one of the best fitting cases we’ve come across. Overall, a superior form and fit combined with a slim profile and decent protection make this a solid case, as it was with the iPhone 3G version.
Helpful links:
Official website for SwitchEasy Colors for iPhone 4 and 4S
Second Opinion: GadgetMac review
Amazon.com: Switcheasy Colors for iPhone 4 (not 4S) $15
12. iChair
The iChair ($30, review) case comes with an integrated stand capable of holding the iPhone up in portrait and landscape orientations. It offers excellent protection that is rare for slim hard-plastic cases. An all-around well-designed case, the only minor flaws are a hard to press sleep button and limited angles for the stand (one each for portait and landscape). Compatible with Verizon and AT&T iPhones.
Helpful links:
Official website for iChair case for iPhone 4
Second Opinion: Runaround Tech review
13. Scosche Kickback
The Scosche Kickback ($25, review) is a dual-layer case with a built-in, flip-out stand capable of holding the iPhone up in landscape orientation. The Kickback is an overall well-designed case offering above average protection and good accessibility to all the iPhone’s features. Our only complaints are that the stand only offers one viewing angle, and that the silicone rubber layer is thinner than most other dual-layer cases. Compatible with both the Verizon (CDMA) and AT&T (GSM) iPhone 4.
Helpful links:
Official website for Scosche Kickback
Amazon.com: Scosche Kickback $25
14. Griffin Reveal Etch
The Griffin Reveal Etch ($15, review) is a solid all-around case, offering good looks, good protection, and good build quality. While not on par with silicone or dual-layer cases in terms of shock absorption, the Etch does maintain a svelte profile that adds little weight or bulk to the iPhone 4.
Helpful links:
15. Incipio Silicrylic
The Incipio Silicrylic ($15, review) for iPhone 4 offers two-layers of protection, a soft silicone interior with a hard plastic exterior. Its main flaw is poor interaction with the iPhone 4′s LED flash, causing some pictures to look washed out. It also adds a bit of bulk to the iPhone. Overall, a decent case that looks good.
Helpful links:
16. Cellet Jelly
The Cellet Jelly case ($8, review) is the most affordable iPhone 4 case we’ve reviewed yet, and although not spectacular in any one area, it’s a solid all-around case that won’t interfere with using the iPhone. Our lone complaint is a semi-loose fit that can cause corners of the case to slip off while taking it in and out of pockets.
Helpful links:
17. Splash Cruiser Slim-Fit
The Splash Cruiser Slim-Fit (>$15, review) is a slim, hard-plastic case with a removable bottom that makes it perfect for those who use iPhone docks or oddly shaped USB cords. The surface of the case has a special soft texture that, combined with the cases smooth curves, make it a pleasure to hold. The case’s only flaws are that it doesn’t leave enough room around the iPhone’s sleep buttons, making them difficult (and even painful) for big fingers to press. A solid case with a few minor flaws. Compatible with Verizon and AT&T iPhones.
Helpful links:
18. iLuv Fusion
The iLuv Fusion ($15, review) is a combination case and stand that we liked very much as a versatile stand but not so much as an everyday case. The stand and its accompanying hinge make the iPhone wobble when placed on a flat surface and awkward to hold in the hand. The stand is removable, but even as a case, there are design flaws like hard-to-press buttons. Overall, the case is not a total disaster, and we got used to its flaws over time. We also liked the functionality of the stand, but recommend it most for travelers or those who need to frequently prop up the iPhone on a desk. Compatible with Verizon and AT&T iPhones.
Helpful links:
19. Amzer Jelly
The Amzer Jelly ($10, review) are inexpensive silicone cases available in 10 different colors. Offering good protection and average looks, the case’s main flaw is interference with the iPhone’s LED flash, causing slightly discolored pictures when the flash is put to use.
Helpful links:
20. Griffin Reveal
The Griffin Reveal ($10, review) is a lightweight case with a clear back and a solid color frame (available in several different colors). Its best feature is its slim profile. The downsides are that it easily attracts and shows off scratches and dirt and it offers very little protection.
Helpful links:
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