At 6.5 inches, the iPhone XS Max is the largest of Apple’s new iPhones, and it offers the largest iPhone display ever. It also offers the largest battery. So it’s not surprising that it’s got a large price to match—$1,099 to start. (See our comparison of the new iPhone XS Max, XS, and XR.)
So if you’re planning to buy the iPhone XS Max, you’ll want a case to protect it. Fortunately, there are already quite a few very nice cases out there. From transparent, to leather, to rugged and wallet designs, we rounded up some of our top picks. As more cases become available, we’ll update this article. So watch this space.
Best iPhone XS Max clear cases
The iPhone XS Max might offer just three color options (unlike the six colors of its iPhone XR sibling), but nevertheless you might want to show off the Max’s elegant space gray, silver, or gold body. A transparent case lets you do that, while also protecting your investment.
Presidio Stay Clear
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003e $39.95u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003e Clearu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003e Yesu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003e Speck’s Presidio Stay Clear case is perfect for showing off your iPhone XS Max while providing ample shielding. The case has two layers of protection and a raised bezel, which is meant to protect your phone from drops up to 8 feet. It also claims to absorb UV rays and oil to prevent smudging. To the touch, the case is unflexing and incredibly tough.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eSpeck provides free shipping and returns in the U.S. And if you’re so inclined, you can pay an extra $5 for two-day shipping.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Grip Clear
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003e $40u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003e Black, clear, pinku003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003e Yesu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003e Casetify is known for its eclectic mix of cases with striking designs and artwork, but it also has simple, transparent cases. The Grip Case is one of them, providing lightweight protection and a smooth finish that keeps your iPhone safely in hand. The border of the case also has three alternate colors to choose from. If you want even more protection, you can also go for the u003ca href=u0022https://www.casetify.com/product/clear-iphone-case/iphone-xs-max/impact-case-with-black-camera-ring?utm_campaign=233970u0026amp;irpid=71333u0026amp;irmpname=Digital%20Window%20Inc.u0026amp;sharedid=78888-Skimlinksu0026amp;utm_medium=smarterchaosu0026amp;utm_source=affiliateu0026amp;clickid=12MUKmVHd3ek3vLxcAUFaR8-UkgzdezNkWuTVU0#/7012000u0022 rel=u0022nofollowu0022u003eclear version of the Casetify Impactu003c/au003e for $5 more.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eCasetify only provides a 6-month warranty, and shipping is included on orders more than $35.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Plasma ICE
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e $39.95u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Ice, ash, cobalt, magmau003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Yesu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e UAG’s cases both look and feel indestructible. The Plasma Ice is no exception, but it also shows off your iPhone through its clear back. Despite its rugged design that meets military drop-test standards, the case is surprisingly light. The buttons are also oversized and easy to press.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eUAG’s cases come with a 1-year warranty and include free shipping in the United States.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Best iPhone XS Max wallet cases
These cases provide protection for your phone and a handy way to carry your credit cards and cash, thereby eliminating the need to carry a separate wallet. Gotta love that.
Bella Fino
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e $89.95u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Chocolate, whiskey, blacku003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Yesu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e If you prefer wallet cases, there’s so much to love about Pad u0026amp; Quill’s Bella Fino. The leather case feels incredibly lux and thicker and heavier than other wallet cases we’ve tried. It also closes with a satisfying magnetic snap and seems durable enough to last for years to come. You can even customize the case with your initials.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ePad u0026amp; Quill offers an impressive 25-year leather warranty, which is something we haven’t seen from any other case maker. Shipping is included for all orders in the United States.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Wallet Slayer Vol. 2
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003e $24.99u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003e Black, dark red, blueu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003e Yesu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003e This wallet case from Silk has a pleasing textured, no-slip grip and internal air-pockets to protect the iPhone XS Max. And it snaps on the phone for a perfect, tight fit. Its back can store up to three cards plus a few bills, but that’s generally enough when you’re on the go. One of the case’s clever perks is how you can stick a card in a groove on the back to give it a kickstand.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe case includes a screen protector, a u003ca href=u0022https://silksmartish.com/pages/warrantyu0022 rel=u0022noopener nofollowu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022u003elimited lifetime warrantyu003c/au003e, and 2-5 day USPS shipping in the United States. Not a bad deal.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Vintage Leather Wallet
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e $29.99u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Black, green, yellow, brown, blue, purpleu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Not listedu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e For 30 bucks, this case from Snakehive is a great deal for a product looks and feels much more expensive. The treatment on the leather has a suede-like feel that makes it difficult to keep your hands away. The interior pockets are also very roomy and capable of holding plenty of papers, bills, and cards. You can even fold the case so it works as a kickstand for your iPhone XS Max’s huge screen.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eAll Snakehive products offer a 1-year warranty and the company provides free shipping on orders over $25.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Phone Case 3 Card for iPhone XS Max
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003e $79u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003e Navy, black, caramel, coral, graphiteu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003e Yesu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003e Bellroy is a maker of premium bags, smartphone cases, and accessories with some classic looks. This 3 Card phone case is available for the iPhone XS Max (as well as the smaller XS and XR models) and is made from sturdy leather while being surprisingly light. The magnetic card holder on its back can hold about three credit cards or a few bills.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eEvery Bellroy case comes with an impressive 3-year warranty. Shipping to the United States and Europe is included in the price.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Rugged Tri-Folio
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e $79.95u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Brown, blacku003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Yesu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e The serious leather workers over at Nomad went beyond u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://hellonomad.com/products/rugged-folio-rustic-brown-xs-maxu0022 rel=u0022nofollowu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003etheir typical foliou003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e with this tri-folio case. Nomad’s Rugged Tri-Folio takes wallet cases to the next level with a hefty amount of storage. There’s really no need to have a wallet when you’re carrying around something like this. It means business, with slots on the cover and two interior folds. The leather is also top grade, the stitches are seamlessly tight, and the leather is meant to last and only grow more stylish. Over time, the leather will develop a patina, which is basically a fancy way to describe a weathered look. The only downside is how the folio can fold a bit awkwardly, but you’ll get used to it.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eNomad provides a limited 2-year warranty covering workmanship defects and charges $4.95 for standard 3 to 7 day shipping in the United States.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Best iPhone XS Max protective cases
If you protection is your aim, then these cases are your gain. Case makers carried out rigorous drop tests to ensure they can shield your iPhone from some of the worst mishaps.
Impact Case for iPhone XS Max
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003e $50u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003e Huge number of designs and even custom casesu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003e Yesu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003e Casetify is one of the most unique and colorful case makers around. The company has a range of artsy cases with different prints and designs for the iPhone XS Max, XS, and XR models. You can even decorate your own case. (A plain, clear option is also available for $10 less.) These cases are sturdy too, earning Casetify its slogan of “Real Cute. Real Tough.” The Impact Case is “military grade” and can survive drops of 6.6 feet.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eOne downside is that Casetify appears to only offer a 6-month warranty. But shipping on orders of $35 and up are free worldwide.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Kameleon
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003e $49.95u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003e Ivory white, midnight blueu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003e Yesu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003e Like any Moshi product, the Kameleon is modern with effortless class. It sports a kickstand that seamlessly blends in with the case and opens and closes with a satisfying snap. A raised bezel protects the screen when laid flat, and the case itself guarantees “extreme drop protection” as proved by the 26 consecutive drops from 4 feet it underwent in testing. My only complaint is that the lock button on the side is a bit too small. (And I have no idea why it’s called the Kameleon because it certainly doesn’t change color.)u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eMoshi offers a u003ca href=u0022https://www.moshi.com/en/support/warranty-infou0022 rel=u0022nofollowu0022u003elimited lifetime warrantyu003c/au003e on all of its products and free 5 to 7 day shipping in the United States.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Limitless 2.0 for iPhone XS Max
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003e $69.99 (regularly $79.99)u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003e Bamboo, carbon fiber, leather, shell, walnut woodu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003e Yesu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003e Mous’s Limitless cases come in the same style but in a variety of prices and materials, including bamboo, leather, carbon fiber, walnut wood, and even shell. This particular case is Mous’s ultra-protective carbon fiber version.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThey aren’t cheap. But the company’s AirShock technology promises to deliver maximum protection. Videos on the Mous’s site show the cases being slammed with a hammer as proof. Mous offers free shipping on orders over $75 and a u003ca href=u0022https://www.mous.co/pages/warrantyu0022 rel=u0022noopener nofollowu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022u003elimited lifetime warrantyu003c/au003e.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Flex Switch Grey Marl
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003e $44.95u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003e Grey marlu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003e Yesu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003e If you like texture, here’s a case for you. This uniquely styled case from Proporta has a grey marl textured back to run your fingers on and a durable protective body. The hardshell case is made from TPU gel and has an air shock wall with a charcoal TPE gel lining. It even has a kickstand that swings out from the top of the case.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eBut not only is u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ethe Proporta Flex Switch effortlessly stylish, it’s also incredibly durable. The case is sturdy in all the right areas, but flexible where buttons and ports are located. The air pockets lining its interior also provide extra shielding from drops. u003c/spanu003eProporta offers a lifetime warranty and ships to the U.S. for free within 5 to 7 working days.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Best iPhone XS Max leather cases
Who doesn’t love leather? (Unless you’re a vegan, of course.) Here are some of our favorite leather iPhone cases money can buy.
Ranger Case
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003e $89u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003e Black, brownu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003e Nou003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003e This San Francisco-made iPhone case from WaterField will complete your executive look. The case is made from thick leather and has a strong magnetic clasp on the back and front. So no need to worry about it falling off your belt, pocket, or wherever else you attach it. It also sports another interior pocket that could hold a small wallet or some bills and cards. And the iPhone pocket itself is roomy enough to fit a phone already surrounded by a relatively thin case.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe Ranger is pricey at $90, but it feels well-made and looks expensive. Plus, WaterField u003ca href=u0022https://www.sfbags.com/pages/servicesu0022 rel=u0022noopener nofollowu0022u003eoffers a lifetime warrantyu003c/au003e and charges only $2 for first class shipping.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003e u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Phone Case
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e $45u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Black, blue, caramel, coral, greyu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Yesu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Bellroy is known for its leather products, and the humbly titled Bellroy Phone Case is no exception. It’s simple, timeless, and very light for a leather product. (This is thanks to it being a mixture of both leather and polymer.) The fit around the iPhone XS Max is also perfect.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eJust like other Bellroy cases, the Phone Case comes with an impressive 3-year warranty. Shipping to the United States is included.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Thin iPhone XS Max Leather Case
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003e $29u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003e Blacku003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003e Yesu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003e Thin and leather, what’s not to love? Even more impressive is how this case from Totallee is just as thin and light as the company’s plastic cases. And it will only set you back an additional $4. It’s leather body also appears more shock absorbant than the company’s plastic shells.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eJust like the other cases, Totallee provides a 2-year warranty and a 30-day money back policy. Standard shipping will cost $4.99 for 2-5 business days or $8.99 for 1-3 business days. Orders over $35 include free shipping worldwide.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Best iPhone XS Max thin cases
The iPhone XS Max looks and feels huge, so maybe you don’t want to add more to its girth. These cases will offer some protection but mostly just show off the profile of your iPhone.
Thin iPhone XS Max Case
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003e $25u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003e Matte frosted clear, matte frosted black, matte solid black, matte grey, matte navy blue, glossy clear, glossy jet white, glossy jet blacku003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003e Yesu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003e At 0.02 inches thin and 0.1 ounces light, this case from Totallee is among the thinnest and lightest you can buy right now. It may be simple in design, but it comes in a wide range of neutral colors in both matte and glossy finishes. The aesthetic is subdued but elegant and reasonably priced at $25. It’s perfect for protecting your iPhone from scratches and light drops, but not from more sinister falls. The iPhone XS Max is very durable on its own though, so you might be fine without a more rugged case.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eIt also comes with a 2-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Orders over $35 ship worldwide for free within one business day, so it might be worth buying two cases. If not, you can pay $4.99 for 2-5 business day shipping or $8.99 for 1-3 day express shipping.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
SuperSkin
u003carticleu003entu003csection class=u0022pageu0022u003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePrice:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e $29.95u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eColors:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Clear, blacku003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWireless charging:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Yesu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eHighlights:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e The 0.35-millimeter thin SuperSkin case from Moshi is nothing short of a miracle. You can barely tell the iPhone XS Max is wearing a case when it’s on. But we can’t guarantee this “naked” case will provide much protection outside of preventing scratches. It’s still unbelievable, though.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eAll Moshi products have a 1-year warranty. The company also offers free 5 to 7 day shipping to the United States.u003c/pu003entu003c/sectionu003enu003c/articleu003e
Author: Dieter Holger, Staff Writer
Dieter is a staff writer covering consumer tech, apps, and services.