The best rugged cases for the iPhone 8 Plus

u003Carticleu003Entu003Csection class=u0022pageu0022u003Enu003Cpu003EThe Spigen Neo Hybrid Herringbone case is slim and sleek, which are probably the last two words you’d expect to see in a roundup of “rugged” cases. It earns that description, though, even while allowing you to comfortably slip your phone in your pocket.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003EThe case proved itself when an iPhone 8 Plus was subjected to a car door slamming while in jacket pocket. Thanks to the Spigen case, the iPhone survived with only a minor bruise in the corner of the display.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003ESome Amazon reviews claim the two layers of the “dual layer protection” start splitting from each other after only a couple of days. But after several drops and removing the case about 30 times (not to mention the door slamming), the Spigen case looks fine. It’s safe to say it’s a favorite.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003Eu003Ca href=u0022https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-Herringbone-Flexible-Protection-Reinforced/dp/B07482P44X?tag=macworld05-20u0022 rel=u0022nofollowu0022u003EThe Spigen Neo Hybrid Herringbone Case is also available for the iPhone 8.u003C/au003Eu003C/pu003Entu003C/sectionu003Enu003C/articleu003E

u003Carticleu003Entu003Csection class=u0022pageu0022u003Enu003Cpu003EThe Catalyst Impact Protection case is slim like the Spigen Neo-Hybrid, and Catalyst claims it can survive drops of up to 9.9 feet. The big difference, though, is that the Catalyst case shows far more fondness for the iPhone’s design, as the back is covered with a clear, thick (and smudge-prone) plastic barrier rather than rubber.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003EIn other words, this makes it an ideal case if you’d like to show off your fancy new red (or other color) iPhone but keep it safe as well.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003EIf you think this Impact case isn’t not quite rugged enough for you, Catalyst also makes a u003Ca class=u0022productLinku0022 href=u0022#u0022 rel=u0022nofollow noopeneru0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 data-productid=u00221440709u0022u003Ewaterproof versionu003C/au003E that looks much the same while reportedly enabling your phone to survive underwater dunks of up to 33 feet. As you might imagine, the waterproofing elements add a bit of bulk over its terra-firma counterpart, but you’ll be glad for that extra heft when your phone suddenly takes a dive.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003Eu003Ca href=u0022https://www.amazon.com/Catalyst-iPhone-Case-Lanyard-Heavy-Duty/dp/B07414BFLP?tag=macworld05-20u0022 rel=u0022nofollowu0022u003EThe Catalyst Impact Protection Case is also available for the iPhone 8u003C/au003E.u003C/pu003Entu003C/sectionu003Enu003C/articleu003E

u003Carticleu003Entu003Csection class=u0022pageu0022u003Enu003Cpu003EJony Ive probably faints at the sight of the Zizo Bolt. Sure, it’s got “military-grade” protection,” but that beefy armor saddles it with a garishness akin to someone slapping monster truck tires on a Lexus.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003EMuch like a monster truck, though, the Bolt will get you through some messy spots. You generally won’t have to worry if you drop it or accidentally toss a toolbox on it, and the included holster adds a bit of extra protection for the screen.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003EThe Bolt even has a little kickstand for propping up your phone while you’re watching the football game while on a fishing trip (or whatever other “rugged” activity you prefer). Sadly, the stand is the Bolt’s Achilles’ heel. Drop an encased iPhone at the proper angle when the stand is extended and the stand could break off like a weathervane in a hurricane.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003EOverall, this case will soldier on through some of the worse environments you throw at it.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003Eu003Ca href=u0022https://www.amazon.com/Zizo-Protector-Kickstand-Military-Holster/dp/B01KWWLGYY?tag=macworld05-20u0022 rel=u0022nofollowu0022u003EThe Zizo Bolt is also available for the iPhone 8u003C/au003E.u003C/pu003Entu003C/sectionu003Enu003C/articleu003E

u003Carticleu003Entu003Csection class=u0022pageu0022u003Enu003Cpu003EIf the Zizo Bolt is a Humvee, the Otterbox Defender is a tank. This is the case for iPhone users who aren’t messing around. The Defender doesn’t give a fart about Apple’s aesthetics or whether you can slip your phone in your pocket or prop it on your dash. This is a case that’s all about taking the punches.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003EIt’s tenacious, and even removing your iPhone from the Defender in feels a little like prying open an oyster. Its thick shell adds both heft and peace of mind, and the plastic sheet that slips in front of the display keeps it safe from everything but the most forceful front-on attacks. If you want to protect the screen as well, be sure to pick up the u003Ca class=u0022productLinku0022 href=u0022#u0022 rel=u0022nofollow noopeneru0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 data-productid=u00221440710u0022u003Etough belt clipu003C/au003E that slips over it.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003EAll that padding means that the wireless charging doesn’t seem quite as fast, as you might expect, but if you’re set on using a case like this, there’s a good chance that you’re already okay with a few sacrifices.u003C/pu003Enu003Cpu003Eu003Ca href=u0022https://www.amazon.com/OtterBox-DEFENDER-Case-iPhone-Plus/dp/B01K6PAS50?tag=macworld05-20u0022 rel=u0022nofollowu0022u003EThe Otterbox Defender is also available for the iPhone 8u003C/au003E.u003C/pu003Entu003C/sectionu003Enu003C/articleu003E

u003Carticleu003Entu003Csection class=u0022pageu0022u003Enu003Cpu003EAdventurers will love the Lifeproof Fre. Not only does it protect your phone from the usual tumbles, but it’s also one of the few cases that’s truly waterproof. Lifeproof claims its case keeps phones safe even when they’ve been dropped in over six feet of water or snow for an hour, and buyers frequently back these claims with tales of dropping their phones into everything from rivers to hot tubs with no issues.u003C/pu003Ennu003Cpu003EBut as someone who once lost a phone to a rogue wave on an Icelandic beach, I find myself thinking more and more that I should keep my phone in one of these, even though I’m not really a fan of the plasticky look.u003C/pu003Ennu003Cpu003EThe Fre’s one true downside is that the scratch protector itself seems quite fond of scratches. On a more subjective note, you may not like that it only comes in bright colors (which presumably make it easier to see when dropped in water). Even so, if you have nightmares of your phone dying a watery death, the Fre is certainly a case to consider.u003C/pu003Ennu003Cpu003Eu003Ca href=u0022https://www.amazon.com/Lifeproof-Waterproof-Case-iPhone-ONLY/dp/B00Z7SOICG?macworld05-20u0022 rel=u0022nofollowu0022u003EThe Lifeproof Fre is also available for the iPhone 8u003C/au003E.u003C/pu003Entu003C/sectionu003Enu003C/articleu003E