A new iPhone usually means it’s time for a new case. I mean, you could go caseless, but come trade-in time, you might get less value for your phone because of a cracked screen, scratches, and dents.

I tried out a bunch of options to see which have the best mix of grip, protection and everyday usability.

Tech21’s Evo Check stands out for its 16 feet of drop protection and a grippy texture that feels secure in your hand. You can even swap out the button colors to match your style. It sells for about $50.

For something slimmer, the Spigen Thin Fit adds minimal bulk but still feels sturdy. It costs around $40.

Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid is one of my go-to picks. It’s clear, grippy and MagSafe ready. It shows off the phone’s color without adding much weight. Price is about $35.

Nomad’s Traditional Leather Case has a more premium feel. The leather is soft now and should age nicely over time. It goes for $85. Perfect if you spend most of your time in boardrooms and meetings.

If maximum grip is your priority, the Casetify Impact Clear has a thicker build but is the grippiest case I tested. It still slides easily in and out of your pocket. There’s also a neat trick. The camera ring doubles as a built-in kickstand. It retails for about $60.

Speaking of kickstands, the Beats Kickstand Case from Apple is a slim option with a built-in lanyard that works as a stand. It fits the phone perfectly but isn’t quite as grippy as last year’s model. It’s $59.

Speck’s Presidio Luxe Grip feels good in the hand and offers solid protection. I just wish they brought back the rubbery grips from older models. This one is about $50.

And if you want to stay with Apple, their clear case is simple and minimal. It’s not the grippiest or most protective, and the white square on the back isn’t for everyone. It’s $50.

There are so many cases on the market and of course I can’t test all of them, but these options should give you some ideas for cases that are slim and grippy but still protective.

At the end of the day, it comes down to what feels right in your hand. For me, the Spigen Ultra Hybrid, Casetify Impact Clear and Tech21 Evo Check are the winners.

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