The CandyShell is a pretty straightforward plastic case. It's not the most attractive thing in the world, but it offers a good amount of protection.
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The OtterBox can be a pain when it comes to more complex tasks, or when trying to remove it, but it's perfect for somebody with a construction job.
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Written byMichael Desjardin, Senior Staff Writer who's reviewed and compared over 100 TVs.
Updated June 7, 2023
Not only the iPhone 8, but iPhones in general are a top-shelf smartphone covered in glass. The iPhone 8 might survive a tumble onto a carpet, but if your new, case-less cell phone meets the sidewalk, you're probably going to walk away with a splintered screen.
Due to the wide selection of great cases you can choose from for your iPhone 8, we were reluctant to crown an overall best choice, but our pick for the best slim case is the Caseology Parallax. If you're also interested in wireless charging for your phone, we got a whole list of those as well.
Here are our favorite cases for the iPhone 8 you can buy online right now.
Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Best Slim Case
Caseology Parallax
The Caseology Parallax is a dual-layer case with a simple, aesthetically pleasing design. It's available in several different two-tone options (though we picked up the burgundy variant to match our silver iPhone 8).
The Caseology Parallax is slim, making it a great fit for the already slim iPhone 8. In terms of durability, the case's stiff frame should offer moderate protection for short falls, but it probably isn't a good fit for a rugged, off-road lifestyle.
Customer reviews of the Parallax are generally positive, though a small percentage of people note that their case did not last as long as they would've liked. If you're in the market for a slim, basic case that offers moderate protection at a decent price, the Parallax series is available on Amazon.
I don't find the glossy plastic design of the Speck CandyShell case to be particularly good-looking, but your mileage may vary. I can say, however, that its dual-layers and raised bezel inspire confidence when I imagine all of the nasty spills waiting to befall your iPhone 8.
The buttons are springy and responsive, the ringer switch hole is accommodating, and the entire package is relatively slim, given the protection you're likely to get out of the deal.
The Speck CandyShell is available in black-and-gray as well as a garish purple-and-orange variant that I don't think I could look at for longer than five seconds without doing permanent damage to my eyes. But hey—maybe that's your thing!
Like most heavy-duty style iPhone cases, the Unicorn Beetle Pro textured grip case from Supcase features multiple layers of protection, including a thin, plastic screen protector. Perhaps cases like these just aren't for me, but given the inherent strength of an iPhone's glass display and the thinness of the screen protector, I really don't see a use for this feature other than collecting a bunch of oily fingerprints. Put it this way: If your phone display manages to come away from a drop without cracking, it won't be because of this case's screen protector.
However, if you lead the type of lifestyle that demands heavy-duty smartphone protection (and you don't mind the plastic screen protector), the Unicorn Beetle Pro is a decent option that won't set you back very much. Its sturdy build and multi-layer design inspires the type of confidence you would hope for from a case of this style.
This one-piece leather case from Kanvasa looks good—from a distance. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice that the "genuine leather" used for this case is a thin layer that's been somewhat sloppily glued on top of a chintzy plastic case. On the one we purchased, this layer of leather is even peeling off in spots.
Given the case's slim profile and questionable build, I wouldn't expect more than moderate protection, mostly from potential scratches to your iPhone 8's glass back. I can only recommend this case to people in search of surface-level good looks for what might only end up being a few months before a replacement is needed.
Pros
None that we could find
Cons
A thin layer of leather glued onto a plastic case
OtterBox Defender
The OtterBox Defender Series is one of the more heavy-duty cases in our round-up. Unfortunately, despite the Defender Series' three layers of protection, the case is too frustrating to use and too costly for most users.
Right off the bat, I found the case's relatively chintzy pieces to be difficult to snap into place. Once settled, the case's awkward plastic screen protector put a distracting layer between my thumbs and the iPhone 8's screen. On Amazon, users are split between those who don't mind the plastic screen protector and those, like me, who can't stand it.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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Michael Desjardin graduated from Emerson College after having studied media production and screenwriting. He specializes in tech for Reviewed, but also loves film criticism, weird ambient music, cooking, and food in general.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.