Rugged iPhone 4 cases
Most iPhone cases offer some degree of protection, but sometimes you need a case that goes above and beyond. These cases are designed to keep your iPhone safe from the usual bumps and scratches, but also from dirt, dust, and drops. Some even claim to protect against precipitation. (Click on a case to read our full review.)
Ballistic iPhone 4 Hard Core (HC) Series Case
Rated: Sep 14, 2011 8:00 AM
The iPhone 4 Ballistic HC Series Case is a combination hardshell case and silicone skin, making it a very good heavy-duty offering for those who need their phone to stand up to abuse while still remaining usable.
Rated: Sep 14, 2011 8:00 AM
The WorkMate is a thick, silicone case that wraps securely around your phone to absorb drops, bumps, and other rough handling. It's tough to imagine a typical drop causing significant harm to a WorkMate-clad iPhone.
Incipio Bombproof Silicone Case for iPhone 4 and 4S
Rated: Jan 24, 2012 8:59 AM
Incipio's colorful Bombproof Silicone Case is easy to put on and remove, offers impressive protection, and looks nice, too.
Concord Keystone Eco MarineCase
Rated: Jan 24, 2012 8:59 AM
Concord Keystone's Eco MarineCase is an impressively usable waterproof case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.
Gumdrop Cases Drop Tech Series iPhone 4 Case
Rated: Jan 24, 2012 8:59 AM
If you plan on leaving your iPhone permanently clad in the Drop Tech Series, it’s a great case that's both stylish and rugged. However, if you regularly need to take your phone out of its case, this one may not be the best option.
Incipio Delta Hard Shell Case with Silicone Core
Rated: Jan 24, 2012 8:59 AM
Incipio's Delta is a rare rugged iPhone case that offers affordable, stylish protection.
OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 4S
Rated: Jan 24, 2012 8:59 AM
Otterbox's Defender impresses with both its level of protection and the fact that it's not painful to put on or take off.
Speck Products MightyVault for iPhone 4S/4
Rated: Jan 24, 2012 8:59 AM
The MightyVault is similar to Speck's very nice ToughShell, but adds a built-in screen protector.
Speck Products ToughShell for iPhone 4
Rated: Jan 24, 2012 8:59 AM
The ToughShell provides serious protection in a case that's easy to put on and take off.
Rated: Sep 14, 2011 8:00 AM
The RainBallet offers true waterproof protection, although to get that level of shelter, you gain bulk and lose access to several ports and buttons.
Griffin Technology Survivor Extreme-Duty Case
Rated: Sep 14, 2011 8:00 AM
Griffin Technology's Survivor provides plenty of protection for the iPhone 4, but at the expense of usability.
Trident Case Kraken Series for Apple iPhone 4
Rated: Sep 14, 2011 8:00 AM
The Kraken for iPhone 4 is a combination of polycarbonate hardshell and silicone skin that brings a decent amount of protection to your iPhone, but at the cost of some usability.
Speck Products ToughSkin for iPhone 4
Rated: Sep 14, 2011 8:00 AM
The ToughSkin offers excellent drop protection, but it's far too difficult to remove an iPhone from the case.
Trident Case Aegis Series for iPhone 4
Rated: Sep 14, 2011 8:00 AM
The Aegis offers more shock protection than the typical iPhone 4 case, but it's not as protective as many of the truly rugged cases we've tested.
IvySkin Wrangler Case for iPhone 4/4S
Rated: Jan 24, 2012 8:59 AM
IvySkin's Wrangler Case for iPhone 4/4S is difficult to put on and remove, and frustrating to use.
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