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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.)

Edited by Macworld Staff -

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Ballistic iPhone 4 Hard Core (HC) Series Case

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.
4.5 out of 5 mice,

Cygnett WorkMate

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.
4.5 out of 5 mice,

Incipio Bombproof Silicone Case for iPhone 4 and 4S

Incipio's colorful Bombproof Silicone Case is easy to put on and remove, offers impressive protection, and looks nice, too.
4.5 out of 5 mice,

Concord Keystone Eco MarineCase

Concord Keystone's Eco MarineCase is an impressively usable waterproof case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.
4.0 out of 5 mice,

Gumdrop Cases Drop Tech Series iPhone 4 Case

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.
4.0 out of 5 mice,
 

Incipio Delta Hard Shell Case with Silicone Core

Incipio's Delta is a rare rugged iPhone case that offers affordable, stylish protection.
4.0 out of 5 mice,

OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 4S

Otterbox's Defender impresses with both its level of protection and the fact that it's not painful to put on or take off.
4.0 out of 5 mice,

Speck Products MightyVault for iPhone 4S/4

The MightyVault is similar to Speck's very nice ToughShell, but adds a built-in screen protector.
4.0 out of 5 mice,

Speck Products ToughShell for iPhone 4

The ToughShell provides serious protection in a case that's easy to put on and take off.
4.0 out of 5 mice,

Joy Factory RainBallet

The RainBallet offers true waterproof protection, although to get that level of shelter, you gain bulk and lose access to several ports and buttons.
3.5 out of 5 mice,
 

Griffin Technology Survivor Extreme-Duty Case

Griffin Technology's Survivor provides plenty of protection for the iPhone 4, but at the expense of usability.
3.0 out of 5 mice,

Trident Case Kraken Series for Apple iPhone 4

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.
3.0 out of 5 mice,

Speck Products ToughSkin for iPhone 4

The ToughSkin offers excellent drop protection, but it's far too difficult to remove an iPhone from the case.
2.5 out of 5 mice,

Trident Case Aegis Series for iPhone 4

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.
2.5 out of 5 mice,

IvySkin Wrangler Case for iPhone 4/4S

IvySkin's Wrangler Case for iPhone 4/4S is difficult to put on and remove, and frustrating to use.
2.0 out of 5 mice,