Best Protective iPhone Cases for Kids

 group of kids looking at smartphone in a painted room

As much as we love them, there’s no denying how clumsy kids can be. And most of the time, it’s not a problem. However, when you’ve made the decision to let them have their own iPhones, the last thing you want is to watch their little hands accidentally drop their phone.


Whether you’re giving them your old model or investing in a brand new iPhone, you want to make sure it’s protected from dings, scratches, and other mishaps at school and on the go. That makes buying a durable, protective phone case an absolute necessity. What’s the best iPhone case for kids?


Let’s take a look at our top 4 kid-friendly options at ZAGG and the factors you need to consider when choosing their case! We ranked ours based on impact and drop protection.

1) Denali Snap

In search of the best iPhone case for kids? Sit back and relax with the worry-free Denali Snap. 


This textured case from ZAGG is fortified with graphene – one of the strongest materials in the world – and has been tested and proven to protect iPhones from drops up to 16 feet. Plus, it features a no-slip grip to safeguard against those inevitable drops, making it one of the best iPhone cases for kids with our highest drop protection.


This protective phone case also comes with a kickstand for the iPhone 15, 16 and S24, S25 series so kids can watch shows or FaceTime hands-free. And if you want to reduce the risk of bacteria, clean their phone or case in just 5 minutes!

2) Crystal Palace

If you want something more simple, Crystal Palace is our overall best selling case and is the best clear iPhone case for kids. This clear, graphene-strengthened case has an anti-scratch surface to protect against accidental damage from items in their pockets and backpacks as well as from everyday use. It’s also been tested and proven to protect their phone from drops up to 13 feet!


Another reason why the Crystal Palace is one of the best phone cases for kids is because it’s lightweight. It won’t weigh them down, and its rounded edge design gives them a comfortable grip for easier carrying. The iPhone 15, 16 and Galaxy S24, S25 series also come with a kickstand.

3) Santa Cruz Snap

Protect their iPhones, give them a pop of color, and improve functionality with the Santa Cruz Snap. This phone case is a runner up for the best clear iPhone case for kids. The colored border gives it a pop of personality. But, like all ZAGG cases, the Santa Cruz Snap ultimately provides serious drop protection.


Strengthened with graphene, it’s drop-resistant up to 13 feet. Worried about slippery hands? This case has textured edges for an improved grip and secure hold.


When it comes to functionality, this is one of the best phone cases for kids. The Santa Cruz series also includes the option for a kickstand case, so they can watch their favorite videos hands-free.

4) Milan Snap

The Milan Snap is the best iPhone case for kids who want to show off a little style with their phone protection. This series features eye-catching cases in a range of designs, including swirls, color gradients, and nature-inspired images. But don’t let the beautiful detailing fool you – these cases are as strong as they are stylish.


Like the Denali, the Milan is reinforced with graphene for ultimate drop protection up to 13 feet. Milan Snap dissipates shock, protects against drops, and is scratch-resistant.

Choosing the Best iPhone Case for Kids

girl sitting on chair with her smartphone

Buying a phone case for the kid in your life is about more than choosing their favorite color. (Although that’s important too!). Think about how much their phone may go through in a day: drops while running around the school, intense games on the playground, and getting shoved into their overstuffed backpack. Not just any phone case is going to cut it.


The best iPhone cases for kids will offer durability and protection when they need it most. 

Level of Protection

You want to consider the type of protection your kid needs to choose their perfect case. Are they prone to drops or bumps? Are they bringing it to school?


While most phone cases offer some degree of protection, the best phone case for kids will have the protective features they need. This could mean anything from drop protection to textured side grips to shock absorption. Think about their lifestyle to determine your ideal level of rugged protection.

Color and Style

Durability doesn’t mean they can’t still have a fun case. The best phone case for kids will not only be protective but lightweight and come in a color, design, or style they love. Let them show off their phones with a clear case or marvel at a stylish design.


Though it may not seem as important of a feature, an appealing design will encourage them to keep their protective case where it belongs: on their phone!

Additional Features

girl sitting on table and using smartphone

Every child is different, meaning some may need additional features to offer more protection or functionality. To ensure you find the best phone case for kids, you may want to consider:

  • Improved Grip - Kids’ hands can get slippery. An improved grip helps keep phones in their hands and not cracked on the sidewalk!
  • MagSafe Compatible - Using a wireless charger? Make sure the case you choose for them is compatible.

For added protection, you may also want to consider protective iPhone accessories like a screen protector or even a ZAGG blue light screen protector if they’re big on mobile games and videos.

Unbelievably Strong Protection for Kids & Adults

The best iPhone case for kids is one that combines durability with style and functionality. Luckily for parents and guardians, ZAGG offers the ultimate phone protection for kids of all ages.


Protect their phone with a reliable and stylish phone case plus accessories designed for complete protection. Shop ZAGG today!

FAQs

The best iPhone cases for kids will strike the right balance between comfort and protection. The Denali Snap case from ZAGG, for instance, is a great choice that checks all the right boxes. This case is fortified with graphene, one of the strongest materials in the world. With up to 16 feet of drop protection, Denali can easily withstand the hazards of kid life. If your kid isn’t quite as careful with his phone as he should be, this case is a safe bet. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider ZAGG’s Crystal Palace case. This iPhone case offers up to 13 feet of drop protection in a slim, clear case that shows off the phone. Another one of our favorites is the ZAGG Milan Snap, which comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns! Not only does this case look good, but it also offers 13 feet of drop protection.
When it comes to protection, it’s all about the materials. For example, if you’re looking for the best iPhone case for a kid that offers the most protection, you’ll want something made with polycarbonate and graphene. Protective cases will often include elements like TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) bumpers to help them absorb shocks by dissipating the force over a larger surface area. The most protective cases, like ZAGG's Denali, feature rugged designs that will ensure the safety of your child’s iPhone. The Denali is a durable hardback case reinforced with D3O® for advanced shock absorption.
The best iPhone cases for kids have multiple layers of drop protection, keeping expensive phones safe from those inevitable careless bumps. Many protective cases will combine multiple materials for comprehensive protection, such as polycarbonate with TPU. The impact-resistant polycarbonate blunts the initial impact, while the more flexible TPU distributes the force. ZAGG’s Denali Snap is one of the best iPhone cases for a kid, as it is one of our highest drop-rating cases. It has edge-to-edge protection and a textured finish for grip.
No, we do not waterproof iPhone cases. Waterproof cases used to be a must-have for iPhones, but that's no longer the case. Recent iPhone models come with impressive water resistance ratings, meaning they can handle accidental splashes, rain, and even brief submersion.