The best iPhone 6s rugged cases

BY Kelly Hodgkins

Published 24 Sep 2015

iphone-6s-edgeThe iPhone 6s and 6s Plus will go on sale starting this Friday, September 25th in select areas across the world. Retailers will be selling the device and pre-orders will be delivered to residences and businesses on that day. Before your new device arrives, you may want to consider buying a case so your phone will be protected right out of the box. If you work or play in difficult environments, then a normal case won’t do. You’ll need one of the rugged cases that’ll protect phone from most, if not all, drops, bumps and bruises. To help you find the best case for your new iPhone, we have compiled some of the best rugged cases for the iPhone 6s.

Griffin Survivor Summit

Known for its Apple accessories, Griffin, not surprisingly, is offering a new rugged case for the iPhone 6s. The new Griffin Survivor Summit joins the popular Survivor All Terrainin Griffin’s case lineup. The case ups the ante with 3-meter drop protection and IP-55-rated water resistance. Another popular choice is the mid-range $30 Survivor Core, which has a rugged look, drop protection and a thin profile.
griffin-survivor-summit

Features include:

  • 10-foot (3-meter) drops onto concrete.
  • IP-55-rated water resistance, Summit is splash-proof, dirtproof, sandproof and rainproof.
  • a Touch ID-compatible slide-on screen shield.
  • covered ports
  • Rotating belt clip/video stand
  • High-durometer thermoplastic elastomer, shatter-resistant polycarbonate, silicone

Buy Now: MSRP $50 (Survivor Summit)

Buy Now: MSRP $30 (Survivor Core)

OtterBox Defender

The OtterBox name is synonymous with protection when it comes to cases. Its Defender series has set the standards for ruggedness, and the company is continuing that trend with its iPhone 6s cases. The case maker is offering the Defender in a variety of colors so you can pick the style that you want. There’s even a “Build Your Own Case” option that lets you mix and match colors as you create your own personalized case.
otterbox-defender
Features include:

  • Triple-layer defense: Polycarbonate inner shell, outer rubber slipcover and clear membrane touchscreen protector
  • Port covers: stop dirt, dust and lint from getting into jacks and ports
  • Holster: works as a belt clip and a hands-free kickstand
  • OtterBox Certified Drop+ Protection (24+ tests and 238+ hours of testing to ensure your phone is protected by the case)

Buy Now: MSRP $50

Urban Armor Gear Aero

Urban Armor makes a variety of affordable cases for the iPhone, including the Gear series that offer rugged protection and a wallet-friendly price tag. Stylish and protective, the Urban Armor Gear is available in a variety of colors including the Aero (blue), Scout (black), Navigator (white), Outland (orange), and more.
urban-armor-gear-aero

Features include:

  • Armor shell and impact resistant soft core
  • Feather-light composite construction
  • Over sized tactile buttons
  • Easy access to touch-screen and ports
  • Scratch resistant skid pads and screen surround
  • Meets military drop-test standards (MIL STD 810G 516.6)

Buy Now: MSRP $25

Ballistic Hard Core Tactical

Known back in the day for its paging products, Ballistic made the transition to mobile phones and makes some of the best rugged cases on the market. Its premier model is the Hard Core Tactical which boasts of a 12-foot drop protection and military standards for dust, dirt, debris and water.
ballistic-hard-core-tactical-blow-up
Features include:

  • 12 feet of certified drop protection to concrete
  • Integrated springs designed to absorb shock on impact
  • Scratch-resistant screen protection
  • Ballistic Corners and raised lips to protect against corner drops, surface shocks and scratches
  • Four-layer design
  • An IP-54 rating for protection against dust, dirt, debris and water
  • A rugged holster with 200-lb. pull strength, assembled with aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel components that fits 2-1/4” law enforcement & military waist belts

Buy Now: MSRP $100

Magpul Bump Case

Though it may not have the 12-foot drop protection of the Ballistic Hard Core Tactical case, the Magpul Bump Case offers a two-piece case with a drop-absorbing liner and rigid shell. The company is known for the textured surface on its cases that enhances your grip on the phone without having it snag on your pocket.
magpul-bump
Features include:

  • Two-material rigid-shell construction provides protection against minor bumps and abrasions
  • Compact design adds minimal bulk to the phone
  • Textured surface and PMAG®-style ribs for added grip yet allows for snag-free removal from pockets
  • Raised lip protects screen when laid face down yet remains unobtrusive
  • Charging cable port, headphone jack, and ringer/silent switch are accessible with case installed

Buy Now: MSRP $27

Body Glove ShockSuit

The ShockSuit is one of several rugged cases offered by Body Glove. Similar to other Body Glove cases, the ShockSuit combines military standard drop protection with a thin profile.

body-glove-shocksuitFeatures include:

  • Enhanced Grip
  • Full Coverage Protection
  • Hard shell protection
  • Military Duty Approved
  • Protective Screen Cover
  • Shock Resistant Case

Buy Now: MSRP $40

Tell us your favorite case

Do you plan on buying a rugged case for your iPhone 6s? If so, which one? Let us know in the comments below.

If you’re not interested in rugged cases, you can also check our roundup of best iPhone 6s cases and the best cases for iPhone 6s Plus if you’re planning to buy the bigger one.