The Best Phone Cases for Running in 2025

Welcome to our guide to the best protective phone cases for running, designed to help you find the right phone case to protect your phone while out running or hiking.

I don’t know about you but I’m ALWAYS getting my phone out while running and that can be risky if it’s not properly protected with a case. After several close calls with my iPhone during runs, I decided to do some research to find the ultimate protective phone case for running. As a runner, there are a few essential design features that you should be looking out for when buying a phone case. The cases on this list have these features and are available for popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google. For a protective phone case to be great for running with, it must:

• protect your phone from an accidental drop. Smartphones are expensive, so investing a little bit of money into protecting it is worthwhile.
• be slim. If the case is bulky then your iPhone may not fit in your shorts, armband, running belt or hydration pack pockets.
• be lightweight. Whether you’re running 5km or 100 miles, unnecessary additional weight could turn your run into a real slog.
• be able to take clear photos. Unfortunately, fully waterproof phone cases will cover up your mobile phone’s camera lens, degrading any photos that you may take while out running. Many new mobile phones come with a certain level of water resistance built-in, however. For example, iPhone 12 and newer models are rated IP68, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

This list of the ‘best phone protectors for running’ is continually updated, so make sure you check back before buying one.

1. Rokform Crystal Case

The Rokform Crystal Case features a moderately slim and very sleek design which is really important for running as you’ll have more chance of fitting your phone into your short pockets, running armband, running belt, or hydration pack.

This case combines military-grade protection (MIL-STD 810G-516.6) with sleek functionality. Reinforced corners and enhanced screen and camera protection safeguard your phone from multiple 6ft drops. N52 magnets ensure a secure hold for MagSafe® accessories and Rokform mounts, making it perfect for active users. The clear, scratch-resistant design shows off your phone’s color without yellowing, while added side grips enhance its no-slip feel. Backed by a 2-year warranty and 60-day money-back guarantee, it’s tough, reliable, and built to last.

Price: From $69.99

2. Otterbox Commuter Series

The Otterbox Commuter Series case is a slim and lightweight protective case that comes in a variety of colorways. The case absorbs and deflects impacts using a soft inner and hard outer layer.

A differentiator with this case is that it has a port cover that keeps dust and dirt from entering. Handy if you have particularly linty pockets. The Commuter case also has grippy edges on select parts of the case which reduces the risk of dropping it.

This case will work with Qi wireless charging, and similar to all the cases in this list, the Otterbox Commuter Series case can be removed effortlessly.

Price: From $44.95

3. Urban Armor Gear Civilian Series

Protective case specialist Urban Armor offers a range of rugged, outdoor adventure-worthy phone cases for phone brands including Google, Apple and Samsung. Their Civilian Series offers slimline protection for your phone in a range of colors including silver, green and black.

These Urban Armor phone cases use a patent-pending technology designed to dampen and disperse the energy created when a phone collides with another surface – essentially, lessening the blow, to protect your phone, with a 20ft / 6 meter drop protection.

These cases also come with a 1 year warranty and are wireless-charging compatible.

Price: From $59.95

4. Speck Presidio2 Grip Magsafe

The Speck Presidio2 Grip is a slim, protective case featuring no-slip inverted grips and new tactile side ridges for enhanced comfort and security during use. It offers 13-foot drop protection with Presidio®2 Armor Cloud™ Technology, which uses air capsules to cushion impacts.

The case includes Microban® antimicrobial protection, reducing bacteria growth that can cause stains and odors.

It’s compatible with Qi wireless charging without requiring any modifications. While it doesn’t support modular accessories for extended functionality, its focus on grip, durability, and antimicrobial protection makes it a solid choice for those seeking reliable, straightforward protection.

Price: From $24.95