Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8+ are two of the best-looking devices we’ve ever seen. Both models come with a premium price tag. You may want to protect your phone with a case. Adding a case makes it easier to consistently find the horribly placed fingerprint reader. Shopping for cases isn’t an easy process. You have to mix a bit of your personal style with a level of protection you’re willing to live with. While at the same time not breaking the bank.

Good news! We’ve tested over 40 cases, ranging from significant, bulky, hardcore protection to slim cases you barely even notice. Each case we tried is available for both versions of the S8, with links provided to each version when possible.

Samsung S-View Flip Cover

Samsung’s S-View Flip Cover does more than protect your phone. The semi-transparent cover protects your screen while keeping the ways-On Display visible. And you can manipulate the case so that it doubles as a stand. Making it easy to watch a movie on a flight or video chat with a loved one on your desk. A magnet in the cover wakes and puts the phone to sleep when it’s opened or closed. One downside to the S-View Flip. That the case covers the volume and Bixby buttons on the phone’s left side. Making them difficult to quickly find.

Caseology Vault and Parallax Series

Caseology’s Vault Parallax Series cases are similar yet subtly different. Both cases are available on Amazon for under $14. The Parallax Series case is two pieces, with a small plastic bumper covering your phone’s top, bottom, and corners. The company adds a geometric pattern on the back of the Parallax series. Whereas the Vault and Vault II series cases are all one piece. And lack the extra bumper piece to the case. Both series of cases include the same button covers. Which I found easy to find press when not looking at my phone. Or taking it out of my pocket, for example. Either case proves you don’t have to break your bank account for a case that looks good.

Caseology Legion Series

Caseology’s Legion Series is a more protective case than the Parallax or Vault Series. Without the added bumper, the back of the Legion is almost entirely covered in plastic, to be exact. The case is a bit heavier than its two less equipped alternatives, but that’s expected with a heavier-duty case. Again, the buttons are easy to find and press and have a pleasant click.

Caseology Coastline Fairmont Series

The Caseology Coastline case is for someone who wants protection but wants to see the color design of the S8. The Coastline is a clear case that looks more like a bumper. With added protection for the back of the phone. A single line of color wraps around the back of the case, with Orchid Gray Frost Gray available from Caseology. The Fairmont Series case hugs the back of the S8, with little protection to the front of the phone. The Fairmont’s back is faux leather, giving it a luxurious look and feel in your hand without the added expense. Cutouts for the buttons, MicroSD slot, and bottom ports are present. The Fairmont case is my favorite out of the Caseology cases I tested because it gets out of the way. And still protects my phone from the occasional drop.

Urban Armor Gear Plasma Pathfinder

Urban Armor Gear (UAG) Cases are designed for those with an active lifestyle. If we’re being honest, the clumsy among us. UAG’s Plasma Pathfinder cases look nearly identical, save for the semi-transparent backing on the Plasma line. Both cases are reinforced in the corners and feel sturdy when holding your phone. I particularly like the way UAG has customized the button covers. Most cases use cover buttons with a material similar to the side of the case itself. Sometimes making it hard to distinguish between the case and the power button. That’s not possible with either of these UAG cases. Overall, UAG cases have a very industrial look that’s sure to appeal to some.

Urban Armor Gear Metropolis

UAG’s Metropolis covers your phone with a magnetic flap that latches onto the back of the case. A panel inside the flap doubles as a wallet. With enough room to hold a credit or debit card or an ID card. The case is easy to grip due to its rubberized material and bumpy texture. My concern with the Metropolis case is how the front cover is connected to the case when opened. Instead of a hinge that runs the case length. A section about one-third of the length of the phone combines the two. The result is a cover that’s easy to move and wiggle, revealing the display underneath. Let’s say when it’s thrown into a purse bumping against your keys.

Incipio Dual Pro

Incipio’s Dual Pro line comprises two parts. A liner encases your phone and a plastic shell designed to take the brunt of the damage. The Dual Pro is far from bulky but gives the impression that it will protect your device from drops. Or when getting out of the car, it skips across the parking lot. The top of the Dual Pro’s frame is more rounded than the competing cases I’ve tested. In turn, the case doesn’t feel like an abrupt end to the screen’s smooth surface.

Incipio Octane

For those who don’t want a lot of bulk. The Octane is a happy medium of not too bulky yet provides more protection than ultra-thin cases. A rubberized grip with lines throughout wraps around the edges of the Octane case. With the back of the case having a smooth finish. It’s a mixture of a semi-slick grippy surface. The buttons on either side of the phone are covered by the case. I’m not a fan of the material on the buttons. Because it feels similar enough to the sides that I had difficulty locating them by feel.

Incipio NG and NGP Advanced

The NG and NGP Advanced cases are the Incipio equivalent to a budget-friendly case. Short of any layered protection, either case can take a drop. The sole difference between the two models. The NGP Advanced boasts a textured back, making it easier to grip. In contrast, the standard NG is smooth from edge to edge. The buttons on either case stick out slightly from the edge of the case, making them easy to find press. I prefer the NGP Advanced because the textured back adds a premium feel to the case.

Incipio Esquire Series

The Incipio Esquire Series Carnaby case is my favorite out of the group I received. It’s the perfect combination of a slim profile, stylish design, and an added layer of protection. The back of the case is covered in fabric instead of some variant of rubber, silicone, or both. The Carnaby doesn’t add a lot of bulk but still features rounded edges where the case and the display meet.

Tech 21 Evo Check

The Evo Check reminds me more of an inexpensive silicone case I used to have for a BlackBerry. Only the Evo Check is sturdier and more expensive. Available in four different colors. Each one is slightly transparent and has a diamond pattern to add a bit of flair to the look. The slick case feels weird in my hand, though I can’t pinpoint exactly why.

Tech 21 Evo Wallet

This case has a unique design in that you can use it with or without the cover. Which also acts as a place to hold your credit cards and ID. The back of the Evo Wallet is made of the same material as the Evo Check, I’m still not sold on it. But I do like this case overall. When the case is closed, the front cover is firmly held in place. Instead of using a regular wallet. You can detach the lid and use a piece Tech21 includes in the package to fill in the void. Where the cover connects to the case. I briefly enjoyed and used this case with the Galaxy Note 7. I feel the same about it on the Galaxy S8.

Speck Presidio, Presidio Clear, Presidio Grip

I received the trio of Speck staple cases to test. The Presidio, Presidio Clear, and Presidio Grip. If you’ve owned one of these Speck cases in the past, not much has changed with the S8 versions. Each case is sturdy and offers a decent grip, especially the Grip model. The case buttons have a little play, if not pressed in the middle, that can get annoying over time. All in all, Speck delivered the same experience it always has with these cases. That is to say, those who like Speck products will feel right at home. We tested a few dozen other cases for those who don’t like Speck products.

VRS Design High Pro Shield

Using a two-piece design, the High Pro Shield is made primarily of polycarbonate with a T bumper. Part of the course with most cases of this style. My only negative about the case is that it doesn’t tightly fit the phone. The edges having some play in them. I can press down on either side, and the case comes away from the phone itself.

VRS Design Simpli Mod

The Simpli Mod is a simple case ha that isn’t overbearing. Its leather back with off-color stitching is attractive and removes the slippery glass back of the S8. Forgoing protection that wraps around the entire display, the Simpli Mod also skips covering up the phone buttons. The plastic sides of the case come up a bit further than the screen. You can set your phone face down and not worry about scratching it. I’m not sure I like it, but some people certainly will.

VRS Design Terra Guard

The Terra Guard case is by far the most rugged case VRS Design sent me, both in looks and design. It reminds me a lot of the UAG cases we covered earlier in the roundup. Because they have an industrial look. The edges aren’t rounded, offering a flat corner to absorb a bounce. The back is multi-textured and slick, with the sides adding grip to the case. The case is made of two parts, nearly the entire back comes off of the internal portion.

VRS Design Damda Glide Damda Folder

The Damda Glide and Damda Folder series are two different takes on how a wallet smartphone case should work. The Glide is the most familiar. With a horizontal sliding panel on the back of the case that reveals your cards. The Folder looks like a Star Trek gadget than a case when it’s opened. With a vertical panel flipping down on the backside. Due to the added thickness and bulk required to store cards, I’ve never been a massive fan of wallet cases. The Damda Glide does a phenomenal job of minimizing added thickness while providing another feature. It’s the model I would go with if I had to choose.

VRS Design Layered Dandy

The Layered Dandy is my favorite case from VRS Design. It’s well-built and has a beautiful leather cover. A crisp click when the magnetic latch closes, covering the S8’s display. Inside the cover are three slots for card IDs and a more extensive section for miscellaneous paper, perhaps some cash.

VRS Design Crystal Bumper

Remember when bumpers were all the rage? No? Well, then, you never bought an iPhone 4. But that’s beside the point; the VRS Design Crystal Bumper covers the sides and the back of your Galaxy S8. It’s clear, as the name implies, save for the lone color-matched strip on the backside curve of the case. It’s a tad on the slippery side but should still provide more grip than the S8 case. The Crystal Bumper delivers for someone who wants to protect the new S8 without covering up the design.

Griffin Survivor Clear and Survivor Strong Series

Griffin Survivor Clear and Survivor Strong are premium cases without the same price tag. The Clear isn’t as rugged, rated to protect your phone from a fall of 4 feet. The Survivor can withstand a drop of 7 feet. The Survivor does add some bulk weight to the S8. But that’s a tradeoff you have to make for the added protection. Both finishes are smooth. But not to the point where you will worry about the S8 slipping out of your hand. The biggest drawback to either case is how stiff and challenging the buttons are to press. Out of the two cases, I would pick the Survivor every time. At $29, is a bargain.

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Series

Weird name for a decent case, right? The Unicorn Beetle Pro case consists of three pieces: a rubber bumper, a shell, and a holster. As a testament to its durability, I had a heck of a time taking apart the bumper and the shell. I bent the bumper to the point where I expected it to break, yet it survived. I installed it on my phone a few snaps later. That was after watching an installation video Supcase made for users. The plain black model is a couple of dollars cheaper than colored versions of this case. With yet another version including a screen protector that adds a bit more to the price. Even with the S8’s water-dustproof rating. Supcase has included plugs for the bottom ports to help prevent anything from getting in.

CoverON ClearGuard Series Clear Case

Expectations for a $9 case aren’t typically too high. Usually, the case will do its job. Preventing a nice scratch or gash on the corner of a device; that’s about it. With that mindset, the CoverON ClearGuard case does exactly what it should. It’s made of a flexible plastic material with a bit of give, but not too much. Overall, the ClearGuard case isn’t bad. However, after purchasing the case and taking it out of the packaging. I realized it shipped with minor scratches on the corners of the case. The scratches aren’t a deal breaker. It’s obvious the time and care typically spent on producing expensive cases. Is an area where CoverON saved some cash.

Spigen Slim Armor

A smartphone case with a kickstand is pretty neat, or at least the idea of one is. The Spigen Slim Armor case has a metal kickstand that folds out from the back. Propping up your phone for a Netflix binge or video calls. The Slim Armor is made of Thermoplastic polycarbonate and doesn’t add too much weight to the S8’s footprint.

Included with the case is a little pamphlet informing you not to worry. If the kickstand comes out of the case, it can easily be attached. It is nice to know it can be put back. But the company didn’t make it a permanent fixture. Also, the power button on the case I received only is one of the worst I’ve used. It’s a combination of being too stiff and more prominent than the actual power button. Making it hard to know if you’re pressing in the right spot.

Maxboost Msnap case

Wanna know a secret? Outside of doing so when required for work, I never use a case on my smartphone. I’m not too fond of the added bulk of any case; I don’t like covering up the design. People worked hard to get a phone to look good, especially the Galaxy S8, I want it to shine. But I may be changing my mind. I ordered the Maxboost Msnap case from Amazon and have yet to take it off my personal S8. It’s slim, lightweight, and doesn’t take away too much from the overall design.

Patchworks Flexguard

The Flexguard from Patchworks is a case I want to like but just can’t. The back of the case has an attractive design that reminds me of a Transformer. Due to the logo, the dashboard of a car. I don’t know. However, the case is far from tight on the S8 and is very easy to pull away from the phone. Eventually, dust and lint will get between the back of the phone and the case and scratch. What you’re trying to protect. In short, it’s a good-looking case that could benefit from being more rigid.

Otterbox Defender Series

Otterbox is a brand name synonymous with cases built like a tank. Most notably, the Defender Series case. The Defender Series for the S8 has three different pieces, not including the belt holster. It’s a pain to take apart, but once your phone is in it. There’s little to worry about when it comes to dropping the phone. For the S8 Defender Series, Otterbox releases a screenless case. You’ll need to buy a screen protector if you want one. The Defender’s case is significant and bulky, precisely what many people want in a case.

Otterbox Strada Folio Series

I wouldn’t call the Strada Folio Series a wallet case, but it’s close. A front panel protects the S8’s display and secured with a magnetic latch. The panel inside covers the screen. And it has a credit card or ID slot, but that’s about it. The case itself is made of leather and comfortable. The ports are open, and the same magnetic clasp lines up. When the case is open to keep the front panel out of your way. It’d be good if the case doubled as a stand for watching a movie or what have you. That said, the Strada Folio is a solid case that happens to offer Otterbox-style protection.

Otterbox Commuter and Symmetry Series

The two remaining staples of the Otterbox lineup are the Commuter and Symmetry Series cases. The Commuter features a two-tier design. A rubber insert that you put on the phone and a heavy-duty plastic back. The ports on the bottom are protected. This can be unpleasant if you constantly plug headphones or a USB-C cable into the case. The moment you pick up a phone with a Commuter case, you know it’s a solid case. The Symmetry case is the lesser-equipped sibling to the Commuter Defender Series because it forgoes separate layers of protection. Instead, you put your phone in the case, that’s it. You don’t have to deal with snapping a rubber case into a plastic housing. Of the two, Commuter will offer a bit more protection, while Symmetry will be lighter and easier to manage daily.

dbrand Skins

For those who loathe cases. But still want a layer of protection, no matter how small, precision-cut skins are a good option. It offers no real impact protection, but you’ll protect your phone from scratches without changing its shape. Dbrand skins sent me a few samples of their S8 S8 Plus skins. I only received the back panel. The company also makes pieces to cover above and below the display and around the camera lens. I would be lying if I didn’t hesitate to follow the company’s instructions when applying the case.

Here, watch this YouTube video that lays out the process. You see the irony here. Applying external heat to a device built by a company that let the Note 7’s battery issues slip through? But I digress. After overcoming my fears, I applied the skin and pleased with how it came out. It’s a tad misaligned, a newbie mistake, but it’ll work for now. It’ll cost you about $9 for just the back panel. Around $16 for the back, front panels, the camera cover.

Olixar Exoshield Tough Snap-On

At first glance, the ExoShield Tough Snap-On looks like a standard two-piece case. A black bumper-like portion and a transparent back. Upon further inspection, you’ll see that it’s a single piece that the S8 slips into. The clear back lets you still show off your S8 color preference. But one downside is the edges that hug the display come up a bit further than I’d like. It doesn’t get in the way of swiping across the display. But it does appear to cover part of the curved screen. So, the corners are a bit boxy, which will presumably help it absorb a crash from falling.

Olixar X-Duo

The X-Duo delivers the best bang for your buck out of all the Olixar cases on this list. The case is made of two parts. A rugged plastic bumper surrounds the edges of the S8 a soft shell covers the back. The case forgoes any complicated installation process, with the S8 snapping in without fuss or multiple steps. Unlike other S8 cases, the X-Duo has separate cutouts for the fingerprint sensor, camera lens, and flash. Thus making the fingerprint sensor a little easier to find by feel.

Olixar ArmourDillo

Made of two pieces, the Olixar ArmourDillo offers an added layer of protection without breaking your bank account. A kickstand is integrated into the back of the case for landscape propping, it seems a bit flimsy. My biggest complaint about the case is the overall feel of the material. It’s rough, especially on the edges, though it may wear down a bit with extended use.

LifeProof Fre

With added protection comes added bulk. Lifeproof’s Fre case brings both, though not as much bulk as you’d expect. The waterproof housing includes a charging port cover and a headphone jack flap that screws closed. A screen protector covers the front of the device and surrounded by one of four color combinations. Including a couple of funky ones like purple and teal. However, you’ll need to carry around the bundled headphone dongle if you want to use the 3.5mm port.

Mujjo Leather Case

Available in tan or black, the Mujjo leather case looks similar to the one Apple makes for its iPhone 7. With neat cutouts that allow easy access to the side buttons and the bottom ports. The Mujjo case hugs the dual-curved edge display without getting in the way. It’s made of leather and take on a look of its own the longer you use it. Out of all the cases I have tested on the S8. This is my favorite, combining a slim profile with premium materials in an ideal package.

Olixar Premium Genuine Leather Case

Much like Mujjo’s approach for its S8 case. The Premium Genuine Leather case from Olixar wraps the phone in a leather cover. It’s a bit thicker than Mujjo’s offering. It adds a metal ring around the cutout for the camera fingerprint sensor on the S8’s back. A stitched racing stripe adorns the back of the case, breaking up the mundane black color. The back cutout was an issue with the sample case I received. It slants slightly to the right, driving me mad over time. At just under $22, however, it’s significantly cheaper than Mujjo’s $89 offering. I guess slight blemishes are expected.

Olixar FlexiShield Ultra-Thin

The Olixar FlexiShield Ultra-Thin case lives up to its name a bit too much. The material is far too thin and flimsy to offer much protection. It’s so thin, in fact, that a simple swipe across the screen of the S8. Often catches the edge of the case and pulls it away from the sides. Not only will this allow dust debris to get inside. I’m not entirely convinced the case will stay on the phone.

Olixar Genuine Leather Executive Wallet

Samsung Pay on the S8 cuts down on the number of cards you need to carry. However, if you still want to keep some around, Olixar’s Executive Wallet Case is the ideal solution. It lets you store two cards inside the front flap, which pulls double duty as a viewing stand. The case looks nice, but it also feels incredibly cheap. Overall, it’s a tad too big for the phone. So there is plenty of play and movement on the front cover. The back cutouts weren’t aligned on the sample I received. Part of the leather-covered the flash.

Toast Wood Cover

It took me two attempts to successfully apply the Toast wood skin to my S8. The first time I rushed it, the ports didn’t quite line up. Then, when I attempted to remove the case to fix it, it broke. Thankfully, Toast has a butterfingers policy and will remake a case for those who struggle with installation. The second time around, I slowed down and applied it without issue. Each Toast cover is laser etched, with custom icons into natural wood. They look fantastic if you take the time to put them on properly.

Antenna79 ReachCase

The ReachCase is an unassuming case with a trick up its sleeve. Nestled between the phone and the plastic back is a technology to boost your phone’s wireless reception. To eke out every last bit of performance, an extendable antenna slides out from the bottom of the case. According to Antenna79, the ReachCase should boost reception an average of 3dBm; in my testing, I got about 2dBm gain when using the case.

For reference, each bar in the status bar is equivalent to roughly 10dBm. The only downside to the ReachCase is its buttons. They are very stiff and hard to press, almost to the point of not being usable. It’s also only compatible with AT&T T-Mobile variants of the Galaxy S8, so you’re out of luck if you have a Verizon or Sprint model.

Antenna79 Pong Case

For those suspicious of cellular signals’ effect on our bodies. The Case was built for you. The Pong Case uses similar technology to the ReachCase, it isn’t a to boost your cell signal. Instead, it blocks cellular radiation emitted by your phone. It may sound like a gimmick. The Pong case has been tested and verified to cut down on the radiation emitted by phones. The case itself is a small, nondescript affair with cutouts to expose the buttons. Out of the two Antenna79 cases I tested, I would choose this one over the ReachCase.