If you’re looking for a case for your Galaxy S10, whatever flavor it is, here’s an assortment of our top picks.
Sarah Tew/CNET
The Samsung Galaxy is up to number 10 and instead of two sizes, this go-round it actually comes in three. Whether you bought the small (S10E), medium (S10) or large (S10 Plus), there are plenty of cases out there for it.
Here are some of our current favorites, some of which are based on our experience with the preceding S9 versions. I’ll be adding more as new candidates appear.
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Tough but relatively slim
Speck Presidio Pro
Sarah Tew/CNETAvailable in multiple color options, the Presidio Grip has a soft-to-the-touch finish that’s nice and grippy. Speck calls it a “no-slip grip.”
Like Speck’s bulkier Presidio Sport line, it also has Microban antimicrobial technology, which is supposed to “inhibit the growth bacteria that causes stains and odors.”
It’s a little expensive at $40 but it is one of the best Galaxy S10 cases.
OtterBox Symmetry Series
Sarah Tew/CNETThe OtterBox Symmetry Series is the company’s most stylish case and is both fairly slim and protective (it’s similar to Speck’s cases, which certainly influenced OtterBox’s design). It comes in a variety of color options, including a translucent “Clear” version, and starts at $40.
Gear4 Piccadilly
Sarah Tew/CNETI like several of Gear4’s cases, including the translucent Piccadilly, which comes in a few different design options, as well as the Gear4 Battersea. All of Gear4’s cases feature a lining of the company’s special D3O shock-absorbing material. The Piccadilly starts at $30.
Catalyst Case
Sarah Tew/CNETCatalyst was once known for its waterproof cases, and it still sells them. But it’s shifted to making slim “shockproof cases” with a clear back and a removable lanyard. I just wish the lanyard could be tightened on your wrist. It’s available in clear (pictured) or trimmed in black for $40.
Speck Presidio Grip
Sarah Tew/CNETSpeck’s popular Presidio Grip cases are available for the various versions of the S10 in a variety of colors, including the flashier Glitter model. They start at $35.
Wallet and folio cases
OtterBox Strada
Sarah Tew/CNETOne of my favorite folio cases — the OtterBox Strada — is back for the Galaxy S10 (I used one on a Galaxy S9 Plus for a while). It’s highly protective and has a card slot on the inside of the cover that allows you to store a single credit card and perhaps a driver’s license or some money. It’s available in brown or black and while it has a high list price of $70, you get for less than $50 online. Its only downside is that it doesn’t fold back into a kickstand for watching videos on your phone.
Gear4 Oxford
Sarah Tew/CNETThe Oxford is Gear4’s folio case, which does convert into a kickstand and has a slot to store a credit card and cash. It, too, uses the company’s D30 material.
Silk Wallet Slayer
Sarah Tew/CNETIf you’re looking for an inexpensive wallet case, Silk sells the Wallet Slayer for $15. There’s nothing terribly fancy about it, but it fits three credit cards and some cash. Also, thanks to a slot on the back of the case, you can use a credit card to prop up your phone for video watching.
Tough cases
X-Doria Defense Shield Series
Sarah Tew/CNETX-Doria’s Defense Shield Series comes in a few different variations. For a tough case that the company says is “certified to exceed MIL-STD-810G military grade drop-test standards for drops up to 3m (10 ft),” it isn’t too bulky. I personally like the iridescent model (on the right in the photo).
OtterBox Pursuit Series
Sarah Tew/CNETOver the years I’ve regularly included OtterBox’s Defense Series cases in best cases roundups, but it’s become a little too bulky for my tough case tastes. OtterBox’s Pursuit Series feels and looks like a sleeker version of the Defender Series. It comes in three colors and its only drawback is that it’s expensive at $70. Look for this one to come down in price in due time.
Urban Armor Monarch Series
Sarah Tew/CNETUrban Armor Gear (UAG) makes a few different case lines that are all decent. I like the translucent Phylo (pictured left), but if you’re looking for something a little tougher, there’s the Monarch Series (picture right for $60). Available in multiple colors, it’s got reinforced corners and the company says it meets 2X military drop-test standards (MIL STD 810G 516.6) and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
LifeProof Next
Sarah Tew/CNETLifeProof, now owned by OtterBox, is known for its rugged cases. The Next has a fairly sleek design for a tough case and comes in two different trim options with a translucent back. Only downside: It’s not a bargain at $80.
Originally published on April 4.
Update, April 11: Adds Catalyst case.
