Most people use a case for their smartphone to protect it from damage. After all, smartphones are expensive and repairs are costly, so keeping your phone safe is a must. But what if you don’t like the bulky cases that are on the market today?

While these cases protect your device, they’re more difficult to put in your pocket. Or, what if you just want to show off the sleek smartphone design you just spent a lot of money on without hiding it behind a case?

If you don’t like cases but still want to protect your device, check out these alternatives that still protect your phone.

1. Screen Protectors

phone with screen protector

If you don’t want a case on your smartphone, then you should at least be protecting the screen. After all, smartphone screens are prone to scratches. If you put a screen protector on your phone, you can reduce the risk of your phone screen getting damaged. You can also improve the resale value over time by not having scratches on your screen.

There are two types of screen protectors. There’s the classic film protector, and then there are tempered glass protectors. While the classic film protectors are thinner, the tempered glass protectors look better. These protectors don’t bubble and also do a better job of protecting your screen.

2. Smartphone Wraps

iphone skin back side

A screen protector does a great job of protecting your screen, but what if you want to protect your entire device without a case? If that’s what you’re looking to do, consider getting a smartphone wrap. Essentially, it wraps around your smartphone protecting the entire device from scratches. While it won’t protect it if you drop it, it’s much thinner than a case and many wraps look invisible.

Like a screen protector, this also improves the resale value over time, assuming you don’t drop it or do other damage.

3. Corner Protectors

iphone corner case

Not having a case on your phone means that dropping it could damage the device. Or at least, that’s what it used to mean. There are other ways to protect your phone if you drop it, other than using a case. One way to do this would be to get corner protectors.

Corner protectors protect the corners of your device if you drop it. By protecting the corners of your device, your screen is less likely to crack if it’s dropped on a corner. It also prevents the corners of your phone from getting dented. Corner protectors are also slightly raised, so if you drop it on the face or the back of your smartphone, it won’t touch the ground.

Corner protectors are a great add-on for those who don’t want a case on their smartphones but still want their device protected.

4. Smartphone Gripsphone grip

Corner protectors do a great job of protecting your phone, but what if you get something that prevents you from dropping it in the first place? By getting a smartphone grip or a smartphone holder, you can get a better hold of your device and hopefully not drop it.

There are many kinds of smartphone grips. Some grips stick to the back of your device so your hands are better equipped to hold on. Others are little metal rings that you can put your finger through and hold on to your device better.

While it won’t protect your phone if you do drop it, you will be much less likely to do so.

5. Pop Sockets

pop socket phone

Another type of smartphone grip, Pop Sockets are popular as they can serve multiple functions. A Pop Socket can work as a stand, a platform, and a grip for your device. Pop Sockets and other alternatives are cheap and installation is easy. Once you get one, you just stick it onto your device and pull it out to use it.

Since Pop Sockets push back into place, they’re not too bulky and are still comfortable to use. They’re also a lot of fun to play with. While one won’t protect your device if it drops, it will, like other smartphone grips, make you less likely to drop it.

6. Smartphone Sleeves

phone sleeve

If you don’t like using a case or having anything on your device, but still want to protect it, consider getting a smartphone sleeve.

Smartphone sleeves protect your phone when you’re not using it. While your phone is in the sleeve, it’s safe from scratches and drops. Some sleeves even protect your phone from water. Then, when you’re ready to use your smartphone, take it out of the sleeve and use it as you normally would.

Smartphone sleeves are a great option for those who carry around a purse or a bag. They also work great for travel.

7. Port Covers

phone port cover
Image Source: Weewooday/Amazon

If none of the case alternatives work for you, consider at least protecting the ports of your phone. Many cases have port protectors which prevent dust, water, and grime from getting into your charging port. Over time, your charging port can get damaged if not protected, meaning it won’t charge right and won’t connect to your computer.

Thankfully, charging port covers are affordable and pop right into the port. Then, you just take them out when you’re ready to charge or connect to your computer. Charging port covers are also a great idea if you use wireless charging, as you won’t need to take them out when you charge.

Should You Go Without a Case?

If you have an expensive smartphone, you should get a case on it to protect it. After all, accidents happen. And with many of us using smartphones all the time, there are plenty of chances something could go wrong.

But if you don’t like cases or don’t use your phone much, you might not want a case. If this sounds like you, there are plenty of other ways to protect your phone from scratches, drops, dents. After all, most phones are water resistant these days and are getting stronger than previous generations.

Because of this, we might not need cases in the future. Either way, the choice is always yours and you can decide what works best for your lifestyle.