The Best Thin and Grippy Cases for iPhone 17 Pro Max: Ranked and Reviewed
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple's latest aluminum flagship — massive, powerful, and slippery. Its smooth frame and glass back make it elegant to look at but nerve-wracking to hold, especially one-handed.
Combine that with expensive repair costs ($400+ for a screen, $500+ for the back glass), and carrying it without a case feels like gambling.
The challenge is finding a case that strikes the right balance. Many options add too much bulk, ruining the slim feel of the iPhone. Others look good but don't actually help with grip.
The best cases are thin, grippy, and comfortable — protection you don't mind keeping on every day.
My Testing Process
Full disclosure: I bought all seven of these cases with my own money. No sponsorships, no free review units, no affiliate bias.
I tested Dbrand Grip, Pitaka MagEZ, Smartish Gripmunk, Torras Clear Ostand, Apple Smart Weave, Torras Ostand Q3 Silicone, and Ringke Onyx — ranking them based on grip, thinness, protection, comfort, aesthetics, and value.
This time, two cases rose to the top as co-champions: Dbrand for grip and customization, and Pitaka for sleek minimalism.
Final Rankings
Tied for #1: Dbrand Grip & Pitaka MagEZ
#3: Smartish Gripmunk
#4: Torras Clear Ostand
#5: Apple Smart Weave
#6: Torras Ostand Q3 Silicone
#7: Ringke Onyx
1. Dbrand Grip Case – Best for Grip and Customization
Pros:
- Incredible grip — one of the most secure textures I've tested
- Skins are excellent now: textured, durable, and easy to apply
- Huge customization options (carbon fiber, stone, leather, camo, colors)
- Premium build quality — feels more refined than budget alternatives
- Solid protection from thicker build
Cons:
- Expensive — about $70 for case + skin combo
- Shipping can be slow
- As heavy as any other grippy case
The Dbrand Grip wins because it locks the iPhone 17 Pro Max in my hand. Its micro-textured edges give me confidence in every hold, even on such a large and heavy phone.
What really sets it apart are the skins. Dbrand has stepped up here — the current generation features real textures and premium finishes that are easy to apply and durable. They let me refresh the case's style on demand, without replacing the case itself.
Weight-wise, it's no lighter than other grippy cases. Compared to Smartish, it's essentially the same bulk — but the difference is in quality. The Grip feels sturdier, cleaner, and more premium.
Think of it as Smartish leveled up: same core function, but with better refinement and unlimited customization.
If you're on a budget, Smartish gets the job done. But if you want the very best version of a grippy case, Dbrand delivers.
1. Pitaka MagEZ Case – Best for Sleek Minimalism
Pros:
- Incredibly thin and feather-light
- Exotic aramid fiber weave looks premium and futuristic
- Surprisingly grippy despite being so slim
- Preserves the "caseless" iPhone feel
- Fairly priced at $60
Cons:
- Minimal lip protection around screen
- No button covers (presses feel stiffer)
- Rigid fit makes removal difficult
The Pitaka MagEZ ties for the #1 spot because it excels in the opposite direction from Dbrand. Where Dbrand focuses on grip and customization, Pitaka is all about sleekness.
At just a couple millimeters thin, it's one of the lightest, slimmest cases I've tested. Made from aramid fiber, it feels more like luxury gear than plastic, with a woven pattern that adds both grip and visual sophistication.
It's the closest I can get to going caseless while still enjoying some protection.
The trade-offs: limited protection, stiffer buttons, and a rigid fit that makes removal nerve-wracking. But if you prize sleek minimalism above all else, Pitaka is unmatched — and at $60, it's a more sensible buy than Apple's own $70 Smart Weave.
3. Smartish Gripmunk – The Affordable Everyday Case
Buy Smartish Gripmunk on Amazon →
Pros:
- Excellent grippy, soft-touch material
- Rounded design makes the big iPhone easier to hold
- Very affordable ($20–$30)
- Solid protection with cushioned corners
Cons:
- Thicker than thin cases
- Bulkier in pockets
The Smartish Gripmunk is the budget-friendly workhorse. It delivers outstanding grip and solid protection at a fraction of Dbrand's price.
In many ways, it's the entry-level version of the Grip. Same weight class, same secure hold — just with fewer bells and whistles. No skins, no luxury feel, but plenty of everyday usability.
For under $30, it's one of the best value cases on the market.
Note: Product images make this case look slimmer than it actually is. In reality, it's quite chunky — but that bulk is what gives it excellent protection and grip.
If you can't or don't want to spend $70 on a case, Smartish is the best compromise.
4. Torras Clear Ostand – Functional Transparency
Pros:
- Keeps the aluminum iPhone visible
- Respectable grip for a clear case
- Built-in ring stand doubles as kickstand
- Lightweight compared to other functional cases
Cons:
- Slightly chunky thanks to the stand
- Plastic feel isn't premium
- Grip is decent but not top-tier
The Torras Clear Ostand is the clear case that tries harder. Most transparent shells are slippery, but Torras adds enough texture to avoid the greasy feel.
The built-in ring stand is also genuinely useful for propping up the Pro Max.
At around $30, it's a practical choice for those who want both visibility and functionality. The downside is chunk and plastic feel — but for the price, it's solid.
5. Apple Smart Weave Case – The Aesthetic Pick
Pros:
- Gorgeous Apple-designed fit and finish
- Perfect color coordination with iPhone
- Solid overall protection
Cons:
- Slippery, "greasy" feel
- Expensive ($60–$70)
Apple's Smart Weave is a case for design purists. It matches the iPhone's aluminum build perfectly, feels precision-engineered, and looks beautiful.
Unfortunately, it fails at grip — which, on such a large device, is a problem.
Buy this one for style synergy, not for everyday security.
6. Torras Ostand Q3 Silicone – Premium but Heavy
Pros:
- Soft silicone feels premium in hand
- Adds grip compared to Torras Clear
- Provides solid protection
Cons:
- Heavier than Torras Clear
- Bulkier overall
- Costs more ($35–$40)
The Ostand Q3 Silicone is a nice step up in feel from Torras's clear case. The silicone texture is pleasant, but it comes with added chunk and weight.
It's a fine option for those who specifically want silicone, but it doesn't compete with Dbrand or Pitaka on either grip or sleekness.
7. Ringke Onyx – The Budget Filler
Pros:
- Very affordable ($10–$15)
- Slimmer than Smartish
- Decent camera protection
Cons:
- Feels generic and cheap
- Grip is mediocre
- Forgettable design
The Ringke Onyx is what you buy if you just need something. It's slim, inexpensive, and covers the basics.
But compared to Smartish or Torras, it feels generic and unrefined.
Why Two #1 Cases?
Because the iPhone 17 Pro Max demands two very different solutions.
Dbrand Grip: For those who want the most secure hold and endless customization. It's as heavy as any grippy case, but feels more premium and offers styles Smartish can't touch.
Pitaka MagEZ: For those who hate bulk and want to keep the iPhone feeling slim, light, and sleek. It won't save your phone from every drop, but it preserves Apple's design better than anything else.
Both are best in class — just for different kinds of people.
Quick Reference Guide
Best grip & customization: Dbrand Grip
Best sleek minimalism: Pitaka MagEZ
Best affordable option: Smartish Gripmunk
Best clear + functional: Torras Clear Ostand
Best Apple aesthetic: Smart Weave
Best silicone feel: Torras Q3 Silicone
Cheapest coverage: Ringke Onyx
Conclusion
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a phone that demands balance. Too much bulk and you lose the Apple elegance. Too little grip and you risk a $500 repair.
That's why two cases tie for #1:
Dbrand Grip → For maximum grip, premium feel, and endless customization. Like Smartish, but elevated in quality and design.
Pitaka MagEZ → For ultra-thin sleekness, the closest you can get to caseless without going unprotected.
If you want the most secure hold, go with Dbrand. If you want the cleanest minimalism, go with Pitaka.
Either way, your iPhone 17 Pro Max stays safe — and stylish.
- Tom Spark
P.S. I paid for every single one of these cases out of pocket. No brands sent me free products or paid me for this review. The Amazon links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.