X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert deal-hunting staff showcases the best price drops and discounts from reputable sellers daily. If you make a purchase using our links, CNET may earn a commission.

iPhone XR cases: 4 cheap alternatives to Apple's $40 clear one

Protect your iPhone XR while showing off its glorious color -- and save money while you do it.

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
3 min read
spiegen-ultra-hybrid-iphone-xr-clear-case

Spiegen's clear cases are only $14 -- why pay more?

Spiegen

After what seemed a long wait, the Apple iPhone XR  is finally shipping. It's noteworthy not just for being the "cheap" full-screen iPhone model (it starts at $749), but also for coming in your choice of six colors.

Read more: iPhone XR camera test

You'll want a case, of course -- a clear case, so you can still enjoy whatever color you chose. (Otherwise, what's the point?) No problem, just buy one from Apple, right? Not yet: Apple's iPhone XR cases are currently MIA.

They're also pricey, with a simple clear case expected to sell for $40. Um, no thanks. As with so many iPhone accessories, there are lots of cheaper options. Here's a small sampling:

The Speck Presidio Stay Clear for $39.95. Wait, that's still $40, right? Yes, but newcomers to the Speck website can get 15 percent off their first order (ignore the first pop-up offer screen, which promises 10 percent off, and wait for a second one), which brings you down to $33.96. Also, the Presidio features a raised bezel for screen protection and the promise of drop protection at heights of up to 8 feet.

The Spiegen Ultra Hybrid for $13.99. Combining a polycarbonate backside with TPU bumpers, Spiegen's clear case also has raised bezels around the screen and camera.

The MoKo iPhone XR clear case for $7.99. Yep, 8 bucks buys you a soft, flexible clear case, one that's probably less likely to incur scratches than something made of hard plastic. The MoKo also has reinforced corners and raised edges.

casetify-iphone-xr-cases

Here are some of Casetify's lovely designs, all of them priced below Apple's plain old clear case (with promo code, that is).

Casetify

20 percent off everything at Casetify with promo code CHEAPSKATE20. Want an iPhone XR case that's clear and has a cool design? Look no further than Castify's iPhone XR collection, which includes a wide range of flowers, patterns, images and sayings mixed into clear shells. These range in price from $29 to $45, but my exclusive code lops 20 percent off any of them. (You can use it for Casetify cases for other models as well.)

Once again, these are just a few examples of what you can get for under $40. All three of the cases here should pose no problem with wireless charging, but if you think you'll be using a Lightning cable at times, consider a case that has a larger port cutout, the better to accommodate certain third-party cables.

And speaking of wireless charging, stay tuned for a roundup of pads and stands that also don't cost $40 (the minimum you'll pay in an Apple Store for one).

In the meantime, here's a look at what you need to know about choosing a wireless charger for your iPhone.

iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR: See Apple's biggest phones ever

See all photos
Watch this: iPhone XS vs. iPhone XR vs. iPhone XS Max: How to choose

Read More: All the latest Amazon coupons

CNET's Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on tech products and much more. For the latest deals and updates, follow the Cheapskate on Facebook and Twitter. Find more great buys on the CNET Deals page and check out our CNET Coupons page for the latest promo codes from Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page.