💙 Kung Fu Grip

Wirecutter picks that have withstood the test of time Michael Hession Smartish’s [Kung Fu Grip]( protects your phone for only a few bucks. by Nick Guy As someone who writes about iPhone accessories for a living, I have access to pretty much any case I’d like. But instead of a fancy leather model or something that claims to be super-tough, the case I go back to when I’m not actively testing costs $12. [Smartish’s Kung Fu Grip]( has been our pick for [the best basic case]( for every iPhone since 2016. It’s a great example of a simple product that sweats the details. And I should know: I have tested more than 1,000 iPhone cases since 2011. It’s easy to dismiss the Kung Fu Grip as a cheap option, but it would still be our top pick if it cost twice the price. Smartish’s Kung Fu Grip has been a favorite since 2016. The Kung Fu Grip is thinner and lighter than most cases, but the [flexible TPU plastic]( offers a surprising amount of protection. Hidden air pockets in the corners are a secret weapon in the battle against drops; they help absorb the shock that your phone’s glass and metal frame might otherwise take. This case doesn’t stretch out over time, even though I’m constantly removing it to test new cases. And other than a small nick or two, there’s been no real damage to the case. The biggest change I’ve noticed over the course of a year is discoloration, but it’s subtle and not unexpected for something I handle constantly. Wirecutter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Learn more](. How it started The [first version of this case]( was launched alongside the iPhone 7. At the time, the company was called Silk, and the case went by Base Grip. We praised the case for its slim design; grippy, textured edge; smooth, pocketable back; and low price. Through various name changes and iPhone generations, small tweaks to the case have led to noticeable improvements, without overcomplicating things. Smartish also offers customization options that let your personality show, which is a huge plus for those who might consider this (admittedly plain) case boring. When to buy Since this item doesn’t cost much, it rarely goes on sale. The only significant drop in price we’ve seen is around Black Friday. The numbers $12 Average street price $8 Best price we’ve ever seen Make it last Wipe the Kung Fu Grip with a damp cloth if it gets dirty. And try not to drop it, of course. Full disclosure: I have shattered an iPhone screen while using the Kung Fu Grip! No case can protect your phone from every bit of damage you might subject it to, and the number of drops my phone has survived is far greater than the number it hasn’t. Copyright © 2020 Wirecutter, Inc., all rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for our newsletters. You are free to unsubscribe at any time.‌ Our mailing address is: Wirecutter, Inc. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018‌ [View this email in your browser]( [Unsubscribe from this list]( | [Update subscription preferences‌](