Thinborne vs. Ridge iPhone 17 Pro Max Case: Which Is the Best Everyday Phone Case?

If you’ve been shopping for a new case for your iPhone 17 Pro Max, chances are you’ve already come across both the ThinBorne and Ridge options. And if you’re wondering what sets them apart, we’ll break it down for you.

The difference is simple: ThinBorne keeps things light and slim, while the Ridge iPhone 17 Pro Max case takes the opposite approach with a heavier, tougher build. So which one fits your needs better?

If you’re still undecided, let’s walk through the details side by side and figure out which  iPhone 17 Pro Max case is the right fit for you.

According to Apple, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, along with the standard 17 Pro, does come with a few durability upgrades over the base iPhone 17. But scratches, chips, and drops can still happen, so a reliable case is still worth it.

When it comes to minimalist and modern protection, ThinBorne aims to keep things as close to caseless as possible while still adding a dependable layer of defense. Its ultra-thin aramid fiber build feels light in the hand yet strong enough to guard against everyday scuffs and slips.

Meanwhile, Ridge (“The Ridge Wallet” brand) started with minimalist, rugged wallets and has since expanded into phone cases, EDC gear, etc. If you want a phone case that’s tough, protective, and built with premium materials (and you don’t mind paying more and having a bit more bulk), Ridge’s aramid fiber case is worth checking out.

Now, it might feel a little tricky to choose between ThinBorne and Ridge, especially since we love Ridge too. But don’t worry, because by the end of this guide, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which one works best for you.

Before we get there, let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison.

Phone cases are made from all sorts of materials, and not all of them hold up the same way. The wrong choice can leave you with a case that wears out quickly or just doesn’t feel right in your hand.

The right one, though, gives you comfort, durability, and a style you won’t mind carrying every day. Since both ThinBorne and Ridge are made with aramid fiber, there are a few things that set them apart.

We believe that premium protection shouldn’t come at the cost of your phone’s design. That’s why we chose 600D aramid fiber for the ThinBorne iPhone 17 Pro Max case. Aramid fiber itself is known for its strength-to-weight ratio and is even trusted in aerospace applications.

That means you get a case that feels light every time you slip it in your pocket, yet solid enough to handle the daily bumps and scratches your phone goes through.

Ridge also uses aramid fiber, but the focus here is more on protection than keeping things slim. Their design pairs a rigid aramid fiber back with a soft-touch TPU bumper, giving you a case that can handle heavier drops and hold its shape over time.

However, you’ll notice it feels heavier in your hand, and during prolonged use, it can even feel a little tiring. Still, if you don’t mind a little bulk, Ridge gives you added confidence.

The truth is, your phone doesn’t usually break when it’s sitting on a desk; it’s the slips, bumps, and drops during daily life that do the damage. That’s why protection looks different depending on whether you’re cautious or a little accident-prone. ThinBorne and Ridge each take a different approach here.

We designed ThinBorne for people who want peace of mind without adding bulk. Our case is designed for everyday protection against scratches, pocket wear, and minor slips that can occur when you set your phone down or brush it against keys.

We intentionally skipped bulky features like raised lips and button covers because they alter the phone's feel. What you get instead is a slim layer of defense that blends in so well it feels like part of the phone itself.

Ridge leans harder into drop protection. The case is engineered with 8-foot drop resistance, raised bezels for the screen and camera, and a reinforced bumper that takes the shock when the phone hits the ground.

In practice, that means if your iPhone slips from your hand onto concrete or tumbles out of your pocket, Ridge is built to absorb the impact and give you a better shot at avoiding cracks or chips.

The real test of any case is how it feels in your hand or when you slip it into your pocket. Even the smallest bit of added thickness can be the difference between a case you barely notice and one that feels bulky every time you carry your phone.

We’ve been careful about keeping ThinBorne slim because we know many of you don’t want your iPhone to feel any bigger than it already is. That’s why our case measures just 0.04 inches thin and weighs under an ounce.

It feels almost invisible in your pocket but still adds enough strength to handle everyday bumps and scratches. The result is you keep the phone’s natural feel, without worrying about it rubbing against keys or coins.

Ridge leans into sturdiness. Their case combines a rigid aramid fiber back with a TPU bumper that adds shock absorption. The mix makes the case thicker, but also more resistant to drops and wear over time.

You’ll feel that extra weight in your hand or pocket, especially if you’re holding your phone for hours. On the flip side, that build gives the case a reassuring solidity—something you might prefer if you’ve had phones break on you before.

Charging is one of those everyday tasks you barely think about, until your case gets in the way. A well-designed case should let you drop your phone on a charger or snap on a MagSafe wallet without worrying about weak connections or slower speeds. Here’s how ThinBorne and Ridge handle it.

We built MagSafe directly into the case itself with a magnetic array woven into the aramid fiber. Since ThinBorne is so slim, there’s nothing between your iPhone and its charger that could slow things down.

That means when you snap on a charger, wallet, or stand, it locks into place quickly and holds steady. The result? Charging that works as smoothly as it would without a case at all.

Ridge takes a thicker, dual-layer approach but still makes sure MagSafe works as it should. Their case is fully compatible with both MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, with magnets that are strong enough to keep accessories aligned.

Even with the extra bulk, you won’t have to take the case off to charge—something that matters if you’re using wireless power every night.

Grip is one of those details you don’t notice until it’s missing. A case that’s too slick can slip out of your hand at the worst time, while one that’s too sticky just feels awkward. Both ThinBorne and Ridge aim for a middle ground, but they get there in different ways.

We wanted ThinBorne to feel natural in your hand, not like an extra layer tacked on. That’s why we designed it with a 3D carbon-texture finish that’s subtle but effective.

The weave adds just enough friction so your phone feels more secure without sticking to your pocket or collecting dust. The result is a grip that feels smooth at first touch but gives you confidence when you’re actually using your phone.

Ridge relies more on its TPU bumper for everyday grip. The softer sides give your fingers something to hold onto, while the back panel, made of aramid fiber with a carbon-fiber–style matte finish, feels smoother and more rigid.

It’s not as textured as ThinBorne, but the extra weight of the case itself helps the phone feel planted in your hand, which can make a difference if you’re prone to fumbles.

Looks matter just as much as protection when it comes to a phone case. After all, this is something you’ll see every time you pull your phone out of your pocket. Some people want a case that blends in, almost invisible, while others prefer something with more character that shows a bit of personality. ThinBorne and Ridge approach style from very different angles.

We kept ThinBorne simple on purpose. The matte black aramid weave is minimalist and tech-forward, designed to complement your iPhone rather than distract from it. If you’re the type who likes clean lines and a case that quietly elevates the phone without adding extra flash, this design philosophy will likely feel right at home.

Ridge leans into variety. You can choose a full-grain leather back that develops a patina with age, giving your phone a classic, lived-in look, or stick with the aramid fiber option for a sleeker, technical finish.

They even offer bolder colors like Basecamp Orange or Hyper Lime for those who want their phone to stand out. This range of options means Ridge feels less like a one-style-fits-all choice and more like an accessory you can match to your taste.

At the end of the day, the price tag isn’t just about numbers—it’s about what you actually get for it. ThinBorne and Ridge sit in the same premium range, but they give you different kinds of value depending on what you prioritize.

ThinBorne comes in at $69.69, and we offer a  15% discount with code Thin15. For that price, you’re getting more than just a slim case—you’re getting:

• Aerospace-grade 600D aramid fiber for strength without bulk

• A built-in MagSafe magnetic array for seamless accessory use

• A case that’s just 0.04 inches thin and under an ounce

• A 3D textured finish that improves grip without sticking in your pocket

• A 180-day warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee

• U.S.-based customer support (with quick responses out of Texas)
  
  

The focus here is clear: you’re paying for minimalism done well, with a strong safety net if you’re not satisfied.

Ridge is priced at $75.00, putting it right in the same premium bracket. The difference is that you’re paying for a feature set aimed at ruggedness and extras, which include:

• A dual-layer build with a TPU bumper + aramid fiber or full-grain leather back

• Aluminum button covers for durability and tactile feedback

• 8-foot drop resistance with raised edges for screen and camera protection

• An interactive, touch-sensitive camera button for more precise control

• Full MagSafe and Qi wireless compatibility
  
  

Ridge justifies its price by leaning into features that go beyond everyday protection, appealing to people who want sturdiness plus a few extras.

You probably know which direction feels right for you. ThinBorne and Ridge aren’t competing to do the same job; they’re designed for different priorities.

ThinBorne is for those of you who want to keep the iPhone 17 Pro Max feeling light and natural, with just enough protection to handle daily wear.

Ridge, on the other hand, is for those who would rather carry a little extra bulk if it means more drop resistance and added features.

At the end of the day, choosing between ThinBorne and Ridge isn’t about which case is “better” on paper—it’s about which one feels right for you. At ThinBorne, we focus on a thin phone case that keeps your iPhone 17 Pro Max close to its original form, while Ridge leans into giving you more confidence with added sturdiness.

Think about how you actually use your phone. Do you value lightness and a case that fades into the background, or do you prefer the solid feel of a protective build in your hand? Once you answer that, the choice becomes easy.