ThinBorne iPhone 17 Pro case

What Is the Best PITAKA iPhone 17 Pro Case Alternative?

Written by: Mary

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Time to read 8 min

PITAKA is one of the first brands to make aramid fiber cases mainstream. Today, plenty of other brands offer comparable or even better options, featuring magnets that are discreet, strong, and precisely aligned. And that’s only part of the story.


Some iPhone 17 Air case alternatives also focus on the finer details PITAKA tends to overlook—like a matte texture that adds grip, or a branding-free finish that keeps your iPhone looking clean and understated. Others go a step further, offering extras like included screen protection or longer warranties that give you more value out of the box.


So while PITAKA still deserves credit for leading the way, the best PITAKA iPhone 17 Pro case alternatives now give you more ways to balance slimness, protection, and everyday usability. Let’s take a closer look.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

ThinBorne and PITAKA are leading brands for premium, ultra-thin aramid fiber cases, offering a minimalist aesthetic loved by users.

The primary advantage of ThinBorne is value. It includes some freebies, which PITAKA does not.

User reviews of earlier ThinBorne models often highlight a strong magnet grip and a feather-light feel.

The choice comes down to whether you prefer an all-in-one protection package (ThinBorne) or the case alone from the legacy brand (PITAKA).

About the PITAKA iPhone 17 Pro Case

Pitaka iPhone 17 Pro case
Image credit: Pitaka

PITAKA has built its reputation around using high-quality aramid fiber, and every year they roll out the same style of case for each new iPhone—including the latest iPhone 17 Pro.


Key features include:


  • Aerospace-grade aramid fiber for a durable yet slim build

  • Ultra-thin and lightweight profile that keeps the phone’s shape

  • Everyday scratch protection for normal use

  • Covered button design with PitaTap™ shortcut for quick Camera control

That said, the design isn’t for everyone. Since the button is covered, some users feel it’s less intuitive compared to a simple open cutout.


While we do admire PITAKA for their long-standing business of aramid fiber phone cases and accessories, it’s always worth exploring other alternatives that balance thinness, grip, and protection in different ways.

Why ThinBorne Is the Best PITAKA Alternative in 2025

Just like PITAKA, our ThinBorne cases use premium aramid fiber and follow a minimalist design that keeps your iPhone 17 Pro slim and sleek.


But we also went a step further. ThinBorne case comes with a screen protector for full front-and-back coverage, something many users wish PITAKA offered.


Our precision cutouts give you open button access with a natural click feel, no covered controls to get in the way. The matte finish adds grip without losing that featherlight profile, so your phone feels secure in your hand without adding bulk.


Many iPhone users who’ve tried ThinBorne also highlight its solid build quality and thoughtful features as reasons they stuck with it.


In short, ThinBorne keeps the minimalist style you like about PITAKA, while solving the small details that make everyday use easier. And it’s not just us saying that, real users are sharing the same experience online.


Here’s one honest take from Reddit:

Let’s break down the features of the ThinBorne iPhone 17 Pro case.

1. Aerospace-Grade 600D Aramid Fiber

We use 600D aramid fiber because we want a case that lasts for years, not just months. This material is stronger than steel by weight, yet incredibly light, which is why it’s trusted in aerospace.


The finer 600D weave feels smoother than the coarser 1500D while still holding up against daily wear and scratches. In our view, it’s the sweet spot between durability and comfort.

💡Did You Know?: 600D aramid fiber provides everyday resistance to bending and scratches, making it reliable for long-term use without adding weight.

2. Ultra-Thin and Featherlight Profile

ThinBorne iPhone 17 Pro case shown with a feather resting on top

This case is designed to feel close to a “no case” experience. At just 0.04 inches thin and weighing only 0.78 oz, it keeps your iPhone 17 Pro light and pocket-friendly.


With many iPhone users betting on thin cases, we made sure to provide this option without trading off the important features. 

3. MagSafe & Wireless Charging Compatibility

MagSafe is part of daily life for many iPhone users, so we designed ThinBorne with it in mind from the start.


Strong magnets are built directly into the case, giving you reliable alignment and a secure hold whether you’re snapping on a charger, wallet, or stand.


And because of the slim 0.04-inch profile, wireless charging works flawlessly, and no signals are blocked. In short, you get the convenience of MagSafe without giving up the thin, minimalist feel.

4. Enhanced Grip & Scratch-Resistant Coating

iPhone 17 Pro case with anti-scratch protection

We know slim cases can sometimes feel slippery, so we've given ThinBorne a matte 600D weave and carbon fiber texture that adds grip without compromising the minimalist look.


The soft-touch texture feels slightly grippier than PITAKA’s smoother weave, which helps reduce accidental slips while still sliding easily in and out of your pocket.


On top of that, the aramid fiber’s fine weave keeps the case looking fresh, resisting scratches and everyday marks without attracting dust or smudges.

5. Minimalist Aesthetic with Precision Engineering

ThinBorne is for people who love the look of their iPhone and don’t want it covered up by bulky branding or flashy patterns.


Every case for the iPhone 17 Pro goes through a three-round, strict quality check for exact precision, so the buttons, ports, and camera line up seamlessly.


Moreover, the minimalist black aramid weave gives it a clean, timeless style while the slim build quietly adds protection where you need it.

6. Pricing: ThinBorne vs. PITAKA

Price-wise, both brands sit in almost the exact same range:


  • ThinBorne iPhone 17 Pro Case: $69.69

  • PITAKA iPhone 17 Pro Case: $69.99


Where ThinBorne edges ahead is in value. With the code Thin15, you can take 15% off at checkout. Plus, every case comes with a 6-month warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you extra peace of mind after purchase.

ThinBorne vs. PITAKA MagEZ Case: Side-by-Side Comparison

Both cases give you a slim, MagSafe-ready option for the iPhone 17 Pro. The key differences show up in texture, button design, and extras, which we’ve laid out in the table below.

Feature
ThinBorne iPhone 17 Pro Case
PITAKA MagEZ Case for iPhone 17 Pro
Material 
600D aerospace-grade aramid fiber
Aerospace-grade aramid fiber
Thinness & Weight 
Under 0.04 inch and less than 1 oz
Under 0.04 inch and less than 1 oz
MagSafe/Qi2
Built-in magnets, Qi2-ready
MagSafe SlimBoard™, Qi2-ready
Grip Texture
Fine matte weave, enhanced grip
Smooth, slightly slick finish
Scratch Resistance
High
High
Design Options
Minimalist matte black weave
Multiple weave patterns and colors
Price
$69.69
$69.99

Other Slim Case Alternatives Worth Considering

Some users prefer a case that feels almost invisible on their phone. Instead of aramid fiber, these ultra-thin shells focus on preserving the iPhone’s natural look while adding just enough protection.

1. Totallee Thin iPhone 17 Pro Case

Totallee Thin iPhone 17 Pro Case in clear white
Image credit: Totallee

Totallee’s case is very thin, only 0.02 inches, and light at 0.2 ounces. It doesn’t make the phone feel bigger, but it still helps protect it from scratches and marks from pockets or bags.


It has no visible logos and only a small raised edge around the camera for a bit more protection. The case also works with MagSafe chargers and accessories.

Pros:


  • Exceptionally thin and lightweight (0.02")

  • Maintains the iPhone's original feel with zero bulk

  • Completely branding-free for a clean, minimalist look

  • Protects against everyday scratches and scuffs

  • Raised lip offers protection for the camera lenses

  • Fully compatible with MagSafe chargers and accessories

Cons:


  • Ultra-thin design offers very limited protection from drops

  • Lacks a significant raised edge to protect the screen face-down

2. Peel Super-Thin Case

Peel Super-Thin iPhone 17 Pro Case in clear gray with MagSafe design
Image credit: Peel

Peel’s case has a skin-like feel rather than a hard shell. It’s about 0.02 inches thick and adds only a light layer of protection. The surface is smooth with a slight grip, so the phone still feels natural in the hand.


It keeps a plain look with no logos and uses a soft, lightweight material. The cutouts around the camera and ports are carefully shaped so everything fits without bulk.

Pros:


  • Extremely thin (0.02") for a skin-like, caseless feel

  • Soft material provides a slight, comfortable grip

  • Completely free of logos for a true minimalist look

  • Preserves the natural feel of the iPhone in your hand

  • Precise cutouts ensure a perfect fit around ports

Cons:


  • Offers only light protection against minor scratches, not drops

  • No mention of a raised lip to protect the camera or screen

  • Soft, thin material may be prone to stretching over time

3. Bare Naked iPhone 17 Pro Case’

Bare Naked iPhone 17 Pro Case in matte white
Image credit: Bare Naked

Bare Naked’s case is made to show off the iPhone’s original look while adding a light layer of protection. It’s only 0.35 mm thick and weighs 7 grams, so it stays MagSafe-friendly and barely changes the phone’s feel.


It has small raised edges around the camera and screen for flat-surface safety, and the buttons are covered but still feel responsive. The case also works with MagSafe accessories.

Pros:


  • Raised edges protect both the camera and the screen

  • Covered buttons remain tactile and responsive

  • Extremely thin (0.35 mm) and lightweight (7g)

  • Minimalist design showcases the iPhone's look

  • Fully compatible with MagSafe accessories

Cons:


  • Thin design provides only light protection from scratches, not drops

  • Raised lips are small and offer minimal clearance on uneven surfaces

Wrap Up

PITAKA has one of the strongest brand reputations we know, and we have nothing negative to say about them. But many have gone to us after trying PITAKA and preferred our simple approach and overall quality. Don’t believe us? You can always see it for yourself. Start by exploring the thin phone case collections on our website!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ThinBorne offer more grip than other aramid fiber cases?

Yes. Many users note that ThinBorne’s 600D matte weave has a slightly grippier feel compared to smoother aramid cases, making it easier to hold without slipping.

How strong is ThinBorne’s MagSafe connection?

ThinBorne is often praised online for having one of the strongest MagSafe holds among ultra-thin cases. Wallets, chargers, and stands attach securely without sliding off.

What extras come with a ThinBorne case purchase?

Unlike most ultra-thin brands, ThinBorne includes a tempered glass screen protector in the box. This adds extra value and protection without additional cost.

Does ThinBorne protect against drops, or just scratches?

While ThinBorne is primarily designed for scratch and scuff resistance, users report it can handle small everyday drops. The raised corners and precise fit add subtle impact protection.

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Written by Mary

"Passionate about creating content that can spark change or make someone’s day a little easier– help, guide, improve, or inspire. Otherwise, why write it?"

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