Peel vs. Bare Cases for iPhone 17 Pro Max: Which Is Better in 2026? (Comparison)

In 2026, the Peel vs. Bare cases debate is a common thing among users looking for an ultra-thin case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. With the phone’s sleek design, protecting it without adding bulk has become more important than ever.

If you prefer minimalism without sacrificing everyday usability, this comparison is worth exploring. While both brands promise a near-invisible fit, they take different approaches to how a thin iPhone 17 Pro Max case should look and feel.

This guide will help you decide which option best suits your style and needs.

Choosing between Peel vs. Bare cases comes down to the details.

Both are built for users who hate bulk. They protect against scratches while keeping your iPhone 17 Pro Max slim, sleek, and easy to handle.

The differences between the Peel and Bare cases are found in the fine details of their construction and how they handle the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s dimensions.

The Peel Magnetic iPhone 17 Pro Max case measures 1.77 mm (0.07 inches) thick. It is famous for its branding-free approach - there are no logos anywhere on the exterior. It features a built-in MagSafe magnet array and a specially designed lip that wraps around the triple-lens camera island.

The Bare Naked iPhone 17 Pro Max case focuses on a thin profile, measuring only 0.35 mm in thickness. It emphasizes a snug fit, so it feels barely there.

There is zero branding on the Peel case. The company wants your iPhone to feel almost caseless in look and feel.

Bare cases also follow a similar path. Their Bare Naked line is engineered to feel like the original matte glass of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Both brands primarily use a high-grade polypropylene. This is a hard but flexible plastic.

When it comes to texture and feel, they differ in the following:

• Peel - The matte texture feels slightly more "papery.

• Bare - Feels a bit smoother.

Here is how the protection compares in the Peel vs. Bare cases matchup:

Peel - The Peel Magnetic Case is 1.77 mm thick to accommodate powerful MagSafe magnets (it’s still thin compared to other MagSafe cases). Despite this slimness, Peel states this magnetic version is drop-tested up to 4 feet. It also features a raised lip around the camera lenses to protect them when laid flat on surfaces.

Bare Cases - The Bare Naked case is ultra-thin at only 0.35 mm across the board. It is designed to act as a second skin to protect your iPhone. It also features a display lip so your iPhone's screen stays protected when you lay it facedown on a flat surface.

Note: Keep in mind that if you’re prone to dropping your phone, ultra-thin plastic cases may not be enough.

This is a major deciding factor in 2026 as phone users have become dependent on MagSafe technology.

The Peel Magnetic case features a strong MagSafe ring. This ensures your chargers and other magnetic accessories stay strongly attached to your phone.

The Bare Naked case doesn’t have MagSafe installed. However, it’s so thin that MagSafe often works through the material (but it may not have the same magnetic grip as true MagSafe cases).

When comparing Peel vs. Bare cases, the differences in weight and thickness are subtle but noticeable in the hand

The Peel Magnetic iPhone 17 Pro Max case measures 1.77 mm (0.07 inches) thick. This case is thicker than Bare Naked, mainly due to its built-in magnetic array. It weighs roughly 18 grams, so it’s really light.

Now, the Bare Naked iPhone 17 Pro Max case is really thin at only 0.35 mm, and it weighs a mere 8 grams. This case is almost weightless, and is designed for those who want the absolute minimum amount of material between their hand and phone.

Peel - Comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty. Within one year of purchase, you are eligible for one free replacement for a qualified warranty claim.

Bare Cases - Offers a 12-month warranty for defective products.

The pricing between the Peel and Bare Cases is very competitive.

The Peel Magnetic iPhone 17 Pro Max case is priced at $45.

The Bare Naked iPhone 17 Pro Max case is priced at $49.

One thing to keep in mind: While you can find thin cases for $10 on marketplaces, they often have rough seams or loose fits. With the Peel and Bare cases, you are paying for the precision molding and quality of the phone cases.

For users who like ultra-thin cases but want a different material approach, there is another option worth considering…

Unlike Peel and Bare, which use polypropylene plastic, the Thinborne iPhone 17 Pro Max case is made from 600D aramid fiber. This material is commonly used in industrial applications and is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. Thinborne cases also come with a carbon fiber–style texture that provides more grip than smooth plastic shells.

The Thinborne case measures 1.01 mm (0.04 inches) thick. While it’s slightly thicker than the Bare Naked case, the aramid fiber construction is more resistant to deformation than polypropylene. Also, the case weighs approximately 22 grams, which is still light enough to preserve the overall feel of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

For those who prioritize the lightest profile, Peel and Bare plastic cases can be the slimmer choice. For users who want a thin case with a non-plastic build, Thinborne is a good alternative.

The table below will help you understand the overall design of Peel, Bare, and Thinborne cases better:

It’s worth noting that Thinborne’s iPhone 17 Pro Max case was featured in the following:

Gadget Flow - Thinborne iPhone 17 Pro Max Case Review

WiFi Planet - ThinBorne Ultra-Thin iPhone 17 Pro Max Case Review 2025

People from X also love Thinborne’s iPhone 17 Pro Max Case (especially the Crimson color option):

In the Peel vs. Bare Cases comparison, Peel is a good choice if you want a thin plastic case that’s MagSafe-ready. It also appeals to users who prioritize a brandless look and enjoy having a few color options.

Bare is better suited for users who want a case with an ultra-thin profile. The clear case design provides a no-case appeal while offering everyday protection.

Thinborne, on the other hand, is designed for users who want a thin phone case but prefer a premium material rather than plastic. While still maintaining a minimalist profile, its aramid fiber construction provides better grip and long-term durability.

Here, take a closer look at the Thinborne iPhone 17 Pro Max case (Brown/Black color):