Best OnePlus 5 Skins: Top Picks & Buying Guide

The best OnePlus 5 skin overall is the dBrand Grip, because it combines a precision-cut, textured back panel with a raised edge that improves grip without adding bulk. It protects against scratches and scuffs while making the phone noticeably easier to hold, and it comes in a wide range of finishes. For most people, this is the safest, most practical choice.

What to Look For

Before buying a skin for your OnePlus 5, focus on these four criteria:

• Material and Texture: Skins are typically made of 3M vinyl (like 3M Di-Noc or 3M 1080) or a softer TPU film. 3M vinyl is durable and has a slight texture; TPU is self-healing (minor scratches disappear) but less rigid. Some skins have a matte finish (better grip, less fingerprint), while glossy or clear skins show fingerprints more.
• Coverage: A full-body skin covers the back, sides, and sometimes the camera module and button areas. Back-only skins are cheaper and easier to install. Make sure the skin has precise cutouts for the dual camera, flash, and antenna lines.
• Installation Ease: Look for skins that are pre-cut with alignment guides. Wet-install skins (spray water on the back before applying) are more forgiving for beginners. Dry-install skins are easier but require careful alignment.
• Removability/Residue: Quality skins should peel off cleanly without leaving sticky residue. Cheaper skins may leave glue behind, so check reviews for “removalâ€� experiences.

Top Recommendations

1. dBrand Grip (Best Overall)

Strengths: The Grip is a two-piece system: a thin, textured back skin (you choose the finish) plus a soft-touch bumper that wraps around the edges. It provides real drop protection (up to 10 feet claimed) while keeping the phone slim. The back skin is available in dozens of materials: carbon fiber, dragon (a rough texture), matte black, or metal-like finishes. Installation is straightforward with the included alignment tool.

Trade-offs: It’s more expensive than a standard skin (around $25-30). The bumper adds a slight lip around the screen, which can interfere with some glass screen protectors. Also, the bumper is not replaceable separately—if you want a new color, you buy the whole set.

Who it suits: Anyone who wants both scratch protection and better grip, without the bulk of a full case. It’s the best pick if you drop your phone occasionally.

2. Slickwraps Natural Series (Best for Aesthetics)

Strengths: Slickwraps offers a “Natural� line with real wood (walnut, bamboo, ebony) and leather (black, brown) finishes. These are actual veneers, not printed patterns, so each skin has unique grain. They also have a clear “Hex� series that is a transparent film that shows off the phone’s original color. The back skin is precision-cut with exact camera and antenna cutouts.

Trade-offs: The natural materials are thinner and less protective than vinyl—they scratch more easily. They also don’t cover the sides (only the back), so you’ll need a separate bumper if you want edge protection. Installation is trickier because the material is less flexible.

Who it suits: Style-conscious users who want a premium, natural look and don’t mind sacrificing some protection.

3. XtremeSkins Custom (Best Budget Option)

Strengths: XtremeSkins is one of the cheapest full-back skins (around $10). They offer a huge library of designs—carbon fiber, brushed metal, camo, and hundreds of patterns. You can even upload your own image for a truly custom skin. The vinyl is 3M-quality and cuts accurately.

Trade-offs: The adhesive is not as strong as dBrand’s, so the edges may lift after a few months if you use a case frequently. The finish is glossy for most designs, which shows fingerprints. Also, their site is a bit dated, and shipping can be slow.

Who it suits: Budget shoppers who want to personalize their phone without spending much. It’s also great if you like changing skins often.

4. Toast Made (Best for Wood Lovers)

Strengths: Toast uses real wood veneer (walnut, cherry, bamboo, or black walnut) that is laser-cut to fit the OnePlus 5 perfectly. The wood has a subtle texture and a natural matte finish. It covers the back and the sides, giving a seamless look. The adhesive is strong, and the wood is treated to resist moisture.

Trade-offs: It’s one of the most expensive options (around $30). The wood is not flexible, so it can crack if you bend the phone or if you drop it on a hard corner. Also, it adds a bit of thickness (about 0.5mm).

Who it suits: People who want a unique, eco-friendly look and are willing to pay a premium. It’s also a good conversation starter.

5. GadgetShieldz Matte (Best for Anti-Fingerprint)

Strengths: GadgetShieldz offers a matte finish skin that is specifically designed to reduce fingerprints and glare. It’s a wet-install skin (you spray a little water on the back), which makes it almost foolproof to apply—you can slide it around before it dries. It covers the entire back and sides, and it’s very thin, so it works with most cases.

Trade-offs: The matte texture reduces the phone’s grip slightly (it’s more slippery than a glossy skin). It also dulls the color of the phone’s original finish. The adhesive is not as strong as dry-install skins, so it may peel if you constantly take your case on and off.

Who it suits: Anyone who hates fingerprints and wants a low-maintenance, protective film. It’s also a good choice for beginners because of the easy wet installation.

How to Choose

Start with your budget. If you want to spend under $15, XtremeSkins is the best value. If you’re willing to pay $25-30, dBrand Grip offers the best balance of protection and looks. For a premium natural material, Toast or Slickwraps are worth the extra cost.

Consider your use case. If you use a case regularly, you only need a back skin for scratch protection—any of the budget options will do. If you go caseless, you need a skin with a bumper (like dBrand Grip) or a thicker vinyl that can absorb minor impacts. If you’re a photographer, make sure the skin has precise cutouts for the camera lens and flash—a misaligned cutout can cause glare in photos.

Common trade-offs: Matte finishes reduce fingerprints but can be slippery; glossy finishes look vibrant but show smudges. Full-body skins offer more coverage but are harder to install. Wet-install skins are easier for beginners but take 24 hours to fully cure. Also, remember that skins do not protect against drops—only scratches and minor scuffs. If you drop your phone often, a case is still necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a skin damage my OnePlus 5 when I remove it?

Quality skins (dBrand, Slickwraps, Toast) use adhesives that are designed to peel off cleanly without leaving residue. You may see a faint outline of the skin where the adhesive was, but it wipes off with a damp cloth. Cheaper skins might leave a sticky residue that requires rubbing alcohol to remove.

Can I reuse a skin after removing it?

No. Skins are one-time use. Once you peel it off, the adhesive loses its stickiness and the material may stretch or tear. You’ll need to buy a new one if you want a different look.

Will a skin affect wireless charging?

No. Skins are thin (usually less than 0.5mm) and made of non-metallic materials (vinyl, wood, TPU). They do not interfere with wireless charging. However, if you have a metal bumper or a skin with metal flakes (some custom designs), that could block the signal.

How long do skins last?

With normal use, a quality skin lasts 1-2 years. The edges may start to peel if you frequently take your phone in and out of a tight case. UV exposure can cause colors to fade over time, especially for matte finishes.

Can I apply a skin if I already have a screen protector?

Yes, but be careful with the edges. If your screen protector is thick (like a tempered glass), it may not sit flush with the skin’s edge. It’s best to apply the skin first, then the screen protector, or use a skin that doesn’t wrap around the front edges.

Do skins work with cases?

Yes, most back-only skins are thin enough to fit under a case. However, full-body skins with side coverage may add bulk that makes the case feel tight. If you use a case, choose a back-only skin and avoid skins with a bumper.

Bottom Line

For most OnePlus 5 owners, the dBrand Grip is the best choice because it offers real grip and protection while still looking sleek. If you’re on a budget, XtremeSkins gives you the most options for the least money. And if you want a premium, natural look, Toast Made or Slickwraps are excellent. No matter which you pick, remember that a skin is a cosmetic upgrade, not a drop protector—pair it with a slim case if you want peace of mind.

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