Cameron Summerson
While gadgets are getting more emphasis on aesthetics with every new release, it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically love how every device looks. That’s where dbrand comes in—it makes high-quality customized skins for dozens of gadgets.
These skins are made from high-quality, tough vinyl with a super-sticky (but residue-free) 3M backing—in other words, they’re more than just stickers or generic decals. They’re. . .skins. Each one is custom made to fit the device you’re putting it on, including any camera, logo, or other cutouts somewhere on the device. And, in my experience, they’re very precise.
At the time of writing, dbrand offers 35 different types of skins in a handful of different textures, so there should be something for everyone. That said, we’re focusing on some of the newer textures here, like Black Camo, Swarm, and Concrete. I tested the different skins on a variety of devices, including the OnePlus 7 Pro, iPhone XR, Google Pixelbook, and iPad.
As already mentioned, each skin is custom cut for the device it’s intended for, and some of those skins are more intricate than others. For example, the Concrete skin for the iPad wraps the back and around all sides, making for a much more complicated installation than something like the Pixelbook, which simply covers the top of the device. Still, dbrand’s installation videos are easy to follow and make the entire process about as simple as it can get.
Since some of the skins wrap around curves and edges, they might also require a hairdryer to install. That was the case for the iPad, OnePlus 7 Pro, and even the skin for the back of the Grip case for the iPhone XR. The hairdryer heats the skin, making it more pliable and easier to manipulate into place. I’m just glad I’m married because otherwise my bald-headed self wouldn’t have easy access to a hairdryer and would’ve needed to make an “emergency” order to Amazon. What a life.
That aside, all the skins I checked out were fairly easy to install, though a bit tedious at times. Still, there’s also something so satisfying about watching the skin perfectly line up with the cutouts on the phone. (My favorite was the OnePlus 7 Pro installation—seeing the skin wrap the curved edges of the phone and line up perfectly with the back is awesome.)
Once installed, these skins feel great. I put Black Camo on my Pixelbook (with a sexy red Google logo 😍 ) and the Grip case for the iPhone XR, Swarm on the OnePlus 7 Pro, and Concrete on the iPad. Of the bunch, I’d say the Swarm skin feels the best and provides the most grip, as it has the most texture. This is the first time I’ve been able to use this phone without a case, which I’m thankful for since I prefer to run my devices naked.
All in all, these new dbrand skins are probably better than any other skin I’ve ever used—they look and feel great, are fairly easy to install, and are a great way to customize your device to suit your specific style. If you’re in the market to give your gadget a little extra flavor, this is a great place to start.
Here’s What We Like
- They look great and add personality
- Add a bit of tactile feel and texture to any device
And What We Don't
- Some skins may be a challenge to install
