Which is better: a silicone or a plastic iPhone case?

Yesterday, I got an iPhone 5s and am currently using a basic plastic case until I can order a new one tomorrow. The one I plan to get is a Rilakkuma case, but there are of course two choices: plastic or silicone.

Which one seems to offer the best protection? Given I dropped my iPod Touch a lot, I know I'm going to need a good case so I don't break my new phone.

So… Silicone or plastic cases?

Silicone case. It absorbs shock better than hard cases. Plastic cases are like shells and nothing more.

Silicone is better at absorbing shock.

Silicone. Plastic doesn't protect it at all. I dropped my iPhone with a plastic case on it (covered the back, as a normal case does) and I didn't know that it had cracked from the fall until I took the case off. My sister did the same with her phone- silicone case- and it did not crack. Given that you do drop your iPod a lot, I strongly suggest a silicone, or, if it isn't too out of your price range, an otter box.