Mar . 27, 2024 09:23 Back to list

The Best iPhone Cases

 
Photo: Michael Hession

A good case is a wise investment for your iPhone. Even the least expensive iPhone is pricey, and the right case offers protection against scratches, dings, and cracks and allows you to personalize your phone, often without adding much bulk or changing how you use your device.

Whether you’re looking for a case to conveniently attach to various accessories throughout your day or seeking the most protection possible, we’ve tested hundreds of iPhone cases and can recommend the right one to fit your needs.

The research

  • Best basic case for any iPhone: Smartish Gripmunk
  • Best leather cases: Apple Leather Case and Mujjo Full Leather Case
  • Best wallet case for all iPhones: Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1
  • Best clear cases for all iPhones: Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit, Smartish Gripmunk Nothin’ to Hide, and Spigen Liquid Crystal
  • Protective cases we recommend: Smartish Gripzilla, Speck Presidio Pro, and Speck Presidio Grip
  • The thinnest cases we recommend: Caudabe Veil and Caudabe The Sheath
  • Best accessory-friendly cases: Peak Design Everyday, Moment, and Quad Lock
An iPhone with a blue case resting face down.
Photo: Michael Hession
  • Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
  • Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
  • Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
  • Smartish Gripmunk for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
  • Smartish Gripmunk for iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • Smartish Gripmunk for iPhone XS Max
  • Smartish Gripmunk for iPhone SE (3rd generation), 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus

The Smartish Gripmunk is a reliable choice for anyone seeking a simple, durable, and protective case generally available for $10 to $15. It has been our favorite case for every iPhone model since the iPhone 7, and although it isn’t particularly flashy, it is dependable. The case is flexible enough to allow for an easy installation, but it won’t stretch out or pull off over time. It also offers finger grooves on the edges that help improve grip, plus excellent shock absorption. Though every accident is different, we’ve dropped iPhones wearing this case dozens of times and never damaged their bodies. You’re unlikely to find a case of this quality at a lower price.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Visually, the Smartish Gripmunk isn’t the most exciting case out there, but Amazon offers a “secret menu” with a handful of patterns you can have printed on the back of the case; another alternative is to upload your own images or text on the Smartish website for more personalization. Note that the Gripmunk doesn’t protect against every impact—no case truly can—but if you want to be extra safe, check out our protective picks for every iPhone model.

Read more about the Smartish Gripmunk in our full guide to the best cases for the iPhone 15 series.

The best leather case for iPhone 13, the Apple Leather Case with MagSafe, shown in a dark red leather.
Photo: Sarah Kobos
  • Apple Leather Case with MagSafe for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
  • Apple Leather Case with MagSafe for iPhone 13
  • Apple Leather Case with MagSafe for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
  • Apple Leather Case for iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
  • Apple Leather Case for iPhone XS, XS Max
  • Apple Leather Case for iPhone SE (3rd generation), 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus

For those who prefer the look and feel of leather, we’ve found Apple’s Leather Case to be notably better than those of any other brand we’ve tested over the years. It’s the thinnest, most attractive leather case available, and it offers as much protection as you could hope for from this style. The iPhone 12, 13, and 14 versions conveniently include MagSafe, and we love the color options for this case across all models. No leather case will last forever, but Apple’s material feels premium and provides a solid grip. Apple no longer makes this case, but you can still find it through third-party retailers for some iPhone models.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Among Wirecutter staffers, we’ve found that the lifespan of the Apple Leather Case is about one year. Around that time, the underlying plastic starts to show through, and what starts out as handsome weathering becomes ratty and torn up. Leather wears more obviously than plastic, so don’t expect this case to keep its day-one appearance for long. Apple also discloses that if you use MagSafe accessories with it, you will see slight imprints in the case over time.

An iPhone with a blue Mujjo Full Leather Case resting on its screen.
Photo: Michael Hession
  • Mujjo Full Leather Case for iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
  • Mujjo Full Leather Case for iPhone 11

Because Apple doesn’t make leather cases anymore, we recommend the Mujjo Full Leather Case; it isn’t quite as good as Apple’s Leather Case, but it is the best you’ll find for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 11. The Mujjo case’s design is extremely similar to that of the Apple case, with slightly rough but supple leather on the outside, microfiber on the inside, and an open bottom edge. It also has a matte finish that feels just as nice.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The button covers on the Mujjo Full Leather Case for the iPhone 11 are molded into the leather rather than inserted as metal accents, which makes the buttons feel squishier than we’d like. The leather can wear unevenly with time and heavy use or become discolored and scuffed, and a MagSafe charging puck can leave an imprint. Still, it’s a great case with a slim and understated look.

Read more about the Apple Leather Case and the Mujjo Full Leather Case in our full guide to the best cases for the iPhone 15 series.

An iPhone with a purple floral Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 case resting on its screen.
Photo: Michael Hession
  • Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
  • Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
  • Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
  • Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
  • Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
  • Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone XS Max
  • Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for iPhone SE (3rd generation), 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus

Anyone looking to combine their wallet with their iPhone should consider the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 case. It does a great job of keeping your cards (up to three) protected and in place, and it can also accommodate some cash. The case’s molded plastic design fits well in the hand, and you don’t have to worry about it deforming over time—the Wallet Slayer maintains its shape and thickness no matter how full (or empty) it is.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 is certainly as bulky as you might expect a wallet case to be, but we don’t think it feels overly thick. People with tighter pockets may want to consider something slimmer; this case is also too thick to work with most Qi wireless chargers and MagSafe chargers.

Read more about the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 in our full guide to the best cases for the iPhone 15 series.

An iPhone 15 with a Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit case resting flat on its screen.
Photo: Michael Hession
  • Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit for iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max

The Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit is a simple, clear case that gives you optimal protection with TPU borders and a frosted yet transparent hard-plastic back, along with strong MagSafe magnets and easily accessible buttons, including the Action button on the Pro models. Its raised camera bump and edges around the corners offer solid protection in a sleek profile. The feel of the case isn’t too slippery; it offers an adequate grip, as opposed to other clear cases we’ve tested.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Despite any number of claims of “anti-yellowing technology” we’ve seen from companies over the years, we’ve never found a clear case that doesn’t discolor to a noticeable degree after six to 12 months. We’ll keep an eye on this Spigen case to see if it can keep the yellow and grime at bay.

A closeup of the back camera of an iPhone 15 with a Smartish Gripmunk Nothin’ to Hide with MagSafe case.
Photo: Michael Hession
  • Smartish Gripmunk Nothin’ to Hide with MagSafe for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
  • Smartish Gripmunk Nothin’ to Hide with MagSafe for iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 13 and 14 come in an array of striking body colors—such as pale pink, cherry red, and navy blue—but unfortunately, none of those shades are visible from the front. If you don’t want to cover up the bold color on the back of your new phone but still need the protection of a good case, the Nothin’ to Hide is a clear variant of our favorite basic case for iPhones. It’s identical in every way regarding size and design, but it’s made of hard plastic rather than the more rubber-like TPU of the basic Gripmunk.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Over time, every clear case will turn yellow to some degree, and the Nothin’ to Hide is no exception. We’ve seen claims of “anti-yellowing technology” over the years, but we’ve never found a transparent case that hasn’t become a bit grimy over time.

 
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