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As much as you might like it to be, the purchase of an iPhone is hardly a one and done experience. Once you have selected the color, RAM, storage, and cameras of your new smartphone, you must then select a case to protect your investment. There are many models to choose from, so we selected 10 iPhone cases for every lifestyle to help you find your ideal option.
What to Consider
Will you need a case that is pretty, functional, or both? Some options on this list provide more protection from drops and tumbles than others. Brands commonly design their cases to protect against drops between 6.6- and 10-feet, though the average drop is a much shorter distance, typically about waist- or table-high. If you’re a bit clumsy, you might also be interested in a case with a strap or a grip that you can hold on to.
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More rugged cases might have special certifications applied to ensure their durability, such as the military-grade MIL-STD 810G drop and shock standard. For drop and shock tests, the military standard requires 26 drops from about 4 feet to certify. However, there are many other military-grade tests that brands can use depending on the type of durability they’re seeking.
If you just want your device to look good, you might enjoy a case with a stylish design, leather exterior, or clear backing that allows you to see the color of your fancy new iPhone. Regardless of design and protection, cases now come with germ and bacterial safeguards and wireless charging as standard features. Keep in mind the use of luxury materials, the addition of unique features, and ultra-protective designs will cost more than basic phone cases.
How We Selected
Apple iPhone cases are some of the most varied on the market. For this list, I prioritized quality by considering cases from the top and most respected brands on the market. I have followed many of these brands for the good part of a decade, reporting on their product launches and reviewing several products at publications including Newsweek Media Group, Business Insider, Lifewire, GearBrain, and Online Tech Tips as well as at my own blog TechieSupreme.com. I’ve also heard the executives of many of these brands speak at conferences and talked with product managers about details of products and new developments over many years.
Best Luxe Leather Case
Mujjo Mujjo Full Leather Case
Best Luxe Leather Case
Mujjo Mujjo Full Leather Case
Pros
Stylish
Cons
- Not compatible with MagSafe charging
Key Specs:
• Model Compatibility: 12 series, 11 series, X series, SE, 7/8 Plus
• Drop Protection: Not available
• Waterproof: No
If you want to maintain the luxury of your Apple device, look no further than Mujjo. The accessory brand sells full leather-bound cases for several iPhone models. The case features a naturally aging vegetable-tanned leather. It has a bezel raised 1 millimeter above the edge to protect the screen. It is wireless charging compatible but does not work with Apple’s MagSafe charger. Although I favor the standard brown aged leather model, there are varied color options and models with a wallet in the back.
Best Rugged Leather Case
Nomad Nomad Rugged Case
Best Rugged Leather Case
Nomad Nomad Rugged Case
Pros
- Good drop protection
- Ages nicely
Cons
- Long-term durability isn’t as good as plastic cases
Key Specs:
• Model Compatibility: 12 series, 11 series
• Drop Protection: Up to 10 ft
• Waterproof: No
The Nomad Rugged Case blends style and protection. Its design includes an internal shock absorption bumper that provides about 10 feet of drop protection. On the outside, a 360-degree bumper on the case’s frame reinforces drop protection to keep the handset safe. The Horween-sourced leather is tanned with vegetable dye, intended to age slowly and uniquely to the user. However, the leather might rip over time. The case also supports MagSafe wireless charging.
Best Water Protection
Catalyst Catalyst Total Protection Case
Best Water Protection
Catalyst Catalyst Total Protection Case
Pros
- Waterproof up to 33 feet
- Compatible with virtually all iPhones still in use
Cons
- Pricey
- Can’t use phone while charging
Key Specs:
• Model Compatibility: 12 series, 11 series, X series, 8 Plus, 7 series, 6 series, 5 series, 4 series
• Drop Protection: Up to 6.6 ft
• Waterproof: Up to 33 ft
If you want to take a deep dive with your Apple device, check out the Catalyst Total Protection Case. Although the iPhone 12 series has an IP68 rating—meaning it can be submerged in up to about 20 feet of water for up to 30 minutes—the Catalyst case provides extra protection up to about 33 feet. The case is also drop-proof up to about 6.6 feet. Although the case is compatible with Apple’s MagSafe charger, it can’t hold the magnet well due to its thickness, so there is no multitasking while charging. If you haven’t upgraded to the newest iPhone, Catalyst offers waterproof cases for models as old as the iPhone 4.
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Best Rugged Case
OtterBox OtterBox Defender Series
Best Rugged Case
OtterBox OtterBox Defender Series
Pros
- Excellent drop protection
- Includes covers for all ports and jacks
Cons
- Not waterproof
Key Specs:
• Model Compatibility: 12 series, 11 series, X series, SE, 8 series, 7 series, 6 series, 5 series
• Drop Protection: Up to 4 ft
• Waterproof: No
If you’re looking for all-around protection for your Apple device, the OtterBox Defender Series has been tried and true for several generations of iPhones. The case is certified as Drop Plus, which is considered four times as resistant as the MIL-STD-810G military standard. It also has raised edges to protect the cameras and screen, along with coverings for all ports and jacks. However, the screen is open, so you will want to add a screen protector for a complete shield.
Best Clear Case
Zagg Zagg Gear 4 Crystal Palace Snap
Best Clear Case
Zagg Zagg Gear 4 Crystal Palace Snap
Pros
- Stain-resistant material won’t yellow or discolor over time
- Good drop protection
Cons
- MagSafe cutout only available for iPhone 12 series
Key Specs:
• Model Compatibility: 12 series
• Drop Protection: Up to 13 ft
• Waterproof: No
The Crystal Palace Snap is simple, light, and clear—perfect for showing off the original design of your iPhone. It promises stain resistance, from yellowing and transferring of any other colors over time. It also has a drop resistance of up to 13 feet. The case includes a MagSafe cutout, to allow a charger to “snap” into place. However, it may not play well with non-MagSafe charging mounts. The iPhone 12 series is the first with this charger design, but Zagg offers clear cases for models as old as the iPhone 6.
Environmentally-Friendly Case
URBAN ARMOR GEAR Urban Armor Gear Biodegradable Outback
Environmentally-Friendly Case
URBAN ARMOR GEAR Urban Armor Gear Biodegradable Outback
Now 17% Off
Pros
- Made with compostable material
- Plastic-free packaging
Cons
- Side buttons need breaking in
Key Specs:
• Model Compatibility: 12 series, 11 series, SE, 8, 7
• Drop Protection: Up to 4 ft
• Waterproof: No
If you’re looking for a case made of sustainable material, the Urban Armor Gear Biodegradable Outback is right up your alley. It’s made of 100 percent compostable and biodegradable material, and its plastic-free packaging is recyclable. The design is light and made for easy handling, but the buttons might require some breaking in. The case adheres to the military-grade MIL-STD 810G drop and shock standard for durability. The Outback also supports MagSafe wireless charging.
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Best Thin Case
totallee Totallee iPhone Case
Pros
- Adds little extra bulk
Cons
- Not very secure with car mount chargers
Key Specs:
• Model Compatibility: 12 series, 11 series, SE
• Drop Protection: Not available
• Waterproof: No
Today’s phones are barely pocket-sized, and adding a bulky case doesn’t help matters. Totallee’s cases, however, make your iPhone feel bare. The ultra-thin design measures between 0.02 and 0.03 inches and sits perfectly snug fit when installed. There is no branding, designs, or logo outside of the customary Apple embossment and raised edges around the camera module for protection. The cases are available in a transparent option or a matte texture, which includes several color options. The case also supports MagSafe wireless charging but are less secure with car mount chargers and can slip out of place.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t support wireless charging
Key Specs:
• Model Compatibility: 12 series
• Drop Protection: Up to 6.6 ft
• Waterproof: No
Get a grip on your device with the help of Clckr’s Stand Case. The case, which has antimicrobial protection, can be propped in portrait and landscape mode and lets you grab hold of your phone to prevent drops. What’s more, you can buy a base case and then swap out the stand for a stylish touch. Just know this case isn’t ideal for wireless charging.
Many Design Options
Case-Mate Case-Mate iPhone Case
Many Design Options
Case-Mate Case-Mate iPhone Case
Pros
- Good drop protection
- More than a dozen designs to choose from
Cons
- Camera protection isn’t as good as some competitors
Key Specs:
• Model Compatibility: 12 series, 11 series, SE, X series, 8 series
• Drop Protection: Up to 10 ft
• Waterproof: No
Stand out with a cover from Case-Mate, which offers a broad selection of colorful, glittery, and patterned designs that are sure to be conversation starters. The case also includes about 10 feet of drop protection, an antimicrobial treatment, and support for wireless charging. Protection for the camera seems questionable, despite the raised edges for the cutout around that area.
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Best Wrist Strap Case
Moshi Moshi Altra Slim Hardshell Case with Strap
Best Wrist Strap Case
Moshi Moshi Altra Slim Hardshell Case with Strap
Pros
- Detachable wrist strap guards against accidental drops
Cons
- Textured design can attract dirt
Key Specs:
• Model Compatibility: 12 series, 11 series
• Drop Protection: Up to 4 ft
• Waterproof: No
If you’re looking for a case that you can keep close to you in a non-bothersome fashion, the Moshi Altra Slim Hardshell Case with Strap is a good option. It includes a detachable wrist strap, which can be swapped out for the Altra Body Strap, or you can use the case in a standard untethered fashion. It includes Moshi’s NanoShield antimicrobial coating to kill germs and bacteria and meets the military-grade MIL-STD 810G drop and shock standard. The textured design can attract dirt, but it is also easy to clean with sanitizing wipes.
