Clear phone cases, designer phone cases, sparkly phone cases, durable phone cases, luxury phone cases: there are so many different kinds of iPhone cases out there, it's hard to know where to start looking! Luckily, we've done the leg work for you. Here are our recommendations for the best cases out there, for all different lifestyles and budgets.
Related: The Evolution of the iPhone: Every Model from 2007–2021
Nomad Rugged Case ($59.95)
Crafted from Horween leather, this case feels professional and durable. With an internal shock absorption bumper, the Rugged Case is equipped to protect your phone from drops of up to 10 feet. This MagSafe compatible iPhone case allows for the ease and convenience of wireless charging while maintaining a slender design. Like any leather product, this case develops a patina over time, a soft sheen that naturally develops through use and exposure, making it a case that ages beautifully. If you’re looking for a protective-yet-understated phone case, this option is hard to beat.
Pela Seashell Pink Peaks ($44.95)
Two things stand out about Pela: their colorful and nature-inspired cases, and their commitment to eco-friendly and ethically manufactured products. Created from plant-based materials (not plastic), this case is 100 percent compostable and yet still durable enough to protect your phone from drops and scratches. It’s soft and flexible, slipping easily onto your phone and adding a layer of well-designed protection without the bulk. If you’re looking for a sleek, cute iPhone case that feels great and protects the planet and your phone, this is the case for you.
Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 ($29.99)
Based in Austin, this small company crafts quirky, affordable, and practical cases with next-level protection. Everything about this iPhone wallet case screams thoughtful design, from its Austin-themed color (shout-out to Blues on the Green) to its protective features. With the ability to secure three cards plus cash and high-grip textured sides to reduce accidental drops, this card case also has air-pocket corners that add an additional layer of drop protection. Even with these durable features, the case construction feels ultra-light and minimal, allowing me to easily slip this wallet/phone combo in and out of my pocket. After a few days of carrying this phone case with card holder, you’ll never again return to standard wallets.
OtterBox Defender Series ($74.95)
This tough and durable iPhone case delivers with its ultra-protective features and a slim design so it still fits easily in your pocket. Made with 50% recycled plastic, this case has an antimicrobial layer to protect you from germs. It’s also MagSafe compatible, allowing for the convenience of wireless charging. Ever dropped your phone in dirt and been dismayed to find a lot of dust in your charging port? A standout protective feature offered here is the removable shield protecting your charging port. This allows you to effectively block snow, dirt, and debris, making for a case that is not only drop-protected, but also engineered to withstand the indoor and outdoor havoc of daily life.
CASETiFY Ultra Impact Clouds ($70)
With whimsical prints and an array of protective features, Casetify effortlessly combines fun and practicality. With 360-degree impact protection and 9.8-foot drop protection, this case feels sturdy while maintaining a slim design. With sustainable practices, this case is created from 50 percent recycled materials and is compatible with wireless chargers. We all know we’re supposed to clean our phones on a regular basis, but few of us actually do, so I was highly impressed with the antibacterial coating this case offers, eliminating 99 percent of bacteria.
