The best iPhone cases for every model

The best iPhone cases for grip

Speck's Presidio Grip and Presidio2 Grip cases are known for their simple, classic designs and excellent grip.

Pros: Simple designs, great grip cases, multiple styles, protective cases, support wireless charging

Cons: Don't specifically support MagSafe wireless charging

If you always drop your phone but you want a slim case, you should grab one from Speck. The company makes excellent protective cases that have superb grip.

The Presidio Grip and Presidio2 Grip cases, for example, can survive 10-foot and 13-foot drops respectively and they have a great grippy pattern on the back to help keep your phone in your hands instead of the floor.

The Presidio Grip series of cases are made of a pleasing soft-touch material, and come in tons of color combinations and even a few patterns. You can even get the Presidio Grip cases in a clear transparent color with the same grips as the colored versions. Speck also offers a lifetime guarantee on this case, so we highly recommend it over the others, which often have just a one-year warranty.

Just note that Speck's Presidio Grip cases don't support Apple's new MagSafe wireless charging, which might lead to a weaker magnetic connection between the MagSafe charger and your phone. Wireless charging should still work, however. Otherwise, the cases do support normal wireless charging. 

Speck's portfolio of cases has grown beyond its traditional grippy cases, so you can get clear, print, and wallet cases with the high-quality construction and drop protection Speck is known for.

The best cheap iPhone cases

Smartish cases are super affordable and the company makes smart wallet case designs that are slim.

Pros: Slim cases, affordable, lots of styles and colors, many support wireless charging

Cons: Not super protective, don't specifically support MagSafe

A lot of people hate paying $50 for a case after they've just bought an expensive iPhone, but cases are still necessary — especially if you have a new glass-backed iPhone. Smartish's cases are cheaper than most, but they're still good quality. 

The company makes lots of different designs, and its many wallet cases are our favorites. Some are folio-style wallets with covers, while others are simple slim cases with wallets on the back. You can even wirelessly charge the new iPhones through some of the wallet cases, because they are so slim.

Silk makes clear, slim, and grippy cases for those who don't want a wallet case. You'll also get a screen protector in the box with some of the cases, which is a nice bonus — especially when you consider the fact that you'll only be spending $12 to $25 on the case in the first place.

The best leather iPhone cases

Nomad makes classic leather iPhone cases that look gorgeous and feel premium.

Pros: Horween leather, durable, decent protection for your phone, not too bulky, folio wallet option

Cons: Only for iPhone 7 or newer, don't specifically support MagSafe

There are a lot of leather iPhone cases out there, but most of them don't offer the kind of protection your iPhone needs. Nomad makes high-end leather cases that are also sturdy and protective.

Its latest Rugged Leather cases combine the style of Horween leather with the durability of a rubber frame, TPE bumper, and raised edges that protect your iPhone's screen and camera bump from falls and scratches. These cases should protect your phone from 6-foot drops.

The brown leather develops a lovely patina as time goes on and it absorbs the oils from your hands. Nomad also makes folio wallet style cases for those of you who like to have your credit cards right next to your phone. If you're not a fan of the folio style, there's always the plain case.

As for MagSafe, Nomad says that it doesn't include the MagSafe hardware in its cases, so the magnetic connection between an iPhone 12 series and a Nomad case will be weaker. Still, it should still charge wirelessly. 

The brand offers cases for the newest iPhone 12 series, as well as the iPhone 11 series, and slightly older iPhone X, XS, XR, and XS Max phones. If you have an older iPhone, you're out of luck, but again, if you have an iPhone 7 or older, it's time for an upgrade anyway.

The best rugged iPhone cases

Otterbox and Lifeproof are known for their super rugged cases and even their thin cases boast more protection from drops and falls than most.

Pros: Super protective, many styles and colors, slim and thick cases, varying levels of protection based on price, wireless charging support

Cons: Expensive, more protective models don't fully support MagSafe

Most people know Otterbox as the best company for rugged cases that can take a hit, and LifeProof as the place to buy waterproof iPhone cases.

Otterbox still makes its amazing Defender Series cases for the ultimate protection, but the company also has slimmer, more stylish cases for those who still want a protective case, but don't want all the bulk of the Defender case.

No matter which Otterbox, you choose, you get solid protection, sturdy build quality, and lots of fun design options. 

The only downsides here are the price and the bulk of some of the cases, but protection trumps style for many people and Otterbox ensures that you sacrifice less in the style department that you would with other rugged cases.

Lifeproof's cases are equally varied, and if you like to take your iPhone out on or near the water, you need one of the brand's fully waterproof cases.

The best eco-friendly iPhone cases

Pela cases are made from compostable materials, so once you're done with your case, it can safely decompose and re-enter the circle of life instead of creating plastic waste.

Pros: Simple designs, biodegradable and compostable, eco-friendly, Pela gives to charity, cases are still protective, wireless charging compatible

Cons: Doesn't specifically support MagSafe

If you hate the idea of plastic waste piling up around the world and floating about the oceans, you'll be glad to know that Pela Case exists. The company makes biodegradable, compostable cases that will decompose when placed in a compost heap after you're done with the case.

Pela uses a special blend of biodegradable materials it calls Flaxstic — a mix of GDH-B1 compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw materials. The material is safe and free of phthalates, BPA, cadmium, and lead.

Although the case is only 45% bio-based (new carbon made of plant materials), Pela hopes to reach 100% one day. Regardless, Pela cases will biodegrade in your average compost environment within a range of 6 months to 2 or 3 years, depending on your composting methods.

The cases are carefully designed to fit and protect your iPhone, and the company makes cases for all iPhones from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 12 series. The cases come in a few colors and have a cute speckled appearance, thanks to the materials used.

You can opt to buy special edition Pela cases with a penguin or turtle on them, and up to 5% of the sale goes to Oceana or other charities that aim to save the Earth's oceans. Pela is also part of 1% for the Planet, and donates a portion of annual sales to clean water and clean ocean initiatives.

The best Apple-made iPhone cases

If you prefer Apple official accessories, you're in luck, because the Apple-branded leather, clear, and silicone cases are excellent.

Pros: Silicone and leather options, clear cases, fun colors, perfect fit, Apple-branded, simple style, MagSafe support

Cons: Expensive compared to other brands

Apple makes excellent cases for its iPhones, and you can rest assured that these cases will fit perfectly. The leather and silicone cases are simple, effective, and attractive. You can get the cases in an array of gorgeous colors for the iPhone 12 series, iPhone 11 series, iPhone XS series, iPhone 8, and 7 models. Each case bears a subtle Apple logo.

As expected, Apple's full lineup of iPhone 12 cases fully support the new MagSafe wireless charging feature, which magnetically snaps the wireless charger to the back of the case that makes for a more secure connection when charging wirelessly.  

Apple makes folio style cases, too, that can hold your credit cards safely. The cases are simple and very well made. They offer minimal protection in a slim stylish design. Apple's leather is tanned and finished in Europe, making it super soft and supple.

The only downside here is that you'll pay a premium price for some of Apple's cases when compared to others, but the quality justifies the price and $49 isn't really so bad for a leather case as fine as this one. Apple also sells non-Apple-branded cases from brands it recommends and trusts, so those are also good options.

The best simple iPhone cases

Incipio cases are deceptively simple looking, but they offer great drop protection and a sophisticated appearance.

Pros: Simple designs, decent prices, easy to find the right cases for your iPhone, decent drop protection, support wireless charging

Cons: Fewer designs than most, doesn't specifically support MagSafe

Some people just want simple cases that get the job done and blend in. Incipio cases are made for those people. The company makes high-quality, basic cases that just work. You'll find a few patterns, but mostly, you get classic solid colors like black, rose gold, navy blue, and clear.

The DualPro case is one of our favorites and it can handle 10-foot drops even though it's remarkably slim. Incipio has been making this case since the original iPhone came out, so you know the design has been perfected.

The StashBack Wallet case is another ingenious invention of Incipio's making. It has a secret wallet compartment on the back that slides open to reveal up to three cards. It's handy for anyone who hates carrying around a wallet and only has a card or two. The StashBack case is rated for seven-foot drop protection.

Unfortunately, Incipio cases don't yet fully support MagSafe, as they don't contain the magnetic ring that lets MagSafe wireless chargers snap onto the cases. Still, the cases support wireless charging.

The best feminine iPhone cases

Case-Mate makes fun, feminine cases with glitter, flowers, and fun prints, as well as classy clear cases and slim leather ones.

Pros: So many fun designs, tons of different styles, feminine options, simple cases, relatively protective for stylish cases, supports wireless charging

Cons: Not as protective as some, doesn't specifically support MagSafe

Case-Mate has cases with glitter inside, flowers, fun patterns, and lots of bling for those of you who want to sparkle. The brand also has understated clear cases and simply lovely leather ones that look more unisex.

The brand isn't afraid of weird novelty cases, either — Case-Mate has squishy-backed cases, ones that light up, and others that look like lava lamps. The cases are fairly affordable, too, with most cases in the $25 to $40 range.

The best iPhone cases with unique prints and designs

The entire Casetify company and website is a hub for unique case designs made by artists, and it's well worth checking out for a case that's a little different. 

Pros: Huge variety of designs, custom-design your own case, protective, wireless charging support

Cons: Doesn't specifically support MagSafe

Casetify has a wide variety of highly decorated and designed iPhone cases that stray away from the minimalist. You can also custom-design your own case, even choosing what kind of material you want your case to be, like leather, impact-proof, mirror, and so on. If you're looking to give your iPhone and case more of a custom look, Casetify is the place to look. 

 

The best iPhone cases made from unique materials

Native Union makes gorgeous, subtle, geometric cases with interesting materials like wood, leather, and canvas.

Pros: Stylish, simple, great materials, classy geometric design, well made, wireless charging support

Cons: Can get pricey, doesn't specifically support MagSafe

Native Union mixes unique materials like wood, leather, and canvas to create high-end iPhone cases that look like no other. Every case is distinctive and different looking due to different grain patterns in the natural materials the brand uses. The different materials are juxtaposed in subtle geometric configurations to create visual interest.

The real marble cases are the most pricey with a $90 price tag, but you can get cases for older iPhone models for as little as $6 on Amazon. Most of the cases cost in the $30 to $50 range, though. All the cases are sturdy and offer decent drop protection.

We've loved Native Union's original take on iPhone cases for years, and its latest iPhone case line up is as classy and cool as ever.

How to pick the right case for your iPhone

Which iPhone do I have and which cases will fit it?

There are a lot of iPhone models now, and not every case will fit every iPhone model. Here's how to know which phone you have and which cases will fit it.

• iPhone 12  is the latest with a 6.1 inch screen, two cameras on the back, glass, and a new MagSafe wireless charging system that lets a MagSafe charger magnetically snap to the back. It'll fit iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro cases. 
• iPhone 12 Mini is the latest with a 5.4 inch screen, two cameras on the back, glass, and a new MagSage wireless charging system that lets a MagSafe charger magnetically snap to the back. It'll only fit iPhone 12 Mini cases.
• iPhone 12 Pro is the latest with a 6.1 inch screen, three cameras on the back, glass, and a new MagSage wireless charging system that lets a MagSafe charger magnetically snap to the back. It'll fit iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro cases. 
• iPhone 12 Pro Max is the latest with a 6.7 inch screen, three cameras on the back, glass, and a new MagSage wireless charging system that lets a MagSafe charger magnetically snap to the back. It'll only fit iPhone 12 Pro Max cases. 
• iPhone 11 Pro is a 5.8-inch iPhone with three cameras on its glass back. Only iPhone 11 Pro cases will fit it.
• iPhone 11 Pro Max is a 6.5-inch iPhone. It has three cameras on the glass back and only iPhone 11 Pro cases will fit it.
• iPhone 11 is a 6.1-inch iPhone with two cameras on its glass back. Only iPhone 11 cases will fit it.
• iPhone XS is a 5.8-inch iPhone without a home button. Some X cases fit the XS, but not all do, so be wary.
• iPhone XS Max is a 6.5-inch iPhone without a home button. Only XS Max cases will fit because it has a new size and camera alignment.
• iPhone XR is the first glass-backed 6.1-inch iPhone without a home button that comes in many colors. Only XR cases will fit it because it was a new size and only has one camera.
• iPhone X is a glass-backed 5.8-inch iPhone without a home button. Some X cases fit the XS, but not all do, so be wary.
• iPhone 8 still has a home button, but it has a glass back. Most 7 cases will also fit.
• iPhone 8 Plus still has a home button, but it has a glass back. Most 7 Plus cases will also fit.
• iPhone 7 is a metal iPhone with a big single camera on the back and antenna lines along the top and bottom edges. Most 8 cases will also fit.
• iPhone 7 Plus is a metal iPhone with two cameras on the back and antenna lines along the top and bottom edges. Most 8 Plus cases will also fit.

Older iPhones exist, but if you have an iPhone 6S or older, we recommend you upgrade. 

Check out our iPhone accessories buying guide for more

The best iPhone accessories for every model

If you own an iPhone, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to accessories. You can get cases in any color, style, and material. There is an endless array of lightning cables, memory expansion gadgets, screen protectors, and iPhone-related paraphernalia available for you to buy. It can be downright overwhelming.

Which accessories do you actually need? How can you know which brands to trust with your money?

We've rounded up all the accessories you need to make the most of your iPhone. We've personally tested nearly every item in this guide (and heavily vetted the ones we haven't) to showcase only the very best iPhone accessories that you actually need.

Here are the best iPhone accessories you can buy:

• Best lightning cables: Anker Lightning cable
• Best phone grip and stand: PopSocket Grip
• Best wireless chargers: Belkin BoostUP, Mophie, Anker PowerWave 7.5 Pad, PowerWave 7.5 Stand
• Best cases: Nomad, Otterbox, Case-Mate, Speck, Incipio, Nodus, Moshi, Incase
• Best wireless earbuds: Apple AirPods
• Best screen protectors: TechMate screen protector and ZAGG screen protector
• Best cleaning kit: Whoosh! cleaning kit
• Best battery pack: Jackery Bolt battery pack
• Best wireless headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
• Best iPhone docks: Native Union Dock+
• Best battery pack: Jackery Bolt battery pack
• Best gadget to expand storage: SanDisk iExpand
• Best camera attachment: Olloclip