Apple’s latest iPhones are more durable than ever, thanks to new technologies like Ceramic Shield and IP68 water resistance. However, that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to damage, and replacing your iPhone screen can get pretty costly. That’s why you need a protective iPhone case.
Even if a drop doesn’t result in a cracked screen, it’s still likely to leave unsightly scratches, scuffs, and dents on the elegant glass and aluminum or stainless steel finish, and while you can add some peace of mind against shattered glass with an AppleCare+ plan, this won’t cover cosmetic damage to your iPhone.
As classy as the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro look on their own, they’re also quite expensive. Scratches and dings don’t look great, but more importantly, they can also impact the trade-in or resale value of your iPhone down the road. So, if you want to protect your investment, the best thing to do is select a case that will shield it from the bumpy roads of your everyday life.
The good news is that the popularity of the iPhone lineup means that you don’t need to compromise on style to get a protective case. Some may like the rugged look, while others want to show off the gorgeous deep purple of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, or prefer something that’s more unique to their own style. There’s a case for everyone, and we’ve rounded up some of the best if you’re looking to protect your iPhone while still adding some flair of your own. Here are the best protective iPhone cases in 2023!
Best rugged cases
If you live an adventurous lifestyle, or you simply aren’t confident that your iPhone won’t take a tumble, then you want one of the strongest and most rugged cases available. While all the cases in this round-up are designed to protect your iPhone, these go the extra mile by offering the best protection you can get without adding a ton of bulk.
Otterbox Commuter Series Antimicrobial Case
Many people consider
Otterbox
to be the gold standard when it comes to rugged protection for your iPhone, and the Commuter Series is one of the best it offers. This case is made from 35% recycled plastic and boasts a layered design with a durable synthetic rubber slipcover surrounded by a polycarbonate shell with clean lines that enhance grip. This enables it to provide three times as much drop protection as the MIL-STD-810G 516.6 military standard, so you’d be hard-pressed to find a more durable case. There’s also a silver-based antimicrobial coating that will reduce bacteria growth, helping to keep your phone and your hands clean (although it won’t reduce bacteria growth on the iPhone’s screen). It’s compatible with the Apple MagSafe charger, too. The Commuter Series comes in blue, black, pink (“Maven Way”), and teal (“Riveting Way”).
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Scooch Wingman Case
What’s a better rugged case than the one you’re less likely to drop? Scooch’s Wingman isn’t just a protective case that meets military protection standards, it also comes with Scooch’s unique kickstand. When folded, it sits flush with the case’s back, but when it’s unfurled, it can be used as a kickstand, a finger grip, and even as a car vent mount. This level of utility isn’t common in rugged cases, and it’s great to see a company try something so different. It’s an attractive enough case, too, and we’ve picked the Carbon Fiber variant, but you can also choose from six other designs.
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Urban Armor Gear Monarch Case
Rugged protection doesn’t always have to look tough, but no one dares to tell Urban Armor Gear that. UAG’s cases look like something a space marine would use, and there’s no doubt from looking at the Monarch case that it’s tough. It’s made with five layers of protection, including rubber feet that stop your iPhone from slipping from surfaces, plus airbags in each corner to dull the shocks from impacts and drops. While the outer frame may look like metal, it’s actually lightweight plastic. But that little deception doesn’t reduce the protection, and UAG claims the Monarch case can withstand drops of 8 feet up to 26 times with no damage — and it comes with a 10-year limited warranty if it doesn’t perform to standard. It comes in black, red, or a carbon fiber design.
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Speck Presidio2 Grip Case
One of our favorite iPhone cases by any measure, the Speck Presidio2 Grip is also pretty rugged. Speck claims it’s 20% thinner than the original Presidio Grip and can withstand drops up to 13 feet. It’s also capable of handling falls and bumps thanks to Armor Cloud technology which works like an airbag to absorb shock and protect your phone. A soft-touch finish enables the case to resist scratches, while the raised rubber ridges on top of the case provide additional grip (hence the name). A raised bezel will keep the screen in perfect condition when face-down, cutouts are precise, and the button covers work well.
There’s also a Microban antimicrobial treatment on this case to prevent any bacteria from building up. This isn’t strictly the most protective case Speck offers — that would probably be the Presidio Sport, which offers 15-foot drop protection — but we think the enhanced grip this case provides makes it a better pick. After all, the best drop protection is to not drop your iPhone in the first place.
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Survivor Strong
This super-tough case from Survivor is designed to survive anything life throws at you. If drop damage is your main concern, this case meets military standards while offering up to 12 feet of drop protection. Its two layers of protection are constructed from both hard and soft bio-resins, ensuring the case is one Survivor’s most protective — and most sustainable. It boasts textured grips on the sides and back to make it less likely you’ll drop your phone, and if you do drop it, parametric shock-absorbing technology ensures it stays safe. This case is scratch- and discoloration-resistant with a raised bezel to protect your screen and camera, and has added microbial defense, too. All this in a slim, lightweight hard shell that comes in black or clear versions. It even ships in recycled packaging.
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Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Series Case
Fancy a case that looks like it’s straight out of Black Mirror, and offers drop protection of up to 20 feet? This case from Supcase ticks both boxes, and with its dual-layer construction, rubberized grip, and shockproof TPU bumper, it offers serious protection for your iPhone. The built-in screen protector ensures 360-degree protection, so no more smashed screens should you drop your phone. It’s compatible with Apple MagSafe and most other wireless chargers and features a handy built-in kickstand — there’s even a rotatable holster clip, so you don’t need to sling your phone in your bag or pocket. We’d opt for the eye-catching Cerulean version (pictured), but this case also comes in black or red.
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Best waterproof cases
Apple’s latest iPhones feature IP68 water resistance, with the iPhone 14 lineup certified to withstand immersion in up to 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t make any of Apple’s iPhones waterproof, and even the IP68 rating is for freshwater — all bets are off if your iPhone ends up in a chlorinated swimming pool or a salty ocean. So, if you plan to be around water, it’s a good idea to get a case that’s designed to keep the water out entirely. Here are some of the best waterproof iPhone cases out there.
OtterBox FRĒ (Designed by LifeProof)
Waterproof to a depth of 2 meters (about 6.6 feet) for up to an hour, this LifeProof case is also snow-proof, dirt-proof, and drop-proof. Made using 60% recycled plastic, it boasts a maximum drop height of two meters, meaning you can probably drop it out of a small tree and it will keep your iPhone in one piece. As a waterproof case, it’s completely sealed from front to back to keep out water, yet it has a maximum thickness of only 14.92mm (just over half an inch), so it won’t be too bulky. It also works with Apple’s MagSafe charger and with Qi wireless charging, so you can keep it on pretty much all the time. Pick it up in black, blue, or purple.
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Spidercase Waterproof Case
This is a waterproof case that comes with a built-in screen protector and also a scratch-resistant back panel, providing your phone will all-over coverage. It’s a cheaper alternative to the Ghostek Nautical case but not quite as impenetrable by water at greater depths. That said, it will resist exposure to shallow water, so it’s great for casual swimmers (as opposed to divers). It also includes accurate cutouts for the iPhone’s buttons, sensors, and cameras, and it’s compatible with wireless chargers. As a bonus, it incorporates shock-absorbing edges and corners, giving you plenty of insurance against shocks and drops.
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Ghostek Nautical Waterproof MagSafe Case
Do you want to make sure your iPhone never comes into direct contact with water? Then the Ghostek Nautical case is the item for you. It consists of a full-body, watertight sealed shell, making it submersible in up to 20 feet of water (about six meters), and it’s IP68 rated. It’s therefore perfect for divers as well as for taking underwater photos. As a bonus, it also has a high-performance rugged design, with shock-absorbing edges and corners, ensuring that your iPhone won’t be breaking or cracking anytime soon. It has been drop-tested to military standards, withstanding drops of up to 12 feet. It’s also compatible with wireless charging and MagSafe accessories, so it’s a great all-around case in its own right.
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Best transparent cases
The iPhone is a phenomenally gorgeous device, and you shouldn’t have to hide it away in the name of protection. These tough cases are also clear (to some extent), so you can still show off your smartphone.
Tech21 Evo Lite Case
For those who want to combine a transparent design with superior drop protection, the Evo Lite case from Tech21 ticks both boxes. Super-strong yet ultra-light, it offers up to 10 feet of drop protection and boasts innovative self-cleaning technology built into the case to help it stay clean over time. A raised bezel around the camera keeps it safe should you drop your phone or place it down, and it won’t add bulk to your phone either, making it a great choice if you like to slip your phone into a pocket.
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Catalyst Influence Series Case
This case offers drop protection from falls of up to 10 feet (three meters) thanks to air-cushioned engineering — and it has a transparent design that shows off your iPhone, plus a fingerprint-resistant finish. The micro-textured back ensures excellent grip, helping to prevent any drops from happening in the first place. Raised bezels keep your screen safe, and there’s a handy mute button that lets you instantly mute your phone.
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Gear4 Santa Cruz Snap Case
The Santa Cruz Snap case from Gear4 offers some of the most advanced impact protection around thanks to D30, a flexible material used for impact protection by the military that’s injection-molded into the case. The D30 used here is a sustainable version called D30 Bio, made with 52% renewable resources, and the case also uses recycled plastics to keep things green. Choose from a clear case with black magnets or blue magnets, compatible with MagSafe chargers. The scratch-resistant surface keeps your case looking as good as new, and it’s designed to protect against drops of up to 13 feet (4 meters). There’s even built-in antimicrobial protection to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
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Ringke Fusion Matte Case
Ringke’s Fusion Matte is a translucent clear case with a minimalist design to let the color of your iPhone 14 shine through. Unlike other clear cases, though, Ringke’s Fusion Matte has a frosted that gives it some style and avoids the glossy finish that tends to attract fingerprints. Nevertheless, despite the frosted back, the sides remain transparent. This lets you can see the elegant aluminum or stainless steel flattened edges of your iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro, while the TPU provides a much better grip. Lanyard holes in each bottom corner also let you attach hand straps, wrist lanyards, or even phone charms to accent the design.
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Best leather and wallet cases
Nothing has quite the same impact as leather. If you want your iPhone to look (and feel) good as well as be protected, then these are the cases you want.
Torro Leather Wallet Case
Made in the U.K. with genuine cowhide leather, this slimline wallet case is stylish and strong. It combines a durable silicone frame with a soft microfiber lining (to protect the iPhone’s screen), while the addition of a leather upper layer makes it highly durable, capable of withstanding even the most serious of falls. The genuine, luxury leather also feels great to the touch, and the case is appreciably lightweight and slim, so even with a front and back cover, it doesn’t feel bulky. As it’s a leather wallet case, it has slots for cards and cash, and it comes with a magnetic clasp that will keep it securely closed.
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Caislean Leather Wallet Case
Here’s a very sleek leather flip case that doubles as protection for your iPhone and as a holder for cards and bills. It’s made of handcrafted PU leather, making it soft and light but also durable. Three slots for cards and one for bills are included, while the outer layer of the case includes RFID shielding material, just in case anyone tries to scan your back pocket. The case includes raised lips for extra screen and camera protection, and its shockproof inner layer also provides added scratch protection. It can also be folded to serve as a kickstand. It’s pretty affordable and comes in seven colors, although one downside is that it isn’t compatible with wireless chargers.
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Twelve South BookBook
Twelve South makes some of the nicest-looking Apple accessories you can buy, and its BookBook case for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro leads the pack. This whimsical folio case is designed to resemble a traditional book, with premium leather that will age with a lovely patina over time to give it an even classier weathered look. Inside, you’ll find room for up to four cards and a bit of cash, including a see-through card window for a driver’s license or other form of ID. A magnetic clasp keeps the case securely closed, and the interior shell is removable and usable as an attractive leather-inlaid case of its own for those times you’d rather travel light. Plus, it’s fully MagSafe-compatible for easy attachment to chargers, stands, and car mounts.
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Nomad Modern Leather Case
Leather is a hardy material, but often you’ll sacrifice drop protection with a leather case. Not so with this case from Nomad. The base layer of the case is made from hard polycarbonate and combined with a raised TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) bumper around the outside and an internal shock-absorbent air bumper. The addition of high-quality Horween leather from one of America’s oldest tanneries in Chicago imbues the case with leather’s natural durability and luxurious style. The vegetable-tanned leather will develop a gorgeous patina over time, making each case completely unique. This case is drop-tested up to 10 feet, and it has two lanyard attachment points for drop-proofing, plus built-in magnets for MagSafe charging. It’s expensive, but it’s certainly worth the money.
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Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet
If you’re looking for a folio case that will add a bit of elegant old-world class to your iPhone, Snakehive’s Vintage Leather Wallet is worth a serious look. Handcrafted using top-grain nubuck leather, this case looks great as soon as you slide your iPhone into it and will just get even classier over time as the leather develops a rich patina. What’s more, it’s available in some very unique and attractive colors like Bottle Green and teal, giving you more options than just the basic leather brown and black.
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Smartish Wallet Slayer
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Best slim and lightweight cases
Not every case is a big, hefty chunk of plastic that adds inches onto your svelte iPhone. These cases are lightweight and slim while also affording decent protection against everyday drops, bumps, and scrapes.
Ghostek Atomic Slim MagSafe Case
You might not have heard of Ghostek, but it could soon become a household name if it keeps producing cases this good. We’re huge fans of the Atomic Slim case — as the name suggests, it’s slim, but it packs a punch when it comes to protection. It’s constructed from a shock-absorbent TPU inner core and a strong, scratch-resistant polycarbonate back panel and features a lightweight yet tough aluminum frame. There’s some serious drop protection going on here, with this case protecting your phone against drops of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters), as well as a raised bezel that keeps your display and camera lenses safe from dirt and grit and R7X shock absorbing corners. It’s compatible with MagSafe charging too, with built-in magnets. Yes, it’s a little bulkier than a standard silicone case, but it’s one of the slimmest rugged cases around right now and is well worth the price.
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Incipio Grip Case
Incipio’s cases are very protective — something that’s reflected in the Incipio case-making process — and the Grip is one of its finest. The Grip case features multidirectional grips to reduce the risk of you dropping your iPhone. If it does happen to slip through your fingers, you’re covered with up to 14 feet of drop protection thanks to Impact Strut technology. Extended raised bezels around the screen offer even more protection — and this case has antimicrobial technology to prevent up to 99.9% of germs and surface bacteria. It works perfectly with wireless charging and Apple Pay, but we’d recommend a screen protector if you want full protection.
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Tech21 Evo Check Case
Some of the best rugged iPhone cases can be expensive, but sometimes they’re worth it. We’ve seen firsthand how Tech21 tests rugged cases and its full range offers solid drop protection for your iPhone. The Evo Check has been drop tested from 16 feet, which is a lot higher than the typical height of a smartphone fall. The protection extends around the entirety of the case, with three layers of protection in the bumper to take the sting out of any impact. This case is also relatively light, thin, comfortable to hold, and there’s even built-in antimicrobial protection to keep things nice and hygienic. It has built-in button covers, and generous cutouts for the camera, port, and switch. This case comes in Smokey Black, Sage Green, Lavender, Classic Blue, Light Coral, or Rubine Red, all with interchangeable buttons so you can customize it to your tastes.
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Mous Limitless 5.0 Case
Mous somehow manages to combine rugged protection with good looks in the Limitless 5.0 case. The slimmest Limitless case ever, it features AiroShock impact-absorbing technology to protect against drops and bumps, while its tough polycarbonate and TPU construction keep your phone safe. This robust case has an N45 magnet array on the back to ensure compatibility with MagSafe charging and accessories, and Mous sells its own range of magnetic accessories, like a magnetic wallet, should you wish. The Limitless 4.0 comes in black leather, Aramid Fiber, or speckled fabric, or in a choice of two kinds of wood, bamboo or walnut, for a sleek look.
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Best cheap cases
Not every case has to put a hole in your wallet, and protection on a budget is possible.
Aedilys Clear Case
This clear case is a bargain for under $20. Made from high-grade TPU and polycarbonate, it has an anti-yellow coating to ensure it stays crystal clear, and it also has flexible shockproof TPU bumpers. Airbag technology disperses shock should you drop your phone — and speaking of drops, it meets military-grade standards for drop protection. With a raised bezel around the screen and camera and a non-slip grip, this super-slim clear case is an excellent budget buy.
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Mkeke Clear Case
Here’s a no-nonsense case from Mkeke that offers a slimline profile, flattering transparency, and a sturdy combination of TPU and PC. The mix of a hard PC rear and a flexible yet rugged TPU frame means that it should guard your iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro against everyday accidents and impacts. Its curved shape is also easy to grip, and it includes precise cutouts for all of the phone’s buttons and ports. Transparency is another bonus, providing an inexpensive way of showing off the phone’s good looks.
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Spigen Tough Armor Case
Spigen knows tough, and the Tough Armor is one of the toughest in its arsenal. It’s a classic dual-layer shell case, with a flexible TPU inner case paired with a hard polycarbonate outer shell, complete with a horizontal kickstand. The hard outer shell will work wonders at stopping scratches and other such damage, while the inner TPU core will protect your buttons from harm, while also absorbing the impact from drops and shocks. This shock protection has been further enhanced with a layer of impact foam inside the case, along with some strategically placed airbags that help to dissipate energy from impacts. It’s tough, but it’s not the thinnest, and you should be prepared to add a layer of thickness to your phone.
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Best fun and cute cases
“Protective” doesn’t have to mean “ugly”, and these cases are, quite simply, adorable. They’re also extremely brawny, so don’t say it to their faces.
Casetify Impact
If you’re looking for a fun and protective case that expresses your unique style, it’s hard to go wrong with the Casetify Impact. With dozens of cool and flashy designs, you’ll have no problem finding one that gives your iPhone the flair you’re looking for. Plus, Casetify doesn’t just have its own original patterns; its massive “Co-Lab” collection features designs licensed from Disney, including Spider-Man and The Mandalorian, plus The Office, Peanuts, Harry Potter, Barbie, BTS, and more. However, there’s more to these than just great looks — as the name implies, you’ll also get strong “military-grade protection, with certified drop resistance of up to 6.6 feet (two meters).
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Gviewin Clear Floral Case
Here’s a chic decorated case that happens to be slim, lightweight, and pretty protective. It is made of impact-resistant and flexible TPU, giving it decent protection against pretty much every accident that’s likely to come your way. It also offers a wide selection of different floral designs, which come in a range of tasteful and color schemes that are pretty without being too strong. Owners with wireless chargers will also be pleased to note that these remain compatible with your phone even when the case is on, while the case’s cutouts fit the iPhone very snugly.
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Ted Baker GWLADYS Mirror Folio Case
Ted Baker has long offered some delightful floral cases for the iPhone, and its latest entry is the GWLADYS, a mirror flip case that covers the front and rear of the iPhone 14. This offers better all-over coverage than most other cases while still looking classy. Its distinctive should go very well with any Ted Baker handbags you happen to have around, and the built-in mirror helps you quickly check whether your lipstick is neat and tidy or if you have pieces of lunch stuck in your teeth without resorting to activating your selfie camera. This one is only available for the iPhone 14, not the iPhone 14 Pro, although it also fits the iPhone 13.
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Case-Mate Soap Bubble Case
Cases don’t have to be utilitarian, and this eye-catching case proves it. The iridescent finish changes depending on the light and the color of the device inside. The hard-shell back is made from plant-based materials and offers great grip, but if your iPhone should slip from your grasp, there’s no need to worry because this case offers drop protection of up to 10 feet. There’s an anti-scratch coating on the back to keep it looking good, along with MicroPel antimicrobial protection. Case-Mate also offers a lifetime warranty. Accurate cutouts and good button covers complete this tempting package.
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Editors’ Recommendations