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The best iPhone cases in 2024

Our picks of the best iPhone cases offers everything from MagSafe compatibility to fashion choices, including cases for the new iPhone 16.

Best iPhone cases: The Casetify Stick-It case in white with a red heart in the middle and a black bezel, offset to the left of the image on a red PT background

Our guide to the best iPhone cases takes into account affordability, durability, functionality, style, and, MagSafe compatibility for you to get the most out of your new case. From established brands like Casetify with bounce-protection tech, to eco-friendly options to manage your consumption, there’s something for everyone and we’ve tested them all.

Don’t worry if you don’t see something that appeals to you here – we’ve got plenty of other lists for different models, including our top picks for the best iPhone 14 cases and the best iPhone 15 cases if you want something a little more specific.

Why you can trust our advice ✔ At Pocket Tactics, our experts spend days testing games, phones, tech, and services. We always share honest opinions to help you buy the best. Find out how we test.

OtterBox Symmetry Series+ Clear

The best MagSafe-compatible iPhone case

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OtterBox Symmetry Series+ Clear specifications:
Materials Polycarbonate, synthetic rubber
MagSafe compatible? Yes
Reasons to buy
  • Great protection
  • Antimicrobial
Reasons to avoid
  • Plain designs
  • Expensive

In terms of durable cases, you can’t go wrong with Otterbox. The brand Symmetry Series+ cases are the most robust of the lot, while also offering MagSafe charging compatibility, so you can charge your phone with the case on and not have to worry about the possibility of it getting knocked off the charger.

The case is infused with a silver-based additive that blocks microbial growth, so your phone will be slightly cleaner than other people’s when you use it in the bathroom. The Symmetry Series+ Clear is lightweight, durable, and easy to install.

Unfortunately, the MagSafe version is only available in Clear or Stardust (Clear Glitter), so it’s not the best choice for people who like to express themselves through their accessories.

Smartish Waller Slayer Vol. 1

The best iPhone wallet case

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Smartish Waller Slayer Vol. 1 specifications:
Materials Grippy sides, smooth back, slim wallet
MagSafe compatible? No
Reasons to buy
  • Card slot
  • Air-pocket corners
Reasons to avoid
  • No wireless charging
  • Not MagSafe compatible
  • Bulky

Gone are the days of those quick-to-flake folio cases we all got off eBay (some of us still use them, and that’s totally fine). But now, there are plenty of options that don’t disintegrate. This Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol 1 is a perfect example of innovative case technology to stow your cash and cards. It’s functional, a decent size, and durable.

We like that the Smartish wallet case is available for a wide variety of iPhone sizes and generations, including those as old as the XR and SE, meaning those of you who don’t rush to upgrade every year don’t miss out. The wallet section holds up to three cards and has room for a note or two, making it perfect for taking on the town. Better still, the phone’s shell boasts grippy sides while the corners have air pockets, helping to prevent damage if you do accidentally drop your phone.

The design might be a little utilitarian for some, but it at least comes in some fun colors and patterns and has the option for customization. Sadly, the extra bulk of the wallet means it’s not MagSafe-compatible, but we think that’s a decent compromise for the added storage and protection.

ESR metal kickstand case

The best iPhone kickstand case

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ESR metal kickstand case specifications:
Material TPU
MagSafe compatible? No
Reasons to buy
  • Has a kickstand
  • Extra protection
  • Wireless charging
  • Affordable
Reasons to avoid
  • Plain design
  • Not MagSafe compatible

The ESR metal kickstand case is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to be able to use their phone for streaming and keep it nice and safe. With this case’s kickstand, you can tune in wherever, comfortable in the knowledge that once it’s back in your hand, it’s durable enough to survive any accidents.

According to ESR, the kickstand “retains over 80% hinge strength after 3,000+ uses, based on lab testing,” and there’s extra protection against screen cracks in the corners. We’ve tried a few kickstand cases out, and in terms of value for money, this is our favorite by some distance.

Sadly, it’s only available in a very basic and plain design, so it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing option. Additionally, while it supports wireless charging, it’s not MagSafe compatible – though you can pick up a MagSafe version from the ESR websites with a slightly less effective stand. Overall, it’s a handy and affordable little case.

BodyGuardz Carve Clear case for iPhone

The best budget iPhone case

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BodyGuardz Carve Clear case for iPhone specifications:
Material Polycarbonate, thermoplastic Polyurethane
MagSafe compatible? Yes
Reasons to buy
  • Budget-friendly
  • Wrist strap
Reasons to avoid
  • Boring design
  • No anti-yellowing

BodyGuardz clear Carve case comes in almost every model of iPhone that you could want, so no one misses out on the protection it offers for a small price. The Carve case is MagSafe compatible, made with anti-microbial material, and there’s up to 16ft shockproof drop protection with a Military Grade Drop rating that’ll keep your device safe if you happen to drop it.

In terms of design and size, the case is clear – which may not be for everyone – but is a nice, understated design for those not looking to make a fashion statement. The case itself is ultra slim with a sculpted bumper around the edge, offering screen protection while laid down on a surface. The Carve case is also made with a non-slip design, thanks to a bevel on the side of the case, so dropping it becomes less likely.

Something you don’t often see is the detachable wrist strap offered here, which ensures you can keep your phone attached to you or your bag at all times, without relying on a Pop Socket or other stuck-on device.

On the actual BodyGuardz site these cases retail for a little higher than our ‘budget’ range, but you can find them on Amazon and BestBuy with deals and sales popping up often, cutting the cost down quite a bit.

Casetify Bounce MagSafe Case

The best custom iPhone case

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Casetify Bounce MagSafe Case specifications:
Material Polycarbonate thermoplastic polyurethane
MagSafe compatible? Yes
Reasons to buy
  • Many customization options
  • Phone charm slot
  • Great protection
Reasons to avoid
  • Expensive
  • Bulky

Who says phone protection has to come at the cost of style? The Casetify Bounce MagSafe case certainly doesn’t. Casetify sells a huge range of artistic case designs and has the option for you to create your own custom text-based and image collage cases, all using its most protective case design yet. Plus, it comes with a phone charm slot, something we’ve been missing since the late 2000s.

The bounce corners of this case are what makes it so durable, offering a whopping six-times military standard drop protection whilst being thin enough to offer MagSafe charging. Sadly, these bubbly corners make the case a little bulky and take up valuable pocket space – which is likely why Casetify suggests that you also buy a neck strap.

While the design options with this case are amazing, we do have to point out that customization and protection of this level don’t come cheap. You need to be sure that you want this case before parting with so much cash.

Wave Case

The best eco-friendly iPhone case

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Wave Case specifications:
Material Biodegradable materials (PLA & PBAT)
MagSafe compatible? No
Reasons to buy
  • Wireless charging
  • Eco-friendly
  • Solid protection
Reasons to avoid
  • Limited availability
  • Limited designs

Given how frequently we upgrade our phones, I think all of us have a drawer full of abandoned, old plastic phone cases somewhere in our house that would just fill up a landfill if we threw them away. Enter the Wave Case, a carbon-neutral iPhone case made from biodegradable materials.

One of the best things about the Wave Case is that it comes in a pretty decent variety of colors for an eco-friendly product. Most sustainable products only come in bland earth tones, but you can grab yourself a cute turtle-themed case in turquoise, light pink, or deep blue.

Of all the cases on this list, it’s not the highest level of protection, but it does come with a raised lip for both screen and camera protection, and is compatible with wireless charging. The main downside is its limited availability to anyone outside of the UK – but we certainly think it’s worthwhile if you can get your flippers on this adorable little shell. And, a portion of each purchase goes to charity, too!

Apple iPhone 15 Silicone MagSafe Case

The best silicone iPhone case

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Apple iPhone 15 Silicone MagSafe Case specifications:
Material Silicone
MagSafe compatible? Yes
Reasons to buy
  • MagSafe compatible
  • Sleek and lightweight
  • Multiple color options
Reasons to avoid
  • Apple tax
  • Lacks durability

Whether you’re nostalgic for the days when all smartphone cases were made of silicone, or you just want a more lightweight protective option for your new iPhone, Apple has you covered. This silicone case is made specifically for the iPhone 15, comes with MagSafe compatibility, and has a pleasing range of colors to suit any style – though you can get cases to fit any current model.

One drawback is the so-called Apple tax, which describes the added costs associated with purchasing an official Apple product. Sure, you’re paying for the company’s guarantee of quality, but you’re also paying for the clout of owning an Apple-branded item.

Plus, there’s a reason most case manufacturers have moved away from silicone – it’s flimsier than other materials and therefore provides less protection than your average hard shell case, and it gathers dust easily. It’s all down to your personal preference in the end though, and this is the best silicone option on the market.

If you’re not sold on this one, be sure to check out our list of the best iPhone 15 cases for a wider range of options.

Case-Mate Wallet Folio case

The best iPhone folio case

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Case-Mate Wallet Folio case specifications:
Material Impact polymer
MagSafe compatible? Yes
Reasons to buy
  • Magnetic front cover
  • Card slots
  • MagSafe compatible
Reasons to avoid
  • Black leather only
  • Lacks a stand
  • A bit bulky

If you’re as clumsy as many of us are here at PT, you may be interested in the Case-Mate Wallet Folio case. Not only does it have a magnetic cover to protect your screen, but it also comes with the added bonus of multiple slots for your cash and cards.

On top of all that, this little beauty is one of the rare folio wallet cases that is also compatible with MagSafe charging, meaning you don’t have to slip your phone out of the case in order to juice it up.

The front cover of this folio case is made of genuine, pebbled leather. This durable material makes it scratch and abrasion-resistant, while also having a softer and more pleasant texture than other leather cases. The back of the case is also made of impact and shock-absorbing materials, with a soft cushion corner to protect your phone from bumps and even drops from up to 12ft.

On the downside, the cushioned corners do add a bit of bulk to your phone, and the case is only available in black leather, with no other colors and no vegan-friendly options on offer. The cover also doesn’t double up as a stand like many folio cases do. But if you’re looking for a sturdy folio case that can act as an alternative to a bulky wallet in your pocket, this one is a great choice for you.

Colorful Dino Shock iPhone case by Skinnydip

The best dinosaur-themed iPhone case

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Colorful Dino Shock iPhone case by Skinnydip specifications:
Material Recycled plastics
MagSafe compatible? Yes
Reasons to buy
  • Fun design
  • Multiple models
  • Eco-friendly
Reasons to avoid
  • Higher US cost
  • Low durability

Part of Skinnydip London’s print-to-order range is the delightful Colorful Dino Shock iPhone case. Delivery can take a little longer for this kind of case, but when it’s so cute, you can’t really be mad. Plus, it’s more sustainable as Skinnydip doesn’t waste resources printing a bunch of cases that no-one ends up buying.

This simple case is shock absorbent thanks to the anti-shock bumper corners and has an anti-slip grippy edge to keep your phone in your hand. If you do drop it – don’t worry. This case is drop-tested and scratch-resistant so will keep your handset safe. And, to top it all off, all the Skinnydip cases are compatible with MagSafe charging – though keep in mind that they’re not compatible with all MagSafe accessories.

Enough about that – what you really want to know about is the design, right? Skinnydip’s cases are slim and lightweight, and this particular one has T-Rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops among other cute dinosaur options, all in bright and eye-catching colors.

Casetify Stick-It Case

The best hands-free iPhone case

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Casetify Stick-It Case specifications:
Material Recycled phone cases
MagSafe compatible? No
Reasons to buy
  • Great protection
  • Eco-friendly
  • Better selfies
Reasons to avoid
  • New models only
  • Limited design choices
  • No wireless charging

Now this one’s new to us – a phone case that makes it easier to not hold your phone. Yep, you read that right. The Casetify Stick-It case is a bizarre yet ingenious iPhone case that’s covered in 42 miniature suction cups, letting you adhere your device to a variety of surfaces. Say goodbye to arm-ache from that three-hour-long FaceTime call with your parents by simply sticking your phone to your wall! It’s a great alternative to using an additional phone stand while doing your makeup or watching a video in the background, especially if you’re tight on space.

As per the rest of Casetify’s high-quality smartphone cases, the Stick-It features raised bezels to prevent screen damage, protection from drops of up to 4.9 feet, and even includes a socket to accommodate phone charms and straps! That’s not to say it’s without its downsides, though. The thick plastic layer of the suction cups means you can’t use a MagSafe charger with this case, so check out our list of the best iPhone charging cables to stay prepared.

The Stick-It is also one of Casetify’s newest designs, so it’s only compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and only comes in two color options. We’re hoping that as more people try it out for themselves, Casetify will add more design and model options in the future.

How we chose the best iPhone cases

Everyone is unique, and as we all have various tastes and styles, we all want something a bit different when choosing an iPhone case. We understand this and take it into account when selecting the cases for this list.

There are a range of categories to consider such as the size of a case, the protection it offers, and affordability being the most basic ones. There’s a whole process that we go to in order to determine the best products for you, just take a look at our how we test page to learn more. Each category essentially comes with its own mini checklist. For instance, we look at how effective the charging is when it comes to MagSafe cases, as well as the capacity that they offer. Then, regarding cases that double as wallets, we consider the slots and space that you may need for it to be useful.

It’s not all about strength, size, and wireless charging, though – we know that phone cases are used to express personality and style as well as protect your device. So, we take this into consideration by picking some delightful colors and fun designs, with customization options and tie-ins with brands. There’s something for everyone on our list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Apple’s phone cases worth it?

In this day and age, Apple’s phone cases are often not the best option for your new iPhone. As with the brand’s other accessories, the cases are subject to the ‘Apple tax’, meaning they cost more than other accessories simply for the brand name.

That being said, if you’re partial to a plain, silicone case, the Apple Store is one of the few places where you can still buy one.

Which is better: silicone or hard plastic?

This choice is mostly down to personal preference as both materials have their benefits. Hard plastic cases are more likely to offer customization, reinforced corner bumpers, a larger screen and camera lip, and accessories like kickstands and MagSafe charging.

Silicone cases on the other hand are grippier so they’re less likely to slide out of your hand or off of surfaces. They’re often a lot cheaper and easier to find for older phone models like the iPhone SE, but they usually don’t support wireless charging.

Will my old iPhone case fit my new phone? 

We can’t blame you for wanting to check whether your new iPhone might fit in your old iPhone’s case. After all, the device itself is expensive enough, so it makes sense to want to make a saving where you can. Fortunately, the official Apple site has an iPhone comparison page, where you can put your new and old phones next to each other and check the sizing.

Do I need a screen protector as well as an iPhone case? 

While some of the best iPhone cases come with lipped edges that can save your screen from smashing, we still think it’s always a good idea to pick up a screen protector, just in case. It just adds another layer of protection and also means that if you ever have to remove your phone from its case, it’s still relatively safe from accidental drop damage.

That’s the end of our list of the best iPhone cases. Your phone isn’t the only thing you want to keep scratch-free and dustless, so you should check out our best Nintendo Switch cases guide next.