Best iPhone Cases in 2024

As beautiful and elegant as iPhones are, it is hard to keep them that way for long, especially without a case. While phone cases add to the weight and thickness of fairly slim iPhones, they provide significantly more durability and impact protection along with improving grip. Most iPhone users are willing to make that compromise, considering the benefits, and especially considering how expensive the newer iPhone models are.

Since 2020, the requirements for a phone case for iPhones have changed slightly. With the introduction of MagSafe technology with iPhone 12 models. MagSafe is Apple’s wireless charging and accessory attachment standard that is present in iPhone 12 and newer models. Because of this, buyers with these iPhone models prefer phone cases that support MagSafe technology. Otherwise, they would not be able to use wireless charging or attach anything magnetically to the back of their phone, or their phone to other accessories.

What to Consider When Looking for the Best iPhone Cases

Buyers looking for a new iPhone case should consider several factors. These include the material, design, and price.

Material: iPhone cases come in a wide range of materials, some more premium feeling than others. Buyers can get leather cases, different types of plastic cases, silicon or Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) cases, among others. The quality of the material dictates the price tag and typically, the more rugged the case is, the more expensive it will be.

Design: A phone case is not just for protection but also an aesthetic add-on. This leads to the market being flooded with tons of design options – be it graphic covers, transparent covers, covers with a textured finish, or more. Furthermore, some cases are more rugged than others, and they provide better protection at the cost of looking bulkier and adding to the weight of the phone.

Price: Typical iPhone cases are quite inexpensive, and a lot of users would be perfectly fine with the cheapest option on the market. However, it is not always the best decision to go with the most affordable option, so there must be a balance between features and cost.

Game Rant’s Picks for the Best iPhone Cases in 2024

The Guardian MagSafe case from Torras stands as the best iPhone case overall for its simplicity and protection. It is a sleek and sturdy case with no bells and whistles, which helps to keep the cost down and add to its value. Despite its slim form factor, the Guardian MagSafe case can protect iPhones from drops of up to 14 feet. There are raised edges around the screen and the cameras. The case uses what the company calls a triple airbag system, which is 16 groups of protective air cushions incorporated within the edges of the case that protect the phone from impact.

Available for the iPhone 12 and newer models, this case is compatible with all MagSafe accessories and even has stronger magnets. In fact, the magnets are placed exactly like they are inside the iPhone model. The Torras Guardian MagSafe case perfectly blends style and protection, giving a premium feel in the hand that is complimented by accurate cutouts and improved grip.

Made using Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), the Torras Guardian MagSafe case is available in three different colors and the buttons can be further customized with accent colors. The back is essentially translucent, which means the back panel of the phone is somewhat visible.

When it comes to clear cases, ESR makes some of the best ones for iPhones. It has been producing different types of cases ever since the iPhone 11 and has incorporated MagSafe support for iPhone 12 and newer models. The ESR Classic Series Clear case for the iPhone 12,13,14, and 15 series has a clear transparent design (as the name suggests) with cutouts for the cameras on the back, the Lightening/USB Type-C port, speaker grills, and the alert slider/ action button.

It is made from Polycarbonate and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), which gives it some flexibility but also retains its rigid shape. It sits perfectly in the middle of a soft case and a hard case. The acrylic back is designed to be scratch-resistant and also avoids a major issue with clear cases: yellowing. The ESR Classic Series Clear case will never become yellowish, preserving its fresh look as well as the look of the phone.

It not only protects the back of the phone but also the front with its raised edges that would take the impact if the phone falls face down, rather than the screen. It is, of course, MagSafe compatible, and the built-in magnets provide a holding force of 1500 g, which is even more than the official MagSafe cases from Apple. It’s safe to say that all MagSafe-compatible accessories, including wireless charging, will work flawlessly with this case.

While the latest iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models come with a Titanium frame that is more durable than its aluminum counterparts, it is definitely not enough to protect the back glass panel or the display up front. Enter the Otterbox Defender Series Pro case. Available for the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 series, the Defender Series Pro case is a tough, relatively thick, and sturdy case that is capable of protecting the phone from five times as many drops as cases that meet the military standard of durability (MIL-STD-810G 516.6).

Made from Polycarbonate and Thermoplastic Elastomer, the Otterbox Defender Series Pro case comes with additional functionality besides just protecting the phone. It has a dual-layer design where the secondary layer features a holster that can be used to clip the phone to a belt or a bag. The clip also doubles as a kickstand and the best part is that users can remove the secondary layer for slightly less protection but improved ergonomics. Additionally, the case has an antimicrobial additive that prevents microbial growth on the exterior of the case.

The case provides all-around protection thanks to the port covers, bumpers around the camera, the screen lip, and the rubber protection on the corners. However, all this protection does add to the weight of the phone and the cover itself weighs 113.8 grams. It is also not the slimmest rugged case on the market, coming in at 33 mm.

Those looking for solid protection without the extra bulk should consider the Spigen Tough Armor MagFit case. Available for the iPhone 12 and newer models, the Tough Armor case provides full-fledged military-grade protection without making the phone too bulky or heavy. Spigen is using a combination of TPU, Polycarbonate, and impact foam to ensure there is no damage to the phone in case of a drop. Speaking of added bulk, the Tough Armor MagFit case only adds 53 grams to the weight and is just under 14 mm thick.

There are covers for the buttons on the sides that add to the clickiness, as well as precise cutouts for the charging port and speaker grill at the bottom. There is also a small flip-out kickstand that works in both portrait and landscape orientations. Plus, there is a cutout for the Apple logo on the back which does not impede MagSafe functionality.

Furthermore, the edges around the screen are raised to be the first point of impact in case the phone falls on its screen. Similarly, the edges around the cameras are also raised slightly. Spigen offers the Tough Armor MagFit case in several colors but all of them have a black top, bottom, and edges.

Spigen also offers a slim version of the Tough Armor MagFit case called the Slim Armor MagFit, but surprisingly, there is no difference in thickness compared to the Tough Armor MagFit case.

There’s no doubt that leather feels more premium and comfortable compared to plastic, TPU, or silicon. But it comes at a cost and does not provide as much protection as others. However, those who want to go for a more elegant feel would find the Bullstrap Minimalist MagSafe case to be perfect. It is made using premium leather from hides that are sourced from Europe and the Northern United States. It is full-grain leather that shows natural variation in the texture.

What makes the leather look and feel more premium is the use of water-based dyes for buffing and dying. It is also sprayed with oils and waxes, and then polished for a two-tone look. That’s not all! What adds to the elegance is the fact that it gets darker with time, resulting in a different shade than the one originally purchased.

Aesthetics aside, the Bullstrap Minimalist MagSafe case has a polycarbonate shell and stainless-steel buttons. There is also a microfiber lining on the inside that prevents any scratches on the phone itself. And of course, it has strong magnets for using all MagSafe compatible accessories. The Bullstrap Minimalist MagSafe case is available in eight different colors, including the Sienna Edition mentioned here.

Carrying a similar design to the best iPhone case, the Torras Guardian, the Ostand R adds a kickstand for even more functionality. Not everyone uses a kickstand, so the additional cost may not be justifiable for them, but for those who often find themselves resting their phone on random surfaces and can invest a little extra, the Ostand R offers the best value. It has a translucent back in the center which is a rotatable magnetic ring that houses a kickstand.

This intuitive design allows the user to rest their phone at multiple different angles in both landscape and portrait orientations. This doesn’t take away from its MagSafe abilities as the case is compatible with accessories that use the magnets on the back of iPhone models. The case itself has stronger magnets to improve the connection with accessories.

In terms of protection, the Torras Ostand R is MIL-STD 810G-516.6 certified and can survive drops from as high as 12 feet. There is a raised edge around the camera and the screen for added protection. Like the Guardian case, the buttons can be customized with accent colors to make the case look unique.

While it is available for all iPhone 15 models, it should be noted that the Ostand R is not available for all iPhone 12, 13, or 14 models as some of them get the Ostand Pro, which is about the same as the Ostand R.

The official Silicone Case with MagSafe from Apple is a neatly crafted and accurately molded phone case that is available for all iPhone 12 and newer models. It has a silky, soft-touch finish that does not dig into the hands yet provides enhanced grip. There is also a microfiber lining on the inside. These provide only a basic level of protection, so those looking for something more durable should look elsewhere. Apple does state that these cases have been put through thousands of hours of testing, but there is no rating or certification to prove their toughness.

Coming in 12 different color options, the official Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe has something for everyone. As is the case with all Apple products, these cases are on the more expensive side when considering other silicone options. Granted, these are beautifully designed first-party accessories.

The case comes with accurate cutouts for the action button or alert slider, as well as the charging port and speaker grills. There is also a lip around the cameras and the display for additional protection.

There are quite a few cheap options on the market when looking at phone cases. However, not all of them are worth considering. One of the cases worth considering is the JETech Magnetic Silicone Case. It is one of the cheaper options that provides a decent level of protection and compatibility with MagSafe accessories.

Available for almost all iPhone models, as old as iPhone 7, the JETech Magnetic Silicone Case has a four-in-one design that includes a soft microfiber lining, a hard polycarbonate layer, a ring of magnets, and a liquid silicone layer. And this is even more impressive considering how cheap these cases are.

There are raised edges around the camera and the screen, which is a plus, considering there is no toughness rating, but that’s to be expected at this price point. Budget-conscious shoppers will also be pleased to know that there are over 15 color options to choose from with the JETech Magnetic Silicone Case.

Alternatively, another cheap but effective JETech case is the JETech Silicone Case, which comes with a soft microfiber lining, a hard polycarbonate layer, a liquid silicone layer, and an oil-proof coating. It is not compatible with MagSafe accessories, but the sub-$10 price point makes it a steal.

FAQ

Q: What is the most protective phone case?

The OtterBox Defender Series offers incredible protection against drops and is rated for five times as many drops as cases that meet the military standard of durability (MIL-STD-810G 516.6). It is quite bulky and adds to the weight of the phone but provides maximum protection.

Q: Why do clear phone cases turn yellow?

The cheaper clear plastic phone cases are not clear to begin with. They are yellow with a small amount of blue tint, but they appear completely clear. Over time, the combined exposure to UV light as well as the natural oils and sweat from the body turn the plastic yellow or discolored.