The best iPhone cases - the ultimate guide

iPhones are excellent — but they are not cheap. You pay upwards of $800 for a slab of metal and glass that sits in your pocket, and risks expensive drops and tumbles while you're using it. Apple can make the iPhone as rugged as it likes, we, as users, are always able to find a way to break it in some way. Getting yourself a decent iPhone case should be at the top of your purchase list — unless you want your brand-new iPhone to end up covered with scratches and cracks.

We're here to help - we know a fair bit about iPhone cases. We are every single one of us iPhone users, and we like to keep those iPhones protected. We have tried out loads of cases, and we know exactly which ones will keep your iPhone protected. So whether you've got the newest iPhone 15 Pro Max, a still solid iPhone 12, or an older iPhone X, we've put all the best cases below so that you can keep your iPhone safe. If you're looking for one of the best waterproof iPhone cases, we have a guide for that too.

Best iPhone 15 cases

The latest iPhone 15 is one of Apple's most exciting base model iPhones to date. It brings some of the Pro features from last year's iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, and adds them onto the iPhone that everyone can afford. That just means more to break though — so you'll want one of the best iPhone 15 cases to keep it safe.

Best iPhone 15 Pro cases

The iPhone 15 Pro is the more powerful of the smaller iPhones, and costs $1,000 before you've started adding more storage. With a phone so expensive and with an even larger camera bump than ever before, the iPhone 15 Pro needs one of the best iPhone 15 cases to keep it safe from harm.

Best iPhone 15 Pro Max cases

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is over $1,000 worth of iPhone, featuring the biggest screen and the best camera. One of the first things that you should buy with any iPhone 15 Pro Max is a protective case for the phone, so that you keep it free of damage and protected from drops.

Best iPhone 15 Plus cases

The iPhone 15 Plus gives you a bigger screen without the need to pay for the far more expensive iPhone 15 Pro Max. That bigger screen means there's more iPhone that you need to protect — so you'll want one of the best iPhone 15 Plus cases to keep it safe from damage.

Best iPhone 14 cases

The iPhone 14 isn't the biggest or the snazziest of the current crop of iPhones - but it's still worth getting it protected. One of these iPhone 14 cases should set you right, keeping your new device scratch and crack-free. These cases are just some of our favorites.

Best iPhone 14 cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/iphone/best-iphone-14-cases-2022" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 14 cases

These are our favorite cases for the iPhone 14, with options that are rugged, options that are all about design, and options that won't break the bank. Almost like a 'best of' of all the iPhone 14 cases we've featured in our other guides. Don't worry if you want a list that's a little more niche - we've got all those as well.

Best heavy-duty rugged iPhone 14 cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/iphone/iphone-14/best-heavy-duty-rugged-iphone-14-case" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best heavy-duty rugged iPhone 14 cases

Looking for something a little more rugged to protect your iPhone 14? Then these armored cases are just what you've been looking for. This list features slim armored cases as well as some that go all out with the rugged aesthetic. 

Best iPhone 14 clear cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/iphone/best-iphone-14-clear-case" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 14 clear cases

These cases will let you see your shiny new iPhone 14 with transparent coatings. They'll keep your iPhone protected from scratches and drops, and in some cases they feature more rugged designs. 

Best iPhone 14 Wallet cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/iphone/best-iphone-14-wallet-cases-2022" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 14 Wallet cases

Want something thats going to protect your phone screen as well as the phone itself? Then one of these wallet cases will do you perfect. They're made of premium materials, and even come with slots to put cards and money to save space in your pocket or bag.

Best iPhone 14 Pro cases

The iPhone 14 Pro is the most impressive iPhone that Apple has ever released, with its new Dynamic Island and sumptuous screen. It's also more rugged than ever, with toughened glass smothering the front of the device. Does this mean it's break-proof? Absolutely not. These are some of our favorite iPhone 14 Pro cases.

Best iPhone 14 Pro cases

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These are the pick of the iPhone 14 Pro cases crop, with appearances from every single niche you could want. Rugged cases, fashion cases and wallet cases are here, so there's a case for everyone.

Best heavy duty rugged iPhone 14 Pro cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/iphone/iphone-14/best-heavy-duty-rugged-iphone-14-pro-case" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best heavy duty rugged iPhone 14 Pro cases

These are the most protective cases you'll find for your iPhone 14 Pro, with some seriously rugged options. Slip your phone in one of these and you'll find how to make your phone more drop proof than ever.

Best iPhone 14 Pro MagSafe cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/iphone/iphone-accessories/best-iphone-14-pro-magsafe-cases" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 14 Pro MagSafe cases

These cases are all MagSafe compatible with the MagSafe standard, letting you click your phone to a charger without needing to take the case off. Most do this with magnets built in the back, so they enhance the magnetism of the phone.

Best iPhone 14 Pro clear cases

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Want to see your new phone even though it's in a case? Then make sure you pick up one of these cases. Made out of clear plastic, they'll let that purple iPhone 14 Pro really shine when you pop it out of your bag.

Best iPhone 14 Pro wallet cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/iphone/best-iphone-14-pro-wallet-cases-2022" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 14 Pro wallet cases

These cases will protect the front of your device, as well as add in some space to slip a few cards and some money. There are leather options here, as well as some more futuristic ones that are made of harder materials.

Best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is like the iPhone 14 Pro, only much bigger. That gives you even more room to accidentally destroy your phone, with more screen to smash and more aluminum sides to scratch beyond recognition. Grabbing one of these iPhone 14 Pro Max cases is an absolute must - you might make the phone a little chunkier, but you'll thank it when you drop it.

Best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/iphone/best-iphone-14-pro-max-cases-2022" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases

These are our very favorite iPhone 14 Pro Max cases, with all the bells and whistles. There are rugged cases here as well as cases designed to look good. We've found a good range, so there's sure to be a case for everyone.

Best heavy-duty rugged iPhone 14 Pro Max cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/iphone/iphone-14/best-heavy-duty-rugged-iphone-14-pro-max-case" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best heavy-duty rugged iPhone 14 Pro Max cases

These iPhone 14 Pro Max cases are the toughest of the tough. They'll tank any drop, and make sure that your phone is kept in tip-top condition no matter the circumstances. Just make sure there's extra room in your pocket.

Best iPhone 14 Pro Max wallet cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/iphone/best-iphone-14-pro-max-wallet-cases-2022" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 14 Pro Max wallet cases

Slipping into any bag, these wallet cases have slots for money, cards and other specifically sized plastic or metal oblongs. They'll also keep that massive iPhone 14 Pro Max safe from drops and scratches.

Best iPhone 14 Plus cases

The iPhone 14 Plus is the latest new addition to the iPhone family and features a new larger screen to go with the mid-range internals. That bigger screen makes it easier to break, so one of the best iPhone 14 Plus cases is going to do you well as you slip it into your pocket, miss, and watch it tumble towards the floor, corner first.

Best iPhone 14 Plus cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/iphone/best-iphone-14-plus-cases-2022" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 14 Plus cases

These are the best of the iPhone Plus cases, and our favorites. There are cases of all kinds here, such as clear, wallets, and rugged. All of them are excellent, and there's sure to be a case for everyone.

Best iPhone 13 cases

The iPhone 13 is still a solid iPhone to get your hands on, and it'll even save you money to do so. You'll want to keep it good and safe though with one of these cases, to make sure that you don't get any unwanted scrapes, scratches or cracks. 

Best iPhone 13 cases

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These are the cream of the iPhone 13 case crop, with a range of different styles and designs. We've carefully picked them all to make sure that you're getting the best cases possible. There's an iPhone 13 case here for everyone.

Best heavy-duty rugged iPhone 13 cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-rugged-cases-iphone-13" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best heavy-duty rugged iPhone 13 cases

Looking for a case that will keep your phone absolutely safe, no matter what? These super rugged cases are the most brutal we've found, and they'll protect your iPhone 13 from all but the very highest drops.

Best iPhone 13 clear cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-clear-cases-iphone-13" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 13 clear cases

If you want to see the color iPhone that you got instead of hiding it behind a solid case, then one of these clear options will do you really well. It'll still protect your phone, but you'll be able to see the cool color underneath.

Best wallets for iPhone 13

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Want a case that will not only keep your iPhone safe but also has room to store some cards and some money? One of these wallet-style cases will give you everything you're looking for.

Best iPhone 13 Pro cases

Maybe your old iPhone 13 Pro case is getting a little worse for wear, or maybe you've just saved some money and gone to buy a slightly older device. Either way, you're looking at one of these iPhone 13 Pro cases so that you can keep your device looking pristine.

Best iPhone 13 Pro cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-iphone-13-pro-cases" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 13 Pro cases

These are the best of the iPhone 13 Pro case, with loads of options to choose from. There are thin ones, heavy-duty ones, and wallet cases. There's a case for everyone on this list.

Best rugged cases for iPhone 13 Pro

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If you want the most protection possible for your iPhone 13 Pro, then these cases are the way to go. They're thick, protective, and shock absorbent to make sure your iPhone is protected from most types of damage.

Best iPhone 13 Pro MagSafe cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-magsafe-cases-iphone-13-pro" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 13 Pro MagSafe cases

Some cases get in the way of the MagSafe Magnets on the back of your iPhone - these ones don't. They'll clack onto that charging magnet without issue, and then the power will flow through the case and into your battery.

Best clear cases for iPhone 13 Pro

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-clear-cases-iphone-13-pro" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best clear cases for iPhone 13 Pro

When you put a case on your phone, you often cover up the cool color you chose when you bought it. A clear case like those in this list will mean that you'll still be able to see through to the color underneath while your phone is protected.

Best Folio cases for iPhone 13 Pro

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These cases protect the front as well as the back of your device, so you'll not have to worry about the screen scratching in your pocket. Some even have room for other bits and bobs like cards and money.

Best iPhone 13 Pro Max cases

The iPhone 13 Pro Max is the bigger version of the previous iPhone model, with a larger screen than the non-Max version. As with all the Max iPhones, that just means there's more phone to break, so grabbing one of these iPhone 13 Pro Max cases is a must.

Best iPhone 13 Pro Max cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-iphone-13-pro-max-cases" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 13 Pro Max cases

These are the absolute best cases for the iPhone 13 Pro Max. There are tonnes of different types of cases here, from protective bumpers to leather wallets and folio cases. There's a case here for everyone, and it's the perfect place to start your search.

Best rugged iPhone 13 Pro Max cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-rugged-cases-iphone-13-pro-max" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best rugged iPhone 13 Pro Max cases

If you want to make sure that your iPhone 13 Pro Max is as well protected as possible, then make sure you pick one of these. The most armored cases you can find, and they'll all keep that phone break-free.

Best leather iPhone 13 Pro Max cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-leather-cases-iphone-13-pro-max" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best leather iPhone 13 Pro Max cases

This list of cases features options made out of premium leather. They'll smell good, and they'll age nicely over the course of their lives. Some are wallet cases too, with space to store your cards and some money.

Best iPhone SE cases

The iPhone SE will actually fit all the same cases as the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 7, as they all share exactly the same design. That means if you have one of those older phones you'll also be able to use these cases. These are our favorite iPhone SE cases.

The naming convention of the iPhone SE can be a little weird, in that its a model that's been around since the iPhone 5s - and they're all called the iPhone SE. This guide in particular is for the iPhone SEs that came out in 2020 and in 2022. They are identical in size and shape.

Best iPhone SE cases

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These are the absolute best iPhone SE cases that you can buy. There are all kinds of cases here, from thin clear ones to thick and chunky armored ones. These are our favorite cases, and we've assembled them together here.

Best iPhone SE rugged cases cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-iphone-se-2020-rugged-cases" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone SE rugged cases cases

These are some of the most hard wearing cases you'll find for the iPhone SE. They are sturdy, chunky, and very protective. Better make sure there's room in your pocket for them!

Best iPhone SE Wallet cases

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If you're after a case with a little more storage than other cases, then these are the ones for you. They not only protect the iPhone SEs screen, but in some cases, there are slots for some money, or some cards.

Best iPhone 12 cases

The iPhone 12 brought the straight lines and edges that we have even on the iPhone 14 today. The screen grew too, to go with its new design - and along as well came a new selection of cases. We've found some of the best around and put them in our cases guides and round ups.

Best iPhone 12 cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-iphone-12-cases" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 12 cases

The best of the best, with a little bit for everyone. Wallets, rugged cases and designer numbers, these are our absolute favorite iPhone 12 cases. 

Best iPhone 12 battery cases

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Want a little extra juice for your phone, while keeping it protected? These battery cases will keep you charged up and your phone scratch free. Some are cases with batteries built in, others are cases with snap on battery banks.

Best iPhone 12 Waterproof cases

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Do you like to go swimming with your iPhone, or you absolutely petrified of dropping it when you're near any body of water? One of the best waterproof cases for iPhone 12 will do you excellently.

Best iPhone 12 leather cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-iphone-12-leather-cases" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 12 leather cases

Mmmm, the smell of that premium leather. Or PU, if you prefer not to cover your phone in cow. Either way, theres a leathery case here for every iPhone 12.

Best iPhone 12 thin cases

<a href="https://www.imore.com/best-iphone-12-thin-cases" data-link-merchant="imore.com"">Best iPhone 12 thin cases

Want a case that will keep your phone scratch free, but slip nice and easily into a pocket? These thin cases are slick and compact, perfect to keep those svelte iPhone curves unmolested. Won't do much against drop damage, so be aware.

Tammy Rogers
Senior Staff Writer

As iMore's Senior Staff writer, Tammy uses her background in audio and Masters in screenwriting to pen engaging product reviews and informative buying guides. The resident audiophile (or audio weirdo), she's got an eye for detail and a love of top-quality sound. Apple is her bread and butter, with attention on HomeKit and Apple iPhone and Mac hardware. You won't find her far away from a keyboard even outside of working at iMore – in her spare time, she spends her free time writing feature-length and TV screenplays. Also known to enjoy driving digital cars around virtual circuits, to varying degrees of success. Just don't ask her about AirPods Max - you probably won't like her answer.