Sep 23, 2023 9:00 AM

The Best iPhone 14 Cases and Accessories

Slap on some protection and grab a charger for your expensive investment.

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Got an iPhone 14? An accidental drop can crack that beautiful screen. Sad trombone. But wait! There’s a chance you can prevent such a thing from happening. A case doesn’t guarantee protection, but it raises the chances of your iPhone walking away unscathed. Throw in a screen protector and those odds increase. We’ve tested more than 125 iPhone 14 cases and accessories—for the entire lineup, from the iPhone 14 to the iPhone 14 Pro Max—and these are our favorites.

Check out our Best MagSafe Accessories, Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers, and Best MagSafe Power Banks guides for more iPhone recommendations.

Updated September 2023: We’ve added gear from OtterBox, Catalyst, Carved, Nomad, Moft, Waterfield Designs, Moment, Casetify, Totallee, Bluebonnet, STM Goods, Twelve South, and PopSockets.

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A Note on MagSafe and Case Sizes

MagSafe is the name of a ring of magnets embedded into the rear of the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 range. It allows you to magnetically stick accessories to the back of the smartphone, from wallets and wireless chargers to phone grips and tripods. Apple says its magnet accessories are shielded, so they’re safe to use with credit cards (if maybe not hotel key cards).

You should be careful when shopping. Cases need to have a built-in ring of MagSafe magnets to properly work with MagSafe accessories (one easy way to tell is by looking for a ring on the inside of a case in product images). Not every third-party case has them. Some companies claim their cases are “MagSafe compatible” even without magnets, but that may be because the case is thin enough for the magnets to stick. But the connection is almost always weak. If you plan on using MagSafe gear, make sure there's a ring of magnets in the case.

It's worth pointing out that the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are the same sizes as the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, respectively. You might think that you can then interchange cases between them, but you can't. The camera modules on the Pro models are larger, and that means cases for them won't fit on the less expensive iPhones.

Photograph: Apple
Apple's Official Protection
Apple Silicone MagSafe Case
Apple's official silicone cases are perfectly fine, if pricey. They look attractive, are fairly slim, have buttons that work well, and the cutouts are accurate. Even the edges around the screen and raised enough to protect the display from hitting the ground. It's hard not to stop running your finger across the silicone case. The only issue? The silicone case attracts dirt and lint (plus a lot of pet hair), so you'll have to clean it often. You might be annoyed with the fact that the camera bump is raised because the phone rocks on a flat surface.
$49 at Apple (Silicone)
Photograph: Otterbox
Best Overall
OtterBox Symmetry Series+ MagSafe Case
OtterBox's Symmetry+ series has slowly been winning me over these past few years. It's protective, but not cumbersome. The raised edges around the display are higher than many other basic cases, and the mixture of polycarbonate and synthetic rubber feels durable. (It's also made with more than 50 percent recycled plastic.) The buttons are satisfying to press, the mute switch is accessible, and the MagSafe connection is strong. It does all this without adding too much heft, plus it looks stylish in the tennis ball green (you can also choose between a ton of other colors).
One thing to note: OtterBox says this case has antimicrobial technology to protect the exterior from common bacteria. Don't put much stock into this, as there is scant evidence antimicrobial coatings do much to protect your health. Just wash your hands.
$50 at OtterBox
$35 at Amazon
$40 at Amazon (Other Models)

Photograph: Spigen
Best Cheap Cases
Spigen MagSafe Cases
Why spend $50 when you can just spend a little more than $20? Spigen has made some of our favorite cheap cases and these two are no exception. There's the Silicone Fit and Rugged Armor, both of which have MagSafe magnets embedded inside and clicky buttons, plus a roomy gap for the mute switch.
The Silicone Fit is almost indistinguishable in look and feel from the official Apple silicone case (barring the lack of an Apple logo), with similar edge protection for the display. The Rugged Armor has a dull design, but the various textures around the case give it some character. As the name suggests, the latter will give you a smidge more protection as it has padding on the corners.
$21 at Amazon (Silicone Fit)
$22 at Amazon (Rugged Armor)
Photograph: Nimble
Best Clear Case
Nimble MagSafe Disc Case
If you want your iPhone's color to show through, you'll want a clear case. Choosing one can be tricky because, in my experience, clear cases vary in their materials and one hardly feels like the other. There are so many I don't like because they just don't feel nice to touch and are somewhat sticky. Nimble's MagSafe Disc Case doesn't have this problem. It's my favorite clear case for the iPhone 14, and better yet, it's made from recycled CDs and DVDs. The texture almost feels soft and smooth—it's great. It checks off all the boxes, from clicky buttons to an accessible mute switch.
The case comes in plastic-free packaging that's fully recyclable, and Nimble's One-for-One Tech Recovery Project lets you download a free shipping label after your purchase to send your old plastic phone case in for a 15 percent off coupon for your next order.
$45 at Nimble

Photograph: Peak Design
Best Case and Bike Mount Combo
Peak Design Everyday Case With MagSafe
This is the case I want to use most of the time when I ride my bike or electric scooter. It supports MagSafe, yes, but Peak Design has gone further with its own SlimLink square connector that makes the magnetic connection even more secure with select Peak Design accessories—like its Universal Bike Mount. Just align the square module on the back of the case with the square connector on the mount and the two will snap together; it's more secure than MagSafe, and my phone has never fallen off. It works with other MagSafe accessories just fine and wirelessly recharges without a problem. Peak Design also has several other accessories you can pair it with, like a Car Mount and a Motorcycle Stem Mount.
The problem? I wasn't too enthused with how the Charcoal case looked, but Peak Design's Sage color solves this. It's attractive and has a nicer-looking, fabric-like texture on the back (100 percent recycled and Bluesign-approved nylon canvas). The buttons are clicky, and the edges around the screen are raised. It's fantastic.
★ Alternative: Peak Design partnered with one of our favorite case brands, Nomad on the Rugged Case ($60). It brings the SlimLink mount system with a more rugged design typical of some Nomad cases. That means you can use it with all the same Peak Design mobile accessories, though these cases are only available for the Pro models. There's not much of a lip to protect the screen, but the buttons are clicky, the mute switch is accessible, and there's a substantial bumper around the edges.
$40 at Peak Design (Case)
$50 at Peak Design (Mount)
Photograph: Smartish
Protect Your Screen
Great Screen Protectors
Apple always says its iPhone glass is the strongest you'll find on any smartphone. That may be true, but the glass will still shatter. A screen protector is a good idea to avoid any scratches on your precious screen. Here are a few WIRED-tested ones that are the easiest to apply.
Nimble Sustain Glass Screen Protector for $30: Too often, most screen protectors come packaged chock-full of plastic that ends up going to waste. Nimble's Sustain Glass screen protector was one of the first I've ever seen with a more eco-friendly solution. The screen protector is made from 45 percent recycled glass, the packaging is plastic-free, and the installation instructions are a breeze. You only get one, but it's absolutely worth it.
STM Goods Ecoglass Screen Protector for $50: It's pricey, but STM Goods has a leg up over Nimble by saying its protector is made from 100 percent recycled material, and it's also recyclable (certified by GRS). It was fairly easy to put it on (you only get one), plus you get the usual dust sticker, wet wipe, and squeegee The latter did a fine job of getting rid of air bubbles.
Smartish 2-Pack Tempered Glass Screen Protector for $15: This was the easiest one to apply. Use the included wipe to clean your screen, remove the moisture and any remaining dust with the microfiber and stickers, and then use the alignment tool to stick on the protector. The few air bubbles that showed up were easy to get rid of. You get two tempered glass panels in one pack, and that's hard to beat at this price.
Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy 360 for $60: I have tried several Zagg screen protectors, and while they often feel great and are relatively easy to apply, my main gripe is that they're so expensive. That said, the Glass Elite Privacy 360 might be worth the high price if you want to prevent others from seeing your screen when you're in public. It doesn't dim the display head-on much, but look at the iPhone from the side and you'll barely be able to make anything out. Neat!
Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit Tempered Glass Screen Protector 2-Pack for $16: Spigen's system is also easy to apply, though I spent some time scrubbing away air bubbles. You get two in a pack, and it's almost as cheap as the Smartish.

Photograph: Sonix
The Prettiest Cases
Sonix MagSafe Case
Sonix has dozens of gorgeous, cute, and stylish designs to choose from. In particular, I really like the Sky Fantasy and Goldie MagSafe Cases. The ports are well exposed, the buttons are satisfying to press, and there's good screen protection with the raised edges (though the camera bumper could stand to be a few extra millimeters taller). Sonix says these cases are made with biodegradable materials that will decompose faster than traditional plastic (three to five years instead of hundreds or thousands of years) in landfill conditions, and its packaging is 100 percent recyclable. Its Re-Sonix program also lets you donate your old case to get a 30 percent coupon.
★ Alternative: The sheer number of designs on Casetify's website is a sight to behold. I prefer its Impact MagSafe cases ($72), which are made with plant-based materials and upcycled Casetify cases. They're thicker with a chunky bumper and edges that are raised quite a bit to protect the display, making them more protective than Sonix—better if you prioritize durability more than anything else. (I also like its Bounce cases, which feel more rugged without adding too much heft.) Unfortunately, it's a little insane that its cases cost close to $100.
$40 at Amazon
$35 at Target
$40 at Sonix
Photograph: Atom Studios
Luxe Design
Atom Studios Split Silicone MagSafe Cases
London-based Atom Studios is new to me, but it only took mere moments to feel enamored with its cases. I recommend its Split Clear case as an alternative to the Nimble above, but its Split Silicone cases are worth highlighting on their own. The MagSafe connection works well, the buttons are nice to press, and the edges around the screen are raised for screen protection. It's a well-rounded case that looks plain attractive.
$45 at Atom Studios

Photograph: Totallee
The Thinnest Case
Totallee Thin Case With MagSafe Finish
Hate cases but still want some kind of protection? Totallee is your answer. Its cases are so thin that they're by no means going to protect your iPhone from a drop, but they should keep everyday scuffs and scratches at bay. There are cutouts for the buttons on the sides and very minimally raised edges all around. Totallee has now added official MagSafe support, and I strongly suggest you get this version so that you don't lose MagSafe functionality. Totallee's clear cases are slightly more protective if you want to increase your protection while still keeping things very slim.
$49 at Amazon
$45 at Totallee
Photograph: Cyrill
A Crossbody Case
Cyrill Classic Charm Mag Case
Want to sling around your iPhone on your body? It might not sound very stylish, but Cyrill proves otherwise with its Classic Charm Mag case. It comes with a crossbody strap that you hook up to the rings at the bottom of the case (the strap is easy to remove when you don't want to use it). It stays secure, and the case impresses overall (though the edges aren't too raised). The polyurethane leather looks elegant, though it can feel a little sticky sometimes. There's MagSafe support too.
If a strap is too much, most of Cyrill's other cases come with a lanyard you can attach to the case, so you can dangle your phone from your wrist. I like its UltraColor Mag series ($37) the most, though the buttons are a bit mushier than the Classic Charm Mag.
$30 at Amazon
$40 at Cyrill

Photograph: Twelve South
A Book Case
Twelve South BookBook Case With MagSafe
Do you use your iPhone more like an e-reader than a smartphone? Then maybe you'll want to make it look more like a book. The BookBook from Twelve South is a fun folio case that adds a book spine to the left edge of the handset. Open up the folio and you can fit around three or four cards plus an ID, and there's a spot to stow some cash. You can easily remove the case, as it's attached to the folio via magnets—you'll want to do this when recharging the phone via a MagSafe wireless charger. The downside? The whole thing gets quite bulky.
$70 at Amazon
$50 at Twelve South
Photograph: Nomad
Great Leather Cases
Nomad Leather MagSafe Cases
Apple no longer sells any leather accessories. Here are some options to consider if you really want leather.
Nomad Horween Leather MagSafe Case for $70: This is one of my all-time favorite leather cases. The leather is handmade by the esteemed Horween Leather Company and develops a gorgeous patina over time, and it feels wonderful to the touch. Nomad adds a polycarbonate frame with a rubber thermoplastic elastomer bumper for edge protection, and the inner microfiber lining protects the iPhone's rear. The edges aren't as raised as I'd like, but the buttons are super responsive. The problem is the sky-high price tag. Nomad's solution? It has a similar version of the case but with leather sourced from Danish tannery Ecco. It's not as supple as the Horween leather, but it still feels (and smells) nice. More importantly, it's cheaper.
Woolnut Leather MagSafe Case for $59: If you want more of a textured finish, go with Woolnut. These MagSafe cases are slim and have an iconic full-grain leather look that feels luxe. The clicky buttons are aluminum, the interior is lined with microfiber, and the edges around are raised a bit for screen protection. The polycarbonate bumper gives it a bit more of a protective feel over the Mujjo cases.
Bluebonnet Executive Leather MagSafe Folio Case for $80: I have tried a handful of Bluebonnet cases, and this one's the most interesting. It supports MagSafe, has spots to store two credit cards, and can fit some cash. The leather smells and feels delightful, and there's a lovely microfiber inner. Unlike some Bluebonnet cases, the mute switch is easy to access on this one.

Photograph: Case-Mate
Chisel Your iPhone
Case-Mate Blox MagSafe Case
I don't know when this became popular, but I have seen these blocky and rectangular cases quite often on my social feeds (am I cool?). Now that I've tried one, I … really like it. The bright neon color really makes the phone pop, and it just looks different. The good news is this Case-Mate Blox is pretty well-rounded. The buttons are great, the cutouts are all accurate, and there's MagSafe support. The edges aren't super raised, but I guess you can't have everything.
$25 at Amazon
$40 at Case-Mate
Photograph: Pela
A Compostable Case
Pela Case
I've tried a variety of Pela cases, and I love how they feel: a thick, rubbery yet solid case with a nice texture. They're pretty and come in tons of designs, but the reason to buy them is because they are compostable. They're made from a plant-based biopolymer and flax shive, which the company calls Flaxstic.
Uniquely, MagSafe isn't built into the case. (It would eliminate their compostable nature.) However, Pela sells the MagSafe module ($13) that you can add to the inside of your case—it's molded to fit it snugly—to get the best of both worlds. Sort of. It works, but the magnetic connection is quite weak. It's fine enough to attach the phone to Magsafe chargers, but I wouldn't use it on a car mount.
$60 at Pela

Photograph: Otterbox
Best Protection
OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case
There's no MagSafe in this case, but you do get two full layers of protection. There's the polycarbonate shell you snap on the iPhone 14, then a rubber slipcover that goes over. It covers up the port and mute switch for complete protection, yet it retains clicky buttons and manages to look attractive. It's made with more than 50 percent recycled plastics, which is always nice to see. Wireless charging works too. Best of all, it comes with a holster! Er, if you're into holsters. You can clip it to a belt, and the holster can also double as a kickstand to prop up the phone in landscape orientation.
$36 at Amazon
$70 at OtterBox
Photograph: Simon Hill
A Game Controller
Backbone One
If you spend a fair amount of time playing mobile games, then it's worth considering Apple Arcade for access to high-quality titles (with zero ads). Pair it with the Backbone One (8/10, WIRED Recommends) controller and you'll wonder how you played mobile games without it. The control layout is intuitive and satisfying to use (and comfortable), plus it works with a decent selection of games. You can even use it to play your Playstation and Xbox games remotely. Did I mention it adds a headphone jack? There's an adapter in the box to fit the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, and you'll probably need to take your case off every time you use it.
$100 at Best Buy (USB-C)
$70 at Amazon (Lightning)

Photograph: Moment
Moment Lenses
Moment T-Series Lenses
After several years, Moment has finally upgraded its mobile lenses for modern-day cameras. Its new T-Series lenses are made to take advantage of the bigger image sensors available on newer phones, with a 20 percent larger aperture. The lens elements are clearer with less color distortion too. To use the lenses with your iPhone, you'll need to use Moment's camera app so you can easily force the camera to choose the correct lenses. You'll also need a Moment case, which looks and feels good, with nice buttons. You'll need to add a drop-in lens mount into the camera hole of the case, and this is where you'll mount the lens when you want to use it.
I have not tested the Anamorphic Lens for videos, but my favorites are the 14-mm Fisheye Mobile Lens ($120), 18-mm Wide Mobile Lens ($130), and the 10X Macro Mobile Lens ($120). I actually did not love the 58-mm Tele Mobile Lens ($150), as I found the photos were generally not quite sharp (not just at the edges, but the center of the frame too). There's a cover for the cameras you can buy to keep them clean and protected, and a filter adapter so you can attach the company's variable ND filters so you can control light when shooting videos. I also like Moment's MagSafe accessories, though you don't need to use its case to enjoy those.
$120 at Moment (Lens)
$40 at Moment (Case)
$5 at Moment (Mount)
Photograph: Matt Jancer
Find Your Gear
Apple AirTag
Frequently misplacing your keys, backpack, or wallet? One of the easiest ways for you to keep tabs on your gear is to use Apple's AirTag (though it's not without flaws). You pair it with the Find My app that's preinstalled on Apple devices and put it in your bag, in your wallet, or on your keychain. If it's nearby, you'll see it on the map and can track it down fairly precisely. If it isn't, don't worry. You'll not only see the last known location, but AirTags also leverages all nearby Apple devices to try and ping its location back to you. You just need to wait until someone with an Apple gadget walks by.
We've rounded up other gadgets you can use to track your gear here. Want to track your pet? We've got options for that too!
$24 at Amazon
$29 at Apple

Photograph: Nimble
A Durable Cable
Nimble PowerKnit USB-C to Lightning Cable
If you're using a mangled Apple-made cable to recharge your iPhone, it's time for an upgrade. Apple's included cable is fine, but I've seen too many in tatters to believe it will withstand long-term abuse. I like Nimble's knit-fabric USB-C-to-Lighting cables. They're made from recycled plastic and aluminum, are BPA- and PVC-free, and ship in plastic-free packaging. They're also just plain attractive.
★ More great cables: Prefer a USB-A-to-Lightning cable? I like the Crown Joule from Smartish ($20), which is technically USB-A-to-MicroUSB, but there's an adapter at the tip that converts it to USB-C or Lightning. You can also choose standard USB-C-to-USB-C, Lighting-to-USB-A, or Lightning-to-USB-C. Caudabe's ChargeFlex USB-C-to-Lightning cable ($29) is another great option. It's braided, is 5 feet long, and has a clip you can use for cable management. Read our Best USB-C Cables guide for more.
$30 at Nimble (USB-C to Lightning)
$25 at Nimble (USB-C to USB-C)
Photograph: Anker
A Charging Adapter
Anker Nano Pro
None of the iPhone 14 models come with charging adapters in the box. Plus, the cable they do come with is a USB-C-to-Lightning, and you might not have a USB-C power adapter lying around. Rather than buying an adapter from Apple, you should get this one from Anker. It's positively tiny—just a hair bigger than the 5-watt adapter Apple used to include. However, the Nano Pro can output 20 watts, meaning it can fast-charge your iPhone. The prongs don't fold, so if you need one that does, I like this Satechi 30-watt charger, which is almost as small and lightweight.
★ For more power: Satechi's 108-watt 3-port charger ($75) is powerful enough to juice up your iPhone, MacBook Air, and iPad Pro at the same time. The prongs can fold, and the whole thing won't take up too much space in a bag.
$16 at Amazon

Photograph: Anker
A MagSafe Power Bank
Anker 622 MagGo Portable Charger (A1614)
This is our favorite MagSafe power bank. It can top up your iPhone in a pinch, and you don't need to plug in anything—just slap this on the back of your iPhone. It has a built-in kickstand that keeps the phone up in landscape or portrait orientation, and there's a button to turn it off, so you can stop charging when you just want to use the kickstand function. Read our Best MagSafe Power Banks guide for more.
★ Alternative: Prefer wired charging? It is faster. I used the iWalk Portable Charger ($40) at the Apple event. The 4,800-mAh capacity won't fully refill your device, but it's tiny enough to keep in a bag at all times. It doesn't make the phone thicker like a MagSafe power bank since it sits at the bottom plugged into the charging port. There's an LED that shows the remaining percentage of power left.
$39 at Amazon
Photograph: Nomad
A Handy Keychain
Nomad ChargeKey
Ever found yourself with the capability to recharge your dying phone, but you didn't have a cable? Nomad's ChargeKey will eliminate this problem. Just leave it on your keychain at all times, and you will always have the right cable (it sells a USB-C to USB-C model and a USB-C to Lightning). Plug one end into your device and the other into a power source, and that's it! Be warned: I've found I end up helping other people more than myself.
$35 at Nomad (Lightning)
$25 at Nomad (USB-C)

Photograph: Carved
Honorable Mentions
Other Good Cases
We get a lot of cases sent our way. Some of them are perfectly fine but not remarkable in our eyes, but cases can be subjective. You might like them.
Carved MagSafe Cases for $59: Epoxy resin is having a bit of a moment. (My YouTube is filled with ways to convert a coffee table into a beautiful epoxy resin table.) These cases are beautiful, and there are so many fun designs to choose from. The buttons are excellent, the cutouts are all accurate, and the mute switch is easy to access. The sides are grippy, and you get a nice microfiber inner. No complaints here!
PopSockets Plant-Based Case for MagSafe for $50: Made from plant-based materials, the case itself is nice, with clicky buttons. I like that the PopSockets grip is not integrated. You can slide it off when you don't need to use it, like when you want to take advantage of MagSafe charging. The grip doubles as a kickstand, but only in landscape orientation. If you already have a PopSockets case or grip, you can swap out the grip for the new plant-based one.
Caudabe Sheath MagSafe Case for $38: Caudabe's Sheath was my absolute favorite case for the iPhone 13, and while I'm not as enamored with it now, it's still excellent. The rear texture is the hallmark, featuring a canvas-like quality that feels nice to run your fingers over. The buttons work well, and the case's edges are raised just enough to protect the screen and camera module. It's quite thin and looks simple, which is great if you're going for a minimalist aesthetic.
OtterBox Ottergrip Symmetry Series for MagSafe for $60: This case has a pretty smart grip system that sits flush with the back of your case and doesn't interrupt MagSafe capabilities. Unlike many other grips, however, you can't use it as a kickstand, which feels like a missed opportunity. You need two hands to pull the grip out of the back. I also found the mute switch a little hard to access.
OtterBox Aneu Series MagSafe Case for $50: These cases are perfectly fine, if a little dull. The material on the back feels as though it will show scuffs over time. It offers a good MagSafe connection, and the buttons are clicky.
Catalyst Influence MagSafe Case for $34: I tried several Catalyst cases and landed on this one as my favorite. It has the tried-and-true patented mute switch button, which lets you rotate a wheel to toggle silence on or off—much nicer than digging through a tiny hole in the case to flip the switch. The buttons are clicky, the MagSafe connection is solid, and there's a nice texture on the back that doesn't show smudges. You get a lanyard to tote the phone around your arm. Catalyst is known for its waterproof cases, and I also tested and liked its Total Protection Case ($90), which is good for up to 33 feet underwater. I did not see any droplets of water on my iPhone after I submerged it for some time. However, the buttons are a bit hard to press, and there's no MagSafe.
Casetify The Push-In Case for $52: I thought I had seen it all with cases, but this one surprised me. It's so smart! You can customize your case by adding tiny, cute pins to the pits. The Push-In Pin sets are really cute too. Unfortunately, the case attracts a lot of dust and lint, even if it is fabulously soft. It's also really thick, and this whole thing will be heavy to carry around. There's no MagSafe support. Not very practical.
Mous Limitless 5.0 MagSafe Walnut Case for $60: If you want a wood case, this one from Mous will satisfy you. The magnets are strong, it looks attractive, and the thick bumper feels rigid. There's even a spot to hook up a lanyard. Not much to complain about here!
Moft Snap MagSafe Case for $40: I recommend snagging this in black or clear because the white color option shows the faint outline of the MagSafe ring and doesn't look good. Otherwise, the buttons are easy to press, the mute switch is accessible, and Moft has strengthened the magnets here—I can attest that it's certainly harder to pry some MagSafe accessories off of it. I just don't find it all that fun to look at or pleasant to the touch.
Ampere Biodegradable MagSafe Case for $9: These cases are the definition of nondescript. They look boring and feel inoffensive (albeit slippery). I'm a little annoyed at how clearly the MagSafe ring bleeds through, which gives it a rather unfinished look. On the bright side, they're fully compostable, and Ampere says they'll break down completely in less than a year. The edges are raised well and the buttons are nice to press.
Smartish Gripzilla MagSafe Case for $35: Imagine you squeezed a case so hard you left your imprints on the sides. That's pretty much what the Gripzilla case is like. The grooved edges help add some extra grip to the whole thing, as does the texture on the bumper. It's great if you have butterfingers. The mute switch is easy to access, the buttons are clicky, the edges around the screen are raised well, and there's MagSafe support. It checks off a lot of boxes for a pretty low price.
Nomad Sport MagSafe Case for $40: The edges around the case could stand to be raised a little more, and as someone who bites their nails, I had trouble accessing the mute switch. The buttons are snappy, and I like how the thermoplastic elastomer bumper feels, but the PET backplate is a little too glossy for my taste. I'm also not a huge fan of Nomad's Modern Leather Folio MagSafe Case ($60)—the wallet extends past the iPhone's screen when it's closed, which irks me.
Nomad Rugged MagSafe Case for $50: If I was going to buy a “rugged” case, I'd at least hope that the front edges were raised a good deal to protect the display in the event of a drop. The edges on this case don't stick out as much as I'd like. It feels slippery too. It's a shame, because the orange color would go really well with the Apple Watch Ultra.
Zagg Gear4 Denali Snap MagSafe Case for $60: I tried a few Gear4 cases and this one is my favorite (some of the cases I tried, like the Brooklyn Snap, had tough-to-press buttons). The Denali has a soft-touch material that feels quite nice, with a pattern on the back to add some grip. The buttons work well, though I wouldn't have minded more of a raised edge around the screen.
Smartish Gripmunk Case for $15: There's no MagSafe ring, but this thin case did a decent job of sticking to a few MagSafe wireless charging stands. As the name suggests, the bumper has a fun grippy texture that makes the phone stay firmly in your hand and not on the ground. (The edges are also raised pretty well.) The buttons are decent, but pushing them makes a sound that's a little squishy. The low price makes it forgivable, and it even comes in various styles.
Pivet Aspect+ Clear MagSafe Case for $45: I like Nimble's clear case a smidge more, but this is a good alternative too. (In certain lighting, the case shows off a slight rainbow hue, which you might not like.) It comes with a lanyard that's easy to attach, and the case is biodegradable, so it'll decompose in landfill conditions within two to three years. Pivet is a Black-owned business, which is rare in the tech world.
Speck Presidio2 Grip MagSafe Case for $50: I tried several Specks, and too many of them have mushy buttons for my taste. The Speck Presidio Edition (only for the iPhone 14 Pro series) and the Presidio2 Grip cases are the outliers. They have clicky buttons, have a soft-touch material that I like, and I particularly enjoy the grippy texture on the Presidio2.
Spigen Optik Armor MagSafe Case for $27: I have never felt the need to have a privacy cover on the rear camera of my smartphone, but hey, now that you can use your iPhone as a webcam, maybe it's something you're looking for. Just slide the privacy cover to the right to open up the module when you want to use the cameras. It feels protective overall, with a thick and rigid bumper all around the display, snappy buttons, and a leather-like texture on the back.
OtterBox Otter + Pop Symmetry Case for $60: If you love using a PopSockets grip all the time, then it might be worth snagging this case. It's quite bulky and thick, but you can push out the grip to add some stability. You can also pop out the grip completely to wirelessly charge your iPhone 14, but it's a little inconvenient. There's no MagSafe support, but everything else checks out.
OtterBox Amplify Glass Screen Protector for $50: This OtterBox was similarly easy to apply, though it wasn't as accurate as the Smartish. (There's room for you to make some slight errors.) It did, however, leave the least amount of air bubbles of all the screen protectors.
Incipio Duo ($45), AeroGrip ($60), Idol ($55), Organicore ($45), and Forme ($50): Incipio sent me a whole batch of its cases to test and, honestly, I did not care much for any of them. They were all perfectly fine with MagSafe support (except for the Organicore), but none had a particularly interesting design or texture. They're just kind of blasé.
Waterfield Designs Zip iPhone Holster Case for $89: OK, this isn't a case, but rather a holster/pouch combo that you clip to your belt. It looks and feels nice, even if it's a bit Dad™. I was able to store the AirPods Pro in the little sleeve on the inside. The YKK zipper is water-resistant. Make sure you check the size guide and buy the right one based on your phone model. It clips to your belt or pants via a magnet.
Photograph: Pitaka
Avoid These Cases
Boo!
Some cases just aren't worth your time or money. These didn't make the cut.
Pitaka MagEZ MagSafe Case 3 for $70: Things were going so well when I first attached this case. It's not really meant to protect your iPhone from a drop; there's practically no bumper, and the edges are barely raised. But it felt really nice. The aramid fiber is soft to the touch, and it adds barely any bulk to the phone. It would've been great for basic scratch protection. But what sank this case is the protection around the camera module. The bumper around the camera is not attached properly, so it wobbles and makes a clink every time I tap it or put the phone on a table. Yikes. Pitaka also sent me its MagEZ Case Pro 3 but the volume buttons are damn near impossible to press.
Kerf Wood MagSafe Case for $59: I love a good wood case, and I've had a good experience with Kerf in the past, but not this time around. For the iPhone 14 Pro model specifically, if you add on the Camera Ring to protect the cameras, it will interfere with MagSafe chargers because the module is too close to the charging ring—weakening the magnetic attachment. The iPhone also slides out a little too easily—it doesn't feel secure in the case. And it doesn't help that these cases are really expensive.
Pad & Quill Pocket Book Case for iPhone Pro ($85): If you're after a wallet case, this is a pretty good option—you can fit five cards comfortably, including a driver's license, and there's a spot for cash too. The buttons are a little stiff, but what sinks this case is MagSafe support. Technically, there's MagSafe built in, but it's very loose with Apple's official charger, and barely adheres to third-party MagSafe accessories. If you don't care about MagSafe, go ahead!
Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 Case for $30: This case doesn't have a lot going for it, but I mostly hate the principle that Smartish expects you to actually use your own credit card as a kickstand. Yes, really. Pile on the lack of MagSafe and wireless charging support and it's even less appealing. The canvas texture is nice, but the buttons are a little mushy. It was tough fitting three cards.
Spigen Tough Armor MagSafe Case for $30: The magnetic connection isn't very strong, and I've had difficulty pulling the kickstand out with my tiny nails. It also doesn't stay upright in vertical orientation, which is silly. The case feels protective though. The buttons are nice, the edges are raised, and the mute switch is accessible.
OtterBox Strada Series Folio Case for $70: Sure, it looks nice. But you can fit just two cards and no cash, and the power button is so disappointingly spongy to press. There's no MagSafe support.
Casetify Tempered Glass Screen Protector for $42: The quality of the tempered glass is perfectly fine, but Castefiy includes zero ways to make the installation simple—you have to completely freehand it, which isn't easy if you want the most precise fit over your screen. You get only one, and one of my alcohol wipes was completely dried out.

Photograph: Nomad
How We Test Cases
Case Study
We closely pore over every single case in this guide before making a recommendation, checking that all the ports, microphone holes, and speakers aren't blocked and that the case fits the iPhone well. We also check to see how easy it is to access the mute switch and whether the buttons are clicky or mushy. We also check MagSafe compatibility by testing cases with various accessories, like MagSafe wireless chargers and wallets.
As much as we'd like to, we do not do drop tests, because we have a finite number of iPhones we can run through. Word to the wise—case-makers may claim “10-foot drop protection,” but that doesn't really mean anything. In our experience, there's still a good chance your cased-up iPhone can fall a certain way and its glass will crack, unless you're using an ultra-rugged case with complete protection.

Julian Chokkattu is the reviews editor at WIRED, covering personal technology and reviewing consumer products. Previously he was the mobile and wearables editor at Digital Trends, steering coverage and reviews of smartphones and smartwatches, and an intern at TechCrunch. He graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor's degree in English... Read more

Reviews Editor