This story is a part of Focal Level iPhone 2023, CNET’s assortment of reports, ideas and recommendation round Apple’s hottest product.
On this article:
The iPhone 14 could not use as a lot glass in its design, nevertheless it’s nonetheless susceptible to the identical risks that the unique was — dents, scratches and cracks. If you happen to’re anxious about dropping your cellphone or are even liable to sitting on it, you will wish to get top-of-the-line iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Professional instances out there in the marketplace at present.
What to search for in an iPhone case
If you happen to’ve purchased an iPhone 14 and are on the lookout for a case, you in all probability know that every new mannequin has its personal particular case, so ensure you get the proper one. Be aware that the Professional variations, which embody the iPhone 14 Professional and bigger iPhone 14 Professional Max, sport further cameras that require a bigger cutout on the again of your case.
Whether or not you want one of the best iPhone 14 Professional case or one of the best case for the usual iPhone 14 mannequin, we have rounded up some nice on a regular basis case choices in quite a lot of types and costs, from slimmer to extra rugged. We have tried all these instances with an iPhone 14 and can proceed so as to add different prime instances as we discover others that we predict are worthy of this record.
Greatest iPhone 14 instances
Speck has introduced a lot of its iPhone 13 case designs to the iPhone 14, together with such common clear fashions because the Presidio Good-Clear and Good-Clear Grips, and the Presidio2 Professional. Speck’s instances with built-in MagSafe value round $50, whereas its Candyshell Professional case stays the least costly at round $25 however doesn’t have MagSafe. And proper now, all Speck instances are 40% off so you possibly can snag one for even much less.
All the brand new fashions have good drop safety (13 to 16 ft, relying on the mannequin) in addition to Speck’s Microban antimicrobial safety. Irrespective of which mannequin you select, Speck usually offers a reduction for first-time patrons.
MagSafe instances can get fairly dear, however if you happen to’re on the lookout for a reasonable clear MagSafe case on your new iPhone 14 sequence cellphone, Spigen’s Extremely Hybrid MagFit is an effective worth at round $25. Spigen additionally sells a non-Magazine model of this case for about $8 much less, and likewise has a number of different iPhone 14 case choices.
OtterBox made a reputation for itself with its super-protective Defender sequence case, however most individuals need one thing much less cumbersome nowadays. I just like the Symmetry Sequence Plus instances, which are available numerous shades (together with the brand new Euphoria coloration) and have MagSafe. The Symmetry Plus Pop case integrates a PopSockets PopGrip and is wi-fi charging-compatible, which is necessary. OtterBox gives a reduction for first-time patrons on its website.
You are receiving value alerts for Caseology Capella Magazine for iPhone 14 Case, [Updated Version] Constructed-in Magnet Designed for Magsafe (2022) – Clear White
Caseology has made some respectable finances instances previously, together with the NanoPop, Parallax, Skyfall and Vault. Its new Capella Magazine Clear is among the cheaper clear MagSafe instances we have seen.
Peak Design’s On a regular basis instances are MagSafe-compatible in which you could join a MagSafe wi-fi charging puck and different magnetic MagSafe-compatible equipment to the case, together with wi-fi charging batteries, wallets and extra. However they’ve Peak Design’s personal built-in magnetic locking system — the corporate calls it SlimLink — that connects to a large assortment of Peak Design’s cell mounts and equipment. That features bike mounts, charging stands, tripods, automotive mounts and extra. The one accent I do not suggest is the pockets, which does not lock onto the case and does not persist with it that securely.
While you mix Peak Design’s equipment with all of the MagSafe equipment on the market, you actually get a whole lot of accent choices to select from. The instances begin at $40 and are available three variations, one with a loop constructed into it which you could slip your finger into for added safety (to maintain you from dropping your cellphone).
Lupa Legacy makes a few totally different pockets instances for the iPhone 14 fashions. I just like the folio model that has a magnetic clasp and is manufactured from fake leather-based in quite a lot of coloration choices. It has three slots on the within of the duvet to retailer bank cards or money, and it gives respectable nook safety from drops. The fake leather-based appears respectable (the case appears a bit costlier than it’s, which is an effective factor).
The one drawbacks are that there isn’t any MagSafe constructed into the case and the case does not convert right into a kickstand. However you possibly can cost your cellphone on a wi-fi charging pad simply high-quality.
One in every of my favourite iPhone instances proper now could be the Otterbox Lumen, a two-tone case that is partially clear on the prime (it is kind of an ombre case) and has grippy silicone rubber on the edges. It is available in a number of coloration choices, together with the metallic beige proven right here (the blue and silver appear cool).
The Figura is a bit slimmer however can also be eye-catching and out there in a number of attention-grabbing coloration combos. Each instances are MagSafe-enabled and offered solely at Apple and Otterbox.com.
You are receiving value alerts for Factor Case Particular Ops MagSafe for iPhone 14 (6.1″) – MagSafe Suitable, Rugged, Light-weight, and Mil-Spec Drop Examined – Smoke/Black – (EMT-322-263FQ-01)
Factor Case makes its high-end $250 Again Ops X5 case for the iPhone 14, however its extra reasonably priced Particular Ops X5 MagSafe case is a really likable case with beefed up nook safety and raised edges on the front and back to assist stop your display and cameras from getting cracked. It additionally has good aspect grips. I form of want it got here in another coloration choices, however that is my solely gripe. It is an excellent case.
British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes instances which are proper up there with OtterBox and Speck, all of them lined with the corporate’s D3O shock-absorbing materials and that includes beveled edges to guard your cellphone. I like the brand new Milan Snap (pictured) and Santa Cruz Snap, each of that are MagSafe-equipped and rated for 13-foot drop safety. Nonetheless, a number of different case types can be found, most of them with eye-catching designs. They begin at $30 for non-MagSafe instances, however most MagSafe fashions record for $50 to $60.
Cyrill is a sister model to Spigen, and its instances are arguably barely extra trendy, though they value a couple of bucks extra. I just like the UltraColor Magazine ($25), and the Kajuk Magazine ($27) can also be fairly good, owing to its fake “vegan” leather-based again. The clear Shine Magazine ($30) instances are attractively designed with “a contact of sparkle” for individuals who like a little bit of flash of their iPhone case.
You are receiving value alerts for Catalyst Affect Case for iPhone 14, Drop Proof, Fingerprint Resistant, Straightforward to Clear, Straightforward to Set up, Straightforward to Maintain, Lanyard Included – Stealth Black
Like Lifeproof, Catalyst made a reputation for itself with waterproof instances, nevertheless it now focuses on commonplace protecting case choices and has two new fashions for the iPhone 14: the $40 Affect (pictured) is my favourite, however the brand new $50 Crux case can also be good (each are MagSafe-enabled). They’ve perforations on the corners that permit you to connect numerous equipment (a lanyard is included, however Catalyst additionally sells different equipment). Each have 10-foot drop safety.
Nomad’s line of leather-based instances involves the iPhone 14. Nonetheless, now Nomad is providing two grades of leather-based — the usual selection and a higher-end Horween that prices $20 extra ($70 relatively than $50). A minimum of the Horween model is designed to develop a “rugged” patina because the oils out of your pores and skin work together with the leather-based over time. The brand new Trendy Leather-based Case is accessible in black, brown, English tan and a lighter pure coloration that I like. They’re rated for 10-foot (3-meter) drop safety and outfitted with MagSafe. (Personally, I just like the English tan coloration pictured on the left). In the meantime, the Trendy Leather-based Folio (pictured, center) goes for $60 in black or brown.
There’s additionally a extra reasonably priced Sport model for $40 that is outfitted with MagSafe as properly. It is not a leather-based case, nonetheless, however does look fairly slick — it is pictured on the precise. Moreover, Nomad has a brand new Rugged Case with “fortified” bumpers and 15-foot drop safety that prices $50 with MagSafe.
Casetify has three base fashions which you could customise with any of Casetify’s eye-catching inventory designs or one thing extra private (like your identify). New to the road is the Bounce case, which gives much more nook safety than the Extremely Influence case (each of that are MagSafe-enabled). A number of the designs are hit-or-miss, and plenty of are geared towards youngsters.
I ought to be aware that costs seem to have gone up once more. Casetify instances now begin at $58 (sure, that is excessive), although we should always see some reductions.
It is a fairly cool possibility for these on the lookout for a MagSafe case, plus a MagSafe pockets that converts right into a stand. You may get pleasure from a comparatively modern and protecting MagSafe case and actually good MagSafe pockets/stand accent that shops as much as three bank cards. The pockets, additionally out there individually, sticks properly to the again of the case with a powerful magnet.
The case is accessible in cool white (pictured), clear and smoky black, whereas the pockets/stand is accessible in a number of coloration choices.
Rokform’s been making powerful iPhone instances for years, and other than their sturdiness, their key function is the power to make use of them with numerous mounts — together with bike and motorbike mounts — which are offered individually. I personally choose the Crystal sequence, however the Rugged case is barely extra, properly, rugged. The brand new iPhone 14 instances are additionally MagSafe appropriate.
Rokform’s iPhone 14 instances have detachable magnets, and so they’re appropriate with wi-fi charging if you happen to take away the included middle magnet. “With the decrease magnet nonetheless intact, you possibly can nonetheless wireless-charge whereas using magnetic mounting and all of our mounts,” Rokform says.
Incipio has a lot of new instances for the iPhone 14, together with outdated favorites just like the Grip with MagSafe, sturdy Duo with MagSafe (12-foot drop safety), and the Organicore, an eco case that is 100% compostable and is now out there with a translucent again. It additionally has licensing offers with Kate Spade and Coach, and a few of these instances provide eye-catching designs.
I like the brand new Forme with MagSafe (pictured left), AeroGrip with MagSafe and 16-foot drop safety (pictured center) and Idol instances. It’s important to dig round Incipio’s website to search out these instances, however they’re price trying out. The Forme is available in some cool designs — even higher than the pattern proven right here.
Incipio instances begin at $35 for a non-MagSafe case and $45 for instances with MagSafe.
Rokform makes some mountable rugged instances for iPhones (see above), however its Eagle 3 case has a singular function that I appreciated: A strong MagSafe-compatible magnet constructed into the case.
Rokform payments the Eagle 3 as an iPhone golf case as a result of it is designed to stay to the metallic roof poles in your golf cart, permitting you to conveniently view gap yardage data from golf GPS apps or mount your cellphone to seize your swing on video.
However that is additionally the case for somebody who desires a strong magnet so you possibly can securely mount your cellphone on something metallic or have your MagSafe equipment actually persist with your cellphone. For instance, a whole lot of MagSafe-enabled wallets simply don’t remain in your cellphone all that securely. With this case, they actually stick. And with some MagSafe equipment, just like the Clckr Stand and Grip, I truly needed to work a bit to drag the accent off.
The Eagle 3 is pretty dear at $70, although it is price mentioning that Rokform gives 20% to first-time clients.
Tech21 has a variety of iPhone 14 instances, together with its common Evo Verify (pictured), which is provided with MagSafe for $50. There are additionally a number of different instances to select from, together with the ultraprotective Evo Max, which is rated for 20-foot drops and has a slide cowl to guard the iPhone 14’s again cameras, together with a holster you possibly can clip to your belt.
Though they do not have MagSafe, I am a fan of Clckr’s instances, which function a built-in kickstand and grip strap (it is out there in purple or black) that folds out and clicks into place on the again of your cellphone. Clckr sells simply the stand/strap accent to stay on the again of your cellphone (or on a case), however the iPhone case with the built-in kickstand accent is healthier. At launch, solely the clear model of the case is accessible, however hopefully Clckr’s faux-leather Saffiano case will return for the iPhone 14 (I preferred the blue model of that for the iPhone 13).
With the stand clicked in place, you should use your gadget hands-free in both portrait or panorama mode. Be aware which you could wirelessly cost your cellphone with this case on, although it’s important to be extra cautious about inserting it in the precise spot on a wi-fi charging pad for it to work.
Smartish’s reasonably priced, easy, slim instances and pockets instances return for the iPhone 14. The Pockets Slayer 2.0 case (pictured) is available in a number of totally different designs, together with the Groovy coloration proven right here. It holds three bank cards plus money, and you should use certainly one of your bank cards as a kickstand. Nonetheless, its one draw back is that it is not appropriate with wi-fi and MagSafe chargers.
Smartish additionally sells a MagSafe case referred to as the Gripzilla. It is some of the reasonably priced MagSafe instances and is straightforward to grip, as its identify implies.
Some folks choose to not have a case on their cellphone or simply need one thing that is very skinny that gives minimal safety. If you happen to’re that sort of particular person, a Totallee case may be what you are on the lookout for.
There are a pair fashions to select from, with the frosted model (pictured proper) billed because the world’s thinnest iPhone case — it is virtually paper skinny. It is available in a number of coloration choices.
The case prices $39, which looks as if so much contemplating how skinny it’s, however it’s eco-friendly (it is compostable) and does have a raised “lip” across the digicam that forestalls injury to the digicam lens, Totallee says.
Totallee additionally makes a really slim clear TPU case, the “clear delicate” (pictured left within the iPhone 14) that gives a bit extra safety for a similar value. I like that one higher, however it’s barely thicker.
Case-Mate makes a number of eye-catching instances for the varied iPhone 14 fashions, however its squarish Blox case is the one I like essentially the most. It is available in quite a lot of colours, is MagSafe-enabled, clearly has good nook safety and in all fairness priced. I am exhibiting the clear mannequin on a deep purple iPhone 14 Professional, nevertheless it’s additionally price trying out the opposite colours, together with rainbow frosting.
You are receiving value alerts for City Armor Gear (Replace: At present Unavailable)
City Armor Gear gives a number of case choices for the iPhone 14 fashions in quite a lot of colours, with MagSafe variations costing $10 greater than their non MagSafe counterparts. I just like the Plasma (pictured center), which is available in quite a lot of coloration choices together with clear, whereas the Lucent (left) and Civilian Sequence (proper) are additionally good and out there in a number of colours.
The brand new Plyo with MagSafe (not pictured) in all probability has the slimmest design, however UAG’s instances all function good nook safety and meet navy drop-test requirements.
Most new telephones, together with the iPhone 14 sequence fashions, provide an honest degree of water resistance. However in order for you some added safety, Otterbox nonetheless sells its waterproof and shockproof Fre case — and the most recent model is constructed for MagSafe equipment.
Be aware that the case was previously often known as the Lifeproof Fre, however after buying Lifeproof a number of years in the past Otterbox has formally made the Fre an Otterbox branded case that carries the legacy of being “designed by Lifeproof.” The case has an IP68 water-resistance ranking (it is rated to be absolutely submerged in two meters of water for as much as an hour) and can also be dust-proof. It additionally has a built-in display protector and stays top-of-the-line powerful instances on the market. Its greatest draw back is that it is costly, however Otterbox generally has site-wide flash gross sales that carry its value down.
Based mostly in Austin, Texas, Bluebonnet is known as after the state flower and crafts leather-clad equipment for numerous Apple merchandise, together with iPhones, MacBooks, Watches and AirPods. It does make a normal full-grain leather-based iPhone case that is good, however I believed its leather-based pockets instances had been extra distinctive and engaging. They’re out there in restricted coloration choices (black or tan) in a number of totally different types, together with a folio case that has a magnetic clasp (proven above, at proper). Each the iPhone Pockets case (above left) and Card Holder case (not proven) function an “natural” cotton elastic finger loop for grip.
Be aware that Bluebonnet’s pockets instances do not have a MagSafe possibility however its commonplace leather-based case is accessible with MagSafe.
Learn extra: Greatest Cellphone to Purchase for 2023
How we choose one of the best iPhone 14 instances
Nearly each case that seems on this record has been examined by CNET’s professional evaluations crew on no less than one of many iPhone 14 fashions (I examined instances utilizing an iPhone 14 and an iPhone 14 Professional). Which means truly utilizing the cellphone with the case on the cellphone for no less than a day and ensuring the buttons on the cellphone work correctly with the case on. We have a look at the sturdiness of the case, nook and digicam safety, and we evaluation the fabric the case is manufactured from so we are able to discuss such components as how grippy the cellphone feels in your hand and the way protecting it’s.
Whereas we do not do long-term testing of most instances, we do use among the hottest instances for longer intervals to gauge how they put on over time and see how properly our cellphone holds up throughout unintentional drops with the case on it. That stated, we do not do formal drop checks. Nonetheless, if the case is meant to be absolutely waterproof, we do check it by submerging it in water.
iPhone 14 case FAQs
How protecting of an iPhone 14 case ought to I purchase?
I personally like instances that are not too thick however provide respectable drop safety, with a lip over the sting of the display (generally known as a “display bumper”) and raised corners that assist stop your display from cracking in case your cellphone ought to fall face down. A folio case will extra absolutely defend your display.
The excellent news is that you do not have to purchase a super-protective iPhone 14 case just like the OtterBox Defender to get good safety. Most instances are fairly skinny and nonetheless provide no less than 6-foot drop safety. I did embody one very skinny case on this record for individuals who choose minimal safety. Earlier than you go along with a case like that, simply bear in mind how a lot your cellphone prices — however it’s higher than having no case in any respect. Be sure to get a sound tempered glass display protector on your iPhone 14 mannequin to stop deep scratches and safeguard the display.
Ought to I get a MagSafe case for my iPhone 14?
All of the iPhone 14 fashions are outfitted with Apple’s MagSafe function, which gives sooner wi-fi charging with appropriate chargers. It additionally helps non-compulsory equipment — together with Magsafe pockets, mini wallets and numerous mounts — that adhere magnetically to the again of your cellphone. Just like the iPhone 13, the iPhone 14 has “an array of magnets” (Apple says they’re recycled) embedded round a charging coil that may pull as much as 15 watts of energy.
Nonetheless, if you wish to use these MagSafe equipment with out taking your cellphone out of its case, you want a cellphone case that is outfitted with MagSafe assist. The MagSafe image is a circle with a brief pipe beneath it. You may see it on clear instances, nevertheless it’s embedded on the within of the case so if it is nontransparent, you will solely see it from the within.
If you have already got a MagSafe accent — or plan on shopping for MagSafe equipment sooner or later — you will wish to get a MagSafe appropriate case; it is a good choice to have. With that in thoughts, nearly all of the instances on this roundup are outfitted with MagSafe.
Are MagSafe instances costlier?
Basically, sure — about $10 extra. There are some extra reasonably priced MagSafe instances that value round $20, however most value upwards of $30. We see instances from sure firms which are primarily the identical, however one has MagSafe and the opposite does not, and the MagSafe model normally sells for $10 extra. It could appear to be a bit an excessive amount of to pay for one thing that does not appear to be a lot of an improve, however in time MagSafe compatibility could command much less of a “tax.”
