The 7 Best iPhone 14 Cases, Tested by Experts

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From minimalist to military-inspired, there’s an iPhone 14 case out there for everyone.

SINCE THE launch of the latest iPhone 14 series in September, there’s been an avalanche of new accessories. That includes everything from chargers and backup batteries to third-party screen protectors and cases. A quick search of iPhone 14 accessories reveals more than 10,000 results on Amazon alone. Needless to say, it can feel a little daunting to shop for add-ons to your new iPhone.

One of the simplest and most important accessories is, no doubt, a good case. At more than $1,000 for the flagship iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max, it’s an investment worth protecting. You want a case that will keep your phone not only looking great, but working amid all the bumps, nicks, and even drops of daily life. And a case with a little bit of stylish flair doesn’t hurt either.

After researching more than a hundred of the top-reviewed models, we were happy to find plenty of great cases for under $50. You can even score a decent, barebones case for under $25, while ultra-rugged mil-spec cases that are damn-near-bulletproof might cost closer to $100. Whatever type of case you’re looking for, there’s a company out there who makes it. Here, we’ve rounded up our personal picks for the best iPhone 14 cases of 2022.

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Speck’s Presidio Grip 2 series offers all the essential features we expect in a solid iPhone 14 case. The design is simple and streamlined, yet modern and attractive enough to appeal to almost any user. Plus, it’s available in a handful of colors. Built-in grooves on the back and an overall soft-touch, anti-slip feel provide extra grip. While it’s significantly slimmer than a more hardcore ruggedized case, it does protect against drops up to 13 feet. A raised bezel offers added protection against screen scratches and shattering in the event that it takes a face-down nose-dive.

Integrated magnets built specifically for the iPhone ensure MagSafe compatibility with other accessories. We also like the Microban antimicrobial coating which, in Speck’s own words, provides “up to a 99% reduction in stain and odor-causing bacteria on the case, creating a cleaner surface.” That’s not a bad thing to have in these COVID-y times.

Bonus: It’s priced right at almost exactly $50. So, it’s not the cheapest, nor the most expensive. But, we think it strikes the perfect balance of price, durability, and features—which is why it gets our vote for this year’s best iPhone 14 case overall.

What do buyers say? “Have dropped my phone WAY too many times and this case has never failed me. I will keep using these with all my phones,” said one SpeckOfficial.com reviewer.Read more: iPhone 14 Plus Review

If only the best will do, you can stop reading now. Urban Armor Gear’s (UAG) Monarch Pro Kevlar is the best premium iPhone 14 case you’ll find this year. With an almost bombproof (our words, not theirs) design, it’s billed as shockproof, dustproof, and drop-tested up to 25 feet (not that we recommend testing it on your iPhone). It’s the only case in our roundup that’s built with DuPont Kevlar Material, so it’s not only extremely durable, but lightweight to boot. The multi-layer construction also adds a polycarbonate shear plate, an impact-resistant rubber surround, and alloy metal hardware. If you tend to be hard on your phones, this is the case for you. The tactile material and oversized buttons feel grippy and rugged too.

The aesthetic is likewise very “military chic.” We dig it, but it might not be the right look for everyone, Although, this case is clearly more about the steak than the sizzle. The only downside is the price. At nearly $100, it’s the most expensive iPhone 14 case on this list. But, that premium price tag gets you the best smartphone protection for your roughly $1,000 investment.

What do buyers say? “It’s not often I’m knocked [off] my feet but this is the best case I’ve owned and I’ve had an iPhone since the morning after they first came out in 2007,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Read more: Best iPhone Wallet Cases

For a more elegant, office-friendly alternative, we like Nomad’s Modern Leather Folio. For this latest iPhone case, the company worked with Danish leather tannery Ecco to develop a sophisticated folio-style case. The full-grain, aniline-dyed leather is designed to develop a rich patina over time, so it literally looks better with age. Inside, this folio case offers enough room for a bit of cash, ID, and your most essential plastic. The sleek design also hides an integrated TPE bumper that offers 10 feet of drop protection—a surprising bonus in a “non-rugged” iPhone case.

It’s MagSafe compatible too, so it’ll work with all your favorite MagSafe accessories, including chargers, battery banks, and more. Plus, it features a removable magnetic clasp and dual lanyard attachment points, making it easy to tether to your backpack or front pocket, so it doesn’t decide to “go for a walk” without you knowing. Given its handsome, practical design, it’s surprisingly well priced at around $60.

If protecting your iPhone is the number one priority, Element Case’s aptly named Special Ops Magsafe Case for iPhone 14 is your man. It’s big and beefy with plenty of military tech baked in for the ultimate in drop and scratch protection. The double-reinforced, impact-resistant construction directly absorbs G-Forces for best-in-class drop protection. Raised bezels at the corners and around back help protect both the screen and the multi-camera display. Plus, the case material uses self-repairing technology to help reduce scratches. A clear backplate also shows off your iPhone’s “natural” design. With an integrated rare earth magnet array, it’s MagSafe-compatible to work with wireless chargers and other MagSafe components and accessories.

The best part? It’s priced right at around $50. The only potential downside is the ultra-rugged, military-inspired aesthetic. It’s cool in an “I wanna be an armchair sniper” sort of way, but it’s obviously not everyone’s cup of matcha.

What do buyers say? “Love it. It looks great, and the buttons are easy to push. Element cases never seem to fail. I've purchased these for every iPhone I had, and no regrets,” said one ElementCase.com reviewer.

Of course, you don’t have to drop more than $50 on an iPhone case. Caseology’s Parallax is our best-priced pick at around $15. The two-tone design (available in three styles) is modern and understated with a dash of sophistication. A subtle geometric pattern on the rear adds a bit of flair, while the textured 3D cubes also increase the case’s grippiness. It’s also MagSafe and screen protector compatible, so it’s designed to work with most setups.

The slim form factor is a double-edged sword. It’s more streamlined for putting into and taking out of pockets. However, it’s also significantly thinner than our more rugged picks which translates to less drop protection. Still, the combination of great looks, slim profile, and an unbeatable price makes this a great case in our opinion.

What do buyers say? “A very solid option. The design is unique with just enough texture to provide a decent grip,” said one Amazon reviewer.

A case is, of course, a must-buy for most iPhone users. But, who wants to spend nearly a grand on a beautifully designed bit of tech and cover it with $20 worth of plastic? Spiegen’s Ultra Hybrid Crystal Clear iPhone 14 Case is a slim, see-through option that shows off your iPhone’s natural good looks. It’s designed with anti-yellowing technology to keep your case looking sharp for years.

Like most iPhone 14 cases, this model is made with hybrid technology that includes a TPU bumper. While this offers decent drop protection, it’s not the most durable option on this list. However, raised bezels at the corners and around the camera array help protect the screen and lenses from nicks and scratches. We especially like this case’s solid button covers which provide a nice tactile response. Large cutouts at the bottom also allow for fitting oversized charging cables. It’s all well-priced at around $15 making this not only the best clear case, but one of the best value cases for iPhone 14.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 200 Amazon reviews, 90% recommend the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Crystal Clear iPhone 14 Case with at least a 4-star rating.

Of course, not everyone wants to wrap their iPhone 14 in plastic and rubber. The aptly named Carved Products shop on Etsy offers beautiful wood and resin iPhone cases unlike anything else on this list. Handmade in Indiana, every design is entirely unique and, in fact, you won’t know exactly what you’re getting until it’s delivered. Each piece is made using a mix of burlwood and epoxy resin that’s naturally tough.

The interior is lined with suede to further protect your iPhone from nicks and scratches. Generous openings at the bottom cutouts allow for larger charging and accessory cables. A MagSafe magnet is also embedded inside the case, so it’s compatible with all MagSafe accessories. At more than $50, it’s a little pricier than other cases on this list. But, we think it’s more than worth it for a one-of-a-kind iPhone 14 case that’s guaranteed to be unlike any other.

What do buyers say? “This is a beautiful case. I love the mix of wood and resin and the color is just what I wanted,” said one Etsy reviewer.

There are literally thousands of iPhone cases on the market, including everything from official Apple cases to bargain basement (read less than $10) knock-off brand cases on Amazon. So, if you’re an iPhone 14 user, you aren’t starved for choice. Of course, there’s no best iPhone case for everyone. So, how do you find the best iPhone 14 case for you? Here are a few things to consider:

Durability

Of course, the main reason to buy a case for your phone (aside from changing up the looks) is to protect your investment. At around $1,000-plus for an iPhone 14 Max or iPhone 14 Pro, the latest iPhones aren’t cheap. Almost any case will protect your phone against casual bumps and scrapes. If you’re the kind of person who delicately handles all their technology, you can probably get by with an entry-level case under $30.

But, if you’re on the other end of the spectrum—if you’re a “frequent flier” in your mobile provider’s “equipment insurance” program—consider something a little more substantial. Otterbox and Element Case, in particular, make some of the beefiest, most rugged cases for protecting your iPhone. Their flagship models are built to military-spec drop standards with extra layers of protection, so they’re designed to take a serious beating. These extra-thick cases always add weight and heft to your already big, bulky phone, but the first time you drop your iPhone, you’ll realize it’s worth the tradeoff.

MagSafe Compatibility

MagSafe has been a staple of Apple’s lineup for a couple of years now. The technology relies on magnets integrated into the latest iPhones to make it a “snap” (literally) to attach things like wallets, power banks, chargers and more. In our research, we found that all but the cheapest iPhone cases are MagSafe compatible. Still, if that matters to you, it’s worth confirming that the cases you’re shopping are too.

Price

Unlike most tech products and accessories, price isn’t as much of a concern when shopping iPhone 14 cases. Every case in our roundup—and almost every case we found in our research—was under $100; under $50 in most cases. Expect to pay more if you’re shopping official Apple accessories, but we’ve found the quality and design of third-party cases to be just as good, only cheaper.Other Miscellaneous Features

Even the best iPhone 14 cases are pretty straightforward, so there aren’t many complicated features or specs to wade through. But, here are a few other things worth considering:

There are thousands of iPhone 14 cases available today. We researched the top-selling and best-reviewed models from our favorite trusted etailers like Amazon and Best Buy. We considered all of the most important specs and features, including durability, MagSafe compatibility, price, and a handful of other features. The roundup above represents our honest picks of the seven best iPhone 14 cases worth shopping in 2022.

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.

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