This story is a part of Focal Level iPhone 2023, CNET’s assortment of reports, ideas and recommendation round Apple’s hottest product.
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The iPhone 14 could not use as a lot glass in its design, but it surely’s nonetheless susceptible to the identical risks that the unique was — dents, scratches and cracks. When you’re fearful about dropping your cellphone or are even vulnerable 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 right now.
What to search for in an iPhone case
When you’ve purchased an iPhone 14 and are on the lookout for a case, you most likely know that every new mannequin has its personal particular case, so ensure you get the right one. Observe 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 the most effective iPhone 14 Professional case or the most effective case for the usual iPhone 14 mannequin, we have rounded up some nice on a regular basis case choices in a wide range of kinds 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 high instances as we discover others that we expect are worthy of this record.
Greatest iPhone 14 instances
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Speck has introduced lots of its iPhone 13 case designs to the iPhone 14, together with such standard clear fashions because the Presidio Excellent-Clear and Excellent-Clear Grips, and the Presidio2 Professional. Speck’s instances with built-in MagSafe price 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’ll be able to snag one for even much less.
All the brand new fashions have good drop safety (13 to 16 toes, relying on the mannequin) in addition to Speck’s Microban antimicrobial safety. Irrespective of which mannequin you select, Speck usually provides a reduction for first-time patrons.
Amazon
You are receiving value alerts for Spigen Extremely Hybrid MagFit
MagSafe instances can get fairly expensive, however when you’re on the lookout for a reasonable clear MagSafe case on your new iPhone 14 collection 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.
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You are receiving value alerts for OtterBox Symmetry Sequence Plus
OtterBox made a reputation for itself with its super-protective Defender collection case, however most individuals need one thing much less cumbersome lately. I just like the Symmetry Sequence Plus instances, which are available in numerous shades (together with the brand new Euphoria colour) and have MagSafe. The Symmetry Plus Pop case integrates a PopSockets PopGrip and is wi-fi charging-compatible, which is necessary. OtterBox presents a reduction for first-time patrons on its website.
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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 first rate funds instances prior to now, together with the NanoPop, Parallax, Skyfall and Vault. Its new Capella Magazine Clear is likely one of the cheaper clear MagSafe instances we have seen.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Peak Design’s On a regular basis instances are MagSafe-compatible in 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 cellular 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.
If you mix Peak Design’s equipment with all of the MagSafe equipment on the market, you definitely get a whole lot of accent choices to select from. The instances begin at $40 and are available in three variations, one with a loop constructed into it you could slip your finger into for added safety (to maintain you from dropping your cellphone).
Lupa Legacy
You are receiving value alerts for Lupa Legacy Pockets Case
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 product of fake leather-based in a wide range of colour choices. It has three slots on the within of the duvet to retailer bank cards or money, and it presents first rate nook safety from drops. The fake leather-based appears to be like first rate (the case appears to be like slightly costlier than it’s, which is an effective factor).
The one drawbacks are that there is no MagSafe constructed into the case and the case does not convert right into a kickstand. However you’ll be able to cost your cellphone on a wi-fi charging pad simply high-quality.
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One in all my favourite iPhone instances proper now’s the Otterbox Lumen, a two-tone case that is partially clear on the high (it is form of an ombre case) and has grippy silicone rubber on the perimeters. It is available in a number of colour choices, together with the metallic beige proven right here (the blue and silver appear cool).
The Figura is a bit slimmer however can be eye-catching and out there in a number of attention-grabbing colour combos. Each instances are MagSafe-enabled and bought solely at Apple and Otterbox.com.
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You are receiving value alerts for Factor Case Particular Ops MagSafe for iPhone 14 (6.1″) – MagSafe Appropriate, 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 colour choices, however that is my solely gripe. It is an excellent case.
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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 kinds 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.
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You are receiving value alerts for Cyrill instances
Cyrill is a sister model to Spigen, and its instances are arguably barely extra fashionable, though they price a couple of bucks extra. I just like the UltraColor Magazine ($25), and the Kajuk Magazine ($27) can 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 many who like a little bit of flash of their iPhone case.
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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, but it surely now focuses on customary 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 be good (each are MagSafe-enabled). They’ve perforations on the corners that help you connect numerous equipment (a lanyard is included, however Catalyst additionally sells different equipment). Each have 10-foot drop safety.
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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 fairly than $50). Not less than 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 obtainable in black, brown, English tan and a lighter pure colour that I like. They’re rated for 10-foot (3-meter) drop safety and geared up with MagSafe. (Personally, I just like the English tan colour 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 geared up with MagSafe as nicely. It isn’t a leather-based case, nevertheless, however does look fairly slick — it is pictured on the suitable. Moreover, Nomad has a brand new Rugged Case with “fortified” bumpers and 15-foot drop safety that prices $50 with MagSafe.
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Casetify has three base fashions you could customise with any of Casetify’s eye-catching inventory designs or one thing extra private (like your title). New to the road is the Bounce case, which presents much more nook safety than the Extremely Impression 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 observe that costs seem to have gone up once more. Casetify instances now begin at $58 (sure, that is excessive), although we must always see some reductions.
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It is a fairly cool choice for these on the lookout for a MagSafe case, plus a MagSafe pockets that converts right into a stand. You may take pleasure in a comparatively glossy 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 nicely to the again of the case with a robust magnet.
The case is obtainable in cool white (pictured), clear and smoky black, whereas the pockets/stand is obtainable in a number of colour choices.
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Rokform’s been making powerful iPhone instances for years, and apart from their sturdiness, their key function is the power to make use of them with numerous mounts — together with bike and motorbike mounts — which are bought individually. I personally want the Crystal collection, however the Rugged case is barely extra, nicely, rugged. The brand new iPhone 14 instances are additionally MagSafe suitable.
Rokform’s iPhone 14 instances have detachable magnets, and so they’re suitable with wi-fi charging when you take away the included middle magnet. “With the decrease magnet nonetheless intact, you’ll be able to nonetheless wireless-charge whereas using magnetic mounting and all of our mounts,” Rokform says.
Incipio has a number 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. You must dig round Incipio’s website to search out these instances, however they’re price testing. 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.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Rokform makes some mountable rugged instances for iPhones (see above), however its Eagle 3 case has a novel 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 steel 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 needs a robust magnet so you’ll be able to securely mount your cellphone on something steel or have your MagSafe equipment actually persist with your cellphone. For instance, a whole lot of MagSafe-enabled wallets simply do not stay 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 tug the accent off.
The Eagle 3 is pretty expensive at $70, although it is price mentioning that Rokform presents 20% to first-time clients.
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Tech21 has a spread of iPhone 14 instances, together with its standard Evo Test (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’ll be able to clip to your belt.
Clckr
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 obtainable, however hopefully Clckr’s faux-leather Saffiano case will return for the iPhone 14 (I appreciated the blue model of that for the iPhone 13).
With the stand clicked in place, you should utilize your gadget hands-free in both portrait or panorama mode. Observe you could wirelessly cost your cellphone with this case on, although you need to be extra cautious about inserting it in the suitable spot on a wi-fi charging pad for it to work.
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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 colour proven right here. It holds three bank cards plus money, and you should utilize one in every of your bank cards as a kickstand. Nonetheless, its one draw back is that it is not suitable with wi-fi and MagSafe chargers.
Smartish additionally sells a MagSafe case known as the Gripzilla. It is one of the reasonably priced MagSafe instances and is straightforward to grip, as its title implies.
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You are receiving value alerts for Totallee instances
Some folks want to not have a case on their cellphone or simply need one thing that is very skinny that gives minimal safety. When you’re that sort of individual, a Totallee case could 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 nearly paper skinny. It is available in a number of colour choices.
The case prices $39, which looks like quite a bit contemplating how skinny it’s, however it’s eco-friendly (it is compostable) and does have a raised “lip” across the digital camera that stops harm to the digital camera lens, Totallee says.
Totallee additionally makes a really slim clear TPU case, the “clear mushy” (pictured left within the iPhone 14) that gives slightly extra safety for a similar value. I like that one higher, however it’s barely thicker.
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You are receiving value alerts for Case-Mate Blox
Case-Mate makes a number of eye-catching instances for the assorted iPhone 14 fashions, however its squarish Blox case is the one I like essentially the most. It is available in a wide range of colours, is MagSafe-enabled, clearly has good nook safety and is fairly priced. I am exhibiting the clear mannequin on a deep purple iPhone 14 Professional, but it surely’s additionally price testing the opposite colours, together with rainbow frosting.
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You are receiving value alerts for City Armor Gear (Replace: At present Unavailable)
City Armor Gear presents a number of case choices for the iPhone 14 fashions in a wide range of colours, with MagSafe variations costing $10 greater than their non MagSafe counterparts. I just like the Plasma (pictured center), which is available in a wide range of colour 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) most likely has the slimmest design, however UAG’s instances all function good nook safety and meet navy drop-test requirements.
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Most new telephones, together with the iPhone 14 collection fashions, provide a good stage of water resistance. However if you’d like some added safety, Otterbox nonetheless sells its waterproof and shockproof Fre case — and the newest model is constructed for MagSafe equipment.
Observe that the case was previously often called 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 totally submerged in two meters of water for as much as an hour) and can 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 typically has site-wide flash gross sales that carry its value down.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
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 have been extra distinctive and engaging. They’re out there in restricted colour choices (black or tan) in a number of totally different kinds, 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.
Observe that Bluebonnet’s pockets instances haven’t got a MagSafe choice however its customary leather-based case is obtainable with MagSafe.
Learn extra: Greatest Telephone to Purchase for 2023
How we choose the most effective iPhone 14 instances
Just about each case that seems on this record has been examined by CNET’s skilled critiques staff on at the least one of many iPhone 14 fashions (I examined instances utilizing an iPhone 14 and an iPhone 14 Professional). Meaning truly utilizing the cellphone with the case on the cellphone for at the least 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 digital camera safety, and we assessment the fabric the case is product of so we are able to speak about 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 nicely our cellphone holds up throughout unintended drops with the case on it. That stated, we do not do formal drop assessments. Nonetheless, if the case is meant to be totally 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 first rate drop safety, with a lip over the sting of the display (typically 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 totally 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 moderately skinny and nonetheless provide at the least 6-foot drop safety. I did embody one very skinny case on this record for many who want 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 geared up with Apple’s MagSafe function, which presents sooner wi-fi charging with suitable chargers. It additionally helps elective 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 geared up with MagSafe help. The MagSafe image is a circle with a brief pipe under it. You may see it on clear instances, but it surely’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 suitable case; it is a good choice to have. With that in thoughts, nearly all of the instances on this roundup are geared up with MagSafe.
Are MagSafe instances costlier?
Usually, sure — about $10 extra. There are some extra reasonably priced MagSafe instances that price round $20, however most price upwards of $30. We see instances from sure firms which are basically the identical, however one has MagSafe and the opposite does not, and the MagSafe model often sells for $10 extra. It could seem to be slightly an excessive amount of to pay for one thing that does not seem to be a lot of an improve, however in time MagSafe compatibility could command much less of a “tax.”