The iPhone 14 has been replaced as the flagship of Apple’s cellphone fleet by the iPhone 15, but it’s still only a year and a half old. And costs thousands to buy. Having a protective phone case is the sensible and responsible thing to do, regardless of which smartphone model you own, and anyone who disagrees hasn’t smashed their investment to bits getting out of an Uber.
Smartphones are tantamount to limbs for their superb functionality, but those capabilities also make them a hefty investment. An iPhone that’s as close to pristine condition isn’t just a better user experience, it’s also more lucrative to trade in for the latest model. Keeping your phone in the best condition possible might just save you hundreds when upgrading to the inevitable next model.
A high-quality iPhone case, however, can be had for as little as $30. There are budget cases that cost far less, but when saving a few bucks on a case that fails costs you hundreds or more on an iPhone 14, you’ll be kicking yourself. Likewise, there are seriously high-end cases available — some over $100 — that you certainly can buy, but your iPhone can be perfectly protected for a fraction of that price.
The Best iPhone 14 Cases: At a Glance
What the Experts Say
Nobody knows the ins and outs of a good iPhone case better than people who repair cell phones for a living. Every day, these experts see the consequences of having a poor phone case or no case at all (a shattered screen) and are well-versed in the difference between something protective and something that looks trendy but underperforms.
“My recommendation for shopping for any iPhone 14 accessory is to focus on durability, variety of designs, compatibility with the latest technology like MagSafe, and environmental friendliness,” says Suhel Rana, iPhone technical specialist and co-founder of TechiAid.com. Rana, who has been working with iPhones for the past 10 years, vets iPhone cases based on style, protection, and value.
All of our experts weighed in with their picks for the best iPhone 14 case, and we’ve added a few of our own favorites as well. Thankfully for consumers, there are a lot of great choices out there. Here are some of the best:
Otterbox Commuter Series for MagSafe
Otterbox has been one of the top brands for phone cases since 1998, and their products have evolved along with the phones they protect. The Commuter Series cases are slim and ergonomically pleasing, yet still able to provide your phone with three times the industry standard for drop protection. The Commuter Series are actually two phone cases in one — an inner shell for drops and an outer cover for shock. The addition of integrated port covers to keep your jacks and ports free from dust, dirt, and lint is a welcome bonus.
“The only other cases we sell in our stores are the Speck Presidio and Otterbox Defender,” says Casey Profita, CEO of Gophermods, a Minnesota-based tech repair company. “We think the Otterbox Commuter case is the best overall for the iPhone. It’s tough, looks good, and isn’t too bulky.” Profita says the Commuter falls in that Goldilocks price point among Otterbox cases — less expensive than the Symmetry or Defender cases, but still exceptionally effective.
Speck Presidio2 Grip MagSafe Case
The Speck Presidio case, mentioned by Profita, has undergone a recent upgrade, morphing into the Presidio2 Grip MagSafe case. As the name suggests, the Presidio2 has the all-important MagSafe compatibility that is a must-have in an iPhone 14 case. The no-slip inverted grips go a long way toward clumsy-proofing your phone, but the 13-foot drop protection is a great backup plan for when you do drop your phone.
The Speck Presidio2’s soft finish that feels great in your hand also has an antimicrobial treatment built into it, made to reduce 99% of the bacteria that can gather on your phone. This is a welcome feature, as iPhones are about as high-touch as a personal surface gets.
Wave Case — iPhone 14
The Wave Case is Rana’s go-to for anyone looking for an eco-friendly case for their iPhone 14. The UK-made Wave Case is plastic-free, made of biodegradable PLA (polylactic acid) and PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate). While it may not boast the drop protection or shock absorption of the Speck or Otterbox, it is wireless charging compatible and is designed with a 2-millimeter lip around the case to give your screen and camera an extra level of protection. The Wave Case also has the aesthetic advantage over its more armor-like rivals, coming in eight bright colors.
Cellhelmet Fortitude iPhone 14 Case
So far we’ve seen cases with double layers for maximum protection and eco-friendly cases. The Cellhelmet Fortitude is both — a dual-layered iPhone case that’s also made with 50% recycled materials. But the Cellhelmet also has a stellar 16-foot drop protection rating and grippy edge texture to keep it in your hands more firmly and comfortably.
“The rugged nature of this case doesn’t limit your ability to use your MagSafe accessories with the added MagSafe array built into the case,” says Becky Mogilka, Category Manager at Batteries Plus. “And it gives your iPhone rugged protection for the nastiest of drops.” Mogilka also recommends the Cellhelmet Magnitude (also $49.99), which has a clear design that shows off the color of your iPhone.
Casetify iPhone 14 Case
Protective cases don’t all look like they’re sold at Lowe’s. Casetify has literally hundreds of design options that are unique and decorative without skimping on protective materials. Anime and cartoon fans in particular will be able to find a wide array of cool designs, including 46 different designs from the popular One Piece anime series. iPhone 14 users should make sure to look for MagSafe compatibility and one of Casetify’s more protective lines like the Bounce Case or Ultra Impact Case.
Spigen Rugged Armor (MagFit) Case
“For those on a budget, Spigen provides solid protection without breaking the bank,” Rana says. Plus, the Rugged Armor in matte black just looks tough. And looks do not deceive — the Spigen Ruggen Armor has military-grade drop protection and extra corner protection, which as anyone who’s ever watched their iPhone hit the ground corner-first and completely shatter, is no small detail. Another great selling point for the Spigen is the strength of the MagFit magnet, ensuring your phone will cling tenaciously to whatever MagSafe accessory you’re using.
Apple MagSafe Case
If it’s compatibility you’re concerned about, there’s no reason not to go straight to the source and pair your iPhone 14 with an Apple MagSafe case. The silicone and clear versions are $49, which somewhat refutes Apple’s reputation for being overly pricey with their accessories. The silicone version also comes in 12 different colors. It’s a very basic case for your iPhone, somewhat lacking in the obvious armor of the other cases on this list, but it does the job admirably while giving you the absolute best MagSafe compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone 14 Cases
Do I Need an iPhone 14 Case?
Your iPhone is pretty, but it’s also fragile, particularly the screen and that colored glass on the back. Allstate Protection Plans did breakability drop tests on the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max, and they’re a pretty stark reminder of what one unfortunate drop can do to an unprotected iPhone. A clear case like the Apple MagSafe Case listed above will protect your phone while showing off its sleek design.
How Much Should I Spend on an iPhone Case?
A budget somewhere between $30 and $50 should get you a great variety of options for a case that will protect your phone and also add in a few other bells and whistles like grippy texturing or even antimicrobial finish.
What Features Should I Look for in an iPhone 14 Case?
Suhel Rana, co-founder of TechiAid.com, calls out MagSafe compatibility as a must-have for an iPhone 14 case. So many charging devices on the market now, for your home, office, or car, are based on MagSafe, yet so many cases are too thick to charge wirelessly or just not compliant with MagSafe. Make sure your new case specifically touts MagSafe compatibility.
