Which is the best iPhone 14 case overall?
As much as we love them, sometimes we can be careless with our phones. They slip out of our pockets, tumble out onto concrete when getting out of the car and, worst of all, drop right out of our sweaty, greasy hands. However, if you have the ideal case on, you can protect your phone -- and your heart -- from some damage. Because not only is that great for keeping your phone safe, but it also helps retain trade-in value (or sale) when it's time to upgrade your phone.
If you're looking for a protective and stylish phone case for your iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max, you're in luck. I've tested the best iPhone 14 cases out there, ranging in price, style and features. Here's the rundown.
But, if I had to choose one standout from the pack, it would have to be the Otterbox Core case. It has a unique look, a nice grippy texture and comes in a variety of colors. Of the cases I've used, this one is my go-to, but fair warning, it doesn't come cheap.
Before you make a purchase, it's important to know that each new iPhone model comes with its own unique case specifications. As such, making sure you get the correct case for your model is paramount. For instance, the Pro versions, which include the iPhone 14 Pro and the larger iPhone 14 Pro Max, come with extra cameras that require a larger cutout on the back of your case.
Best iPhone 14 cases of 2024
Otterbox makes so many iPhone cases that the Core Series case gets lost in the shuffle. It has a couple of things going for it. First, it's made out of what Otterbox says is a "first-of-its-kind regrind material that creates an authentic recycled appearance with a comfortable, grippy texture." (It's made out of 50% recycled materials.)
At first glance, the case doesn't look like it would hold up all that well over time, but aside from the corners getting a little shiny from wear, it's held up really well for me over three months of use and doesn't show scratches or dings after I dropped the phone on some rough surfaces. It offers good protection and is equipped with MagSafe, but its standout features are its unique look and its grippy texture, which feels good in the hand. The Mardi Gras (purple) color is shown here.
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Speck has many options for the iPhone 14 line, including such popular transparent models as the Presidio Perfect-Clear and Perfect-Clear Grips and the Presidio2 Pro. Speck's cases with built-in MagSafe cost around $50.
All the new models have good drop protection (13 to 16 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck's Microban antimicrobial protection. No matter which model you choose, Speck often gives a discount for first-time buyers.
MagSafe cases can get pretty pricey, but if you're looking for an inexpensive clear MagSafe case for your new iPhone 14 series phone, Spigen's Ultra Hybrid MagFit is a good value at around $24. Spigen also sells a non-Mag version of this case for about $7 less and also has several other iPhone 14 case options.
OtterBox made a name for itself with its super-protective Defender series case, but most people want something less bulky these days. I like the Symmetry Series Plus cases, which come in various shades (including the new Euphoria color shown here) and have MagSafe compatibility. The Symmetry Plus Pop case integrates a PopSockets PopGrip and is compatible with wireless charging, which is important. OtterBox offers a discount for first-time buyers on its site.
Caseology has made some decent budget cases in the past, including the NanoPop, Parallax, Skyfall and Vault. Its new Capella Mag Clear is one of the cheaper transparent MagSafe cases we've seen.
Peak Design's Everyday cases are MagSafe-compatible in that you can connect a MagSafe wireless charging puck and other magnetic MagSafe-compatible accessories to the case, including wireless charging batteries, wallets and more. They have Peak Design's own built-in magnetic locking system -- the company calls it SlimLink -- that connects to a wide assortment of Peak Design's mobile mounts and accessories. That includes bike mounts, charging stands, tripods, car mounts and more. The only accessory I don't recommend is the wallet, which doesn't lock onto the case and doesn't stick to it that securely.
When you combine Peak Design's accessories with all the MagSafe accessories out there, you certainly get a lot of accessory options to choose from. The cases start at $32 and come in three versions, one with a loop built into it that you can slip your finger into for added security (to keep you from dropping your phone).
Lupa Legacy makes a couple of different wallet cases for the iPhone 14 models. I like the folio version that has a magnetic clasp and is made of faux leather in a variety of color options. It has three slots on the inside of the cover to store credit cards or cash, and it offers decent corner protection from drops. The faux leather looks decent (the case looks a little more expensive than it is, which is a good thing).
The only drawback is that there's no MagSafe built into the case and the case doesn't convert into a kickstand. You can charge your phone on a wireless charging pad just fine.
One of my favorite iPhone cases right now is the Otterbox Lumen, a two-tone case that's partially clear at the top (it's sort of an ombre case) and has grippy silicone rubber on the sides. It comes in a few color options, including the metallic beige shown here (the blue and silver seem cool).
The Figura is a bit slimmer but is also eye-catching and available in a few interesting color combos. Both cases are MagSafe-enabled and sold exclusively at Apple and Otterbox.com.
Element Case makes its high-end $250 Back Ops X5 case for the iPhone 14, but its more affordable Special Ops X5 MagSafe case is a very likable case with beefed-up corner protection and raised edges on the back and front to help prevent your screen and cameras from getting cracked. It also has good side grips. I kind of wish it came in some other color options, but that's my only gripe. It's a very good case.
Cyrill is a sister brand to Spigen, and its cases are arguably slightly more stylish, although they cost a few bucks more. I like the UltraColor Mag ($22), and the Kajuk Mag ($24) is also pretty nice, owing to its faux "vegan" leather back. The transparent Shine Mag ($22) cases are attractively designed with "a touch of sparkle" for those who like a bit of flash in their iPhone case.
British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes cases that are right up there with OtterBox and Speck, all of them lined with the company's D3O shock-absorbing material and featuring beveled edges to protect your phone. I like the new Milan Snap (pictured) and Santa Cruz Snap, both of which are MagSafe-equipped and rated for 13-foot drop protection. Several other case styles are available, most of them with eye-catching designs. They start at $40 for non-MagSafe cases, but most MagSafe models list for $50 to $60.
Like Lifeproof, Catalyst made a name for itself with waterproof cases, but it now focuses on standard protective case options and has two new models for the iPhone 14: the Influence (pictured) is my favorite, but the new Crux case is also good (both are MagSafe-enabled). They have perforations on the corners that allow you to attach various accessories (a lanyard is included, but Catalyst also sells other accessories). Both have 10-foot drop protection.
Nomad's line of leather cases comes to the iPhone 14. Now Nomad is offering two grades of leather: the standard variety and a higher-end Horween that costs $20 more ($70 rather than $50). At least the Horween version is designed to develop a "rugged" patina as the oils from your skin interact with the leather over time. The new Modern Leather Case is available in black, brown, English tan and a lighter natural color that I like. They're rated for 10-foot (3-meter) drop protection and are equipped with MagSafe. (I like the English tan color pictured on the left.) Meanwhile, the Modern Leather Folio (pictured, middle) goes for $60 in black or brown.
There's also a more affordable Sport version for $40 that's equipped with MagSafe as well. It's not a leather case, but it does look pretty slick (it's pictured on the right). Additionally, Nomad has a new Rugged Case with "fortified" bumpers and 15-foot drop protection that costs $40 with MagSafe.
Casetify has three base models that you can customize with any of Casetify's eye-catching stock designs or something more personal (like your name). New to the line is the Bounce case, which offers even more corner protection than the Ultra Impact case (both of which are MagSafe-enabled). Some of the designs are hit-or-miss and many are geared toward teenagers.
I should note that prices are on the higher side for Casetify cases -- they start around $62 -- although you can currently shop with some discounts.