Affordable case with built-in kickstand and MagSafe
ESR Silicone Kickstand case
I've been testing iPhone cases since the iPhone 4, and their designs continue to improve with each new iteration of the iPhone, including the iPhone 15 series. Everybody's case tastes are different, and it's certainly tough to label one iPhone 15 case as the best overall, but I've put some of my favorites, like Otterbox's Symmetry Series Soft Touch, Figura cases and Speck's Presidio ClickLock cases, at the top of this list. (Speck's proprietary ClickLock MagSafe system works not only with its ClickLock accessories, which "lock" onto the back of your phone, but other MagSafe accessories.)
Because people's case preferences vary widely, I've compiled several case options, from value picks to tougher premium cases to slimmer models. I also recently added Casetify's Ripple case to the list.
Note that many iPhone 14 and 13 cases will fit the iPhone 15 (and many iPhone 14 Plus cases should fit the iPhone 15 Plus). The new iPhone 15 Pro models have replaced the mute switch with a new programmable action button. Those models require cases specifically designed for them. Apple-branded iPhone cases are typically solid options, but its new, more eco-friendly FineWoven case has racked up a bunch of critical reviews.
Speck has brought many of its iPhone 14 case designs to the iPhone 15, including such popular transparent models as the Presidio Perfect-Clear and Perfect-Clear Grips, and the Presidio2 Pro. It's also developed a new ClickLock case system that's built on MagSafe: It's compatible with any MagSafe accessory but has an interlocking system that secures Speck's ClickLock accessories to your case. In addition to adhering to the case magnetically, the accessories -- which range in price from $30 to $40 -- click into a little slot. It's not so different from Peak Design's locking system, but Speck's cases are superior and are more MagSafe accessory-friendly.
For people who own the larger and heavier iPhone 15 Plus or 15 Pro Max, it can be hard to depend on your phone staying on a MagSafe car mount, especially if you hit a bump. That's where Speck's ClickLock car vent mount helps. The wallet accessory stays stuck on the back of your phone; you don't have to worry about it slipping off when you put your phone in your pocket.
All the new Speck 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 purchasing through its website.
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Otterbox has brought its expansive line of cases to the iPhone 15. That includes everything from the tough Defender Series XT to the colorful Figura to the Symmetry Series Clear and OtterGrip Symmetry Series.
Making its debut is the new Symmetry Series Soft Touch for MagSafe, which comes in yellow, pink and black at launch and has a nice, grippy soft-to-the-touch finish that's similar to what you get with the highly likable Core Series cases Otterbox made for the iPhone 14. The Figura Series has a similar soft touch finish with a more artsy design.
The ESR Kickstand case isn't your typical silicone case with an integrated kickstand. That's because the kickstand doesn't flip out of the backside of the case at the bottom. Instead, it serves as a protective ring around your camera lenses when it's retracted and not in use. Note that you can also get the case in a clear version, and ESR also sells a variety of MagSafe accessories for decent prices.
MagSafe cases can get pretty pricey, but if you're looking for an inexpensive clear MagSafe case for your new iPhone 15 series phone, Spigen's Ultra Hybrid MagFit is a good value at around $20.
Torras makes several cases with integrated kickstands, but they each have their own style of stand. They include the Lstand (left) which has a retractable kickstand ring around the camera, the Pstand (right) which has a flip-out kickstand on the bottom of the case, and the Ostand (not pictured) which has a retractable ring around the MagSafe ring.
Aside from the clear versions of the cases, which feature a hard plastic design, most of the other versions have a soft-touch finish that offers good grip. MagSafe accessories adhere securely to the cases and they also feature good drop protection.
Caseology makes some decent budget cases, including the NanoPop, Parallax, Skyfall and Vault. Its new Capella Mag Kickstand is one of the cheaper transparent MagSafe cases we've seen -- and it's got a built-in kickstand that retracts into the case when not in use so you can attach MagSafe accessories.
Cyrill is a sister brand to Spigen, and its cases are arguably slightly more stylish, although they cost a few bucks more, too. I like the new UltraSheer Mag that comes in a few bright color options, including neon yellow, pink and blue.
A few years back Zagg bought British case-maker Gear4 and continued selling Gear4 cases under the original brand name. With the introduction of the iPhone 15, Gear4 cases have officially become Zagg cases, but the quality hasn't changed -- they're right up there with OtterBox and Speck, all of them featuring beveled edges to protect your phone and now infused with graphene for extra durability. I like the new Milan Snap in iridescent (pictured left top) and Santa Cruz Snap with built-in kickstand (pictured center top in black), 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.
Inbeage cases are made out of plant-based materials and are 100% biodegradable (over 3 years). They're not going to look and feel exactly like your typical silicone or hard plastic case and they are fairly basic. They offer decent drop protection and come in a variety of eye-catching designs. Better yet, they're affordable, costing around $15 and sometimes less after you apply an instant coupon. Their one downside is they're not MagSafe-enabled (there's no built-in ring), but if you can live with that and are looking for an eco-friendly case, Inbeage is one of the best ones out there for the money.
Note that the Stash Stand Series has a ring around the photo lens that converts into a kickstand, which is always a nice feature.
Urban Armor Gear, known for its highly protective cases, offers a variety of options for the iPhone 15 models in several color options. The toughest and most expensive case is the Monarch Pro with Kevlar, but I still like the Plasma (pictured middle right) and clear Plyo with MagSafe, which probably has the slimmest design. All of UAG's cases feature good corner protection and meet military drop-test standards. They start at $40 and go all the way up to $100, but most are in the $50 to $60 range.
Casetify has a few different base models that you can customize with any of Casetify's eye-catching stock designs, many of which are geared toward teenagers, or something more personal (like your name). New to the line this year is the pricey Ultra Bounce case -- it lists for a ridiculous $112) -- which offers even more corner protection than the Bounce case (both of which are MagSafe-enabled). I like Casetify's Ripple cases, which come in five color options with subdued hues like the "oat" color shown here.
Like Lifeproof, Catalyst made a name for itself with waterproof cases, but it now focuses on standard protective case options and currently offers one case for the iPhone 15: the Influence. It comes in MagSafe and non-MagSafe versions in a few color options. Rated for 10-foot drop protection, the Influence has perforations on the corners that allow you to attach various accessories (a lanyard is included, but Catalyst also sells other accessories).
Apple has said it won't make leather cases for the iPhone 15, but others, including Nomad, still are. Nomad's line of leather cases for the iPhone 15 once again come in 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 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. Meanwhile, the Modern Leather Folio goes for $80 in black or brown (the one drawback to the Folio case is that it doesn't convert into a kickstand like some wallet cases do).
There's also a more affordable Sport version for $50 that's equipped with MagSafe as well. It's not a leather case, however, but it does look pretty slick (pictured on the right). Additionally, Nomad has a new Rugged Case with "fortified" bumpers and 15-foot drop protection that costs $60 with MagSafe.