Best iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Cases for 2024 - CNET

Article updated on November 5, 2024 at 3:05 AM PST

Extend the lifespan of your iPhone 15 or 15 Pro by keeping it safe using these top phone cases of 2024.

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

MagSafe compatibility?

We generally encourage people to spend the extra money for a MagSafe-enabled case because of the number of MagSafe accessories on the market.

Thin or thicker?

Some people like minimal cases that add little to no bulk to their iPhone, but the majority of people are looking for a case that offers good protection.

Do you want a clear case?

Clear cases are popular because they show off your phone (and its color). Clear cases, especially cheaper ones, can become less clear over time.

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CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

MagSafe compatibility?

We generally encourage people to spend the extra money for a MagSafe-enabled case because of the number of MagSafe accessories on the market.

Thin or thicker?

Some people like minimal cases that add little to no bulk to their iPhone, but the majority of people are looking for a case that offers good protection.

Do you want a clear case?

Clear cases are popular because they show off your phone (and its color). Clear cases, especially cheaper ones, can become less clear over time.

At its reduced price, the iPhone 15 is one of the best tech gifts for this holiday season, and getting a case to go with it is a smart choice. A good case will protect your phone and enhance its overall style. As someone who has been testing iPhone cases since the iPhone 4, I can confidently say cases only get better each year. The best case will be different for everyone depending on what your priority is for your case, but not every case is worth your money. After spending hours testing them, I found the best iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro cases, featuring styles from Figura cases to Otterbox's Symmetry Series Soft Touch to Speck's Presidio ClickLock cases.

Because people's preferences vary widely, I've included plenty of options in this list, ranging from value picks to tougher premium cases and 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 iPhone 15 Pro 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.

Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro have been redesigned and will have their own cases, as the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro cases will not fit the new phones.

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.

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 for $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. Don't forget to clip the on-page coupon for an additional 15% discount on this one.

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 $19 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.

Moft makes some nice MagSafe accessories, including wallets that convert into kickstands and its new Phone Tripod Stand. Its cases are also well-designed and attractive. It sells some more standard MagSafe clear cases, but I like its faux leather Movas cases, which list for $50 but sometimes sell for $40. (Vegan leather is designed to look and feel like real leather but is synthetic.) You can see the company's full suite of cases and accessories here.

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 is on sale for $48 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, 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. You might find it for around $30 during the sale period.

Rokform's been making tough iPhone cases for years, and aside from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with various mounts, including bike and motorcycle mounts, that are sold separately. The design of its new iPhone 15 cases has been "refined and updated" (I like the updates) and the cases feature arguably the strongest magnets for MagSafe accessories (the accessories really stick to the case).

Rokform's iPhone 15 cases have removable magnets, and they're compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. "With the lower magnet still intact, you can still wireless-charge while utilizing magnetic mounting and all of our mounts," Rokform says.

Mujjo has been making attractive vegetable-tanned leather cases for the iPhone for a while and its cases for the iPhone 15 include its standard Leather Case with MagSafe, a Leather Wallet Case with MagSafe (pictured left) and its tougher Shield case with MagSafe (pictured right). They cost $50 to $60, although sometimes you can find them on sale for less on Amazon.

Note that the Leather Wallet Case with MagSafe is convenient because it has a slim wallet integrated into the case (it fits up to three credit cards) but also offers MagSafe compatibility. I was able to charge wirelessly with MagSafe and attach a magnetic battery to the back of the case (with no credit cards in the wallet), but I can't say magnetic accessories will stick to it as securely as some MagSafe cases on this list. It is one of the few cases with a built-in wallet to feature MagSafe compatibility. The Leather Wallet also comes in a version without MagSafe, so make sure you're buying the one with MagSafe if that's what you're looking for.

Much of Incipio's case lineup for the iPhone 14 returns for the iPhone 15. These include old favorites like the Grip with MagSafe, sturdy Duo with MagSafe (12-foot drop protection) and AeroGrip with MagSafe.

I like the new Cru case in faux leather pictured left (it also comes in a canvas material but I prefer the faux leather). Another favorite is the Forme, which comes in some cool designs, two of which are pictured here (middle and right). Incipio cases start at $25 for a non-MagSafe case and $35, $45 and $50 or more for cases with MagSafe.

I haven't tried SwitchEasy cases for a few generations of iPhones but I got a chance to test a few of its new cases for the iPhone 15 that come with a crossbody strap, including the Roam + Strap (pictured: 16-foot drop protection) and Odyssey Ultra M + Strap. Both feature excellent drop protection, but the Odyssey Ultra has even more elevated corner protection. They're both available in a few color options.

Note that you don't have to use the cases with the strap. The eyelets are removable. Just don't lose them if you want to use the strap in the future.

Smartish's affordable, simple, slim cases and wallet cases return for the iPhone 15. The Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 case (pictured) comes in a few different designs beyond the basic black shown here. It holds three credit cards plus cash, and you can use one of your credit cards as a kickstand. Its one downside is that it's not compatible with wireless and MagSafe chargers.

Smartish also sells a MagSafe case called the Gripmunk. It's one of the most affordable MagSafe cases (around $20) and is easy to grip, as its name implies.

Clckr makes some nifty MagSafe iPhone accessories, including the excellent Stand & Grip (shown in the photo but must be purchased separately for $25). The company has partnered with G-Form, known for its protective sports gear, to make some new iPhone 15 cases with good drop protection. The Onyx (13-foot drop protection) has the most eye-catching design but the Force case is the most protective, with 16-foot drop protection. Clckr MagSafe cases start at $40 for the clear Diamond case with MagSafe while the Onyx, Force and Carbon cost $60.

Pitaka cases are very thin yet offer a little more protection than some other very slim cases. That's because they're made from "selected 600D aramid fiber, which is widely used in aerospace and military applications," according to Pitaka. Unlike carbon fiber, "this fine-weaved case will not interfere with the signal and it is non-conductive, offering long-lasting protection for your phone, and preventing color fading and daily scratches." The Pro version of the case is slightly thicker.

If you're looking for more serious protection from drops, this probably isn't the right case for you, particularly because it's rather expensive (between $60 and $70). If you're looking for a very slim, lightweight case, you should give it some consideration. It does come in a few different designs, some a little more eye-catching than others. All the cases are MagSafe-enabled using Pitaka's MagSafe SlimBoard technology.

Some people prefer not to have a case on their phone or just want something that's very thin and offers minimal protection. If you're that type of person, a Totallee case may just be what you're looking for.

There are a couple of models to choose from, with the Minimal case (pictured left) billed as the world's thinnest iPhone case; it's almost paper-thin. It comes in multiple color options.

The case costs $35, which seems like a lot considering how thin it is, but it is eco-friendly (it's compostable) and does have a raised "lip" around the camera that prevents damage to the camera lens, Totallee says.

Totallee also makes a very slim clear TPU case, the "clear soft" (pictured right) that offers a little more protection for the same price. I like that one better, but it is slightly thicker.

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.

Note: Peak Design has had an issue with its case design for the iPhone 15 Pro models where the cut-out for the new Action Button doesn't allow you to easily access the button (we initially tried the case with the standard iPhone 15, which does not have the new Action Button). It now must redesign its Pro cases, with the updated versions expected to be released in November. If you have already bought a case for the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, contact Peak Design, which has promised to make things right for its customers.

You can save about $8 to $10 by getting a case that doesn't have MagSafe support (the metal ring built into the case). I generally encourage people to spend the extra money for a MagSafe-enabled case because of the number of MagSafe accessories on the market, some of them quite useful.

Some people like minimal cases that add little to no bulk to their iPhones, but the majority of people are looking for a case that offers good protection -- or even maximum protection. I tell people to find a case that's not too thick and maybe even pretty slim and that offers at least 6-foot drop protection (and good corner protection).

Clear cases are popular because they show off your phone (and its color). Clear cases, especially cheaper ones, can become less clear over time and slowly start to yellow. Many case makers now add UV protection to their clear cases to prevent yellowing.

Several of the cases on this list were previously available for the iPhone 14 models and we added them to the list based on our previous testing with the iPhone 14. Typically, we try to use the case on the phone for at least a day and make sure the buttons on the phone work properly with the case on. With some phone cases, we use them for several days or even weeks to see how they wear over time.

We look at design features like the raised corners on this Otterbox case when we test the best iPhone cases.

Case-Mate Blox: Case-Mate makes several eye-catching cases for the various iPhone 15 models, but its squarish Blox case is the one I like the most. It comes in a variety of colors, is MagSafe-enabled, clearly has good corner protection and is reasonably priced.

Bluebonnet cases: Based in Austin, Texas, Bluebonnet is named after the state flower and crafts leather-clad accessories for various Apple products, including iPhones, MacBooks, Watches and AirPods. It does make a standard full-grain leather iPhone case that's nice, but I thought its leather wallet cases were more unique and enticing. They're available in limited color options (black or tan) in a few different styles, including a folio case that has a magnetic clasp (shown above, at right).

Tech21 cases: Tech21 has a range of iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro cases, including its popular Evo Check, which is equipped with MagSafe. There are also several other cases to choose from, including the ultra-protective Evo Max, which is rated for 20-foot drops and has a slide cover to protect the iPhone 15's back cameras, along with a holster you can clip to your belt.

Wildflower cases During the past couple of years, Wildflower phone cases have risen in popularity. Collaborations with music festivals such as Coachella and influencers like Emma Chamberlin have helped the female-founded business gain visibility. Like Casetify, the company offers cases with a plethora of unique, eye-catching designs.

Lupa Legacy Wallet Case: Lupa Legacy makes a couple of different wallet cases for the iPhone 15 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).

Element Case Special Ops X5 MagSafe case: Element Case makes its high-end $250 Back Ops X5 case for the iPhone 15, 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.

With most phone cases, the cutout for the USB-C port is wide enough to allow you to use most USB-C charging cables. Some USB-C charging cables with particularly large heads may not fit certain cases. The USB-C charging cable included with the new iPhones has a relatively compact head.

I like cases that aren't too thick but offer decent drop protection, with a lip over the edge of the screen (sometimes referred to as a "screen bumper") and raised corners that help prevent your screen from cracking if your phone should fall face down. A folio case will more fully protect your screen.

The good news is that you don't have to buy a super-protective iPhone 15 case like the OtterBox Defender XT to get good protection. Most cases are reasonably thin and still offer at least 6-foot drop protection. I did include one very thin case on this list for folks who prefer minimal protection. Before you go with a case like that, just remember how much your phone costs. It is better than having no case at all. Make sure you get a sound, tempered glass screen protector for your iPhone 15 model to prevent deep scratches and safeguard the screen.

All the iPhone 15 models are equipped with Apple's MagSafe feature, which offers faster wireless charging with compatible chargers. It also supports optional accessories -- including the Magsafe wallet, mini wallets and various mounts -- that adhere magnetically to the back of your phone. Like the iPhone 14, the iPhone 15 has "an array of magnets" (Apple says they're recycled) embedded around a charging coil that can pull up to 15 watts of power.

If you want to use those MagSafe accessories without taking your phone out of its case, you need a phone case that's equipped with MagSafe support. The MagSafe symbol is a circle with a short pipe below it. You can see it on clear cases, but it's embedded on the inside of the case so if it's nontransparent, you'll only see it from the inside.

If you already have a MagSafe accessory -- or plan on buying MagSafe accessories in the future -- you'll want to get a MagSafe compatible case; it's a good option to have. With that in mind, the majority of the cases in this roundup are equipped with MagSafe.

In general, yes -- about $10 more. Some more affordable MagSafe cases cost around $20, but most cost upward of $30. We see cases from certain companies that are essentially the same but one has MagSafe and the other doesn't, and the MagSafe version usually sells for $10 more. It may seem like a little too much to pay for something that doesn't seem like much of an upgrade, but in time MagSafe compatibility may command less of a "tax."