To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories.To revisit this article, select My Account, then View saved storiesJulian ChokkattuIf you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIREDTitanium, shmitanium. Every year Apple touts some fancy new process to make the glass on its iPhones stronger, or the metals in the frame sturdier. And yet, a single drop is often still all it takes to shatter a handset. Titanium is only present on this year's iPhone 15 Pro models, and I like it because it genuinely makes these phones a little more lightweight. However, it does not make them shatter-proof. They're all still glass slabs.Be smart and grab a case. They're not a guaranteed defense against cracks, but paired with a screen protector, they're a smart way to give your expensive investment some protection, especially if you skipped out on AppleCare. Whichever model you have, I've tried dozens of iPhone 15 cases and accessories to help you kit out your new smartphone. Oh, and no, older iPhone cases you may have lying around will not work with the new models.Be sure to check out our other Apple guides, including the Best MagSafe Accessories, Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers, Best MagSafe Power Banks, and Best iPhones.Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.Nomad's Rugged Case is what my palms gravitated to this year after testing dozens of cases. I like the curve in the thick thermoplastic urethane bumper, offering respite for my fingers. It has some of the best (aluminum!) buttons on a case of the many I tried, especially for the Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro models. The polycarbonate frame is sturdy, and the backplate doesn't show smudges easily. Best of all, it doesn't rock on a flat surface but sits flat. There's a decent lip (raised edges) around the screen to keep it from touching a surface when face down. And with MagSafe support, it does a fine job with other MagSafe accessories. I just wish the blue and orange colors weren't exclusive to the Pro models.If you mount your phone often, I suggest you get the Nomad X Peak Design version, which has Peak Design's SlimLink mounting system. It's integrated into various products like a tripod mount and a bike mount (my favorite), and it's much more secure than typical MagSafe mounts.★ Alternative: The Caudabe Sheath ($40) is a similarly well-balanced case, though it's more svelte than the Nomad. It has a lovely texture on the back, plus MagSafe support. The buttons are quite clicky, though the model I tested had a cutout for the Action Button. Caudabe says it will have a version with physical buttons for the Action Button, and I think you should wait for it.Mad that a case is going to cover the beautiful color on your iPhone? Get a clear case! Spigen's Ultra Hybrid S is the best value. There's an adhesive film you'll need to remove before you install it on your phone, which is great because the clear cases that didn't have this protective sheet picked up so much dust before I was able to slap it on my phone. The buttons work excellently—yes, even the Action Button on the Pro models. The same goes for MagSafe, and you even get a reliable kickstand you can pop out on the back that works in both landscape and portrait orientation. Unfortunately, clear cases have a knack for collecting dust and smudges quickly, so you'll have to wipe them down often.If you don't care for the kickstand, I also like Spigen's Ultra Hybrid Frost Black ($20) for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The back is frosted but the phone's color still comes through, and there's a nice thick bumper.Apple no longer makes a leather case for the iPhone, so you have to go with a third-party manufacturer if you want real leather. My favorite is from Nomad—the Horween model uses leather from the esteemed US tannery based in Chicago, and it oozes luxury (and smells fantastic). However, you can save some cash with the standard leather case, which employs Ecco leather, which purportedly uses less water to tan the leather and reduces the amount of chemicals used in the process. The buttons on both of these cases are clicky, including the Action Button, and I like the microfiber inner to keep your phone's glass scratch-free. It works well with MagSafe accessories too.You can totally get a dedicated MagSafe kickstand for your iPhone like the Moft Tripod Stand ($40), but if you don't want to fuss about with an extra thing, then a kickstand embedded in your case is the way to go. The Denali Snap is a little more rugged than the Spigen above. It has a graphene-infused backplate, which Zagg says does a better job of absorbing and deflecting impacts than ever before, though I can't vouch for this. The kickstand works in portrait and landscape orientation, though it's a bit wobbly in the former. It's easy to pull out, even for someone like me that perennially chews on nails. The buttons are snappy, the edges around the screen are raised, and MagSafe accessories hook up to it with no issues. If it's too spendy, go with the Spigen Ultra Hybrid S above.Simon HillJulian ChokkattuAdrienne SoSimon HillI don't know why, but whenever I see someone hanging their phone off their body like a crossbody bag, I immediately think they're cool. It just has that laid-back too-cool-for-school vibe. Moft's lanyard can get you there, and it's one of the fanciest systems I've tried—great for anyone whose phone is constantly flying out of their hands.First, you'll want to use it with its Snap case. The vegan leather case has a nice feel and looks attractive with clicky buttons. At the bottom on the inside is a little dip—this is where you attach the anchor via adhesive. Then, attach the lanyard to the loops on the anchor sticking out at the bottom of the case, and voilà! Lanyard case! The adjustable lanyard is comfy across the body, and you can take it off when you don't need it. However, removing it still leaves two tiny anchors sticking out from the bottom of the case. This is why this system is best paired with a MagSafe charger or a wired cable for recharging.★ Alternatives: If you're not feeling a lanyard but are constantly dropping your phone, try the Smartish Gripzilla ($35). This case has grooves on the edges that offer up a firm grip, with a nice anti-slip texture. The corners of the case are padded, and the buttons gave me no trouble.MagSafe wallets have a tendency to slip off every time you take your iPhone out of your pocket. Speck's solution is a proprietary locking mechanism called ClickLock that doesn't completely lock the MagSafe accessory into place like Peak Design's SlimLink system, but it's more secure than MagSafe alone. You need Speck's case to make this all work, and of the many Speck cases I tested, my favorite is the Presidio2 Grip. It has a soft-touch feel and clicky buttons, though the Action Button on the Pro model is a bit rigid.Attach the ClickLock Wallet for MagSafe, wait for the click, and now it'll require a good deal more force to remove it—it won't just slide off. The wallet fits three cards comfortably, and you can push them out via the gap on the side. I vigorously shook the wallet to see if even a single card alone would slip out, but nope. The cards stay put.★ Alternative: If you want a wallet that's embedded into the wallet itself, then I suggest the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 ($25). You'll lose out on MagSafe capabilities, but you can fit about three cards, and they don't fall out. You can slide them out via the gap on the side, just like on the Speck wallet.The iPhone 15 range can get quite hot when you start gaming (or doing any demanding activity) for a long period of time. Graphene has notable cooling properties, and this is one of the benefits Zagg is touting in its graphene-laden cases. In my rudimentary tests, I found that the London Snap case spread the heat throughout the case so there were far fewer hot spots than on other cases, and the phone didn't feel as warm to hold. I wasn't able to scientifically verify this with a temperature monitor though.The London Snap is a pleasant case with or without these cooling features. There's a lovely grippy and 3D-printed fabric material on the back, decently raised edges around the screen, reliably clicky buttons, and MagSafe support. It's also made with up to 91 percent post-consumer recycled materials.Simon HillJulian ChokkattuAdrienne SoSimon HillIgnoring the stupidly long name, I had a hard time finding many faults with this ESR case. OK, it's only available for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This is a clear case, so your iPhone's titanium color can shine through. It has a tough bumper around the edges, and you get complete screen protection on the front. ESR has an applicator that makes it easy to install this protector with almost no air bubbles, and it doesn't leave an air gap in between.You also get strong MagSafe magnets on the case, responsive buttons, and there's a fun trick: The camera module bumper doubles as a kickstand! It's a bit wobbly if you tap the screen a lot, but it works for portrait (at a steep angle) and landscape orientation. Even the USB-C port is covered up. All of this does make it chunky, and you might want to think twice about removing the case often, or you might compromise the screen protector.★ Alternative: The Otterbox Defender Series XT ($70) comes in a bunch more styles and colors at OtterBox's website, but this is a two-shell case. Slip on a synthetic rubber case over your iPhone, then push a polycarbonate frame over from the top. The hard part keeps your phone in place while the rubbery area absorbs the shocks. Or at least, that's the idea. It protects the USB-C port and is made with more than 50 percent recycled plastic, has clicky buttons, and the edges are raised fairly well to protect the screen.After several years, Moment finally upgraded its mobile lenses for modern-day cameras. Its new T-Series lenses are made to take advantage of the bigger image sensors available on new phones, with a 20 percent larger aperture. The lens elements are clearer with less color distortion, too. To use the lenses with your iPhone, you'll need to use Moment's camera app so you can easily force the camera to choose the correct lenses. You'll also need a Moment case, which is svelte with a snazzy look and responsive buttons. The texture on the back tends to pick up some dirt though. You'll also need a drop-in lens mount, and this is where you mount the lens when you want to use it.I have not tested the Anamorphic Lens for videos, but my favorites are the 14-mm Fisheye Mobile Lens ($120), 18-mm Wide Mobile Lens ($130), and the 10X Macro Mobile Lens ($120). I did not love the 58-mm Tele Mobile Lens ($150), as I found the photos were generally not quite sharp (not just at the edges, but the center of the frame too). I used them primarily on the iPhone 14 Pro, but the results should be similar if not the same for the new iPhone 15 range. I also like Moment's MagSafe accessories, though you don't need to use its case to enjoy those.I already have a scratch on my iPhone 15 Pro and I have no idea how. But screen protectors can be scary! These ones were the easiest to install with no outside help whatsoever. They adhered to the iPhone with no immediate issues in the following days.Smartish Tuff Sheet for $15: Two tempered-glass screen protectors for $15? It's hard to beat the value here. Smartish also offers up an applicator tool that makes it dead simple to apply a protector, provided you clean your iPhone first with the included alcohol wipe, dust removal stickers, and microfiber cloth. Any air bubbles that showed up disappeared fairly quickly.Zagg InvisibleShield XTR3 for $60: Zagg's screen protector has some blue light filtration baked in if that's your thing, but it was just as easy to apply as the Smartish. Zagg's is obviously more expensive, but it claims its tempered-glass protector can survive more abuse, though I wasn't able to verify this. In Zagg's defense, the screen protector is noticeably thicker than the other two on this list. You only get one, but Zagg offers a $250 screen guarantee. For an extra $20, you'll get $250 for a screen replacement in case anything happens to your screen within the first year of use.OtterBox Premium Glass for $40: This glass screen protector had the most opportunity for failure, and it actually sits ever-so-slightly askew on my iPhone. You just need to be a little careful when using the applicator tool. My air bubbles completely disappeared by the following day.Simon HillJulian ChokkattuAdrienne SoSimon HillAs part of its sustainability initiative, Apple no longer sells any leather cases, which is why there's a new FineWoven case taking its place. Made from 68 percent post-consumer recycled materials. FineWoven is … fine? It feels nice, but it scuffs up so easily after placing MagSafe accessories on the back of the case. I have already noticed some discoloration in the fabric after a few weeks of use, too. Surprisingly, it does a good job of not picking up dust and pet hair, and if it does, it's easy to brush off. The silicone case is more dirt-prone, but it's also perfectly fine.Not satisfied? Here are a few more clear cases worth looking at.Zagg Crystal Palace Snap MagSafe Case for $50: This is a nice clear case, but it did not have any protective film to remove before installation and got grubby pretty quickly. There's decently raised lips around the edges to protect the screen, solid buttons, and MagSafe support. If you don't care for MagSafe and want the clearest, most obstruction-free case to show off your iPhone, then get Zagg's Crystal Palace Case ($40). The Action Button isn't as clicky as the other buttons, but the rest of the case is solid.Smartish Gripmunk Clearly Clear MagSafe Case for $20: This one rivals Spigen's case and actually came with a protective film, but only for the back of the case. The buttons are clicky, but it smudges and shows scuffs easily. The edges have a frosted pattern.Zagg Luxe Snap Clear MagSafe Case for $40: This one feels quite grippy, but I found the Action Button to be a little mushy. The edges are raised up well, and while it doesn't show smudges and scuffs as easily as the other cases above, the design does feel like it detracts from the whole purpose of it being a clear case.OtterBox Lumen Series MagSafe Case for $50: This case has a colored bumper around the edges and matches it with the MagSafe module, but it's otherwise a clear case. It's made of 50 percent recycled materials, has grippy edges, nice buttons, and reliable MagSafe support. I just wish it didn't have that oily residue some clear cases have.The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are stuck at USB 2.0 speeds, but the iPhone 15 Pro models support USB 3.0, meaning you can transfer up to 10 gigabits per second via the new USB-C port. They all support DisplayPort Over USB-C, so if you use a compatible cable, you can connect your iPhone to an external monitor of some kind to mirror your screen. We have a whole guide to the Best USB-C Cables, but I suggest going with this Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 cable. It supports up to 100 watts, so you can recharge a MacBook Pro under load with the same cable, supports more than what you'll need for data transfer, and can carry video too. None of that is possible with the cable Apple includes in the box (which is restricted to 60 watts). It comes in multiple lengths.Simon HillJulian ChokkattuAdrienne SoSimon HillApple hasn't offered a charging brick in the box since the iPhone 12, so if you don't have one, we've got you covered with a few recommendations. These are all 30-watt chargers, which are more beneficial for the iPhone Pro models as they secretly support up to 27 watts, but 30 watts is still handy to have in case you want to recharge your iPad too.This Anker power bank is our favorite. It can top up your iPhone in a pinch, and you don't need to plug in anything—just slap it on the back of your iPhone and it'll magnetically align itself. It has a built-in kickstand that keeps the phone up in landscape or portrait orientation, and there's a button to turn it off, so you can stop charging when you just want to use the kickstand function. Read our Best MagSafe Power Banks guide for more options.★ Alternative: If you prefer speedier wired charging, then try Anker's Nano Power Bank ($30). It's compact but packs the same amount of power as the MagSafe battery above (5,000 mAh). It's good enough to recharge an iPhone once. It might not work with bulky cases. Read our Best Portable Power Banks guide for more.I tested Resident Evil Village on the iPhone 15 Pro and hated using the touch controls. There were too many virtual buttons, and it's hard to remember where everything sits on the HUD. If you're going to be gaming a lot on your iPhone, especially since more AAA games are now going to be launching on the App Store, the Backbone One is a must-have (8/10, WIRED Recommends). Make sure you buy the USB-C version. Not every game supports controllers, but you'll be relieved when you can use physical controls.Simon HillJulian ChokkattuAdrienne SoSimon HillAround this time every year, my office is quickly overrun by cases. I am currently surrounded by more than 60 cases around me. Many of them are perfectly fine! They just don't really stand out, or they have one quirk I don't really like. That's what you'll find below. You might like them more than I do.OtterBox Figura MagSafe Case for $50: These tie-dye phone cases are super rad. The buttons click well, and the MagSafe connection is strong. They're a little slippery, but the edges around the screen are raised well enough to protect it.Mous Limitless 5.0 MagSafe Case for $60: Mous has a few different textures you can choose from. The aramid I have is quite boring, but I'd recommend snagging the walnut or bamboo if you want a wood case. The case itself is well constructed with a blend of polycarbonate, thermoplastic urethane, and thermoplastic elastomer. The edges around the screen are raised, the MagSafe connection is strong, and the buttons work well. I did find the edges a bit slippery.Spigen Tough Armor MagFit ($25): The chunky Tough Armor has some of the best buttons I've pressed on a case, including for the Action Button. There's a hole in the center to show off that classic Apple logo, and over on the front, the edges are raised above the screen for extra protection. The kickstand is just OK. It's a little hard for me to pull out, and it only works in landscape orientation. But hey, it's cheap. I have also tested Spigen's Mag Armor and Rugged Armor, but I don't like them as much as the Tough Armor or the picks above.OtterBox Symmetry MagSafe Case for $50: This case is pretty simple, but it's cute! It's made from 50 percent recycled plastic and there are lots of colors to choose from. The buttons are a little tougher to press than I'd like, but not terribly so. There's also the OtterGrip Symmetry ($60), which adds a phone grip to the back of the case. I just don't like how you need two hands to remove the grip, and it doesn't function as a kickstand, unlike similar cases.OtterBox Commuter MagSafe Case for $45: This case is like the inverse of the Defender XT we recommend up above. You have to slip a rubber case over the iPhone, and the polycarbonate shell with the MagSafe component goes on the back. It's pretty solid all-around, except the MagSafe just isn't as strong as the other OtterBox cases. I don't know if it's because of the weight of the Pro Max that I tested it with, but it came off my MagSafe wireless charging stands more easily.Rokform Crystal Series and Rugged Series for $70: It's a thick and sturdy case, but the selling point is the strong MagSafe connection, which the company claims offers four to five times the strength on magnetic surfaces over typical MagSafe cases. This is true, it stuck to my metal desk very well. If you want a strong magnetic connection, it's perfect. However, this is also a problem when you want to find perfect alignment on the first try with your MagSafe wireless chargers. Since almost the entire back of the case is magnetic, you'll find yourself hunting to place it in the right spot to charge. Kinda defeats the purpose of MagSafe, doesn't it?Casetify Ultra Bounce MagSafe Case for $112: Pushing $100 for a case is, frankly, crazy to me. I'm not a huge fan of the camera covers on this case—I feel like I smudge the cameras more than ever because it sits flush with the rest of the case. The volume rocker is a bit mushy too. That said, the huge bumps on the corners have a good chance of absorbing impact and protecting your phone. You'll have a hard time fitting it in a pocket, but there's a spot to attach a lanyard (not included) if you want to dangle this bulky thing on your wrist. Casetify also has tons of different designs to choose from. I have previously tested and like its Impact cases ($68), which are still expensive, but cheaper than this.Catalyst Influence MagSafe Case for $60: This case has speaker ports that direct the iPhone's bottom-firing speakers at your face, and it's pretty effective! The Action Button is sadly a cutout instead of a button, but it's not too hard to access. The non-Pro models have the classic Catalyst rotating button you can twist to toggle the mute switch.Burga Elite MagSafe Case for $85: These cases have several designs you can choose from, and they certainly look like something straight out of New York Fashion Week. The buttons are solid, the screen is protected a bit via raised edges, and while the Action Button on the Pro models is a cutout instead of a button, it's not hard to access. The MagSafe connection is reliable, and it's decently grippy. Burga also has a non-MagSafe case ($35) if you don't care for magnets, but it feels decidedly cheaper.Wave Case MagSafe Case for $44: These cases have a cutout for the Action Button on the Pro models, but it's relatively easy to access. The MagSafe support is solid, and they're otherwise perfectly functional. They're just a little dull. What's not dull is that they're made from biodegradable wheat straw and come in 100 percent recyclable packaging.UAG Pathfinder MagSafe Case for $60: I have tested a bunch of UAG cases, and the Pathfinder is my favorite. The design, specifically in a solid color like Cloud Blue, has this spacey industrial look to it. Neat! The sides are grippy, there's a spot to attach a lanyard, and it hooks up to MagSafe accessories well. Sadly, the Action Button is a cutout—not a problem for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus and their mute switch!Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear MagSafe Case for $50: This is a decent clear case, but the Action Button is a little hard to press. It shows smudges pretty easily too. It comes with Speck's ClickLock proprietary magnetic mounting solution for added security with Speck's MagSafe accessories, but you can use any MagSafe gear with this case. It's made with 50 percent recycled plastics.Spigen Optik Armor Magfit Case for $27: This case is only available for the Pro models. It covers the rear cameras, whether you want to keep them protected or you want added privacy and peace of mind. I like the matte texture on the back. I noticed a few reviews say they've had issues using it with wireless chargers and MagSafe accessories, but I've had no qualms here. The camera cover does hang off the edge when you leave it open, but you can remove it completely if you are going to shoot a lot of photos. Just don't misplace it! The Action Button is a bit stiff too.Incipio AeroGrip MagSafe Case for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max for $60: It doesn't rock much on a table but stays flat, and true to its name, it offers a pretty good grip. However, the Action Button is a cutout, and I found it a bit hard to access.Incipio Forme Clear MagSafe Case for $50: This is a fun clear case with a snazzy design that lights up the colors of the rainbow when light scatters on it. Like the AeroGrip, the Action Button is a cutout and hard to press, but I didn't have issues with it otherwise. It's a solid option for the non-Pro iPhones.Mujjo iPhone 15 MagSafe Cases for $59+: I have been testing Mujjo cases for years and have historically liked them. This one is a bit of a dud. The Leather Wallet Case has MagSafe on it, despite the wallet sitting on the back, and it just doesn't really connect well with MagSafe accessories. It's also not a great wallet. You can fit one card at best, and it's still a bit hard to pull it out. The standard Leather Case and Shield Case are actually fine—they have great buttons, decently raised lips to protect the screen, and lovely vegetable-tanned leather, but the MagSafe in these cases is really weak. They barely clung onto my MagSafe chargers. Save your money.Dbrand Ghost Case for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max for $50: I wanted to like this MagSafe clear case. The edges are grippy and the buttons are excellent, even the Action Button! However, the case scuffs up way too easily. I've only put the iPhone in and out of it a few times and there are visible scuffs on the inner part of the clear case that are not coming off. On the Pro Max specifically, one of the camera lenses juts out ever so slightly out of the camera module, which isn't great.Incipio Cru MagSafe Case for $50: On the iPhone 15 Pro Max version, the lenses stick out past the camera module, which is not what I'd want from a case. The Action Button is also a cutout, though it's not too hard to access. It's a fine case otherwise, but Incipio sent me the brown faux leather, and while it feels nice, it doesn't really look like leather. And that color is just not that appealing. I had a similar experience with the camera lenses and Action Button on the Incipio Duo too.I tested cases on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max specifically. It's worth noting that many case manufacturers left a cutout for the Action Button, as they weren't sure what was happening with the mute switch. Some manufacturers are updating their cases to offer a physical button on the case instead of the cutout, so it's worth keeping an eye out if you don't want a cutout.I closely pore over every single case in this guide before making a recommendation, checking that all the ports, microphone holes, and speakers aren't blocked and that the case fits the iPhone well. We also check to see how easy it is to access the Action Button and whether the buttons are clicky or mushy. I also check MagSafe compatibility by testing cases with various accessories, like MagSafe wireless chargers and wallets.As much as I'd like to, I do not do drop tests, because I have a finite number of iPhones. Word to the wise—case makers may claim “10-foot drop protection,” but that doesn't really mean anything. In my experience, there's still a good chance your cased-up iPhone can fall a certain way and its glass will crack unless you're using an ultra-rugged case with complete protection.Simon HillJulian ChokkattuAdrienne SoSimon HillAdrienne SoJulian ChokkattuJulian ChokkattuMedea GiordanoTurboTax coupon: Up to an extra $15 off all tax services20% OFF All H&R Block 2023 Tax Software | H&R Block CouponInstacart discount code: $10 off $35+ orders + free deliveryExtra 20% off sitewide - Dyson promo codeGoPro Promo Code: 10% off all sitewide purchases + Free shippingMore From WIREDContact© 2023 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. 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