The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models are still great devices, keep them safe from scrapes, scratches and shatters with one of these cases.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2023
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Reviews ethics statement
David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET’s Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He’s also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
- Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
Why You Can Trust CNET
Hands-on Product Reviewers
6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000
Sq. Feet of Lab Space
Best inexpensive clear iPhone case with a built-in kickstand
ESR Classic Kickstand case
View details
Which is the best iPhone 14 case overall?
The iPhone 15 is here, but there are still millions of iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Max handsets in the world — along with a variety of cases to choose from. While most do a decent job protecting your iPhone, people’s taste for cases varies, so I’ve included a variety of case options on this list. I’ve tested and like all of them, which is why they’re on the best list. But if I had to pick one case over all cases right now, I’d go with the Otterbox Core case, which comes in a few different color options and has both a unique look and a nice grippy texture. It’s the case I use most on my phone (sorry, it’s not cheap).
If you’ve bought an iPhone 14 and are looking for a case, you probably know that each new model has its own specific case, so make sure you get the correct one. Note that the Pro versions, which include the iPhone 14 Pro and larger iPhone 14 Pro Max, sport extra cameras that require a larger cutout on the back of your case.
Best iPhone 14 cases of 2023
Photo Gallery 1/1
Show expert take Show less
” superlative=”Best inexpensive clear iPhone case with a built-in kickstand” imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”988abea4-c119-428c-932b-03977ce992e2″,”alt”:”The ESR Classic Kickstand case has a unique kickstand design”,”caption”:”
“,”credits”:”Amazon”,”imageData”:{“id”:”988abea4-c119-428c-932b-03977ce992e2″,”filename”:”esr-classic-kickstand-case-iphone-14-pro.png”,”path”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/esr-classic-kickstand-case-iphone-14-pro.png653ef571b9cbd.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2023-08-31 20:03:01.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/esr-classic-kickstand-case-iphone-14-pro.png653ef571b9cbd.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”imageCaption”:”
“,”imageCredit”:”Amazon”,”imageAltText”:”The ESR Classic Kickstand case has a unique kickstand design”,”imageFilename”:”esr-classic-kickstand-case-iphone-14-pro.png”,”imageWidth”:1164,”imageHeight”:749,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2023-08-31″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Amazon” techobjectinfo=”{“uuid”:”500e931b-17fb-4b6c-9921-5e7e7c6e1db6″,”slug”:”esr-classic-kickstand-case-compatible-with-iphone-14-pro-case-clear-case-with-stand-military-grade-protection-built-in”,”name”:”ESR Classic Kickstand Case Compatible with iPhone 14 Pro Case, Clear Case with Stand, Military-Grade Protection, Built-in Camera Ring Stand, Scratch-Resistant Acrylic Back, Clear”,”productType”:”SERIES”,”updateType”:”EZMONEY”,”mod”:1698123076008,”displayDate”:”Tue Oct 24 2023 00:51:16 GMT-0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)”}” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__7f0fc08f-7f48-4105-aeec-804caa1c77af” index=”3″ imagecredit=”Amazon” tagslugs=”hv180,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” showdetails=”true” suppressautoplay=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]”>
The ESR Classic Kickstand case is not your typical clear case with an integrated kickstand. That’s because the kickstand doesn’t flip out 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 for around $10 more — $24), you can step up to a newer version of the case with MagSafe support.
Show expert take Show less
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 $40 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).
” superlative=”MagSafe-compatible iPhone case with its own accessory ecosystem” imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”8d191296-1353-435c-9c47-37a73f5cd7ab”,”alt”:”Peak Design’s Everyday cases for iPhone are available in a few variations”,”caption”:”
“,”credits”:”Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET”,”imageData”:{“id”:”8d191296-1353-435c-9c47-37a73f5cd7ab”,”filename”:”peak-design-iphone-14-cases.png”,”path”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/peak-design-iphone-14-cases.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2023-04-04 18:59:05.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/peak-design-iphone-14-cases.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”imageCaption”:”
“,”imageCredit”:”Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”Peak Design’s Everyday cases for iPhone are available in a few variations”,”imageFilename”:”peak-design-iphone-14-cases.png”,”imageWidth”:1596,”imageHeight”:898,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2023-04-04″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__19972939-f140-4073-b759-2946b48eb2ff” index=”7″ imagecredit=”Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET” tagslugs=”hv180,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” showdetails=”true” suppressautoplay=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]”>
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. But 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 $40 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).
Show expert take Show less
” superlative=”Solid iPhone 14 case under $30″ imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”dd654152-1883-4f74-ad23-2f87f331a9b6″,”alt”:”Cyrill iPhone 14 cases are stylish and relatively inexpensive”,”caption”:”
“,”credits”:”Amazon”,”imageData”:{“id”:”dd654152-1883-4f74-ad23-2f87f331a9b6″,”filename”:”cyrill-iphone-14-cases.jpg”,”path”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/cyrill-iphone-14-cases.jpg?auto=webp&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2022-09-08 19:20:11.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/cyrill-iphone-14-cases.jpg?auto=webp&height=500″,”imageCaption”:”
“,”imageCredit”:”Amazon”,”imageAltText”:”Cyrill iPhone 14 cases are stylish and relatively inexpensive”,”imageFilename”:”cyrill-iphone-14-cases.jpg”,”imageWidth”:3000,”imageHeight”:1500,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2022-09-08″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Amazon” offer=”{“id”:”676a39e0-6025-492b-a9fb-5dd8a333f26b”,”label”:”Cyrill UltraColor Mag for iPhone 14 (Taro)”,”slug”:”cyrill-ultracolor-mag-for-iphone-14-taro”,”edition”:[“US”,”ES”],”imageId”:””,”imgUrl”:null,”typeLabel”:”Tech Product”,”objectType”:”content_product”,”icon”:”type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small”}” techobjectinfo=”{“uuid”:”676a39e0-6025-492b-a9fb-5dd8a333f26b”,”slug”:”cyrill-ultracolor-mag-for-iphone-14-taro”,”name”:”Cyrill UltraColor Mag for iPhone 14 (Taro)”,”productType”:”PRODUCT”,”updateType”:”PRISM”,”mod”:1698123078221,”displayDate”:”Tue Oct 24 2023 00:51:18 GMT-0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)”}” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__0e93f322-0dba-44ed-b625-6816246e66e3″ index=”11″ imagecredit=”Amazon” tagslugs=”hv180,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” showdetails=”true” suppressautoplay=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]”>
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 ($25), and the Kajuk Mag ($27) is also pretty nice, owing to its faux “vegan” leather back. The transparent Shine Mag ($30) cases are attractively designed with “a touch of sparkle” for those who like a bit of flash in their iPhone case.
Show expert take Show less
” superlative=”Best case with an integrated grip” imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”cd98244a-58c1-47e6-a519-37e48ff55e3b”,”alt”:”The Otterbox OtterGrip integrates a retractable grip into a Symmetry Series case”,”caption”:”
The
“,”credits”:”Otterbox”,”imageData”:{“id”:”cd98244a-58c1-47e6-a519-37e48ff55e3b”,”filename”:”otterbox-ottergri-in-hand.png”,”path”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/otterbox-ottergri-in-hand.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2023-01-03 17:30:35.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/otterbox-ottergri-in-hand.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”imageCaption”:”
The
“,”imageCredit”:”Otterbox”,”imageAltText”:”The Otterbox OtterGrip integrates a retractable grip into a Symmetry Series case”,”imageFilename”:”otterbox-ottergri-in-hand.png”,”imageWidth”:2336,”imageHeight”:1466,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2023-01-03″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” overridecaption=”
The
” overridecredit=”Otterbox” techobjectinfo=”{“uuid”:”a0a2c3ec-a04b-4af5-abeb-2e2e6d735547″,”slug”:”otterbox-ottergrip-symmetry-series-hard-shell-for-apple-iphone-14-pro-chill-out”,”name”:”OtterBox – OtterGrip Symmetry Series Hard Shell for Apple iPhone 14 Pro – Chill Out”,”productType”:”PRODUCT”,”updateType”:”EZMONEY”,”mod”:1698123076506,”displayDate”:”Tue Oct 24 2023 00:51:16 GMT-0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)”}” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__8881c39a-256f-4beb-844c-ad031674b4fc” index=”16″ imagecredit=”Otterbox” tagslugs=”hv180,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” showdetails=”true” suppressautoplay=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]”>
Available in multiple color options, what makes Otterbox’s OtterGrip case interesting is that when it’s not in use, the grip retracts back into the case (it sits flush with the back of the case). It is designed for “strong alignment and attachment with MagSafe technology and accessories without removing or repositioning the case or grip,” OtterBox says. That means you could attach the case to a MagSafe car mount, for example, or a MagSafe battery or charging stand.
We only wish the grip converted into a kickstand (it can’t really do that), but Otterbox does sell the Post Up MagSafe kickstand if you’re willing to shell out $25 for it.
Show expert take Show less
The Eagle 3 is fairly pricey at $70, though it’s worth mentioning that Rokform offers 20% to first-time customers and free shipping for US orders over $45.
” superlative=”Case with most powerful MagSafe magnet” imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”ea55d87b-e9e7-4077-9e72-1169604f9b9a”,”alt”:”Designed for golfers, the Rokform Eagle 3 case has a very strong magnet”,”caption”:”
“,”credits”:”Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET”,”imageData”:{“id”:”ea55d87b-e9e7-4077-9e72-1169604f9b9a”,”filename”:”rokform-eagle-3-iphone-14-case-yellow-background.png”,”path”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/rokform-eagle-3-iphone-14-case-yellow-background.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2023-03-16 20:17:59.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/rokform-eagle-3-iphone-14-case-yellow-background.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”imageCaption”:”
“,”imageCredit”:”Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”Designed for golfers, the Rokform Eagle 3 case has a very strong magnet”,”imageFilename”:”rokform-eagle-3-iphone-14-case-yellow-background.png”,”imageWidth”:1596,”imageHeight”:898,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2023-03-16″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__3411eecf-4d43-40a9-b456-fecf55f5a79b” index=”20″ imagecredit=”Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET” tagslugs=”hv180,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” showdetails=”true” suppressautoplay=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]”>
Rokform makes some mountable rugged cases for iPhones (see above), but its Eagle 3 case has a unique feature that I appreciated: A powerful MagSafe-compatible magnet built into the case.
Rokform bills the Eagle 3 as an iPhone golf case because it’s designed to stick to the metal roof poles on your golf cart, allowing you to conveniently view hole yardage info from golf GPS apps or mount your phone to capture your swing on video.
But this is also the case for someone who wants a powerful magnet so you can securely mount your phone on anything metal or have your MagSafe accessories really stick to your phone. For example, a lot of MagSafe-enabled wallets just don’t stay on your phone all that securely. With this case, they really stick. And with some MagSafe accessories, like the Clckr Stand and Grip, I actually had to work a bit to pull the accessory off.
The Eagle 3 is fairly pricey at $70, though it’s worth mentioning that Rokform offers 20% to first-time customers and free shipping for US orders over $45.
Show expert take Show less
” superlative=”Affordable iPhone 14 wallet case” imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”84aa54be-caf2-4783-8d12-01ff1fabc1e9″,”alt”:”smartish-iphone-14-pro-wallet-slayer-vol-2-groovy-purple.png”,”caption”:”
“,”credits”:”Smartish”,”imageData”:{“id”:”84aa54be-caf2-4783-8d12-01ff1fabc1e9″,”filename”:”smartish-iphone-14-pro-wallet-slayer-vol-2-groovy-purple.png”,”path”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/smartish-iphone-14-pro-wallet-slayer-vol-2-groovy-purple.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2022-09-09 18:38:40.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://news.idnsportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/localimages/smartish-iphone-14-pro-wallet-slayer-vol-2-groovy-purple.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”imageCaption”:”
“,”imageCredit”:”Smartish”,”imageAltText”:”smartish-iphone-14-pro-wallet-slayer-vol-2-groovy-purple.png”,”imageFilename”:”smartish-iphone-14-pro-wallet-slayer-vol-2-groovy-purple.png”,”imageWidth”:1600,”imageHeight”:900,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2022-09-09″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Smartish” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__95e9c057-ff43-48ba-b5bc-9dbbf98928bb” index=”23″ imagecredit=”Smartish” tagslugs=”hv180,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” showdetails=”true” suppressautoplay=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]”>
Smartish’s affordable, simple, slim cases and wallet cases return for the iPhone 14. The Wallet Slayer 2.0 case (pictured) comes in a few different designs, including the Groovy color shown here. It holds three credit cards plus cash, and you can use one of your credit cards as a kickstand. However, its one downside is that it’s not compatible with wireless and MagSafe chargers.
Smartish also sells a MagSafe case called the Gripzilla. It’s one of the most affordable MagSafe cases and is easy to grip, as its name implies.
Show expert take Show less
MagSafe support — or not?
You can save about $8-$10 by getting a case that doesn’t have MagSafe support (the metal ring built into the case). But 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.
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 — or even maximum protection. I personally 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).
Do you want a clear case?
Clear cases are popular because they show off your phone (and its color). But 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.
Virtually every case that appears on this list has been tested by CNET’s expert reviews team on at least one of the iPhone 14 models (we tested cases using an iPhone 14 and an iPhone 14 Pro). That means actually using the phone with the case on the phone for at least a day and making sure the buttons on the phone work properly with the case on.
- Design: We evaluate the more superficial and cosmetic aspects of cases. considering how aesthetically pleasing it is because people do buy cases solely for their colors and the artwork on the cases.
- Durability: We look at the durability of the case, paying particular attention to corner and camera protection (raised corners on case can help your phone survive face-down falls).
- Grip factor: We review the material the case is made of so we can talk about such factors as how grippy the phone feels in your hand and how protective it is.
- Extra features: Some iPhone cases have extra features such as MagSafe, integrated kickstand or grips and, in the case of folio models, slots for storing credits cards and cash.
- Long-term testing: While we don’t do long-term testing for most cases, we do use some of the most popular cases for longer periods to gauge how they wear over time and see how well our phone holds up during accidental drops with the case on it. That said, we don’t do formal drop tests.
- Waterproof cases: Only a few fully waterproof cases are available, but If the case is supposed to be fully waterproof, we test it by submerging it in water.
We look at design features like the raised corners on this Otterbox case when we test the best iPhone cases.
David Carnoy/CNETHow protective of an iPhone 14 case should I buy?
I personally 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 14 case like the OtterBox Defender 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 those who prefer minimal protection. Before you go with a case like that, just remember how much your phone costs — but it is better than having no case at all. Make sure you get a sound tempered glass screen protector for your iPhone 14 model to prevent deep scratches and safeguard the screen.
Should I get a MagSafe case for my iPhone 14?
All the iPhone 14 models are equipped with Apple’s MagSafe feature, which offers faster wireless charging with compatible chargers. It also supports optional accessories — including Magsafe wallet, mini wallets and various mounts — that adhere magnetically to the back of your phone. Like the iPhone 13, the iPhone 14 has “an array of magnets” (Apple says they’re recycled) embedded around a charging coil that can pull up to 15 watts of power.
However, 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.
Are MagSafe cases more expensive?
In general, yes — about $10 more. There are some more affordable MagSafe cases that cost around $20, but most cost upwards 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.”
