10 Editor-Approved iPhone 15 and 15 Plus Cases and Covers
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Apple’s Dynamic Island-toting iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are thoroughly excellent products that bring a multitude of design and hardware upgrades over the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. The former includes an all-new, color-infused glass back that gives the newcomers a more distinctive and upmarket look than the previous generation. For comparison, save for a few color variations, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 look similar in the metal.
At BestProducts.com, we’ve been keeping tabs on the iPhone case realm for more than half a decade, constantly researching and testing products — from clear to wallet options — for every iteration. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are no exception, so I spent the week after the new iPhones’ debut sifting through products online.
In addition to parsing a ton of product listings, I spent the week scrutinizing cases and covers from leading makers like Apple, Nomad, OtterBox, Speck, Spigen, and ZAGG, among others, in real-life by dressing my test devices in them. I evaluated the covers’ durability, ergonomics, and design. Given the fresh new look of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, I looked out for clear covers to properly showcase it without skimping on protection. Every product on this list is worthy of your new iPhone, as well as a perfect gift option for an iPhone 15 or 15 Plus user you care about.
The Best iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus Cases
Best Overall: ZAGG Crystal Palace Snap Case with Kickstand for iPhone 15
Best Budget: Spigen Ultra Hybrid S MagFit Case for iPhone 15
Best Apple Original: Apple iPhone 15 Silicone Case with MagSafe
Best Wallet: Nomad Modern Leather Folio Case for iPhone 15
Best Grip: Speck Presidio2 Grip Case for iPhone 15
What to Consider
Design and Durability
It doesn’t take an engineering degree to realize that more rugged iPhone cases are noticeably bulkier — after more than a decade of testing phone cases, I can personally confirm this is, well, the case.
If your or the recipient’s lifestyle includes frequently exposing your iPhone to potential damage (e.g., handing it over to toddlers, mounting it on a bike or motorcycle, etc.), grab an OtterBox or a UAG cover that can endure a heavy tumble. The higher price and extra bulk they bring are easier to deal with than replacing a cracked screen or back cover.
MagSafe
Since making the iPhone 12 family compatible with a revolutionary ecosystem of snap-on accessories in 2020, MagSafe has been onboard every iPhone that followed, except the starter iPhone SE. To support this MagSafe, cases need to have an embedded magnetic ring, so I handpicked only accessories that fit the criteria.
If you're shopping for a snap-on wallet case with a card pocket on its back, you should be prepared to give up on using MagSafe battery packs and chargers alongside it. Non-compatible cases typically have a negative impact on the essential functionality.
After more than three years of living with a MagSafe case, I can’t imagine life without it, so needless to say, I highly recommend you invest in one. Unless your habits and routine require otherwise, don’t settle for an iPhone 15 case without MagSafe. Such an accessory will make your or the gift recipient’s go-to gadget infinitely more versatile and futureproof.
Other Bits to Keep in Mind
Antimicrobial coating and sustainable build are additional essential to consider for any iPhone case. I’d also look for a built-in viewing stand, as it will make the iPhone 15 — especially the big-screen Plus version — a reliable platform for streaming video and gaming with a wireless controller in a jiffy.
Check out the best iPhone 15 and 15 Plus cases below!
Crystal Palace Snap Case with Kickstand for iPhone 15
Buy for iPhone 15 Plus: $55 on ZAGG
The ZAGG Crystal Palace Snap case is one of the best for the iPhone 15 for many reasons, starting with a clear finish that's been treated to remain transparent over time, MagSafe compatibility, and a built-in kickstand that folds perfectly when you don't need it. And thanks to graphene — an incredibly strong material — used in its making, the cover can protect the phone from 14-foot drops. In addition, the clear case has antimicrobial treatment that will keep germs away from its surface.
The case is also available without a kickstand for a little less. On the other hand, if you prefer grippier sides and color accents, consider the Santa Cruz Snap case from the same maker.
More: How to Choose Between iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro
Ultra Hybrid S MagFit Case for iPhone 15
Buy for iPhone 15 Plus: $55 on Amazon
Starting at $25 before additional deals and discounts, the Spigen Ultra Hybrid S MagFit case is the best for protecting the iPhone 15 on a tight budget. The clear cover has a tough back cover and a shock-absorbing bumper with the accessory giant's proprietary Air Cushion tech. The latter utilizes tiny air bubbles for absorbing shock from drops.
The MagSafe case also features a retractable viewing stand that works in landscape and portrait mode. Spigen infused the cover with blue resin, ensuring it won't lose its transparency over time. You can order one with a white or a black magnetic ring.
iPhone 15 Silicone Case with MagSafe
Buy for iPhone 15 Plus: $47 on Amazon
An original iPhone accessory with a proven track record of excellence in many past iPhone iterations, the Apple silicone case is one of the best for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. The MagSafe-compatible case offers a slim fit and a soft-touch finish that will improve the device's grip.
The case's silicone exterior and soft microfiber lining will reliably protect your iPhone from scratches and more serious damage, though you should know its soft-feeling exterior might get marks from heavy drops on hard surfaces. You can order the product in many colors.
Defender Series XT Clear for MagSafe
Buy for iPhone 15 Plus: $70 on Amazon
OtterBox is practically a synonym for rugged smartphone cases, and the Defender Series XT is our favorite for the iPhone 15. The cover features a strong polycarbonate shell, a shock-absorbing synthetic rubber bumper, and sturdy yet reliable button covers. Like all Defender cases, the XT also has a port cover to keep dust, lint, and debris from the USB-C connector of the iPhone 15.
We like that the case is available with a transparent back cover to show off the matte glass and Apple logo of the iPhone 15. There are several clear iterations to consider with various color accents. Solid-color versions are also available.
Modern Leather Folio Case for iPhone 15
Buy for iPhone 15 Plus: $60 on Nomad Goods
This timelessly elegant case by Nomad will not only reliably safeguard your iPhone from accidental damage but also double as a wallet replacement. The cover has several compartments for cards and a larger pocket for cash or receipts. Its display cover has a soft lining to protect the iPhone's screen from scratches.
Modern Leather Folio has a sturdy polycarbonate shell to protect the iPhone. Available in black or brown, the case will also treat you to high-quality metal button covers and a removable magnetic latch for keeping it closed.
Monarch Pro Case for iPhone 15
Buy for iPhone 15 Plus: $80 on Amazon
The Monarch Pro case by Urban Armor Gear masterfully combines a high-tech design with carbon fiber accents, a lightweight build with exceptional grip, and outstanding drop protection. According to its maker, the badass-looking case can help the iPhone survive drops from up to a head-spinning 25 feet.
You can order the Monarch Pro with carbon fiber or genuine leather accents. A slightly costlier version with Kevlar bits is also available, and so is a cheaper one sans MagSafe.
Presidio2 Grip Case for iPhone 15
Buy for iPhone 15 Plus: $60 on Amazon
As its name suggests, the Speck Presidio2 Grip case will make the iPhone 15 easier to handle. The inverted grip texture on its back will instantly reduce the possibility of accidental drops. It also gives the colorful (there are many to choose from) case a unique character.
Like every Speck cover, the antimicrobial Presidio2 Grip will dependably keep the iPhone 15 intact from damage. And thanks to a proprietary Speck feature dubbed ClickLock, the case is also compatible with a new lineup of Speck accessories, including a stand, a wallet, and a car mount. The new add-on gadgets complement MagSafe by securing the lock further via a pill-shaped hardware mount.
Impact Ring Custom iPhone 15 Case
Buy for iPhone 15 Plus: $82 on Casetify
The Casetify Impact Ring case stands out among its rivals by offering a practically limitless set of customization options. You can choose between a clear back, one with a color or design of your choosing, all before you get to select adorning it with your name or initials, among many other cool bits. You start with a blank clear cover with a contrasting frame, so your imagination can run free.
Another bit we love about the Impact Ring case is the super discreet viewing stand embedded into its camera ring. Made from recycled phone cases, the product also exceeds military-grade durability standards. A much tougher Casetify Bounce case is also available.
Manhattan Snap Case for iPhone 15
Buy for iPhone 15 Plus: $50 on Amazon
The Manhattan Snap case by ZAGG is all about reliably protecting the iPhone 15 without any distractions. Save for a tiny ZAGG logo and a textured side grip that improves its handling, the accessory has no almost no visual embellishments.
Thankfully, the low-key design of the Manhattan Snap doesn't come at the expense of features and functionality. The graphene-infused case is tougher than its low-key profile suggests, fully compatible with MagSafe, and antimicrobial, just like our top pick from the same maker. There are several colors to pick from.
Tough Armor MagFit Case for iPhone 15
Buy for iPhone 15 Plus: $25 on Amazon
In a manner befitting its name, the Spigen Tough Armor MagFit case will give the iPhone 15 military-grade protection thanks to a shock-absorbing polyurethane core and a rugged polycarbonate exterior shell. Remarkably, these materials, together with the built-in viewing stand and cutout for the Apple logo on the back of the iPhone, make the MagFit case look pricier than it is.
Spigen offers the MagSafe-ready case in several colors, ranging from black and gunmetal to striking red and rose gold finishes.
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