Best iPhone 5 Cases

If you want to keep that shiny new iPhone 5 looking pristine and sexy, then you need to grab yourself some decent protection. Whether you want something to match Apple’s stylish flagship design, something to safeguard it from accidents, or something to show off your personality, we’ve got you covered in this iPhone 5 case roundup.

When it comes to accessories, the iPhone line has always inspired some imaginative entries, and the latest release is no exception. Even before the queues start to form at Apple stores across the country, the market is already flooded with iPhone 5 cases.

We’ve got unbreakable iPhone cases, gorgeous iPhone cases, retro iPhone cases – in short, we have an iPhone 5 case to suit everyone.

If you haven’t upgraded yet then check out our best iPhone 4 and 4S cases.

Edge Design Aktiv ($100)

With anodized aluminum to match the design of your iPhone 5, the Aktiv case from Edge Design is pretty stylish. There’s a polymer band in the middle to hold your iPhone in place, and it’s suspended, so it doesn’t touch the metal case. Easy to fit, easy to clean, and provided with a 12-month guarantee, the Aktiv case is a premium product at a premium price. You have a choice of two-tone color schemes, from understated black and grey, to glaring pink and white.

Marware C.E.O. Prestige Plus ($40)

There are three components to this hip case. It has a clear MicroShell case made of virtually indestructible polycarbonate that sits inside a genuine leather wallet, the interior is scratch resistant microfiber, and there is a magnetic closure. It also has a built in belt clip so you can wear it on your belt. The cut away at the bottom of the wallet provides quick access to push the device out.

Moshi iGlaze Armour Metal Case ($40)

Super svelte and stylish protection for your iPhone comes from Moshi in the shape of its iGlaze Armour case. It has a tough polycarbonate frame with a diamond-cut aluminum back plate and a buffer film to prevent any dust from getting in. The case has the full range of cutouts required for normal phone operation and it is completely in tune with Apple’s design language. The case snaps on quite easily and is offered in bronze, grey, or black.

LifeProof Frē ($80)

Want to go everywhere and do everything with your iPhone 5? Lifeproof has the answer in the shape of the Frē case, which is waterproof, dirt proof, snow proof, and shockproof. For a tough case, this is surprisingly slim and light. There are buttons so that you can still operate your iPhone in the case and that extends to a glass lens for the camera and enhanced speaker ports. If you need a really reliable rugged case then this is it.

Knomo iPhone 5 Leather Case ($35)

This case has a stylish, premium look finished in real leather. The frame is tough polycarbonate and there’s a TPU lip to give it a little flexibility for snapping on and off. You’ll find easy access for your iPhone controls, but like many other cases, it can cause the flash to white wash your photos. You have a choice of the understated black leather with green frame or much louder burnt ochre leather with black frame.

Snappgrip for iPhone 5 ($100)

Funded through Kickstarter, the Snappgrip case is for photography fans. The basic case offers protection for your iPhone with all the usual cutouts and the textured surface is good for grip. The real attraction of Snappgrip, though, is the snap on camera controls, which convert your iPhone 5 into a traditional point-and-shoot camera. You’ve got shutter, mode, and zoom controls which connect via Bluetooth and work with the companion iOS app. There’s also a wrist strap and a tripod mount.

Slip Stopper for iPhone 5 ($20)

Apple works hard to reduce those dimensions and create a svelte smartphone so slapping a bulky plastic case on your iPhone 5 can feel wrong. With Slip Stopper, you can get a little protection without losing that form factor or the design highlights. It’s basically gel resin panels that you affix onto the iPhone. They add comfort and grip when you are holding the phone and you’ll benefit from a little shock absorption and scratch resistance.

Hex Fleet Core Case for iPhone 5 ($35)

Here’s a classy look for your iPhone 5. The Fleet Core case has a perfect fit frame wrapped in water resistant waxed canvas. The grey pinstripe finish gives it a business look, but you’ll find plainer alternatives at the Hex website if you prefer. It’s a premium look and there’s no need to remove the case to use the phone because you have all the standard cutouts.

Acase Superleggera Pro Dual Layer Protective Case ($20)

The initial release of the Acase Superleggera Pro for the iPhone 5 was botched and customers complained about a loose fit. The good news is that the case has been redesigned for snug protection. It’s a fairly svelte offering with a layer of shock absorbing silicone and a polycarbonate cover with a rubber coating for grip. It has silicone pads to protect your ports and there are cutouts for the camera and controls. It comes in a wide range of colors.

iPhone 5 Ballistic Shell Gel (SG) Series Case ($35)

Triple layer protection from Ballistic will safeguard your iPhone 5 from drops and bumps. There’s a shock absorbent polymer, a tough polycarbonate shell, and soft silicone. The combination is great for protection and grip. If plain black doesn’t suit you, there’s a choice of colors for a two-tone effect.

X-Doria Kick Case for iPhone 5 ($30)

You’ll find a range of two-tone color combinations for this kick stand case from X-Doria. The top portion of the case is smooth and glossy with all the cutouts you need and the bottom portion is matt rubber for grip and stability. The pop-out kickstand allows you to prop your phone securely in portrait or landscape view.

Pad & Quill Little Pocket Book for iPhone 5 ($55)

Here’s a little pocket book case that combines leather with Baltic birch wood. It is a high quality option handmade in the USA and it has a really distinctive look. It also has room for all of your credit cards and other bits and pieces. The wooden frame surrounded by durable leather closes snugly around your iPhone 5 to offer great protection and there’s an elasticated band to keep it in place. There’s full access to ports and controls, including the camera (though not the flash), thanks to precision cutouts.

OtterBox iPhone 5 Defender Series Case ($50)

This could be the perfect iPhone 5 case for anyone with butterfingers. The OtterBox Defender offers an inner polycarbonate shell, a screen protector, and an impact-absorbing rubber outer layer. There are also rubber plugs to protect the ports and a holster for wearing the phone on your belt. It comes in a range of two-tone color designs. It may be a bit bulky, but it will keep your iPhone looking as good as the day it was born.

Cygnett Vector 3D Tough Case for iPhone 5 ($19)

A stylish, textured case available in purple or black – the reasonably priced Vector by Cygnett is a good option. It’s impact resistant, it’s easy to grip, and it has raised edges and a screen protector to keep that touchscreen in perfect condition. The 3D textured material is tough and the case offers full access to functions and ports.

Belkin View Case for iPhone 5 ($20)

When you have a gorgeous piece of design like the iPhone 5 you could be forgiven for not wanting to cover it up with a case. The View Case from Belkin offers basic protection without compromising that stylish look. It features a fully transparent polycarbonate back with a polyurethane band around the outside. You can choose from a variety of color highlights for the impact-resistant edging.

Griffin KaZoo Case for iPhone 5 ($25)

Whether you’ve splashed out cash on an iPhone 5 for your child, or you just love cartoon animals, the KaZoo case from Griffin might just tempt you. These basic, soft silicone cases offer full access to controls, ports and the display. Why not wrap your iPhone in a colorful animal character? You have a choice of a monkey or an elephant.

Seidio Surface with Metal Kickstand ($35)

This slim case comes with a handy magnetic kickstand for propping up your phone, which snaps easily away when you aren’t using it. The case is very slim and the durable plastic has a soft-touch coating for comfortable handling. It comes in a variety of colors. 

Grove bamboo case for iPhone 5 ($79)

The most expensive case in our lineup justifies its high price tag with a intricate, hand-finished design made in the U.S. Unlike cheap plastic cases that look worse as they collect scratches and scuffs, the all-natural bamboo shell takes on an attractive patina in time, and is surprisingly tough. You can also get your case laser-engraved with a number of patterns right from the factory, or even a custom design.

Case-Mate Barely There Case for iPhone 5 ($30)

This slim case combines a hard outer shell with a silicone liner, which cushions your device. It will give you basic protection without adding much bulk. It’s a classic, minimalist design with a comfortable soft-touch finish. It comes in a wide range of matte colors with a subtle inlaid logo.

iLuv Diary Premium Leather Book Case for iPhone 5 ($35)

Here’s a clever combination case that offers premium leather on the outside and a tough polycarbonate shell on the inside. It’s a book-style case and when you open it up you’ll also find a sleeve with a couple of slots for credit cards. The advantage here is full 360 degree protection when the case is closed and easy access when you open it.

Sena Hampton Flip iPhone 5 Case ($55)

If you want premium leather, but prefer a vertical, flip-open design, the high quality Sena Hampton Flip case could be the one for you. Crafted from luxurious full-grain leather, this is a classy option that offers good all-round protection. It comes in black or brown and it also features a couple of credit-card slots.

Incipio Kicksnap iPhone 5 Case ($35)

Here’s another option for anyone looking to do some hands-free movie viewing on their iPhone 5. The Kicksnap case from Incipio has a built-in kickstand that flips out easily. It’s crafted from a rigid plextonium frame with an NGP soft-shell core. Like many iPhone 5 cases on the market, it is tough on the outside and soft on the inside for shock absorption.

STM Opera Protective Case for iPhone 5 ($30)

This TPU case hugs your iPhone 5 tightly and it will guard against damage and give you extra grip. It is extremely thin and light with all the cutouts you need and a nice textured backing. It comes in a range of colors including blue, gray, pink, white, and black.

Found an iPhone 5 case that you’ve fallen in love with? Post a comment and tell us why you’d recommend it.