Even though Apple has launched the iPhone 16, 2023's model isn't going anywhere yet. In fact, the iPhone 15 is now a better buy than ever since Apple is selling it at a lower price — and you can find even deeper discounts online and from many carriers.
The iPhone 15 marked a watershed transition in Apple's standard iPhone lineup. It was a significant jump ahead of its 2022 predecessor, packing in the most significant camera improvements for a standard model since the iPhone 11 adopted the dual-lens camera design in 2019. That put it ahead of its time, and it's still a compelling choice against this year's iPhone 16, especially if Apple Intelligence isn't your cup of tea.
However, just because the iPhone 15 is now an even more affordable pick in Apple's new lineup doesn't mean you shouldn't consider adding some protection. Apple's Ceramic Shield glass is durable, but it's not indestructible, and it's only on the front display — the back of the phone is made from normal glass that will shatter or crack quite easily if you drop your iPhone, as well as collect scratches from the bumps and scrapes of everyday life. The good news is that the popularity of the iPhone means you'll never be faced with a shortage of choices for the best and most stylish protection for your device. In fact, there are so many different companies making iPhone cases that it can be overwhelming, so we've rounded up a few of the best picks below, from clear and classy cases that let the iPhone's colorful back shine through to rugged tactical cases that will serve you well through life's most extreme adventures.
![Spigen Ultra Hybrid Designed for iPhone 15 Case (2023), [Anti-Yellowing] [Military-Grade Protection] - Crystal Clear](https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ccp-prd-s3-uploads/2023/9/22/338661c61bc34edd8a579c0ab13f50bff6347411.jpeg)
The best clear iPhone 15 case
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear Case
- Completely clear
- Good hybrid protection
- Slim and lightweight
- Can still yellow as it ages
The iPhone 15 has a fun, vibrant color scheme, so why hide that behind chunky plastic? Spigen's Ultra Hybrid case is completely clear, which means your chosen color can shine through, while the good hybrid build means you don't sacrifice protection for choosing clarity. It's made from a hard polycarbonate (PC) frame with a TPU bumper, which means good strength across the board.
While it won't be as protective as bigger, more rugged cases, it's more than good enough for everyday protection. It can fall prey to the usual pitfalls for clear cases though, specifically the yellowing of TPU as it ages. Spigen has given it an anti-yellowing coating though, which should help to slow the process down. It's available at a great price, offers good durability, and is completely clear. The Spigen Ultra Hybrid is a great case.
The best slim iPhone 15 case
Ringke Fusion-X case
- Strong hybrid design
- Slim and lightweight
- QuikCatch lanyard attachments
- Unique style may not be for everyone
It's a strange looking case, but it's also a very effective one. Ringke's Fusion-X case is a mainstay of our case round-ups for a number of very good reasons, and it's because it's lightweight, protective, and also comes with some useful features you don't find in many other cases.
This is a hybrid case, meaning it's made from a blend of soft TPU and hard polycarbonate, giving it a broad range of protective qualities that will protect it from bumps, drops, and scratches. The really unique feature are the three QuikCatch lanyard holes in the sides of the case. You can use these points to attach a wrist or shoulder strap, and further reduce the chances of a catastrophic drop disabling your device — a real must-buy for the clumsy among us.
The best accessorizing iPhone 15 case
Speck Presidio2 ClickLock Cases
- Exclusive ClickLock accessories
- Many styles available
- Anti-microbial protection
- Drop protection up to 13 feet
- Expensive
These days, a case shouldn’t just be a case. You carry your iPhone everywhere you go, so in addition to protecting your expensive investment, the case should also offer some practicality. Cue the Speck ClickLock Presidio 2 and Presidio Perfect-Clear cases for the four 2023 iPhone models. It includes patent-pending ClickLock technology with a no-slip interlock for MagSafe accessories. The magnetically attracted bolt – built into – automatically extends to attach to the case ‘receptacle,’ forming a mechanical interlock. It’s a welcome enhancement that keeps the related accessories securely connected to the back of the case, with no slippage and no unwanted detachments.
Compatible ClickLock accessories include a hands-free car vent phone mount, an attachable wallet, and a 360-degree adjustable finger grip with a kickstand. Isn’t it about time your iPhone case did more for you? There are 169 new cases from Speck in 17 designs and 20 custom colors. Of those, 57 include Speck’s ClickLock interlocking technology. These cases will transform your mobile experience for the better. Until October 15th, you can use code DIGITAL15 to get 15% off your entire order sitewide.
The best protective iPhone 15 case
RhinoShield SolidSuit Protective Case
- Strong protective design
- Big variety of color options
- MagSafe option
- Boring design
It's not the world's most exciting case where looks are concerned, but RhinoShield's SolidSuit is strong, comes in a large variety of colors, and even has some significant eco-credentials to back it up. The SolidSuit is made from ShockSpread ECO, a TPE material that's been crafted from sustainable (i.e. recycled) plastics, so it's eco-conscious as well as protective.
RhinoShield boast that it doesn't feel plasticy, but still offers a strong grip, great durability, and it's even easy-to-clean. Yes, it's not a great looking case, but the different colorways on offer do help that a lot.
The best pouch iPhone 15 case
Torro Leather iPhone Pouch Case
- Compatible with all 6.1-inch and 6.3-inch iPhones
- Elegant handcrafted leather
- Microfiber lining
- Need to remove iPhone to use it
Torro's Leather Pouch isn't your typical iPhone case, but it's a great pick for anyone who prefers to use their iPhone 15 caseless, but wants protection for it while in a bag or purse. As the name suggests, this is a pouch or sleeve case that you slide your iPhone into to keep it safe when you're not using it, but it's not the ideal solution if you're concerned about fumbling your iPhone while it's in your hand. As with Torro's other products, the leather sleeve is handcrafted from top-grain cowhide leather while offering a slim design so it won't take up any more space in your pocket than necessary. There's also a cutout for the charging port and a soft microfiber lining so you don't need to worry about scratching your iPhone when sliding it in and out of the pouch.
One of the best things about sleeve cases like this is their broad compatibility. A pouch doesn't need to be precisely engineered to fit your buttons and cameras, so it can be used with any iPhone model in a given size, and since Apple rarely makes dramatic changes to the dimensions of its iPhone models, the Torro Leather Pouch can be used with anything from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 16 Pro, which makes it a pretty future-proof solution if you like this style of case.
The best drop-proof iPhone 15 case
Mous Clarity 2.0 Case
- Gorgeous clear or iridescent colorways
- Strong drop protection
- Slim and lightweight
- Expensive
You likely know Mous from its long-running video campaign showing its cases being dropped from ladders, out of windows, and even off buildings. Mous set out to create protective cases with ludicrously effective drop-proofing, and it largely succeeded in that goal.
While no case is truly proof against damage, Mous' cases are one of the best to get if the idea of dropping your phone breaks you out in a cold sweat. It's fully MagSafe compatible, has two lanyard attachment points, and has some lovely colorway options, including the stunning iridescent option. It's certainly on the more expensive side, though surely any price is worth keeping your shiny new iPhone 15 safe, right?
The best hybrid wallet iPhone 15 case
Twelve South BookBook for iPhone 15
- Whimsical design made from premium leather
- Detachable inner shell doubles as a case of its own
- Magnetic clasp keeps case closed
- A bit bulky
Twelve South's BookBook series of cases are well-known classics among Apple fans. They've been around almost since the original iPhone, with the boutique accessory maker adding a few nice touches and other improvements over the years. The style of the BookBook is that of most wallet cases, providing room for a bit of cash and up to four cards, including a windowed slot for a driver's license or other identification. However, what makes the BookBook unique is the fun design that merges old-world charm with modern technology by encasing your sleek glass and metal iPhone in what looks like a leather-bound book, complete with markings on the spine.
Available in two finishes, the brown offers a vintage design that ages into a nice patina over time, while the black gives off a classier look with a more colorful backstrip. Like most wallet cases, it can easily be folded into a viewing stand, while a magnetic clasp holds it securely closed to protect the screen even if you drop it. As an added bonus, the MagSafe-compatible inner shell that holds the iPhone detaches magnetically and doubles as a case of its own, with inlaid leather on the back and full protection on all sides. It's a great solution for when you want to use your iPhone without the extra bulk of the wallet.
The best rugged iPhone 15 case
OtterBox Commuter Rugged Case
- Strong rugged protection
- Slim and lightweight
- Exceed military standards by three-times
- Boring design
- Expensive
OtterBox is the first place you look when you want a rugged case, and the Commuter series is its everyday case that still packs serious protective credentials. The hybrid dual-layer construction is made from a mix of 35% recycled rubber with a rigid outer shell. OtterBox loves to exceed expectations, so it's rated to withstand three-times the military standards for drop-protection.
In short, it's protective and rugged, but since it's the everyday version of OtterBox's case range, it's also slim and lightweight, giving you the best of both worlds. It's on the expensive side, as are most of OtterBox's offerings, and it's a bit boring to look at. But if you want something protective, the OtterBox Commuter is for you.
The best waterproof iPhone 15 case
Ghostek Nautical Waterproof Case
- Strong rugged protection
- Clear back
- IP68-rated waterproofing
- Expensive
The iPhone 15 is waterproof, but if you're taking your iPhone near a pool, the sea, or anywhere with deep water, you may want to make sure your precious phone is extra protected against the destructive power of water. That's where a waterproof case comes in extra handy, and Ghostek has made a name for itself by creating waterproof cases you can rely on.
It can withstand water ingress for up to six feet deep for up to 90 minutes, protection enabled by its watertight port seals. It's not lacking in protection elsewhere either, with drop resistance up to an incredible 12 feet, raised edges for the camera lenses, and a shockproof construction. It's an expensive case for sure, but considering the amount of protection this offers, it's worth the expense.
The best vintage wallet iPhone 15 case
Snakehive Leather Wallet for iPhone 15
- Made from handcrafted leather in multiple colors
- Can hold up to three cards and some cash
- Reasonably priced
- Bulky
For an elegant and stylish wallet case that won't break the bank, Snakehive offers an impressive pick in its Vintage Leather Wallet. While it may not be as luxurious as pricier designer cases, it's still handcrafted from different cuts of top-grain nubuck leather and hand-dyed so that each case has a unique look and a great leather feel that will age into a rich patina over time. In addition to traditional chestnut brown and basic black leather colors, its also available in navy, teal, plum, and bottle green finishes that run from a soft, suede-like feel to more glossy and smooth.
Inside, durable pigskin leather keeps your iPhone 15 cushioned against impacts, along with a magnetic clasp to make sure the cover stays closed to protect your screen. Like most wallet cases, you'll also find room for three cards and some cash inside the front flap, and it can double as a stand to prop your iPhone 15 up in landscape orientation for movies and video calls.
The best minimalist wallet iPhone 15 case
Smartish Wallet Slayer for iPhone 15
- Offers solid drop protection
- Holds up to three cards plus cash
- Available in fun colors and patterns
- Not compatible with wireless charging or MagSafe
Someday, Apple Pay and Digital IDs will eliminate the need to carry any cards around with you at all, but, sadly, we're not quite there yet. Thankfully, there's Smartish's Wallet Slayer. As the name suggests, this case lets you leave your wallet at home and keep your most important cards on you without bulking up your iPhone 15 and covering up the screen like most folio wallet cases do.
Instead, Wallet Slayer offers a snug compartment on the back where you can stash at least three cards and a bit of cash for easy access. It's also built tough, drop-tested for impact protection of up to six feet, thanks to air cushioned corners, plus textured sides that ensure you'll be able to keep a good grip on it. The only catch? The card compartment at the back means it's not compatible with wireless charging — including MagSafe — so unless you want to take the case off, you'll need plug your iPhone 15 in to charge it the old-fashioned way. Fortunately, that's a bit less onerous now that Apple has finally switched to USB-C.
The best lightweight iPhone 15 case
Totallee Thin Case for iPhone 15
- Extremely thin and light
- Protects against scratches
- Raised edges for camera protection
- Little to no drop protection
- Boring design
If you're more worried about keeping the glass back of your iPhone 15 scratch-free than dropping it, then totallee's Thin Case is a great way to add as little bulk as possible. The company is known for making some of the thinnest smartphone cases on the market that, unlike cheap shell cases, still offer decent protection thanks to raised edges around the camera and strong materials.
At only 0.02 inches (0.5mm) thick, don't expect this case to do much in the way of drop protection, but it will keep your iPhone 15 looking as pristine as the day you bought it while adding almost no extra weight and ensure it still slides easily into your pocket.
The best fun and protective iPhone 15 case
Caseology Nano Pop Mag for iPhone 15
- Fun two-tone color designs
- Good drop protection
- Comfortable silicone finish
- May clash with some iPhone colors
Caseology's Nano Pop offers a set of fun two-tone designs that complement many of the iPhone 15 colors that will still show through the camera cutout while still delivering very good drop protection and a silicone back that feels smooth and comfortable to hold onto.
The playful designs give the case a sportier look, particularly if you opt for the yellow-and-blue Blueberry Navy or the yellow-and-reddish Magenta Lychee. For those who prefer a more subtle aesthetic there's also a more muted Burgundy Bean and a classic Black Sesame that still manages to be one of the most attractive neutral designs we've ever seen. The only real downside to this otherwise great case is that you may not find a color combo that works well your preferred iPhone 15 finish.
The best colorful iPhone 15 case
Apple Silicone Case for iPhone 15
- Available in a broad selection of colors to complement the iPhone 15
- MagSafe-compatible
- Made by Apple
- Expensive
- Only offers basic protection
While it's far from the least expensive case you'll find for your iPhone 15, Apple's Silicon Case has the advantage of being made by Apple so you can be confident it will fit your iPhone like a glove and work flawlessly with MagSafe accessories.
The Apple Silicon case also has the advantage of being available in a selection of eight colors that Apple has specifically chosen to complement the iPhone 15 models that will go into it. With shades like Winter Blue, Storm Blue, Orange Sorbet, Cypress (green), and Guava, you can find something that works with any iPhone 15 color, whether you're looking for a close match or a strong contrast. You can even find pictures of every possible color combination on the online Apple Store page.
The best kickstand iPhone 15 case
Torras Pstand Case for iPhone 15
- Built-in kickstand supports StandBy mode
- MagSafe-compatible
- Solid drop protection
- A little bit pricey
The advent of the new StandBy mode in iOS 17 has created a unique need among kickstand cases. Since StandBy mode only kicks in when your iPhone is propped up and charging, you ideally want a case that offers MagSafe compatibility without a kickstand getting in the way.
That's where the Torras Pstand comes in. It checks all the right boxes for style and protection while also adding MagSafe support and a kickstand that's off to one side. This means you can set your iPhone 15 down at the perfect angle for StandBy mode while still magnetically attaching Apple's MagSafe Charger to the back. Torras also offers strong magnets, promising 60% stronger attraction than Apple's MagSafe cases, and a kickstand that's made with high-carbon steel hinges to withstand over 30,000 rigorous folding tests, yet folds flush into the back when you're not using it.
The best custom iPhone 15 case
Casetify Impact Case for iPhone 15
- Available in dozens of cool and unique designs
- Solid impact protection
- MagSafe compatible
- Expensive
- Casetify branding on camera borders
While many of the most protective cases are kind of bland, Casetify's Impact goes in the opposite direction, with dozens of cool and flashy designs that will give your iPhone 15 some flair and let you express your unique style. In addition to Casetify's expansive collection of fun and whimsical creations, it also has a massive "Co-Lab" collection that lets you get a case with licensed designs from Disney, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Star Wars, plus Peanuts, Harry Potter, The Office, BTS, and even Oreo cookies.
However, don't let all these designs fool you. As the name suggests, Casetify's Impact also provides military-grade drop protection of up to 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) while remaining surprisingly lightweight and MagSafe-compatible. The catch? They don't come cheap, but you're probably getting your money's worth if you go for one of the licensed designs.
The best clear MagSafe iPhone 15 case
ESR Classic Case for iPhone 15
- Military-grade drop protection
- Extra-strength magnets
- Scratch-resistant and anti-yellowing clear back
- Magnets can be too strong sometimes
ESR's Classic Case is a great way to show off your iPhone 15's colorful finish without sacrificing drop protection or MagSafe compatibility. In fact, in addition to military-standard drop protection, it offers a MagSafe grip that's nearly twice as strong as Apple's own official MagSafe case, with 1,500 grams of holding force. That will help your iPhone easily stay put on a MagSafe stand, while also ensuring a secure fit for wallets and battery packs.
The downside is that the magnets are so strong you may find weighted tabletop MagSafe chargers aren't quite heavy enough to stay down when you pick up your iPhone. That's not an insurmountable problem, and we think it's mostly a good thing, but it still surprised us when we first picked up an iPhone in a new ESR case and found that our MagSafe charger and one-pound Twelve South Stone'r wanted to come along for the ride.
The best all-around protective iPhone 15 case
Catalyst Influence Case for iPhone 15
- 10-foot drop protection
- Unique rotating mute switch for easy access
- Includes a lanyard
- Bulky
- A bit pricey
- Limited color selection
Catalyst is known for making some pretty rugged cases, including some great waterproof ones. While its fully immersible Total Impact case sadly isn't (yet) available for the iPhone 15, the more affordable Influence series has always been a popular choice for those who want great drop protection, but don't need the bulk or added expense of waterproofing.
Rated to handle drops from up to 10 feet, the Catalyst Influence case exceeds military standards by a factor of 2.5, but there's also a good chance you'll never need to test that, thanks to its grippy sides and included lanyard. You'll also find raised edges around the screen and cameras to help protect against the everyday bumps and scrapes of life, and it's fully MagSafe-compatible with a built-in magnet ring for both wireless charging and slapping on other magnetic accessories like wallets and stands. However, what makes Catalyst's cases stand out is the company's patented rotating mute dial that makes it really easy to toggle your iPhone's sound without the hassle of digging for the switch. It also ensures that even that area of your iPhone 15 remains fully protected against the elements.
The best screen-protecting iPhone 15 case
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Mag Case for iPhone 15
- Built-in screen protector
- 20-foot drop protection
- Includes belt clip and kickstand
- Not compatible with MagSafe charging
- Bulky
The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro is the Swiss Army knife of rugged cases, featuring not only a rugged tactical look, but also a built-in screen protector and kickstand, plus a detachable, rotating belt clip. This lets you carry your iPhone 15 either in your pocket or strapped to your belt or shoulder strap without worrying about bumps, scrapes, or even falls as it offers 20-foot drop protection and has been tested to survive impacts of up to 50 feet in some cases. When you do set it down, the built-in kickstand lets you prop it up to watch YouTube videos or join in on a FaceTime call.
Sadly, while the UB Pro advertises itself as MagSafe compatible, this may only apply to attaching non-charging accessories like wallets and stands. Your mileage may vary, but we've seen numerous reports from customers that MagSafe charging simply doesn't work with many MagSafe chargers, possibly due to the thickness of the case.
The best stylish and protective iPhone 15 case
i-Blason Cosmo Mag Case for iPhone 15
- Unique designs
- Built-in screen protector and folding lens cover
- Strong MagSafe attachment
- A bit bulky
- Camera cover can be inconvenient
Most rugged cases lean toward the black tactical look, which makes i-Blason's Cosmo Mag Case a breath of fresh ai, as it's a case that proves that iPhone protection doesn't have to be boring.
Available in five fun styles, the Cosmo Mag Case features 10-foot military-grade drop protection, plus a built-in screen protector to help avoid scratches and cracks. It's also MagSafe-compatible, with an extra-strong magnetic attachment so you won't have to worry about knocking it off a MagSafe stand or losing a battery pack. There's also a built-in camera cover to fully protect your lenses and can also double as a kickstand when it's flipped open.
What to consider
When choosing an iPhone 15 case, it's important to think about more than just looks. Sure, you want it to look good, but a good case actually protects your device as well as expresses your personality. Some even offer additional functionality, like built-in kickstands or MagSafe charging, when needed. Here are some key factors to consider before making your purchase.
How protective should my case be?
The level of protection you need depends on how and where you use your phone. If you're an adventurer, spend a lot of time outside, or you're prone to dropping your phone (as many of us are), a rugged case with reinforced corners and military-grade drop protection is a smart choice. But if you spend most of your time in an office or at home, a slimmer, less rugged case may work just fine. And you can always keep multiple cases on hand if your situation changes, or if you find that you're needing a little more protection than usual.
What features do I need?
Cases today do more than just protect your phone. Wallet cases can store credit cards and cash, while MagSafe-compatible cases support magnetic accessories. Some cases come with built-in stands for hands-free viewing, while others feature extra grip so you're not dropping your phone everywhere. If you don't need these extras, you can just go with a simple, sleek case that's super thin while offering at least a little protection.
How expensive should a case be?
While budget cases exist, you generally get what you pay for. Cheaper cases may look cool, but they probably won't last long. They likely don't add much protection either, and many cheaper clear options will yellow quickly. Investing at least $20 in a case is a good baseline for quality, though some more premium brands will end up costing anywhere from $50 and up, generally speaking.
Does the material matter?
Your case's material does matter, though with some cases more than others. Silicone and TPU cases offer good grip and shock absorption but may attract lint and dust. Clear options can yellow quickly and look "dirty" when they aren't. Hard plastic cases are slim and stylish but can be slippery. Leather cases give you that classy, premium feel and age beautifully but may not be as protective. You'll have to figure out what suits your style and protection preferences best.
Will it work with accessories?
If you use MagSafe chargers, car mounts, or wireless charging stands, make sure your case is compatible. Some cases, especially bulkier ones, may interfere with wireless charging or magnet strength, so you've got to be mindful of that as well. Look for MagSafe certification on the packaging or case specs when you buy the case if this kind of compatibility is important to you.
How we tested
When it comes to phone cases, our recommendations are rooted in years of experience with top case brands like Spigen, OtterBox, UAG, and Casetify. These companies that have a strong track record of protecting our devices. We’ve spent significant time using cases from these trusted manufacturers, and that experience informs our selections.
We understand how different materials, build qualities, and designs impact real-world use. That knowledge helps us determine which cases are most likely to offer you the best blend of protection, durability, and style. When possible, we also factor in customer reviews, durability tests, and industry insights to make sure what we recommend can stand up to heavy daily use.
Why trust us
It's probably pretty obvious that we love tech and we love phones. That said, we spend a lot of time researching and testing accessories to make sure they live up to our expectations. Our team has covered smartphone accessories for years, testing hundreds of cases and staying up to date with the latest trends and innovations when it comes to phones.
We’ve spent years handling different case materials and understanding which brands consistently deliver quality. We know what works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth your money.So when we make recommendations, we do so with confidence and the passionfor helping you find the best possible cases for your pricey new investment.
