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An iPhone is a multi-hundred greenback funding (even when you’re on a month-to-month fee plan), and MagSafe cases add ample safety with out hindering the total performance of the machine. These sturdy cases assist you to wirelessly cost your iPhone on both a Qi charger or MagSafe charger. As its title suggests, MagSafe cases are outfitted with magnets, so that they snap onto MagSafe chargers to maintain your cellphone aligned in essentially the most environment friendly spot for charging. These magnets is not going to harm your cellphone, even when you hold the identical MagSafe case on day by day for a number of years. The best MagSafe cases will prevent from shelling out a whole lot of {dollars} to Apple to get a damaged iPhone changed.
How we selected the best MagSafe cases
A MagSafe case is among the easiest iPhone equipment as a result of it solely has one job: preserving your machine secure. We’ve examined all of our suggestions, and each one handed the most typical checks. All of those MagSafe cases held a powerful connection on a MagSafe charging stand and pad. None of them considerably lowered the wi-fi charging pace on a MagSafe charger or Qi charger. Every case slot in our pocket—for reference, this was the entrance right-hand pocket of a males’s pair of denims and an iPhone 15 Pro Max. Ultimately your selection will come right down to protecting preferences (cumbersome cases are extra protecting however weigh extra) and aesthetics.
The best MagSafe cases: Reviews & Recommendations
Whether you’ve simply gotten your new iPhone, or have been rocking the caseless way of life for a bit and wish some further safety, we’ve got you lined. Our suggestions cowl a large spectrum of price, drop safety, and extra options and types, so that you’ll be capable of discover the one which best fits your wants.
Best general: OtterBox Symmetry Series Clear Case
Specs
- Materials: Polycarbonate, artificial rubber
- Military-grade drop safety: Yes
- Price: $49.99
Pros
- Raised edges for display and digital camera safety
- Made from recycled supplies
- Available in a number of types
Cons
It could look a little bit easy, however OtterBox’s Symmetry Series Clear Case is the best MagSafe case we’ve tried to date. The case match completely within the hand, including minimal bulk or further weight to the iPhone. The raised bumps over the amount, motion, and energy buttons made them straightforward to seek out by really feel, and Otterbox’s cutout across the iPhone’s charging port was giant sufficient to accommodate a variety of charging cables.
Similarly, this case has raised lips that curl over the entrance aspect of the iPhone and digital camera module, providing some safety to each areas. You’re nonetheless higher off utilizing a display protector to fortify the iPhone’s show, but it surely’s higher to have some further safety than none. Our solely criticism is that the edges of the MagSafe cases are clean, which make it extra comfy to carry, however a little bit simpler to drop with sweaty or moist palms.
If you discover this clear case’s look considerably lackluster, don’t fear. OtterBox provides it in 16 further types, starting from stable colours and tye dye to quite a lot of completely different prints. All of those cases provide the identical protecting advantages because the clear case with a extra visually fascinating look. Additionally, each case in OtterBox’s Symmetry Series is constructed from 50% recycled plastic, which is good when you’d prefer to be eco-friendly. As an all-around MagSafe case, you gained’t discover a better option than one from the OtterBox Symmetry Series.
Best splurge: Casetify Custom Case
Specs
- Materials: Re/CASETiFY Pellets
- Military-grade drop safety: Yes
- Price: $82
Pros
- Infinitely customizable
- Available in a number of types
- Built-in stand
Cons
- Cost
- Action button cutout
If your funds permits, the best splurge-worthy MagSafe case comes from Casetify’s Custom collection. There are three fashions inside this collection, which vary in worth between $42 and $112 primarily based on their options, however the one we examined prices $82. Casetify’s Custom Case has a variety of aesthetic and design commonalities with our prime choose from OtterBox. It’s additionally made out of Casetify’s Re/CASETiFY Pellets, which come from 65% recycled and plant-based supplies. It has raised bumps on prime of the ability and quantity buttons, however notably has a cutout the place the motion button is.
Some case makers didn’t know whether or not Apple would hold the mute swap discovered on earlier generations of iPhones or transfer to a button. Casetify was within the former class. This does make the motion button a little bit tougher to hit. The case does attain excessive of the show to offer some display safety, and the lip across the iPhone’s digital camera module is lots bigger—however for an excellent motive.
The ring across the digital camera module will be pulled out and used to prop up the iPhone on a tabletop. This is enormously useful when you’d like to observe movies on it with out discovering a wall or different object to prop it up towards. Portable iPhone mounts have existed for years, however having a slim one constructed instantly into the case is clutch. You’re assured to have this stand with you, and it doesn’t add an excessive amount of further bulk to the case.
The actual motive to get this MagSafe case is the power to customise it with textual content (as much as eight characters), shapes, and designs that may be organized in a number of other ways. There are a whole lot of various potential combos, so in all chance you’ll find yourself with an iPhone case that’s distinctive—a minimum of amongst your buddy group. If standing out issues to you, this MagSafe case is value the additional price.
Best folio case: Nomad Modern Leather Folio
Specs
- Materials: Horween leather-based
- Military-grade drop safety: No
- Price: $80
Pros
- Space for three playing cards and money
- Includes locking strap
- Classic look
Cons
If you’re trying to ditch your pockets for a MagSafe case that’ll maintain your playing cards and money for you, Nomad’s Modern Leather Folio is the way in which to go. When it’s totally opened opened, the case has a slot for your iPhone on the right-hand aspect, and what seems to be like the within of a pockets on the opposite. There’re three horizontally oriented slots for credit score, debit, or ID playing cards, and a big vertical slot for holding money. Nomad additionally features a little strap that matches by a cutout on the exterior fringe of the money slot. This is an non-compulsory accent, however utilizing it permits you to magnetically latch the folio shut. Be conscious that the strap attaches to your cellphone’s MagSafe magnets, so that you’ll have to maneuver it out of the way in which when charging your cellphone.
Apple deserted the leather-based iPhone case market this yr, however Nomad has stayed the course, providing each this folio and a regular MagSafe case. Nomad’s MagSafe case is costlier than most of our different suggestions, but it surely’s completely well worth the further price. The folio seems to be attractive, feels supple to the contact, and there’s not a sew misplaced. Credit and ID playing cards match snugly—however not tightly—of their respective cutouts, and each U.S. {dollars} and Euros match neatly within the money slot. This consideration to element is among the motive we’ve constantly really helpful Nomad cases and different equipment over time. The firm goes above and past to ship wonderful gear.
All that mentioned, there are tradeoffs to selecting this MagSafe case which might be inherent to any folio-style iPhone case. The greatest one comes right down to measurement. This MagSafe case takes up much more pocket house than our different suggestions. This is evened out by the truth that we didn’t have to hold a pockets round in one other pocket, but it surely’s one thing to be conscious of when you put on tighter pants. Using a folio case additionally means making your iPhone rather less accessible, as you must open the MagSafe case after taking it out of your pocket, and flip the entrance half over the again of your iPhone to kind two-handed.
This solely takes a few seconds, however that would add up when you continually take your iPhone out of your pocket. On the upside, utilizing Nomad’s Modern Leather Folio does imply each the back and front of your iPhone might be protected in your pocket, and any time the machine drops whereas the case is closed. If you’re lamenting the shortage of a leather-based MagSafe case from Apple, or desire a case that retains all the property out of your day by day carry in a single place, Nomad’s Modern Leather Folio is the one to get.
Best protecting: OtterBox Defender Series XT Clear Case
Specs
- Materials: Polycarbonate shell, artificial rubber slipcover
- Military-grade drop safety: Yes
- Price: $69.95
Pros
- Two-piece protecting design
- Textured sides
- USB-C cowl
Cons
If you’re anxious about your clumsiness inflicting an iPhone accident, hold your machine in OtterBox’s Defender Series XT Clear Case. It has each characteristic that we preferred from the corporate’s Symmetry Series Clear Case after which some. This case’s raised buttons are even simpler to seek out and hit as a result of the highest, sides, and backside of the cellphone are lined in a texture slipcover constructed from artificial rubber. This makes the iPhone simpler to carry even with moist palms. This further layer of safety across the outer rim of the cellphone additionally improves its sturdiness and rigidity in case the iPhone falls on its aspect or a nook.
This case has a two-piece design: The outer case, and an inside plastic reduce out matches between it and the iPhone. This further buffer places one other literal layer between your iPhone and the outer case, and absorbs a number of the impression when the machine is dropped. Getting the outer layer to suit over some elements of the plastic insert will be difficult—it’s a must to raise the outer layer over the plastic insert, which requires some finesse across the buttons and charging port—however the iPhone feels stable as soon as the case is totally assembled.
A few design options struck us throughout our testing interval with this case. The first is the bigger raised lip across the digital camera module, and the second is a little bit door that matches over your iPhone’s USB-C port, which prevents water, mud, or different particles from getting inside. It’s these little touches that set the Defender Series XT Clear Case other than different protecting MagSafe cases. The greatest motive we’re recommending this MagSafe case over larger, bulkier protecting cases is that it balances safety and value. Bigger cases could provide extra safety, however they’re tougher to suit inside a pocket, or add a lot weight that holding your iPhone looks like a chore. OtterBox struck the precise stability between usability and safety with this MagSafe case.
Best funds: ESR Silicone Case With Kickstand
Specs
- Materials: Silicone, Polycarbonate
- Military-grade drop safety: Yes
- Price: $24.99
Pros
- Comfortable to carry
- Built-in stand
- Price
Cons
ESR’s Silicone Case With Kickstand is the least costly MagSafe case we’re recommending, but it surely doesn’t look, really feel, or carry out noticeably worse than our costlier suggestions. The exterior of the case is roofed of silicone, which feels comfortable to the contact, however the again and sides are made out of a tough plastic, so it feels inflexible when bent. That mentioned, the case did really feel a little bit extra slippery to carry than our different suggestions, which have exhausting plastic or leather-based outer shells. The case’s raised match over every of the iPhone’s buttons, which makes them simpler to hit, a raised rim excessive of the show to offer some display safety, and a big ring over the iPhone’s digital camera module.
The giant ring across the iPhone’s digital camera module extends to behave as a stand, which is a characteristic we preferred with Casetify’s Custom Case. The stand felt simply as inflexible because the one constructed into Casetify’s case, and we have been in a position to watch movies on it with out the iPhone tipping over even when we by accident ran into it a little bit. This is a characteristic usually discovered on way more costly MagSafe cases, so we have been blissful to see it right here. There aren’t any important downsides to ESR’s Silicone Case With Kickstand, and it’s a wonderful selection when you’re excited by MagSafe charging, however don’t wish to spend some huge cash.
What to contemplate when shopping for the best MagSafe cases
There are many components to consider when deciding which MagSafe case is correct for you. Below are those we thought-about most essential whereas deciding which of them to check and suggest. Cost was additionally factored into our choice.
Materials
MagSafe cases are made out of quite a lot of frequent supplies, which impression their sturdiness and look. Durability is a very powerful side of the 2, and we solely selected MagSafe cases constructed from rugged supplies, be they exhausting plastic or leather-based. Aesthetics are essential when selecting a MagSafe case, as everybody (and don’t) will see your iPhone when it’s out on a desk or in your palms. It’s essential to not base your selection completely on how a MagSafe case seems to be, however this must be an element nonetheless.
Drop safety
Many MagSafe cases checklist their drop safety as a key sturdiness specification. Previously, case makers supplied a most peak (in toes) at which an iPhone may fall inside a given case with out sustaining harm. However, the fabric of the ground, velocity at which the iPhone falls, and the precise angle of its impression play too nice an element in whether or not your machine will get broken. Since then, corporations have moved on to utilizing the time period “military grade protection” and citing the MIL-STD-810H 516.8 or MIL-STD-810G 516.6 requirements. These requirements have been developed in labs throughout the U.S. army to find out how inclined an object is to sustaining harm from shockwaves triggered when one object collides with one other.
Supported fashions
We’re linking to MagSafe cases for the iPhone 15 as a result of that’s the most recent technology of Apple’s smartphone, however when you’re rocking an older mannequin you’re nonetheless in luck. Most of those MagSafe cases are additionally out there for older fashions, too. So when you want an iPhone 12 MagSafe case, or iPhone 14 Pro Max MagSafe case, you’re nonetheless in fine condition.
Additional options
Some MagSafe cases have further options that don’t impression their sturdiness or aesthetics, however make them a little bit nicer to make use of nonetheless. An further that’s gaining popularity, and is current in certainly one of our cases, is a built-in flip-out iPhone stand, which lets you prop the machine upward on a desk. This kickstand makes watching movies on a desk or airplane tray desk extra comfy.
FAQs
Q: Are MagSafe cases value it?
Yes. A MagSafe case has the identical protecting high quality as a non-MagSafe case, however was designed with wi-fi charging in thoughts.
Q: Do AirPods keep on with the MagSafe case?
No. AirPods don’t keep on with the MagSafe case.
Q: Will the MagSafe case keep on with metallic?
No. MagSafe cases don’t keep on with metallic.
Q: What’s the distinction between MagSafe and Qi charging?
The greatest distinction between the 2 is that MagSafe charging is twice as highly effective. An iPhone’s wi-fi charging pace tops out at 7.5 watts on a Qi charger, however 15 watts on a MagSafe charger.
Q: Does a MagSafe case scale back battery life?
No. A MagSafe case has no impression on the iPhone’s battery life.
Q: How a lot does a MagSafe case price?
This usually will depend on the fabric it’s made out of, however our suggestions price between $25 and $80.
Final ideas on the best MagSafe cases
There are hundreds of iPhone cases available on the market, however our advice is to contemplate one which helps MagSafe earlier than shifting on. There’s no draw back to selecting a MagSafe case—and so they’ve even fallen in worth considerably prior to now couple of years—and also you’ll be all set as much as benefit from the quickest wi-fi charging speeds the iPhone provides. A MagSafe case will hold your iPhone protected and its battery crammed for the complete lifetime of the machine. A effectively sorted iPhone can final a number of years, so even investing in a barely costlier MagSafe case is value it when you hold your machine till it now not receives software program updates.
Why belief us
Popular Science began writing about expertise greater than 150 years in the past. There was no such factor as “gadget writing” once we printed our first challenge in 1872, but when there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for on a regular basis readers means we’d have been throughout it. Here within the current, PopSci is totally dedicated to serving to readers navigate the more and more intimidating array of gadgets available on the market proper now.
Our writers and editors have mixed many years of expertise protecting and reviewing shopper electronics. We every have our personal obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video video games to cameras and past—however once we’re reviewing gadgets exterior of our fast wheelhouses, we do our best to hunt out reliable voices and opinions to assist information individuals to the very best suggestions. We know we don’t know all the pieces, however we’re excited to dwell by the evaluation paralysis that web purchasing can spur so readers don’t should.