Top-Rated Protective Covers for iPhone 14 Pro/Max: The Ultimate Guide - Insights by ZDNet

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What do you prioritize after you purchase the newest iPhone? You probably want to protect your investment with the best iPhone case. One that’s slim, durable, and maybe even good for the planet.

Kevin Zhou, CEO and founder of Repart , a cell phone repair parts manufacturer, wanted a durable case that would safeguard the iPhone 14 from any damage. “Longevity is an aspect I was looking for,” Zhou told ZDNET. “I cannot go around searching for phone cases repeatedly, so I settled for an option that would serve me for years.”

Sustainable cases last and are made with quality materials. “I chose a biodegradable case made from cornstarch. ,” Diana Leenders, an Etsy SEO specialist and co-founder of EtsyGeeks.org , told ZDNET. “It’s held up really well with time and has provided adequate protection.”

Also: iPhone 14 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Is the newest iPhone worth the upgrade?

Here are the best iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max cases on the market, according to our analysis. Each case is offered in a Pro and Pro Max size. However, it’s important to note that these options don’t include screen protectors.

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View now at Best Buy View now at Otterbox View now at Amazon

Pros

• Hard shell
• Antimicrobial
• More than 50% recycled plastic
• MagSafe compatible
• Drop protection up to 3 times as many drops as the military standard
• Sleek design

Cons

• Antimicrobial protection does not extend to screen

OtterBox Symmetry+ Series

Best iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max case overall

The Symmetry Series+ for MagSafe is perfect for the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, emphasizing the sleekness of the phone while also providing impressive drop protection. It has Drop+, which protects your phone from three times as many drops as the military standard. The cases seamlessly work with MagSafe/wireless charging, and as an added feature, feature lasting antimicrobial properties to keep your phone sanitary.

The Symmetry+ Series comes in a variety of colors and is made with more than 50% recycled plastic. The clear-colored cases are also engineered to stay clear and never yellow.

“I’m a big fan of the OtterBox Symmetry Series case for the iPhone 14,” Christen Costa, CEO of Gadget Review , told ZDNET. “I love Otterbox’s rigorous QA program called Certified Drop Protection. It assures users it successfully completed more than 24 tests with 200 hours of testing before hitting shelves (which is also backed by a 3rd party lab). This really inspires confidence.”

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View now at Best Buy View now at Best Buy View now at Best Buy

Pros

• Durable aluminum
• 10-foot drop protection
• Optimized MagSafe connection
• Recyclable aluminum and sustainably conscious wood fiber

Cons

• Limited color options

Atom Studios Split Wood Fibre phone case

Best aluminum/wood case

This phone case combines strengthened, recyclable aluminum with wood fiber, which is made of recycled wood and cornstarch-based ingredients. As a result, the case is both unique and eco-friendly. The aluminum is grade 5052, which is also used in architecture, aircraft, and marine environments. It holds up well and pairs with wood fiber to create a slim case that is easy to hold.

Two aspects of the case that stand out performance-wise are the 10-foot drop protection and improved MagSafe charging due to built-in magnets that are 50% thicker than most other phone cases.

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View now at A Good Company View now at A Good Company View now at A Good Company

Pros

• Slim yet protective
• Produced from farm byproducts
• Company donates 4%
• Factory recycles water and runs on solar and hydropower
• Climate-neutral shipping material

Cons

• MagSafe compatibility not guaranteed

A Good Company Mobile Case

Best plant-based iPhone case

A Good Company pioneered the idea of “farm to case” by using farm byproducts from linseed plants to create compostable phone cases. Located in Sweden, the mobile case factory runs on solar and hydropower while recycling 100% of the water it uses.

The case is slim, only 1.2 mm thick, but it offers your phone full protection. The plant-based material is textured, and prints are hand-painted with organic paint. Plus, when you’re ready to switch phones, you can either compost the case in your home garden or return it to A Good Company – the factory will recycle it.

A Good Company donates 4% of every purchase you make to A Good Foundation, which supports sustainability initiatives around the world. Plus, the cases are reasonably priced at under $30, and ship plastic free. They have various case designs and a MagSafe ring that you can add to your order for an additional $15.

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View now at Wavecase.co View now at Wavecase.co

Pros

• Durable
• Biodegradable and plastic-free
• Made of wheat straw
• Free, carbon-neutral delivery in the U.K.
• Shock-absorbing corners
• Ultra-thin design

Cons

• International shipping is an additional rate and takes 10-12 business days

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Wave Case

Best budget iPhone case

The Wave Case is more than just durable – it’s also biodegradable and plastic-free. Composed of wheat straw, PLSA, and PBAT, the ultra-thin case has a slightly matte texture for a comfortable grip. The case has shock-absorbing corners and 2mm protection for your screen and camera.

The case arrives at your door in carbon-neutral shipping , and every purchase supports Surfers Against Sewage, a marine conservation charity against single-use plastics. Plus, if you live in the U.K., shipping is free.

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View now at Casetify View now at Casetify

Pros

• 5x military-grade standard protection
• 11.5-foot drop protection
• Protective corner design
• Made of upcycled phone cases

Cons

• Higher price point

Re/Casetify Ultra Impact Case

Best protective iPhone case

Casetify has a line of recycled phone cases called “Re/Casetify.” The company has already upcycled 160,000 phone cases and continues to push for a carbon-neutral future. The sleek cases come in various designs and levels of protection. From strong to extreme protection, the case categories rank as follows: Impact, MagSafe Compatible Impact, Ultra Impact, MagSafe Compatible Ultra Impact, and Bounce.

The MagSafe Compatible Ultra Impact has plant-based EcoShock protection and added corner cushion that protects your expensive device from drops of up to 11.5 feet – which is 5x the military-grade standard. The case has been drop tested 134 consecutive times from different heights and angles to ensure that it actually protects your phone.

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View now at Urban Sophistication View now at Urban Sophistication View now at Urban Sophistication

Pros

• Trendy
• Water-resistant
• Protective cushion

Cons

• Higher price point
• Not plastic free

Urban Sophistication The Puffer Case

Best luxury iPhone case

As you pull on your puffer jacket this winter, bundle up your iPhone, too – with a puffer case.

The Puffer Case is popular among celebs who flaunt the trendy phone case in mirror selfies. The word squishy comes to mind at first glance. However, the plush case actually isn’t bulky, so it can easily fit into your pocket or bag. It has raised edges for screen and camera protection and full side button coverage. It’s also water-resistant – just wipe the case with a wet cloth to clean it.

While the price is relatively steep at $65, the feel might be worth the cost. Urban Sophistication says this case feels “like your favorite pillow… like the puffiest coat… like a marshmallow.” Is anyone else intrigued?

Urban Sophistication continues to roll out more options. Right now, most colors are compatible with the iPhone 14 Max and Pro Max.

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View now at Zagg View now at Zagg

Pros

• Made of vegan leather
• 13-foot drop protection
• Compatible with MagSafe
• Antimicrobial
• Made with 45% renewable resources
• Thin and lightweight
• Tree planted with every purchase

Cons

• Higher price point

Zagg Gear4 Brooklyn Snap

Best antimicrobial iPhone case

The Zagg Gear4 Brookyln Snap is an impressive antimicrobial case that combines protection with sustainability. It protects your phone from drops of up to 13 feet, and a special coating eliminates odor-causing bacteria.

The case is made of premium vegan leather, recycled plastics, and D3O Bio, a plant-based protection material that’s made of 45% renewable resources. Plus, with every case purchased, Zagg plants a tree with the Eden Reforestation Project.

The thin, multifunctional case is also MagSafe compatible, and it comes in two colors: black and sand. If the $60 price is out of your budget, Zagg also has less expensive options for purchase, like the Havana for $30 or the Copenhagen for $40.

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What are the best iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max phone cases?

ZDNET lauds A Good Company for its compostable cases made of linseed and its commitment to upcycling. However, the best phone case for you depends on your budget, needs, and personal preferences. Other cases on this list stand out for different qualities like composition or celebrity appeal.

Which is the right iPhone case for you?

The right iPhone case for you depends on your priorities. If you want a waterproof case that celebrities use, the Puffer Case is a no-brainer. Those who want an affordable, hand-painted case that supports sustainability efforts should choose A Good Company’s iPhone case.

How did we choose these phone cases?

We considered various factors when analyzing the best iPhone cases on the market. The most important factors are sustainability, durability, affordability, and aesthetic.

Each case on this list also has a different texture. You would notice a material difference between A Good Company’s linseed case and the wheat-based Wave Case. Prices points also vary, especially between the Wave Case and the Zagg Brooklyn Snap – but the premium vegan leather of the Zagg might be worth the higher cost for you.

How big is an iPhone 14 Pro? How big is an iPhone 14 Pro Max?

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is larger than the iPhone 14 Pro. Here are the exact measurements:

• iPhone 14 Pro: 5.81 x 2.81 x 0.31 inches
• iPhone 14 Pro Max: 6.33 x 3.05 x 0.31 inches

Is it worth upgrading to the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max?

According to ZDNET experts , the iPhone 14 Pro packs a lot more innovation for the same price as last year.

If you really want the new A16 Bionic processor, the Dynamic Island feature, a 48MP main camera, and a Telephoto camera, you’ll want the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display, which is larger than the Pro’s 6.1-inch display size.

Also: iPhone 14 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Is the newest iPhone worth the upgrade?

How long does the iPhone 14 Pro battery last?

Based on video playback, the iPhone 14 Pro has a battery life of up to 23 hours while the iPhone 14 Pro Max reaches up to 29 hours.

Are there alternative iPhone Pro and Pro Max cases worth considering?

Yes, there are many iPhone cases on the market. Depending on your aesthetic preferences, you might want to consider one of our honorable mentions:

BEST PRICE Pela case This biodegradable phone case can protect your iPhone from drops and scratches while also being stylish and comfortable to the touch. View at Amazon

BEST PRICE OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case

Samuel Park, founder of TechMaestro.co , chose the OtterBox Defender for its protection and sustainability. “This case has been incredibly durable, withstanding daily wear and tear,” Park told ZDNET. “Sustainability mattered in my decision. The OtterBox Defender Series, made from high-quality materials, offers long-lasting protection.”

View at Best Buy

BEST PRICE Apple Leather Case with MagSafe

“I reluctantly decided to pay the premium price for an Apple case, but as I brought the top-of-the-line iPhone I thought it would be worth the cost,” Nathan Plume, founder of TechGuyGuide , told ZDNET. “Not a single case has stayed on my phone past 2 weeks, ever. Except for the Apple Leather MagSafe Case.” Plume credits the case’s thinness and durability for its longevity.

View at Amazon

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