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Looking for the best iPhone 5 case to protect your device? These are the best iPhone 5 cases money can buy. NOTE: Many of these cases will also fit an iPhone 5s.
1. Griffin Survivor iPhone 5 Case
Check out a review of the Griffin Survivor case in the video above, which also shows you how to install the case.
The Griffin Survivor case is rugged and quite grippable, which makes it ideal for people who take their phone outside, or people who use their phones while running. If you’re accident prone, this is a case that can take repeated impacts with the ground…so “butterfingers” people will definitely enjoy using this iPhone case.
Pros:
Handy beltclip
Tons of case color combinations
Independently tested to meet conditions outlined in US Department of Defense MIL-STD-810 (Withstands drops from six feet onto a concrete surface)
Sealed ports block blown sand and dust (up to 18 m/sec for 1 hour)
Integral Display shield deflects wind and rain (Test: up to 200 mm/hr for 1 hour)
Cons:
Case design is bulky
Case may be too rugged for the needs of the average person
Design of the case interferes with call quality
Some difficulty using ports/camera when case is on the phone
Belt clip difficult to use, prone to breaking
2. Otterbox Defender iPhone 5 Case
In the video review above, the Jailbreak Nation team puts this iPhone 5 case to the ultimate test: throwing it off the roof of a house.
The Otterbox Defender case is rugged, yet with a relatively slender profile. While the case does retain some bulk, it can also take a beating.
Pros:
Available in a panoply of color combinations, including multiple camo options
Dual-layer case construction is rugged and practical
Includes built-in screen protector
Also includes belt clip
Overwhelmingly positive user reviews
Cons:
Bulky case that belies the slender profile of the phone
Screen protector doesn’t sit flush on screen, may cause issues with responsiveness
Aux cables and headphone jack may not work easily with this case
Light-colored cases prone to staining from makeup or clothing dyes
Edge of screen placement may interfere with controls for some apps or games
3. Incipio Stashback iPhone 5 Case
Check out a review of this handy wallet case in the video above.
The Incipio Stashback case for the iPhone 5 has a unique hinged design that solidly locks your cards away. It fits both cards and cash with ease, all while allowing you unimpeded access to your ports and jacks.
Pros:
Available in tons of different colors and styles
Combines hard outer shell with soft silicone core
Complete access to all ports and controls
Hinged design of card area feels more secure than sliding flaps
Case can hold three cards, plus a small amount of cash
Cons:
Screen may experience some “rainbowing”
User reviews indicate case gets scratched easily
May not have enough storage for some people
Bottom edge of the case provides less protection for the phone
Case may crack from repeated use over time
4. LifeBox Glow iPhone 5 Case
Check out the official LifeBox video above to see the glow-in-the-dark properties of this cool phone case.
If you want an iPhone 5 case that glows in the dark, this is your best bet. This case makes a bold statement, and is ideal for people who work the night shift, or people who spend a lot of time in dark rooms.
Pros:
Glows in the dark
Available in five colors
Comes with a lifetime warranty
Very unique design
Glow in the dark material can be manipulated and swirled around
Cons:
Case is hard plastic, make not have the same impact absorption as soft rubber or silicone
Glow in the dark functionality requires prolonged exposure to bright light
May lose glowing ability over time
No onboard storage
No waterproofing/dustproofing features
5. LifeProof Fre iPhone 5 Case
In the video above, you can see a comparison review between the Griffen Survivor+ Catalyst waterproof iPhone case and the Lifeproof Fre waterproof iPhone Case.
Also featured on our list of the best waterproof iPhone cases, the Fre case has a built-in screen protector (unlike the similar LifeProof Nuud case, which does not have a front screen protector.) It’s an expensive case, but top-rated and very reliable.
Pros:
Available in nearly a dozen different colors
Front screen protector provides peace of mind during underwater use
Comes with lots of cool accessories for water use
Offers opt-in warranty against device damage for $10
Submersible up to 6.6 feet
Cons:
Requires waterproof testing prior to use with phone
Hard to access ports
Painstaking installation process
Makes screen look darker
Headphone adaptor is annoying to keep track of
6. Tech21 Impact Shell iPhone 5 Case
YouTuber “Theipodrookie” posted the rave review for the Tech21 case above. Theipodrookie notes:
“The Tech21 Impact Mesh Case is by far one of the best cases I have ever used. Every review I’ve seen is a positive review, this case has personally that I have found. Great protection, great look, and great color options for everyone.”
That’s pretty high praise, considering the crowded market for iPhone accessories.
Pros:
D3O impact protection
Will appeal to fans of minimalist cases
Easy access to ports
Fast installation
Rave reviews from most users
Cons:
No port covers to block dust
Slim profile may feel flimsy to some
Buttons hard to use
Case is not perfectly ergonomic
Color combinations may not appeal to all tastes
7. Speck Products SmartFlex Card Case for iPhone 5/5s
The video above from Run Around Tech reviews the Speck SmartFlex case.
This eye-catching case design is a winner, both in terms of cool colors and in terms of functionality. Ideal for those who want to store notes or cards in their case, the SmartFlex case is a drool-worthy accessory that’s bound to garner you a ton of compliments.
Pros:
Easy access to cards and cash
Multiple colors
Cool design
Easy on/off
Lab-tested to endure extreme temperatures
Cons:
Some people prefer to have their cards in a more enclosed environment
Too easy for others to steal items from the openings
No waterproofing/dustproofing
Volume buttons are stiff
Hard to slide non-plastic items (like business cards) out from the case
8. SnowLizard SLXtreme iPhone 5 Case
Check out a review of the SnowLizard case in the video above, which includes a drop test.
As we’ve mentioned in past iPhone case round-ups, the SnowLizard iPhone case is perfect for people who engage in extreme sports or multiple outdoor activities.
Pros:
Incredibly rugged design
Ideal for underwater photography
Waterproof up to six feet
Works with optional accessories to customize your outdoor experience
Great grippy texture
Cons:
Very expensive
May have more protective features than the average user really needs
Limited color options
Bulky
Hard to access some features
9. Belkin Lego iPhone 5 Case
Check out a video review of this cool Lego iPhone case above.
It’s an officially-sanctioned Lego case. Doesn’t get much cooler than that if you’re into building stuff out of tiny plastic bricks.
Pros:
Official Lego case turns the entire back of your phone into a buildable area
Provides great grippable texture
Wraparound frame protects screen from scratches
Full port access
Slim profile
Cons:
Not likely to appeal to people who dislike Lego
Makes buttons slightly stiffer, harder to operate for some people
Kids or younger family members will try to steal your phone, constantly
May be hard to remove those thinner Lego blocks from the case if applied
Does not look very professional when applied to a work phone (unless you work for a toy company)
10. Hello Kitty Bow Cam iPhone 5 Case
If you love Hello Kitty, this cutesy, minimalist case captures what makes this cartoon cat so charming. The “bow” on the head is placed around the camera lens, giving this case a memorable look.
Pros:
Made from impact-absorbing silicone
Covers power and volume buttons keep your buttons dust free
Multiple color options
Feels soft in your hand
Perfect way to express your love of Hello Kitty
Cons:
May not fit comfortably in your pocket
Likely to see color fading over time
Exterior prone to capturing dust particles
Design is too cutesy for some
Does not offer waterproofing
Considering getting someone an electronics gift? Check out our Gifts section for tons of great gift recommendations, or visit our ultimate guides to the best gifts for women and best gifts for men.
