As summer approaches, you’ve probably started shopping for a few summer essentials. There’s a new swimsuit to buy, sunscreen of course, and maybe even new luggage for your summer travel plans. But one summer accessory you might have overlooked is a new iPhone case. If you plan on taking your phone to the beach, using it on a boat, or just keeping it close by while you doing a little shopping on the boardwalk, having a specialized iPhone case can help protect your device against summer’s unique dangers. Here are ten must-have iPhone 6 cases you should consider using during this summer, many of which are available on sale.
1. LifeProof Fre & LifeProof Nuud iPhone 6 Cases
The LifeProof Fre (L) and LifeProof Nuud (R). (LifeProof)
If you plan to try your hand at underwater photography this summer, a waterproof case is a must. LifeProof is one of the most trusted names out there when it comes to iPhone cases. Their cases are ideal for protecting your iPhone 6 from both intentional and unintentional submersion in water.
There are two styles of waterproof cases available from LifeProof. The LifeProof Fre has a built-in screen protector, while the LifeProof Nuud remains waterproof, but doesn’t have a built-in screen protector at all. Other than the screen protector, these two cases are basically identical, though the Fre does have some additional color options. The Nuud costs slightly more than the Fre. You can use either of these cases underwater at a depth of two meters, but only for about an hour. Both cases come with a special adapter that you’ll need to use for your headphones. Both cases are completely compatible with TouchID. If past LifeProof case models for the iPhone 5/5s are anything to go by, there will also be an inflatable lifejacket flotation accessory available for the iPhone 6 at some point in the near future.
Price: $79.99 for the Fre, $89.99 for the Nuud (some colors available on sale)
Buy the LifeProof Fre iPhone 6 case here.
Buy the LifeProof Nuud iPhone 6 case here.
2. Pong or Reach79 iPhone 6 Cases
(Pong)
Taking your phone camping, or planning a road trip through very rural parts of the country? You’ll want a phone case that can help boost your signal, enabling you to make calls even when you’re far from civilization. Two cases that might help are the Pong and Reach79 cases. We were provided with samples of both cases for review purposes.
Pong’s soft-to-the-touch case is designed to not only limit your exposure to “potentially harmful radiation,” while also transmitting a stronger outbound signal to improve your signal strength. The Sleek model is nice, but there’s also a “Rugged” model if you want something a bit beefier. While the Pong case offers a balance of increased signal and decreased radiation going into your head, the Reach79 cases are all about boosting the signal.
Price for the Pong case: $49.99
Buy the Pong iPhone 6 case here.
Price for the Reach79 case: $59.99
Buy the Reach79 iPhone 6 case here.
3. Incase Sports Armband for iPhone 6
(Incase)
If you’re like me, summer means you’ll be spending all your spare time trail running, cycling, or hitting the gym. If you want to take your phone with you, an armband case is often your best bet. Incase makes a premium armband for iPhone that has a lot of smart design elements. Incase sent us a sample of this armband so we could go hands-on.
The armband is perforated, which makes it a lot more comfortable to wear during long workouts. Unlike some other bands we’ve seen, the end of this band has a hard plastic back, which makes it easier to grab and reposition. There’s also a velcro flap that ensures your phone won’t slide out of place, even if you’re doing an exercise with a lot of vertical movement.
Price: $39.95
Buy the Incase Sports Armband for iPhone 6 here.
4. ZVE Multifunctional Cigarette Lighter Cover for iPhone 6
(ZVE)
This cool iPhone 6 case has a cigarette lighter built right in. A small battery powers the heating coil, letting you light about 250 cigarettes on a single charge. The total lifespan of the lighter is a minimum of 8,000 strikes.
Not a smoker? You can still make use of the bottle opener for cracking a bottle of soda or beer. Plus, you could potentially use the cigarette lighter to help get your beach bonfire or campfire started. And hey, the next time some hottie asks you if you have a light, you can bust out this cool iPhone 6 case.
Price: $18.99 (53 percent off MSRP)
Buy the ZVE Multifunctional Cigarette Lighter Cover for iPhone 6 here.
5. Spigen Slim Armor CS Case for iPhone 6
(Spigen)
Between swimwear, sundresses, and exercise apparel, most of the garments you wear during the summer months are unlikely to have deep pockets. This can make it hard to carry a wallet in your pocket. Enter the wallet case: a simple way to keep your cards, cash, and phone in the same place.
This lightweight case doesn’t add much weight to your phone, and it offers a convenient storage area for stashing cash or cards. In addition to the cute color above, you can get this case in shimmery white or gold. This is a nice brand, and cases from Spigen have made lots of “best of” lists when it comes to their iPhone 6 cases.
Price: $24.99 (38 percent off)
Buy the Spigen Slim Armor CS Case for iPhone 6 here.
6. Mophie Juice Pack Air Battery iPhone 6 Case
(Mophie)
Whether you’re spending long hours by the pool or long hours driving during a road trip, it can be hard to keep your phone fully charged during your summer activities. This powerful case boasts a 2750mAh battery, which more than doubles the iPhone 6’s battery life. While it does add a little weight and bulk to your phone, it’s definitely worth it to have vastly improved battery life.
Price: $99.95
Buy the Mophie Juice Pack Air Battery iPhone 6 Case here.
7. Element Case iPhone 6 Sector Pro Case
(Element)
If you spend your summer camping, hiking, or engaging in extreme sports, you need a phone case that can handle a few unexpected drops and spills. A rugged case, ideally one made out of metal, is a great way to keep your phone protected when you live an active lifestyle. This rugged metal case is made from high-quality aluminum. The rear of the case has a carbon fiber back plate, which adds strength. The whole case has been tested to meet military drop test standards, making it ideal for people who leave active lifestyles.
Price: $139.95
Buy the Element Case iPhone 6 Sector Pro Case here.
8. Case-Mate Brilliance iPhone 6 Case
(Case-Mate)
We’ve talked a lot about iPhone 6 cases that are good for daily use in the summer, but what about a case that’s ready for date night? If you want a phone case that coordinates with your favorite little black dress, this is a cute choice.
The case is very slim, making it easy to store in your pocket or in a slender clutch. While this iPhone 6 case might a be a little over-the-top for some people, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to make a statement.
Price: $79.98
Buy the Case-Mate Brilliance iPhone 6 Case here.
9. Seidio OBEX Waterproof iPhone 6 Case and Holster Combo
(Seidio)
Like the look of a LifeProof case, but wish it came with a holster accessory by default? This waterproof case and holster combo is a nice alternative to the LifeProof Fre case. Waterproof cases are great for anyone who is afraid of spilling water or a protein shake on their device while at the gym, and this style of clip-on may be more comfortable for some folks than an armband case. This is a nice summer iPhone accessory for people who live active lifestyles (or those who are just a bit accident-prone).
Price: $70 and up, depending on color selected (22 percent off)
Buy the Seidio OBEX Waterproof iPhone 6 Case here.
10. Speck CandyShell Grip iPhone 6 Case
(Speck)
During the hottest months of the year, you’re probably going to be hot and sweaty. And when you’re not actively sweating, it might just be because you’ve just gotten out of the pool. Either way, your hands are bound to be a little moist and slippery, which makes the Speck CandyShell Grip case a nice choice for summer. The grippy lines on the case make it easy to hold onto when your hands are a bit sweaty. This phone has been military-grade drop tested.
Price: $24.54 and up, depending on color selected (30 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Speck CandyShell Grip iPhone 6 Case here.