Apple
Apple enthusiasts have spoken and sometimes bigger is better. The iPhone 14 Plus marks the end of last year’s Mini line (for now) in favor of a flagship-level device with a larger display. And this means it has that much more display to protect from drops and scratches. Check out my picks for the best iPhone 14 Plus cases to keep your phone looking day one fresh.
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Price: $69.95 Shop now at OtterBox | Shop now Read our review |
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1. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Mag
Pros:- Rugged drop protection
- Built-in screen protector
- MagSafe compatible
- Built-in kickstand
Cons:- Clear plastic discolors easily
- Limited color options
- Bulky design
I have reviewed Supcase products in the past and found them to be reliable if not a bit generic. The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Mag, however, is a fresh and unique take on their classic kickstand case. The way they incorporate MagSafe support into the kickstand by making it the kickstand is downright brilliant, which is why this is one of my favorite iPhone 14 Plus cases right now.
The case is a capable protective option as well, featuring a rubbery bumper frame to absorb shock and a built-in screen protector. It also comes with a belt clip for all the dads (or aspiring dads) out there. It is an all-around solid case that should be on everyone’s radar.
Find more Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Mag information and reviews here.
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2. OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT Case
Price: $69.95Pros:- Rugged drop protection
- Antimicrobial coating
- MagSafe compatible
- Rubber port cover
Cons:- Limited color options
- High price tag
- Bulky design
The OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT is a no-nonsense protective case that prioritizes keeping your phone safe from drops, scratches, and bacteria buildup. The drops and scratches are covered by the case’s two-piece bumper frame design, which has a nice round bezel to shield your phone’s broadsides from damage. The bacteria is covered by an antimicrobial treatment in the material and this comes in handy when you take your phone everywhere.
The tradeoff of this heavy-duty case, though, is that it adds some considerable bulk to this 6.7-inch handset (which isn’t easy to hold in the first place). That said, it is still MagSafe compatible so it’s definitely not too large. In fact, for the intrepid among us, the OtterBox Defender Pro XT may be just what you need.
Find more OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT Case information and reviews here.
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3. Caseology Parallax Mag Case
Pros:- Slim and durable
- Grippy design
- MagSafe compatible
Cons:- Limited color options
- Bezel could be larger
- Limited drop protection
The Caseology Parallax Mag Case is neither the most protective case I’ve tried nor is it the most pocketable. But it manages to find such an ideal balance that I consider it one of the best iPhone 14 Plus cases yet. It uses that magical combination of a bumper frame design and a grippy texture around the edges to both cushion against drops and prevent them from happening without adding excessive bulk.
Then there is the stylish backplate design, which features a 3D geometric pattern. It adds a nice touch of flair to the phone and it houses a magnet to attach to MagSafe accessories. My biggest disappointment is that they don’t make one for each stock color of the iPhone 14 Plus.
I also chose the Caseology Parallax as one of the best iPhone 14 Pro cases too, as it works great over the smaller form factor handsets as well.
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4. UAG Monarch Pro Case
Pros:- Ultra durable
- Grippy design
- MagSafe compatible
Cons:- Limited color options
- High price tag
- Bulky design
The Monarch Pro Case from Urban Armor Gear stands out from the pack because it has as many protective layers as a five-layer burrito. This case is made with varying layers of polycarbonate, impact-resistant rubber, and DuPont Kevlar. Yes, the kind used in ballistic body armor. And it offers all of this despite having a relatively slim profile.
The case isn’t quite as chunky as a defender-style case but it is certainly as durable as one, if not more. The case also has a nice amount of grip, eliminating the risk of drops before they even happen. And the cherry on top is the MagSafe charging support.
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5. Apple MagSafe Clear Case
Pros:- Clear and durable
- Responsive button covers
- MagSafe compatible
Cons:- High price tag
- Clear cases discolor over time
- Could be grippier
As simple as it is, the Apple MagSafe Clear Case is still one of the best iPhone 14 Plus cases (and one of the best iPhone 14 cases too for that matter). It is just so easy to pair with Apple’s official MagSafe accessories and, of course, the Apple phones it is designed to fit. That’s not to say that third-party MagSafe cases underperform but more so that Apple truly knows how to make an enclosed ecosystem.
Yes, the case is a bit on the expensive side for the amount of protection it provides, but the price just feels like a drop in the bucket compared to the phone itself. Besides, the case and the phone were engineered alongside one another, so the fit really feels exceptional. The front bezel and bumper frame are just the right size so that they add minimal bulk to this 6.7-inch handset. And the clear plastic design is great for showing off the stock color of your phone.
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6. Pelican Voyager Series Case
Pros:- Micropel coating
- Rugged drop protection
- MagSafe compatible
Cons:- Bulky design
- Limited color options
- High price tag
If you are looking for ultra-rugged protection for your iPhone 14 Plus, then the Pelican Voyager Series Case should definitely be on your radar. This defender-style case offers solid drop protection, which should be a priority when we’re talking about a phone with a 6.7-inch display. In a lab setting, it exceeds military-spec (MIL-STD-810G) requirements for drop protection. In real life, that translates to the ability to absorb impact from bigger drops than a slim hybrid case.
As an added bonus, this case is made with a Micropel coating that prevents the growth of bacteria on the case. This is a nice feature since we sometimes bring our phones into nasty places like public restrooms. And as icing on the cake, Pelican throws in MagSafe accessory support too, making this an all-around slam dunk of a case.
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7. Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet Case
Pros:- Holds 3 cards plus cash
- Folio kickstand
- Wireless charge compatible
- Lots of color options
Cons:- Not MagSafe compatible
- Limited drop protection
- Bulky design
Although the growing popularity of digital payment methods like Apple Pay is quickly making wallets obsolete, there are still plenty of reasons why you might need to carry a few cards plus some cash. And the Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet Case is one of the most elegant ways to organize these necessities while also protecting your iPhone 14 Plus from drops and scratches.
This case is made from soft European nubuck outer with a sturdy pigskin leather inner, adding both protection and distinction to your phone. The case uses a folio design that covers your front screen when not in use and unfolds to act as a media kickstand. The case holds up to three cards plus cash. Just note that it does add a bit more bulk to the already large phone design.
This case also outperformed many of the cases that I reviewed for the more powerful iPhone 14 Pro Max.
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8. Spigen Optik Armor MagFit Case
Price: $59.99Pros:- Slim and durable
- Sliding camera cover
- MagSafe compatible
Cons:- Limited color options
- Could be grippier
- Bezel could be larger
The Optik Armor MagFit Case is a new addition to Spigen’s line of iPhone accessories that offers an extra layer of protection and privacy for one of the most popular features of the iPhone 14 Plus: the rear camera. The way that this phone’s rear dual camera array protrudes from the back makes it the prime point of impact if you drop your phone on its back, and this case’s sliding cover gives it a whole extra layer of protection.
The case is otherwise well-cushioned to protect the front and edges of your phone as well. It isn’t the bulkiest case out there but that also means that it can support MagSafe accessories. I’m sure that if this case had a front camera cover, privacy enthusiasts would like it that much more but for now, it’s a step in the right direction.
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9. Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 Case
Pros:- Holds 3 cards plus cash
- Lightweight and durable
- Grippy design
Cons:- Limited drop protection
- Not MagSafe compatible
- Bezel could be larger
While Apple does make several magnetic wallet attachments for their phones, I still prefer a dedicated wallet case like the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 Case so I can always have my phone, ID, credit card, and cash all in the same place. This case has a recessed card slot in the rear for storing your valuables and it adds only a small amount of bulk to the overall package. Just keep in mind that this case does not work with wireless charging unless you take out some of the cards first.
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10. Poetic Revolution Case
Pros:- Built-in screen protector
- Military-grade drop tested
- Built-in kickstand
Cons:- Limited color options
- Not MagSafe compatible
- Bulky design
The Poetic Revolution Case offers 360-degree protection for your iPhone 14 Plus using a two-piece design that includes a built-in screen protector. If you prefer to use a fancy Gorilla Glass screen protector instead, the case also comes with a second front cover without a screen protector installed. Having options is nice.
The Poetic Revolution also has a built-in kickstand on the rear for media viewing. It works in both landscape and portrait mode. Unfortunately, the case does not work with MagSafe charging but it does work with normal wireless charging.
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11. Ringke Fusion Case
Pros:- Ultra slim design
- MagSafe compatible
- Responsive button covers
Cons:- Clear plastic discolors over time
- Bezel could be larger
- Limited drop protection
It’s no fun having to cover up your sleek new phone with a dull chunk of plastic, which is why I like the Ringke Fusion Case for protecting the iPhone 14 Plus. This simple hybrid case uses a mix of clear TPU and PC materials to protect your phone from drops and scratches without covering up its sleek finish or adding excess bulk.
It uses a raised bumper frame to add protection without making this 6.7-inch phone any harder to hold. If you truly value the nude illusion, you could even opt for the non-MagSafe version, which omits the magnetic ring on the rear from the design. That said, I personally love using MagSafe accessories.
Do Bigger Phones Need Better Cases?
True to its name, the iPhone 14 Plus is quite a large phone, sporting a 6.7-inch display. And phones may only be getting bigger in the future (if you're curious why, then check out this article from Tech Evaluate). So it's time to have a conversation about what this means for the user. I argue that bigger phones make protective cases even more important.
Let's look at the simple facts. A phone that is larger is harder to hold. A phone that is harder to hold is easier to drop. And a phone that is easier to drop is an even more likely candidate for a protective case. Did I miss anything here?
If my logic holds true then getting an iPhone 14 Plus case feels like a no-brainer. If we were talking about a phone like the iPhone 13 Mini, the extra protection wouldn't be quite as important. However, Apple is shying away from smaller smartphones now and doubling down on larger designs, so cases are becoming even more mandatory now than they already were. And according to a 2017 survey from Statista, 79 percent of polled Americans used a phone case with their phone. Consequentially, I wouldn't be surprised if that number is even higher today.