The Best iPhone 12 Cases and Accessories
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
The Official MagSafe CaseApple Silicone Case With MagSafeRead more
A Good Cheap CaseSpigen Mag Armor With MagSafeRead more
The Prettiest CasesSonix MagSafe CasesRead more
If you've decided to stick with your trusty iPhone 12 instead of upgrading to the iPhone 14 (or maybe you snagged one for a good price)—great! It's still a nice smartphone that'll last you several years. But slapping a brand-new case on your handset can make it feel fresh. It's also smart to use a case to protect your fragile investment. I've tested more than 50 cases and accessories—ones that are MagSafe compatible and ones that aren't. These are our favorites.
Be sure to check out our other buying guides, like the Best MagSafe Accessories, Best iPhone, Best iPad Accessories, the Best iPhone 14 Deals, and the Best iPhone 14 Cases.
Updated October 2022: We've moved our MagSafe accessory recommendations to a separate guide, and updated prices and links.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
Photograph: AppleWhat Is MagSafe?
Magnet AdviceSome of the cases in our guide are not MagSafe compatible. You might remember the term from the magnetic charging cable on MacBooks of old. Apple has revived the name as a system of magnetic accessories. You can slap items like a wallet or wireless charger on the back of all the iPhone 12 (and forward) models. Apple says its magnet accessories are shielded, so it's safe to use with credit cards (if maybe not hotel key cards).
There are tons of MagSafe accessories now available, and we've rounded up our favorites here, from wallets and wireless chargers to tripods and bike mounts. An easy way to tell a MagSafe case apart from a regular case is to look for a ring of magnets on the inside of it in product images. Brands will also usually indicate whether a case is MagSafe in the product name or description.
If a case or accessory supports MagSafe in this guide, you'll see “MagSafe" somewhere in the product description. Some companies also claim MagSafe compatibility even if their cases don't have magnets. That's because the cases may be thin enough to support other magnetic accessories, but the magnetic connection may be weaker than you'd want. If you buy a case or accessory from another manufacturer, check their website for similar language.
- Photograph: Apple
The Official MagSafe Case
Apple Silicone Case With MagSafeApple's standard silicone case is its best ever. The bottom edge of the phone is fully covered, with tiny cutouts for the charging port and speakers, and the whole thing feels wonderfully soft. The inner microfiber lining ensures that the back of your phone never gets a scratch. Additionally, the edges on the front are raised to offer some protection to the screen if it falls face down. The buttons are easy to press too. This is a MagSafe case, so there's a ring of magnets in the center that securely attaches to other MagSafe accessories, like Apple's wireless MagSafe Charger and Wallet.
I've also tested and like Apple's leather cases ($59). They hold up well over time and don't attract dust and lint, a problem on the silicone case.
- Photograph: Spigen
A Good Cheap Case
Spigen Mag Armor With MagSafeThis case from Spigen is simple, but it includes magnets, so it works with official MagSafe accessories like Apple's Charger and Wallet. You get good protection for very little money. It's made of thermoplastic polyurethane, with a texture on the back that feels nice to the touch. The buttons are clicky, it has a slim profile, and the bumper is sturdy. If you want a clear version to show off your iPhone's color, I'd recommend Spigen's Ultra Hybrid Mag cases.
- Photograph: Sonix
The Prettiest Cases
Sonix MagSafe CasesIf you want to inject a bit of personality into your case, there's no better place to go than Sonix. It has a variety of styles, from glow-in-the-dark to colorful and reflective designs. Better yet, there's MagSafe support. (Sonix also has non-MagSafe versions.) They have a tough bumper, clicky buttons, and raised edges. The plastic they're made out of is also infused with an antimicrobial agent to keep certain types of bacteria at bay.
Sonix also has a nifty MagSafe adjustable stand ($50) that lets you elevate your phone on your desk or nightstand. The phone stays secure via magnets, though the base could be heavier and grippier, as it can slide around. You can attach Apple's MagSafe charger or Sonix's very own to the back to turn it into a charging dock.
★ A fashionable case: I think Sonix's cases look nicer, but Incipio's Kate Spade collaboration ($55) is worth looking at, especially if you're a fan of the brand. It supports MagSafe, has raised lips, and the whole thing is quite grippy.
- Photograph: Totallee
The Thinnest Case Around
Totallee CaseIf you despise cases but know you need one, try Totallee. In no way should you expect its cases to protect your phone from a 6-foot drop—they're so thin, it barely feels like anything's there—but they'll eliminate everyday scuff marks. You can choose between matte or transparent. The former is made of flexible plastic and is the thinnest version, and the latter is constructed out of thermoplastic polyurethane, so it will fare slightly better when dropped. There's no branding anywhere, which is a nice change of pace. The sheer thinness of these cases means they work decently well with both the MagSafe Charger and Wallet.
- Photograph: Lifeproof
A Sustainable Case
Lifeproof Wake CaseLifeproof's Wake is made from more than 85 percent ocean-based recycled plastic. It's the way to go if sustainability is a priority for you. The edges are tough and rounded, so if you don't like the flat-edge design on the new iPhones, this will help. The buttons are very clicky (I like the colored accents), and the mute switch is easily accessible. The back has a wavy pattern that looks nice, and it keeps Apple's MagSafe Charger attached (but not the MagSafe Wallet). With every purchase, Lifeproof donates a dollar to a water-conscious nonprofit of your choosing.
- Photograph: Nomad
A Screen Protector
Nomad Screen ProtectorIt's very easy to install Nomad's screen protector. Clean the iPhone screen with the included wet wipe, dry it with the microfiber cloth, and use the stickers to remove any lingering dust. Then place the alignment tool over your iPhone, remove the backing from the tempered glass protector, and plop it in place! I had a perfect alignment in seconds. Just make sure to press down from the middle and push out to eliminate as many air bubbles as possible.
- Photograph: Nomad
For Leather Fans
Nomad Rugged Case With MagSafeI like sleek and simple leather cases, so this one from Nomad is up my alley. It supports MagSafe, has a polycarbonate body with a thermoplastic elastomer bumper that's slightly raised along the edges, and the inside is lined with microfiber to protect the back of your iPhone. The supple leather is from a long-running tannery in Chicago (Horween), and the bottom has two spots where you can attach a lanyard or wrist strap. Nomad also has non-MagSafe versions for a little less.
★ Another leather case: The vegetable-tanned leather in Mujjo's case ($50) is just as soft as Nomad's, but it has a slimmer profile. The Nomad case will fare better in a major drop, but Mujjo's should survive minor bumps. It doesn't support MagSafe, but it works decently with the MagSafe Charger.
- Photograph: Pivet
A Great Case From a Black-Owned Business
Pivet Aspect Clear CasePivet is a Black-owned business, which is a rarity in the tech space. I tested and like its Aspect Clear case, but it's also available in a few colors. The buttons are a little stiff, but the company says it's updating the case to fix this. It doesn't work too well with MagSafe gear, but the bumper is sturdy, and it's well-built. It's recyclable, but if that option isn't available, it's made of nontoxic plastic the company claims will biodegrade in landfills or the ocean. We have a deeper dive into the company's claims that you can read here.
- Photograph: Popsocket
A PopSocket Case
OtterBox Otter + Pop SymmetryIf you want your PopSocket attached to a case, go with this combo from Otterbox. There are a wide variety of designs, and if you ever get bored with a look, you can swap out the PopTop whenever you want. It won't work with any MagSafe accessories, but you can still wirelessly recharge the phone. The charging speed is very slow though, so make sure to remove the PopTop for best results.
- Photograph: Nimble
A Recycled Alternative
Nimble Disc CaseThis is another great clear option to show off the iPhone 12's colors. It doesn't add much heft, and it has raised edges on the front and a scratch-resistant coating on the back. Best of all, it's made from old CDs and DVDs! The packaging is plastic-free and recyclable too. You'll get a free shipping label with your purchase to ship your old CDs to Nimble for 15 percent off your next order. Nimble says the case is certified for 6-foot drops and has "permanent antimicrobial protection" to block bacteria that cause stains and odors. (It will not protect you from viruses like Covid-19.)
Apple's MagSafe wireless charger stays on the back of this case (though it can be dislodged fairly easily). The MagSafe Wallet falls off easily, too.
- Photograph: Otterbox
For Ultimate Protection
OtterBox Defender ProI hate ultra-thick cases, especially ones that need to be taken apart just to insert the phone. But if you need the most protection possible, the Defender Pro from OtterBox will do the trick. To use it, you need to remove the rubber slipcover, peel apart the polycarbonate shell, and layer the two pieces at the top and bottom of your iPhone. Then snap them shut, wrangle the slipcover back over, and you're done (whew).
If you frequently take your iPhone out of its case, this will be a pain. But it protects the charging port and mute switch, and it's so thick I have a hard time seeing it fail to protect your device. Just know that there's no cover for the screen with this version, but the front has raised lips, and you do get a holster to clip it to your belt. The case also renders MagSafe completely useless, but wireless charging still works!
- Photograph: 1521
A Cork Case
15:21 Cork CaseI love this cork case from Swedish company 15:21. Cork has a pleasant texture and has some grip to it, yet it's thin and lightweight. The edges on the front aren't raised, and this thing is skimpy enough that it probably won't protect your phone from a drop—just everyday scratches and scuffs. It's made from Portuguese cork, which is recyclable and biodegradable. Plus, trees aren't harmed when cork is harvested. It works well with the wireless MagSafe Charger, and the MagSafe Wallet sticks to the case much better than with many other cases that claim to be MagSafe compatible.
- Photograph: Arrivly
A Fabric Case
Arrivly Suede Microfiber Silicone CaseIf you hate the feel of cool metal, try this suede case from German brand Arrivly. The artificial fibers are soft and velvety. Honestly, you might find yourself petting your phone more often than you use it. It will attract lint and pet hair fairly easily, but it's not difficult to clean. It's not a MagSafe case, but it works well with the MagSafe wireless charger (not so much with the MagSafe Wallet).
- Photograph: Belkin
A Triple Wireless Charger
Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger With MagSafeIf you have an iPhone, you may have other Apple-made products, like AirPods or the Apple Watch. If so, consider one system to charge all of them. I like this one from Belkin. It's completely MagSafe-compatible, so your iPhone 12 can hook up magnetically and will look like it's floating. The Apple Watch attaches to its charger magnetically, and there's a spot for the AirPods case on the base. The minimal design hides away most of the charger and elevates the gear more than any other 3-in-1 I've ever used, making for a very elegant system.
There's only one LED (for the AirPods), and it's not distracting at all. (It can also charge other third-party earbuds cases with wireless charging support.) The best news is that it supports 15-watt output for the iPhone 12 range, so your iPhone will charge the fastest that's wirelessly possible. Check out our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers guide for more recommendations.
Another option: Mophie's 3-in-1 charger ($140) is a great alternative if you'd rather avoid magnets. You can stand your iPhone on it, and there's space to plop your Apple Watch and AirPods. Since it doesn't charge via MagSafe, your phone will juice up slower than on the Belkin.
- Photograph: Anker
A Charging Adapter
Anker Nano ProNone of the iPhone 12 models come with charging adapters in the box. Plus, the cable it does come with is a USB-C-to-Lightning; you might not have a USB-C power adapter lying around. Rather than buying an adapter from Apple, you should get this one from Anker. It's positively tiny—just a hair bigger than the 5-watt adapter that Apple used to include. However, the Nano Pro can output 20 watts, meaning it can fast-charge your iPhone. It only took around an hour to juice up my iPhone 12 Pro Max from 25 to 100 percent.
Alternatively, you can grab Anker's Nano II 65-watt adapter ($50). This one has enough power to recharge your MacBook Pro, and it will safely charge your iPhone as well.
- Photograph: Nimble
A Durable Cable
Nimble PowerKnit USB-C to Lightning CableIf you're using a mangled Apple-made cable to recharge your iPhone, it might be time for an upgrade. Apple's included cable is fine, but I've seen too many in tatters to believe it will withstand long-term abuse. I like Nimble's knit fabric USB-C–to–Lighting cables. They're made from recycled plastic and aluminum, are BPA- and PVC-free, and they ship in plastic-free packaging. They're also just plain attractive.
- Photograph: Matt Jancer
Find Your Gear
Apple AirTagFrequently misplacing your keys, backpack, or wallet? One of the easiest ways for you to keep tabs on your gear is to use Apple's AirTag (though it's not without its flaws). You pair it with the Find My app that's preinstalled on Apple devices, and put it in your bag, in your wallet, or on your keychain. If it's nearby, you'll see it on the map and can track it down fairly precisely. If it isn't, don't worry. You'll not only see the last known location, but AirTags also leverages all nearby Apple devices to try and ping its location back to you. You just need to wait until someone with an Apple gadget walks by.
We've rounded up other gadgets you can use to track your gear here. Want to track your dog or your kid? We've got options for that too!
Photograph: OtterboxAvoid These Accessories!
You Can Do BetterI'm not sure what's going on over at Otterbox's headquarters, but of the dozens of accessories I've tested for this guide, Otterbox makes the only three that I wholeheartedly do not recommend: the Otterbox Strada Wallet Folio ($70), Otterbox Wallet for MagSafe ($40), and Otterbox Folio Wallet MagSafe case ($23). Yikes.
With the Strada, the leather doesn't feel real, the volume buttons are impossible to press without extraordinary pressure, and you can fit only two to three credit cards in it. The MagSafe wallet feels shoddy and weirdly sticky. It attracts a ton of dust and lint. The magnet also isn't very strong. Finally, the Folio wallet case is just too darn flappy. The front cover slides all over the iPhone's display, almost as if it was made for a different phone. Stay away.
Save up to $58 Off TurboTax Online
20% Off All H&R Block 2024 Tax Software | H&R Block Coupon
Up to $20 off at Instacart in 2024
Dyson promo code: $100 off Dyson Airstrait Straightener (Ceramic Pink)
GoPro Promo Code: 15% off Cameras and Accessories
Up to +30% Off with your Samsung student promo code