The best iPhone 6 cases and covers

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S are, perhaps inadvertently, standing the test of time. As the last iPhone with the beloved headphone jack — and concurrent with an increasing realization that it’s not only OK, but sometimes even preferable, to hang on to an older phone until the wheels start falling off — there’s more demand than ever for quality cases designed to keep body and glass together. The device’s thin body and smooth, slippery finish aren’t ideal for constant smartphone carriers, so a protective case is a must. Below are our picks for the best iPhone 6 and 6s cases and covers, whether you’re looking for something svelte, stylish, or cheap, or even seeking to replace a battered old case for an updated new cover.

Ballistic Jewel iPhone 6 Case

Ballistic is designed to shield your iPhone from all manner of drops, scrapes, and bumps with six-sided drop protection. The raised lips of this clear case and its extended corners ensure that your screen does not touch any surface if laid flat, plus it can sustain a 6-foot drop. The case perfectly fits your phone with precision cutouts for full access to all buttons, ports, and the camera.

Caseology Wavelength Textured Pattern Grip Cover

With its slim fit, shock absorption features, and impact-resistant frame, the Caseology Wavelength offers excellent protection against the elements and unintended impacts and scratches. The thin, dual-layer case is made with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and polycarbonate for more shock protection and military-grade protection. Its pleasing textured cover sports a modern 3D design for enhanced grip and increased shock absorption. Responsive button covers offer efficient feedback, precise cutouts, and an all-around raised lip.

Cable and Case ArmorBox Hybrid Case

The Armorbox’s design — with the visible kickstand on the back — facilitates both functionality and protection. The case’s design, which uses outer and inner shells, provides maximum protection, while the ribbed trim gives you a better grip on your iPhone 6 or 6s and helps reduce the chance of accidental drops. It also comes with a screen protector. It comes in an assortment of bright colors.

Spigen Tough Armor FX Case

What this case lacks in colors and design, it makes up for with overall protection. The case utilizes TPU and polycarbonate materials, along with button covers, a built-in screen protector, and raised corners that lift the back of the phone. The latter has also been treated with a special coating to ensure it maintains the iPhone’s responsiveness and functionality. Drop protection, shock absorption, and air cushioning in the corners round out the hallmarks, all of which have been to meet military drop-test standards.

Zagg Speaker Case

This unusual offering from Zagg is unlike any iPhone 6 case we’ve seen before. There’s a simple black bumper case with metallic button covers and a separate Bluetooth speaker and microphone that snaps into the back. The idea is that you take the speaker only when you need it, and easily pop it out and use it in the center of the table for conference calls. It also boosts the sound considerably when listening to podcasts and videos, though it’s not powerful enough to fill a room with music. As a bonus, the speaker section contains a 1,800mAh battery and a USB port, so you can charge your iPhone battery with your Lightning cable.

Mikol Case

Premium iPhone cases come in different flavors, but this is the first time we’ve seen a marble one. These cases look stunning, but we’re not sure how practical they are, and we’re not willing to drop test one. The basic case is standard TPU, minimalist, and closely fitted to the iPhone 6, with cut-outs in all the right places. Set into the back is a panel of marble. Each case is unique. You can go for white, black, or a kind of reddish option, and you can also get the white one with white TPU instead of black. These aren’t protective cases, they’re all about the style, and they aren’t cheap.

Patchworks ITG Level Case

The ITG Level case from Patchworks has a classic dual-layer design with tough polycarbonate on the outside and shock absorbing TPU inside. It meets military drop-test standard 810G, so you can rely on it to keep your iPhone 6 safe. It’s surprisingly slim for a protective case, the cut-outs are generous, and there’s a bezel around the front to protect that screen. The sides are also subtly textured to add grip, and the button covers are easy to use. You can pick it up in a choice of four colors: black, white, red, pink, or sand.

Magpul Carrying Case 

These cases come in a few different colors, they’re easy to fit, they’re protective, and they’re cheap. The case is quite thick, made from a flexible TPU material, and it has a grid pattern that adds some extra grip. There’s a lip around the front to protect the screen, easy to find and press button covers, and accurate openings. The headphone port could be a problem with some jacks because of the case thickness. It’s a decent option if you want protection on a budget.

Rhinoshield Crash Guard Bumper

If you can’t bear to cover your iPhone 6 up, then a bumper might be the right choice for you. Rhinoshield offers a solid, protective bumper in a choice of seven different colors. The matte finish is soft and enhances grip. The button covers are clearly marked and easy to find by feel. There are adequate openings for your ports, though some third-party accessories with larger jacks might not fit. You also get a protective coating for the back of your iPhone, which you apply like a screen protector. The bumper adds a bit of bulk, but it survived drop tests up to 15 feet, so it should certainly keep your iPhone safe.

Vesel Wood Series iPhone Case

At first glance, you might recoil at the price tag on these luxury bumpers, but the quality is impressive. The metal series offers aluminum in different shades with different colors of plastic on the joints, but it’s the wood series that’s more likely to seduce you. The top and bottom come in your choice of bright silver or darker gray aluminum, and you can combine that with oak or walnut sides. There are also perfectly suited aluminum button covers. The bumper is fitted by unscrewing the top piece and sliding the iPhone 6 into place. Strictly speaking, there’s no protection front and back, but the frame is larger than the iPhone all the way around, so the screen and the camera lens on the back won’t be touching if you put it down or drop it on a flat surface. These bumpers are all about style, and they match the elegant design of the iPhone 6 beautifully.

LifeProof FRĒ WaterProof Case

LifeProof makes cases that enable you to take your iPhone everywhere you go, no matter the terrain or weather. To protect your iPhone from dirt, water, snow, or concrete, means making a case that almost completely seals the phone inside. The FRĒ WaterProof is submersible in water and drops up to 6.6 feet, and comes with a built-in screen protector to keep your display in perfect condition. It’s dirt proof, thanks to its compact design, and covered buttons and ports. As a LifeProof case, it’s also compatible with the company’s smartphone belt clip, bike mount, and armband.

OtterBox Defender Case

Take one look at the Defender case from OtterBox and you know it’s rugged, but this series isn’t only effective against the outside world, it’s also fairly stylish, and comes in a range of colors to complement your iPhone. Using three different components — the inner shell, outer slipcover, and touchscreen protector — the case completely covers the phone, keeping it dirt- and dust-free, and shielding your display. You can also pair the Defender case with OtterBox’s holster and belt clip for easier transportation, and even more protection while you’re on the move.

Amzer Crusta Case

The Crusta case from Amzer certainly looks different and it offers rugged protection at a reasonable price. You’ll find a tempered glass screen protector that will safeguard your screen from scratches without affecting touch sensitivity. The case itself is a hard, polycarbonate shell with a tempered glass backing, and there’s a layer of softer plastic-like rubber that goes around the outside forming air pockets to absorb shock. The buttons are covered and so are all the ports, which will keep out dust and moisture. It can handle drops from up to 6 feet. You also get a rotating holster with a belt clip. There are more than 40 different color variations available.

Smartish iPhone 6 Wallet Case

If it’s a wallet replacement that you’re looking for, then check out this case from CM4. It has a durable, soft-touch rubber frame to keep your iPhone 6 secure, complete with a generous cut-out for the camera and flash, soft button covers, and port cut-outs. On the back, you’ll find a stitched fabric pocket that can comfortably hold three cards and some cash. The front bezel prevents your screen from damage if you lay it face down. You can get this in green, gold, or black.

Speck Candyshell Grip Case

You can enjoy solid, military-grade drop protection with this case. It combines a hard shell with a rubber interior that includes a lip around the front to protect the screen, button covers, and stripes on the back and sides. The stripes aren’t just aesthetic, they also help to provide extra grip. There are precise cut-outs for the camera and ports. It’s not the slimmest of iPhone 6 cases, but it does provide good protection and comes in a variety of color combinations.

Incipio Octane Case

You don’t have to hide your iPhone 6 away with the Octane case from Incipio. There’s a transparent polycarbonate panel on the back that reveals the logo beneath, and a contrasting colored bumper around the edges that’s designed to bear the brunt of any impact. It also covers the buttons for all-round protection and includes precision cut-outs for the ports and camera. This lightweight case doesn’t add too much bulk, but it does deliver good drop protection. The outer bumper comes in a variety of colors.

Trident Aegis Case

This case delivers rugged protection and it covers every angle of your new iPhone 6 to make sure there is no lasting damage from accidents. Extra-thick shock-absorbent corners take the knocks, a hardened polycarbonate shell provides glossy protection, and there are plugs for your ports and dust filters. Like many rugged options, it meets the 810F military standard for drop tests, and you also get a screen protector in the pack. It’s available in seven different colors.

Seidio Dilex Pro Case

The honeycomb interior on this Seidio case dissipates shock, and there’s a comfortable rubberized coating on the outside that will enhance your grip. You also get a handy extra: a metal kickstand that pops out to allow for landscape movie viewing. The interlocking layers are easy to fit and don’t add too much in the way of bulk. You can pick this one up in a few different colors, and it has an optional holster and swiveling belt-clip attachment.

Apple iPhone 6 Leather Case

Beautifully handcrafted premium leather cases from Noreve add a real touch of classic style to your iPhone 6. This version flips opens vertically like a traditional pocket notebook. It is padded for protection with a soft lining. You’ll find generous openings for access to all of your phone functions. You can also choose from a wide range of different colors and get the case with or without a belt clip.

Incipio NGP

Mid-level protection, sharp aesthetics, and low price make the Incipio NGP case worth a peek. The iPhone 6 model is just as durable and affordable as past Incipio cases. It’s a terrific budget option for someone who’s considering the in-house silicone case from Apple. This one features a protruding lip to protect your screen face and a soft case that is easy to grip and foregrounds the slim appeal of the iPhone 6. It is available in six colors.

Case-Mate Brilliance Case

You’re sure to dazzle everyone in a one-mile radius if you opt for this glamorous case which comes in three different styles. All of them feature crystals on the back combined with premium leather accents. The bumper frame comes off and you place your iPhone 6 on the cushioned back then clip it on. You might find that the case comes apart when you drop it, but your phone won’t and that’s the important thing. You’ll find large cut-outs for the camera and ports. The crystals make this case really heavy, and they can snag on things. We’d also expect them to come off in time if you’re not super-careful. This expensive option is all about the bling and everything else is secondary.