Technologies
Best iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro Cases You Should Buy Now
Protect your iPhone with these cases.

This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2023, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Apple’s most popular product.
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Apple’s iPhone has become more durable over the years, but if you drop it the wrong way — or on the wrong surface — it’s still susceptible to being damaged in both major (cracked screen or cracked back) and minor ways (dings and scrapes). That’s why whenever you buy a new phone you should consider investing in a high-quality case to protect it.
What to look for in an iPhone case
If you’ve bought an iPhone 14 and are looking for a case, you probably know that each new model has its own specific case, so make sure you get the correct one. Note that the Pro versions, which include the iPhone 14 Pro and larger iPhone 14 Pro Max, sport extra cameras that require a larger cutout on the back of your case.
Whether you need the best iPhone 14 Pro case or the best case for the standard iPhone 14 model, we’ve rounded up some great everyday case options in a variety of styles and prices, from slimmer to more rugged. We’ve tried all these cases with an iPhone 14 and will continue to add other top cases as we find others that we think are worthy of this list.
Best iPhone 14 cases
Speck has brought many of its iPhone 13 case designs to the iPhone 14, including such popular transparent models as the Presidio Perfect-Clear and Perfect-Clear Grips, and the Presidio2 Pro. Speck’s cases with built-in MagSafe cost around $50, while its Candyshell Pro case remains the least expensive at around $25 but does not have MagSafe. And right now, all Speck cases are 40% off so you can snag one for even less.
All the new models have good drop protection (13 to 16 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck’s Microban antimicrobial protection. No matter which model you choose, Speck often gives a discount for first-time buyers.
MagSafe cases can get pretty pricey, but if you’re looking for an inexpensive clear MagSafe case for your new iPhone 14 series phone, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid MagFit is a good value at around $25. Spigen also sells a non-Mag version of this case for about $8 less, and also has several other iPhone 14 case options.
OtterBox made a name for itself with its super-protective Defender series case, but most people want something less bulky these days. I like the Symmetry Series Plus cases, which come in various shades (including the new Euphoria color) and have MagSafe. The Symmetry Plus Pop case integrates a PopSockets PopGrip and is wireless charging-compatible, which is important. OtterBox offers a discount for first-time buyers on its site.
Caseology has made some decent budget cases in the past, including the NanoPop, Parallax, Skyfall and Vault. Its new Capella Mag Clear is one of the cheaper transparent MagSafe cases we’ve seen.
Lupa Legacy makes a couple of different wallet cases for the iPhone 14 models. I like the folio version that has a magnetic clasp and is made of faux leather in a variety of color options. It has three slots on the inside of the cover to store credit cards or cash, and it offers decent corner protection from drops. The faux leather looks decent (the case looks a little more expensive than it is, which is a good thing).
The only drawbacks are that there’s no MagSafe built into the case and the case doesn’t convert into a kickstand. But you can charge your phone on a wireless charging pad just fine.
One of my favorite iPhone cases right now is the Otterbox Lumen, a two-tone case that’s partially clear at the top (it’s sort of an ombre case) and has grippy silicone rubber on the sides. It comes in a few color options, including the metallic beige shown here (the blue and silver seem cool).
The Figura is a bit slimmer but is also eye-catching and available in a few interesting color combos. Both cases are MagSafe-enabled and sold exclusively at Apple and Otterbox.com.
Element Case makes its high-end $250 Back Ops X5 case for the iPhone 14, but its more affordable Special Ops X5 MagSafe case is a very likable case with beefed up corner protection and raised edges on the back and front to help prevent your screen and cameras from getting cracked. It also has good side grips. I kind of wish it came in some other color options, but that’s my only gripe. It’s a very good case.
British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes cases that are right up there with OtterBox and Speck, all of them lined with the company’s D3O shock-absorbing material and featuring beveled edges to protect your phone. I like the new Milan Snap (pictured) and Santa Cruz Snap, both of which are MagSafe-equipped and rated for 13-foot drop protection. However, several other case styles are available, most of them with eye-catching designs. They start at $30 for non-MagSafe cases, but most MagSafe models list for $50 to $60.
Cyrill is a sister brand to Spigen, and its cases are arguably slightly more stylish, although they cost a few bucks more. I like the UltraColor Mag ($25), and the Kajuk Mag ($27) is also pretty nice, owing to its faux «vegan» leather back. The transparent Shine Mag ($30) cases are attractively designed with «a touch of sparkle» for those who like a bit of flash in their iPhone case.
Like Lifeproof, Catalyst made a name for itself with waterproof cases, but it now focuses on standard protective case options and has two new models for the iPhone 14: the $40 Influence (pictured) is my favorite, but the new $50 Crux case is also good (both are MagSafe-enabled). They have perforations on the corners that allow you to attach various accessories (a lanyard is included, but Catalyst also sells other accessories). Both have 10-foot drop protection.
Nomad’s line of leather cases comes to the iPhone 14. However, now Nomad is offering two grades of leather — the standard variety and a higher-end Horween that costs $20 more ($70 rather than $50). At least the Horween version is designed to develop a «rugged» patina as the oils from your skin interact with the leather over time. The new Modern Leather Case is available in black, brown, English tan and a lighter natural color that I like. They’re rated for 10-foot (3-meter) drop protection and equipped with MagSafe. (Personally, I like the English tan color pictured on the left). Meanwhile, the Modern Leather Folio (pictured, middle) goes for $60 in black or brown.
There’s also a more affordable Sport version for $40 that’s equipped with MagSafe as well. It’s not a leather case, however, but does look pretty slick — it’s pictured on the right. Additionally, Nomad has a new Rugged Case with «fortified» bumpers and 15-foot drop protection that costs $50 with MagSafe.
Casetify has three base models that you can customize with any of Casetify’s eye-catchingstock designs or something more personal (like your name). New to the line is the Bounce case, which offers even more corner protection than the Ultra Impact case (both of which are MagSafe-enabled). Some of the designs are hit-or-miss, and many are geared toward teenagers.
I should note that prices appear to have gone up again. Casetify cases now start at $58 (yes, that’s high), though we should see some discounts.
This is a pretty cool option for those looking for a MagSafe case, plus a MagSafe wallet that converts into a stand. You can enjoy a relatively sleek and protective MagSafe case and really good MagSafe wallet/stand accessory that stores up to three credit cards. The wallet, also available separately, sticks well to the back of the case with a strong magnet.
The case is available in cool white (pictured), clear and smoky black, while the wallet/stand is available in multiple color options.
Rokform’s been making tough iPhone cases for years, and aside from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with various mounts — including bike and motorcycle mounts — that are sold separately. I personally prefer the Crystal series, but the Rugged case is slightly more, well, rugged. The new iPhone 14 cases are also MagSafe compatible.
Rokform’s iPhone 14 cases have removable magnets, and they’re compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. «With the lower magnet still intact, you can still wireless-charge while utilizing magnetic mounting and all of our mounts,» Rokform says.
Rokform makes some mountable rugged cases for iPhones (see above), but its Eagle 3 case has a unique feature that I appreciated: A powerful MagSafe-compatible magnet built into the case.
Rokform bills the Eagle 3 as an iPhone golf case because it’s designed to stick to the metal roof poles on your golf cart, allowing you to conveniently view hole yardage info from golf GPS apps or mount your phone to capture your swing on video.
But this is also the case for someone who wants a powerful magnet so you can securely mount your phone on anything metal or have your MagSafe accessories really stick to your phone. For example, a lot of MagSafe-enabled wallets just don’t stay on your phone all that securely. With this case, they really stick. And with some MagSafe accessories, like the Clckr Stand and Grip, I actually had to work a bit to pull the accessory off.
The Eagle 3 is fairly pricey at $70, though it’s worth mentioning that Rokform offers 20% to first-time customers.
Incipio has lots of new cases for the iPhone 14, including old favorites like the Grip with MagSafe, sturdy Duo with MagSafe (12-foot drop protection), and the Organicore, an eco case that’s 100% compostable and is now available with a translucent back. It also has licensing deals with Kate Spade and Coach, and some of those cases offer eye-catching designs.
I like the new Forme with MagSafe (pictured left), AeroGrip with MagSafe and 16-foot drop protection (pictured middle) and Idol cases. You have to dig around Incipio’s site to find those cases, but they’re worth checking out. The Forme comes in some cool designs — even better than the sample shown here.
Incipio cases start at $35 for a non-MagSafe case and $45 for cases with MagSafe.
Tech21 has a range of iPhone 14 cases, including its popular Evo Check (pictured), which is equipped with MagSafe for $50. There are also several other cases to choose from, including the ultraprotective Evo Max, which is rated for 20-foot drops and has a slide cover to protect the iPhone 14’s back cameras, along with a holster you can clip to your belt.
Although they don’t have MagSafe, I’m a fan of Clckr’s cases, which feature a built-in kickstand and grip strap (it’s available in purple or black) that folds out and clicks into place on the back of your phone. Clckr sells just the stand/strap accessory to stick on the back of your phone (or on a case), but the iPhone case with the integrated kickstand accessory is better. At launch, only the clear version of the case is available, but hopefully Clckr’s faux-leather Saffiano case will return for the iPhone 14 (I liked the blue version of that for the iPhone 13).
With the stand clicked in place, you can use your device hands-free in either portrait or landscape mode. Note that you can wirelessly charge your phone with this case on, though you have to be more careful about placing it in the right spot on a wireless charging pad for it to work.
Smartish’s affordable, simple, slim cases and wallet cases return for the iPhone 14. The Wallet Slayer 2.0 case (pictured) comes in a few different designs, including the Groovy color shown here. It holds three credit cards plus cash, and you can use one of your credit cards as a kickstand. However, its one downside is that it’s not compatible with wireless and MagSafe chargers.
Smartish also sells a MagSafe case called the Gripzilla. It’s one of the most affordable MagSafe cases and is easy to grip, as its name implies.
Some people prefer not to have a case on their phone or just want something that’s very thin that offers minimal protection. If you’re that type of person, a Totallee case may just be what you’re looking for.
There are a couple models to choose from, with the frosted version (pictured right) billed as the world’s thinnest iPhone case — it’s almost paper thin. It comes in multiple color options.
The case costs $39, which seems like a lot considering how thin it is, but it is eco-friendly (it’s compostable) and does have a raised «lip» around the camera that prevents damage to the camera lens, Totallee says.
Totallee also makes a very slim clear TPU case, the «clear soft» (pictured left in the iPhone 14) that offers a little more protection for the same price. I like that one better, but it is slightly thicker.
Case-Mate makes several eye-catching cases for the various iPhone 14 models, but its squarish Blox case is the one I like the most. It comes in a variety of colors, is MagSafe-enabled, clearly has good corner protection and is reasonably priced. I’m showing the clear model on a deep purple iPhone 14 Pro, but it’s also worth checking out the other colors, including rainbow frosting.
Urban Armor Gear offers several case options for the iPhone 14 models in a variety of colors, with MagSafe versions costing $10 more than their non MagSafe counterparts. I like the Plasma (pictured middle), which comes in a variety of color options including clear, while the Lucent (left) and Civilian Series (right) are also good and available in multiple colors.
The new Plyo with MagSafe (not pictured) probably has the slimmest design, but UAG’s cases all feature good corner protection and meet military drop-test standards.
Most new phones, including the iPhone 14 series models, offer a decent level of water resistance. But if you want some added protection, Otterbox still sells its waterproof and shockproof Fre case — and the latest version is built for MagSafe accessories.
Note that the case was formerly known as the Lifeproof Fre, but after acquiring Lifeproof a few years ago Otterbox has officially made the Fre an Otterbox branded case that carries the legacy of being «designed by Lifeproof.» The case has an IP68 water-resistance rating (it’s rated to be fully submerged in two meters of water for up to an hour) and is also dust-proof. It also has a built-in screen protector and remains one of the best tough cases out there. Its biggest downside is that it’s expensive, but Otterbox sometimes has site-wide flash sales that bring its price down.
Based in Austin, Texas, Bluebonnet is named after the state flower and crafts leather-clad accessories for various Apple products, including iPhones, MacBooks, Watches and AirPods. It does make a standard full-grain leather iPhone case that’s nice, but I thought its leather wallet cases were more unique and enticing. They’re available in limited color options (black or tan) in a few different styles, including a folio case that has a magnetic clasp (shown above, at right). Both the iPhone Wallet case (above left) and Card Holder case (not shown) feature an «organic» cotton elastic finger loop for grip.
Note that Bluebonnet’s wallet cases don’t have a MagSafe option but its standard leather case is available with MagSafe.
Read more: Best Phone to Buy for 2023
How we pick the best iPhone 14 cases
Virtually every case that appears on this list has been tested by CNET’s expert reviews team on at least one of the iPhone 14 models (I tested cases using an iPhone 14 and an iPhone 14 Pro). That means actually using the phone with the case on the phone for at least a day and making sure the buttons on the phone work properly with the case on. We look at the durability of the case, corner and camera protection, and we review the material the case is made of so we can talk about such factors as how grippy the phone feels in your hand and how protective it is.
While we don’t do long-term testing of most cases, we do use some of the most popular cases for longer periods to gauge how they wear over time and see how well our phone holds up during accidental drops with the case on it. That said, we don’t do formal drop tests. However, if the case is supposed to be fully waterproof, we do test it by submerging it in water.
iPhone 14 case FAQs
How protective of an iPhone 14 case should I buy?
I personally like cases that aren’t too thick but offer decent drop protection, with a lip over the edge of the screen (sometimes referred to as a «screen bumper») and raised corners that help prevent your screen from cracking if your phone should fall face down. A folio case will more fully protect your screen.
The good news is that you don’t have to buy a super-protective iPhone 14 case like the OtterBox Defender to get good protection. Most cases are reasonably thin and still offer at least 6-foot drop protection. I did include one very thin case on this list for those who prefer minimal protection. Before you go with a case like that, just remember how much your phone costs — but it is better than having no case at all. Make sure you get a sound tempered glass screen protector for your iPhone 14 model to prevent deep scratches and safeguard the screen.
Should I get a MagSafe case for my iPhone 14?
All the iPhone 14 models are equipped with Apple’s MagSafe feature, which offers faster wireless charging with compatible chargers. It also supports optional accessories — including Magsafe wallet, mini wallets and various mounts — that adhere magnetically to the back of your phone. Like the iPhone 13, the iPhone 14 has «an array of magnets» (Apple says they’re recycled) embedded around a charging coil that can pull up to 15 watts of power.
However, if you want to use those MagSafe accessories without taking your phone out of its case, you need a phone case that’s equipped with MagSafe support. The MagSafe symbol is a circle with a short pipe below it. You can see it on clear cases, but it’s embedded on the inside of the case so if it’s nontransparent, you’ll only see it from the inside.
If you already have a MagSafe accessory — or plan on buying MagSafe accessories in the future — you’ll want to get a MagSafe compatible case; it’s a good option to have. With that in mind, the majority of the cases in this roundup are equipped with MagSafe.
Are MagSafe cases more expensive?
In general, yes — about $10 more. There are some more affordable MagSafe cases that cost around $20, but most cost upwards of $30. We see cases from certain companies that are essentially the same, but one has MagSafe and the other doesn’t, and the MagSafe version usually sells for $10 more. It may seem like a little too much to pay for something that doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade, but in time MagSafe compatibility may command less of a «tax.»
Best cases for other iPhone models
Technologies
Pope Francis’ Funeral: How to Stream Live or Watch the Replay
Here’s how to stream the pope’s funeral very early Saturday, and what you can expect to see during the service.

After a week of global mourning for Pope Francis, who died on Monday at age 88, the pope’s funeral will be celebrated on Saturday . Francis’ funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. local time at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City (which is very, very early if you’re tuning in from the US or Canada), and he will be laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
The Vatican will be livestreaming the papal funeral and procession, though not the burial, on its YouTube channel as it happens. The funeral will also be televised live on CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox, as well as on streaming services like Disney Plus, Hulu, Peacock and Paramount Plus. Due to the time difference, it seems likely that many interested North American viewers will catch it when it’s replayed later on Saturday. Numerous networks will rebroadcast the service later that day.
If you choose to stay up, or get up early, here’s when the live broadcast of the pope’s funeral will air in your time zone in the continental US on April 26:
- ET: 4 a.m.
- CT: 3 a.m.
- MT: 2 a.m.
- PT: 1 a.m.
The papacy of Pope Francis was notable for the progressive reforms he brought to the Roman Catholic Church. He appointed more than half of the current College of Cardinals and attempted to foster more positive attitudes toward members of the LGBT community and migrants worldwide.
What to expect from the funeral
The funeral will follow many rituals, though not all traditional protocols will be followed. Most popes are buried in St. Peter’s Basilica or its grottoes, but the AP reports Francis chose the St. Mary Major Basilica to reflect his veneration of an icon of the Virgin Mary that is located there, the Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the People of Rome).
His funeral will be less elaborate than those of other popes per his own wishes. Francis simplified papal funeral rites last year, permitting his burial outside the Vatican, and emphasizing his role as a bishop rather than as pope (the pope is also the Bishop of Rome).
Previous popes were buried in three coffins: one of cypress, one of lead and one of oak. Francis requested to be buried in a single wooden, zinc-lined coffin and not to be placed in an elevated bier as other popes were.
The coffin will be taken from St Peter’s Basilica and placed on a dais in St Peter’s Square, where Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will lead the service. After the service, the coffin will return to St Peter’s Basilica before it is carried across the River Tiber and to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major for burial. The ceremony is estimated to end around 2 p.m. local time, or four hours after it begins.
Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will be the first of nine Masses held daily at St. Peter’s until May 4. This is an ancient tradition of the Catholic Church that observes nine days of consecutive mourning. According to Vatican News, a different group of mourners will participate each day, though the Eucharistic celebrations are open to everyone.
Who will attend Pope Francis’ funeral?
Hundreds of people, including world leaders and royals, are expected to attend Pope Francis’ funeral.
US president Donald Trump confirmed on his Truth Social Platform that he and first lady Melania Trump will be at the funeral. This will be Trump’s first foreign trip in his second term. He is expected to have a seat in the third row, though the Vatican has yet to release an official seating chart. It is tradition for the first row of seats to go to Catholic royalty, and the second row to non-Catholic royals.
Prince William, who is attending on behalf of King Charles, will sit in the second row, which is reserved for non-Catholic royals. Former president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, devout Catholics, will also attend the funeral.
Conclave: What happens next to choose the new pope
After Pope Francis’ funeral, the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church will vote on his successor in an assembly of cardinals known as a conclave.
There are many matters for the cardinals to settle before the conclave begins, but once it does, it can take days or even weeks to conclude. Two-thirds of the cardinals’ votes are required to elect the next pope. The conclave occurs behind closed doors and the vote tally is never made public.
Read more: Where to Watch Conclave, the Vatican Thriller About Electing a New Pope
Look for the white smoke
The ballots are burned after each round, and chemicals are added to the flames to produce black smoke if there’s no majority. When a new pope has been selected, the chemicals will be added to the flames so they produce white smoke. Crowds gather in St. Peter’s Square to watch for the results.
If you’re fascinated by the process, you can watch a dramatized version of the events in 2024 film Conclave.
In the movie, Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, who spearheads the election of the next pope while investigating rumors about potential candidates. The film is based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris and is completely fictional — though it does represent some of the events of how actual papal conclaves take place. In March, the film won the Academy Award for best adapted screenplay.
You can stream Conclave on Amazon Prime Video, or rent it for $6 on Apple TV, Fandango at Home, YouTube or Google Play Movies.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for April 26, #685
Hints and answers for Connections for April 26, #685.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.
Today’s Connections puzzle features a lot of short words, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. That purple category requires a lot of thinking — probably most people will solve it only by solving the other three and having four words left over. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.
The Times now has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.
Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time
Hints for today’s Connections groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Rainbow.
Green group hint: San Fernando ____.
Blue group hint: Think Robert.
Purple group hint: Mixed-up hue words.
Answers for today’s Connections groups
Yellow group: Tint.
Green group: Valley.
Blue group: Bobs.
Purple group: Color anagrams.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections answers?
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is tint. The four answers are color, hue, shade and tone.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is valley. The four answers are dale, dell, glen and hollow.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is Bobs. The four answers are Dole, Hope, Marley and Ross.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is color anagrams. The four answers are Dre (red), Gary (gray), genre (green) and lube (blue).
Technologies
Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for April 26, #215
Hints and answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, No. 215, for Saturday, April 26.

Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
Connections: Sports Edition is tough today. The purple category theme threw me because of one phrase I didn’t know. And let’s hope you’re familiar with college coach surnames. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Try to achieve.
Green group hint: Move through it.
Blue group hint: Sideline bosses.
Purple group hint: Like a carton.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: What one strives for.
Green group: Room to run.
Blue group: College football coaches.
Purple group: Box ____.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is what one strives for. The four answers are aim, goal, objective and target.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is room to run. The four answers are gap, hole, opening and space.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is college football coaches. The four answers are Day, Lanning, Smart and Stoops.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is box ____. The four answers are lacrosse, office, score and seat.
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