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Article updated on March 15, 2024 at 4:00 AM PDT

Best iPhone 12 Cases for 2024

Protect your phone from unexpected drops, cracks, and scratches with these iPhone 12 cases.

Our Experts

Written by 
Charlotte Maracina
David Carnoy
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
Charlotte Maracina Associate Writer
Charlotte Maracina is an associate writer for CNET based in Long Island, New York. When not writing about top products on the market, she's traveling, binging Love Island or following Harry Styles on tour.
Expertise Charlotte has two years of experience tracking different travel, fashion and lifestyle trends among 18-24 year olds. She studied Communications and Sociology at Belmont University.
David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
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Our Picks

$40 at Speck
speck-iphone-cases
Hard to beat
Speck Cases
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$14 at Amazon
spigen-ultra-hybrid-iphone-12
Top cheap case
Spigen Ultra Hybrid
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$17 at Amazon
clckr-iphone-12-3
Built-in stand and grip strap
Clckr Cases
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$20 at Amazon
cyrill-iphone-12-cases
Excellent under $20
Cyrill Cases
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$23 at Amazon
otterbox-iphone-12-cases
Best slim OtterBox case
OtterBox Symmetry Series
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$13 at Amazon
casely-iphone-12-cases
Artist-inspired
Casely Cases
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$49 at Amazon
apple-iphone-12-cases
Enhanced MagSafe option
Apple Cases with MagSafe
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$50 at KerfCase
kerf-wooden-iphone-12-cases
Best wood case
KerfCase Plywood Case
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$15 at Zagg
gear4-iphone-12-cases
Slim, stylish, protective
Gear4
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$30 at Amazon
x-doira-iphone-12-cases
Premium case for a little less
X-Doria Raptic Cases
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$44 at Casetify
casetify-iphone-12-cases
Teen spirit
Casetify Cases
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$50 at Amazon
rokform-iphone-12
Best mounting case
Rokform
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$19 at BodyGuardz
bodyguardz-iphone-12-cases
Slick design
BodyGuardz Cases
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$30 at Amazon
smartish-iphone-12
Affordable wallet case
Smartish Cases
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$38 at Amazon
torro-iphone-12-cases
Slick leather option
Torro Cases
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$40 at Amazon
catalyst-iphone-12
Clean look, lanyard-friendly
Catalyst Vibe and Influence
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$30 at Amazon
nomad-iphone-12-cases
Swanky leather
Nomad Cases
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$30 at Amazon
smartish-crossbody-iphone-12
Affordable crossbody wallet case
Smartish Crossbody Case
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$23 at Walmart
incipio-iphone-cases
Old favorite
Incipio Cases
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$25 at Nimble
nimble-iphone-12-2
Eco-friendly clear case
Nimble Disc Case
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$35 at Case-Mate
casemate-twinkle-ombre
Flashy design
Case-Mate Cases
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$35 at Case-Mate
lumee-iphone-12
Best selfie case
Halo LuMee x Paris Hilton
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$7 at Amazon
pelican-iphone-12-cases
Refined brute
Pelican Cases
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$30 at Moment
moment-iphone-12-cases
Best case for add-on lenses
Moment Cases
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$45 at Amazon
razer-arctech-pro-iphone-12-case
Best gaming case
Razer Arctech Pro
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$18 at Amazon
screenshot-2023-04-11-at-3-16-34-pm.png
Best case for festival lovers
Wildflower x Coachella Case
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$7 at Amazon
youmaker-iphone-12-2
Cheap clear case (Update: Out of stock)
YouMaker Clear Case
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$50 at Moshi
moshi-iphone-12-cases
Classy slim cases
Moshi Cases (Update: Out of Stock)
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If you're still holding on to your iPhone 12 and waiting to upgrade, you'll want to be sure to keep it safe from drops and scratches so you can get the best trade-in value when the time comes. This list of cases is sure to help you protect your device.

Embedded around its charging coil, the iPhone 12 has what Apple describes as "an array of magnets" that can pull up to 15 watts of power. That's double the wireless charging capability of previous iPhones, but it's on par with what many Android phones can achieve from using standard Qi wireless chargers. With that in mind, the best iPhone 12 case will support that 15-watt charging speed, while of course also being durable. Read on to find a solid case for your iPhone 12.

Read more: Best MagSafe and Magnetic iPhone Accessories for 2023

Watch this: iPhone 12 cases for every type of user

To get 15-watt charging, you'll need an Apple MagSafe charger or an Apple-approved MagSafe charger from a third-party accessory maker, but your phone will still charge at up to 7.5 watts with standard wireless chargers that support that speed or higher. Most of the cases on this list are compatible with wireless charging and some are Apple-certified MagSafe cases with integrated magnets. If you're looking for the best iPhone 12 case, just keep scrolling to see our picks.

Read more: Best Eco-Friendly iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Cases

$40 at Speck

Hard to beat

Speck Cases

I have expensive tastes, and I personally like Speck's Presidio2 Armor Cloud (white model on the right in the photo). But the Presidio2 Pro (gray case in the photo) is also excellent. If you want an apple clear case, Speck has several models for iPhone 12 case to choose from, including the Presidio Perfect-Clear with Grips. 

All the new models have very good drop protection (13 to 16 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck's Microban antimicrobial protection. 

$14 at Amazon

Top cheap case

Spigen Ultra Hybrid

If you're looking for a cheap clear case for your iPhone 12, Spigen's Ultra Hybrid is a good value at around $12 to $15, depending on the trim color and which version of iPhone 12 you have (yes, there are a few color options).

No drop rating is listed for the case, but Spigen's transparent cases feel like they offer reasonable protection. If you want a tough case with stronger protection, the Spigen Tough Armor case is an option for $17, but I personally prefer Spigen's Ultra and Neo Hybrid cases. Note that a lot of these cheaper clear cases have a habit of turning yellow and degrading over time (and becoming less translucent), but they're cheap enough that you probably won't mind shelling out for a replacement case for your Apple iPhone if that happens.

$17 at Amazon

Built-in stand and grip strap

Clckr Cases

I've recently become a fan of Clckr's cases, which feature a built-in stand and grip strap 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 case with the integrated stand accessory is better and comes in a few different styles, including clear (I like the Saffiano blue but it's currently only available in black).

The cases aren't rugged but they're protective enough, with raised edges to protect the screen. The one I used with my iPhone 11 Pro for several months held up well. 

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. The new models have antimicrobial protection.

$20 at Amazon

Excellent under $20

Cyrill Cases

I only recently learned that Cyrill is a sister brand to Spigen and its cases are arguably slightly better, although they cost a few bucks more. We're linking to the Leather Brick case, pictured here in tan and navy (it's faux "vegan" leather), but the Silicone case (pictured in light blue) and transparent Cecile cases are also good. The Silicone case is basically a knockoff of the Apple Silicone case without the MagSafe feature.

$23 at Amazon

Best slim OtterBox case

OtterBox Symmetry Series

OtterBox's super protective Defender series case is available for all the iPhone 12 models with Magsafe compatibility, but most people want something less bulky. The Symmetry series is slim with beveled edges, making it a good mix of sleek and protective. A raised bumper helps act as a screen protector. 

Multiple color options are available, including clear, and I'm digging the clear version of the Symmetry Plus Pop case, pictured in the middle, which integrates a PopSockets PopGrip and is wireless charging-compatible, which is important. 

OtterBox's Commuter case offers slightly more protection and is also pretty slim and has grips on the back.

$13 at Amazon

Artist-inspired

Casely Cases

Brooklyn, New York-based Casely makes "cute and protective" cases that have a variety of graphic artists behind their designs. The cases usually start at $25, but the online store often offers discounts.

$49 at Amazon

Enhanced MagSafe option

Apple Cases with MagSafe

MagSafe accessories will still stick to your phone if you have a standard thin case, but not nearly as well as if you use one of Apple's MagSafe cases, which have their own set of embedded magnets that line up with the magnets in your phone.

Apple's Clear Case with MagSafe is nice because it allows you to show off your phone's colored finish and the embedded markings tell you exactly where to attach the MagSafe charger for optimal charging speeds (you apparently need Apple's 20-watt USB-C charging to get the maximum 15-watt wireless charging speeds). The only issue with the clear case is that it leaves the bottom of your phone exposed.

If that bothers you, the Silicone case (pictured, left) with MagSafe is the better option. It works the same way as the Clear case does, with an embedded magnet ring, you just can't see it. The Silicone case is available in eight color options.

MagSafe stuff isn't cheap, but it is fun to play with magnetic objects and they do offer some conveniences. The bottom line is that if you do want to try MagSafe accessories and to protect your phone with a case, you're best off with one directly from the Apple Store, or another MagSafe-certified case.

$50 at KerfCase

Best wood case

KerfCase Plywood Case

KerfCase has been making handmade wooden cases for a while, and its new Plywood case is not only more durable but less expensive than some, starting at $50, with 6-foot drop protection and a limited lifetime repair warranty. I like it better than other wood cases I've tried. It's also worth noting that Apple's MagSafe charger will stick to the back of it, and KerfCase sells matching charging docks for the Apple MagSafe charger (yes, it's an accessory for an accessory).

$15 at Zagg

Slim, stylish, protective

Gear4

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. My favorites include (from left to right) the Wembley Palette, Crystal Palace Iridescent, Battersea and Piccadilly. All of them are rated for 13-foot drop protection and the Battersea is rated for 16 feet. 

$30 at Amazon

Premium case for a little less

X-Doria Raptic Cases

X-Doria's Raptic cases come in a variety of styles and cost a little less than competing premium cases from Speck and OtterBox. The thicker Raptic Shield (pictured on left) costs $30 while the Raptic Air (pictured on right), which I personally like, is also $30. The Shield has 10-foot drop protection while the Air is rated for 13-foot drop protection. Both have an antimicrobial treatment.

$44 at Casetify

Teen spirit

Casetify Cases

Casetify is known for eye-catching designs on the back of a clear case. They're relatively slim, sleek-looking cases that offer decent protection and come in a variety of design patterns, with some definite appeal to teenagers. Some of the designs are hit-or-miss but I liked the samples I got. I should note that prices appear to have gone up. 

$50 at Amazon

Best mounting case

Rokform

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. 

Rokform's 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.

$19 at BodyGuardz

Slick design

BodyGuardz Cases

BodyGuardz was initially known for its screen protectors, but in recent years it's put out some interesting iPhone cases. I personally like the $45 Harmony (pictured left), which has a more square bottom. The Stack (picture in the middle) is $25 while the Avenue (on right) is no longer available. They come in a few color options.

$30 at Amazon

Affordable wallet case

Smartish Cases

Smartish's affordable, simple, slim cases and wallet cases return for the iPhone 12. The Wallet Slayer 2.0 case (pictured on left and right) costs a little more now ($30) but comes in a variety of designs. It holds three credit cards plus cash and you can use one of your credit cards as a kickstand.

$38 at Amazon

Slick leather option

Torro Cases

UK-based Torro makes some nice leather-clad cases that aren't too expensive (a leather case typically tends to cost over $50). The Torro Leather Bumper ($38) is a pretty straightforward bumper case with a leather back. It's one of the better leather cases you'll find for the money. The case is available in multiple colors.

$40 at Amazon

Clean look, lanyard-friendly

Catalyst Vibe and Influence

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 12: the Vibe (left) and the Influence (right), which has a see-through frosted back. Both cases have perforations on the corners that allow you to attach various accessories (sold separately), such as lanyards and carabiners. The Vibe is rated for 10-foot drop protection while the Influence is rated for 15 feet.

$30 at Amazon

Swanky leather

Nomad Cases

Nomad makes a line of nice iPhone 12 Horween leather case styles that are designed to develop a "rugged" patina as the oils from your skin interact with them over time. The new Rugged leather case options are available in black, brown and a lighter natural color that I like. They're rated for 10-foot (3-meter) drop protection. 

$30 at Amazon

Affordable crossbody wallet case

Smartish Crossbody Case

I'm personally not a crossbody case guy (meaning a case with a long strap so you can wear your phone like a purse), but some people love them. You can find some fancy ones out there that cost a lot of money, but if you're looking for something simpler, the Smartish Crossbody case is around $30 and comes in multiple colors. The iPhone case design incorporates some faux leather and the case offers decent protection along with three slots for storing up to five credit cards and cash in the wallet compartment. You can choose to go with a shorter hand strap or the longer adjustable crossbody strap.

$28 at Walmart

Old favorite

Incipio Cases

Incipio has an assortment of cases for the iPhone 12 lineup, including the sturdy Duo with 12-foot drop protection, the Slim, the Grip and the Organicore, an eco case that's 100% compostable. All are available in multiple color options, and the Slim comes in a variety of translucent options.

$25 at Nimble

Eco-friendly clear case

Nimble Disc Case

You know all those compact discs you no longer listen to? Well, Nimble makes translucent iPhone cases out of them. They have antimicrobial protection, are scratch-resistant and aren't supposed to turn yellow over time. While the Disc Case is slim, it's rated for 6-foot drop protection. 

$35 at Case-Mate

Flashy design

Case-Mate Cases

Case-Mate makes a variety of color cases, some of which have glitter integrated into their translucent designs. I only got a look at the twinkle ombre iPhone case, but the iridescent soap bubble and tough groove cases also look cool.

$35 at Case-Mate

Best selfie case

Halo LuMee x Paris Hilton

If selfies are your thing, then you're probably aware of the LuMee cases that have built-in lighting. This Paris Hilton-endorsed Holographic version has an iridescent design. It charges via USB-C and gives you 30 minutes of "studio lighting" at full brightness. The case does allow wireless charging and you can adjust the brightness levels of the light.

$7 at Amazon

Refined brute

Pelican Cases

I wasn't a fan of earlier Pelican cases, which were very protective but just a little too bulky (and ugly), but in the last couple of years (starting with the iPhone 11), the company, now owned by Case-mate, added some slimmer designs, including two that I like: the Protector (pictured, middle in camo color) and the Rogue (at left and right), which has a soft rubber bubbled pattern.

$30 at Moment

Best case for add-on lenses

Moment Cases

Apple upgraded the cameras in its iPhone 12 models, with the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max offering step-up camera options (the iPhone Max is the best in the imaging department). But a select few accessory makers like Moment allow you to enhance your shooting with add-on lenses and filters. Sold separately from the case, the lenses aren't cheap, but they are high-quality. 

Moment's iPhone cases include an insertable mount that can be removed when you're not playing around with any optional lenses, which are easy to attach. Its Thin Case is a simple but attractive rubberized case made of compostable bioplastic that's rated for 6-foot drop protection. Cases with wood and canvas on their backs are also available. 

$45 at Amazon

Best gaming case

Razer Arctech Pro

Razer, which makes laptops and gaming accessories (among other products), also makes iPhone "gaming" cases. They have something called Thermaphene-Based Heat Dissipation that "redirects trapped heat through a thermally conductive lining adjacent to vented airflow channels to significantly improve cooling compared with traditional cases." It's a bit of a gimmick, but it seems to help a little when you're playing graphics-intensive games for long periods. 

Razer had a slim Arctech case for the iPhone 11, but right now it only has the Arctech Pro for the iPhone 12 and 13 models. It was redesigned from the previous year's Arctech Pro -- it seems even more protective -- and adds an antibacterial coating.

$18 at Amazon

Best case for festival lovers

Wildflower x Coachella Case

Showcase your love for music festivals with the Wildflower x Coachella iPhone 12 phone case collaboration. I love the fun design of the case, which includes palm trees, flowers and the iconic Coachella ferris wheel. The case itself is decent quality and offers a medium level of protection for your phone without being too bulky.

$7 at Amazon

Cheap clear case (Update: Out of stock)

YouMaker Clear Case

There are plenty of inexpensive clear cases and iPhone 12 accessories on Amazon. It seems to be a perfectly good clear case that offers decent protection with raised edges. Whether it will yellow over time, I can't tell you, but it seems like a good value.

$50 at Moshi

Classy slim cases

Moshi Cases (Update: Out of Stock)

I've always liked Moshi cases and the company's made versions of its iGlaze, Altra and Vitros cases (pictured from left to right) for the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Mini and 12 Pro Max. The Altra is the most distinct-looking and has a geometric rubber finish that makes your phone nice and grippy. It also includes a lanyard. Not pictured is the Overture (coming soon), a two-in-one folio wallet case. You fit your iPhone into a slim shell case that then magnetically adheres to the cover, which has slots for storing credit cards and cash. Moshi's cases range in price from $25 to $50.