In the following, we offer you a short guide to help you find the best cell phone case with best protection for you and equip your smartphone for your individual day-to-day life. To do this, we looked at cases from four different categories and came up with a price-performance winner:
1. The best eco-friendly & sustainable case: Woodcessories
2. The best protective Case: Otterbox
3. The most modular Case: change
4. The best leather case: Bellroy
But first the most important question on your search:
What should you consider when buying a smartphone case?
Type & Design
Take a moment to think about when and where you take your smartphone with you and use it every day. What are your job and leisure activities like? If you are a lot on the road and work in manufacturing or construction, for example - it makes sense to provide your smartphone with extra shock-protection and a more robust case, such as a bumper case. If, on the other hand, you prefer to have storage space for your cards, a wallet case is recommended. Or is a thin and light phone case important to you? In this case, iPhone cases with a space-saving slim design might suit your style.
Material
Different materials are suited to different functions. For a more robust case, particularly hard-wearing materials such as wood and leather as well as hard cases made of polycarbonate are recommended, while sustainable cases made of organic materials are a great alternative to conventional silicone cases.
Sustainability
How often do you buy a new smartphone? If you like getting the new iPhone as soon as possible, it makes sense to go for recyclable and eco-friendly materials that can be reused and composted, which are far more environmentally friendly than needing a new plastic case on a regular basis.
Price
Sure, a case for 30€ and up sounds like a lot of money, but think about how much it would cost to replace your phone if the cheap case doesn't protect it properly. Therefore, it is worth investing a little more money in a good and durable phone case to ensure sufficient protection for your smartphone.
The most sustainable case
1. Woodcessories
In addition to high-quality wooden cases, Woodcessories offers a whole range of iPhone Cases cases made from recycled plant material in its organic collection. These are made from wheat, straw and PLA and offer a durable alternative to plastic cases, which can be recycled during production thanks to the recycling service. Whether it's the fall-proof Bumper Case made of wood or stone, the flexible cell phone chain with detachable cord, the iPhone leather case made of aloe vera or the latest transparent Case from the Clear Case range with yellowing protection - we got you covered!
Why we love it: A biodegradable case that upcycles agricultural waste. The Bio Cases can also be supplemented with a color-coordinated range of AirPods and AirTag cases.
Price: 24,90€
PopsiCase saves the oceans one case at a time. The brand makes its iPhone cases from used fishing nets and aluminium scrap and protects important marine life alongside your smartphone. The cool sustainable case also has a practical handle on the back that lets you hold your iPhone like the eponymous popsicle.
Why we love it: The stylish PopsiCase has a direct impact on marine pollution thanks to the ocean waste it uses - now that's something to applaud!
Price: 27,00€
For something a little different - Refished use a variety of upcycled materials for their bags and smartphone cases, including old fish food and cement sacks, which make for some really striking designs. Although the cases are only available as closed smartphone sleeves, we still think it's a really cool phone case.
Why we love it: Upcycling and unique designs - a guaranteed eye-catcher!
Price: 29,90€
The best drop-down protection
1. Otterbox
Be armed for anything with the Defender Series from Otterbox. With the particularly robust smartphone cases, you can protect your iPhone from heavy drops, scratches and impacts with an innovative multi-layer design & Drop+ feature according to military standards that can be easily attached to your belt or bags thanks to the included holster. Ideal for a very active everyday life!
Why we love it: The multi-layer crash protection can be expanded with a holster for even more safety and is also made of 50% recycled plastic.
Price: 49,99€
2. Rhinoshield
The CrashGuard NX series offers clear visibility with a touch of colour and shows that extra strong protection doesn't always mean a thick case. The bumper case is a popular phone case and and 20% thinner than most cases and even exceeds US military standards for drop protection.
Why we love it: A stylish case with a strong protective function. The CrashGuard Case can be personalised with interchangeable buttons and can be combined with Rhinoshield bulletproof glass for an upgraded screen protection.
Price: 24,99€
3. Spigen
The shock-absorbing Tough Armor definitely has the 'tough' look down pat. The double-layered protective case features cushioning Air Cushion technology in the frame, tactile push buttons instead of the standard cut-outs and a handy kickstand for setting up your iPhone. With this grippy phone case, you don’t need to worry that it slips out of your hand.
Why we love it: A cool bumper case with push buttons on the case and built-in kickstand, simply innovative!
Price: 29,99€
The most practical features
1. Change
Founded by women* for women*, change is not only committed to sustainable products, but also to gender equality and the empowerment of girls* and women*. The practical 2in1 phone case brings more flexibility to your everyday life by quickly & easily transforming from an ordinary bumper case into a crossbody case with lanyard. With its wide range of interchangeable cords and straps, you can wear the necklace case to match any outfit.
Why we love it: Customizable case thanks to innovative click system with interchangeable straps and made from completely biodegradable plant material. In addition, Change offers the matching sustainable fanny pack to combine!
Price: 39,90€
2. LifeProof
Now also part of Otterbox, the LifeProof brand started out specialising in waterproof iPhone cases. This gives your iPhone maximum protection and allows it to accompany you even under water. The waterproof phone cases are protected against water up to a depth of 2 metres and for up to one hour. A matching mount for your bike is also available.
Why we love it: Waterproof, dirtproof and drop-proof, you're ready for anything. All FRĒ cases are also made from 50% recycled ocean plastic.
Price: 89,99€
3. QuadlockCase
Adventurous people will be especially pleased with Quadlock. With their protective cases, you'll always have your smartphone close at hand! The brand offers a variety of mounts for your iPhone, letting you securely attach it anywhere and anytime! Whether it's a motorbike, car, bicycle or even just the baby buggy - thanks to the matching Quadlock case, your iPhone can be securely locked into the mount and is protected from falling. With the Capture Kit, you also get a top-secure tripod adapter.
Why we love it: A case for all kinds of activities! The QuadlockCase can be quickly switched between holders and is also MagSafe compatible.
Price: 29,99€
The best leather case
1. Bellroy
Bellroy offers high-quality phone cases made of polymer and smooth leather that still reliably protect your smartphone with their slim design. With their Mod Phone Case, you can insert a wallet for up to three cards through an innovative rail system and make your beautiful phone case even more functional. Perfect for on the go!
Why we love it: Premium leather case in varied colors and an innovative rail system with a closable card slot that can be used without the MagSafe function.
Price: 99,90€
2. Native union
The CLIC® Classic series by Native Union convinced us with a series of stylish smartphone cases made of genuine Italian leather, which can be flexibly upgraded with carrying straps and magnetic card holders. The corresponding (Re)Classic Cases offer an environmentally friendly alternative made from recycled plant material.
Why we love it: High quality leather case with MagSafe function and matching magnetic card holder.
Price: 75,95€
3. nomad
Nomad also relies on premium leather for its iPhone cases and offers a suitable case for all needs. These include rugged cases for more protection against drops, flip covers with convenient card slots, and extra-thin cases in a slim design.
Why we love it: American Horween leather protects your iPhone from both sides and provides extra storage for cards and cash.
Price: $79.90
Further recommendations
Why we love it: Ghostek offers a variety of different iPhone 15 Cases. Whether extra robust and practical, or stylish with MagSafe. Everyone is guaranteed to find something here.
