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.
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Photograph: Apple
What Is MagSafe?
Magnet Advice
Some 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.
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Photograph: Apple
The Official MagSafe Case
Apple Silicone Case With MagSafe
Apple’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.
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Photograph: Spigen
A Good Cheap Case
Spigen Mag Armor With MagSafe
This 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.
