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As much as we recommend using a case to protect your iPhone, doing so means obscuring the device’s slim, sleek design. So, what’s the solution? You can go without a case and let the phone’s aesthetics shine unencumbered, but you risk exposure to potential damage. Or, you can use a clear case, which will allow you to admire the iPhone’s elegant appearance while protecting it from accidental drops, bumps, and scratches. We think it's a happy medium for folks who dislike using a case, but still want to shield the iPhone from everyday wear and tear.
Clear cases provide a similar level of protection to more traditional options, and many models offer full MagSafe compatibility. Clear cases also provide easy access to your iPhone’s buttons, ports, and camera, allowing you to use all of the device’s functions. To determine the best clear cases worth buying, we researched products from top-tier accessory makers such as OtterBox, Speck Products, and Spigen, among others, while considering various price points. We even put them through real-life testing, too.
The Best Clear iPhone Cases
- Best Overall: Tech21 Ego MagSafe Clear Case
- Best Slim Design: Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagSafe Clear Case
- Best Budget MagSafe: Smartish Gripmunk Clear Case
- Best Under $10: JETech Case for iPhone 14
- Most Rugged: OtterBox Symmetry MagSafe Clear Case
- Best Built-In Kickstand: Spigen Ultra Hybrid S Clear Case
What to Consider
Every clear case worth considering should showcase your iPhone and provide everyday protection. That means the case you choose should be minimal and durable without compromising the phone’s functionality. Raised edges to protect the iPhone's screen and camera are essential because they help avoid potentially costly repairs or device replacements. These features are a given. Just as important is a case’s support for Apple’s MagSafe charging system and its resistance to yellowing over time.
Note: This list will focus on cases available for the latest iPhone 14 series and note availability for older iPhone models that support MagSafe.
MagSafe Compatibility
We recommend you choose a clear case that’s compatible with Apple’s MagSafe technology. Apple introduced the feature to the iPhone 12 series, and it has since become a staple in all iPhone models. MagSafe consists of magnets and other components surrounding the wireless charging coil embedded within the iPhone. These magnets align precisely with compatible MagSafe accessories and ensure a strong and reliable connection.By integrating using a case that’s MagSafe-compatible, the iPhone can continue to connect to MagSafe accessories while being shielded from potential dangers. Without MagSafe, your iPhone won’t snap to any of our favorite MagSafe wireless chargers, limiting the device’s functionality.
Yellowing
Clear phone cases tend to appear yellow over time because of material degradation. There’s a reason for this: Clear cases have a natural yellow tint, and manufacturers add a blue resin to make them appear colorless. UV light is one of the most significant contributing factors to a clear case’s yellowing. Without getting too technical, UV exposure can cause the molecular structure of the plastic to break down, resulting in the yellow becoming more prominent. Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent a clear case from yellowing, and a good cleaning can only go so far.
Not all cases yellow at the same rate. Clear cases made from a more rigid, inflexible plastic like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are more resistant to yellowing. Meanwhile, clear cases made from softer silicone tend to yellow more quickly. In general, the rate at which yellowing occurs can vary depending on the quality of the plastic and the amount of UV exposure. The only surefire way to prevent your clear case from yellowing over time is to keep it away from direct sunlight and other UV light sources.
How We Selected
I like the iPhone’s design and try keeping it pristine. As such, I’ve used clear cases because they allow the iPhone’s aesthetics to remain front and center while keeping the device looking newer for longer. I relied on my experience using various cases over the years to find the best clear iPhone cases. I also tapped into insight from Best Products’ test team, market research, and user and critic reviews. When evaluating each pick, I considered all the essential features listed above and secondary features such as antimicrobial qualities and self-healing capabilities (which help keep hairline scratches to a minimum).
Pros
UV-resistant materials- Can survive drops up to 12 feet
Cons
- Will yellow over time
The Tech21 Eco MagSafe Clear Case is a favorite of ours because it ticks all the important boxes. The case is MagSafe-compatible and can protect your iPhone from drops up to 12 feet, according to Tech21. It’s made with UV-resistant materials that can slow the yellowing process along with features that help keep the case looking new as it ages. Meanwhile, Tech21’s case offers raised edges to protect the iPhone’s display and camera, so you can safely place the device on any surface.
You can order the accessory for the entire iPhone 14 range. A MagSafe-compatible model is also available for the iPhone 13 lineup.
Key Specs
| MagSafe compatible | Yes |
|---|
Pros
- Scratch-resistant coating
- Won't yellow over time
Cons
- No MagSafe support
The JETech clear case is the simplest, most affordable option on this list. For under $10, you get a clear case that will protect your iPhone without taking away from the design. It features raised edges and is made from polycarbonate and TPU, giving your durability and flexibility. The back of the case is scratch-resistant, and JETech says the corners are “shock-proof,” allowing it to withstand drops. While the case is affordable, it doesn’t offer MagSafe, although it does support regular wireless charging.
The JETech Clear Case is available for the entire iPhone 14 lineup as well as the iPhone 13 series.
Key Specs
| MagSafe compatible | No |
|---|
3
Best Apple-Made
Apple MagSafe Clear Case
Pros
- UV-resistant materials
- Scratch-resistant coating
Cons
- Will yellow over time
Unsurprisingly, Apple makes a fantastic MagSafe-compatible clear case with UV-resistant materials to mitigate the yellowing process. In addition to an impeccable fit, the accessory has a scratch-resistant coating, button covers with stellar tactility and full compatibility with MagSafe accessories. It offers reliable protection that won’t add bulk, allowing the iPhone’s design to show off. Apple says its cases undergo thousands of hours of testing to ensure the best possible protection from accidental drops.
You can also find the Apple MagSafe Clear Case for the iPhone 13 lineup.
Key Specs
| MagSafe compatible | Yes |
|---|
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4
Best Budget MagSafe
Smartish Gripmunk Clear Case
Pros
- Textured edges
- Affordable
Cons
- Will yellow over time
The Smartish Gripmunk is the clear case to buy if you are looking for MagSafe compatibility on a tight budget. The case can survive being dropped from up to 6 feet thanks to corner air pockets, which Smartish describes as airbags for your iPhone. It also offers clicky buttons and a slim design, so you’ll hardly notice it’s there. Best of all, the Smartish Gripmunk features textured edges, giving the case a much gripper to ensure it doesn’t slip out of your hands—all at an affordable price.
The Smartish Gripmunk clear case is available for the entire iPhone series as well as the iPhone 13 lineup (except for the iPhone 13 mini).
Key Specs
| MagSafe compatible | Yes |
|---|
5
Most Rugged
OtterBox Symmetry MagSafe Clear Case
5
Most Rugged
OtterBox Symmetry MagSafe Clear Case
Pros
- Exceeds military drop-test standards
- Features antimicrobial qualities
Cons
- Will yellow over time
OtterBox is known for making rugged iPhone cases, and the Symmetry Series is no different. The clear case supports Apple’s MagSafe while delivering uncompromising toughness that exceeds military drop-test standards. It features raised edges to protect the screen and camera and features antimicrobial qualities. We also like that the case is made from 50 percent recycled plastic. And unlike cheap clear cases, which can feel slippery, OtterBox’s Symmetry Series features rubber siding to help with grip.
Otterbox says the Symmetry MagSafe Clear Case is compatible with both the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14.
Key Specs
| MagSafe compatible | Yes |
|---|
6
Best Built-In Kickstand
Spigen Ultra Hybrid S Clear Case
Pros
- Built-in kickstand
- Raised edges protect screen and camera
Cons
- No MagSafe support
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid S is unique among the clear cases on this list, featuring a metal kickstand that props up your iPhone 14. The stand works in landscape and portrait modes, giving you the flexibility to make FaceTime calls and watch movies. Like all Spigen products, the Ultra Hybrid S clear case offers top-notch protection, with raised edges to protect the screen and camera system. As much as we enjoy the kickstand design, the case doesn’t provide MagSafe support. However, it works with standard Qi wireless chargers, so you can still enjoy hands-free charging.
Key Specs
| MagSafe compatible | No |
|---|
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7
Best Slim Design
Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagSafe Clear Case
Pros
- UV-resistant materials
- Slim profile
Cons
- Will yellow over time
Like our best overall pick, the Speck Ultra Hybrid is a durable clear case with MagSafe compatibility and a scratch-resistant finish. The case also offers UV-resistant materials to mitigate yellowing and antimicrobial properties, which Speck says reduces bacteria growth. The design features tactile buttons, so they don’t feel squishy when you press them, and the raised edges protect the screen and camera system. It also has a slim profile and offers robust drop protection, thanks to Spigen’s Air Cushion technology.
Key Specs
| MagSafe compatible | Yes |
|---|
Brandon Russell
Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.
