As you probably know by now, the Apple iPhone is an insanely popular smartphone. No matter which model you own, every iPhone features a sleek design in a multitude of colors — from flashy to understated. Fitting your beloved gadget with a clear case allows you to enjoy your device's sleek design and discreetly protect it from damage, making it a deservedly popular and must-have accessory.
To determine the best clear cases worth buying, we found the best products from top-tier accessory makers like OtterBox, Speck Products, and Spigen, among many others — all while considering various price points as well. We even put them through real-life testing, too.
Every clear case on your radar should not only showcase your iPhone but also substantially protect it from scratches and damage from drops. Raised edges to protect the iPhone's screen and camera are especially important, because they help avoid potentially costly repairs or device replacements. For our top picks, we chose cases from brands with long-known reputations for making durable cases.
If you own an iPhone 12/12 Pro or a newer model, we highly recommend that you opt for a clear case with full MagSafe compatibility. These products have a visible magnetic ring on their back but, given the convenience of making your iPhone compatible with a plethora of nifty chargers and other convenient accessories, the additional bit is totally worth it.
Additional features like antimicrobial qualities and self-healing capabilities (which help keep hairline scratches to a minimum) are also worth keeping an eye out for. Last but not least, a good clear case should stand the test of time and not turn yellow as it ages.
Check out our favorite clear iPhone cases below for sleek device protection.
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Our Top Pick
tech21 Tech21 Evo Clear (MagSafe) Case for iPhone 13
1
Our Top Pick
tech21 Tech21 Evo Clear (MagSafe) Case for iPhone 13
The tech21 Evo Clear iPhone case is a favorite of ours because it ticks all the important boxes. The MagSafe-compatible product can protect your iPhone from drops of up to 12 feet without making it too bulky. Plus, it has self-healing capabilities to keep pesky miniature scratches away, as well as antimicrobial coating.
The Speck Gemshell Clear case is a solid alternative to our top pick from tech21. The cover can survive 8-foot drops, so it forgoes some drop protection for a lower price tag. It has full MagSafe compatibility, onboard antimicrobial protection, and a scratch-resistant finish.
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid Mag case is the one to get if you are looking to protect and showcase your iPhone on a tight budget. Priced at around $20, the accessory has a slim profile and MagSafe compatibility. It also offers robust drop protection, thanks to the brand’s Air Cushion tech and raised camera and screen edges.
The Symmetry Series clear case by OtterBox is our favorite rugged case for showing off your iPhone. The accessory delivers uncompromising toughness that exceeds military drop-test standards with a thin design featuring antimicrobial qualities. We also like that it’s made from 50% recycled plastic.
A built-in metal kickstand is what separates the Spigen Ultra Hybrid S case from all the other options on this list, making it a must-have for those who like to binge-watch video on the go. The stand works in both landscape and portrait mode. Like all Spigen products, the super affordable accessory also offers top-notch protection against scratches and drops.
You can snag the case for the entire iPhone 13 lineup. Of course, Spigen offers kickstand-toting clear cases for older iPhone models, too.
The Plasma series of iPhone cases by Urban Armor Gear are thin and lightweight yet capable of meeting military drop-test standards. Each case has a rugged shell and shock-absorbing corners, which can help an iPhone survive drops from up to 16 feet.
The Spigen Crystal Slot case will show off your iPhone and store a commonly used card of yours. Having only one card slot makes the product thinner than a typical iPhone wallet case. The Crystal Slot delivers solid damage protection, too.
The Raptic Shield clear iPhone case stands out by rocking attention-commanding aluminum accents. Available in several finishes, the product will give your favorite gadget a more premium look than its plastic-only counterparts. It also offers military-grade protection from drops of up to 10 feet.
You can grab a Raptic Shield for every iPhone 13 iteration, the entire iPhone 12 lineup, as well as the iPhone 11. The iridescent finish pictured here is our favorite.
The Spigen Quartz Hybrid iPhone clear case consists of a slim-yet-durable bumper and a tempered glass back cover. What does that last bit mean for protecting your phone? It offers better tactility than polyurethane or plastic, which are commonly used materials in phone cases. The bumper has raised edges to protect the device’s display and camera.
The Smartish Gripmunk clear case, as its name suggests, has grippy edges. They will make your iPhone much less prone to accidentally slipping out of your hand — and look cool in the process. The MagSafe-compatible accessory also brings excellent protection against scratches and drops (in case they happen).
Unsurprisingly, Apple’s own clear iPhone case is one of the best worth your attention. In addition to an impeccable fit, the accessory has a scratch-resistant coating that won’t yellow over time, button covers with stellar tactility, and full compatibility with MagSafe accessories. It offers reliable protection that won’t add bulk to your iPhone.
This Amazon Basics offering is the most affordable clear iPhone case worth your attention. For less than $10, the soft cover offers a slim fit and adequate protection against scratches and light drops. We like that it has an interior with a dotted texture to prevent air bubbles.
Stefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He has more than a decade of experience covering consumer tech products, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear. He was previously the US editor for GSMArena.com; his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics and other Hearst publications.In the rare moments when he’s not playing with a new gadget, Stefan likes to watch live Premier League games or hang out with his cat and rabbit. He’s also an espresso snob.