I've seen way too many cracked screens and
damaged iPhones to risk using mine without a case. This is your iPhone's first
line of defense against inevitable drops, bumps, and spills. The selection of
cases available varies tremendously in terms of style, protection, and price,
but we've narrowed it down to some of the very best. You can't go wrong
with any of these
cases.
Best overall: LifeProof Case
We've covered the LifeProof case a lot
throughout the year, and many of us use it as our standard, everyday case.
LifeProof protects your device against snow, water, dirt, and waist-high drops.
It adds a bit of bulk, but once you get used to it, you'll wonder how you ever
lived without it. The ports are easily acÂcessible, although it helps to keep
an eye on the headphone port lid; I've managed to lose it several times. If
you're bored of the standard black color, a new line of vibrant colors (with
either a black or gray border) has recently come out, including red, orange,
purple, pink, teal, and blue.
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Info
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Price:
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$79.99
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Website:
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www.lifeproof.com
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Best low-cost: Cygnett Workmate Pro
The Workmate Pro is a shock-resistant
silicone case with an external hard shell that adds only minimum bulk while
protectÂing your device from everyday wear and tear. It comes in two color
combinations: black/gray and orange/gray. The ports are uncovered and easily
accessible. For the amount of protection and style it offers, the $20 Workmate
Pro is a bargain.
Note: If you're looking for bare-minimum
protection at almost no cost, you can find Apple Bumpers on Amazon.com for less
than $1.
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Info
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Price:
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$19.99
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Website:
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www.us.cygnett.com
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Best design: Twelve South BookBook Case & Wallet
The BookBook for iPhone is a beautiful case
in the style of a vintage book, and it doubles as a wallet. This
conversation-piece case has an ID window and can hold a few credit cards, plus
some folded bills and a couple of business cards. The only caveat is that
there's no hole for the iPhone camera, but it does include a little red strap
that pulls your iPhone up about half an inch to expose the camera. This
gorgeous case makes for a very nice gift.
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Info
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Price:
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$59.99
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Website:
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www.twelvesouth.com
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Best minimalist case: Incipio feather Ultralight Hard
Shell Case
Incipio's feather Ultralight is a
form-fitting case measuring 1mm in thickness. The $40 package comes with two
cases, and there are a variety of color combinations to choose from. If you're
looking for colorful, low-profile protection against bumps and dings, this is
it.
Best wallet case: Speck CandyShell Card
This wallet case from Speck has a built-in rubberized
slot that can hold up to 3 cards and folded bills. The little thumb release
slot makes it easy to get the cards in and out, and the hard shell has a matte
finish with just the right amount of grip to keep it from slipping out of your
hands.
Best battery case: Mophie Juice Pack Air
The Mophie Juice Pack Air adds a 1500mAh
battery to your iPhone without adding a whole lot of bulk. LEDs at the bottom
of the case let you know how much power is left, and a standby switch lets you
control when you want the iPhone to charge. You can also charge the case and
the iPhone at the same time with the included USB cable.
There you have it: the best of the best. You
can either add these top-of-the-line cases to your collection, or give them
away as gifts. Either way, someone's iPhone will be very happy.
