iPhone 5 cases were a bit on the scarce side right at launch, but now they're multiplying faster than tribbles. We're going to review every case we get our hands on, and we'll keep this gallery updated as we do. From simple silicon skins to rugged drop-proof tanks to blinged-out jewel-encrusted cases, we've got 'em all.
In the gallery below, click the rating to read the case's full review, and the name of the case to go to the website where it's available for purchase.
If you're a case company and want to see your products reviewed on MacLife.com, just email Susie (susie at maclife dot com).
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go2pear
May 15, 2013 at 2:02am
I think, this chase is very ugly and most expensive aaand without logo!!
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Look us: go2pear.com
willie90
May 04, 2013 at 6:19am
I would strongly recommend adding and testing the Lifeproof Frē for iPhone 5.
Joseph Ahn
April 12, 2013 at 3:04pm
I think they are overpriced and too expensive. They look good, and I actually like some of them. I really want people to check out our cases too though. We have cases that are made with high quality TPU material; slim-fit, light weight, but provides great protection to your iPhone. It's called Alice Pastel series, and they're priced less than $10, but they are same/or even better quality items than those popular branded cases. Check out MyPhoneCase.com for more detail if you're interested.
Darren8020
March 25, 2013 at 5:44pm
These are some unique cases. Not sure if I want my phone to be that fancy.
If your mainly looking for best protection but still want a great look, check out some cases with D30 military grade protection gel here:
https://sites.google.com/site/iphoneoutfit/
trumpet444
March 13, 2013 at 3:07am
I have Aluminum's case and it cuts my signal in half. I used it for a total of five minutes and put it back in the drawer. Now to put it on eBay
jtnave23
March 12, 2013 at 10:07am
I've been using a combo of the Zagg Invisible Shield and the Poetic Atmosphere hard case (on Amazon for $10). It covers the whole phone without being bulky. It does have some tackiness, so it doesn't feel like it's going to slide out of my hand. Check it out for those who don't want to spend a ton and covers the whole phone.
nbrowser
March 12, 2013 at 6:57am
30 cases reviewed and not one mention of the nicest in my mind, the Otterbox Defender, sure it adds bulk, but it sure protects the phone. My old iPhone 4 took many a drop in it's Defender, never even skipped a beat. Now that I've got a iPhone 5, it lives in a Defender, for obvious reasons.
Wynnefield
March 24, 2013 at 10:55pm
I agree @nbrowser … No mention of what I consider the best case on the market. My iPhone 4 lived in a Defender since date of purchase and remained in impeccable condition when it came time to upgrade. We keep it as a spare in the event my daughter damages a sixth phone.
The new silicone wrap is even stronger than on the original model, and since the weight of the iPhone 5 is about half that of the 4, it makes for even safer “drop cushion”. If you need solid protection from just about everything except water, the Otter box Defender is a smart choice.
Casemachine Thomas
March 12, 2013 at 5:08am
iPhone 5 cases. I always like to leave comments whenever I see something unusual or impressive. We should appreciate those who do something special. Keep it up, thanks.
VersioMobile
February 20, 2013 at 9:18am
We have been selling Speck for years and have learned about their flaws. The silicon portion of their cases become gummy and the outer shinny shell scratches easily. Beautiful cases, great fitting, but they need to invest in better quality materials if they are going to play in the price range they are in. The fact AT&T, Best Buy and others sell the Speck, does not mean that they are good cases. I've seen much better.
Novastar Shapeways
January 16, 2013 at 4:26am
I really like the wooden cases this shop is selling, they have a natural feel to it and they have nice designs.
shop name: Creative Use of Technology and they sell on Etsy
mobilecasedirect
January 09, 2013 at 8:50pm
Not too sure about a crystal encrusted iPhone 5 cases. I am not a fan of huge bulky cases or gimmicky designs.
We really like really thin clear snap cases. All skinny no bulk however not for the accident prone. Shameless self promotion at its best.
hallmetico
November 15, 2012 at 9:45pm
So i got the wallet case for iphone which is not fade and roll wallet and case into one
something like iPhone5 Luxury Vintage Leather Book Wallet Cover Case on theideasforgift.com/en/286-iphone5-luxury-vintage-leather-book-wallet-cover-case.html
Steven Moreno
November 13, 2012 at 3:29am
No matter what case u buy, u gonna need one, because I discovered that after a year, the paint on my iPhone gets off the phone. Of course I use it, but I doesnt look nice.
Its a corporate phone, so im not that sad :)
I was surprised how well it works together with our telephone system, Ozeki Phone System XE.
ozekiphone.com/iphone-vs-windows-mobile-voip-calls-408.html
Mystakill
October 25, 2012 at 8:43am
Beware that Speck also voids their replacement warranty if they find that you didn't buy your Speck case at full retail price from an "authorized reseller". They arbitrarily voided my warranty because, while I had purchased it through Amazon, the seller was not Amazon itself. They cited that it was a potential counterfeit product, even though Speck itself had already replaced my initial case once before due to a known design defect (stress cracks) in the port opening.
jazzybeat
October 24, 2012 at 2:58pm
I didn't expected that some one at maclife is a big of Swarovski diamond cases. No more comments on this I think you know what I mean. Maybe it would smarter to focus on cases that has good quality materials offers great design and functionality ?
If you need some inspiration please visit mgadget.net/best-iphone-accessories/best-iphone-5-cases/
and next time please do some reasearch, we come to this website for quality not advertisment
thanks
Tenchi211
October 18, 2012 at 4:54pm
Let me tell you, the Speck FabShell Burton is a LOUSY CASE!! The design on the case is just a series of glued on stickers that don't stick well. Perhaps they should change the type of glue that they use. It's definitely not worth $40.
