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The Best Eco-Friendly Cases to Protect Your Phone While Helping the Environment
Your phone isn’t the only thing worth preserving.
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Unlike your phone, which will easily last for years between upgrades, the cases that help protect it need to be swapped out more frequently. You should definitely replace these accessories when they begin to wear down, but the process might result in even more plastic waste. Luckily, that's avoidable.
Fortunately, many top-tier accessory brands like Casetify, OtterBox, and Native Union, to name a few, offer great protective cases made from responsibly sourced materials — think plant-based composites, ocean-based plastic, and even recycled phone cases.
The Best Eco-Friendly Phone Cases
We’re constantly researching and testing the finest eco-friendly smartphone cases in various designs and form factors to bring you this guide. In addition to their durability, we evaluated the accessories’ ergonomics (think access to your phone’s buttons and charging port), style, and tactility (or in-hand feel). These qualities are essential, especially since if you’re like us, you’re on your phone pretty much all day.
What to Consider
Protection
The first thing to consider when picking an eco-friendly case is its ability to protect your phone from damage. A high-quality product should protect your beloved gadget from annoying scratches and heavier damage caused by drops. Having a case with raised edges to protect the camera and screen of your phone is particularly important.
Materials
Materials are also an important factor. You should be mindful that some of the top cases are not 100% sustainably crafted but still much gentler on the environment than their ordinary counterparts.
Compostable cases that can naturally disintegrate into the environment are becoming increasingly common, too. However, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines for the best way to dispose of them once their time is up.
Additional Features
If you use an iPhone 12, iPhone 13, or iPhone 14, you must keep an eye out for a case that's fully compatible with MagSafe chargers and other accessories. Most of these offerings have a visible metal ring to accommodate them, so you'll usually know if they work with your chargers.
Antimicrobial coating is another feature we highly recommend in a smartphone case. Thankfully, many big-name manufacturers offer the functionality on most of their new products.
Reduce your tech-waste footprint with our favorite cases for the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel smartphones.
OtterBox SYMMETRY SERIES+ Case for iPhone 14 and iPhone 13
Pros
- Slim yet tough
- Superb damage protection
- Available in many colors
Cons
- Some color options are not antimicrobial
The OtterBox Symmetry Series+ cases are our favorite for protecting your phone in an eco-friendly way. Made using around 50% recycled plastic, the slim accessories deliver the brand’s legendary durability and MagSafe compatibility. Plus, you can order the products in a wide variety of finishes, ranging from clear to attention-commanding neon green (pictured here).
You can order the OtterBox Symmetry Series+ case for every iPhone with MagSafe on board. Depending on the color, you’ll get antimicrobial protection, too. A version of the product sans MagSafe for iPhone and Android phones is also available.
ZAGG Gear4 Denali Snap Case for iPhone 14
ZAGG Gear4 Denali Snap Case for iPhone 14
Pros
- Much tougher than it looks
- Antimicrobial
- Textured back looks cool and improves handling
Cons
- Could use more color options
The Gear4 Denali Snap case is elegant, tough, and kind to the environment. The accessory is manufactured using plant-based materials and recycled plastic. It has a shock-absorbing build that can protect against heavy drops, and it can guard you and your phone against germs.
We like that the Denali Snap case has a textured finish to make your iPhone less prone to accidental tumbles. ZAGG offers the product for every iPhone 14 model, as well as for the Google Pixel 7. The iPhone 13 version of the case has a slightly different design.
Casetify Custom iPhone Case
Casetify Custom iPhone Case
Pros
- Excellent damage protection
- Countless customization options
- Antimicrobial
Cons
- Some variants are pricey
What sets this eco-friendly iPhone case by Casetify apart from its competitors is its infinite customizability. You can really make it your own by choosing from a multitude of bumper colors, as well as engravings.
The case is made using a blend of plant-based materials and recycled phone cases. It delivers stellar protection against scratches and bacteria. You can grab one for a wide array of iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel phones.
Native Union Clic (Re) Classic Case for iPhone 14
Native Union Clic (Re) Classic Case for iPhone 14
Pros
- Beautiful design and tactility
- Slim profile
- MagSafe-compatible
Cons
- Only available for iPhone
You won’t find a more elegant eco-friendly iPhone case than the Native Union (RE) Classic. The slim cover has a decidedly premium dual finish that combines smooth and textured patterns with incredible tactility. It looks incredible, and it’s just as nice to interact with.
Native Union crafted the case using Yatay — a plant-based material developed in Italy. Its frame is made from recycled material, too. You can order the (RE) Classic in black or craft (pictured here) for every MagSafe iPhone, including the iPhone 12. We like that you can pair the case with a matching MagSafe wallet.
Peak Design Everyday Case for iPhone 13
Peak Design Everyday Case for iPhone 13
Pros
- Weatherproof exterior with excellent tactility
- Compatible with additional accessories
- Available for iPhone and Android
Cons
- Could use and antimicrobial finish
This eco-friendly phone case by Peak Design — one of our favorite makers of tech bags and pouches — has a stylish canvas exterior with excellent tactility. Crafted from recycled nylon, the weatherproof textile is bluesign-approved, guaranteeing sustainable origins.
The slim case has a clever mounting system dubbed SlimLink, making it compatible with various mounts, wallets, and even MagSafe. You can order it for most iPhone models going back to the iPhone 11. Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy versions are also available.
ZAGG Gear4 Crystal Palace Snap Case for iPhone 14
Pros
- Rugged build
- Textured frame improves handling
- Antimicrobial
Cons
- Some might find the back too prone to smudges
The Crystal Palace Snap by Gear4 is our favorite eco-friendly case for showcasing your iPhone. The slim MagSafe accessory contains recycled plastics and offers superb protection against scratches and drops. We also value its antimicrobial properties, which will inhibit the growth of various germs.
Available for all iPhone 14 variants, the case has a textured frame for enhanced grip. Gear4 also offers the Crystal Palace Snap case for iPhone 13 and iPhone 12.
Nimble MagSafe Disc Case
Pros
- Build material is a great conversation starter
- Reliable damage protection
Cons
- MagSafe is only available on iPhone 14 cases
If you're looking for a minimalist case that will showcase and protect your iPhone, this Nimble offering is one of your best options. The slim accessory is crafted from recycled compact discs, reminding us of a time when digital music wasn’t yet a thing. The Disc case has a scratch-resistant finish and the ability to protect your phone against 10-foot drops.
The product is available for all iPhone 14 iterations. A Nimble Disc case for iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 without a MagSafe ring is also available.
UAG Outback Bio Series Case for iPhone 14
Pros
- No-nonsense design and durability
- 100% biodegradable build
- Available for many Apple and Samsung phones
Cons
- iPhone version lacks MagSafe
The Outback case by Urban Armor Gear has a surprisingly thin, impressively lightweight build. Crafted from plant-based materials, the accessory is both biodegradable and compostable. Urban Armor Gear offers the Outback for various iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models.
Like all of the brand’s smartphone and tablet cases, the Outback offers superb defense from scratches and tumbles, thanks to a shock-absorbing interior, along with a raised camera and display edges for enhanced protection. Its workmanship meets military drop-test standards.
Pela Phone Case for iPhone 14
Pela Phone Case for iPhone 14
Pros
- Compostable build
- Reliable protection
- Available in many patterns and colors
Cons
- Lacks antimicrobial qualities
The compostable smartphone cases by Pela are plant-based and compostable. Each accessory has a soft texture and slim profile that won’t add unnecessary bulk to your phone. It also offers excellent protection from accidental drops or scratches.
Pela offers eco-friendly cases for iPhone, Android phones, and even AirPods. You can choose from an overwhelming selection of case designs and colors.
Case-Mate Pelican Voyager Series Case for iPhone 14
Case-Mate Pelican Voyager Series Case for iPhone 14
Pros
- Incredibly tough build
- Strong built-in magnets
- Bundled holster doubles as a viewing stand
Cons
- Bulky
The decidedly utilitarian Pelican Voyager case is the most rugged on this list. It is manufactured using recycled materials. Its four-layer build can help your iPhone survive drops up to 18 feet, while powerful onboard magnets will ensure that your MagSafe accessories will always stay in place.
Other key features of the Voyager include a port to keep dust and debris away from your phone, a bundled holster that doubles as a viewing stand, and a lifetime warranty. The case is available for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S smartphones in black or with a clear finish.
LifeProof Wake Series Case for iPhone 13
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Fun design
Cons
- Not available for iPhone 14
The Lifeproof WĀKE case is manufactured using 85% recycled, ocean-based plastic, and the cool wave pattern on its back will remind you where its materials came from.
Lifeproof offers the WĀKE for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones in several finishes, with most inspired by the colors of the sea. Just be mindful that the product is not available for the latest iPhone 14 models.
The WĀKE offers superb protection against scratches and drops. According to its maker, the product will help your smartphone survive drops from a height of almost 7 feet.
Pivet Aspect+ Case for iPhone 14 Pro Max
Pros
- Cool design and tough build
- Reasonably priced
- Very easy to dispose of
Cons
- Lacks antimicrobial qualities
The Aspect+ iPhone case by Pivet has an innovative self-cycling design, which makes it bioavailable to decaying agents that occur in nature. This is a big deal because it means that the case — in addition to being recyclable — can also be disposed of in regular household trash.
This slim accessory offers dependable protection against damage. It is available for iPhone and various Samsung Galaxy iterations.
Atom Studios Split Silicone Case for Apple iPhone 14
Pros
- Eye-catching design
- Reliable drop protection
Cons
- Lacks antimicrobial qualities
This Atom Studios case stands out with an impressively sleek design, headlined by an anodized aluminum plate on its back. The metal bit will treat your iPhone to a high-tech look and enhance the protection of its camera section.
Other key features of the accessory include a soft-touch silicone exterior made from sand-derived silica, a microfiber lining, and strong magnets for MagSafe accessories. You can order the Split Silicone case for multiple iPhone 13 and 14 variants.
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.
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