The best magnetic phone cases are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among content creators, and are likely to be the future of smartphone accessories. And they aren't just limited to iPhone users; Samsung, Google, Nokia, and other smartphone owners can also take advantage of the magnetic smartphone accessory trend.
Whether it's wireless charging through MagSafe, a snap-on magnetic power bank, a detachable kickstand for streaming, magnetic wallets for safekeeping your cards, or a grippy pop-socket, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of a magnetic case and its compatible accessories.
The beauty of the best magnetic smartphone accessories and cases is that they allow for variety, with the ability to swap out different tools and change mounts to support your lifestyle in whatever you do. The versatility of magnetic cases can improve your comfort levels when holding your device and during your daily scrolling habits, and make it easier to connect multiple stands and accessories for different purposes that all integrate with your smartphone.
Best overall
This powerful case from Mous offers pretty much everything you could want: AiroShock™ impact technology, soft microfibre internal lining, magnetic mounting technology and a Limited Lifelong Warranty. Read more below
Best rugged
This case offers durable and rugged protection for your phone and includes a strong industrial-grade built-in magnet that's powerful enough for attaching accessories and wirelessly charging. Read more below
Best for photographers
This case is designed with photographers in mind. It incorporates a rubberized shock absorbing bumper, plus a protective lip around the screen and camera unit offering an extra level of protection. Read more below
Best for compatibility
These cases are designed with a premium microfiber inner lining, plus a ribbed rail design that offers 10ft of protection, plus an updated dielectric constant material that can improve 5G wireless performance. Read more below
Best adapter
This adapter from Peak Design is a universal take on its Everyday case that offers its own SlimLink™ magnetic locking and mounting technology, and is now accessible in a format for nearly any phone. Read more below
Budget adapter
These ring adapters from ZAGG fit securely to the back of your case and allow for strong magnetic connectivity with a host of accessories and chargers. The downside is they are quite raised with sharp edges. Read more below
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Material: Poly-carbonate and TPU (used in riot shields)
Compatibility: iPhone / Samsung / Pixel
Color: Black leather, Walnut, Bamboo, Aramid Fiber, Black and White Speckled PU-coated fabric
Reasons to buy
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AutoAlign+™ Connection
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AiroShock™ technology
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Limited lifetime warranty
Reasons to avoid
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Expensive
These powerful cases from Mous offer pretty much everything you could want in a magnetic phone case, especially for non-Apple devices. The limitless 3.0 series from Mous offers the same AiroShock™ impact technology across all of its phone cases, as well as soft microfibre internal lining. It's fitted with Mous' magnetic mounting technology called AutoAlign+™, and works flawlessly with the company's ecosystem of Limitless 3.0 accessories that include the Mous: Car Vent Mount, Suction Mount, Card Wallet, Flip Wallet, Wall Mount, and plenty more. All Mous phone cases also come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
The best magnetic phone case that's indestructible and sturdy
Specifications
Material: High-impact polycarbonate
Compatibility: Almost all iPhone models from 6 to 14, plus Samsung Galaxy S8/9/10/20/21/22 series
Color: Black or Clear
Reasons to buy
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Industrial-grade strong magnet
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Built-in RokLock Twist Lock mount
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Exceeds Military Drop Test Standards
Reasons to avoid
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A little bulky and heavy for everyday use
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S-pen connectivity issues
This magnetic phone case offers durable and rugged protection for your smartphone and includes a strong industrial-grade built-in magnet that's powerful enough for attaching accessories and wirelessly charging your device.
It boasts reinforced corners that are designed to be shock-absorbent, with a raised bezel around the edge of the case to provide six-sided, 360-degree protection for your smartphone. The dual layer of protection in Rokform's design is said to exceed Military Grade Drop Test Standards (MIL-STD 801G-516.6).
A key selling point to Rokform cases is the integrated RokLock Twist Lock System that can be used to mount your device to your motorcycle, terrain vehicles, bicycle, car dash, or even a stroller using Rokform's range of compatible mounts that are sold separately. The brand offers a 2-year warranty on its entire catalog, with five-star customer service and support should you face any issues.
The best magnetic phone case that was made for photographers
Specifications
Material: Nylon canvas, 100% recycled
Compatibility: iPhone / Pixel / Samsung
Color: Charcoal or Sage
Reasons to buy
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Very protective features
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Good grip and very sturdy
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SlimLink: built-in locking system
Reasons to avoid
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Not a lot of color choice
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Design is very basic
The Peak Design Everyday range is designed with photographers in mind, and there's nothing everyday about it at all. This case incorporates a full rubberized shock absorbing bumper, plus a protective lip around the screen and camera unit offering protection, as well as a 2 meter (6ft) drop and shock protection.
There's also a Loop model to choose from for an easy finger grip, as well as Peak Design's own SlimLink magnetic attachment technology, a built-in locking system that is compatible across all PD cases and accessories.
Moment Case for Pixel 6 with (M)Force (Image credit: Moment)
4. Moment (M)Force Case
The best magnetic phone case that offers excellent compatibility
Specifications
Material: Grippy TPU and premium polycarbonate
Compatibility: iPhone/Pixel/Samsung
Color: Black, Olive, Indigo Blue, Red Clay
Reasons to buy
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Super strong (M)Force magnet array
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10ft drop protection
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Magsafe and Qi wireless compatible
Reasons to avoid
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Slightly textured material isn't for everyone
These cases from Moment are designed with a premium microfiber inner lining, plus a ribbed rail design that offers 10ft of protection, plus an updated dielectric constant material that can improve 5G wireless performance.
Moment cases are all built with a super strong (M)Force magnet array that is compatible with the complete range of Moment's Mounts for MagSaferange of accessories, as well as generic magnetic accessories, so you have the option to mount your phone in almost any situation.
Compatibility: Adhesive-backed onto any phone case
Reasons to buy
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SlimLink™ magnetic locking
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Works with MagSafe accessories
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Low-profile and sleek looking
Reasons to avoid
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Not recommended for soft or rubbery cases
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Won't stick to textured or porous cases
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Wireless charging not guaranteed
This adapter from leading photographic accessories manufacturer, Peak Design, is a universal take on its Everyday case that offers its own SlimLink™ magnetic locking and mounting technology, and is now accessible in a format for nearly any phone, applied to your regular phone case via 3M VHB adhesive.
Peak Design magnets are coated in a soft-touch nylon weatherproof fabric that not only acts as an ultra-strong and capable magnet, while able to attach accessories, but will also work flawlessly with all of Peak Design's range of mobile mounts and accessories created especially with photographers in mind.
The design of this adapter is low-profile and sleek, and it works with Apple MagSafe accessories. Just be aware it won' attach very well to cases that are textured, silky, soft, porous, or rubbery; so it's best to avoid this adapter if your phone case is made from silicone or leather.
The best magnetic adapter for smartphones that easily installs
Specifications
Material: Unspecified
Compatibility: Any Qi-enabled smartphone
Reasons to buy
+
Includes 2 adapters
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Versatile and universal
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Strong magnets
Reasons to avoid
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Slightly sharp edges
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Will stick out a little from your phone case
The benefit of using a ZAGG Mophie Snap Adapter is that you don't have to throw out a case that you really love, even if it isn't magnetic or Magsafe compatible. These ring adapters fit securely to the back of your phone case and allow for strong magnetic connectivity with a host of accessories and chargers.
The one downside to these adapters is they are quite raised with sharp edges, so if you like to fit your phone case snuggly in the palm of your hand, this discomfort is something to be aware of, although if you have a magnetic wallet or accessory attached then you would not feel the sharp ring.
Only compatible with PC or TPU cases without a fingerprint-resistant coating
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Not compatible with iPhone 11
This MagSafe-compatible ring adapter from ESR ensures that the boring non-magnetic case that you love can now offer full-speed wireless charging and better connectivity. The company states that the ring itself is not a magnet, but it will attach to a magnetic wireless charger, and therefore the ring should not be placed directly onto the back of your phone, but to the outside of a standard case.
The Ring is designed to make a standard phone case MagSafe compatible, and cannot increase any charging speeds supported beyond the maximum of your phone, charger, and adapter. Wireless charging speed is determined by your phone model, and this ring adapter from ESR will only increase charging efficiency by keeping your phone centered on the charger magnetically.
What are the pros and cons of magnetic phone cases?
Magnetic phone cases are designed with built-in magnets, allow for effortless attachment to magnetic car mounts, desk stands, and other magnetic surfaces, ditching the hassle of clamps or sticky pads.
Additionally, many magnetic cases work seamlessly with wireless chargers that utilize MagSafe technology (or similar). These chargers also have magnets, ensuring perfect phone alignment for efficient charging, eliminating the frustration of imprecise placement on standard wireless charging pads.
But the benefits go beyond charging and mounting. The world of magnetic phone accessories is vast, encompassing wallets that snap onto the back of your case for easy carrying, portable battery packs that attach magnetically for on-the-go power, and even kickstands for hands-free viewing.
Will the magnets in magnetic phone cases damage my phone?
No, the magnets in well-designed magnetic phone cases are weak enough not to interfere with your phone's functionality or data storage. They are designed to repel the magnetic accessories, but not your phone itself. However, there have been some reports of interference with compass apps.
Do magnetic cases work on all phones?
No, not all phones are inherently magnetic. While Apple's iPhone 12 and later models have built-in magnets, other phone manufacturers might not follow suit. A magnetic case will still function on these phones, but the integration might not be as smooth. There's also a slight chance the magnets could interfere with your phone's compass app. This is usually a minor issue, but if you heavily rely on your phone's compass for navigation, it's something to consider.
Selecting the perfect magnetic phone case is firstly a question of compatibility: if your phone lacks built-in magnets, the case might not function ideally. Beyond that, you'll want to ensure the case design allows easy access to all essential functions like the volume rocker, power button, and charging port. And if you often use wireless charging, you'll also want to check that the case complements your MagSafe charger or similar technology.
Beyond that, magnetic cases come in various designs, from slim and minimalist to rugged and protective. So consider how you tend to use your phone. If you're prone to drops, a thicker case with shock absorption is crucial. If you prioritize a sleek look and minimal bulk, though, a slimmer magnetic case might suffice.
When we review magnetic phone cases, we carry out rigorous assessments to ensure functionality, safety, and durability. Through our meticulous testing procedures, we guarantee that our magnetic phone cases meet stringent quality criteria, providing iPhone users with reliable protection without compromising device functionality.
A staff writer for Digital Camera World, Beth has an extensive background in various elements of technology with five years of experience working as a tester and sales assistant for CeX. After completing a degree in Music Journalism, followed by obtaining a Master's degree in Photography awarded by the University of Brighton, she spends her time outside of DCW as a freelance photographer specialising in live music events and band press shots under the alias 'bethshootsbands'.
