Best iPhone Cases: The IDEAL Christmas Gift (Well, Kind of…)

In the Holiday Gift Guide series we take a look at the best gifts for the technophiles in your family. But we’re realists here at KYM and understand that not everybody is going to get something as expensive as an iPhone for Christmas. But a lot of people do already have iPhones, so we figured putting something based around iPhones would be a good place to start.

Then we looked on our desk and in the cupboard and realised we had mountains of cases. The next step was reviewing them all… and that took awhile. But we now have a pretty robust list of options for you, and these really are some of the best iPhone cases around. They’re also all compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6. 

Merry Christmas, you filthy animals!

Tech21 Impactology Classic Shell

I love Tech21’s Impactology line of cases because they don’t add bulk even though they give your iPhone significant drop protection. The main surface area of the case (that which covers the back of the iPhone) is made from a thin, clear TPU plastic that is soft and flexible. But along the sides you’ll find another bumper of coloured D3O polymer that acts as a shock absorber when dropped. This is a great case for those who want to see the beauty of Apple’s iPhone design while also adding impact protection without adding bulk.

Comes in orange, pink, blue, or black. Average price: £24.99. 

Lifeproof nüüd case

As it’s name suggest the nüüd case protects your iPhone from pretty much anything life can throw at it. Specifically it offers protection from water, dirt, snow, and shock. What I love about the nüüd is that though it is waterproof it doesn’t have one of those flimsy screen protectors. When you place your iPhone in the nüüd a vacuum seal is made between the edged of the touch screen and the case so no water can get through.

This also keeps dirt and other particles out. The same type of vacuum seal is engaged around the Touch ID button, so you can still use it to scan your fingerprint while in the case. Another nice touch is the anti-reflective glass camera lens cover on the back of the case. This case is perfect for the sporty type.

Comes in white, black, lime, or pink. Average price: £65.00.

Pure.Gear HIP Case+

The Pure.Gear HIP Case+ is the perfect iPhone case for power users who work with their iPhone all day long. The case uses a 4-in-1 system to greatly expand the ways you can carry your iPhone...and carry things in it. It features a holster slot with a 180-degree rotating clip so you can quickly attach and detach your iPhone from your belt.

The case also adds a kickstand so you can prop your iPhone up at an angle to view media like movies or photos. The rubberized grip adds drop protection and the case also has internal slots for two credit cards, so you can ditch your wallet and carry everything you need with your iPhone. 

Comes in black/green or grey/orange. Average price: £25.00.

Pelican ProGear Voyager

Pelican is a company that has been making mission-critical equipment protection for 35 years for everyone from the armed forces to scientists working in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. Their ProGear Voyager iPhone case takes that expertise and puts in into the mobile form.

The Pelican ProGear Voyager meets military protection specifications and comes with a lifetime guarantee. The case features multiple layers of rigid polycarbonate and energy-absorbing TPR plastics to keep your iPhone safe from drops. Other features of the case include a swivel holster, a scratch resistant screen cover and, my favourite, rubber caps that protect the Lightning port, audio jack input and mute switch from dirt and debris. This case is perfect for anyone who works outdoors or in extreme circumstances. 

Comes in black, pink, or white. Average price: £35.00. 

Pong Anti Radiation Sleek Case

The Pong Sleek case is perhaps the most scientifically advanced case on this gift list. Matter of fact the case has four patents protecting the technology inside. Its main feature is that the case redirects radiation away from you while at the same time improving your iPhone's signal strength. It does this via the embedded micro-thin gold antenna built into the case.

When you snap the case on to your iPhone, the embedded antenna pairs with your iPhone’s internal antennas. This has a three-pronged effect: it boosts the signal strength of your connection, it increases the range of your connection, and it also diverts the RF energy (radiation) from the cellular signals away from head out towards the cell towers (which is why you get a stronger and longer-range connection).

But besides the technology inside, I love this case for its design. The gold antenna shows through slits in the back of the case and the case itself is made of the most comfortable finish I’ve felt in a case in a long time. This case is perfect for those looking to get better reception from their iPhones and also those worried about the effects of cellular radiation. 

Comes in black, red, or white. Average price: £50.00.