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Unlike your smartphone, which will easily last for years between upgrades, the majority of phone cases out there need to be swapped out more frequently. You should definitely replace these accessories when they begin to wear down so that your phone remains protected, but the process might result in even more plastic waste. Luckily, that's avoidable when you buy an eco-friendly phone case.
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, recycled plastic, and even reused phone cases. So, if you're on the hunt for an eco-friendly product for Earth Day, we've got you covered.
The Best Eco-Friendly Phone Cases
- Best Overall: OtterBox Symmetry Series
- Best Budget: ZAGG Luxe Snap
- Best Vegan Leather Case: Mujjo MaizCase
- Most Customizable: Casetify Impact
- Most Versatile: Peak Design Everyday Case
We’re constantly researching and testing the finest eco-friendly phone 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 searching for the best eco-friendly phone cases is its ability to protect your phone from damage. It 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. Be mindful that some of the top cases are not 100% sustainably crafted but still much gentler on the environment than their ordinary counterparts. For example, compostable cases like Pela designs 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 or the gift recipient use an iPhone that launched after the iPhone 12 in 2020, 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.
A Note on iPhone Compatibility
While navigating the vast marketplace for third-party iPhone cases, you will encounter many offerings that are compatible with iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15. That’s because these iPhone iterations have almost completely identical physical measures. The same goes for the iPhone 14 Plus and its sequel.
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.
Pros
Slim yet tough- Superb damage protection
- Available in many colors
Cons
- Some color options are not antimicrobial
The OtterBox Symmetry Series cases are deservedly among our favorites for protecting your phone in an eco-friendly way. Made using more than 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.
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 for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones is also available.
Pros
- Much tougher than it looks
- Textured back looks cool and improves handling
- Available in many colors
- Antimicrobial
Cons
- Android versions of the case could use more color options
The reasonably priced ZAGG Luxe Snap case is elegant, tough, antimicrobial, and kind to the environment. The accessory is manufactured using 95% recycled materials.
Thanks to the use of graphene — a high-tech material used in the aerospace industry — the case is slim without sacrificing toughness.
I like that the Luxe Snap case has a textured finish to make your iPhone easier to handle. ZAGG offers the product in multiple colors, including a clear finish, for every iPhone 15 model, as well as older iPhone iterations. Versions of the case for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones are also available.
3
Best Vegan Leather Case
Mujjo MaizCase
Pros
- Slim and luxurious design
- Button covers are excellent
- MagSafe-ready
Cons
- Only compatible with iPhone 15 Pro models
The MaizCase by Mujjo — an accessory brand with a long track record in making high-quality leather iPhone cases — is crafted from a plant-based material with exceptional tactility. The vegan leather is made using corn (hence the name), cereals, and polyester.
I can personally vouch that the material feels like real leather in real life. The metal button covers of the slim case are also a joy to interact with, making the MaizCase for iPhone 15 Pro feel more luxurious than its price tag suggests. You can order the MagSafe-compatible cover in steel blue for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
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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 is available in several distinct variants, ranging from slim to ultra-rugged. You can grab one for a wide array of iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel phones.
Pros
- Beautiful design and tactility
- Slim profile
- MagSafe-compatible
Cons
- Only available for iPhone
You won’t find an eco-friendly iPhone case that's more fashionable than the Native Union (RE) Classic. The slim cover has a decidedly premium dual finish that combines smooth and textured patterns with amazing 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 for every iPhone going back to the iPhone 13 lineup in black, craft, or slate green (pictured here). We like that you can pair the case with a matching MagSafe wallet that comes in the same chic color options.
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 in several colors for most iPhone models, as well as Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy Androids.
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Pros
- Rugged build
- Convenient viewing stand
- Antimicrobial
Cons
- Some might find the back too prone to smudges
The Crystal Palace Snap by ZAGG 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 integrated metal kickstand, as it's handy for watching videos or gaming with an external controller with your phone.
Available for all iPhone 15 and many older variants, the antimicrobial case has a lifetime warranty. A slightly cheaper version of the cover without a built-in kickstand is also available.
Pros
- Compostable build
- Reliable damage 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. This decidedly old-school cassette pattern is one of my favorite in the lineup.
Pros
- Build material is a great conversation starter
- Reliable damage protection
Cons
- Not available for iPhone 15 Pro models
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. It has a scratch-resistant finish and the ability to protect your phone against 10-foot drops.
The Disc Case is available for all iPhone 14 iterations. A Nimble Disc case for iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 without a MagSafe ring is also available.
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Pros
- No-nonsense design and durability
- Surprisingly slim and lightweight
- Button covers have excellent tactility
Cons
- Only available for iPhone
The Essential Armor case by Urban Armor Gear is surprisingly thin and impressively lightweight. Crafted using 50% recycled materials, the accessory has the brand's signature utilitarian design. You can snag one for any iPhone 15 and 15 Pro version in black or olive drab.
Like all UAG smartphone and tablet cases, the Essential Armor 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.
Pros
- Incredibly tough build
- Strong built-in magnets
- Bundled holster doubles as a viewing stand
Cons
- Bulky
The Pelican Voyager case is the most rugged on this list. It is manufactured using recycled materials. Its multi-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. And thanks to its transparent finish, the cover showcases your go-to gadget's original color.
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 a clear or black finish.
