travel cover iphone

My Favorite iPhone Cases for Travel & Must Have Tech Accessories

Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa

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Mobile phone cases are one of those things that affects my life on a daily basis. As a traveler, it’s one of my Swiss army tools with apps that help me navigate, convert money and time zones, show me weather, my trip itineraries, and as a content creator, it’s a bridge to my creativity and audiences. But finding the perfect working mobile case is not easy.  Here’s three smart mobile cases for travel and downsizing and tech accessories that make your workarounds a perfect fit.

This post shares the best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases for travel.  But these phone cases and accessories are interchangeable can work with other phones. Check your phone’s compatibility.

Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links. It helps me continue to share free travel information on my blog and YouTube channel. I thank you in advance for your support!

Table of Contents: My Favorite iPhone Cases for Travel & Must Have Tech Accessories

• 1.1.1 Add-on: Adhesive Phone Pockets
• 1.2.1 Add-on: Magnetic Card Wallet Holder with Kickstand
• 1.2.2 Add-on: PopSockets x Anker MagGo Magnetic Battery Charger
• 1.2.3 Check out my Travel  Camera Equipment List
• 1.3.1  Let me know which setup or accessory works for you!

Best mobile cases for travel and accessories that perfect them!

I am on a constant quest to downsize the travel film gear I pack and to reduce the extras that I carry around with me on a daily basis. I spend a lot of money on under $20 accessories to find ways to simplify what I do.

1. Mobile phone wallet case

Wallet cases with detachable phone cases are the “everything cases” and my favorite of all three cases.  These are my favorite. They’re ideal for the type of traveler who wants to combine their wallet with their mobile phone.  This is handy if you want pack your iPhone in your pocket for a jog or gym workout. The really cool part of detachable cases is that they’re magnetic and can virtually stick on any metal.

Both, the wallet and the phone casing protects your phone from drops and cracked screens!

The Bocasal wallet case is a 2-in-1 wallet case with a detachable magnetic mobile phone case. This magnetic phone case has strong magnets, so I can stick it on my car and do selfies. If you’re a content creator, you can use to make your content capture and selfies easier!

Other Features:

•  Three card slots to hold credit cards and a secret stash wallet for business cards and a little cash.
•  Soft and durable faux leather (no animals were harmed!) to protect the phone if it falls.
• A kickstand that makes it convenient for watching movies or being on the phone hands free.
• A leather wrist lanyard (which I never use but is nice to have if you need it).

Add-on: Adhesive Phone Pockets

As much as I love the detachable phone to wallet case,  removing it from its standalone case, you’ll still want to have a “wallet” attached to your phone to carry important things like a drivers license and a credit card or cash.

So I found a two-p ack Adhesive Phone Pocket that is a perfect complementary accessory. The phone pocket is small, attaches to the back of the phone case with a strong sticker. The pocket is made of a strong stretchy spandex lycra fabric, that keeps the cards or cash in the pocket from falling out, even when the pocket is upside down. These really keep your cards snug, so I like them! (I don’t worry about my cards sliding out).  It has a double pocket and you can put your cards or money in one and earbuds in the other.

This is a perfect solution if you want to keep your phone and essential cards tethered together.

2. Magnetic Magsafe case

The Mgnaooi Magnetic MagSafe case appears like a simple magsafe mobile case. I like it because it has strong magnets aligned to make wireless charging fast and easier, but they also to stick to some types of metal. The magnets aren’t as powerful as my Bocasal wallet case but is a tad stronger than other magsafe cases I’ve tried. It has a nano oleophobic coating that claims to prevent fingerprints, oil and watermarks. I’m not sure about the oil part; I got the grey transparent case so I cannot see how much dirt and wear actually collects on the case. But I like that it has a silky matte finish.

• compatible with Magsafe chargers and other Qi Wireless chargers
• 8ft military-grade drop protection: I haven’t tested this; I’m just taking their word for it for now.
•  Raised 2 mm camera lens lips and 1.5 mm screen lips which helps prevent your camera lenses and screen from rubbing against surfaces and getting scratched.

Add-on: Magnetic Card Wallet Holder with Kickstand

This Magnetic Card Wallet Holder with Kickstand ,is compatible with MagSafe cases. There are 12 magnets in the wallet which makes it super strong when sticking to both, Magsafe and Qi wireless charging cases. The wallet stores up to three cards with a slim and sleek design and a vegan leather. Additionally, the kickstand is this wallet holder’s next cool feature with three different ways to hold your cameras- vertical and two horizontal ways.

Add-on: PopSockets x Anker MagGo Magnetic Battery Charger

The PopSockets x Anker MagGo Magnetic Battery Charger   is the collaboration of Anker and PopSockets, merging a Magsafe charging power bank and a pop-out hand grip, so you can both, charge your mobile phone wirelessly as you use it.The MagGo has a 5,000mAh battery capacity to provide 17 hours of extended use (or one and a half charges). The battery itself is fast to charge with a USB C charging port and cable. The only con is that It gets very warm as you charge your phone.

Check out my Travel  Camera Equipment List

3. wallet purse.

The ZVE mobile wallet purse is a fashionable solution for   women who want to have their mobile phones on them and readily accessible, even if they don’t have pockets to hold them. I bought this while working on a television production set, where female crew used them in order to have their mobile phones easily accessible and on them. The zipper design features an adjustable 52 inch crossbody lanyard strap that can be removed if you only need the mobile wallet case. It can also be adjusted if you need to tighten or loosen the strap. It can be used for traveling, but my favorite use for it so far is work-travel.  The zipper wallet has enough space for cards and cash. See my unboxing reel.

The only cons are that there is nothing protecting the touch screen when your phone bounces against you, so you might accidentally turn it on. It would be nice if it had a little flap or case. Also, it’s not a preferred way I’d wear my phone if traveling through a destination that had a lot of purse snatching crime. If I used it, I’d certainly hold it to my body so it wasn’t just dangling.

The Claasico Women’s Crossbody Wallet Purse is another great option and one I recently bought. I love that the wallet pocket carries and protects my case. Meanwhile, on the backside, there is a wallet and zipper purse to hold credit cards and coins. If you’re looking for a crossbody wallet purse , this would be my new top recommendation!

Watch my streetsmart safety tips video where I share how I protect my valuables when they’re on me. Other than that, the ZVE mobile wallet purse is an easy way to carry everything on you and look fashionable while doing it.

 Let me know which setup or accessory works for you!

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The 10 Best Phone Wallets to Carry Cards, Cash, and More

When you want to travel light, these minimalist picks will help you keep your valuables close by.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T + L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

Let’s face it: stepping out for the day with “just the essentials” isn’t as easy to pull off when you’re traveling. Between the size of your phone, cash, passport, and other just-in-case items, it’s not quite as easy for everything to fit in your pocket when you’re away from home. So condensing as much as you can is key. Yes, having your credit and debit cards stored in your digital wallet definitely helps, but you still have important travel essentials like foreign currency or identification cards to account for. If you’re searching for a minimalist solution to feeling weighed down by too much stuff, phone wallets are a great alternative for housing all of the precious cargo you need by your side. We’ve found convenient picks that carry cards, cash, even picks that have a bottle opener (who knew!), all in one easy-to-manage case. 

Best Overall

Casebus mychal wallet phone case.

Equipped with a card holder, camera lens protector, and a metal kickstand all in one, this wallet phone case is highly functional. 

It is not MagSafe. 

Don’t be fooled by its slim design and lightweight material — the functionality of the Casebus Mychal Wallet Phone Case is hard to beat. The raised bumper interior absorbs the shock from falls, and the high-quality exterior offers a strong layer of protection for your phone. A card slot on the back holds your credit cards, and the convenient finger cut out provides easy access. Its sturdy metal ring stand is perfect for hands-free viewing while you’re on a plane or train, and the sliding camera cover protects your phone’s camera lens from scratches and smudges. This case has more functions than you might have realized you needed! 

The Details: Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Fits most smartphones | 1 card slot to fit 3 cards

Best Magnetic

Bellroy mod phone case + wallet.

The easily removable magnetic wallet matches seamlessly with the case.

It’s only compatible with the iPhone 14 and 15 models.

Tech forward with high design in mind, we love the beautiful streamlined Bellroy Mod Phone Case + Wallet. Bellroy’s smart ModRail system keeps the wallet firmly attached to the phone case, so even though it’s magnetic, it won’t fall off as it shifts in your pocket or travel bag. The hidden trap door compartment cleverly secures your cards in the wallet, and the minimalist design maintains a thin silhouette. While this phone wallet currently only supports the iPhone 14 and 15 models, we love that it’s compatible with wireless charging and can fit up to three cards.

The Details: Leather with microfiber lining | Fits iPhone 14 and 15 models | 1 card slot to fit 3 cards | Supports wireless charging

OtterBox Detachable Folio Wallet

It's extremely lightweight and works well with an OtterBox case you might already have.

The case is sold separately.

If you’re an OtterBox loyalist , this detachable folio will pair well and give you added safety. Available in fun colors like strawberry pink and boat captain blue, we love this as an alternative to the more neutral colors of other popular folios we’re used to seeing. This detachable folio wallet is meant to pair with an OtterBox MagSafe case , and is a great way to up the functionality and privacy of your smartphone. It’s also a little more lightweight than the standard folio, which is great for lightening your travel load.

The Details: Synthetic leather | iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 | 3 card slots | Supports wireless charging

Best Leather

Mujjo full leather wallet case.

The premium European leather ages beautifully and can withstand wear and tear.

The leather pocket is a snug fit for cards.

Made from premium European leather, this is a step above your average phone case. Not only does the shell of the Mujjo Leather Wallet Case age beautifully, but it also stands up well to wear and tear. The machined-metal buttons add a touch of sophistication, too. Whether you’re in a car en route to your next sightseeing destination or lounging in your hotel room, there’s no need to remove your case to charge up thanks to the MagSafe compatibility which accommodates wireless charging. The leather pocket holds up to three credit cards, but it might take some elbow grease to access them the more cards you pack in. Compatible with the iPhone 14pro , iPhone 15 pro and Samsung Galaxy S9 , this case is well worth the upgrade.

The Details: Leather | Fits iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S9 smartphones | 1 card pouch to fit 3 cards

Aulumu G03 Carbon Fiber Card Case

It has a bottle opener, kickstand, and built-in ruler.

It’s probably best to remove the attachment when charging your phone.

MacGyver is exactly who comes to mind when we see all of the features of the Aulumu G03 Carbon Fiber Card Case. Made of lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum, it comes with a stainless steel kickstand, a built-in bottle opener, and a mini-ruler. This is the phone wallet equivalent of a Swiss Army knife — and it’s TSA-compliant! It’s also equipped with an Apple AirTag holder that gives you added peace of mind on the go. Last but not least, you get an included RFID-shielding card and a replacement elastic for your finger holder. The Aulumu connects to your phone via a magnet and is MagSafe, though at its top capacity of 12 cards, I’d probably remove the attachment when charging my phone.

The Details: Aluminum and carbon | Fits most smartphones | 12 card slots | Supports wireless charging

Best Silicone

Karrint soft liquid silicone phone wallet case.

The no frills design is simple yet effective.

It can only hold a maximum of two cards.

When looking for a sleek, functional phone case , silicone is usually your safest bet. It’s a lightweight material that provides basic protection, and this one from Karrint comes in ample color options (and at a great price!). This silicone design is a great choice that will keep your phone scuff-free. It’s also not bulky, so you can easily grab some juice from your wireless charger without having to remove the cover from your phone. Space in the card slot is limited, however, so you’ll only have room for two of your most important cards.

The Details: Silicone | Fits most smartphones | 1 card slot to fit 2 cards | Supports wireless charging

Best Popsocket

Popsockets popwallet.

We love the fun design options of the PopWallet.

The adhesive of the PopWallet doesn’t stick to all materials.

If you’ve grown to love the comfortable, ergonomic design of the PopSockets, combine it with the PopWallet for casual ease and to help you reduce the bulk of your everyday wallet. The comfortable PopSockets design acts as a stand for hands-free viewing and combines with the PopWallet to house your bank cards, identification cards, business cards, and other valuables. To retrieve your cards, there’s the easy push and pull feature. Though the adhesive of the PopWallet will likely not stick to silicone or textured phone cases, it’s compatible with any smartphone.

The Details: Polycarbonate | Fits most smartphones | 1 card slot to fit 3-5 cards

Best Wristlet

All saints fetch phone wristlet.

Bloomingdale's

This style has two phone pockets that are roomy enough to last you through a few phone generations. 

You will have to take your phone out to charge. 

Behold: an updated version of a wristlet that’s the perfect “errand bag.” This leather All Saints bag, with its seven slots, has room for all of your cash, points cards, and ID cards — and of course, your cell phone. At about eight inches by four inches, this wristlet fits easily in a larger purse and can serve as an oversized wallet. With both an exterior slip pocket and an interior snap pocket for your phone, there are ample choices whether you’re looking for more security or easier access to your phone. Great for travel, the inner pocket of this wristlet can hold your passport as well as foreign currency.

The Details: Leather | Fits most smartphones | 10 card slots

Best Crossbody

Bandolier mila magsafe charging crossbody.

Bandolier Mila

This timeless, minimalist design is an easy replacement for a purse.

Bandolier has limited options for Androids.

Bandolier’s high quality pebble leather designs always put style at the forefront and turns your phone into a beautiful accessory on its own. The Mila MagSafe Charging Crossbody combines a phone case with the luxury handbag feel, giving you the option to be conveniently hands-free. The crossbody design makes this style convenient for travel days spent exploring or day-to-day errands. The snap cover compartment hides your cards so they’re not on full display — like when you may put your phone down at a restaurant. The two-slot card holder is a great upgrade for you to separate identification cards and bank cards or hotel room keys. Best of all, this design is compatible with MagSafe charging.

The Details: Leather | Fits most iPhones  | 2 slots to fit 4 cards

Best Standing

Journey ezmo magsafe wallet & phone stand.

 We love that it doubles as a stand.

It doesn’t come with a case, so consider this if you’re also looking for protection for your phone.

The classic leather cardholder gets a tech upgrade with the Journey Ezmo wallet and phone stand. Lightweight and easy to use, this stand is made with high-quality vegan leather that magnetically attaches to your phone. If you prefer to use your phone sans a case and let the sleek design of your phone do the talking, then this wallet is for you. It’s sturdy, but doesn’t take up too much real estate. This case also has RFID protection for your cards. The slim, streamlined design is compatible with iPhone 12 models and newer. To make it compatible with an older iPhone or an Android, you can simply attach a magnet ring. While this doesn’t come with a phone case, it can be used with a MagSafe case of any brand. 

The Details: Vegan leather | iPhone 12 to iPhone 15 | 2 card slots

Tips for Buying a Phone Wallet

Know what size will fit your device.

Some phone wallets attach to your phone case while others are a part of your case. Know the size and model of your device, or actual dimensions so that the phone wallet will fit. Some designs are only compatible with iPhones due to charging and magnetism, so make sure the style you’re selecting is compatible with the model you have.

Choose the best style and capacity for your needs

Is your wallet bursting at the seams? Well, a phone wallet might be an adjustment – albeit a welcome one – for you. Alternatively, you might be a minimalist who just carries around a couple of important bank cards. What are you using the phone wallet for? Consider if it’s serving as a replacement for your purse or travel bag (in which case you might want a wristlet) or just supplementing your purse or tote. Maybe you might want a folio that could fit your passport as well. If you’re carrying the phone wallet in another purse, consider what style and design will suit your needs.

Prioritize durability and added protection

Not all phone wallets come with cases, so if you want added protection for your phone, a case is a necessary add-on. Decide if you will be attaching your phone wallet to a case you already have, and if so, make sure it will stick to the case's material. 

A phone wallet attaches to your phone via a magnet or adhesive, and can attach directly to the phone itself or to a phone case. A phone wallet case is a phone case that has the addition of card slots to place bank cards, identification cards, or cash. A mobile wallet is the digitized wallet system of your bank cards, grocery cards, airline or train tickets etc, uploaded into the wallet app on your smartphone.

Depending on the size of the phone wallet, you can use it for identification, credit cards, business cards or even folded bills! Leave room for a RFID-blocking card if security is a concern, since not all phone wallets come with this feature.

Not all phone wallets are MagSafe and compatible with wireless chargers. Read the specifications before purchasing. Some phone wallets require you to remove your cards to charge, or remove the case. Others work seamlessly with wireless charging. If easy charging is a priority to you as you’re traveling and on the go, be sure you’re getting one compatible with wireless charging.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

To curate this list of phone wallets, T+L contributor Nneya Richards used her experience in fashion and accessories, as well as her vast travel experience, to compile research for this article.

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Best Travel Kit Bags for iPhone and iPad in 2024

Things like Bluetooth headphones, a robust power bank, and my iPhone are must-have things that I like keeping just a glance away when I’m traveling. I prefer a trendy bag to carry them a bit more comfortably, especially those that make the best of both worlds! Having explored numerous options, I’ve handpicked the best iPhone and iPad travel kit bags to offer you great peace of mind. And, of course, they will also keep your style statement on the charge!

Crafted with top-grade oxford fabric, Elvoes is an adorable travel bag. With a double layer, the bag offers the needed protection to your devices from minor drops. Besides, it’s also waterproof to ensure your devices are fully protected in case you are caught in the rain.

It has six elastic slots with short elastic topped mesh pockets to let you store cord, cables, and headphones securely. Velcro flap closure offers more flexibility. Moreover, there is a second zippered compartment with two elastic topped mesh pockets to let you keep the phone and charging accessories.

USP: 6 elastic slots Check out on Amazon

If you are fond of the classic design, go for Tomtoc. It’s an ideal companion for 10.5-inch iPad Pro. The sleeve is carved out of the high-grade fleece material.

Shock-absorbing padding ensures your devices have the necessary safeguard from drops. With the magnetic closures, all of your gadgets are safely inside the bag. Beyond security, Tomtoc comes in five color options: black, pink, grey, orange and green.

USP: Shock-absorbing padding Check out on Amazon

What makes TOURIT an appreciable travel bag are a simple design and the ability to take care of all of your needs. Endowed with the thickly padded sections, the bag is strong enough to absorb shock and also resist scratch.

Multiple compartments let you securely keep your iPad, iPhone, and other small items. There are side mesh pockets wherein you can keep your water bottles.

Made of top-quality waterproof material, it’s readied to be your premium travel bag. That’s not all, TOURIT is available in three attractive colors: black, blue and light blue.

USP: Large dual backpack with cooler Check out on Amazon

4. BAGSMART

BAGSMART features a more practical design that makes it a handy asset for your travel. Made of high-quality fabric, the bag is designed to offer the required shield to your devices.

It has two longer and two shorter velcro divider that helps you customize the compartment. Spacious pockets allow you to safely store iPhone, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, batteries, chargers, USB cord, external hard drives, SD cards, electrical adaptors, and DSLR lens.

Double zipper opening lets you easily access your gadgets. Lastly, BAGSMART is available in three colors: black, blue and grey.

USP: Two longer and two shorter velcro divider Check out on Amazon

Exhibiting vintage look, Katloo is a top-quality women bag. High-grade PU leather coupled with neat workmanship has further enriched its profile.

With this, you can carry your iPhone, headphones, chargers, and cash with complete peace of mind. It also has slots for cash and keys.

The bag has two compartments along with a zipper pouch on the back to keep all of your items securely. Thanks to an adjustable shoulder strap, you have the desired comfort to carry your gadgets.

USP: High-grade PU leather Check out on Amazon

6. ATailorBird

ATailorBird sports a functional design, which you would love to use during your long travel. The large double layer zipper-closed pockets allow you to keep the various device like iPhone, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, memory cards, flash hard drive and more.

While the top compartment feature as many as twelve elastic loops and five mesh pockets, the bottom one has an ultra-large mesh pocket for keeping the iPad. The bag is fortified to withstand impact and waterproof. Moreover, ATailorBird is backed by a solid 18-month warranty.

USP: Twelve elastic loops Check out on Amazon

Sporting a refined look, Ranboo is fully geared up to be your endearing travel companion. It has three main compartments, one main top zip pocket, one smaller zipper pocket and one front pocket with flap.

Removable metal carabiner securely clips to a belt loop, allowing you to remain worry-free about your valuables. There is also a detachable shoulder strap to let you carry the bag a bit more comfortably. Additionally, it also has a small pocket to allow you to store your pen.

USP: Removable metal carabiner Check out on Amazon

8. BUBM Travel Accessories Organizer

This high capacity tech organizer has two compartments with multiple elastic loops and pockets to store your various electronic gears, like charger, cables, earphones, hard disk, memory cards, and other devices. It includes a padded pouch for your iPhone or iPad of up to 9.7 inches.

Further, it keeps all your cables organized too. It is made of heavy-duty, durable, and waterproof fabric. A well-padded semi-flexible interior offers excellent protection for your gear. Choose from six beautiful color options, including pink, blue, and grey.

USP: Heavy duty waterproof material Check out on Amazon

If you have a penchant for high-quality leather bags, you would undoubtedly find Hengwin a top pick. It is made of genuine leather and features pretty smooth polyester fiber interior to protect your devices.

It has five compartments to store all of your gadgets. Magnetic closure pocket is convenient in letting you keep small items. The detachable strap gives you the liberty to stay at the top of your mood without being worried about your stuff. There is also a detachable carabiner that you can clip to your belt loop.

USP: Smooth polyester fiber interior Check out on Amazon

A leather shoulder bag is looking as gorgeous as YaJaMa deserves your serious attention. Top-quality PU leather with smooth exterior further enriches its appearance.

The bag features a large compartment to let you keep your iPhone X or even iPhone 8 Plus. You can also store your credit cards and cash inside the interior slots. Based on your comfort level, you will be able to fine-tune the strap. That’s not all; YaJaMa comes in four colors: blue, red, black and brown.

USP: Fashionable design Check out on Amazon

That’s all, for now!

What’s your favorite?

Which one of these iPhone and iPad Travel Kit Bags lucky? Don’t fail to let us know your pick in the comments.

You might want to refer these posts as well:

• Best Kitchen Gadgets
• Best Wallet Cases for iPhone
• Military-grade Cases for iPhone
• Best Leather Cases for iPhone

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The best iPhone 15 cases [2024 Update #3 – Second Action Button, more]

Our latest roundup of the best iPhone 15 cases is now ready to move into 2024 with all of the newest releases. While the FineWoven covers certainly weren’t as popular as Apple would have hoped, there are plenty of notable options from other brands stepping up to offer everything from thin minimalism to luxurious genuine leather and everything in between. We have now updated this roundup with some new brands as well as additional releases that have cropped up over the last month or so. Head below for a closer look at the best iPhone 15 cases for 2024. 

The best iPhone 15 cases

Update 20/4/24: Our ongoing collection of the best iPhone 15 cases is seeing a couple new notable additions today. After featuring the wonderful SANDMARC Minimal Leather models starting  from  $40.50  using our exclusive discount code – 9TO5TOYS  – and taking a look at MUJJO’s Maize Case (one of the best leather alternatives out there), today’s entries are headlined by the new Burton Goods full-grain leather MagSafe iPhone 15 case . We featured the brand’s 2-piece model that combines an inner leather case that magnetically attaches to the outer folio wallet-style cover – a model we have since gone hands-on with and loved every second of it, but the brand has also now delivered a more streamlined, affordable, and traditional offering. 

The new Burton Goods leather MagSafe iPhone 15 case is certainly something worth taking a look at for folks into the full grain leather treatment and you can use our exclusive discount code to score one down at $31.96 . Just remember to apply code 9to5mac20 at checkout. 

Another notable new option comes by way of the far more novel and tech-driven experience on the BANG!CASE . Currently available with an early bird discount at 20% off, the BANG!CASE is an iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max solution that features a semi-translucent design, subtle onboard LED lighting, MagSafe, and magnetic charging to support the additional Action Button it brings to iPhone 15. We have tested these features out in person and they work well, offering single, double, and long-press functionality to a second Action Button of sorts you can customize to do just about anything the actual Action Button can do. All of the details you need are right here . 

• Burton Goods’ gorgeous leather MagSafe iPhone Pocket Book
• Is MUJJO’s iPhone 15 MaizCase the best leather alternative yet?
• Hands-on with MUJJO’s genuine leather and microfiber MagSafe wallet
• Nomad x Peak Design adventure-ready Rugged iPhone 15 Case

Apple iPhone 15 cases

This year’s collection of covers from Apple has arrived with some fresh new designs to top our list of the best iPhone 15 cases. Many folks swear by the first-party offerings, and this year’s collection has now arrived in full force. Let’s call it more than just rumors of Apple moving away from leather offerings came true, and now a more environmentally-friendly FineWoven textile sits in its place – the Apple FineWoven iPhone 15 cases are starting to appear on Amazon alongside the matching FineWoven MagSafe wallets .

Apple describes the FineWoven treatment as a durable microtwill with a “soft, suede-like feel…designed with the earth in mind.” It is made from 68% post-consumer recycled materials and “significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to leather.”

This year’s offerings breakdown as follows:

Update: All of the new Apple’s iPhone 15 cases are now available for purchase on Amazon .

• iPhone 15 Silicone Case $49
• iPhone 15 Clear Case $49
• iPhone 15 FineWoven Case $59
• iPhone 15 Pro Silicone Case $49
• iPhone 15 Pro Clear Case $49
• iPhone 15 Pro FineWoven Case $59
• iPhone 15 Pro Max Silicone Case $49
• iPhone 15 Pro Max Clear Case $49
• iPhone 15 Pro Max Plus FineWoven Case $59
• iPhone 15 Plus Silicone Case $49
• iPhone 15 Plus Clear Case $49
• iPhone 15 Plus FineWoven Case $59

Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe $59

Featured: Totallee

Totallee’s lineup of iPhone 15 cases is among the best barely-there, minimalist options you’ll find. They’re available in two versions: a super thin case for those who don’t like bulky cases and a completely clear case that shows off your iPhone.

• Totallee Super Thin iPhone 15 cases $39
• Totallee Super Thin iPhone 15 Plus cases $39
• Totallee Super Thin iPhone 15 Pro cases $39
• Totallee Super Thin iPhone 15 Pro Max cases $39
• Totallee Clear Grip iPhone 15 cases $39
• Totallee Clear Grip iPhone 15 Plus cases $39
• Totallee Clear Grip iPhone 15 Pro cases $39
• Totallee Clear Grip iPhone 15 Pro Max cases $39

Featured: dbrand

dbrand and its Grip case have returned to protect your iPhone 15 in bespoke style alongside its interchangeable skins and its Glass screen protectors. This year, dbrand is also serving up its new Ghost clear case to show off your new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro X handset – not only does the brand guarantee it will not yellow on you for the lifetime of your device, but it also features its strongest magnets yet while adding only 1.2mm in thickness to the carrying experience.

• dbrand iPhone 15 Pro Ghost Case $50
• dbrand iPhone 15 Pro Max Ghost Case $50
• And the rest of the collection …

Featured: SUPCASE and i-BLASON

Over at Amazon, all of the SUPCASE iPhone 15 cases are available at 15% off for 9to5Mac readers using code 159TO5MAC at checkout.

The new iPhone 15 edition of the award-winning SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle PRO is ready for purchase . It features a back casing and a front frame to create a protective seal around the edges alongside bezels to safeguard the camera array and display. Other features include texturized edges, clicky buttons, and the ever-important port cover to block dust, dirt, and moisture. The wireless charge-compatible UB Pro also includes a built-in screen protector, a kickstand with three unique viewing angles that doubles as a ring holder, and a free rotating belt clip holster.

• SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle PRO from $25

On the i-Blason side of things, we are featuring the Ares Mag – a 2-piece case made of shock-absorbing TPU and unbending polycarbonate with a built-in screen protector, raised edges, and 20-foot drop protection alongside another notable port cover. New colors this year include Grey, Navy, White, Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Seafoam.

• i-Blason Ares Mag from $25

Spigen iMac G3 iPhone 15 cases

• Spigen iPhone 15 Pro iMac C1 MagFit Case  $24  (Reg. $30)
• Using code helloagain20
• Spigen iPhone 15 Pro Max iMac C1 MagFit Case  $24  (Reg. $30)

More details at 9to5Toys : Spigen’s iMac G3-inspired translucent MagSafe iPhone 15 cases debut today at 20% off

Hands-on review: Hands-on with Spigen’s translucent vintage iMac-style iPhone 15 MagSafe case

The best iPhone 15 cases from Spigen

Spigen’s value-packed covers are an easy choice for our roundup of the best iPhone 15 cases, and its latest models are now available from $14 Prime shipped . 

• Ultra Hybrid MagFit from $21
• iPhone 15 , 15 Plus , 15 Pro , 15 Pro Max
• Mag Armor MagFit from $20
• Tough Armor MagFit from $26
• Spigen iPhone 15 cases Optik Armor MagFit from $26
• Liquid Air Armor from $15
• Liquid Crystal from $14
• Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Tempered Glass Screen Protector from $17 
• iPhone 15 , iPhone 15 Pro , and iPhone 15 Pro Max 

Spigen’s new Enzo iPhone 15 case features bulletproof Armarid and diamond-cut metal accents at $38

More details at 9to5Toys : Spigen’s iPhone 15 case collection is now live with new models and prices starting from $14

Hands-on review: Spigen returns with some of the best bang for your buck iPhone 15 cases in 2023

SANDMARC – Best Leather iPhone 15 Cases

Apple might not have made one this year, but the SANDMARC Leather iPhone cases have arrived . Anyone who knows any of my previous case coverage knows how much I love these things – they are easily my favorite , and they are now here for Apple’s pro models alongside the rubber models.

Best of all 9to5 readers can use our exclusive 9TO5TOYS code at checkout to score 10% off – these cases almost never go on sale otherwise:

• SANDMARC Pro Leather iPhone 15 Case $45 (Reg. $50)
• SANDMARC Pro iPhone 15 Case $45 (Reg. $50)

SANDMARC debuts new leather MagSafe wallet alongside iPhone 15 cases [Exclusive deal]

More details at 9to5Toys : SANDMARC’s gorgeous leather iPhone 15 cases are here, plus more from $36 [Exclusive deal]

Hands-on review: SANDMARC’s metal and leather iPhone 15 cases – my personal favorite option [Deal]

MUJJO’s best iPhone 15 cases 

MUJJO is landing in our roundup of the best iPhone 15 cases this year with its usual Full Leather and Leather Wallet models (alongside a burgundy colorway), but the brand has also introduced a new Shield Case featuring ImpactCore technology, 5-meter drop protection, and more.

All-new MUJJO iPhone 15 Shield Case $59

iPhone 15 , iPhone 15 Plus , iPhone 15 Pro , and iPhone 15 Max

• ImpactCore technology provides unrivaled shock absorption
• Vegetable-tanned leather ages beautifully
• Luxurious Japanese microfibre lining provides a satin-like finish 

MUJJO Full Leather and Leather Wallet iPhone 15 Case $49 – $59

• Wrapped leather or machined-metal rear camera bump protects lenses
• New burgundy colorway

MUJJO updates its leather MagSafe wallet lineup with new colorways for iPhone 15

More details at 9to5Toys : MUJJO’s iPhone 15 case collection arrives with brand new leather Shield model and more

Hands-on review: MUJJO wraps your iPhone 15 completely in genuine leather with clicky metal buttons

Introducing Burton Goods (formerly Pad & Quill)

Pad & Quill has sadly shut its doors for good, but the owner of the brand has started bigger and better things with the launch of Burton Goods . Continuing the tradition of handcrafted leather work, the brand delivers a range of gorgeous leather MacBook covers , Apple Watch straps , and, of course, iPhone 15 cases . Burton has now launched its new Modern Pocket Book Wallet case for Apple’s latest handsets (as well as iPhone 13 and 14 models) at $99.95, but you can land a 20% grand opening deal in the cart right now. 

Burton Goods Modern Pocket Book Wallet case $80 (Reg. $100)

More details at 9to5Toys : Pad & Quill re-launches as Burton Goods with new handmade leather Apple accessories

Harber London Leather iPhone 15 sleeves

Harber London’s gorgeous new iPhone 15 sleeves have arrived. They are handmade of premium full grain leather and 100% wool felt sourced in a renewable and eco-friendly manner. And be sure to scope out our reviews of the brand’s City and Office MacBook backpacks (they are among some of the best I have ever tested out).

• Slim Pull Sleeve Case $75
• Magnetic Envelope Sleeve For iPhone $75
• Slim Leather Smartphone Sleeve Case $62
• Classic – Leather Smartphone Sleeve Wallet $62  

More details at 9to5Toys : Harber London’s gorgeous new handmade iPhone 15 leather sleeves with magnetic closures

Hands-on review: Harber London’s leather iPhone 15 covers are utterly gorgeous

The CASETiFY iPhone 15 , 15 Plus , 15 Pro , and 15 Pro Max cases are now live, including all of its usual staple form-factors, loads of different customizable designs, and more. You’ll also want to check out its Spider-Man cases (hands-on review here ) and other newer Co-Labs variants that are also available for iPhone 15 as well. 

• CASETiFY Bounce Series $90
• CASETiFY Impact Series $70
• CASETiFY Leather Series $70
• CASETiFY Mirror Series $70

More details at 9to5Toys : CASETiFY debuts new Jujutsu Kaisen iPhone 15 cases, Prison Realm AirPods Pro case, more

More details at 9to5Toys : CASETiFY launches new Ultra Bounce and Impact Ring Stand cases for iPhone 15

Hands-on review: Hands-on with CASETiFY’s wicked new official Disney Villain iPhone 15 cases

Caudabe’s best iPhone 15 cases

• Caudabe iPhone 15 Sheath $40
• Caudabe iPhone 15 Synthesis $40
• Caudabe iPhone 15 Lucid Clear $37
• Caudabe iPhone 15 Veil $33

More details at 9to5Toys : Caudabe’s ShockLite iPhone 15 cases with FREE Action button cover upgrades are here

Alto custom wood iPhone 15 cases with laser engraving

Alto’s new collection of custom wood iPhone 15 cases is now ready for shipping. This is a small family operation we explored for the first time last year, coming away impressed with its unique approach to handcrafting natural wood iPhone 15 cases with custom laser engraving. This year, it is introducing a series of new pre-made designs as well as new finishes and exotic woods for those looking to make use of its made-to-order online customization setup. You can get more details here, and be sure to apply the code below to score our exclusive discount:

Regularly ranging in price from $36 to $57, all 9to5 readers can score 10% off  (just about) everything on the site using code  9TO5MAC  at checkout right now – the discount might automatically apply when you follow this link .

More details at 9to5Toys : Create your own exotic wood iPhone 15 case with Alto’s unique laser engraving [Exclusive deal]

Hands-on review: Hands-on with Alto’s exotic wooden iPhone 15 cases and laser-engraving

Twelve South

The new Twelve South leather BookBook Cases for all of Apple’s new iPhone 15 models has now arrived at $69.99 shipped in both black and brown. A MagSafe-compatible inner shell is wrapped with a wallet and viewing stand-ready folio cover:

• Premium leather, all-in-one iPhone case, wallet and viewing stand
• Fully removable MagSafe compatible iPhone shell
• Built-in protective pocket for Apple Card or ID
• Magnetic tab keeps phone and wallet closed

More details on 9to5Toys: Twelve South refreshes signature leather BookBook cases for iPhone 15 series, pre-order now

The new Journey vegan leather iPhone 15 cases are now up at $23.99 using code SAVE20 at checkout, down from the regular $30. They will begin shipping on October 2, 2023. 

• Super slim profile with rounded edges
• Wrapped in premium vegan leather  
• Smooth finish that is soft to the touch
• Polycarbonate core to provide everyday protection  
• Precise cut outs for ease of use
• Soft microfiber lining to protect phone from any scratches  
• Compatible with MagSafe & Qi Charging  
• 2-year warranty

More details on 9to5Toys: New Journey vegan leather MagSafe iPhone 15 cases now live with 20% launch deals

Peak Design fabric iPhone 15 case

The 2023 Peak Design Everyday fabric iPhone 15 case includes the standard model and the Loop Case with a small finger grip alongside both MagSafe compatibility and Slimlink mounting technology for an extra secure connection to the brand’s range of accessories. It is a personal pick for one of the best iPhone 15 cases out there, and this year we are getting three new colorways – sun yellow, redwood, and midnight blue – joining the usual charcoal and sage.

• Peak Design Everyday iPhone 15 Case $50
• Peak Design Everyday iPhone 15 Loop Case $60

More details at 9to5Toys : Peak Design teams up with Nomad on new 100% recycled nylon canvas iPhone 15 case

More details at 9to5Toys : Peak Design unleashes its new fabric-wrapped iPhone 15 case with 3 new colors

Hands-on review: Peak Design’s Action Button-less fabric iPhone 15 cases + FREE store credit program

The OtterBox iPhone 15 , iPhone 15 Plus , iPhone 15 Pro , and iPhone Pro Max cases are now live. 

• Defender Series Pro $65
• Symmetry Series for MagSafe $50
• OtterGrip Symmetry Series for MagSafe $60
• Symmetry Series Clear for MagSafe $50
• And much more …

Hands-on review: OtterBox’s new Figura iPhone 15 cases delight with watercolor-inspired designs

• Modern Standard Leather  $50
• Modern Horween Leather  $70
• Modern Standard Leather Folio  $60
• Horween Leather Folio  $80

More details at 9to5Toys : Nomad fills in for Apple with new leather iPhone 15 cases, plus refreshed Sport and Rugged covers

Hands-on review: Nomad’s new iPhone 15 leather cases remain the best on the market

Incipio’s best iPhone 15 cases 

• This new release comes with your choice of a leather, textile, or camo inlay…lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, this model also sports ultra responsive press-fit buttons, intentionally raised edges, a form-fitting silhouette made with antimicrobial materials, and a MagSafe design. 
• Forme for MagSafe Collection $50
• AeroGrip for MagSafe $60
• Grip from $45
• Duo/Duo MagSafe from $35

Hands-on review: A closer look at the perforated leather and canvas Incipio cru iPhone 15 cases

More details at 9to5Toys : Incipio has its own MagSafe fine woven iPhone 15 case too, check it out here

Select models in the new Caseology iPhone 15 case collection will indeed drop an additional 10% at checkout via the official Amazon storefront. 

• Caseology Athlex from $10
• iPhone 15 , iPhone 15 Plus , iPhone 15 Pro , iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Caseology Nano Pop Mag $19
• Caseology Parallax Mag $19

More details at 9to5Toys : Caseology’s new iPhone 15 cases launch with unique paneled design and deals from just $10

Hands-on review: Caseology delivers affordable iPhone 15 cases worth your time starting from just $10

Among our favorite manufacturers out there, Moment is back with its latest collection . The Moment iPhone 15 cases deliver some of the best options on the market, especially when it comes to photography-focused offerings . 

Moment iPhone 15 cases for $49.99 in several colors

More details at 9to5Toys : Moment refreshes popular MagSafe photography case for iPhone 15 series handsets

Hands-on review: Moment’s new iPhone 15 cases deliver a near-perfect iPhoneography companion

• Premium Silicone Case [20 Colors] $15
• iPhone 15 , iPhone Plus , iPhone 15 Pro , and iPhone 15 Pro Max
• MagSafe Hybrid Clear Case $19
• MagSafe Armor Case $19
• MagSafe Glide Case $24
• MagSafe Silicone Case $21
• Hybrid Clear Case  $13

More details at 9to5Toys : elago’s liquid silicone cases wrap your iPhone 15 in 20 different colors from under $13 [Deal]

• Pelican iPhone 15 Ranger case from $15
• Pelican Protector iPhone 15 case from $45 (Reg. $50)
• Pelican iPhone 15 Shield Carbon case $63 (Reg. $70)
• Pelican iPhone 15 Shield Brushed Aluminum case from $63 (Reg. $70)
• Pelican iPhone 15 Voyager case from $63 (Reg. $70)

More details on 9to5Toys: New Pelican iPhone 15 cases arrive with launch deals from $15: Brushed aluminum, and more

• iPhone 15 Gripmunk Compatible with MagSafe $20
• iPhone 15 Gripzilla Compatible with MagSafe from $30
• iPhone 15 Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 from $25
• Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 from $30

More details at 9to5Toys : Smartish iPhone 15 cases arrive alongside new Side Hustle Vegan Leather MagSafe Wallet

Velvet Caviar – 25% off

Velvet Caviar is offering 9to5 readers 25% off its entire collection of new iPhone 15 cases, from metallic prints to adorable characters, vibrant patterns, and faux croc skin. Use code 9to5Mac at checkout to redeem the deals. 

• Velvet Caviar iPhone 15 cases 25% off
• Velvet Caviar iPhone 15 Plus cases 25% off
• Velvet Caviar iPhone 15 Pro cases 25% off
• Velvet Caviar iPhone 15 Pro Max cases 25% off

ZAGG is launching an extensive new new lineup of cases for iPhone 15. You’ll find 12 distinct MagSafe models to cover Apple’s latest handset across the company’s latest collection :

• Everest Snap Case $70
• Denali Snap Case $60
• Santa Cruz Snap $50
• Santa Cruz Snap with Kickstand $55
• London Snap $50
• Manhattan Snap $50
• Milan Snap $50
• Crystal Palace from $40

More details at 9to5Toys : ZAGG iPhone 15 MagSafe cases debut in 12 different styles

UAG iPhone 15 cases

• URBAN ARMOR GEAR Civilian $60
• URBAN ARMOR GEAR Monarch Pro $80
• URBAN ARMOR GEAR Metropolis LT Kevlar $65
• URBAN ARMOR GEAR Monarch Pro Kevlar $100
• And even more …

Hands-on review: UAG’s latest protective cases bring the armored military vibes to iPhone 15

More details at 9to5Toys : UAG’s new ultraprotective and Kevlar woven military-style iPhone 15 cases have landed

• Experience unparalleled protection with AiroShock.
• Get your phone case MagSafe ready. Our strong magnetic connection means optimized and fast wireless charging, plus full compatibility with MagSafe accessories.
• Say goodbye to unsightly yellow stains
• This MagSafe compatible case has raised edges around the screen & camera.

More details at 9to5Toys : Mous ultra-protective wood/leather iPhone 15 cases, without all of the bulk, are now live

• All Ringke Clear Fusion iPhone 15 cases now available at 50% off
• All Ringke Fusion Bold iPhone 15 cases now available at 40% off
• All Ringke Onyx Bold iPhone 15 cases now available at 40% off
• All Ringke Fusion Matte iPhone 15 cases now available at 30% off
• All Ringke Fusion-X iPhone 15 cases now available at 30% off

More details at 9to5Toys : Ringke’s new iPhone 15 cases now up to 50% off with deals from just $6 Prime shipped

• TORRAS Guardian Mag from $25 (Reg. $30+)
• iPhone 15 , 15 Plus . 15 Pro , 15 Pro Max
• TORRAS Origin-Fit Mag from $21 (Reg. $24+)
• TORRAS Sparka-Mag Clear Case from $28 (Reg. $33+)
• TORRAS Ostand R Series from $35 (Reg. $40) 

Bellroy leather iPhone 15 cases

The new Bellroy iPhone 15 leather cases have arrived with “premium hides tanned under gold-rated Leather Working Group environmental protocols.”

• iPhone 15 Phone Case from $55
• iPhone 15 Mod Phone Case + Wallet from $99
• iPhone 15 Phone Case – 3 Card from $69

More details at 9to5Toys : Bellroy leather iPhone 15 cases arrive to replace Apple’s with new slim/wallet models

Hands-on review:  Bellroy makes nice leather iPhone 15 cases, but you’ll have to wait for the Action Button cover

Arc Bumper Case

Arc Pulse iPhone 15 cases:

• Matte Black: $65 
• Mirror Polish Silver: $90
• Titan Gray: $90
• Deep Blue: $100
• Mirror Polish Gold: $120

More details on 9to5Toys: Arc debuts new minimalist Pulse aluminum bumper cases for iPhone 15 series

Hands-on review: I spent 2 months exclusively using Arc’s minimalist iPhone 15 Pro aluminum bumper case

CYRILL iPhone 15 cases

• UltraSheer Mag iPhone 15 case $25.50 (Reg. $27)
• Kajuk Mag iPhone 15 case $25.50 (Reg. $27)
• Classic Charm Mag iPhone 15 case $28.50 (Reg. $30)
• Cecile/Cecile Mag iPhone 15 case from $22 (Reg. up to $30)
• And even more…

More details on 9to5Toys: New vegan leather MagSafe CYRILL iPhone 15 cases arrive with launch deals from $22

Casely x Beatles iPhone 15 cases and MagSafe gear [Exclusive 30% off]

The new official Casely x The Beatles collection has arrived . Featuring a series of designs wrapped around the brand’s latest Bold and MagSafe iPhone cases, Casely has also brought The Beatles treatment to its MagSafe power banks and AirPods cases as well. All of the details you need are right here and remember to use code 9TO5MAC30 at checkout to score 30% off. 

Casely x Beatles cases from $24.50 (Reg. $35+)

More details at 9to5Toys : Official Casely x Beatles iPhone 15 cases and MagSafe gear launch today [Exclusive 30% off]

Exclusive deals on Casely iPhone 15 cases

The Casely collection is live with both standard and MagSafe model featuring Instagram-worthy designs, vibrant patterns, and themed options featuring famous  licensed works of classic art. Apply our exclusive  9TO5MAC30  promo code at checkout instead to knock a  solid  30% off  your order to score the best deals you’ll find anywhere on its latest  cases starting from  $24.50 . 

More details on 9to5Toys: 9to5 readers can score an exclusive 30% off the new Casely iPhone 15 cases today

Top comment by Tudor

I hate it when I accidentally shoot my iPhone, and would love a case to prevent this from happening.

The new PopSockets iPhone 15 grip cases with MagSafe are now  up for purchase  via Amazon from  $40 shipped . Browse through all of the various color options  right here and get more details at 9to5Toys . 

More details on 9to5Toys: Get a better grip on iPhone 15 with new PopSockets cases starting from $40, more

iPhone 15 Screen Protectors

• 2-Pack Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Tempered Glass Screen Protector from $17 
• 3-Pack Ailun Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 15/15 Pro $7
• iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro
• 3-Pack ESR Armorite Screen Protector Set from $20
• Incl 1-pack camera lens protector
• ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ iPhone 15 Pro Screen $25
• ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 iPhone 15 Pro $60
• ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite iPhone 15 Pro $35 (Reg. $40)
• ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite Anti-Glare iPhone 15 Pro $45
• ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy 360 iPhone 15 Pro $60
• ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 iPhone 15 $60
• ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy 360 iPhone 15 $60
• ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ iPhone 15 $25

More on 9to5toys : iPhone 15 screen protector deals: 4-pack $6.50, ZAGG InvisibleShield $35, Spigen, much more

Updating…more on the way shortly

Well, everyone has different needs and tastes here, whether that be an ultra-protective offering or something in the barley there category. After years and years of testing out cases for Apple’s iPhone each year, we are pretty confident in the picks found above, to say the least. This roundup of the best iPhone 15 cases is a great place to start, alongside the launch coverage for several of the best brands over at 9to5Toys and the plethora of hands-on reviews we will begin to publish once Apple has shipped out the new iPhone 15 models.

Well, some folks try to jam last year’s case onto the new devices. It’s something I tend to recommend avoiding if possible, but it will work in some cases. The size of the handsets is rarely exactly the same, but it appears as though the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models are quite close this year, while the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have shifted in size a little bit. The USB-C port will presumably change things up a little bit as well. You can find more details here .

Easy… 9to5Toys . We will be publishing price drops from all the best brands the second they go live, alongside some exclusive deals just for 9to5 readers. In fact, you’ll already find some launch deals available in our roundup of the best iPhone 15 cases above.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Justin is a senior editor covering all things music for 9to5Mac, including our weekly Logic Pros series exploring music production on Mac and iOS devices. Justin is an audio engineer/producer with over 10 years experience in the music industry.

Justin Kahn's favorite gear

PXN MFi game controller

Akai MPK USB MIDI Keyboard

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

6 Best Waterproof Phone Cases That'll Keep Your Device Safe

Your entire life is on this thing, it deserves quality protection.

Best Waterproof Phone Case Overall

Otterbox frē with magsafe.

The Budget Solution

Joto waterproof phone pouch.

Best Minimalist Waterproof Phone Case

Temdan waterproof case.

Best Lookinng Waterproof Pouch

Case-mate waterproof phone pouch.

Best Underwater Camera Phone Case

Sealife underwater smartphone scuba case.

Best Floating Waterproof Phone Case

Case-mate pelican marine.

That all changed when we moved to Florida. I didn't become a full-on outdoorsman — hiking , camping , and fishing—but I quickly realized that sand can be really bad for the little supercomputer that runs my life and lives in my pocket. As such, before a recent beach trip, I did quite a bit of research on which waterproof phone case would survive the sun and surf the best. I'm still a bit dubious on the necessity of phone cases in daily life. Go caseless for a week, and see what I mean. That said, you definitely need one before going out on any sort of watery adventure. These are the six best waterproof phone cases that I've found.

Here at Esquire, our philosophy towards waterproof cases goes something like this: If you don't have to remember to specifically use it, you're far less likely to forget it.

Intended for everyday use, the Otterbox FRĒ will protect your phone from drops, debris, and other such hazards, but it's also IP68 certified, too. That means that it can survive immersion in up 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, which makes it suitable for many settings, like the beach or a boat trip.

However, if you're doing truly heavy-duty water sports where you're not just worried about it getting wet, but also keeping it on your person, it's probably best to pack a dedicated pouch-style case as well.

Compatibility: iPhone 11-15

If you're looking for a waterproof case option that works and doesn't break the bank, these basic JOTO waterproof pouches will get the job done. They're large and universal, which means they almost certainly will work with your phone models.

I personally used one of these JOTO phone cases on a snorkeling trip with a friend, and it worked quite well, even for (rudimentary) underwater photos. Plus, the strap helps if you're underwater or doing any sort of water sports, as it keeps it on your person. Some customers report that these pouches tend to rip and tear with use, but consider the price. Getting your money's worth on a $9 case doesn't take much.

Let's be honest, no truly waterproof phone case is going to be as minimal as your slim day-to-day phone case, but this Temdan case comes pretty close. Not only is it totally see-through, it has a number of color options to match your phone's back.

Though it's not as waterproof, nor as universal, as a pouch, this everyday case is suitable for shallow water and casual underwater photography. Unfortunately, we couldn't find a version of it for the Google Pixel series, but if you use a Samsung or an iPhone, it's got you covered.

A lot of phone cases can be quite drab, and waterproof cases lean into that tactical guy aesthetics. It's tough to find one that just looks nondescript.

The black-and-white Case-Mate might be simple, but its clean design suits a wide variety of phone colors, and it stands out on this list. If you aren't into monochrome looks, it comes in a few other shades, like a fetching green-and-teal number. Most importantly, it's a waterproof phone pouch that will actually keep your phone dry and let you shoot some underwater photos. Plus, you'll look good doing it, too.

Most of the phone cases on this list are suitable for casual or limited underwater photography, but if you want to take your phone deep down with you with scuba gear, this is the case to get. It includes pressure and moisture alarms to let you know if the seal isn't good, as well as tactile buttons for zooming and changing your phone's camera mode.

Yes, it is very expensive for a phone case, and yes, it's a specific use. That said, what else do you really need a waterproof case for? All the modern phone models are mildly waterproof. What you need a case for is getting underwater and getting content.

So, yes, this is a premium product that demands a premium price. Most of the cases on the market that advertise themselves as being suitable for underwater photography tend to leak and not work well in actual water conditions, according to consumer reviews—this is one that actually gets the job done.

The true function-over-form choice for watersports enthusiasts, fishermen, and anybody that's over a body of water is this the Pelican Marine pouch from Case-Mate. It's a no-nonsense waterproof phone pouch that's designed by Pelican and sold by Case-Mate. It's made for heavy-duty conditions. It has built-in air cushions to help even the biggest phones float, and its high-visibility yellow lanyard will help you spot it amongst any color water you find yourself in.

Customer reviews report that it's also quite good for underwater photography, but some with larger phones—like the Google Pixel 8 Pro—say that it doesn't fit that well. It's more expensive than budget options, but if you know you need something that'll last, you should strongly consider it.

Tips for Buying a Waterproof Phone Case

Think about style - Are you looking for a waterproof phone case that will serve as your daily carry case, or are you in the market for a pouch-style case that you'll need to remember to bring with you? Both case styles have their relative merits, but if you're doing anything where you know you will get wet, we recommend bringing at least a few pouch-style cases.

Phone dimensions/compatibility - The most important thing about buying a phone case is being able to actually use it. As such, you should make sure that "universal" cases will actually fit your phone's dimensions. This is especially tough if you have a large "Pro" model. If a case requires a specific model, make sure to buy the right one. This is doubly true if you use an Android phone, as there tend to be less options for those models.

Test before the big day - If you're planning to use your waterproof phone case in submerged conditions for any length of time—perhaps for underwater photography—it might not hurt to test the waterproof-ness of your phone case at home. A bucket of water or your sink basin will do. It's a bit of a pain, but the peace of mind you get from the test is infinitely preferable to the alternative of a damaged phone on the big day.

Why Trust Esquire?

We've been reviewing the best tech for (collectively) decades. During that time, we've used every type of personal computing device you can imagine, including laptops and all-in-one computers from today’s most well-established brands.

To curate this list, we extensively looked at the top waterproof models available and tapped into past Esquire reviews and recommendations . Our position is this: If you're going to spend money on a phone accessory, it better look good and work great, too. Everything on this list fits that bill.

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Description.

Arrive is a free Travel App to organize all your travel info including, flights, hotels, restaurant reservations, and points of interest. View places on the map and easily get directions with one click. You can manually add your details or forward confirmation emails to automatically add your travel details to your trip. Option to add notes and links to each item on your schedule. Invite your friends to collaborate or just stay informed of the schedule. Exciting and gorgeous curated recommendations with the food enthusiast in mind from several major travel destinations. Save your wish-listed travel places easily from Instagram to reference later. Handy WhatsApp personal assistant to provide you with your travel info when you're on the go. Collaboration Invite friends or family by trip through email in the app. Once invite is accepted those invited can collaborate on the itinerary or just browse and get excited for what's ahead. WhatsApp Personal Assistant Use the WhatsApp personal assistant to ask about your itinerary on the go. You can ask it things like, "when is my flight?", "when is Mary landing?", "what's the address of our hotel?" "what's my confirmation number?". Not only do you get the info you need fast, you don't have to create a bottleneck of constantly contacting the group for known details making your trip all the more enjoyable and seamless for everyone. If you're the planner you can refer everyone to text the personal asst instead of you to answer their questions quickly. Get Inspiration and Recommendations Check-out community shared itineraries or access our curated list of must-see activities and restaurants from destinations such as Paris, Ibiza, New York, Miami, LA, Berlin, Sydney, Tokyo, Bali, Lisbon, Barcelona, London and Amsterdam-more cities to come!

Version 1.1.2

In this version we've updated the logic for handling timezones of the user's activities to display only the local time of each activity. We have also added additional tags for search criteria in our recommendations to further cater to the user's specific tastes.

Ratings and Reviews

Arrive makes it so easy to keep my travel schedule organized! I book something and just forward the confirmation to Arrive. I have my hands full and need info, I just WhatsApp the asst. Love it!

App Privacy

The developer, Arrivewithme Inc , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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The developer does not collect any data from this app.

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Tale of Tints: My Odyssey to Find the Right iPhone 15 Pro Max Shade

Commentary: It's more than just a case to me. I journeyed long and hard to get the right iPhone color to match.

Which iPhone color is better with this case -- blue (left) or white (right)?

My iPhone 12 Pro served me well through photographing overnight train trips and journeys through Germany , but its cameras were getting a bit long in the tooth compared to the latest phones. The time was ripe to upgrade to an iPhone 15 Pro Max , so I went to my carrier store and picked one up. But there was a problem. Upon receiving a case that I ordered online, I realized I'd gotten an iPhone in the wrong color. Should be easy to switch it out, right?

On the whole, it took me over a month to swap my phone out for another one in a different color. I drove to multiple stores. I called helplines. I ended up having to ship my phone to a regional warehouse, and then call to see if I could get a new one shipped out. Well, it could've been easier if I'd made some different choices. 

In the end, I got what I wanted: an iPhone 15 Pro Max that exactly matched a case with lots of personal meaning. If you could honor your childhood iMac with your stylish case, wouldn't you? In the hopes you never have to go through something similar, I'll tell my tale of wrong assumptions and belated discoveries -- along with the lessons about the phone industry I learned along the way.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max in its blue hue with a Spigen case wrapped around it evoking the original "Bondi Blue" iMac G3.

You can have any iPhone color you want, as long as it's blue

After using an iPhone 12 Pro for three years, I opted for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, as I wanted its 5x zoom, along with 512GB of storage for plenty of on-device space. 

I'm currently a Verizon plan subscriber, so it made sense to go to one of their stores to get my new Pro. I walked in, chatted with a friendly clerk, and walked out with an iPhone 15 Pro Max in titanium blue, the only color they had with 512GB of storage. 

After that, I ordered a case from Spigen that captured my imagination when I saw it. It was a phone case styled after the iconic "Bondi Blue" iMac G3 from 1998. When it came in the mail, I made a tragic discovery: the phone's dark blue hue didn't match the case at all, which had white translucent highlights reminiscent of the classic iMac. 

I could've left it. I should've left it. But as a mobile reporter, I felt compelled to fulfill my ideal smartphone vision to make 2024 look like 1998 in the best way. All I needed was a white iPhone 15 Pro Max. Unknown to me at the time was that it would take a month to get one -- I needed a model with 512GB.

The new iPhone 15 Pro titanium colors, from left to right: Black, white, blue and natural.

Life is easier with lower storage

The easiest thing to do would be to drive back to the Verizon store and swap it out for a white one. But since I needed a white one with 512GB of storage, I figured I'd call first. After speaking with a helpful employee, I learned that any location should have the configurations on hand.

Tragically overconfident, I drove out to the closest Verizon store, according to Yelp. Unfortunately it was a third-party store that couldn't handle my exchange. So I drove to the next-closest official Verizon retail location that had a white iPhone 15 Pro Max but only the 256GB model. The employees there found a store with a 512GB version in white that was another 20-minute drive away.

Sadly, the inventory software was wrong, I was told. What's more, the staff there didn't think Verizon sold white 512GB models in-store. I'd have to special order it -- by calling that centralized hotline.

A few days later, I called the hotline, and a friendly operator helped me order a white 512GB iPhone. But first, I had to ship my current phone back, and that meant swapping service to another phone in the meantime. Luckily for me, as a reviewer, I had a few lying around. 

I hastily agreed to transfer service to another non-iPhone I had on hand (the operator just needed its IMEI number). But I foolishly forgot that that phone was locked to a different carrier. To add insult to injury, I had been calling the operator on my blue iPhone 15 Pro Max, which I didn't realize would be a problem until the call went dead when she transferred service.

Phoneless, bereft in a cold and uncaring world, I drove across town to pick up my old iPhone 12 Pro that I'd left with my family to upgrade to from their older iPhone. I can't remember the last time I went anywhere without my smartphone's data umbilical to the outside world; it was so surreal and isolating that it forced me to reckon with our modern phone dependency . 

In any case, I drove back to the original Verizon store to help transfer service back to my old iPhone 12 Pro, where I ran into another fun reality of modern smartphone switching: Bridging the world of SIM and eSIM.

The iPhone 14 line began the eSIM-only trend for US models, and it leads to some complications when changing devices.

The pros and cons of leaving SIMs for eSIMS

For years, reviewing different phones was as easy as popping out my SIM card and inserting it into the new phone. But in upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, I surrendered my account identity to the digital world and transferred it to an eSIM -- because, in another surrender to trends, the US models of the iPhone 15 series don't have physical SIM slots, a change that debuted in the iPhone 14. 

The good news is that it was easy for me to walk into a Verizon store and have them swap my service to the eSIM slot on the iPhone 12 Pro (lucky for me, that model was the first to use eSIMs). 

The bad news for us reviewers, and anyone who regularly changes phones, is that it takes a similar interaction with your carrier to transfer your account between different phones' eSIM slots. Those of us rotating between many handsets find this process gets in the way where physical SIMs did not.

CNET Senior Editor Lisa Eadicicco had a similar situation years ago when she called her carrier at the end of the workday to switch service to an eSIM on a phone she was reviewing, leaving her to ride the subway home without a phone. But as she explained to me, swapping eSIMs can result in some very strange roadblocks. 

When she switched from an Android device to an iPhone via eSIM last year, she inexplicably lost access to MMS (multimedia messages) between her handset and other Android phone owners. Lots of troubleshooting and even her carrier couldn't help, but trawling forums revealed an answer: resetting the iPhone's settings completely.

"My experience was annoying, and it's hard to pinpoint exactly what happened and why," Eadicicco said.

After my own eSIM trouble, I got my old iPhone 12 Pro back, shipped out my blue iPhone 15 Pro Max, and... waited. I wasn't exactly sure when it would get to a Verizon warehouse. A week or so later, I called the customer support hotline and asked them if they'd received the phone (they had), if my account was credited (it was), and if I could then order the phone I wanted in white (I could). After a $50 restocking fee was debited, the phone was on its way. 

When I opened up the white 512GB iPhone 15 Pro Max and slapped that case on, all was well. And I came away with some lessons from the ordeal, too.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max in its white hue, wrapped in Spigen's iMac-looking case.

The takeaways of torturing myself

Unless you've done this carrier retail store rodeo before, you probably don't know that it can be tricky to get the right color and storage configuration. Most people, myself included, usually pick from what they have available. I just happened to have a specific (and glorious) vision for how I wanted my phone and case to look.

It was a surprise to discover that, at least in my area, Verizon stores don't have every single color and storage configuration. If you want one that wasn't normally sold in-store, you have to order it from a regional warehouse. Not a big deal on the whole, but interesting to see presumed market forces decide in-store options. Most buyers are probably fine with the titanium blue color for the iPhone 15 Pro series, since the other choices are white, black and the gray-tan "natural titanium."

I could've made my life a lot easier if I had just bought the iPhone 15 Pro Max through another retailer or via Apple itself, simply returning and exchanging it for the proper color and configuration. But not every online or in-person retailer has financing options like a carrier, nor would they have the same trade-in deals that might be more generous at carriers running promotions.

The Spigen C1 Classic case matches the color of the original 1998 iMac G3.

Making my 2024 iPhone recall the wonder of my 1998 iMac

It's easy to forget that the iPhone in my pocket is a modern miracle, especially compared to the tech I had as a kid. That's why I found it so delightful to symbolize that quantum leap when decorating my phone. Growing up, my family had an Apple Macintosh IIsi. It was compact and had a user-friendly experience that ran Kid Pix and word processing. But one day late in the '90s, my family upgraded from its yellowed desktop to something truly next-generation: the original iMac.

With a teardrop shell of striking Bondi Blue-and-white plastic, the 1998 iMac G3 was the future -- streamlined, stylized and ready for something brand-new to our house called the internet. That revolution was encased in bright, translucent blue-green plastic that rode the wave of see-through consumer tech, which packs a lot more personality than today's era of black or silver gaming consoles, laptops and desktop PCs. Phone manufacturers get a bit more color into their lineups, but they still feel like the same glass-and-metal rectangles released year after year. 

When I saw Spigen's case, my silly nerdy heart was yanked back in time to when products felt tactile in a way that stays with me -- I can hear the iMac's disc drive pop out after pushing its central button and feel the infamous puck mouse under my hand. 

Admittedly, I've spilled a ton of digital ink inadvertently shilling for a phone case. But it speaks to a personalization and sense of belonging that I want from the things in my life, especially the glass rectangle in my pocket that serves as my gateway to the outside world. When I'm typing Slack messages to colleagues or work emails to sources, I can look at my case and be brought back to the days when everything in the future was bursting out of Bondi Blue plastic.

But if you ever find a phone case that's bottled some of your childhood, I hope you take my story to heart and avoid a month-long odyssey in realizing your smartphone dream.

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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

You're holding your iPhone - and AirPods - all wrong. Try this

The new, new thing?

Phones have been around for such a long time that everyone has their own way of handling them, holding them, and storing them.

Many people believe in holding them with one hand and poking at them with the index finger of the other. Others are single-handed phone users.

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Then there's the storage part. Many slip their phones into their back pocket, something I find a touch uncomfortable and insecure.

Me? I'm a front-pocket person. And all that my approach seems to require is, well, having a pocket big enough and a phone that isn't too big.

Yet what had clearly escaped me is that there's an entirely different -- and apparently fashionable -- way of dealing with your iPhone on a regular basis.

It's the phone pouch.

I had heard of such a concept, but only in the context of kids being told to put their phones away in magnetic pouches at school .

Imagine my surprise, then, at encountering images of men with phone pouches strapped around their bodies as if this is suddenly a hearty fashion statement.

I encountered this in the men's section of the COS website . Should you be unfamiliar with this brand, it's owned by the H&M people and it's one of the company's somewhat pricier brands.

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There was more than one pouch. First, behold the knitted phone pouch . This is "knitted from recycled fibres in a speckled two-tone effect."

It hangs at your hip like a tiny school satchel, allowing you to reach for your phone whenever you need it -- without bulging your pocket. Should you not be of the satchel mentality, you can shorten the strap to "sling it over the shoulder." Should you have $49 to spare, it can be yours.

But what if you don't appreciate the knitted look? Well, here's the nylon phone pouch . For the same $49, you can have a pouch that's "made from recycled nylon." It has "two zipped compartments that are roomy enough for your keys, wallet and phone. Attach it to the coordinating lanyard using the pair of metal D-rings at the top."

Perhaps I've not been out enough lately. Perhaps this is a trend that swept the world long ago.

Yet I find myself worrying whether the $49 is the perfect investment.

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Specifically, one could spend $10 on a decent glass of Chenin Blanc and dedicate the rest to COS's leather AirPods case .

Perhaps the word "case" is something of a misnomer here. This is a tiny green pouch that houses your fiddly little AirPods   .

And what a practical thing this is.

Practical, as well as cute?

I tend to prefer over-ear headphones , but I've watched my wife and others fiddle with their in-ear wonders, misplace them, get annoyed or even frustrate themselves over the best way to carry them and store them.

What this little leather pouch does -- potentially, at least -- is serve as the equivalent of those little pockets men used to sport for storing their monocles.

Also: How to choose the best over-ear headphones: ZDNET's buying guide

It's neat and the green color is quite fetching.

While the phone pouches may seem like a frivolous expense, the AirPods case seems to solve a practical problem in a stylish way.

I bet Steve Jobs would have bought one. It would have gone really well with his black turtlenecks.

Smartphones

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Google reveals android security update that even beats iphone.

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The clear differences between Android and iPhone are narrowing quickly—and the latest Google update has just reduced that gap even further...

Android dials app security up to 11 with new quarantine feature

It’s already clear that Android 15 will be a huge step forwards for users on the security and privacy front. The gap between iPhone and Android is closing fast, with little to choose between features and hardware. Apple’s privacy and security credentials have remained one of the last standouts—but Google is catching up.

Just as with the recent revelation that Google will provide Pixel users with warnings when their cellular devices might have been tracked or intercepted—beating iPhone at its own game, we have just seen another security innovation previewed.

In fact, the latest revelation to come from the Android 15 Beta currently doing the rounds, actually beats iPhone with a neat new security feature.

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Quarantining is a halfway house between letting a potentially dangerous app run wild on a device and deleting it completely. Instead, Android could quarantine an app—almost like putting it into a sandbox, where it’s contained and unable to access data or functionality that might harm the user, without resorting to deletion.

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Android 15 could bring app quarantining

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Samsung is already heavily pushing the benefits of its hybrid approach from a privacy perspective, and this will pressure Google to do more of the same. When Apple joins the fray with iOS 18 later this year, we will assess exactly how far apart Android and iPhone remain, or if all this recent convergence is set to continue...

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U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be imminent and fear Gaza war could spread

By Debora Patta , Tucker Reals

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 5:25 PM EDT / CBS News

Update: Iran launched drone attacks against Israel on Saturday. Read CBS News'  latest coverage here .

Tel Aviv  — Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital.

Two U.S. officials told CBS News that a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country. Sources have told CBS News the retaliation could include attacks carried out both by Iranian forces, and proxy groups around the region that it has been funneling additional arms to for weeks.  

The officials said it would be challenging for the Israelis to defend against an attack of that magnitude, and while they held out the possibility that the Iranians could opt for a smaller-scale attack to avoid a dramatic escalation, their retaliation was believed to be imminent. 

Asked Friday how imminent he believes an attack is, President Biden responded, "I don't want to get into secure information, but my expectation is sooner than later." The president urged Iran not to move forward, saying his message to Tehran was: "Don't."

Tehran has not indicated publicly how or when it will return fire, so it's unclear how far Iran's leaders will go. If they decide to carry out a direct attack on Israel, there's fear it could blow Israel's ongoing war against Iranian ally Hamas up into a much wider regional conflict.

With the Iranian retaliation expected at any time, the U.S. State Department on Thursday warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities, which are better protected from incoming rocket fire by the country's Iron Dome missile defense system. The latest guidance noted that travel by U.S. government employees in Israel could be further restricted with little notice as things develop in the tinderbox region.

"Whoever harms us, we will harm them," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday as he visited troops at an Israel Defense Forces airbase. "We are prepared … both defensively and offensively."

On Saturday, all U.S. embassies in the Middle East were put on high alert and required to hold emergency action committee meetings. Diplomats in Lebanon and Israel were specifically told not to travel to certain areas within those countries.

Sima Shine, a security expert and former official with Israel's national intelligence agency Mossad, told CBS News it was a dangerous moment for the region, and the "most worried" she has been. She said anxiety over an all-out war was likely just as high "on both sides, in Israel and in Iran."

If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019 .

"They will try to do it on the military or some military asset," Shine predicted. "But the question will be the damage. If there would be many injured people, killed or injured … I think it has the potential for a huge escalation."

Shine stressed, however, that she still believes neither side actually wants a regional conflict.

U.S. "really trying to avoid war"

The U.S. sent a senior general to Israel this week to coordinate with the close American ally on any response it might make to an Iranian attack. Speaking Friday on "CBS Mornings," America's top military officer said, "we're really trying to avoid war."

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"My role, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is to plan and prepare," Brown said. "That's one thing we do very well."

Brown's Israeli counterpart, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, "completed a comprehensive situational assessment on the readiness of the IDF for all scenarios," Israel's military said Friday. 

"The IDF is very strongly prepared, both offensively and defensively, against any threat," Halevi was quoted as saying in the statement. "The IDF continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas, constantly preparing to deal with existing and potential threats in coordination with the United States Armed Forces." 

The IDF said the visiting U.S. general, Central Command chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, was taking part in the IDF's situational assessment.

The dilemma for Iran, said Israeli expert Shine, is to figure out how to deliver its promised response to Israel's attack in Syria, but in a way that does not lead to further escalation. Likewise, Shine said Israel could choose to show restraint when it responds to whatever Iran eventually does.

If either side gets the balance wrong, the consequences for the region, and even the world, could be dire.

Weijia Jiang, David Martin, Margaret Brennan and Olivia Gazis contributed reporting.

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Debora Patta is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Johannesburg. Since joining CBS News in 2013, she has reported on major stories across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Edward R. Murrow and Scripps Howard awards are among the many accolades Patta has received for her work.

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