Best Minimalist iPhone Case for Living Light
Your phone already does it all. Do you really need all the bells and whistles on its case? A minimalist iPhone case is the classic, straightforward answer for people who want simplicity without sacrificing style or safety.
There are plenty of sturdy, sustainable, function-forward cases out there that won’t have you struggling to hold your phone in your hand.
Ditch the cases that are trying to do it all and opt for a minimalist case that suits your style without all the bulk.
What is a Minimalist iPhone Case?
There’s something to be said for phone cases with all the add-ons, but sometimes you just want to keep it simple!
- Minimalist phone cases are sleek, slim, and designed to get the job done without unnecessary bulk.
- But that doesn’t mean they don’t offer premium protection for your phone.
- Minimalist cases are the simple, straightforward solution for those who want to keep their phone safe while still being able to comfortably fit it in their pocket.
Top 6 Minimalist iPhone Cases: How We Chose
Your phone goes everywhere with you. You need a case that can handle whatever life drops, bumps, slips, and throws at you. Here’s how we picked the perfect minimalist iPhone cases for the job:
- Streamlined Design: You’re here for minimalist style, so that’s exactly what we delivered. These cases are simple, sleek, no-nonsense solutions for those looking to keep their digital devices intact.
- Sustainable Materials: We found cases made with environmentally friendly materials, such as natural wood, recycled plastic, and biodegradable fibers, so you can enjoy your new case guilt-free!
- Safety Features: We picked thoughtfully designed cases with protective features that will keep your phone safe and snug without all the bulk.
Finding the perfect minimalist iPhone case doesn’t need to be a pain. These stylish, strong, sustainable cases are the perfect way to safeguard your device and your peace of mind.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Pela Case
| Certifications | Climate Neutral, B-Corp |
| Special Features | Biodegradable, BPA-free, shock absorbing |
| Material | Bioplastic elastomer and flax straw |
| Price at Publishing | $49.99 |
Pela’s eco-friendly iPhone case is designed to be comfortable, stylish, and sustainable. Made from flax, it’s fully compostable, but still tough enough to handle everyday life. They come in a range of colors and patterns, so you can find the phone case that best suits your style. They’re also soft, lightweight, and shock-absorbing!
Highlights
Pelas are made of Flaxstic, a compostable bioplastic blend that breaks down in a matter of months when composted.
Things to Consider
Some customers say the soft material feels “cheap,” and some of the designs don’t look as impressive in person.
2. agood company Plant-Based Phone Case
| Certifications | B-Corp |
| Special Features | Plant-based, MagSafe compatible, up to 3 meters of drop protection |
| Material | Flax and hemp |
| Price at Publishing | $35 |
Anything plastic can do, plants can do better—and this recyclable case proves it. Made in Sweden with a blend of plant-based materials, it offers over 9 feet of drop protection and comes in plastic-free packaging. It’s MagSafe compatible and features comfortable curved edges with corner ribs to help disperse impact.
Highlights
Keep your used phone case out of the landfill by recycling it through the agood loop program. Their fully circular products, like this case, are made with extended lifecycles in mind!
Things to Consider
In order to encourage mindful consumption, the brand doesn’t offer free returns for its products. They do, however, offer a money-back guarantee.
3. Woodcessories Bumper Case
| Certifications | Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), REACH compliant |
| Special Features | Impact protection, vegan lining, MagSafe compatible |
| Material | Walnut |
| Price at Publishing | $44.99 |
Nothing says mindful minimalism like a classy wooden iPhone case. Made with sustainable walnut wood and recycled silicone, this bumper case offers impact protection in style. It features raised edges to protect your screen and a soft inner lining that prevents scratches. It also comes with integrated MagSafe technology.
Highlights
This case offers 6-foot military grade drop protection and features a soft interior lining to help protect your phone.
Things to Consider
Shipping costs and delivery times may vary depending on your location, as the product ships from Germany.
4. Otterbox Symmetry Series Cactus Leather
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Noteworthy Features | MagSafe compatible, plant-based materials |
| Material | Cactus leather |
| Price at Publishing | $69.99 |
No animals were harmed in the making of this leather iPhone case. It’s crafted from faux leather made with organically grown, sustainably harvested nopal cacti and designed with sleek, streamlined style in mind. It features a metal ring around the camera to protect your lenses and raised edges to keep your screen safe.
Highlights
While the slim design can be deceiving, this case has passed the drop test (three times the military standard, actually)! It’s also MagSafe compatible and comes in a range of classically stylish colors.
Things to Consider
Some customers complain that the button opening on the side is a weak spot in the case. Consider pairing this case with a screen protector for extra durability.
5. AF Case Luxury Cork Wood iPhone Case
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Noteworthy Features | Water resistant, washable, non-slip |
| Material | Cork and silicone |
| Price at Publishing | $37.98 |
Few things say “eco-friendly” like a genuine cork iPhone case. Enjoy an unbeatable natural texture and extra peace of mind with a bumper case designed to make your life easy and eco-friendly. The soft silicone edges offer a comfortable grip while protecting your phone from drops, bumps, and scratches.
Highlights
This case protects your phone from more than falls. It’s water resistant, dustproof, and non-slip, so you can carry your phone with confidence.
Things to Consider
While it can help keep moisture out, this case isn’t waterproof—something to consider if water damage is a concern.
6. Next Best Option: Quince Biodegradable iPhone Case
| Certifications | BSCI-certified factory |
| Noteworthy Features | Raised camera ring, 6ft drop protection, biodegradable |
| Material | PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate) |
| Price at Publishing | $19.90 |
For a thin iPhone case that doesn’t skimp on safety, style, or simplicity, Quince has you covered. Made with 100% plant-based materials, this case was designed and tested to handle drops from 6 feet high. It’s slim enough to fit comfortably in your pocket, yet still strong enough to withstand the occasional “oops!”
Highlights
When buried in soil, this case takes only 6 weeks to break down and doesn’t leave behind any toxic residue.
Things to Consider
While this case offers some screen and camera protection, you may want to consider taking some extra measures to protect the most delicate parts of your phone.
How to Choose a Minimalist iPhone Case
Here are some things to keep in mind while shopping for your next iPhone case:
- iPhone Series: While you should always try to pick a case designed for your specific iPhone series to get the best fit, some older models have compatible case sizes. A good fit will ensure your phone stays protected.
- Materials: Look for durable, sustainable materials that are made to last.
- Protection: Accidents happen. Choose a case that can effectively absorb the shock of a drop. Reinforced corners, camera protection, and bumper edges are a plus.
Don’t let drops get you down. With some smart, safety-minded shopping, you’ll have a phone that’s geared up and ready to take on the world!
Featured image via Woodcessories
