Buying a rugged case for your iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max? Check out Pocketnow’s Rugged Case guide to learn about the best options available.
With the release of the iPhone 15 Pro series, there are few reasons to consider buying a brand new iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max, but if you already own one—and need a case update—or have found an unpassable deal and want to keep your new device protected, here is a list of the best rugged cases for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max that you should consider buying.
Best Rugged Cases for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
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SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro (iPhone 14 Pro)
Promoted
In partnership with SUPCASE
SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro adds 20-feet drop protection to iPhone 14 Pro series with a multi-layer design that combines TPU, polycarbonate, and a screen protector. Be it a bump into a wall or a fall on the pavement; your phone will come out unscathed. Additions like a kickstand built into its back — letting you prop up the device for portrait or landscape viewing — and a rotatable belt clip attachment in the box adds to its value.
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PITAKA MagEZ Case Pro 3 (iPhone 14 Pro)
Aramid Fiber
Pitaka MagEZ Case Pro 3 combines the popular aramid fiber build of the slim Pitaka case with the protective nature of other TPU cases. The combination creates an accessory that’s stylish and protective. It’s also lightweight and doesn’t add a lot of heft when snapped onto the phone.
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UAG Metropolis LT (iPhone 14 Pro)
Featherlight
UAG Metropolis LT is one of our favorite cases for iPhone 14 Pro because of its strikingly different combination of materials in an accessory that will protect a smartphone from falls and bumps. It’s even compatible with MagSafe charging. Yes, UAG does mention a reduced drop protection rating — 16 feet — but that’s a reasonable trade-off for the design, in our opinion.
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Poetic Neon (iPhone 14 Pro)
Great Value
Poetic Neon brings rugged protection to the table while maintaining an understated design. It has a two-piece construction with a TPU exterior covering your phone and a polycarbonate shell that attaches on top. It’s one of the slimmer choices featured in this collection yet maintains functional advantages like its textured anti-slip back and raised lips.
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i-Blason Ares (iPhone 14 Pro)
Promoted
In partnership with i-Blason
i-Blason Ares is the rugged case to pick up if you want to flaunt the color on your iPhone while upping the ante on protection. Like the SUPCASE UB Pro, it has a built-in screen protector attachment and adds 20-feet drop protection. It is available in three colors that will play well with every shade of the iPhone 14 Pro. The OEM even mentions the accessory will remain compatible with most wireless chargers.
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Incipio Grip (iPhone 14 Pro)
Increased Grip
If you’re looking for a plain accessory to pair with your iPhone 14 Pro while adding features like drop protection and increased grip, the Incipio Grip is an accessory to keep your eyes on! According to the OEM, it’s rated for 14-feet drop protection and even maintains MagSafe compatibility. It’s available in five different SKUs, offering a mix of transparent and solid-colored backs.
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dbrand GRIP (iPhone 14 Pro)
Customizable
The dbrand GRIP brings the goodness of MagSafe and the customizability of skins into a robust package. The grippy texture and clicky buttons — which are every bit as good as dbrand claims — also make your experience that much more enjoyable.
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UAG Monarch Pro (iPhone 14 Pro)
UAG’s Most Rugged
The Monarch Pro — UAG’s most rugged case — features a lightweight construction and offers MagSafe functionality despite its sturdy design. The case brings a unique flavor due to design elements spread across its back and corners. It’s compelling and different from the simple designs we’ve seen recently.
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Spigen Rugged Armor (iPhone 14 Pro)
Minimalist Look
Spigen Rugged Armor should be on your iPhone 14 Pro series device if you want adequate protection without compromising style. It features aesthetic carbon fiber-like elements that bring extra flair, while ridges along the edges add grip, making your device easier to handle. Like Spigen Tough Armor, it features foam inlays but doesn’t feature as significant of a spread.
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Spigen Tough Armor (iPhone 14 Pro)
Foam Protection
Spigen Tough Armor (compatible with MagSafe) features three different materials incorporated into its design and is also a reason behind the protection on offer. It has a foam inlay that helps absorb shocks, while a plastic frame on the outside provides rigidity to the silicone sleeve and even includes a kickstand for added functionality.
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UAG Pathfinder Slim (iPhone 14 Pro)
Light & Slim
UAG’s Pathfinder Slim swaps a multi-material back for a simple single-material design. The choice helps the accessory remain light and slim while adding necessary protection. It has raised bezels at all points that might touch a surface, thus protecting against damage.
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OtterBox Defender (iPhone 14 Pro)
Rugged Protection
The OtterBox Defender Series is a multi-part case for the iPhone 14 Pro series, adding protection and character with its iconic design and branding. It features a military standard build and even works with MagSafe chargers, according to OtterBox, despite not featuring any magnets in the case. There are even port covers on the case to keep your device safe from dust.
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Rokform Rugged Series (iPhone 14 Pro)
Supports Attachments
The Rokform Rugged Series for iPhone 14 Pro is a protective accessory, with its key selling point being support for attachments. This ability makes it a great option for those that participate in various outdoor activities. The protective case even fully supports MagSafe, with multiple magnets built into its body.
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NOMAD Rugged Case (iPhone 14 Pro)
Premium Pick
Like most rugged cases, the NOMAD Rugged Case features a durable polycarbonate frame and corner bumpers that absorb shock—NOMAD claims 15-foot drop protection. To make it standout, it brings its protective ability with the appeal of a minimalistic look—especially in its Black and Ash Green colors. And if you were hoping to make use of MagSafe, it also features an array of Nickel-plated Neodymium magnets to maintain support.
Which rugged case should you buy for iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max?
If you couldn’t decide which one to buy from the above-listed options, here are some of our thoughts on the cases we like the most.
The i-Blason Ares is an option we consider worth buying because of its transparent back panel and impact-resistant bezel. iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are available in great color options, and covering them up doesn’t feel right. And this accessory will let you flaunt the colorway while ensuring falls are likely to be a non-issue. There’s even the added advantage of its slim profile that will let you utilize at least some of the wireless charging options available on the market.
Our next favorites within this list are the Poetic Neon and UAG Metropolis LT. We also mentioned the UAG case in our iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus Rugged Case Guide because of its unique design that combines various textures. The Poetic Neon also receives a mention because of a similar reason. Both cases come with reasonably sized bumpers to protect against impact and add space between your phone and flat surfaces.
With this, we close our iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Rugged Case guide. Have you used accessories from the brands featured in this guide before and had a great experience? Let us know with a comment below.
