The best iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max cases to protect your investment

The Symmetry Series+ for MagSafe is perfect for the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, emphasizing the sleekness of the phone while also providing impressive drop protection. It has Drop+, which protects your phone from three times as many drops as the military standard. The cases seamlessly work with MagSafe/wireless charging, and as an added feature, feature lasting antimicrobial properties to keep your phone sanitary. 

The Symmetry+ Series comes in a variety of colors and is made with more than 50% recycled plastic. The clear-colored cases are also engineered to stay clear and never yellow.

"I'm a big fan of the OtterBox Symmetry Series case for the iPhone 14," Christen Costa, CEO of Gadget Review, told ZDNET. "I love Otterbox's rigorous QA program called Certified Drop Protection. It assures users it successfully completed more than 24 tests with 200 hours of testing before hitting shelves (which is also backed by a 3rd party lab). This really inspires confidence."

This phone case combines strengthened, recyclable aluminum with wood fiber, which is made of recycled wood and cornstarch-based ingredients. As a result, the case is both unique and eco-friendly. The aluminum is grade 5052, which is also used in architecture, aircraft, and marine environments. It holds up well and pairs with wood fiber to create a slim case that is easy to hold. 

Two aspects of the case that stand out performance-wise are the 10-foot drop protection and improved MagSafe charging due to built-in magnets that are 50% thicker than most other phone cases. 

A Good Company pioneered the idea of "farm to case" by using farm byproducts from linseed plants to create compostable phone cases. Located in Sweden, the mobile case factory runs on solar and hydropower while recycling 100% of the water it uses.

The case is slim, only 1.2 mm thick, but it offers your phone full protection. The plant-based material is textured, and prints are hand-painted with organic paint. Plus, when you're ready to switch phones, you can either compost the case in your home garden or return it to A Good Company -- the factory will recycle it.

A Good Company donates 4% of every purchase you make to A Good Foundation, which supports sustainability initiatives around the world. Plus, the cases are reasonably priced at under $30, and ship plastic free. They have various case designs and a MagSafe ring that you can add to your order for an additional $15.

The Wave Case is more than just durable -- it's also biodegradable and plastic-free. Composed of wheat straw, PLSA, and PBAT, the ultra-thin case has a slightly matte texture for a comfortable grip. The case has shock-absorbing corners and 2mm protection for your screen and camera. 

The case arrives at your door in carbon-neutral shipping, and every purchase supports Surfers Against Sewage, a marine conservation charity against single-use plastics. Plus, if you live in the U.K., shipping is free.

Casetify has a line of recycled phone cases called "Re/Casetify." The company has already upcycled 160,000 phone cases and continues to push for a carbon-neutral future. The sleek cases come in various designs and levels of protection. From strong to extreme protection, the case categories rank as follows: Impact, MagSafe Compatible Impact, Ultra Impact, MagSafe Compatible Ultra Impact, and Bounce. 

The MagSafe Compatible Ultra Impact has plant-based EcoShock protection and added corner cushion that protects your expensive device from drops of up to 11.5 feet -- which is 5x the military-grade standard. The case has been drop tested 134 consecutive times from different heights and angles to ensure that it actually protects your phone.

As you pull on your puffer jacket this winter, bundle up your iPhone, too -- with a puffer case.

The Puffer Case is popular among celebs who flaunt the trendy phone case in mirror selfies. The word squishy comes to mind at first glance. However, the plush case actually isn't bulky, so it can easily fit into your pocket or bag. It has raised edges for screen and camera protection and full side button coverage. It's also water-resistant -- just wipe the case with a wet cloth to clean it.

While the price is relatively steep at $65, the feel might be worth the cost. Urban Sophistication says this case feels "like your favorite pillow... like the puffiest coat... like a marshmallow." Is anyone else intrigued? 

Urban Sophistication continues to roll out more options. Right now, most colors are compatible with the iPhone 14 Max and Pro Max.

The Zagg Gear4 Brookyln Snap is an impressive antimicrobial case that combines protection with sustainability. It protects your phone from drops of up to 13 feet, and a special coating eliminates odor-causing bacteria. 

The case is made of premium vegan leather, recycled plastics, and D3O Bio, a plant-based protection material that's made of 45% renewable resources. Plus, with every case purchased, Zagg plants a tree with the Eden Reforestation Project.

The thin, multifunctional case is also MagSafe compatible, and it comes in two colors: black and sand. If the $60 price is out of your budget, Zagg also has less expensive options for purchase, like the Havana for $30 or the Copenhagen for $40.