I prefer leather, wallet-style iPhone cases, and if you’re reading this you’re likely on the hunt for one as well. I’ve had a lot of cases arriving for review this time of the year following the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus launch, so below I’ve put together my thoughts on the best leather wallet cases around (and in some cases vegan leather), to guide you through your purchase and show you some of my favorites after going hands-on.
Nodus Access Case |
It might have some competition for the top spot for craftsmanship and high-quality materials—that honor goes to Pad & Quill hands down—but it was my favorite case in terms of form and function for everyday use. It is, however, handcrafted from full grain Italian leathers with micro-fibre lining and an inside pocket with enough room for a couple cards or cash while still being the slimmest overall package of any wallet case I’ve tried.
Any fears that the Micro-Suction pad used to hold and attach the device would become dirty quickly and stop working were all but gone after using the case for the last month in various situations. My iPhone is still holding strong and I have no concern that the device might fall out of the case. I’ve also repositioned a few times as I removed it to try other cases, but reattaching the device was never an issue with the sticky Micro-Suction pad being as sticky as day one.
Available for iPhones ($49) and iPads ($99).
Pad & Quill |
We’ve reviewed several products from Minneapolis-based Pad & Quill. While the iPhone cases with wood interior aren’t as slim as the Nodus, it’s otherwise nothing short of handmade perfection. It will also give you more space for cards and cash than the Nodus as well as bragging rights for overall craftsmanship.
Our full review of the leather Luxury Pocket Book is here, and a more recent review of the latest Little Pocket Book for iPhone 6/6 Plus here.
Pad & Quill iPhone (and iPad) cases from $59.99
Joli Original |
No room for cards with this sleeve handmade from 100% woolfelt and premium Italian soft leather, but it had to make the list for the quality of the leather alone. If the list was only based on how nice the leather feels in your hand, Joli would take the top spot. Look no further if a leather pouch is what you’re after.
Joli Originals Smooth iPhone case (€48.76)
Mujjo |
Another option that I liked in a slightly different form factor than the other cases is the latest from Mujjo (the same Netherlands-based company known for its quality touchscreen winter gloves). It’s a super lightweight open face option comparable to Apple’s own cases (below) but with vegetable-tanned leather, a card pouch on the back, and a lower price point.
Mujjo’s new leather iPhone cases start at €33 and come in black and tan.
Apple’s Leather iPhone Case |
LD West |
While not the traditional wallet-style case like the rest of the options on the list, the LD West holster case/wallet combo I reviewed earlier this year is a truly unique entry in a category that is otherwise much of the same from company to company.
The case comes with a holster on each side, one holds your iPhone in an included pouch, and the other an included wallet (or remove one side and just carry a wallet or phone). Holsters are still popular for many activities and occupations, and this might be the only one suitable to wear with a suit jacket. It’s made of vegan leather, but for good reason: vegan leather doesn’t “bleed, stain or retain any odors” like genuine leather, which is important if you have these strapped to your side all day on top of your clothes. Our full review is here.
Available from LD West for $109 CDN ($5 off w/ code “9to5mac”)
