A look at the very best Speck cases: A buyer's guide

Most smartphones nowadays come with a glass build that looks fantastic. However, it makes them vulnerable to bumps or drops. There are many good case makers out there, and Speck cases are some of the best in the game. Here’s everything you need to know.

Are you looking for other case brands? Here’s our guide to the best cases and case brands. We also have a fantastic guide for all mobile accessories you might want to check out.

Why choose Speck cases?

Speck Products is best known for its recognizable designs and safety features. Speck cases manage to find the perfect balance between protection and bulk and add a few useful extras that make its cases compelling options.

Device coverage is excellent too, as long as it’s a US release. You can get Speck cases for all current flagships and a decent mix of mid-rangers and entry-level smartphones. The cases can be on the more expensive side, but that partially depends on the phone you have. The case models available for entry-level devices are much cheaper than flagship smartphone cases.

The brand is also a great choice if you don’t need the heavy-duty protection of Otterbox or the wide range of cases offered by Spigen. Speck’s unique look and excellent add-ons make it a fan favorite as well.

What kind of Speck case do I need?

When it comes to Speck cases, there’s not a huge variety of case types to choose from. You get similar features across the board. Speck’s latest cases are tested against drops from 13ft and meet MIL-STD 810G standards for impact resistance. The company’s new offerings also come with a layer of Microban antimicrobial technology that keeps the surface clean and bacteria-free. There are a few design options that will make choosing the right Speck case easier.

• Ridges or no ridges? Speck cases are known for their no-slip grips. It’s a signature ridge design on the back that not only looks different but adds a lot of grip to the phone. You won’t have to worry about your device sliding off a table or slipping from your hand. However, if you aren’t a fan of the look, Speck has options without it too.
• Colors? Not all of Speck’s latest cases have the eye-catching color combinations of its Candyshell series. However, there are a few color variants to choose from, particularly if you have an iPhone 13. Speck also has excellent clear cases that let you show off the phone’s design.
• How much protection do you need? All Speck cases have protective capabilities. Some, like the Presidio Pro range, offer extras like a more pronounced lip around the display and enhanced corner protection. That said, the difference in protection is negligible with newer case releases.

Best overall Speck case: Presidio Grip / Presidio2 Grip

The Speck Presidio Grip combines a polycarbonate outer shell and an impact-absorbing inner material. The case gets its name from the angled rubber ridges on the back. They add to the grip and stop your phone from sliding off surfaces. Raised bezels around the screen, covered buttons, reinforced corners, and Microban antimicrobial technology (that reduces bacteria by 99%) add to the case’s protective capabilities.

The latest version of the case, available for smartphones released after 2020 or so, is the Presidio2 Grip. It keeps all the signature elements of the Presidio Grip and incorporates Speck’s new Presidio 2 Armor Cloud technology. This adds air capsules that compress and create a protective cushion for the phone on impact. The more recent iPhone cases also have versions with built-in magnets for MagSafe accessories.

Get the Speck Presidio Grip / Presidio2 Grip for:

Read also: The best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases you can buy

Runner up: Speck Presidio Pro / Presidio2 Pro

Think of the Speck Presidio Pro as the Presidio Grip, without the signature grip. The two dual-layer cases are equally thin and light, offer the same protection level, and come with Microban technology. You don’t get the added benefit of the raised rubber ridges with the Presidio Pro, but not everybody needs that.

The Presidio2 Pro adds the extra safety features that are available with the Presidio2 Grip as well. Even the price is the same, so it comes down to what features, design, and colors you’re looking for. However, the Presidio Pro is somewhat limited when it comes to Android phones. For example, the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, and Galaxy S23 lineups are not supported.

Get the Speck Presidio Pro / Presidio2 Pro for:

Best thin Speck case: Presidio Exotech

Speck’s Presidio Exotech case offers a great blend of durability and portability. It’s MIL-STD certified for drop protection but is a single-layer case. Microban tech keeps the surface clean, and a raised bezel guards the camera housing and screen. It’s not as protective as the Presidio Grip or Pro, but it is ideal for anyone looking for an ultra-thin case.

The Speck Presidio Exotech is the case you’ll get for most mid-rangers, although support for newer phones is limited. You can also get the Presidio Exotech with grips, and there is a clear version of the case available as well.

Get the Speck Presidio Exotech for:

• Galaxy S20 FE
• Galaxy A71
• Galaxy A21
• Pixel 5
• Pixel 4a
• Moto One 5G
• Moto G Stylus 5G
• LG Velvet

Best clear Speck case: Presidio Perfect Clear

Speck’s best clear case is the aptly named Presidio Perfect Clear. This range brings all the protective features of the Presidio Pro to a case that also lets you show off the phone’s design. Apart from safety, the case comes with an additional coating to prevent discoloration and yellowing.

Depending on the phone you have, you can also get the Speck Presidio Perfect Clear with clear grips for added protection. If you have an iPhone, Speck offers another case called the Gemshell, which comes in several colors and styles, including a MagSafe-compatible option.

Get the Presidio Perfect Clear for:

Read also: The best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus cases you can get

Best Speck case for iPhones: Candyshell Grip / Candyshell Pro

The Candyshell series of cases has been one Speck’s most popular products for years, and for good reason. Although the design itself is nearly identical to the Presidio Grip/Pro cases, it comes in far more colors. Of the two, the Candyshell Pro is available for more phones, and there’s a MagSafe version of that case, too.

While not as resistant as some of Speck’s other cases, it still protects from drops up to eight feet, and the soft, scratch-resistant material doesn’t add any bulk or snags to the case. It’s also one of the most affordable cases Speck sells, although it’s only sold on Amazon.

Get the Candyshell Pro for:

• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12
• iPhone SE (2022)

Read also: The best iPhone 13 Pro Max MagSafe cases you can buy

Frequently asked questions