Hey there! If you‘re anything like me, your phone is practically glued to your hand 24/7. And as much as I love showing off my shiny new iPhone, I know I need to keep it safe from all the drops, dings, and scratches that come with daily use. That‘s where Speck cases come in.
Speck has been my go-to phone case brand for years now, and for good reason. Their cases offer some of the best protection you can get without turning your phone into a bulky brick. Plus, they have a ton of stylish designs to choose from, so you don‘t have to sacrifice looks for function.
In this in-depth review, I‘ll share my personal experience with Speck cases and why I think they‘re worth the investment. I‘ll also compare them to other popular case brands and provide some helpful tips for choosing the right Speck case for your needs.
Why Speck Cases Are So Popular
If you‘ve ever shopped for a phone case, chances are you‘ve come across Speck. They‘re one of the most well-known and trusted names in the case industry, and for good reason. Here are a few key reasons why Speck cases have become so popular:
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Drop protection: Speck cases are engineered to withstand serious drops and impacts. Most of their cases offer 13-foot drop protection, which means your phone should survive even nasty falls.
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Slim design: Despite their rugged protection, Speck cases maintain a surprisingly slim and pocket-friendly profile. You won‘t feel like you‘re lugging around a bulky case.
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Antimicrobial coating: Many Speck cases feature a built-in Microban coating that reduces bacteria growth. This is a great feature if you‘re concerned about germs on your phone.
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Style options: Speck offers a wide variety of colors, patterns, and designs to suit different tastes. From clear cases to colorful graphics, there‘s a Speck case to match your style.
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Brand reputation: Speck has been around for over 15 years and has established a reputation for quality and customer service. They stand behind their products with a limited lifetime warranty.
Speck has also earned praise from tech experts and industry publications. Here are a few notable mentions:
- CNET named the Speck Presidio Pro its "Best All-Around Case for iPhone 12" in 2020
- Wirecutter picked the Speck Presidio Grip as the "Best Basic Case" for iPhone 12
- The Verge called the Speck Presidio Grip "the best all-around iPhone case" in 2019
So it‘s not just me – Speck cases have a track record of impressing tech critics and everyday users alike.
Best Speck Cases
Now that you know why Speck is so popular, let‘s dive into some of their best-selling case models. I‘ll share my hands-on experience with each one and highlight the key features and benefits.
Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear
If you want to show off your phone‘s original design, the Presidio Perfect-Clear is the way to go. It‘s a completely clear case that provides ample protection without hiding your device. Some key features:
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13-foot drop protection: The case has been drop tested to withstand falls from 13 feet, which is higher than the military drop test standard.
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Perfect-Clear coating: The case is made with a special coating that resists yellowing and discoloration over time. I‘ve had mine for months and it still looks crystal clear.
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Microban antimicrobial technology: The case has a built-in Microban coating that helps prevent bacterial growth. This is a nice bonus for extra peace of mind.
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Wireless charging compatible: The case works seamlessly with wireless chargers, so you don‘t have to remove it to juice up.
I have the Presidio Perfect-Clear on my iPhone 12 Pro and absolutely love it. It has a sturdy, substantial feel without a ton of bulk. The raised bezels around the screen and camera provide extra peace of mind when setting the phone face-down. And the grippy design makes it easy to hold onto, even with my butterfingers.
At $40, it‘s pricier than a generic clear case from Amazon. But in my experience, the Presidio Perfect-Clear offers much better protection and durability. I‘ve dropped my phone several times and it still looks good as new. Well worth the investment in my book.
Speck Presidio2 Grip
If you‘re extra prone to drops or just want the ultimate peace of mind, the Presidio2 Grip is the case for you. It has the same 13-foot drop protection as the Perfect-Clear, but with extra grippy accents along the sides and back. Some notable features:
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No-slip grips: The case has raised rubber ridges that provide a secure grip from all angles. The grips are especially handy if you use your phone one-handed a lot.
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Angled rubber edges: The ridges are angled inward to stop your phone from slipping out of your hand. Sounds like a small thing, but it makes a big difference in daily use.
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Slim profile: Even with the extra grips, the Presidio2 Grip maintains a nice slim profile. It doesn‘t feel chunky in a pocket or purse.
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Airbag corners: The case has built-in "airbags" in each corner that compress on impact to absorb shock. Just another layer of protection for those unexpected drops.
I recently took my Presidio2 Grip case on a hiking trip and was impressed with how secure it felt in my hand, even on steep trails. The grips gave me extra confidence to snap photos and check GPS without worrying about dropping my phone off a cliff.
The Presidio2 Grip is a bit pricier at $45, but for the ultimate protection and functionality, I think it‘s money well spent. It‘s the case I recommend to my friends who are tough on their phones or just want that extra coverage.
Speck Presidio Pro
For those who want serious protection in a sleeker package, the Presidio Pro is a great middle ground between the Perfect-Clear and Presidio2 Grip. It has slightly less drop protection at 10 feet (still more than most people need) but a thinner and more formal design. Some key features:
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10-foot drop protection: The case has been tested to withstand drops up to 10 feet on hard concrete. That‘s still 3x the military drop test standard.
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Slimmer design: The Presidio Pro is 20% thinner than Speck‘s Presidio cases, making it ideal for those who want protection without the bulk.
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Soft-touch finish: The case has a soft matte finish that feels great in the hand and resists fingerprints and smudges.
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Raised camera ring: The case has a slightly raised ring around the camera opening to protect the phone‘s lenses from scratches.
I have the Presidio Pro on my secondary work phone and love how professional it looks. The matte black finish goes seamlessly from meetings to happy hour. And even though it‘s slimmer than the Presidio2 Grip, it still feels very protective. The soft-touch coating also provides a bit of extra grip compared to a glossy case.
At $40, the Presidio Pro is the same price as the Perfect-Clear but with a more understated look. It‘s a great choice for those who want a stylish case that doesn‘t skimp on protection.
How Speck Compares to Other Case Brands
Speck is a big name in phone protection, but they‘re not the only one. Two of their biggest competitors are OtterBox and LifeProof. I‘ve used cases from all three brands extensively, so I can provide some insight on how they compare.
Here‘s a quick rundown of the key differences:
| Feature | Speck | OtterBox | LifeProof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop Protection | Up to 13 feet | Up to 11 feet | Up to 6.6 feet |
| Waterproofing | None | None | Up to 6.6 feet |
| Antimicrobial Coating | Yes | Some cases | Some cases |
| Price Range | $30-$55 | $30-$70 | $60-$120 |
| Style Options | Many | Moderate | Limited |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | 1 year |
As you can see, Speck cases offer some of the highest drop protection at 13 feet. OtterBox cases come close at 11 feet, but LifeProof cases only offer 6.6 feet of drop protection (though they do provide full waterproofing).
In terms of style options, Speck offers the widest variety with tons of colors, patterns, and finishes. OtterBox has a decent selection but fewer choices overall. LifeProof cases are more limited since they focus mainly on waterproof options.
Price-wise, Speck cases are very competitive. Most of their cases fall in the $30-$50 range, which is similar to OtterBox and much cheaper than LifeProof. And Speck backs up their cases with a limited lifetime warranty, which OtterBox matches but LifeProof only offers for one year.
Ultimately, the "best" case brand depends on your needs. If you need full waterproofing, LifeProof is the way to go. But if you want the best combination of drop protection, style options, and value, I think Speck is the winner. They offer the most bang for your buck.
What Other People Are Saying
Don‘t just take my word for it – Speck cases have a ton of positive reviews from other users and tech publications. Here are a few highlights:
"I‘ve bought Speck phone cases for many years, and have found them to protect my phones and the cases hold up well, too. Plus there are many tasteful designs to choose from." – Sandee R., Speck customer
"The Speck Presidio is the best clear case I‘ve come across after trying several cheaper models. It fits tightly, feels good in the hand, and doesn‘t collect dust or fingerprints." – Dieter Bohn, The Verge
"We think the Presidio Pro is the best case for most people. It‘s slim enough to not detract from your phone‘s look but tough enough to offer excellent drop protection." – Nick Guy, Wirecutter
Speck cases also have excellent ratings on major retailer sites:
- Amazon: 4.5/5 stars from 11,000+ ratings
- Best Buy: 4.7/5 stars from 8,000+ ratings
- Verizon: 4.8/5 stars from 4,000+ ratings
The most common praise for Speck cases is their durability, style, and grip. Many reviewers mention drops where Speck cases protected their phones from serious damage. The slim design and antimicrobial coating are also frequent positives.
There are a few scattered complaints about Speck cases being hard to remove or showing wear over time. But the vast majority of reviews are 4 stars or higher, which lines up with my experience.
How to Choose the Best Speck Case
Now that you‘re thoroughly convinced that Speck cases are awesome (right?!), you might be wondering how to choose the right one for you. Here‘s what I suggest considering:
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Drop protection needs: All Speck cases offer good drop protection, but some are higher than others. If you‘re extra tough on your phone, go for maximum protection with the Presidio2 Grip (13 feet) or Presidio Perfect-Clear with Grips (13 feet). For everyday clumsiness, the Presidio Perfect-Clear (13 feet) or Presidio Pro (10 feet) should suffice.
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Style preferences: Speck cases come in a range of colors, patterns, and finishes. If you want to show off your phone, go for a clear case like the Perfect-Clear. If you want something more low-key and professional, the Presidio Pro has a great soft-touch matte finish. And if you want some flair, Speck offers fun graphic designs and even glitter cases.
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Grip vs. size: Consider whether you prioritize grip or a slimmer profile. Cases with extra grip like the Presidio2 Grip are great for butterfingers but may feel slightly bulky. If you prefer a thinner case and can manage without the grips, the Perfect-Clear or Presidio Pro are good options.
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Antimicrobial needs: If you‘re concerned about germs, look for Speck cases with Microban coating. Most of their cases offer this, but a few of the graphic designs don‘t, so double-check before buying.
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Price: Speck cases are very reasonably priced for the protection they offer, but there is some range. The Presidio Perfect-Clear is usually the cheapest at $40, while the Presidio2 Grip is usually the priciest at $45-$55. The Presidio Pro typically falls in the middle. Consider your budget and how much you‘re willing to invest to protect your phone.
Final Thoughts
Phew, that was a lot of info! If you‘ve made it this far, you‘re clearly serious about protecting your tech. And in my opinion, you can‘t go wrong with a Speck case.
I‘ve been using Speck cases for years and have never been disappointed. They offer some of the best drop protection out there without adding a ton of bulk. And they have enough style options to suit most tastes, from clear to colorful to understated.
Of course, there are other great case brands out there. But for my money, Speck offers the best mix of protection, style, and value. The 13-foot drop rating, lifetime warranty, and Microban coating give me peace of mind that my phone investment is safe. And the slim designs mean I don‘t have to choose between fashion and function.
Most importantly, I know from experience that Speck cases hold up. I‘m always surprised when I finally go to upgrade my phone and see that it still looks pristine after years of drops and dings. That‘s the real test of a quality case.
So if you‘re in the market for a new phone case, I highly recommend giving Speck a try. Whichever model you choose, you can feel confident that your phone is in good hands. Your future self will thank you the next time you drop your phone on the sidewalk and pick it up unscathed. Trust me, it‘s a good feeling.
