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 |
Apple’s own leather case is a solid option if not slightly more expensive and less functional than some of our other picks. Apple’s leather cases for iPhone come in the color selections pictured above for $49 from Apple or Amazon.
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”)
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Just a heads up, that Mujjo case does not use Vegan leather, there is no such thing as Vegan leather. Leather is leather, unless it’s pleather. I believe you got confused, but the leather is “Vegetable-Tanned” leather.
Just an FYI.
Thanks fixed. The LD West is actually the vegan leather one. Confused the two.
Jordan, I’m pretty sure what Mike is saying is that vegans oppose the consumption (eating) of animal products. In some cases, they even oppose the use of animal products for non-consumption purposes (eg: a wallet). In this case, because you can’t ‘eat’ a wallet, the context extends to the ethical side of non-consumption use. It’s an erroneous and misleading marketing term, which we, as readers hope you cut through in non-biased articles. Because just about anyone can be an online ‘journalist’ these days, complete with misspellings and poor grammar, it should be easy to stand out, spell correctly (not saying you didn’t) and cut through bias. If I’ve made an error myself, then consider yourself lucky I’m not a journalist. In any regard, thanks for the article. I enjoyed reading it
Surprised you didn’t review the SurfacePad from TwelveSouth since it now has pockets.
https://www.twelvesouth.com/product/surfacepad-iphone6
I didn’t have one personally, but Seth reviewed it here and compared to Pad & Quill. http://9to5mac.com/2014/11/28/best-iphone-6-plus-wallet-cases-pad-and-quill-little-pocket-book-surfacepad-twelvesouth/ Seems like a solid option too
Thanks for this post. I had been long searching for a way to get rid of my wallet, but the options available in the market had some compromise or the other, like not enough room to put 2 cards and some cash, not being sleek enough and destroying the look of the phone completely etc. I found Mujjo sleeve in this post and ordered it immediately. Lets you continue using your phone without any fixed case or cover (which I prefer), has decent pocket size, looks great and is made of vegan leather, so no animals killed in the process. Waiting to get my hands on it.
Ohw, I love the Joli one! Looked everywhere to find something like that. Used to have something similar for iPhone 5s. I have the Apple one a.t.m. but I hardly dare put it in my pocket as the glass is unprotected. And I don’t want to put a protection screen over it. I find the good ones rather expensive and I rather spend a little more for a pretty sleeve. I also love to hold the ‘naked’ phone when I use it. I like the design of the new iPhone, so I want to see it if I use it. Thanks a lot for pointing that one out. Ordered a nice grey one immediately.
Then I saw their sleeves for the Mac Book Pro. … And the iPad… I’m gonna be so poor. :P
Would the Nodus AccessCase be a good case to remove consistently? I usually use a bare phone most of the time, but the iPhone 6 is pretty slippery and I’d love something I can stick on and off easily when i’m using it for extended periods of time. Currently I’m using the leather Apple case, but that one looks far more functional if it’s as easy as peeling the case off really quick. I’m also getting the NKMOS Ultima S Car Dock, which I’m not sure will stick well to a leather case.
Hmmm. I’ve removed my iPhone and reapplied several times with no issues, but I can’t guarantee taking it out a lot every day wouldn’t mess with Micro Suction pad. Best to ask company this or go with something like Pad & Quill that lets you easily pop out phone when needed.
Check out dockartisan.com. Blows these away!
Thanks Joel. Want to send some out for review? I only included cases I’ve personally tried. I also like your reclaimed wood docks. Email me at Jordan@9to5mac.com if interested. Thanks.
Why do Etsy case manufacturers always get ignored from reviews?
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=iphone%20leather%20wallet&order=most_relevant
No one was left out on purpose. These are cases I’ve received for reviews. I picked my favorites among them. I don’t like recommending products I haven’t personally tested. Hope that helps. Thanks.
You really missed the boat on not adding the Dock Artisan case to this list, high quality leather and the inner case magnets to the wallet case so when you are home you dont need the bulky wallet case attached.
http://www.dockartisan.com/collections/cases
Looks nice. We didn’t receive one for review. This list only included products I’ve personally tested. Thanks.
If you’re not aware of Vaja, you might want to take a look and consider adding them to your list. They make some amazing leather cases:
Does anyone know of a case/wallet like these that have holes for the speaker in the front (the ear piece not the main one at the bottom)? I would love a case I can put a cpl of cards and money in, but not have to fold it back to take a call, risking me losing my cards and money at the same time. I want to be able to open it, answer the call and then close it and take the call. Have searched the net but seems no one offers such a simple feature! (unless people who use these can tell me this works anyway without the additional speaker hole? (the bottoms are normally open so mic should work fine.)
thanks
I had one by KAVAJ called ‘Dallas’ for iPhone 5 and I could talk with it closed. If you are in a loud area then you’ll have to open the flap though. Very nice case. I just ordered one for iPhone 6 but don’t have it yet.
just find another wallet case for iphone 6 and iphone 6 plus at http://www.combocases.com , anyone try this case ? if yes please let me know your feedback. thanks.
I just got one, Love the look and feel of the case. What I like most about the case is that the credit cards are not visible when using the phone on the subway or in other public places. I stuffed ATM card, 3 Credit Card, Driver Licence, Starbucks card, Cash, and all those receipts. It folds over nicely, and doesn’t appear to be ‘over-full’. Highly recommend.
Have you heard of KAVAJ cases? If not definitely check them out! Genuine leather I am hooked.
The threefold from Brussardo is the one: http://www.brussardo.com/threefold-iphone-6-wallet-case-italian-leather-in-natural-colour.html
If you want some really quirky designs check out http://www.streetslips.com iPad cases with really unusual and funky designs. Got one as a b’day present.