This year is more interesting when it comes to iPhone wallets as 2020 marks Apple’s true foray into the market with the MagSafe reboot and the iPhone 12 lineup enabling its Leather Wallet. However, there are a lot of other great options available with different pros and cons. We’ll also take a look at some smart/standalone wallet options. Let’s dive into the iPhone wallet gift guide!
I’ve been an iPhone wallet case user since the iPhone 3G, so I’ve tried just about everything on the market. Needless to say, I was excited to see Apple unveil MagSafe and the Leather Wallet for iPhone 12 this year as a new option. I’ve been really impressed by it on the whole, but wallets are certainly not a one-size-fits-all situation.
Below, I’ve included a variety of quality iPhone wallets and wallet cases (most of which I’ve used) that offer everything from the ability to carry 6 cards + cash, to the slimmest experience possible, to an iPhone wallet/stand combo, plus a few ideas on smart/standalone wallets.
Table of contents
iPhone wallets and wallet cases
Apple’s MagSafe Leather Wallet for iPhone 12
Apple has seen criticism on the MagSafe Leather Wallet for iPhone 12, mainly around the strength of the magnet and that you usually have to remove it from your iPhone to access cards.
If you’re okay with those two trade-offs and room for 3 or 4 cards max (4 if one is super thin), the MagSafe Leather Wallet has some great aspects:
- Premium build quality and Apple
- Flexibility to use with and without your iPhone
- Multiple colors make it easy to create a unique/personalized combination
- Works with and without MagSafe cases
You can learn more about Apple’s MagSafe Leather Wallet in our full hands-on here.
The MagSafe Leather Wallet for iPhone 12 retails for $60 direct from Apple and Best Buy.
If $60 is more than you want to spend, there are already third-party look-alikes on Amazon between $10-$30, but reviews aren’t looking so hot for some of them.
JimmyCase – flexibility & class
I’ve reviewed and used JimmyCase for several years, and I think it’s one of the best all-around cases, let alone iPhone wallet cases.
You get great drop protection, lots of beautiful options with the real-wood back, and the elastic card and cash holder is really versatile.
- Holds up to 6 cards + cash
- 22 options with different wood/elastic band patterns/colors
- Handmade in California
- Great option for those who change how many cards you need to carry regularly and/or those who like to carry cash
- Can still be a slim case depending on how much you carry
- Great feel in the hand
JimmyCase has models for pretty much any iPhone, and they cost around the $50 mark. Unfortunately, due to the demand the company is seeing, cases ordered since 12/1 won’t arrive in time for the holidays, but they do have a printable gift card as a nice alternative.
Mujjo – minimal & clean
Mujjo is another one of my favorites, and the same goes for many of my teammates here at 9to5Mac.
You’re getting a premium leather wallet that is barely thicker than a non-wallet case. If you’re looking for a great minimal iPhone wallet case, this is one to consider.
- Sharp design
- Easy card access
- Good protection
- Super slim
You can pick up Mujjo wallet cases for pretty much any iPhone direct from Mujjo or on Amazon for around $50.
Moft – iPhone stand meets wallet
This is a brand new launch on December 10 and looks like a neat product. The Moft Stand & Wallet works with MagSafe and offers handy dual-functionality.
- Room for 3 cards (hidden out of sight too)
- Works with MagSafe
- Stand works in both portrait and landscape
- Made from soft Vegan leather
- Comes in four colors
The Moft Stand & Wallet for iPhone 12 retails for $30 and is available direct from the company’s website.
Twelve South SurfacePad – minimal folio
Twelve South’s BookBook may be more well-known, but I love the SurfacePad as a slim yet functional iPhone case.
If you’re looking for a folio-style iPhone wallet case without going too bulky, this is the ticket.
- Attaches directly to the back of your iPhone via a strong adhesive (doesn’t leave marks or residue if/when you remove)
- Slim design but holds 2 cards
- Also works as a stand for your iPhone
Twelve South doesn’t have SurfacePad available just yet for iPhone 1,2 but for any other model, it’s available between $30-$50.
You can grab SurfacePad direct from Twelve South and its Amazon storefront.
Smart wallets and other alternatives
If you’re looking for a standalone wallet, we’ve got a few recommendations.
Ekster – Siri-enabled & great functionality
I first tried out Ekster a year ago and have been really impressed with its products over the past year. The company uses premium leather and has innovative and super functional designs that use a mechanism to fan all your cards out (with many models).
- Premium build
- Can make any Ekster wallets smart with a Siri-enabled solar-powered tracking card
- Super handy functionality
- Variety of options depending on how many cards and cash you carry
Check out our full review of Ekster’s wallets from last year.
Ekster is running another holiday sale this year with up to 35% off. Prices start from $29 and go up closer to $100 for the top-end wallets.
Moment – more than a wallet
If you’re looking for something a little different than a traditional wallet, Moment has a sharp Crossbody Wallet available in a few different materials. These are great for anyone who wants to carry a bit more than just cards and/or cash but don’t want/need a larger bag or purse.
- Available in leather, canvas, and ripstop
- Adjustable crossbody strap and comes with wrist rope too
- Scratch-free microfiber pockets
- Works with Pro Max iPhones/Plus iPhones
You can pick Moment’s Crossbody Wallet direct from the company, normally starting from $50 but now doing from $20 for the holidays.
Bellroy – traditional & modern wallets
Bellroy has built a reputation for making some of the best wallets out there. They feature a wide variety of designs and styles with great functionality.
- Lots of choices
- Premium leather and build quality
- RFID protection on many models
- Traditional and modern options
- Can add a tracking card like Ekster’s to make any of them smart with Siri control
Check out everything from traditional bi-folds to zip wallets and card holders. Prices range from $55 to over $100.
Read more 9to5Mac gift guides:
- Gift Guide: Gadget gifts for all budgets
- Gift Guide: Smart health/fitness devices for beginners and fanatics
- Gift Guide: The best HomeKit gifts in 2020 for safety and security
- Gift Guide: AirPods vs AirPods Pro buying guide and the best accessories
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