Gift Guide: Michael’s favorite wallet cases for iPhone

I’m excited to share my top picks for useful, minimal wallet cases for iPhone as you think about gift ideas or maybe something for yourself. I’ve included choices that not only check the boxes for what I consider great form, but also provide multiple useful functions. After the break are three solid options that will fit a variety of tastes and budgets from $14-$50.

I’ve been using some type of wallet case since my first iPhone (iPhone 3G). I love being able to simplify what I carry in my pockets or messenger bag and also have   some phone protection. One last factor that is important for me is being able to easily remove my cases so I can still enjoy the iPhone it its purest form without a hassle. My favorite options on the market that meet these preferences boil down to the following:

Distil Union Wally Wallet Case

Available for iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus, the Wally Wallet Case provides storage of up to four cards and a slick pull-tab design for easy retrieval. I’ve never had any cards fall out and after two years of everyday use I’ve been very happy with the quality. These wallet cases also feature a TPU shock-absorbing bumper and premium leather. As of this writing they are priced at $50 and come in four colors for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. You can pick one up for $30 in a choice of three colors for the previous generation iPhones. Even on Amazon, it looks like Distil Union requires a $50 purchase to get free shipping.

They also offer a slim stick-on option for the iPhone SE/5s/5 for $20. Although they are a smaller company and have a relatively low number of Amazon reviews, it appears all of their products have 4/5 stars or above. Their popular stand alone wallets also make a fantastic gift.

[Note: the Wally Wallet Case for iPhone 6s shows ‘for iPhone 6’ as well on Amazon, but I believe it’s really intended for the 6s]

Shieldon Wallet Case

Next up is the highly rated book-style wallet case from Shieldon. Available for the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6/6s, iPhone 6Plus/6s Plus, and iPhone SE/5S/5, these affordable cases feature three card slots (two on the SE model), a cash pocket, built in stand, genuine leather and a magnetic closure. With clean design, great function, and an affordable price this option is hard to beat. All versions of this case are rated 4/5 stars or higher on Amazon and range from $20-$26.

Silk Vault Slim Wallet Case

Silk offers their simple Vault Slim wallet case for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus, iPhone 6/6s, and the iPhone SE/5S/5 in four colors for a reasonable $14-$15. This case provides room for three cards plus cash, a clean, sharp design, a ribbed interior for shock absorption, and textured sides for a good grip. They also throw in a screen protector. All versions of the Vault Slim have 4.2/5 stars on Amazon or higher.

Another great minimal option without the wallet function is the super thin case from Peel. Check out our previous review, they even offer a Jet Black color option. What cases do you love most? We’d love to hear from you in the comments! We’ve also got more helpful gift guides from the 9to5Mac team here.