Casetify vs Pela: Which iPhone Case Is Right for You?

May 17, 2025

Choosing a phone case can feel like picking a superhero sidekick. Do you want one that’s tough enough to survive a skateboard drop (Casetify) or one that turns into compost instead of trash (Pela)? Both brands are popular, but they cater to totally different priorities.

In this guide, we’ll break down their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between to help you decide.

Casetify & Pela: Quick Overview

Casetify

Best For: Extreme protection, bold designs, and techy accessories.
Price: $65–$100 (cases) + $30–$60 for add-ons like lanyards.
Key Perks: Survives drops up to 32.8 feet, hundreds of customizable designs, MagSafe-compatible.

Pela

Best For: Eco-conscious users who want style without harming the planet.
Price: $35–$60.
Key Perks: Compostable material, lightweight feel, guilt-free disposal.

Casetify vs Pela: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Casetify	Pela
Material	Plastic (not eco-friendly)	Plant-based Flaxstik (100% compostable)
Drop Protection	Up to 32.8 ft (Ultra Bounce Case)	Up to 6 ft (everyday drops)
Eco-Friendly	Limited recycling programs	Composts in 6 months; return old cases
MagSafe Strength	Strong magnets (no extra cost)	Weaker; needs $5 MagSafe module
Customization	500+ designs, photo uploads, accessories	Custom photos/text, earthy colors
Weight	Bulky (Ultra Bounce) → Slim (Impact)	Lightweight, slim fit

Breaking Down the Key Differences

1. Material & Environmental Impact

Pela: Made from flax straw and compostable materials. Toss it in your backyard compost pile when you’re done!
- No plastic waste.
- Less durable over time (may fray after 2 years).
Casetify: Uses plastic with anti-yellowing tech (for clear cases). Not eco-friendly, but offers recycling partnerships.
- Survives extreme adventures.
- Adds to landfill waste.

Which is greener? Pela wins by a landslide. For more on its eco-friendly design, read our detailed Pela iPhone 16 case review.

2. Protection & Durability

Casetify’s Ultra Bounce Case: Built like a tank. Protects from drops up to 32.8 feet (the height of 3 giraffes!). Reinforced corners and a built-in camera cover.
- Survives skateboard fails, hikes, and clumsy hands.
- Bulky design.
Pela: Handles everyday slips (like dropping your phone on concrete). Slim profile but lacks heavy-duty padding.
- Good grip to prevent drops.
- Not for rough adventures.

Need more options? Explore other durable cases similar to Casetify.

3. Price & Value

Casetify: Costs more upfront ($65–$100), but justifies it with military-grade protection. Add-ons like lanyards cost extra.
Pela: Cheaper ($35–$60) and planet-friendly, but no fancy accessories.

4. Style & Customization

Casetify: Want a case with your dog’s face or a neon galaxy print? Casetify has endless options. Their Impact Case even has a built-in ring stand for watching TikTok.
Pela: Offers earthy tones (think ocean blue, forest green) and custom photo uploads. Less flashy, more minimalist.

5. MagSafe & Accessories

Casetify: Strong built-in magnets for chargers, wallets, and car mounts. The Ultra Bounce Case works with crossbody lanyards ($60) for hiking.
Pela: MagSafe requires a $5 add-on module. Simpler, but less secure for heavy accessories.

For a deeper dive into Casetify’s features, check out our full Casetify iPhone case review.

Who Should Buy Casetify?

Adventurers: Rock climbing? Skateboarding? The Ultra Bounce Case has your back.
Tech Lovers: Fancy MagSafe gadgets? Casetify’s magnets won’t let you down.
Style Chameleons: Match your case to your mood with bold designs.

Who Should Buy Pela?

Eco-Warriors: Reduce plastic waste without sacrificing style.
Everyday Users: Lightweight protection for school, work, or errands.
Minimalists: Prefer clean, natural designs over flashy prints.

FAQ: Casetify vs Pela

1. Which case offers better grip to prevent drops?

Casetify: The Impact and Ultra Bounce cases have textured edges and reinforced corners for a secure grip, even with sweaty hands.
Pela: The flaxstik material has a soft, slightly grippy texture but lacks the rugged edges of Casetify.

2. Can I customize designs on both brands?

Casetify: Yes! Upload photos, choose patterns, or pick from hundreds of pre-made designs. Their Impact case even supports custom text.
Pela: Offers custom photo uploads and text, but designs lean toward earthy, minimalist styles (no flashy prints).

3. Is Casetify’s MagSafe stronger than Pela’s?

Casetify: Yes. Built-in magnets hold accessories like wallets and chargers tightly, even during workouts or hikes.
Pela: Requires a $5 MagSafe module for decent strength. Without it, accessories may slip during movement.

4. Which brand is better for kids or teens?

Casetify: Great for teens who love bold styles and drop their phones often. The Ultra Bounce case survives backpack tosses and playground slips.
Pela: Ideal for eco-conscious families. Lightweight and non-toxic, but may need replacing sooner if used roughly.

5. Does Pela’s compostable material break down in landfills?

No. Pela cases only compost in active compost piles (home or industrial). In landfills, they behave like regular plastic. Always compost or return them to Pela!