Rolling Stone and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.
Want to Prevent An Unwanted Video Leak? Pick Up One of These Phone Cases With Built-In Camera Shields
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Not that there has ever been any proof of spying, but more and more smartphone users have been purchasing privacy cases for their devices in recent years, with manufacturers now making specialized phone cases with built-in camera covers.
More from Rolling Stone
According to tech accessory brand Spy-Fy, a phone camera cover “simultaneously protects your phone from damage” while preventing “camera hacking” from potential cybercriminals, who may want access to your camera so that “they can surveil or blackmail you.”
Now, in light of NFL star Shannon Sharpe’s recent live video leak, a phone case with camera shield serves another purpose: preventing you from accidentally broadcasting your images or videos to the world.
There are other more practical uses for why you’d want a device case with built-in camera cover: to keep your lens clean, for example, or to ensure that prying eyes don’t accidentally get an eyeful if you’re taking your phone into the bathroom (also: you should probably disinfect your device if you’re doing that).
What are the best phone cases with camera covers and how do they work? We review four top picks below.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Spy-Fy iPhone 15 Pro Privacy Case
$59.95
Spy-Fy’s iPhone Privacy Case protects your device from all angles, with a military-grade case that can withstand drops from up to six feet, plus raised edges to protect your screen. The Spy-Fy case also features a built-in camera cover, that you can flip over your phone lens. Flip the cover outwards and it becomes a handy phone stand.
This case also comes with a built-in front camera cover. Need to unlock your phone with Face ID? Simply slide the selfie camera cover to the right and you can use your phone as usual. Spy-Fy makes privacy cases for multiple phone models – see full selection here.
TOP-RATED
TORRAS Shockproof iPhone 15 Pro Case
$32.99 $39.99 18% off
Amazon’s top-rated phone case with camera cover is this model from TORRAS, which boasts a 4.8-star rating (out of five) from reviewers. Almost 75% of shoppers give this privacy case a full, five-star review, praising its durability, its scratch-proof and anti-dust coating, and its MagSafe compatibility.
This phone case features a sliding camera cover that doubles as a kickstand. TORRAS says the privacy cover has been “rigorously tested with over 30,000 open/close cycles” to ensure longevity. What we like: the case offers 16-foot drop protection thanks to built-in, impact-absorbing “airbags,” which help to form a ring of protection around your device.
BEST VALUE
DEERLAMN Case With Slide Camera Cover
$14.99 $15.99 6% off
This Amazon deal gets you a phone case with sliding camera cover plus a pack of two screen protectors. Like the other picks on our list, this case features military-grade drop protection thanks to the shock-proof material. This also has a built-in kickstand, though it’s separate from the camera cover.
Choose from ten different colors and sizes to fit most phones. Right now, Amazon is also offering a free cleaning kit as a bonus with purchase. See full details here.
ALSO CONSIDER
Mangix Case with Camera Cover
$16.99
This is the phone case we personally use and we like it because of its minimalist design and thin profile (which helps it fit into our pockets easily).
The phone case has a sliding camera cover for privacy, and a grippy texture for a secure hold. The unique material also helps to prevent fingerprints or smudging, while adding an extra layer of protection on top of the plastic case. Choose from three colorways and multiple sizes.
This is the best phone case with camera cover that we’ve tested, but don’t just take our word for it: the case has a 4.5-star review (out of five) from more than 6,000 verified reviewers online.
Does a Phone Case With Camera Cover Help?
A good phone case with built-in camera cover isn’t just necessary for privacy. In addition to preventing accidental snaps or unplanned broadcasting, the camera cover also helps to protect your lens from dust, dirt, sweat, debris and water. Slide the cover on when your phone camera is not in use as an extra level of precaution — it’ll ensure that your lens stay clean, clear and in focus.
One last note: while a device case with camera cover can block photos and videos, it won’t block out sound — so if you, like Shannon Sharpe, are going live on Instagram, the action may not be blurred out, but the audio will still remain.
Best of Rolling Stone
Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.