Cell phones are a component of our daily lives and for many people, an indispensable one at that. However, the public is gradually becoming aware that these magical little devices could pose a danger from the electromagnetic radiation they emit, even while in standby mode.
This has led to an explosion in the shielded cell phone case market and it grows daily. More and more people are opting to use some form of protective cover with their cell phones that still allow them to operate, but in a safer manner.
Electromagnetic radiation, referred to commonly as electromagnetic frequencies (EMF), is becoming an environmental factor in everyday life as the number of wireless devices we use to increase and their radiative energies increase to accommodate greater bandwidth. These devices, however, are not as strictly regulated for safety as you might imagine.
Just because something is legal to buy does not mean it comes without risk. Tobacco and alcohol are perfectly legal for adults, but we all know that there are assumed risks with using these substances.
The same goes for cell phones and the energies they emit. However, a little precautionary action on your part can substantially reduce your daily exposure while still enjoying the use of these modern marvels.
Here we provide for you our top picks for EMF shielding cell phone cases and accessories with attention to effectiveness (It has to actually work, right?), durability, and style. These selections are provided in no particular order but all are guaranteed to work effectively to reduce your exposure to cell phone EMF.
Comparison Table
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1. DefenderShield iPhone 13 Series Cases
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2. DefenderShield iPhone 12 Series Cases
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3. DefenderShield Universal Cell Phone Cases
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4. SYB 5G Phone Shield
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5. SYB Phone Pouch
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6. SYB Pocket Patch
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7. DefenderShield EMF Radiation-Free Air Tube Stereo Earbud Headphones
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8. SYB H.A.R.D.
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Our Best Cell Phone Radiation Shields Reviews and Comparisons
1. DefenderShield iPhone 13 Series Cases
Product Highlights
DefenderShield offers a full line of size-customized iPhone cases with built-in EMF shielding and RFID blocking ability. Their cases use layered proprietary fabric containing silver mesh, sandwiched between a layer of textured rubber (the interior) and vegan leather (the exterior).
DefenderShield cases block 99% of EMF up to frequencies of 10 GHz, which covers most of the new 5G band. They also contain a handy and detachable credit card wallet with RFID blocking ability to prevent theft of information encoded on card magnetic strips.
In the event you may accidentally drop your phone walking down a crowded street, their cases also have a wrist strap, which can be removed if it is not wanted. Cases are shielded on one side only (the “away” side) so that you are protected when the phone is near your ear but the phone can still communicate with the cell tower.
Features
- Shields EMF from 0-10 GHz
- Attractive vegan leather outer shell
- Flip-over cover to use while speaking
- Built-in and detachable card wallet with RFID shielding
What We Like About DefenderShield iPhone Cases
All DefenderShield products are tested at an FCC-certified laboratory to verify their effectiveness. The leather of the cases is well stitched at the edges and comes in an attractive slate grey. The detachable card wallet is a big plus, basically eliminating one piece of stuff you have to put in your purse or pocket. RFID shielding is a bonus to prevent identity theft.
What We Don’t Like About DefenderShield iPhone Cases
There are some complaints from customers attempting to use wireless chargers to recharge their phones, however, the case would be expected to block these electromagnetic transmissions anyway. Also, there are several reports that the size of the iPhone case does not exactly fit the particular iPhone model as advertised.
In addition, there is a screen issue iPhone users with these cases will need to remedy by going into their accessibility menu and adjusting the 3D touch sensitivity “firm” to prevent phantom dials and accidental hang-ups.
PROS
- Sturdy and looks great
- Blocks 99% of EMF
- Blocks RFID theft
- Detachable card wallet
CONS
- Some cases do not fit certain iPhone models well (example iPhone 11)
- Must remove phone from the case for wireless charging
2. DefenderShield Phone 12 Series Cases
Product Highlights
The features of the DefenderShield Samsung phone cases are essentially identical to those found in their iPhone case line. Same shielding materials, same case materials, good construction, and thorough attention to quality.
Samsung cases are similarly laboratory-certified and will block 99% of EMF up to the 10 GHz band (5G). We forgot to mention above that all their iPhone and Samsung cases have extra material on the corners to prevent damage from that occasional cell phone blunder.
As with iPhone cases above, the Samsung line is size-tailored to different models of Samsung cell phones, comes with a detachable wrist strap, and contains a detachable, RFID-shielded card wallet with three card slots.
Features
- Shields EMF from 0-10 GHz
- Card wallet (detachable) with RFID shielding
- Nice vegan leather outer casing
- Shielded flip cover for use while speaking
What We Like About DefenderShield Samsung Cell Phone Cases
An FCC-certified laboratory tests all DefenderShield products to verify that they actually work, and they do work. The quality of these cell phone cases is amazing for the price and the included wallet is a nice touch to make porting around all your stuff while on the go a lot easier. With built-in RFID protection for your credit cards against identity theft, these cases are a great package.
What We Don’t Like About DefenderShield Samsung Cell Phone Cases
Tearing of material around the magnetic clasp has been a quality issue for some users, likely due to either insufficient binding or too strong of a magnet.
PROS
- Beautiful tailoring
- Has a card wallet
- Blocks 99% of EMF (99%) -Lab-certified
- RFID theft protection
CONS
- Some reports of torn magnetic clasps after several weeks of use
3. DefenderShield Universal Cell Phone Cases
Product Highlights
If you happen to have any one of the myriads of cell phones out on the market (too many to count) beside an iPhone or a Samsung, DefenderShield has cases for you. Their line of universal cell cases are made with the same build quality and materials as their other, brand-specific cell phone case lines.
These cases block 99% of EMF up to the 10 GHz range (most of 5G) and come with the same features as their other lines: wrist strap, detachable card wallet with RFID shielding, and their state-of-the-art shielding materials.
The Universal line is offered in two sizes: small, which fits cell phones up to 5.7 by 3.0 inches (14.5 by 7.6 cm) and large, which fits cell phones up to 6.5 by 3.2 inches (16.5 by 8.1 cm).
Features
- Attractive vegan leather casing
- Shields 99% of EMF to 10 GHz
- Flip cover shields the user during calls
- Removable RFID-shielded card wallet
What We Like About DefenderShield Universal Cell Phone Cases
This line of lab-tested cell phone cases is guaranteed and certified to block 5G radiation while on a call. All of DefenderShield’s cell phone cases have excellent build quality and look very nice. The included card wallet and wrist strap, both of which can be removed, are nice additions and make this a functional product for your day to day travels.
What We Don’t Like About DefenderShield Universal Cell Phone Cases
Some users have conducted their own tests and claim that the cases do not block any EMF, although they did not share their methods of measurement. Since these are universal cases, no cut-out is included for the cell phone camera, as many models place this device in different locations on the phone. Fit is also a bit loose, owing to the generic nature of the cases.
PROS
- Great build quality and materials
- Includes a card wallet with 3 slots that can be removed
- Laboratory-certified to block 99% of EMF
- Card wallet has RFID protection
CONS
- Poor fit with some phone models
- No cut-outs for camera lens access
4. SYB 5G Phone Shield
Product Highlights
The 5G Phone Shield by SYB is not a cell phone case, although it resembles one. This product is essentially a pocket-sized shim that is intended to be placed in the pocket between the cell phone and the user while the phone is in standby mode.
Made of high-quality light brown vegan leather on both sides and expertly stitched, the core of the 5G shield consists of a silver-woven shielding fabric that acts as a local Faraday cage, although in the shield configuration it is not technically a cage. It does, however, block 99% of EMF and has been laboratory validated up to the 20 GHz band, which covers all of 5G.
There are several sizes of 5G shields available to fit the size of the phone and will seat in any pants or jacket pocket.
Features
- Blocks EMF (99%) up to 20 GHz
- Sizes for any phone (and pocket)
- Made from vegan leather
What We Like About SYB 5G Phone Shield
Despite not being a cell phone case, the 5G Phone Shield works very well in blocking EMF between the phone and the user. For people who really do not like the bulk of cell phone cases (and I am one of them), this is a great alternative for excellent EMF shielding while not weighing down your phone.
Since it is not a case, you will also not have any problems using your cell phone camera (some case brands have camera cut-outs that do not properly align).
What We Don’t Like About SYB 5G Phone Shield
We actually could not find any bad comments about this product. All the users who reviewed the 5G Phone Shield were satisfied with its performance and being lightweight.
PROS
- Stylish
- Lightweight
- Effective
- Does not interfere with cell phone camera use
CONS
- None we can find
5. SYB Phone Pouch
Product Highlights
The SYB Phone Pouch is also not a cell phone case but a cell phone sleeve, similar to the ones you might have for your tablet. It is made of soft but durable neoprene and backed with SYB’s proprietary EMF shielding fabric containing a nickel/cobalt alloy woven into polyester.
This phone pouch comes in various sizes to fit any cell phone and a range of colors including black, purple, blue, orange, red, and green. On the reverse side, it features a 3-inch belt loop for carrying when you are on the go.
The top of the pouch is open to allow for easy removal or to use in a place with a headset. Since the shielding is only on the back, the pouch will not interfere with the call reception. The pouch edges are serger stitched and very strong.
As with other SYB products, the pouch has been laboratory tested and will block 99.9% of EMF up to the 20 GHz band.
Features
- Blocks 99.9% of EMF up to 20 GHz
- Soft and flexible
- Belt loop for carry
- Open top allows phone use while in the pouch
What We Like About SYB Phone Pouch
The 5G Phone Pouch is a convenient way to carry your phone, which fits snugly inside and will not become dislodged if you use it for sports. The nickel/cobalt shielding is very effective in blocking EMF and you can have your choice of colors to accessorize.
Stitching is tight and will not come unraveled.
What We Don’t Like About SYB Phone Pouch
There have been many complaints about this product in the EHS community when examining the reviews with claims that it does not work as advertised. However, no information was provided regarding how their in-home tests were conducted.
One user posted a video showing him scanning a cell phone in the pouch with a Meterk EMF meter, yet he was scanning the out-facing portion of the pouch (where there is no shielding!), so it is no surprise that he detected a signal. We suspect many other users, as well, doing their own tests are not performing them correctly.
PROS
- Many colors to choose from
- Soft and comfortable
- Convenient belt loop
- Blocks nearly all EMF
CONS
- Some user reports that it does not work (we regard these with some skepticism
6. SYB Pocket Patch
Product Highlights
The SYB Pocket Patch is similar in concept to the 5G Phone Shield reviewed above, however, the similarities stop there. The Pocket Patch is a type of phone shield that can be permanently applied to clothing inside of a pocket, whether that pocket is in a pair of pants, on a shirt, or in a jacket.
Made of hypoallergenic cotton woven with silver thread, the Pocket Patch features an extremely strong adhesive backing that becomes a permanent part of the garment. Like other SYB products, it has been laboratory tested and will shield you from 87.4% of EMF up at frequencies of 3 GHz (the patch is more effective at lower frequencies, attaining 96.5-98% EMF shielding at frequencies of 2.1 GHz and lower).
This is more of a care-free adjunctive to EMF shielding, but we feel that the convenience factor is very high. Once applied and set, clothing with the patch can be machine-laundered normally in cold or warm water (no bleach!) and even dried in a regular dryer.
Features
- Blocks EMF up to 3 GHz
- Soft and pliable
- Permanent stick-on
- Machine washable and dryable
What We Like About SYB Pocket Patch
If you want a permanent solution to protecting yourself from EMF radiation with little fuss over bulk phone cases or shims you have to remember to take with you, this fire-and-forget solution by modifying your clothes is a great little idea. With one product pack, you can treat up to three garments or go wild and treat several pockets on the same garment in case you like to move your phone around to different carrying places.
What We Don’t Like About SYB Pocket Patch
Some claim that the patches do not work, but upon examination, users were not testing the patches as they were designed to be used. Covering cell phones in patch material can cause increased signal output from the phone as it searches for a tower.
A lot of users buy an EMF meter for home testing but are not aware of how the devices work or whether there are other EMF sources in their environment. A kitchen is not a lab. So, be aware of user claims in this instance as the lab results seem solid.
PROS
- Affordable and comes in a 3-pack
- Permanent modification of your garment
- Wash and dry
- Fire-and-forget
CONS
- May not provide proper shielding if using a patch that is too small for the pocket
7. DefenderShield EMF Radiation-Free Air Tube Stereo Earbud Headphones
Product Highlights
Bluetooth earpieces are extremely popular, both for their convenience and the perceived safety distance between the cell phone and the user. However, that trust is very misplaced.
Bluetooth devices transmitting radiofrequency radiation inserted into your ear canal is actually much worse in many ways than using a cell phone in the traditional manner, although most people are unaware of this fact. Wired earphones are recommended on many anti-EMF consumer protection sites as a good alternative, but even these can carry currents to the ear canal.
A sure and safe bet is no electromagnetic energies anywhere near your head. DefenderShield has solved this issue by creating the Radiation-Free Air Tube earbuds.
These earbuds have high-fidelity speakers near to the base along the leads from the headphone jack and transmit sound through sealed tubes by air compression, delivering no electrical frequencies of any kind to the ears of the user. Sound quality is excellent with great acoustics and no loss of audible sound.
The headset was developed by experts in acoustic engineering. The nylon tubes themselves are even shielded with copper mesh to prevent any electromagnetic conduction exposure to the ear.
Features
- EMF-free
- Strong nylon air tubes with copper shielding
- A selection of hypoallergenic silicone ear tips
- Includes ear hooks for sports activities
What We Like About DefenderShield EMF Radiation-Free Air Tube Stereo Earbud Headphones
Outstanding acoustics and durable build are the hallmarks of these earbuds. The nylon cord is braided to prevent kinks and tangles.
Included with this product are ear hooks for casual or sports use, sport tips which fit tighter to prevent being dislodged during activity, and a clip to secure the headset while engaged in sports. The headset also features a microphone with adjustable audio controls.
What We Don’t Like About DefenderShield EMF Radiation-Free Air Tube Stereo Earbud Headphones
Some users with EHS (electromagnetic hypersensitivity) have complained about the inclusion of a pair of magnets on the backs of the earpieces, intended to clasp them together while not being used. Weights of the speaker drums are heavy for some users and bounce around while walking.
PROS
- No EMF delivered to the user’s ear
- Good build quality
- Shielding built into the tubes
- Sports accessories included
CONS
- Speakers are heavy
- Magnets on the rear of the earbuds
8. SYB H.A.R.D.
Product Highlights
SYB does sell an air tube headset, similar in much of its design to the model produced by DefenderShield (here is the link, if you are interested), but we thought we would provide you an interesting alternative solution to your headset needs. The H.A.R.D. (Hydrous Anti-Radiation Device) is an anti-radiation device that acts as a sort of inline EMF signal filter.
It consists of a standard audio jack that leads, via shielded cable, to a shielding box into which you can insert the jack of any wired headset. What this does is form a signal filter that prevents EMF radiation from being conducted along the wires of a standard headset and reaching the user.
Users can also order an optional USB-C adapter (sold separately) to work with late-model Android phones.
H.A.R.D. functions much the same way as the inline filters you use between your phone wall jack and your WiFi router to prevent signal noise, at least that is the way we understand it.
The box of the device contains a dielectric gel that can absorb microwave radiation from the phone that is conducted down the headset wires.
So, does it really do anything? Laboratory tests conducted at the University of Gloucestershire confirmed that H.A.R.D. (which they identify as the RadF3 technology) significantly blocks wire-transmitted microwave frequencies.
SYB claims on their website that the device was tested at frequencies up to 20 GHz, however the laboratory results they share only show testing as high as 2.9 GHz frequencies.
Features
- Boosts sound quality by filtering EMF
- Blocks 99% of EMF up to 3 GHz
- Can be used with any wired headset
What We Like About SYB H.A.R.D.
H.A.R.D. produces great sound quality and is lightweight. The option to use it with any wired headset while filtering EMF is a bonus.
What We Don’t Like About SYB H.A.R.D.
We did not find any credible negative reviews by users, although one person maintains that H.A.R.D. is only an amplifier (they did not do any EMF testing). We were concerned regarding the apparent disparity between signal range claims on the product advertising portion of the SYB website and the range reported in the laboratory testing results.
Also, no data tables or graphs were provided by the laboratory, which makes for a very weak argument. We feel that additional testing is needed.
PROS
- Great sound quality
- Use any wired headset, big or small
- Blocks EMF up to 3 GHz
CONS
- Data provided from the testing laboratory is incomplete