The best iPhone 16 cases go hand-in-hand with one of the best iPhones just released by Apple. Not only does the new iPhone include a more powerful A18 chipset, but its cameras produce photos that rival those from the best camera phones. As noted in our iPhone 16 review, picking up Apple’s least expensive handset no longer feels like you’re sacrificing too many of the premium features that come with the iPhone Pro models.
And that’s why you need to get a case to keep your iPhone 16 looking its best. You wouldn’t want an unexpected drop to take out that 6.1-inch display or damage the rear camera lenses. A case can also keep save bright iPhone 16 colors from scratches and other wear and tear. (And if you opt for a clear case, you can still show those colors off.)
A lot of cases out there aim to protect your iPhone, but only a few have caught our eye in our search for the very best options. From the ultra-rugged to the ultra-slim — and everything in between — here are the best iPhone 16 cases to put on your shortlist once you upgrade to Apple’s new phone.
The best iPhone 16 cases right now
Best case overall
Colors: 8 colors and patterns
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, rubber
Weight: 2.4 ounces
+ Drop-tested 50 times from 6 feet
+ Grippy sides with finger grooves
+ Fun customization options
- Not weatherproof
Featuring fabulous finger grooves to help keep your iPhone 16 firmly in hand, Smartish’s Gripzilla also touts textured sides that complement its shock-absorbing air-pockets in each corner. Raised edges guard the screen and camera lenses from occasional fumbles, and since the whole package is MagSafe compatible, you don’t have to remove the case to take advantage of wireless charging.
Best kickstand case
Colors: Black, clear, ultramarine
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 2.9 ounces
+ Spinning kickstand
+ Stronger magnet than previous model
+ MagSafe compatible
- Few color choices
The Torras 360° Spin Stand brings perfectly balanced protection to the palm of your hand, featuring four-corner airbags and raised bezels to keep those camera lenses scratch-free. The standout feature is its 360-degree spinning kickstand, which is equally awesome at videoconferencing in landscape mode and TikTok-ing in portrait mode.
Best ultra-rugged case
Colors: 7 color options
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic elastomer
Weight: 2.7 ounces
+ Extensive drop testing
+ Made with recycled materials
- Premium price
If your busy lifestyle demands dynamite drop protection, you can’t do much better than the Otterbox Defender Series Pro XT, which features a dual-layer design and pressure-fitted frame to keep your iPhone 16 as snug as a bug in a rug. The port cover blocks dust and dirt, while raised bumpers around the camera lenses keep cracks and scratches at bay; built-in anchors even let you attach phone straps, adding another layer of functionality to the mix.
Best luxury case
Colors: More than a dozen colors and designs
Materials: Leather / synthetic leather
Weight: N/A
+ Oodles of customizable designs
+ Multiple leather (and faux leather) choices
+ Dedicated credit card slots
- Ultra-premium price
The Noreve iPhone 16 Leather Wallet Case won’t be for everyone — its high price assures that. But if you want to wrap your iPhone in style, you can’t do much better than this case, which is available either in synthetic leather or genuine leather varieties. If money’s no object, you can even add custom engravings, text or images to the exterior lining. The inside of this folio-style case can hold three credit cards at a time.
Best lanyard case
Colors: Clear with black or gold accents
Materials: Vegan leather, polycarbonate, microfiber
Weight: 1.2 ounces
+ 15x stronger than military standard
+ Made with biodegradable materials
+ CrossBody strap included
- Limited color choices
More than 90% of the Tech21 EvoCrystal case is biodegradable, making it a great choice for eco-conscious consumers. But that’s just the beginning, as you also get 16-foot drop protection, with Tech21’s FlexShock technology absorbing the brunt of each and every impact. Best of all, this case includes a CrossBody strap, which instantly adds more freedom of movement to your commute.
Best drop protection
Colors: 18 color options
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.4 ounces
+ Slim design
+ Magsafe compatible
+ 20-foot drop protection
- Color choices could be more diverse
Urban Armor Gear’s Civilian iPhone 16 Case features triple-shot overmold construction and a cushioning core, adding up to 20 feet of drop protection for even the clumsiest of consumers. Hypercush Impact Protection technology is engineered to dampen shock on contact, and raised edges help shield your screen and camera lenses from sharp corners. While there are different color options, most skew toward black or olive,
Best thin case
Colors: Natural Titanium, Frosted Black, Clear, Frosted Clear, Green, Red, Navy Blue
Materials: Polypropylene
Weight: 0.1 ounces
+ Ultra-thin design
+ Multiple color choices
- Minimal drop protection
Thin is always in, and the Totallee Thin iPhone 16 Case continues its legacy as the skinniest iPhone case around, at just 0.02 inches thin. You won’t spot superfluous logos, just a featherlight layer of cushioning that’ll add minimal bulk to your pocket. There’s a raised lip around the camera lenses to offer a little extra protection, but you won’t get the same coverage as other cases on this list..
Best leather case
Colors: Black, Dark Tan
Materials: Calfskin leather, microfibre, polycarbonate
Weight: 1.2 ounces
+ Made from eco-friendly materials
+ Decent drop protection
- Only two color choices
The Mujjo Full Leather Case for iPhone 16 features a beautifully built-to-last leather exterior and 1mm raised bezels in the front to protect the screen. A machined-metal camera bump in the back also protects the camera lenses. The buttons, camera bump, microfibre lining and polycarbonate inner shell are made from recycled materials, and the calfskin leather is tanned with DriTan technology to cut down on energy use during the tanning process.
Best textured case
Colors: 7 color options
Materials: Polyester or vegan leather
Weight: N/A
+ Unique textured Woolenex design
+ Made with sustainable materials
+ 10-foot drop protection
- No extra features
If you prefer a textured case over a smooth one, the Incase Icon Case for iPhone 16 comes in two unique styles: Woolenex fabric and (plant-based) pebbled leather. You can count on 10 feet of drop protection, and the ultra-responsive button cut-outs provide plenty of clickiness to boot. This iPhone 16 case is also made with sustainable materials that are backed by a lifetime warranty.
What to look for in the best iPhone 16 cases
It may seem elementary, but when selecting the best iPhone 16 case to fit your lifestyle, be certain the case you buy is actually made for the iPhone 16 Plus. A variety of popular case makers offer similar styles for multiple iPhone models including the older iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. But even though those phones have the same screen size, the buttons are quite different — no Action or Camera Control button cutouts for best iPhone 14 cases or the best iPhone 15 cases.
Likewise, Apple’s standard iPhone used to be the same size as iPhone Pro, but with the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple has turned to a larger 6.3-inch display. Only the best iPhone 16 Pro cases will fit that model.
Here are a few other factors to consider for your next iPhone 16 case:
- Price: Our favorite iPhone 16 cases can cost anywhere from $30 to around $100, though that higher range of price usually means you’re turning to a case that’s either made from expensive materials or features a custom design (or both). Most of the time, you can find the best iPhone 16 cases for $65 or less.
- Build materials and drop protection: Whether the case is made out of silicone, aluminum, polycarbonate or rubber, look for decent drop protection (that is, at least 4 feet) to keep your iPhone 16 (and those camera lenses) safe should your phone take a tumble. Some iPhone 16 cases are only meant to withstand drops from a few feet, while more hardcore competitors have a MIL-STD-810G-tested rating of 20 feet or more. In general, a case that offers multiple layers generally delivers more drop protection overall.
- Color/design options: Budget-friendly phone cases usually offer limited color choices, but our premium picks add blended colors, textured designs, artsy skins, and built-in keychain, lanyard, or wallet attachments to the mix. If you want your iPhone 16 to reflect the inner you, a customizable case might just do the trick. That said, if you prefer Apple’s iconic logo to be front and center as you stroll through town, consider a clear case instead.
- Environmental impact: Smartphone makers continue to emphasize the sustainability angle of their devices, and case makers are following suit. Look for iPhone 16 cases with various green initiatives that use recycled plastics and other bio-friendly materials.
How we pick the best iPhone 16 cases
We base our initial best iPhone 16 case rankings using word-of-mouth and customer reviews, along with our own comprehensive research. When evaluating each phone case, we consider color/design choices, overall drop protection, and special features — leveraged against each individual price point. Because phone cases are such a personal choice, we also strive to include a variety of styles and brands to fit different tastes and budgets.
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