The best iPhone 16 Plus cases are an important accessory to have on hand if you’ve picked up Apple’s latest super-sized iPhone. Like all the phones in the iPhone 16 lineup, the Plus enjoys an improved Ceramic Shield that stands a better chance of repelling scuffs and scratches. But adding a case to the mix extends that protection even further.
And if you’ve read our iPhone 16 Plus review, you’ll know that Apple’s new phone offers plenty to protect, from an improved camera system to better overall performance. With new Action and Camera Control buttons, you’ve got more functionality and flexibility than ever before, so this is a phone you’ll want to keep in good shape for years to come.
Starting at $899, the iPhone 16 Plus is an investment in itself, but finding the right case to suit your style is an equally important purchase. From the super-stylish to the super-slim, here are the best iPhone 16 Plus cases to keep your new phone safely in your pocket — and not smashed across the pavement.
The best iPhone 16 Plus cases right now
Best case overall
Colors: Olive Drab, Black, Ice and other colors
Materials: Polycarbonate, synthetic rubber
Weight: 1.9 ounces
+ Eco-friendly materials
+ MagSafe compatible
+ 18-foot drop protection
- Lanyard not included
The Urban Armor Gear Pathfinder is a lightweight iPhone 16 Plus case that doesn’t skimp on shock absorption thanks to reinforced TPU bumpers, an ultra-lightweight armor shell and an impact-resistant frame. That adds up to drop protection up to 18 feet, making your iPhone ready for just about anything. A powerful built-in magnet module is MagSafe compatible, and integrated lanyard anchor points add another carrying option to the mix.
Best drop protection
Colors: Black, Clear, Baby Blue, Cobalt Blue, Primrose Pink Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: TBA
+ Best-in-class drop protection
+ Raised bezel and camera ring
- Premium price
When life gets bumpy, bounce back with the Casetify Bounce case, which is drop tested to withstand drops up to an impressive 21.3 feet high.. The 1.6mm raised bezel offers even more protection for the screen, with a 3.28mm lip around the camera lenses to keep scratches and cracks at bay. Casetify sells custom designs at its website, and you can also opt for the Bounce Ultra, which boosts drop protection to an astounding 32 feet. (That also adds to the already steep cost of this case, though.)
Best waterproof case
Colors: Black, Clear
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic, rubber
Weight: TBA
+ Fully waterproof design
+ 12-foot drop protection
- Only two color choices
Do you live the aquatic life? Then you’ll want an iPhone 16 Plus case that keeps your phone bone dry when the surf’s out. The Ghostek iPhone 16 Plus Nautical boasts an IP68 rating for full waterproofing, featuring a sealed full-body shell that’ll last up to an hour in water up to 20 feet deep. This grippy case is also rated to withstand drops up to 12 feet, making it a fantastic companion for outdoor adventurers who love underwater photography. A built-in screen protector and camera lens cover keep Apple’s optics safe and sound.
Best budget case
Colors: Crystal Clear, Crystal Quartz, Rose Quartz
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 2 ounces
+ Affordable
+ Barely-there design
- No special features
To showcase your new iPhone 16 Plus in all its glory, go minimalist with the Spigen Liquid Crystal case. You still get decent drop protection from Spigen’s Air Cushion technology and durable TPU construction. The case is infused with blue resin for long-lasting clarity, with raised edges. In short, it’s a no-frills case that lets your new iPhone shine, and it’s more affordable than other models on this list.
Best textured case
Colors: Natural, Olive
Materials: Aluminum, eco wood fiber
Weight: TBA
+ 10 foot drop protection
+ Eco-friendly construction
+ MagSafe compatible
- Only two color choices
Atom Studios goes natural with its iPhone 16 Plus case, turning to aluminum and eco wood fiber to create a cocoon of protection around your phone. The screen and camera array benefits 1mm edges designed to keep surfaces from coming into contact with those damage-prone areas, while the inside is lined with ultrasoft microfiber. The whole package is drop tested up to 10 feet and works with MagSafe charging.
Best wallet case
Colors: Five different designs
Materials: Faux leather, plastic, rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.4 ounces
+ Spring-loaded pocket
+ Built-in kickstand
- Not MagSafe compatible
Want to consolidate your keys, wallet, and phone? The Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 might be just the iPhone accessory you never knew you needed, featuring a spring-loaded pocket to hold up to three credit cards. The textured sides are grippy without being sticky, and raised bezels help guard the screen and cameras from any dings, dents, and scratches.
Best premium case
Colors: 300-plus unique styles and designs
Materials: Silicone, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 0.9 ounces
+ Tons of different design choices
+ Raised bezels around camera lenses
- Pretty premium price
Burga makes no bones about targeting the luxury crowd with its iPhone 16 Plus case, and it's got more than 300 different designs to tempt you to pay up for your case. Options like Art Class, Bloomy Garden and Summer Scent are bound to catch the eye, and a Tough version of this case features two baseline layers of protection (a silicone interior and hard shell exterior). You're getting more than just a pretty face, with raised edges to protect the rear camera array.
Best fashion/function blend
Colors: Solar Wind, Northern Lights, EOS, Solstice
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic elastomer
Weight: 1.4 ounces
+ Super-slim profile
+ Edge-to-edge design
- No special features
Otterbox is one of my favorite iPhone case makers, and the Figura Series features one-of-a-kind designs that are hydro-dipped by hand, making each one unique. The precision-cut opening allows for seamless interactions with the Camera Control button, and slightly raised edges guard the screen and camera lenses. Available in four beautifully blended colors, it’s a functional fashion choice that’ll slip easily into your pocket — but not out of your hand.
Best eco-friendly case
Colors: 8 different colors and designs
Materials: Biodegradable wheat straw
Weight: TBA
+ Budget-friendly price
+ Plenty of color choices
- Shipping costs extra outside the UK
More of us are thinking about the environment when we buy accessories, and that’s clearly at the top of mind for the makers of the Wave Case. It’s made from wheat straw instead of the usual array of polycarbonate, thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, and/or other plastics. There’s a 2mm lip around the screen and camera lens to keep them scratch-free, and shock-absorbing corners to cradle your device safe during any accidental spills.
What to look for in the best iPhone 16 Plus case
It may seem elementary, but when selecting the best iPhone 16 Plus case to fit your lifestyle, be certain the case you buy is actually made for the iPhone 16 Plus. With its 6.7-inch display, the iPhone 16 Plus is now a different size from the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max, meaning the best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases won’t fit this phone. Neither will the best iPhone 16 cases or the best iPhone 16 Pro cases as those are built for smaller models. Even the best iPhone 15 Plus cases are a no-go because of the different buttons on the new Plus.
Here are a few other factors to consider for your next iPhone case:
- Price: Our favorite iPhone 16 Plus cases can cost anywhere from $30 to around $100, offering a wide range of options to suit your budget. You can find cheaper cases, of course, but most of our top picks fall between $40 and $60, with more robust feature sets to match the extra coin.
- Build materials and drop protection: Whether the case is made out of silicone, aluminum, polycarbonate or rubber, look for decent drop protection (ie, 4 feet or higher) to keep your iPhone 16 Plus (and those camera lenses) safe during the occasional collision. Some iPhone 16 Plus cases are only meant to withstand drops from a few feet high, 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 Plus 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.
- Environmental impact: Smartphone makers continue to emphasize the sustainability angle of their devices, and case makers are following suit. Look for iPhone 16 Plus cases with various green initiatives that use recycled plastics and other bio-friendly materials.
How we pick the best iPhone 16 Plus cases
We base our initial best iPhone 16 Plus 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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