The best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases help you to protect Apple’s newest (and largest-ever) iPhone for as long as you own it. And given Apple’s extensive software support and the power of the A18 Pro silicon at the heart of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, that could be a very long time.
As we found in our iPhone 16 Pro Max review, the 6.9-inch phone delivers outstanding performance when compared to other phones in its price range and some of the best photography we’ve seen from a mobile device. And that’s before the arrival of Apple Intelligence that promises to bring AI-backed features to your new phone.
A phone with all that going for it deserves some serious protection, and that’s what we found while looking for the best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases. Our top picks safeguard the iPhone 16 Pro Max against wear, tear, and drops; you’ll also find useful extras like kickstands, premium materials, and compatibility with MagSafe chargers and accessories.
The best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases right now
Best case overall
Colors: Gunmetal, slate, black, frost black
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 2 ounces
+ Military-grade drop protection
+ Built-in kickstand
+ MagSafe compatibility
- Limited range of colors
Spigen's Tough Armor AI for the iPhone 16 Pro Max gets top marks for both form and function. The case has military-grade drop protection with raised edges to keep your screen and camera safe, and it comes with a fold-out kickstand for hands-free streaming and video calls. It’s also compatible with MagSafe accessories. Note that the extra protection does add some bulk, and there are only a few basic color options to choose from.
Best value case
Colors: Black, green, gray, camo black, camo green
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.6 ounces
+ Affordable
+ Military-grade protection
- Base model isn’t MagSafe compatible
The Ringke Onyx is our pick for those who want to get a lot of protection for their iPhone 16 Pro Max without spending a lot of money. Even though it costs around $20, the case still offers military-grade drop protection and anti-slip grip sides. You’ll also find attachment points for security straps and other accessories. The basic Onyx supports wireless charging, or you can pay a few extra dollars for a MagSafe-compatible version.
Best kickstand case
Colors: Black, navy, thyme green
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane, metal, graphene
Weight: 1.6 oz
+ 16-foot drop protection
+ MagSafe compatibility
- Basic color options
The 16-foot drop protection listed by the Zagg Denali Snap with Kickstand beats every other one of our best iPhone 16 Pro Max case contenders. With graphene reinforcement and no-slip sides for better grip, your phone will be safe from all but the most extreme elements. The MagSafe-compatible case also has a sturdy metal kickstand that pops out to prop up your device in both landscape and portrait modes so you can view videos from any angle.
Best thin case
Colors: Black, marine blue, forest green, stone
Materials: Polycarbonate, microfiber
Weight: 1.1 ounces
+ Low-profile fit
+ MagSafe compatibility
- Other Mous cases offer more drop protection
The Mous Super Thin 2.0 is a solid pick for iPhone 16 Pro Max users wanting a barely-there case. The low-profile fit works well for carrying your device in a pocket or small purse, though you will sacrifice some protection. The Super Thin 2.0 is also MagSafe compatible, so you can quickly snap your device onto chargers and accessories like wallets and car mounts.
Apple’s best case
Colors: Eight options
Materials: Silicone, microfiber
Weight: 3.2 ounces
+ Slim design in eight colors
+ Made with recycled materials
+ Compatible with MagSafe and Camera Control
- Limited drop protection
Apple’s own Silicone Case with MagSafe is sure to snugly fit your iPhone 16 Pro Max. It comes in eight colors and integrates seamlessly with the new Camera Control feature via a conductive crystal button. While extensive drop protection isn’t on the table with this case, it should prevent minor dings and scratches.
Best leather case
Colors: Black, brown, tan
Materials: Leather, microfiber, polycarbonate
Weight: 3.9 ounces
+ Stylish leather finish
+ 8-foot drop protection
+ MagSafe compatibility
- Wears over time
The Nomad Modern Leather case for iPhone 16 Pro Max is a solid option for those who care about both style and features. There are three leather finish options, and the case offers 8-foot drop protection plus MagSafe compatibility. It also comes in a folio version for those who want to keep their phones, cards, and cash all in one place. Note that the leather may show scratches or other wear over time.
Best clear case
Colors: Clear with eight accent color options
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate
Weight: 1.3 ounces
+ Military-grade drop protection
+ Won’t yellow over time
- Not MagSafe compatible
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid is the best clear case for those who want military-grade drop protection for their iPhone 16 Pro Max at an affordable price. The clear case does offer a variety of color accents for some added flair. What’s more, Spigen promises that your case won’t yellow over time. While it does work with wireless charging, the Ultra Hybrid isn’t MagSafe compatible.
Best screen protection
Colors: Black
Materials: 600D aramid fiber
Weight: 0.7 ounces
+ Durable material
+ Super thin profile
- Limited color options
The Thinborne Case leaves no part of your iPhone 16 Pro Max unprotected. Along with the case itself wrapping fully around the phone’s sides, you get a tempered glass screen protector to keep the 6.8-inch display from harm. The case itself uses high-grade aramid fiber for a finely textured surface that’s easier to grip, and the 0.04-inch thin case won’t tack on any bulk to your iPhone. Don't expect a lot of color choices here, as there's just a single black option for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Best rugged case
Colors: Black, blue, purple, green, pink, camo
Materials: Silicone, rubber
Weight: 2.2 ounces
+ Military-grade drop protection
+ MagSafe compatible
- Bulky for daily use
The Defender Series Pro for MagSafe will keep your iPhone 16 Pro Max protected from major drops and falls as well as from dust, dirt, and scratches. The multi-layered case has cushioned corners, port covers, and attachment points for a strap or holster to secure your device. It’s also compatible with Otterbox screen protectors and MagSafe chargers and accessories.
What to look for in the best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases
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Shopping for an iPhone 16 Pro Max case can cause confusion, as many retailers make the same case for multiple iPhone 16 models and list them together. Make sure you are buying a case that will fit the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s larger 6.9-inch display. (If you’re looking for the best iPhone 16 Pro case for your smaller Pro model, we’ve got you covered there, too.)
You’ll also want to avoid any case for past Pro Max models, as this new version has a bigger display than the old 6.7-inch panel. Turn to our best iPhone 15 Pro Max case guide for picks that fit Apple’s older model.
After you’ve found the right size and case model, look at the following factors:
- Durability: At a minimum, any iPhone 16 Pro Max case you pay for should provide protection from minor dings and scratches, but if your device tends to slip out of your hand often, consider additional drop protection of at least 4 feet. Plus, some cases are made of more durable materials and are less likely to wear over time.
- Design: You can select an iPhone 16 Pro Max case that makes a statement about your style through the design, pattern, or material. If you’re looking for something more subtle, consider an ultra-slim fit or a neutral color.
- Features: If you want your case to do more than just cover your iPhone 16 Pro Max, look for products that come with extras like a kickstand or compatibility with MagSafe charging and accessories. You may also find wallet cases that give you slots for storing your cash.
- Price: The iPhone 16 Pro Max cases on our list range in price from $16 to $70. You don’t need to spend at the top end to get basic protection, but cases that cost more may have unique features or be made of more durable materials.
How we pick the best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases
Our iPhone 16 Pro Max case recommendations are selected from reputable brands and evaluated based on the criteria listed above: durability, design, features, and price. We aim to include cases at a range of price points and with a variety of user needs in mind. In some cases, we also do hands-on testing to confirm claims on fit and charging compatibility.
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