With no iPhone SE 4 expected until next year, you're going to want one of the best iPhone SE (2022) cases to make sure your current handset stays safe and sound. A good case can help your $429 phone avoid costly damage should gravity do its thing and your iPhone takes an unexpected tumble.
And those falls could prove costly. Our iPhone SE drop testing shows that as tough as this iPhone is, you can rack up some damage should your phone hit the ground unprotected. And that's not even considering things like scratches from items in your pocket or smudges from your fingers. A case guards against all those things, and even adds some style to your Phone SE (2022).
Even two years after the current iPhone SE's release, you've got some choices when it comes to finding the best iPhone SE cases. And with the current model's dimensions matching the size of the iPhone SE (2020), you've got additional options.
From simple bumper cases to more elaborate accessories. here are the best iPhone SE (2022) cases we've come across in our research.
The best iPhone SE (2022 cases right now
Best iPhone SE (2022) case overall
Colors: Pink, Blue, Black, Red
Materials: Silicone
Weight: 0.7 ounces
+ Wireless charging compatible
+ Lightweight
+ Snug fit
- Plain design
Apple's iPhone SE Silicone Case fits your handset perfectly, and a microfiber lining on the inside keeps your iPhone SE secure. All that, plus wireless charging compatibility, make up for a rather basic look that's available in four colors.
Best wallet case
Colors: Black, Brown, Blue, Teal, Dark Green, Gray, Plum
Materials: Leather
Weight: 3.87 ounces
+ Multiple color options
+ Fine materials
- Top and bottom of phone exposed
It's hard to beat Snakehive's Vintage Leather Wallet for style points. Made with genuine leather, the Vintage Leather Wallet is practical, too, with three credit card slots and a place to slip in some loose cash.
Best drop protection
Colors: Black, Olive
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.1 ounces
+ 20-foot drop protection
+ Works with most wireless chargers
- Limited color choices
Urban Armor Gear's Civilian Protective Cover features a shock-absorbing soft core along with impact-resisting bumpers and a raised ridge around the phone's bezel to keep the iPhone SE screen from hitting the ground. Drop protection of 20 feet adds to your peace of mind.
Blending style and protection
Colors: Red, Black, Blue, Gray
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.4 ounces
+ Four color options
+ Slim profile
- Kickstand durability complaints
Even though you enclose your iPhone SE in the Spigen Tough Armor case, a hole right on the back lets the Apple logo and a pop of color shine through. It's a nice way to protect your phone from drops and scratches while still letting some of its style stay visible.
Best thin case
Colors: Black, Dark Blue, Denim Blue, Red
Materials: Recycled plastic
Weight: 3.5 ounces
+ 12-foot drop protection
+ Antimicrobial coating
- Not many standout features
The Incipio Duo keeps a slim profile while offering 12-foot drop protection with its 2-piece design and antimicrobial treatment on its surface. We've seen multiple color options, though only the red version seems to be available at present.
Most artistic case
Colors: 20 different options
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.6 ounces
+ Unique look
+ 8-foot drop protection
- Relatively expensive
This Frida Kahlo-inspired Casely offering caught our eye, but if you're looking for something else, the case maker has 20 other designs for its iPhone SE case. In addition to the unique look, you can expect 8-foot drop protection and a raised bezel protecting the phone's display.
Best port protection
Colors: Black, green
Materials: Synthetic rubber
Weight: 1.4 ounces
+ Port cover
+ Lightweight protection
- No screen protector
Don't neglect your iPhone SE's port when thinking about protection. The OtterBox Commuter Series includes a port cover that keeps dust out of that part of your iPhone, while also gurding against bumps and other mishaps. It's a pretty lightweight case, too.
Best clear case
Colors: Clear Lake, Sea Side
Materials: Recycled plastic
Weight: 1.6 ounces
+ 6-foot drop protection
+ Supports wireless charging
- No screen protection
You get 2-meter drop protection with Lifeproof's Next case, along with a covering that keeps dirt and dust out. (Don't expect a screen protector, though.) The real appear is a clear case that shows off your iPhone SE, highlighted by a stripe of color around the frame.
Best under $10
Colors: Black, brown, gray, green, dark green, purple, pink
Materials: Silica gel
Weight: 1.8 ounces
+ Cheap
+ Colorful options
- Other cases offer more extensive drop protection
Don't want to spend big bucks on an iPhone SE case? Turn to KiviCase's iPhone SE accessory, which comes in for less than $10 depending on the color. (Some of the more exotic colors cost a little more than $10.) There's a raised lip to protect the lone camera and a grip that helps you hold on to your phone.
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How to choose the best iPhone SE (2022) case for you
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When shopping for a case, make sure that it's specifically built for the iPhone SE. Fortunately, cases that fit the 2020 model also work with the iPhone SE (2022), as Apple hasn't changed the size. Still, most case makers will specifically note compatibility with the current model.
Otherwise, you're looking for the factors that normally guide shopping for phone cases. Start by seeing what kind of drop protection a case offers and whether there are additional features like kickstands, slots for credits cards and cash and other add-ons. It's helpful to also know if your would-be iPhone SE case is backed by a warranty.
