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As one of the best phones our tech experts on the Reviews team have ever tested, the iPhone 16 is a reliable choice for most users. But even the best phones aren't immune to damage from drops or daily wear and tear. That's why we're rounding up the best iPhone 16 cases that'll keep your phone looking as good as new for years to come.
While the best phone cases aren't one-size-fits-all, all of the ones on this list have durability and protective features in common. We've also included options for every budget, and many offer helpful bonus features such as MagSafe compatibility, built-in wallets, crossbody straps, and more.
To help you find the best model for your needs, we've compiled our favorite iPhone 16 cases from both Apple and third-party brands like Otterbox, Bellroy, and more. Whether you're accessorizing a brand-new phone or are ready for a case upgrade, you'll find a suitable option here. For an added layer of protection, see our guide to the best iPhone 16 screen protectors. Or, if you've already upgraded to the latest iPhone model, check out our roundup of the best iPhone 17 cases instead.
- Staff PickBest overallUpdating a model that has offered the best anti-yellowing among clear cases in our testing, Apple's latest clear case has a seamless conductive layer for the new Camera Control button.
- First-rate protectionThe Otterbox Commuter case features the brand's standard, top-tier drop protection and charging port covers in a light and relatively slim form with five available colorways.
- Staff PickBest budget caseSmartish's Gripmunk is an exceptional value for a MagSafe-compatible model. It features integrated "air pocket corners" for drop protection and a textured grip on its sides.
- A case with a crossbody strapThis convenient case features a detachable and adjustable crossbody strap, so you can skip the handbag. It also accommodates up to five cards and comes in six colors.
- An exceptional wallet caseSmartish's Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 is a low-cost, high-value option for a case with an integrated wallet. In our testing, it can hold up to three cards and cash securely.
- A minimalist wallet caseThe design of this case is streamlined but functional, with the capacity to hold up to three cards. It's also available in three colors and has a raised camera rim for protection.
- Best customizationCasetify's collection includes a wide variety of protective models that offer a range of drop protection and allow you to customize your case with text and color patterns.
- Affordable and versatileThe inexpensive and hardwearing Tough Armor case from Spigen has raised edges for screen and camera protection and a built-in kickstand for content viewing or capture.
- Another worthwhile clear caseSpeck's Presidio clear case is the only other model that has offered comparable resistance against age- and use-related yellowing to Apple's proprietary clear case.
- Military-grade protectionOtterbox is known for durability, and its Defender series offers the brand's toughest cases yet. With shock-absorbing corners, port covers, and more, this case provides the utmost protection.
FAQs
Does the iPhone 16 need a case?
In recent years, iPhones have become significantly more durable. However, none of the best phones are immune to damage, and our iPhone 16 review recommends protecting your investment in the phone with a dependable case.
As detailed in our long-term testing for our guide to the best iPhone cases, protection aside, cases can also add helpful features to your phone, like the built-in wallet of the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 case.
A case alone may not save your phone's screen from scratching, so we also recommend adding a screen protector to the iPhone 16. See our guide to the best iPhone 16 screen protectors for our top recommendations.
What should I look for in an iPhone 16 case?
As with any of the best iPhones, when looking for a case for the iPhone 16, you should consider several factors aside from your budgetary constraints and aesthetic preferences.
First and foremost, you want to ensure that the case provides adequate protection against drop damage, as each of our picks above does. If you intend to use the phone's improved MagSafe charging technology for magnetic attachment to chargers, wallets, or mounts, you'll need to ensure that your case adequately supports MagSafe.
The iPhone 16 series also introduced a new Camera Control button, which a case should account for and accommodate.
Will an iPhone 15 case fit an iPhone 16?
While the dimensions of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are remarkably similar, a case meant for the iPhone 15 will not fit on the iPhone 16, and vice versa, due to the phones' design differences.
The new base models in the iPhone 16 series have a redesigned vertical camera system and new hardware features, like the Camera Control and Action buttons, that make previous-generation cases incompatible.
See our guide to the best iPhone 15 cases to equip the previous model, and read our iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 guide for further comparison.
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