Having a case in your iPhone may help defend it from unintended injury like drops and spills. Because the Apple iPhone 16 is pretty costly, it is value investing in a superb case. That is why I got down to discover the most effective instances in the marketplace to maintain your iPhone secure.
Since folks’s tastes in iPhone instances differ broadly, I’ve included a various vary of prime case suggestions for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max primarily based on my hands-on testing. The iPhone 16 Collection has a brand new digicam format and a programmable motion button, which means instances from earlier fashions received’t match.
The brand new camera control button is touch-sensitive, and case producers supply various levels of publicity to the button with cutouts of their instances. An growing variety of instances cowl the button solely, together with these from Apple, Beats and Otterbox, together with up to date instances from ESR and others. However they keep the button’s contact sensitivity.
Greatest iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Professional instances of 2025
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Otterbox returns with its typical expansive lineup of instances for the iPhone 16. When it comes to toughness, the Defender Collection XT and Defender Collection Professional prime the road. Even the slimmer Figura, Symmetry Collection Clear and OtterGrip Symmetry Collection have glorious drop safety.
I stay a fan of the Symmetry Collection Mushy Contact for MagSafe (pictured left), which has a pleasant, grippy soft-to-the-touch end that is just like what you get with the extremely likable Core Collection instances Otterbox made for the iPhone 14. I additionally just like the Lumen Collection (pictured proper), a transparent case that has eye-catching iridescent accents in its MagSafe elements.
For me, one other favourite Otterbox case for the iPhone 16 is the Symmetry Collection Cactus Leather-based (pictured middle), which includes a cactus-based leather-based substitute in its design (Otterbox says the fake leather-based is organically grown and sustainably harvested from nopal cactus). The instances have a pleasant textured grip to them and can be found in enticing shade choices. In my assessments, the instances have held up effectively and are pretty scratch-resistant.
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Speck has introduced lots of its iPhone 15 case designs to the iPhone 16, together with such well-liked fashions because the Presidio Perfect-Clear, Presidio Lux and the Presidio2 Pro. Every Speck mannequin has good drop safety (8 to 13 ft, relying on the mannequin) in addition to Speck’s Microban antimicrobial safety. Additionally they embrace ultra-responsive buttons for smoother clicks on the brand new programmable motion button.
It additionally returns its ClickLock case system, which is constructed on MagSafe: It is suitable with any MagSafe accent however has an interlocking system that secures Speck’s ClickLock accessories to your case. Along with adhering to the case magnetically, the equipment — which vary in value from $30 to $50 — click on into a bit slot.
For individuals who personal the bigger and heavier iPhone 16 Plus or 16 Professional Max, it may be laborious to rely in your telephone staying on a MagSafe automobile mount, particularly in case you hit a bump. That is the place Speck’s ClickLock car vent mount helps. The pockets accent stays caught on the again of your telephone; you do not have to fret about it slipping off whenever you put your telephone in your pocket.
Irrespective of which product you select, Speck typically offers a reduction for first-time patrons buying via its web site.
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Rokform is understood for its rugged instances for iPhones and different smartphones. Its earlier Rokform Crystal and Rugged case are extremely protecting however could also be little too chunky for some folks. That is why Rokform got here up with a brand new case in 2025 known as the Rokform Slim Magnetic case that is 35% slimmer than its earlier fashions and is among the prime iPhone instances in the marketplace (it is accessible for all iPhone 16 Collection fashions). Not solely is it very protecting, with glorious nook and digicam safety, however its ring magnet for MagSafe equipment is among the strongest on the market, if not the strongest.
Rokform’s Crystal and Rugged instances are specifically designed to work with Rokform’s varied mounts, together with bike and motorbike mounts, which can be bought individually. Nevertheless, the Slim Magnetic case does not have Rokform’s RokLok twist system, so it solely works with Rokform’s magnetic automobile mounts (and, after all, third-party magnetic equipment). I’ve tried all of Rokform’s instances, together with the brand new Slim Magnetic case, with Apple’s FineWoven Pockets and the pockets caught to the instances extra securely than with any instances I’ve examined.
Word that the Rokform Rugged and Crystal instances have detachable magnets, they usually’re suitable with wi-fi charging in case you take away the included middle magnet. “With the decrease magnet nonetheless intact, you possibly can nonetheless wireless-charge whereas using magnetic mounting and all of our mounts,” Rokform says. The instances are costly, however Rokform affords reductions to first-time patrons on its web site.
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ESR Kickstand instances aren’t your typical instances with an built-in kickstand. That is as a result of the kickstand does not flip out of the bottom of the case on the backside. As an alternative, it serves as a protecting ring round your digicam lenses when it is retracted and never in use (ESR calls it a foldable stash stand). The stand may be prolonged wherever between 15° and 85° for snug, hands-free viewing. You may discover different generic instances on Amazon with a design like this, however ESR stands out for having a extra premium really feel to its worth instances.
The case options easy-press buttons with an uncovered divot for the brand new motion button in addition to MagSafe compatibility for wi-fi charging.
Word you could get the case in a smooth silicone model (proven under), a thicker tough version (it actually is hard) and a simple clear version. I just like the smooth silicone model, however the clear case is probably the most reasonably priced, promoting for round $20. I am unable to vouch for the clear model not yellowing over time, however it’s a first rate finances possibility.
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Just a few years again Zagg purchased British case-maker Gear4 and continued promoting Gear4 instances below the unique model identify. With the introduction of the iPhone 15, Gear4 instances formally develop into Zagg instances, however the high quality hasn’t modified — they’re proper up there with OtterBox and Speck, all of them that includes beveled edges to guard your telephone and now infused with graphene for additional sturdiness.
For the iPhone 16, Zagg has improved the design of its built-in kickstand for fashions that function one — I just like the Denali with kickstand (pictured left) and the Crystal Palace with kickstand (image proper). I am additionally a fan of the Milan Snap in iridescent (pictured center left) and the brand new London Snap (middle proper), which is available in a wide range of designs with a raised material exterior. A number of different case kinds can be found with eye-catching designs and powerful drop safety as much as 16 ft.
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Spigen is understood for its worth instances for smartphones and it returns with its typical assortment of instances for the iPhone 16 collection, together with slim clear instances and barely thicker instances in its Robust Armor and Rugged Armor that supply a bit extra safety. In the event you’re searching for a reasonable clear MagSafe case in your new iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Professional fashions, Spigen’s Extremely Hybrid MagFit is an efficient worth for lower than $20. I like among the Extremely Hybrid fashions which have pc element accents built-in into them. These embrace the Extremely Hybrid Analogue (pictured), Zero One and Neo One.
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With their eye-catching artwork and patterns, Casely instances are a bit like Casetify instances besides they do not value practically as a lot. I do not like all of the designs, however there are many choices to select from, and the corporate does some attention-grabbing collaborations with museums (Van Gogh), in addition to residing artists. The instances themselves supply “military-grade” safety and really feel sturdy. Many are MagSafe-enabled. It is also value noting that the Casely web site generally affords low cost codes or BOGO offers (purchase one case, get one free).
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Cyrill is a sister model to Spigen, and its instances are arguably barely extra fashionable, though they value a couple of dollars extra too. The UltraSheer Magazine is a semi-translucent frosted matte end. It additionally is available in just a few different design choices, though notice that until you get one of many strong colours, the designs are caught onto the floor of the case (they’re basically stickers just like what Casetify does with its instances, which have develop into very costly).
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Torras makes a number of instances with built-in kickstands, however they every have their very own fashion of stand. They embrace a Slim Match case with a retractable kickstand ring across the digicam and its normal Ostand case, which has a retractable ring across the MagSafe ring. New for the iPhone 16 is its 360-degree Spin Magnetic Stand case which has similarities to the Ostand case however the ring swivels 360 levels.
Other than the clear variations of the instances, which function a tough plastic design, many of the different variations have a soft-touch end that gives good grip. MagSafe equipment adhere securely to the instances they usually additionally function good drop safety (except the Slim Match case, which is relatively slim). Costs for Torras instances begin round $22 and go as much as round $45.
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Mageasy and SwitchEasy are owned by the identical dad or mum firm (Mageasy) and share some distinct similarities. I included SwitchEasy instances in my best iPhone 15 cases spherical up final 12 months, however I am highlighing Mageasy instances this 12 months. Ranging in value from $30-$80, there are a number of Mageasy case choices for the assorted iPhone 16 fashions, together with some that include a crossbody strap and retractable ring kickstand that rotates 360-degrees so you possibly can prop up your telephone in panorama or portrait mode. The Odyssey Extremely M Plus Strap ($80) is Mageasy’s flagship case and options 25-foot drop safety. Whereas the Odyssey M Plus Strap ($50) does not have the built-in kickstand, it’s extra reasonably priced and likewise has glorious 20-foot drop safety. They’re each accessible in just a few shade choices.
Word that you do not have to make use of the instances with the strap. The eyelets are detachable. Simply do not lose them if you wish to use the strap sooner or later. I must also notice that whereas the Odyssey Extremely M is a extremely protecting case, it’s a bit weighty. Some easier Mageasy instances are lighter.
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City Armor Gear, additionally identified merely as UAG, returns with a wide range of case choices for the iPhone 16. A few of them are slimmer, extra compact fashions just like the Civilian (pictured in inexperienced on proper), Plyo, Important and Metropolis, whereas others just like the Pathfinder (pictured on left) and Monarch are a bit bulkier and extra rugged. As soon as once more, the hardest and costliest case is the Monarch Professional, however I am nonetheless a fan of the Plasma (pictured center proper), which now is available in an XTE model that integrates a retractable kickstand, which is good (Magsafe equipment stick securely to the ring). The slimmer Plyo XTE additionally has an built-in kickstand. All of UAG’s instances function good nook safety and meet army drop-test requirements. They begin at $50 and go all the way in which as much as $80, however most are within the $50 to $60 vary.
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Caseology makes some first rate finances instances, together with the Athlex Magazine, Parallax, Twin Grip Magazine and Capella Magazine, all of which value lower than $20. Its Capella Magazine Kickstand is among the cheaper clear MagSafe instances we have seen that has a built-in kickstand that retracts into the case when not in use so you possibly can connect MagSafe equipment. You can see all of Caseology’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases here.
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You could have seen advertisements for Mous instances on YouTube or social media wherein the corporate drops a telephone from a helicopter and reveals how the telephone survives the autumn. Whereas Mous instances aren’t rated for 1,000-feet drop safety, they do supply glorious safety and are fairly slim. I’ve all the time appreciated the Mous’ Restricted Collection instances that function backs with bamboo, carbon fiber and varied different supplies, they usually’re actually extra unique-looking. However these MagSafe-enabled instances are fairly dear, although they do have a lifetime guarantee, as all Mous instances do.
Word that in early 2025 Mous has upgraded sure instances with the choice of getting a touch-sensitive digicam management button that covers the iPhone 16’s digicam management button as an alternative of getting a cutout within the case to show the button. The upgraded button possibility is presently solely accessible on Mous’ website and provides $5 to the price of the case.
Mous additionally makes extra normal Magsafe-enabled clear instances that value much less, and I included its IntraLock case in our best bike phone mount list. That case snaps into a motorbike mount, and Mous makes a wide range of different MagSafe equipment together with a pockets, telephone grip with kickstand and magnetic automobile mounts.
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Atom Studios makes just a few completely different iPhone 16 instances, together with one which simply covers the again of your telephone for whose who prefer to go together with a minimalist case — or no case in any respect. However the one I like finest from Atom is its Wooden Fiber case, which is made out of bits of recycled wooden fiber blended with pure substances derived from corn starch (it looks like textured plastic and has some grip to it). It additionally has an aluminum accent on the prime of the case that offers the case a extra premium look. The case is comparatively slim and affords strong 10-foot drop safety together with a stronger than common magnet for MagSafe equipment (I examined the case with just a few MagSafe-enabled wallets and kickstands).
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Peak Design’s On a regular basis instances return for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Professional fashions. Obtainable in a wide range of colours in nylon material and pretend leather-based, in addition to Loop mannequin, all of the On a regular basis instances are MagSafe-compatible in you could join a MagSafe wi-fi charging puck and different magnetic MagSafe-compatible accessories to the case, together with wireless charging batteries, wallets and more. They’ve Peak Design’s personal built-in magnetic locking system — the corporate calls it SlimLink — that connects to a large assortment of Peak Design’s mobile mounts and accessories. That features bike mounts, charging stands, tripods, automobile mounts and extra. The instances are rated for 6-foot drop safety.
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Apple is not making leather-based instances for the iPhone 16, however others, together with Nomad, nonetheless are. Nomad’s line of leather-based instances for the iPhone 16 as soon as once more are available two grades of leather-based: the usual selection and a higher-end Horween that prices $20 extra ($70 relatively than $50). Not less than the Horween model is designed to develop a “rugged” patina because the oils out of your pores and skin work together with the leather-based over time. The Fashionable Leather-based Case is offered in black, brown, English tan and a lighter pure shade that I like. They’re rated for 10-foot (3-meter) drop safety and are geared up with MagSafe. I additionally like Fashionable Leather-based Folio pockets case, however as soon as once more the one downside to the Folio case is that it does not convert right into a kickstand like some pockets instances do.
There’s additionally a extra reasonably priced Sport model for $50 that is geared up with MagSafe as effectively. It isn’t a leather-based case, however it does look fairly slick. Moreover, Nomad affords the Rugged Case with “fortified” bumpers and 15-foot drop safety for $60 with MagSafe.
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Moft makes some good MagSafe equipment, together with wallets that convert into kickstands and an iPhone Tripod Stand. Its instances are additionally well-designed and enticing. It sells a really slim clear MagSafe case known as the Invisible Case for $40, however I like its fake leather-based Movas instances, which record for $50 however generally promote for $40. (Vegan leather-based is designed to feel and appear like actual leather-based however is artificial.) You may see the corporate’s full suite of cases and accessories here, together with its new Creator kit that bundles a Movas case with a pockets stand, tripod stand and lanyard.
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We used to incorporate Pad & Quill leather-based instances in our greatest iPhone instances roundup. In 2023, that Minnesota firm morphed into Burton Items however sells very related premium leather-based instances for varied Apple merchandise. In the event you’re searching for a folio pockets case, there’s the Fashionable Pocket Guide Pockets case ($90), which is a tad cumbersome however shops a number of bank cards and a bit of money. So far as non-folio instances go, the MagSafe-enabled Heritage Leather-based case is available in three shade choices and is among the finest leather-based instances on the market. Burton Items additionally sells a few magnetic MagSafe Pockets Stands that adhere properly to the again of the case. You may get a $40 low cost on a Heritage case/pockets bundle and the corporate additionally offers 15% off to first-time patrons. Word that Burton Items solely makes instances for the iPhone 16 Professional and Professional Max.
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Now owned by Onward Manufacturers, Incase has been making iPhone instances for a few years (Griffin and Incipio are additionally a part of Onward Manufacturers). I do not love all of its new instances for the iPhone 16, however just a few stand out, together with the Stage (pictured left), Halo (pictured middle) and Side (pictured proper), all of which function 10-foot drop safety and are available a number of design choices.
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Smartish’s reasonably priced, easy, slim instances and pockets instances return for the iPhone 16. The Pockets Slayer Vol. 2 case (pictured) is available in just a few completely different designs past the fundamental black proven right here (Smartish may do a greater job providing higher shade choices). It holds three bank cards plus money, and you should utilize certainly one of your bank cards as a kickstand. Its one draw back is that it isn’t suitable with wi-fi and MagSafe chargers.
Smartish additionally sells a MagSafe case known as the Gripmunk. It is one of many extra reasonably priced MagSafe instances (round $20) and is straightforward to grip, as its identify implies.
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We appreciated Bluebonnet’s leather-clad instances for the iPhone 15, and those self same case designs return for the iPhone 16 fashions. At $60, its extra normal Minimalist full-grain leather-based iPhone case is probably the most reasonably priced of the 4 case kinds (it is MagSafe suitable). However Bluebonnet’s leather-based pockets instances, together with a folio pockets case with a magnetic clasp, are every interesting in their very own approach, although the 2 fashions with the cardholders on again aren’t suitable with MagSafe equipment. Obtainable in restricted shade choices (black or tan), they’re among the many swankier wanting leather-based iPhone instances in the marketplace. Like Nomad instances, they develop a patina after a number of months of use, choosing up the oils out of your pores and skin.
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Some folks choose to not have a case on their telephone or simply need one thing that is very skinny and affords minimal safety. In the event you’re that sort of individual, a Totallee case could be what you are searching for.
There are a few fashions to select from, with the Minimal case billed because the world’s thinnest iPhone case; it is virtually paper-thin. It is available in a number of shade choices.
The case prices $35, which looks as if lots contemplating how skinny it’s, however it’s eco-friendly (it is compostable) and does have a raised “lip” across the digicam that forestalls injury to the digicam lens, Totallee says.
Totallee additionally makes a really slim clear TPU case, the “clear smooth” that gives a bit extra safety for the $35 (there’s additionally a brand new mannequin with MagSafe for $39). I like that one higher in some methods — it does have a bit extra grip to its end — however it’s barely thicker.
MagSafe assist — or not?
You may be capable to save a bit cash by getting a case that does not have MagSafe assist (the metallic ring constructed into the case). I typically encourage folks to spend the additional cash for a MagSafe-enabled case due to the variety of MagSafe equipment in the marketplace, a few of them fairly helpful.
Skinny or thicker?
Some folks like minimal instances that add little to no bulk to their iPhones, however the majority of persons are searching for a case that gives good safety — and even most safety. I inform folks to discover a case that is not too thick and perhaps even fairly slim and that gives at the least 6-foot drop safety (and good nook safety).
Would you like a transparent case?
Clear instances are well-liked as a result of they showcase your telephone (and its shade). Clear instances, particularly cheaper ones, can develop into much less clear over time and slowly begin to yellow. Many case makers now add UV safety to their clear instances to forestall yellowing.
A number of of the instances on this record have been beforehand accessible for the iPhone 15 fashions and we added them to the record primarily based on our earlier testing with the iPhone 15. Sometimes, we attempt to use the case on the telephone for at the least a day and ensure the buttons on the telephone work correctly with the case on. With some telephone instances, we use them for a number of days and even weeks to see how they put on over time.
- Design: We consider the extra superficial and beauty points of instances and think about how aesthetically pleasing they’re as a result of folks generally purchase instances solely for his or her colours and paintings.
- Sturdiness: We have a look at how sturdy a case is, paying explicit consideration to nook and digicam safety (raised corners on a case may help your telephone survive face-down falls).
- Grip issue: We evaluation the fabric the case is fabricated from so we are able to discuss such elements as how grippy the telephone feels in your hand and the way protecting the fabric is.
- Further options: Some iPhone instances have additional options reminiscent of MagSafe, an built-in kickstand or grips, and, within the case of folio fashions, slots for storing bank cards and money.
- Lengthy-term testing: Though we do not do long-term testing for many instances, we do use among the hottest instances for longer durations to gauge how they put on over time and see how effectively our telephone holds up throughout unintended drops with the case on it. We do not do formal drop assessments.
- Waterproof instances: Only some totally waterproof instances can be found, however If the case is meant to be totally waterproof, we check it by submerging it in water.
We have a look at design options just like the raised corners on this Otterbox case once we check the most effective iPhone instances.
Wildflower Cases: Throughout the previous couple of years, Wildflower telephone instances have risen in recognition. Collaborations with music festivals reminiscent of Coachella and influencers like Emma Chamberlin have helped the female-founded enterprise acquire visibility. Like Casetify, the corporate affords instances with a plethora of distinctive, eye-catching designs. Nevertheless, none of its instances presently has a MagSafe possibility (you must purchase a hoop to stay on the again on the case). That is not cool.
Is USB-C charging a difficulty with some instances?
How protecting of an iPhone 16 case do you have to purchase?
Ought to I get a MagSafe case for my iPhone 16?
Are MagSafe instances dearer?
What’s extra protecting – silicon case or leather-based?
What are the disadvantages of silicone instances?
Watch this: Evaluation: Apple’s iPhone 16 Professional Is an Spectacular Improve