Phones, especially iPhones, don't come cheap. After you've invested in one, it's wise to get a case that'll protect your device from the bumps, drops and scratches that come with daily use. If you're looking for a new case for your iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, you've come to the right place. As always, we've included a wide assortment of top cases, including value options, for the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, not just premium picks from brands like Otterbox and Speck.
Note that Apple has redesigned the iPhone 16 with a new camera layout and a programmable action button, meaning iPhone 15 and 14 cases won’t fit it. The same is true for the iPhone 16 Pro models, which are slightly larger than their predecessors and include a camera control button (the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus also have it).
That camera control button has several implications for case designs. The button is touch-sensitive, so you can slide your finger up and down it to zoom in and out with your iPhone's camera, for example. Some case companies have chosen to do a big cut out on their cases to fully expose the button while others have a more limited cutout, which may make it harder to access the button. Finally, Apple, Beats and Otterbox cases cover the button entirely but retain its touch-sensitivity, allowing you to use the swipe controls without a problem.
Otterbox returns with its usual expansive lineup of cases for the iPhone 16. In terms of toughness, the Defender Series XT and Defender Series Pro top the line. Even the slimmer Figura, Symmetry Series Clear and OtterGrip Symmetry Series have excellent drop protection.
I remain a fan of the Symmetry Series Soft Touch for MagSafe (pictured left), which has a nice, grippy soft-to-the-touch finish that's similar to what you get with the highly likable Core Series cases Otterbox made for the iPhone 14. I also like the Lumen Series (pictured right), a clear case that has eye-catching iridescent accents in its MagSafe components.
For me, another favorite Otterbox case for the iPhone 16 is the Symmetry Series Cactus Leather (pictured center), which incorporates a cactus-based leather substitute in its design (Otterbox says the faux leather is organically grown and sustainably harvested from nopal cactus). The cases have a nice textured grip to them and are available in attractive color options. In my tests, the cases have held up well and are fairly scratch-resistant.
Speck has brought many of its iPhone 15 case designs to the iPhone 16, including such popular models as the Presidio Perfect-Clear, Presidio Lux and the Presidio2 Pro. Each Speck model has good drop protection (8 to 13 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck's Microban antimicrobial protection. They also include ultra-responsive buttons for smoother clicks on the new programmable action button.
It also returns its ClickLock case system, which is built on MagSafe: It's compatible with any MagSafe accessory but has an interlocking system that secures Speck's ClickLock accessories to your case. In addition to adhering to the case magnetically, the accessories -- which range in price from $30 to $50 -- click into a little slot.
For people who own the larger and heavier iPhone 16 Plus or 16 Pro Max, it can be hard to depend on your phone staying on a MagSafe car mount, especially if you hit a bump. That's where Speck's ClickLock car vent mount helps. The wallet accessory stays stuck on the back of your phone; you don't have to worry about it slipping off when you put your phone in your pocket.
No matter which product you choose, Speck often gives a discount for first-time buyers purchasing through its website.
ESR Kickstand cases aren't your typical cases with an integrated kickstand. That's because the kickstand doesn't flip out of the backside of the case at the bottom. Instead, it serves as a protective ring around your camera lenses when it's retracted and not in use (ESR calls it a foldable stash stand). The stand can be extended anywhere between 15° and 85° for comfortable, hands-free viewing. You'll find other generic cases on Amazon with a design like this, but ESR stands out for having a more premium feel to its value cases.
The case features easy-press buttons with an exposed divot for the new action button as well as MagSafe compatibility for wireless charging.
Note that you can get the case in a soft silicone version (shown below), a thicker tough version (it really is tough) and a simple clear version. I like the soft silicone version, but the clear case is the most affordable, selling for around $20. I can't vouch for the clear version not yellowing over time, but it is a decent budget option.
A few years back Zagg bought British case-maker Gear4 and continued selling Gear4 cases under the original brand name. With the introduction of the iPhone 15, Gear4 cases officially become Zagg cases, but the quality hasn't changed -- they're right up there with OtterBox and Speck, all of them featuring beveled edges to protect your phone and now infused with graphene for extra durability.
For the iPhone 16, Zagg has improved the design of its integrated kickstand for models that feature one -- I like the Denali with kickstand (pictured left) and the Crystal Palace with kickstand (picture right). I'm also a fan of the Milan Snap in iridescent (pictured middle left) and the new London Snap (center right), which comes in a variety of designs with a raised fabric exterior. Several other case styles are available with eye-catching designs and strong drop protection up to 16 feet.
Spigen is known for its value cases for smartphones and it returns with its usual assortment of cases for the iPhone 16 series, including slim clear cases and slightly thicker cases in its Tough Armor and Rugged Armor that offer a little more protection. If you're looking for an inexpensive clear MagSafe case for your new iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro models, Spigen's Ultra Hybrid MagFit is a good value for less than $20. I like some of the Ultra Hybrid models that have computer component accents integrated into them. These include the Ultra Hybrid Analogue (pictured), Zero One and Neo One.
Cyrill is a sister brand to Spigen, and its cases are arguably slightly more stylish, although they cost a few bucks more too. The UltraSheer Mag is a semi-translucent frosted matte finish. It also comes in a few other design options, although note that unless you get one of the solid colors, the designs are stuck onto the surface of the case (they're essentially stickers similar to what Casetify does with its cases, which have become very expensive).
Rokform's been making tough iPhone cases for years, and aside from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with various mounts, including bike and motorcycle mounts, that are sold separately. Aside from their mounting system, the other key feature is they're equipped with arguably the strongest magnets for MagSafe accessories. I used both the Rokform Crystal and Rugged case with Apple's FineWoven Wallet and the wallet stuck to the cases more securely than with any cases I've tested (I prefer the Crystal case just because I like the look of it better).
Rokform's iPhone 16 cases have removable magnets, and they're compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. "With the lower magnet still intact, you can still wireless-charge while utilizing magnetic mounting and all of our mounts," Rokform says.
Torras makes several cases with integrated kickstands, but they each have their own style of stand. They include a Slim Fit case with a retractable kickstand ring around the camera and its standard Ostand case, which has a retractable ring around the MagSafe ring. New for the iPhone 16 is its 360-degree Spin Magnetic Stand case which is similar to the Ostand case but the ring swivels 360 degrees.
Aside from the clear versions of the cases, which feature a hard plastic design, most of the other versions have a soft-touch finish that offers good grip. MagSafe accessories adhere securely to the cases and they also feature good drop protection (with the exception of the Slim Fit case, which is rather slim). Prices for Torras cases start around $22 and go up to around $45.
Mageasy and SwitchEasy are owned by the same parent company (Mageasy) and share some distinct similarities. I included SwitchEasy cases in my best iPhone 15 cases round up last year, but I'm highlighing Mageasy cases this year. Ranging in price from $30-$80, there are several Mageasy case options for the various iPhone 16 models, including some that come with a crossbody strap and retractable ring kickstand that rotates 360-degrees so you can prop up your phone in landscape or portrait mode. The Odyssey Ultra M Plus Strap ($80) is Mageasy's flagship case and features 25-foot drop protection. While the Odyssey M Plus Strap ($50) doesn't have the built-in kickstand, it is more affordable and also has excellent 20-foot drop protection. They're both available in a few color options.
Note that you don't have to use the cases with the strap. The eyelets are removable. Just don't lose them if you want to use the strap in the future. I should also note that while the Odyssey Ultra M is a really protective case, it is a bit weighty. Some simpler Mageasy cases are lighter.
Urban Armor Gear, also known simply as UAG, returns with a variety of case options for the iPhone 16. Some of them are slimmer, more compact models like the Civilian (pictured in green on right), Plyo, Essential and Metropolis, while others like the Pathfinder (pictured on left) and Monarch are a little bulkier and more rugged. Once again, the toughest and most expensive case is the Monarch Pro, but I'm still a fan of the Plasma (pictured middle right), which now comes in an XTE version that integrates a retractable kickstand, which is nice (Magsafe accessories stick securely to the ring). The slimmer Plyo XTE also has an integrated kickstand. All of UAG's cases feature good corner protection and meet military drop-test standards. They start at $50 and go all the way up to $80, but most are in the $50 to $60 range.
Caseology makes some decent budget cases, including the Athlex Mag, Parallax, Dual Grip Mag and Capella Mag, all of which cost less than $20. Its Capella Mag Kickstand is one of the cheaper transparent MagSafe cases we've seen that has a built-in kickstand that retracts into the case when not in use so you can attach MagSafe accessories. You can see all of Caseology's iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases here.
Atom Studios makes a few different iPhone 16 cases, including one that just covers the back of your phone for whose who like to go with a minimalist case -- or no case at all. But the one I like best from Atom is its Wood Fiber case, which is made out of bits of recycled wood fiber blended with natural substances derived from corn starch (it feels like textured plastic and has some grip to it). It also has an aluminum accent at the top of the case that gives the case a more premium look. The case is relatively slim and offers solid 10-foot drop protection along with a stronger than average magnet for MagSafe accessories (I tested the case with a few MagSafe-enabled wallets and kickstands).
With their eye-catching art and patterns, Casely cases are a little like Casetify cases except they don't cost nearly as much. I don't like all the designs, but there are plenty of options to choose from, and the company does some interesting collaborations with museums (Van Gogh), as well as living artists. The cases themselves offer "military-grade" protection and feel durable. Many are MagSafe-enabled. It's also worth noting that the Casely site sometimes offers discount codes or BOGO deals (buy one case, get one free).