The iPhone 16 is Apple most advanced and feature-packed iPhone family, no matter which of the best iPhone models you own. Using our iPhone 16 Pro , we tested a heap of cases from all of the best case makers, and here are a sample of our favorites from case makers we trust.
Every new iPhone comes with a Camera Control, so case makers had to scramble to create new solutions for Apple’s new not-quite-a-button. Some case makers cut out a hole in the case, while others carved a gap into the side of the case. Both solutions work, and we’ve only picked cases that were comfortable when we used the new zoom and picture controls.
All of the cases below (except one) work with MagSafe charging accessories and stands, so you can still use your phone in Standby mode while charging when it’s wearing one of our best cases. The exception is the Smartish Wallet case, which has room for cards so charging won’t work.
With Black Friday deals in full swing, you can find great deals on most of the best cases on this list, whether you shop directly from the case maker or find these cases at a big retailer like Amazon. We’re tracking all of the best Black Friday phone deals as well, if you’re in the market for more than just drop protection.
The best iPhone cases
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Best light iPhone cases
1. Apple Silicone Case with Magsafe
Pictured Color: Ultramarine
Drop level: Not listed
Material: 55 percent recycled silicone with sapphire Camera Control
Made for Android: No chance
The Apple Silicone case should be your first stop if you want a slim and light case for your new iPhone 16. Apple doesn’t list drop protection, but the Silicone case with MagSafe holds onto the iPhone nicely and should provide minimal safety. It’s one of the only cases you can buy right now with a real Camera Control button, and Apple uses sapphire on this case.
Pictured Color: Leopard print
Drop level: 8.2 feet; 4X MIL-STD requirement
Material: recycled phone cases
Made for Android: Absolutely
Casetify makes cases that offer fantastic protection, and it helps that the company offers too many designs to count. You’ll find some Casetify case to love, and the Casetify Impact case offers plenty of protection without too much bulge. It should offer better drop protection than most cases this size and weight, and you can usually find a good deal at Amazon for Black Friday and other sales holiday.
3. Level Case With Magsafe for Iphone 16 Pro Max
Pictured Color: Lines Vertical Gray
Drop level: 10 feet
Material: recycled polycarbonate and TPU with antimicrobial coating
Made for Android: Oddly, no
Incase made some stylish and slim cases, and its clear case is my favorite for its cool look with geometric prints, and its magnets inside to boost the MagSafe lock between my phone and other accessories. This case let my desert titanium iPhone 16 Pro shine through nicely, and it didn’t take up much extra room in my pocket. You can also get a Black Friday deal on the Level Case with MagSafe from Incase right now.
Best medium iPhone cases
1. Nomad Modern Leather Folio
Pictured Color: Olde Dublin
Drop level: 8 feet
Material: Dublin Horween Leather
Made for Android: Not since the Pixel 4
If you want a classic leather case for your iPhone 16 Pro Max, you must take a look at Nomad, which is easily one of my favorite iPhone case makers. Nomad makes great rugged and sport cases, but its Modern Leather cases and this Modern Leather folio are truly spectacular, and they age gorgeously if you like the look of a worn, beloved wallet or leather chair. If this is too bulky, check out the Nomad Magnetic Leather Back below. Definitely visit Nomad before the end of the Black Friday and holiday shopping season, because they have great cases on sale.
2. OtterBox Commuter Series
Pictured Color: Baby Blue Jeans
Drop level: 3X MIL-STD requirements
Material: Thermoplastic Elastomer slipcover; Polycarbonate Layer
Made for Android: Absolutely
OtterBox has been a premier case maker for mobile smartphones as long as I remember owning a smartphone. Today’s OtterBox cases don’t have to be bulky and thick, and this dual-layer OtterBox Commuter feels slim and rigid, while protecting better than some of the thickest cases you’ll find. OtterBox has great color options on its site that are classy and natural, not too loud. You can also find great deals across the OtterBox lineup, so keep reading for more OtterBox cases below, or head to the site for Black Friday iPhone case deals right now.
3. Smartish Gripmunk W/ MagSafe
Pictured Color: Clearly Clear
Drop level: 6 feet
Material: Plastic and microfiber
Made for Android: Yes, fewer colors though
Smartish is a smaller company, but it punches far above its weight with sleek, well-built cases that are an incredible bargain compared to the big name case makers. This Gripmunk with MagSafe case might cost $50 at another case maker, but Smartish sells this for $25, with a $5 discount running now for Black Friday. I love that this case has magnets inside, for an extra-strong grip on a wallet accessory or a charging stand, and Smartish has a nice wallet clip-on that keeps a very strong grip.
Best heavy iPhone cases
Pictured Color: Cobalt Blue
Drop level: 21.3 feet; 6X MIL-STD requirement
Material: Recycled Casetify cases
Made for Android: Absolutely
You can tell just by looking at the Casetify Bounce that it means serious business, and it lives up to its reputation in durability and design. Those big corners offer big protection but they don’t add as much bulk as you’d think; in my review I found the Casetify Bounce case was still fun to use, and Casetify has an excellent precision cutout for using the Camera Control on my iPhone 16 Pro. Like all Casetify cases, you can get lost exploring all the design options. Also, Amazon has better Black Friday deals on the Casetify Bounce than Casetify.
2. Smartish Wallet Slayer vol. 1
Pictured Color: So Jaded
Drop level: 6 feet
Material: Plastic
Made for Android: Yes, with fewer color options
Smartish earns another spot on this list with a protective wallet case that will hold your bank cards without breaking the bank. This case feels as solid as wallet cases I’ve used that cost twice as much, and I like the color options Smartish offers. I also like that it holds three cards, because many wallet cases are limited to two cards, and I just need one more. This case had no trouble keeping my cards safe in my review period with the device, and the notch makes it easier to withdraw the cards. This case is also on sale for Black Friday directly from Smartish.
Pictured Color: Black
Drop level: 10 feet
Material: 97% post-consumer recycled materials, strengthened with Graphene
Made for Android: Not this one, but the ZAGG Denali is similar
The ZAGG Luxe Snap case is a deceptively simple looking black case. Okay, when I found out this case comes in a beautiful purple, I got annoyed that my review sample was black, but its still a gorgeous plastic case with a subtle ripple on the back that makes for an easier grip and less slippage. The case is reinforced with Graphene, and it’s rated for a 10 foot drop with no trouble. There’s no Black Friday deal that I could find on this one, but it is a bit cheaper on Amazon than direct from ZAGG.
Best armored iPhone cases
Pictured Color: Macaw
Drop level: 3X MIL-STD requirement
Material: Plastic with sapphire crystal Camera Control
Made for Android: Not this one, but every other OtterBox
The OtterBox Lumen Series is special because it’s the only case I’ve tested with a sapphire Camera Control button that wasn’t made by Apple. Every other case has a cutout hole or a gap for the new button, but OtterBox has one special case with real sapphire crystal, and it’s a great case all around. It’s sleek and slim with a magnet built in. It’s a pricey case and it’s not on sale for Black Friday, but it’s probably the best case you’ll find besides Apple’s own if you want full control over your new iPhone 16.
2. Otterbox Defender Series Pro XT
Pictured Color: High Desert Marble
Drop level: 7X MIL-STD requirement
Material: Multiple layers of plastic and rubber
Made for Android: Yes
If you need serious protection that pushes the limits, the OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT can take a heavy beating and keep your iPhone safe. Most of these cases are clear, but my review sample was a wonderful High Desert Marble finish that gave this ultra rugged case a totally unique look that fit in with weekend adventures more than military expeditions. There’s a great Black Friday deal on this case if you want heavy duty protecton, and OtterBox even offers a holster clip that you can request for free if you buy one of these cases.
3. Urban Armor Gear Plasma XTE
Pictured Color: Ash/Titanium
Drop level: 20 feet; MIL-STD requirement
Material: Reinforced TPU and metal
Made for Android: Yes
Now we’re getting serious. If there’s a chance you might drop your phone off a roof or out of a moving vehicle, you need Urban Armor Gear. This Plasma XTE case from UAG isn’t even the most durable case I tested from the adventure gear company, but it’s a great looking case with an integrated, metal kickstand that did a solid job holding the phone up in portrait or landscape, which was nice for photos. No deals on this one, but the price is good for one of the most durable phone cases I’ve ever tested. It will certainly last as long as you need it.
Lightest and Heaviest Cases
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1. Nomad Magnetic Leather Back
Pictured Color: Rustic Brown
Drop level: Nope, don’t drop it
Material: Leather and magnets
Made for Android: Nope
I feel bad recommending the Nomad Magnetic Leather Back, because if you buy one you’ll love it as much as I do, and you won’t have any protection on your phone, and then you might drop your phone and get mad at me for recommending this gorgeous magnetic plate that protects some glass from scratches, at best. If you drop your phone, it will eject the Nomad Magnetic Leather Back, and it will break, but it will look gorgeous the whole way down, and James Dean said “live fast, die young, and leave a good looking corpse.” It’s on sale for Black Friday, but don’t blame me if you buy one.
2. Urban Armor Gear Monarch Pro Kevlar
Pictured Color: Kevlar Mallard
Drop level: 25 feet; 2X MIL-STD requirement
Material: DuPont Kevlar and other strong stuff
Made for Android: Yes
The strongest case on this list is probably the UAG Monarch Pro Kevlar, which can fall from 25 feet without destroying your phone. The Kevlar fibers add a very cool touch, especially in the Mallard blue color of my review sample. It’s hard to get your phone in and out, and that’s certainly the point, but once it’s locked in this case, I pity the fool that gets in between the iPhone and gravity. No kickstand, but UAG sells a very strong magnetic kickstand you can attach to this case. It’s very expensive, but if you need ultimate protection, here’s where to find it.
How to choose the best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro case
The first thing to consider is how much protection you need. Once you’ve decided how thick or thin you want your case to be, you can decide on other features, like a wallet attachment, or magnets built in for stronger MagSafe connections. After you’ve picked a case, check out all of the styles by the same case maker. We’ve only picked cases from companies we trust, so you can browse other case options and trust that we’ve tested a range of cases from each.
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philip.berne@futurenet.com (Philip Berne)
