Best iPhone 16 cases for 16 & Plus, 16 Pro & Pro Max

Macworld

The first thing you should do after buying a new iPhone 16, be it an iPhone 16 Plus, Pro or Max, is to admire it and then swiftly cover it up. Buy yourself an iPhone 16 case to protect your precious mobile after splashing a ton of cash on it, and add some style to make your new handset more personal.

Cases come in more shapes and size and with more functionality than you’d believe. We have hand tested the best to find the perfect case for your iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.

Best clear iPhone 16 cases

Best-looking iPhone 16 cases

Best protective cases for iPhone 16

Best leather and leather-alternative iPhone 16 cases

Best iPhone 16 cases with wallet

Best iPhone 16 case with built-in keyboard

Best iPhone 16 cases with lanyards

Best phone slings

iPhone 16 case: Protection

The most common causes for accidental smartphone damage are: dropping your phone on the ground, it falling from a pocket or bag, or it being knocked off a table. The main results of such phone accidents are cracked and scratched screens, followed by chipped corners and sides. In fact, research shows that within 10 weeks of purchase, half of all new phone users will drop their handset. D’oh!

Even a basic phone case will offer some protection against such everyday drops and knocks, and some are built to withstand more catastrophic accidents. A few years ago, such ultra-protective cases meant you’d be carrying around something the size and weight of a brick, but modern materials mean that protective cases can be relatively slim and light. Clever design and tough-but-thin materials such as Kevlar and Graphene are key to the levels of robustness—but it remains the case that the bulkier the case, the more protection it will offer as long as it is also clever and made of the right stuff.

Let’s face it the iPhone is basically made front and back of glass—even if it is a new version of Ceramic Shield that Apple claims is “two times tougher than any smartphone glass”—and glass dropped on the floor usually ends in despair.

Look for raised edges (known as a bezel) around the screen that will protect it from drop cracks and scratches. Another point of obvious weakness is the camera lens area, and you should go for a case with a raised edge around that part, too. Where we have the exact dimensions, we have included this information in our case reviews below.

Look for button covers—in metal or plastic. Some cases prefer cutouts but may offer less protection as a result.

The iPhone 16’s new Camera Control on the right side of all the iPhone 16 models may take third-party case makers time to catch up as most won’t have seen the latest iPhone before Apple announced it to the world. This “button” is capacitive so it can’t be covered using standard materials in the same way as the other iPhone buttons can. In its own cases, Apple (and Apple-owned Beats) utilizes a piece of sapphire crystal coupled with a conductive layer to communicate finger movements—including taps, slides and swipes—to the button below.

That means it retains all its functionality, including the half-press and swipes. At launch, only the OtterBox Lumen iPhone 16 cases, reviewed below, feature the same Camera Control covering. This case is the only third-party case on sale in the Apple Store so it’s likely that OtterBox was briefed earlier than other case makers. However, we’d expect some of the cases reviewed below to replace Camera Control cutouts with similar coverings in the weeks and months ahead as they play catch up. A similar thing happened with the new Action button on the iPhone 15, and third-party cases changed their cutouts for buttons quite quickly.

iPhone 16 case: Style

Apple makes the iPhone a thing of sleek beauty and offers a small range of colors (exciting for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, but rather dull for the Pro and Pro Max). If you want to keep this Apple elegance while still protecting the phone, choose a clear case that won’t detract from the Apple designers’ art. If you want to add more personality—if only to distinguish your iPhone from those of your family, friends or colleagues—there are hundreds of designs to choose from. Some are quite beautiful, some fine art, and some I wouldn’t want to be seen with in a dark room.

And iPhone 16 cases come in many forms: wallet cases, cases that support bike and car mounts, phone pouches, sleeves, slings and cases with belt-clips. Here we keep adding the best we can find as they come in for testing.

iPhone 16 case: Fit

Ensure you choose the right case for your exact model so that it fits correctly over the buttons and camera lenses for uninterrupted use. Where possible we have linked to the buying pages for each model: iPhone 16 (6.1 inch), iPhone 16 Plus (6.7 inch), iPhone 16 Pro (6.3 inch) and iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.9 inch).

Don’t think you can squeeze your new 16 model iPhone into a case for an older model. Sometimes a new iPhone is the same size as the previous model, but not the 16 unfortunately. Upgraders need a new case.

iPhone 16 case: magnetic wireless charging

Also make sure that the case is MagSafe compatible so that you can charge wirelessly with a MagSafe charger while your iPhone 16 stays in its case. So-called “clear” cases sadly require a huge white ring on their back to be compatible with MagSafe charging. Colored, patterned or leather cases hide their magnets better.

You can, of course, still charge via a USB-C cable—which will always be the fastest way to charge an iPhone—and an iPhone charger.

Best clear iPhone cases for iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max

If covering up Apple’s iPhone offends your inner Jony Ive, look for a clear, transparent case that keeps the iPhone’s looks as wonderful as they were straight out of the box.






1. Apple iPhone 16 Clear Case with MagSafe – Best clear iPhone 16 case














Pros

Made by Apple

Shows off iPhone’s color


Cons

Basic protection

Expensive









Price When Reviewed:

$49




Best Prices Today:


$39.99 at Amazon$39.99 at Best Buy$49 at Apple





MagSafe compatible: Yes

Weight: 29g

Camera edge: 2mm

Button covers: Plastic

Action button: Covered

Camera Control: Covered

Colors: Clear

Available for: iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

This simple, rigid iPhone 16 protective case from Apple is thin and light, and by design, it doesn’t disguise the color of your iPhone 16 that you chose when you purchased it. Why pick out a Pink or Desert Titanium iPhone 16 Pro Max, only to cover it up in a black plastic case or something with badly drawn flowers on it? With Apple’s Clear case, you get decent protection without ruining the look of the phone.(If you want a black case or flowery pattern instead of Apple’s small palette of colors, we have plenty for you to choose from lower down this feature.

The Apple Clear Case is made from a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and other flexible materials, with a scratch-resistant coating on both the inside and outside. While it’s more protective than silicone cases and features a robust-looking 2mm camera lip, you can find tougher cases, which we have reviewed below. There is one part of the case that isn’t clear—the white MagSafe ring on the back.

As with all the Apple cases, the Camera Control is covered with a capacitive button that allows for finger taps and gestures without compromising on protection. The bottom of the case is a large cutout, however, leaving the USB-C port, speakers and microphone exposed.

At 29g it’s super light, and while the rigid case adds a little bulk, it’s worth a little compromise for that layer of protection. All materials and coatings are optimized to prevent yellowing over time.

There are also cheaper clear cases, which we have also tested for you. But the Apple badge is a sure sign of quality, as you’d expect.

The colors on the new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models aren’t as exciting as the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, though, so we wouldn’t blame you for deciding on something more joyful.







2. ESR Zero Clear Case for iPhone 16 – Best budget clear iPhone 16 case














Pros

Shows off iPhone’s color

Flexible

Affordable


Cons

Basic protection









Price When Reviewed:

$15.99




Best Prices Today:


$8.99 at Amazon$15.99 at ESR





MagSafe compatible: Yes

Weight: 27g

Raised edge: 1mm

Camera edge: 0.7mm

Button covers: Plastic

Action button: Covered

Camera Control: Cutout

Colors: Clear

Available for: iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

If you want basic protection for your new iPhone 16, the clear ESR Zero Clear Case has a 1.2mm front edge to protect the screen and a smaller-than-most 0.7mm camera guard. It’s made from a crystal-clear polymer, which ESR claims resists yellowing for longer than cheaper cases.

It is wireless compatible so you don’t need to flip the case off to charge wirelessly.

ESR also makes other less flexible but tougher clear cases, such as the iPhone 16 Air Armor Clear Case with better drop protection and AirGuard corners.

The iPhone 16 Pro Classic Hybrid Case has a tough scratch-resistant acrylic back and is available in a Shimmer effect that adds a little more excitement and personality to your average clear case.

The iPhone 16 Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand, which features military-grade protection and a handy built-in kickstand for stable viewing, is reviewed below.

These clear alternatives add a little more weight and cost but are recommended for their extra protection and features.







3. Totallee Super Thin Case for iPhone 16 – Slimmest, lightest hard clear iPhone 16 case














Pros

Slimmest clear case

Lightest case


Cons

Basic protection

MagSafe costs more









Price When Reviewed:

From $35




Best Prices Today:


$35 at Amazon$35 at Totallee





MagSafe compatible: Optional

Weight: 8g

Button covers: Covered

Action button: Covered

Camera Control: Cutout

Colors: Clear, Frosted Clear, Frosted Black, Frosted Red, Frosted Green, Frosted Navy Blue

Available for: iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

This is the slimmest (0.5mm) iPhone 16 case we have tested and—by a long way—the lightest at just 8g. Totallee claims the case weighs 0.2oz, which is 3g but our scales weighed it at 8g, which could just be a failing of our scales. In either case, even 8g is barely noticeable.

Even at this weight, there are button covers, and a cutout for the Camera Control.

There is a clear version and a similar Frosted Clear model, plus a bunch of other frosted colors to choose from. Note that you have to pay a little more for the MagSafe-compatible versions, which no doubt add a little weight and thickness in parts.







4. ESR iPhone 16 Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand – Best clear iPhone 16 case with stand














Pros

Shows off iPhone’s true color

Built-in kickstand


Cons

Heavy









Price When Reviewed:

$22.99




Best Prices Today:


$19.99 at Amazon$22.99 at ESR





MagSafe compatible: Yes

Weight: 41g

Raised edge: 1.2mm

Camera edge: 0.7mm

Button covers: Plastic

Action button: Covered

Camera Control: Cutout

Colors: Clear, Clear/Black, Clear/Blue, Clear/Pink, Clear/Green, Clear/Gray

Available for: iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

A more functional clear option is ESR’s Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand, available for all models of the iPhone 16 family. Make sure you choose your exact model.

It is transparent, aside from the required giant MagSafe icon, and more affordable than the Apple clear case. The kickstand—otherwise hidden in the camera ring—is an added bonus, working in both landscape and portrait modes.

The metal stand is an extra camera guard when not in use. ESR even suggests you can use it to carry your iPhone on your finger when your hands are full. If so, you’ll be interested in the protection it offers if it slides off your finger…

There’s the usual tough talk of military-grade protection, with the case featuring shock-absorbing AirGuard corners and a 0.7mm camera lip. At 40g, it’s one of the heavier clear cases, which is caused by the handy metal kickstand.







5. Casetify clear Impact and Bounce Cases for iPhone 16 – Most customizable clear iPhone 16 case














Pros

Shows off iPhone’s true color

Protection level options

Built-in kickstand option


Cons

Not entirely transparent









Price When Reviewed:

From $72




Best Prices Today:


$72 at Casetify





MagSafe compatible: Yes

Weight: 45g

Raised edge: 1.4mm

Camera edge: 2mm

Button covers: Plastic

Action button: Covered

Camera Control: Cutout

Colors: Clear

Available for: iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

One of our favorite clear options is Casetify’s Impact and Bounce cases, which are both available for all models of the iPhone 16 family. Casetify offers these cases in a selection of protection levels and handily shows you what each case will look like depending on the color of your iPhone.

It is solidly built and feels robust, offering a minimum of 6.6ft (2m) drop protection up to 32.8ft (10m) if you choose the Ultra Bounce Case.

For a little extra outlay, the Impact Case can be ordered with an integrated stand, otherwise hidden in the camera ring.

The case edges aren’t clear because they feature extra-protective EcoShock or TesseLock designs. On one side there are sockets to easily attach phone charms.




Casetify

The Bounce Case boasts 21.3ft (6.5m) drop protection, while the Ultra Bounce promises an incredible 23.8ft (10m). The more protection, sadly the less of the original phone can be seen even in a clear case, but most of the shock absorption on the Bounce case family protrudes from the corners.







6. Rokform Crystal Case iPhone 16 – Most protective clear iPhone 16 case














Pros

Shows off iPhone’s color (mostly)

Robust protection


Cons

Not entirely transparent

Not MagSafe compatible

Heavy









Price When Reviewed:

$69.99




Best Prices Today:


$69.99 at Amazon£69.99 at Rokform





MagSafe compatible: No

Weight: 75g

Raised edge: 2mm

Camera edge: 1mm

Button covers: Plastic

Action button: Covered

Camera Control: Cutout

Colors: Clear with black trim

Available for: iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

For those who want to see and show off their iPhone’s original coloring, but still gain maximum protection, Rokform offers its Crystal Case for the iPhone 16 family. This is more solid looking than even the Casetify Ultra Bounce reviewed above.

As you’d expect, that protection comes at the price of some bulk and heft. It’s not fully clear because its black sides, edges and corners are made from a military-grade polycarbonate and TPU combination to absorb shocks from drops and falls.

At present, the Rokform cases are too thick to work with all MagSafe chargers so you will likely need to remove your phone from the case to charge it wirelessly. The company is planning a thinner version, and we’d recommend waiting for that MagSafe-compatible version if you want accessible wireless charging.

The case also features the Rokform’s famous twist-lock and magnetic mounting system for bike, motorcycle and car mounts. If you’re going biking with iPhone on your handlebars, a super-protective case is a must.

Rokform does ship internationally, but you’ll need to check the fees depending on your region, and remember that customs charges also vary by country.







7. Incase Slim Case for MagSafe for iPhone 16














Pros

Shows off iPhone’s true color

Dedicated lanyard loop









Price When Reviewed:

$39.99




Best Prices Today:


$39.99 at Best Buy$39.99 at IncaseNot Available at Amazon





MagSafe compatible: Yes

Button covers: Plastic

Action button: Cutout

Camera Control: Cutout

Colors: Clear, Clear/Black, Clear/Deep Space Blue, Clear/Blush Pink, Clear/Highland Green

Available for: iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

This hardshell iPhone 16 case is similar to the Apple Clear Case, although with a cutout for the Camera Control rather than leaving it covered.

While it looks almost invisible—except for the necessary white MagSafe area— this case, made from recycled polycarbonate and TPU, still offers 8-foot drop protection with corner air pockets.

The sides and buttons feature a frosted texture for enhanced grip. Also included is a handy dedicated lanyard loop.

The straight clear Incase Slim Case for MagSafe is joined by shaded models in four subtle color ways.







Best-looking iPhone cases for iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max

While some will prefer a clear case to keep their iPhone’s natural color, others are easily bored and want a splash of difference, from plain new colors, through pretty or cool patterns, to fully customizable designs. We’ve counted hundreds of designs on offer, so there must be something here for you and your iPhone 16.






1. Apple iPhone 16 Silicone Case with MagSafe – Popular, Apple-branded colorful case range














Pros

Made by Apple

Wide vibrant color range


Cons

Not as protective as others

Expensive









Price When Reviewed:

$49




Best Prices Today:


$37.99 at Amazon$37.99 at Best Buy$37.99 at Walmart Electronics





MagSafe compatible: Yes

Weight: 30g

Button covers: Silicone

Action button: Covered

Camera Control: Covered

Colors: Star Fruit, Ultramarine, Lake Green, Fuchsia, Stone Gray, Plum, Black, Denim

Apple: iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

The smooth Apple Silicone case is a classic, popular protective iPhone covering—available in the widest range of colors with eight to choose from. There’s enough choice here to satisfy most people, but if you prefer to see the color of the iPhone itself, look to a clear case; see above.

Apple pretty much threw out all its lovely Silicone colors from the iPhone 15 (Guava, Orange Sorbet, Winter Blue, Black, Storm Blue, Clay. Light Pink, Cypress, Sunshine, Pink, Soft Mint, Light Blue) and dreamt up a whole new bunch, many of which are poppy and vibrant.

It is as protective as you need for everyday calamities except big falls—if you want ultra protection, look to our best protective cases reviewed further down. If you are prone to letting your phone slip out of your hand, look for cases made from TPU, Kevlar or Graphene.

It is made with a soft-touch, almost silky 55% recycled silicone material. Inside, the lining is soft microfiber to protect the iPhone itself from scratches.

Apple has added a silicone button to the Action button but left the new Camera Control button covered up with a conductive layer to communicate finger movements to the control—at the time of writing, only the OtterBox iPhone 16 case has anything similar with most other cases