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

The first step after purchasing your new iPhone 16—whether it’s the iPhone 16 Plus, Pro, Max, or the entry-level iPhone 16e—is to admire its sleek design and then immediately protect it. Invest in a high-quality iPhone 16 case to shield your expensive device from everyday wear and tear, while also adding a personal touch to your new gadget.

Today’s iPhone cases come in countless styles, sizes, and functionalities. We’ve personally tested the top options to help you find the ideal match for your iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16e, 16 Pro, or 16 Pro Max.

• Top clear iPhone 16 cases
• Most stylish iPhone 16 cases
• Most protective iPhone 16 cases
• Best leather and vegan leather iPhone 16 cases
• Top iPhone 16 cases with wallet functionality
• Best battery-powered iPhone 16 cases
• Best iPhone 16 cases with camera attachments
• iPhone 16 cases with built-in keyboards
• Best iPhone 16 cases with lanyard support
• Top phone slings for iPhone 16

iPhone 16 case: Protection

Smartphones are most often damaged by accidental drops—whether from a pocket, bag, or tabletop. These mishaps typically result in cracked screens, chipped edges, or scratched backs. Studies show that half of all new phone owners will drop their device within the first 10 weeks. Yikes!

Even a basic case can prevent minor damage, while advanced models offer serious crash protection. In the past, rugged cases were bulky and heavy, but thanks to modern materials like Kevlar and Graphene, today’s protective cases are both slim and durable. That said, the more substantial the case, the better the protection—provided it’s well-designed and made from quality materials.

Let’s be honest: the iPhone is essentially glass on both front and back—even with Apple’s improved Ceramic Shield, which the company claims is twice as tough as previous versions. Glass meeting pavement usually ends in disaster.

Look for cases with raised bezels around the screen to prevent direct contact during face-down drops. Similarly, a raised lip around the camera module is essential to protect lenses from scratches and cracks. Where available, we’ve included exact measurements in our reviews below.

Also consider button covers made from metal or plastic. Some cases use open cutouts, which may compromise protection.

The iPhone 16’s new Camera Control button (on all models except the 16e) is capacitive, so standard materials can’t cover it directly. Apple, along with brands like OtterBox, ESR, dbrand, Benks, and Torras, use a sapphire crystal layer with a conductive coating to transmit taps, swipes, and slides to the underlying sensor.

iPhone 16 case: Style

Apple designs the iPhone to be a minimalist masterpiece, offering a limited but appealing color palette (especially vibrant on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, more subdued on the Pro models, and available in black or white for the 16e). If you want to preserve Apple’s original aesthetic, go for a clear case. But if you’d like to express your personality—or just avoid confusion with someone else’s phone—there are countless designs to choose from, ranging from elegant artwork to bold, eye-catching patterns.

iPhone 16 cases come in many forms: wallet cases, bike/car mounts, sleeves, pouches, slings, and belt-clip options. We’re constantly updating our list with the best new arrivals.

iPhone 16 case: Fit

Always ensure the case matches your exact iPhone model for proper alignment with buttons and camera lenses. Below are the compatible models: iPhone 16 and 16e (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 try to reuse an older iPhone case. While some generations share dimensions, the iPhone 16 series does not, so upgraders need a new case.

iPhone 16 case: MagSafe & wireless charging

Choose a case that supports MagSafe so you can charge wirelessly without removing your phone. Note that “clear” cases often require a large white ring on the back for MagSafe compatibility. Colored, patterned, or leather cases hide the magnets more effectively.

The iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe, so this feature is irrelevant for that model.

Of course, you can always use a USB-C cable—the fastest charging method—for reliable power.

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

If you love the iPhone’s original design and want to show it off, a clear, transparent case is your best bet.

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

• 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

Apple’s official Clear Case is lightweight and form-fitting, preserving the color and elegance of your iPhone 16. Why spend extra on a Desert Titanium or Pink iPhone 16 Pro Max only to hide it under a generic black case or one with questionable artwork? This case offers solid protection without sacrificing style.

It’s made from a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and flexible materials, with scratch-resistant coatings inside and out. While not the toughest option, it’s more durable than basic silicone. The 2mm camera lip provides decent lens protection.

One downside: the back has a visible white MagSafe ring. However, the Camera Control is covered with a capacitive layer that allows full gesture functionality.

The bottom is open, leaving the USB-C port, speakers, and mic exposed. At just 29g, it adds minimal bulk. The materials are designed to resist yellowing over time.

There are cheaper alternatives, but Apple’s branding signals reliability.

Note: Apple does not currently offer this clear case for the iPhone 16e.

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

• 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

The ESR Zero Clear Case offers basic protection with a 1.2mm front bezel and modest 0.7mm camera lip. Made from crystal-clear polymer, it resists yellowing better than cheaper alternatives.

It’s MagSafe-compatible, so no need to remove it for wireless charging.

ESR also offers more rugged clear cases like the Air Armor Clear Case with enhanced drop protection and AirGuard corners.

The Classic Hybrid Case features a scratch-resistant acrylic back with shimmer finishes, while the Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand includes a military-grade build and a built-in kickstand—reviewed below.

These upgrades add weight and cost but offer better protection and functionality.

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

• 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 16e | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

At just 0.5mm thick and 8g, this is the slimmest, lightest hard case we’ve tested. Totallee claims it weighs 0.2oz (about 5.7g), but our scale read 8g—still nearly weightless.

Despite its minimal design, it includes button covers and a cutout for the Camera Control.

Available in clear and frosted finishes, with optional MagSafe compatibility (adds slight thickness and weight).

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

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