Best iPhone 16 cases: every level of protection for your new iPhone

Apple Silicone iPhone case in ultramarine blue in front of a Nomad modern leather folio case and a UAG Monarch Pro Kevlar armor case, all with iPhone 16 Pro in desert titanium showing through camera bump
(Image credit: Apple, Nomad, UAG)

The iPhone 16 is Apple's 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 the best case makers, and here are a sample of our favorites from brands 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.

Expert Verdict
Philip Berne
Expert Verdict
Philip Berne

📱Phil Berne is a pre-eminent voice in smartphone reviews, a professional reviewer since the Palm Treo 700 and BlackBerry Pearl days. He has used and reviewed hundreds of smartphones, including all of the best iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel phones. Phil is TechRadar's Senior Editor for Mobile Reviews and Buying Guides.

The best iPhone cases

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Best light iPhone cases

Best medium iPhone cases

Best heavy iPhone cases

Best armored iPhone cases

Lightest and Heaviest Cases

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.

How we test

I've only included phone cases on this list that have been used in the real world by our expert review editors. I tested our first batch of iPhone 16 cases on my Apple iPhone 16 Pro, purchased by Future Labs.

I feel confident testing all of these cases on the iPhone 16 Pro because every new iPhone has the same Action Button and the new Camera Control button.

I used the phone cases normally for two days each. I did not subject the cases to my own drop testing, because testing a single sample (N=1) is not scientific, and it would not tell us if the manufacturer's claims are valid.

Instead, I only choose cases from manufacturer that are tested and proven over the past years, and case makers that have a firm policy for refunds and defective products.

TOPICS
Philip Berne
US Mobiles Editor

Phil Berne is a preeminent voice in consumer electronics reviews, starting more than 20 years ago at eTown.com. Phil has written for Engadget, The Verge, PC Mag, Digital Trends, Slashgear, TechRadar, AndroidCentral, and was Editor-in-Chief of the sadly-defunct infoSync. Phil holds an entirely useful M.A. in Cultural Theory from Carnegie Mellon University. He sang in numerous college a cappella groups.

Phil did a stint at Samsung Mobile, leading reviews for the PR team and writing crisis communications until he left in 2017. He worked at an Apple Store near Boston, MA, at the height of iPod popularity. Phil is certified in Google AI Essentials. He has a High School English teaching license (and years of teaching experience) and is a Red Cross certified Lifeguard. His passion is the democratizing power of mobile technology. Before AI came along he was totally sure the next big thing would be something we wear on our faces.