A new iPhone release always brings new cases to protect Apple’s latest phone, and we’ve already seen plenty of candidates for the best iPhone 16e cases vying to keep your new purchase safe and sound. And it makes sense to grab a case if you’re getting an iPhone 16e. This may be Apple’s least expensive iPhone, but you’re still going to want to keep your $599 purchase looking as good as new for as long as possible.
Fortunately, I’ve found a number of cases that promise to do exactly that — at a minimum, these accessories will keep your iPhone 16e safe from minor dents and scratches, and the very best will offer some type of drop protection.
There’s another factor to consider with the iPhone 16e, as Apple didn’t include MagSafe magnets to help with wirelessly charging the phone. But if you pick up a MagSafe-compatible case, you can add that functionality to your iPhone 16e.
Otherwise my best iPhone 16e case picks look at design, price and other add-on feature like kickstand and slots for cash and cards. What follows are a selection of iPhone 16e cases selected to meet a variety of needs, tastes and budgets.
The best iPhone 16e cases right now
1. Spigen Rugged Armor (MagFit)
Best case overall
Color: Matte black
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, foam
Weight: 1.3 oz
+ 4-foot drop protection
+ MagSafe compatibility
+ Slim fit
– Only one color option
Spigen cases often top our list of recommendations, regardless of the phone. And that’s true of the Rugged Armor for iPhone 16e because this particular offering checks a lot of boxes. It promises 4 feet of drop protection with a relatively low profile. Raised edges around the screen should keep the 6.1-inch display from hitting any surface, and you’ll also get MagSafe compatibility at an affordable price. The only downside is the lack of color options, though the same could be said of the iPhone 16e itself.
2. Apple iPhone 16e Silicone Case
Best case from Apple
Color: Lake green, fuchsia, winter blue, white, black
Materials: Silicone, microfiber
Weight: 2.8 ounces
+ Custom fit for iPhone 16e
+ Low profile
+ Contains recycled materials
– Limited drop protection
If you want a case guaranteed to snugly fit your phone, look no further than the Apple Silicone case for the iPhone 16e. With a silicone exterior and a low-profile design, this case is easy to grip as well as to carry in a pocket. Apple uses 55% recycled materials to make its cas, which comes in five colors. It won’t provide as much protection against major drops and falls as some of the other best iPhone 16e case options, but it can stand up to daily wear, including dings and scratches.
Most stylish case
Color: Dozens of patterns
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: Varies
+ Comes in dozens of patterns
+ 12-month warranty
+ Wireless charging compatibility
– No specific drop protection noted
Burga’s cases make a statement about your style while also keeping your device safe from damage. The Tough case for the iPhone 16e comes in dozens of colors and patterns, which you can coordinate with other Burga accessories. The case’s exterior is scratch resistant and shock absorbing with raised bezels around the screen and camera — and while the Tough Case isn’t rated for major drops, it should protect against minor ones. Burga also offers a 12-month warranty on its cases.
Best rugged case
Color: Olive, ash, rose, blue, black
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.1 oz
+ 15-foot drop protection
+ MagSafe compatibility
+ Comes in five colors
– Bulkier than some other cases
If your phone has to endure rough treatment — frequent drops, jostling in bags, or outdoor adventures — you need a case that can withstand it all. The UAG Essential Armor offers a lot of bang for your buck, with 15-foot drop protection, raised bezels, and cushioned corners as well as lanyard attachment points for easy carrying. Plus, it’s MagSafe compatible and comes in five colors. The Essential Armor does have some added bulk around the corners and buttons compared to other cases, but it’s still relatively lightweight, and the added protection is well worth it.
Best value case
Color: Black, camo, green, grey
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.1 oz
+ Budget-friendly
+ Slim fit
+ Grippy sides
– No specific drop protection noted
Ringke makes functional cases that won’t drain your wallet, and the Onyx is a great choice for protecting your iPhone 16e from basic wear and tear on a budget. The slim case with grippy sides and a textured back comes in four colors, and the exterior is designed to withstand fingerprint smudges. You also get attachment points for wrist straps and other accessories, and the base model is compatible with wireless accessories. If you prefer a MagSafe version, you can upgrade for a few dollars more (though even that version costs less than $20).
Best kickstand case
Color: Black, clear
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, aluminum
Weight: 1.8 oz
+ Ring holder/kickstand
+ Compatible with magnetic accessories
+ Military-grade drop protection
– Only two color options
The Torras Ostand case for iPhone 16e is an excellent choice if make a lot of video calls and enjoy streaming videos on the go. The case has a ring that pops out and rotates 360 degrees for holding your device up at any angle or orientation (or for easy grip/carrying); otherwise, it sits flush when not in use. Torras promises military-grade drop protection and compatibility with magnetic accessories with the Ostand. It comes in just two colors, so it’s not the most exciting style-wise.
7. Gripmunk Wallet Slayer
Best wallet case
Color: Black, blue, green, patterned
Materials: Synthetic rubber, plastic, rubber, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: TBA
+ Wallet slots for three cards and cash
+ 6-foot drop protection
+ Multiple color options
– Not compatible with wireless charging or accessories
The Gripmunk Wallet Slayer eliminates the need to carry anything except your iPhone 16e when you’re on the go. The case has secure slots for up to three credit cards plus cash, all of which slide out easily when you need them. The case also offers 6 feet of drop protection and comes in multiple colors and patterns. The downside: because of the wallet slots, the case isn’t compatible with any magnetic accessories or chargers, so you’ll have to use a cable or remove the case to charge the iPhone 16e wirelessly.
Best clear case
Color: Clear
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.1 oz
+ Clear with slim fit
+ Military-grade certified
+ Wireless charging compatibility
– Basic design
The iPhone 16e doesn’t come in a wide array of bright colors like the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup, but that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the minimalism with your case. The Spigen Ultra Hybrid is a slim, clear case that will show off your device while also protecting it with raised edges, button covers, and two layers of material that cushion against dings and drops. Spigen promises “lasting clarity,” so ideally the Ultra Hybrid doesn’t discolor over time, as well as military-grade certification for drops up to 4 feet. It isn’t the most exciting case, but it gets the job done well.
Best leather case
Color: Black, brown
Materials: Leather, microfiber
Weight: 3.6 ounces
+ Stylish leather finish
+ Low profile
+ Wireless charging compatibility
– Limited drop protection
Torro makes high-quality leather cases for mobile devices, and the Slimline Bumper is an excellent choice for adding style to your iPhone 16e. The case comes in black and dark brown leather finishes with optional monogramming, and it’s compatible with wireless chargers and accessories. The Slimline Bumper isn’t specifically rated for drops, though microfiber lining inside the case provides extra protection for you iPhone 16e. Still, leather may weather over time, so this likely isn’t the best choice for outdoor types.
What to look for in the best iPhone 16e cases
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When comparing cases for your new iPhone 16e, make sure you are looking at models that are actually made for your device. The iPhone 16e may have the same size display as the iPhone 16, but the newer phone is lighter, lacks a Camera Control button features just one rear camera instead of two. The best iPhone 16 cases won’t fit your iPhone 16e so steer clear of them.
Speaking of the camera array, some of the iPhone 16e cases currently on sale have larger cutouts for cameras; as a result; they may not offer total protection to that area of your phone. For that reason, I’ve tried to recommend cases with smaller cutouts.
As I noted at the outset, the iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe support, but you can add that by getting a MagSafe case if that feature is important to you.
Here are other factors to keep in mind when looking for the best iPhone 16e case.
- Drop protection: Some cases are built to withstand drops and falls from greater heights, so your iPhone 16e won’t crack even if it slips from your hand. If this happens often, look for models with drop protection of at least 4 feet.
- Durability: If your phone isn’t exposed to the elements, major drops, or significant wear and tear, you can probably get away with cases made of softer materials like leather or silicone. Otherwise, consider options that have harder plastic shells or more durable finishes.
- Cost: You don’t have to pay a lot to protect your iPhone 16e. The cheapest case on our list costs less than $20, while the most expensive is around $65. Pricier options often have extra protection or premium materials.
- Extra features: The simplest cases protect your iPhone 16e from dust, dings, and scratches, and that may be all you need. Depending on how you use your device, though, you may look for extra features like kickstands, wallet slots, or accessory compatibility.
How we pick the best iPhone 16e cases
To select the best cases to protect your iPhone 16e, we reviewed products from reputable brands and compared them based on both form and function as well as cost and drop protection. In some cases, we also do hands-on testing to assess fit and overall user experience.
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