The Best iPhone 16 Cases According to Our Professional Tech Reviewer

I’ve tested thousands of cases over the years, and these are the ones you should choose for your new iPhone

Written By

Written by

Senior Editor, Buy Side from WSJ

Nick Guy is a senior editor for Buy Side from WSJ. He's been reviewing personal technology, accessories and myriad other products for more than a decade.

Edited By

Written by

Staff Editor, Buy Side from WSJ

Madeline Diamond is a writer and editor for Buy Side from WSJ specializing in travel, home design and lifestyle content.

Updated October 24, 2024, 4:16 PM EDT

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I’ve reviewed thousands of iPhone cases since 2011, for more than 20 models. It was my full-time job for years. In that time I’ve seen trends come and go, styles evolve and designs perfected. Cases are a very personal choice, allowing you to express your personality and meet your day-to-day needs. But there are a few basics any good case must get right, including thorough protection, responsive buttons and MagSafe support — all without interfering with the phone’s functionality.

With the 2024 iPhone 16 lineup, there’s a new aspect to consider: the Camera Control button. Located flush along the phone’s right edge, it allows for quick access to the camera app. Because you press, tap and swipe on it, getting the right amount of access can be challenging. Most case makers simply left a cutout, although some designs prevent larger fingers from being able to consistently click. Others, including Apple’s in-house cases, have a sapphire-crystal cover protecting the button and providing superior access.

We’ve tested dozens of cases on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a special focus on the Camera Control. There’s no single case that’s the best for every person, so we’ve highlighted some that we like across many designs, price points and levels of functionality. Our advice: Choose one you like the looks of that also delivers on the features and level of protection you need.

$30 at Amazon

$55 at Spigen

Having the Camera Control button covered can make it easier to use and is a better option for those who value protecting their phone as much as possible. Our favorite is the Spigen Ultra Hybrid T MagFit, which is also the best clear case you can buy. It's an update to a long-time favorite that was one of the first, if not the very first, designs to combine a hard plastic back with flexible sides with a nearly seamless transition. The result is a case that allows your phone's color to shine through while being easy to get on and off and with the added benefit of small shock-absorbing air pockets in the corners. We find the button tactility to be excellent, and the touch-sensitive Camera Control is actually more pleasant to use inside this case than it is on a bare phone. If for some reason you prefer a case with a cutout for the Camera Control, you can choose the standard Ultra Hybrid MagFit.

Available for: iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

$50 at Apple

$70 at OtterBox

OtterBox's Lumen Series Case is a good, but higher-price, alternative for your iPhone 16. The case, with its transparent plastic back and colorful rubbery border, includes a sapphire crystal with a conductive layer that allows the Camera Control to recognize your touch, which is necessary for it to register swipes. The buttons all click pleasantly and it includes MagSafe support, which we consider necessary at this point.

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

$42 at Amazon

$49 save $7

$49 at Apple

For those who prefer an opaque case, Apple's Silicone Case is a good option. The bold colors look fantastic and all the buttons, including the Camera Control, work perfectly through the case. I've never been a big fan of previous editions because of how readily they attracted lint and dust, and how difficult it can be to slide in and out of a pocket. This one is no different in those regards. But if you tend to carry your phone in a bag, those issues might be less bothersome.

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

$60 at Nomad Goods

Apple discontinued its best-in-class leather case after the iPhone 14 and has yet to introduce a suitable replacement. For many years, Nomad's flagship case has been a close alternative, but I've never recommended it because of its rubber edges. A leather case should be all leather. Thankfully, the company has finally released a model that fits the bill: its Traditional Leather Case. The smooth, high-quality cowhide wrapped around a solid frame looks great on an iPhone and the textured metal covers over the Sleep/Wake and Action buttons are quite pleasant. It does however leave the Camera Control — and more of the phone's edge than we'd prefer — exposed. Thankfully the design makes it easy to press and swipe the button. Note that this case is not available for the non-Pro phones at the time of publication.

Available for: Phone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

$80 at Burton Goods

For a more handcrafted look and feel, we like Burton Goods' Heritage Leather Case. Available in Mahogany, Deep Amber or Onyx Black, this full-grain leather case includes MagSafe and covers for all the buttons save for the Camera Control. We like the stitched design on the back that adds some flair without being ostentatious.

Available for: Phone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

$60 at Amazon

$60 at OtterBox

The best alternative for the iPhone 16 isn't real leather at all. The Symmetry Series Cactus Leather from OtterBox looks and feels like the real thing, but it's actually made from nopal cactus. Available in a range of colors, the case's pebbly texture feels quite nice, as do its metal button protectors. OtterBox uses the same general cutout shape for the Camera Control, which is a bummer, but not unexpected. Don't expect this case to wear quite as well as real leather if you're tough on your phone.

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

$20 at Smartish

$20 at Amazon

$25 save $5

Just because your new iPhone will cost somewhere between $800 and $1,600 doesn't mean you need to splurge on a case to protect it, as proven by one of my perennial favorite cases, Smartish's Gripmunk. It's both simple and surprisingly thoughtful at the same time. The one-piece thermoplastic polyurethane fits the phone perfectly and allows the buttons to click easily and with a pleasant tactility. Its smooth back makes sliding it into a pocket easy while textured and subtly grooved edges provide extra grip. And even though the Camera Control isn't covered, we found the cutout shape to be the perfect compromise between protection and accessibility; we never felt like it got in the way of our clicks. All this and it costs only $20. Gripmunk is available in a handful of colors and designs, and you can also get your own image printed on the case. We also like the transparent Clearly Clear model.

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

$30 at Smartish

$30 at Amazon

$35 save $5

Smartish's lineup of cases that cost about the same as a pizza also includes the rugged Gripzilla. It has all the benefits of Gripmunk, but dialed up to provide superior protection. The most notable element is the extended corners with air pockets inside that will help absorb the shock of a drop so that your phone doesn't break. The value of an ultra-protective case is more questionable now as iPhones have gotten more durable, and in my professional opinion, most people simply don't need one. But if you prefer the peace of mind that comes from this style, don't spend the $50-plus most competitors cost. Get this one instead.

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

$25 at Amazon

$30 save $5

$25 at Smartish

One more star in the Smartish lineup is Wallet Slayer Vol. 1. Think Gripmunk — seeing a theme here? — with a three-card wallet pocket on the back. Unlike some wallet cases, it hides most of the cards, leaving only a small wedge exposed. This design makes it easy to slide them in and out, which can be more of a pain with similar cases, but it also prohibits wireless charging, so consider the tradeoff.

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

$17 at Amazon

$20 save $3

$45 at Spigen

As mentioned above, we love Spigen's Ultra Hybrid T MagFit. If you prefer a clear case with a Camera Control cutout, the standard Ultra Hybrid MagFit is a good, lower-price option (but we really think the extra few dollars is worth it for the upgrade.

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

$20 at Amazon

$25 at ESR Gear

If you like the Ultra Hybrid design but want something extra from your case, consider ESR's Hybrid Case with Stash Stand. It uses the same two-material design as Spigen's model, although we find the original's buttons to click a bit better and prefer the shape of its Camera Control cutout a little more. What the ESR case has going for it is its namesake stand, built into the ring around the camera module. The metal square is attached by a hinge on the right side; simply lift it away to get a surprisingly sturdy way to prop up your phone in landscape orientation.

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

$50 at Amazon

$50 at Peak Design

Camera-accessory company Peak Design entered the case market several years ago with its Everyday Case, and it's been one of my favorites ever since. The plastic and rubber case's back panel is overlaid with either fabric or, for a $10 premium, faux leather. Both materials look and feel excellent, adding a more natural touch to the otherwise cold glass and metal slab. This design is enough to recommend the case, but what makes it stand out is the attachment system for accessories. There's a small metal-lined divot on the back of the case that allows you to securely connect to the brand's lineup of accessories, including various mounts. Even with this feature, the case is still quite thin and works with MagSafe.

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

$33 at Caudabe

A superthin case does more to prevent scratches and provide grip than it does protect from drops. But if that's all you want, go with Caudabe's Veil. The barely there piece of plastic is the same size as other cases that get called "world's thinnest," but this one has the added benefit of raised bumps along the edges that provide extra grip. It also happens to be a few dollars less than most of the closest competition, too. While there's no MagSafe ring, we found it connects and charges well, although you'll want to be more cautious with car mounts. Because the case comes up a little bit higher than the phone's buttons, including the Camera Control, you need to press a little harder than you would on cases with full coverage.

Available for: iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

$40 at Amazon

$50 save $10

PopSockets and similar accessories became popular as smartphones got bigger and more difficult to hold in one hand. A number of companies now make cases with similar functionality built right in, and we like Torras's Ostand Spin Classic quite a bit. Much like Spigen's case, it's a combination of hard plastic on the back with flexible sides. The noteworthy element is the metal stand that sits flush with the back of the case when not in use. Lift it with your fingernail and you can use it either as a way to get a better hold on your phone, or as a stand. It rotates all the way around, clicking into place every 90 degrees, so you can find the exact right position.

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

$80 at Zagg

Cases with fabric exteriors can bring an elevated look and feel in addition to the protection they offer. Zagg's London Snap does just that with four fun patterns, but you can really personalize it with the Custom Embroidered version of the case. The brand's tool allows you to choose from four base color options and 12 fabric colors, and then add customized stitching including text and graphics. We were surprised to find how much freedom we had in designing a case, including overlapping designs.

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

$139 at Best Buy

If you're a former BlackBerry user who's been longing for the days of physical keys on your phone, or you've simply never felt comfortable with an on-screen keyboard, consider the Clicks Keyboard. Yes, it's a full, physical keyboard, built right into a case. And yes, it makes your iPhone, especially the iPhone 16 Pro Max, comically long. But for those looking for tactility, there's a lot to like about Clicks. The small, round, backlit keys are angled in such a way that it's easy to differentiate between them by touch and they're very responsive. You can even program shortcuts so that typing certain key combinations triggers a range of actions. And there's no need to charge the case as it connects directly through the iPhone's USB-C port. There's a bit of a learning curve (we found ourselves getting better within the first few days of using it), but if you've been craving this feature, you'll be happy with the execution.

Available for: iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max

Nick Guy is a senior editor for Buy Side from WSJ. He's been reviewing personal technology, accessories and myriad other products for more than a decade.

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