Technologies
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review: Sony Has Serious Competition
Bose’s new flagship QC Ultra Headphones make a very compelling alternative to both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max.
Back in 2015, Bose released a set of wired earbuds called the SoundTrue Ultra Earbuds that were among my favorite sounding Bose products. They were discontinued a few years ago, but Bose has brought back the Ultra name for its new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($299) and Quiet Comfort Ultra Headphones, which I’m reviewing here. At $429 (£450, AU$649), the latter are Bose’s most expensive headphones to date.
Not surprisingly, they’re very good. But are they better than Sony’s WH-1000XM5, Apple’s AirPods Max and some other «premium» noise-canceling headphones in this price range? Let’s get right into the review so I can try to answer that for you.
Bose QC Ultra Headphones design
The QC Ultra Headphones’ design is totally new. It’s sort of a cross between Bose’s previous flagship model, the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and the QuietComfort 45s, which have morphed into a new $350 model that Bose has simply named the QuietComfort Headphones.
The Headphones 700 had some metal parts, but the QC Ultra Headphones incorporate an aluminum yoke and arms that slide into the headband. Another upgrade is their dual-hinge design so they both fold up and fold flat, which allows them to have a smaller carrying case than the Headphones 700 and the Sony WH-1000XM5s, both of which only fold flat. Just be careful not to get your finger caught in the Ultra’s hinge, which I did a couple of times and got an unpleasant pinch.
The headphones feel durable and are surprisingly lightweight at 254 grams, just a couple of grams more than the Headphones 700. The Sony WH-1000XM5 weigh 249 grams, while the much heavier AirPods Max tip the scales at 385 grams.
Bose reps told me the QC Ultras are designed to fit a wider range of head types and like other Bose headphones, they’re quite comfortable to wear. They did clamp slightly more than the Sonys, but I was able to wear them for a couple of hours straight without a problem. Like other over-ear headphones, they will steam up your ears if you wear them around in warm environments. It’s also worth mentioning that the black version of the headphones can end up showing some smudges if you have any grime on your hands or just have oily skin. The white smoke version doesn’t.
I like their controls. The QC Ultra Headphones feature a mix of physical control buttons along with a raised capacitive touch volume strip on the right ear cup that’s easy to reach and use by feel alone.
The main multifunction button on the headphones allows you to pause and play your audio with a single tap, skip tracks forward with a double tap and skip them back with a triple tap. Holding the button down lets you toggle through full noise canceling, an awareness mode and an immersion mode that activates full noise canceling along with Bose’s new spatial audio feature with head tracking that it calls Immersive Audio.
There’s also a touch-and-hold gesture for the volume strip that’s customizable as a shortcut. You can choose to map it to one of four functions: hear battery level, change Immersive Audio (cycle through still, motion and off settings), access your voice assistant and resume Spotify.
Bose QC Ultra Headphones features
While Bose mentions that both this over-ear Ultra model and its new QC Ultra Earbuds feature «world-class noise cancellation» — and they certainly do — the real feature it’s hyping this go-round is Immersive Audio, its custom version of spatial audio. Bose says Immersive Audio «goes beyond special effects and creates a wider, more spacious soundstage so your content becomes multi-dimensional and layered, regardless of the audio platform or device.»
Like other headphones that feature spatial audio — Apple’s latest AirPods, for instance — the QC Ultra Headphones and QC Ultra Earbuds have two spatial audio modes: one «still» mode without head-tracking engaged and a «motion» mode that uses head-tracking and allows the audio to «move with you, so it’s always in front of you.» Bose says it works with movies and any stereo track, but it’s really designed for music listening.
Using the Immersive Audio feature does widen the soundstage, creating the illusion that your audio is more outside your head. It works better with some tracks than others, but it does open the sound a bit, giving it an airier quality.
Most people will probably choose to mostly leave it on, but the downside is that engaging it does impact battery life significantly. The headphones are rated for up to 24 hours of battery life at moderate volumes levels with noise canceling on. But the number dips to 18 hours with Immersive Audio engaged.
The aware mode is equivalent to Apple’s transparency mode, and it sounds quite natural with almost no audible hiss. There’s also a new ActiveSense feature that kicks in some ANC should the sound get too loud around you (a horn blast, for instance, or a construction worker’s jack hammer). That’s similar to the AirPods Pro 2’s Adaptive Audio feature that isn’t available for the AirPods Max because it requires Apple’s H2 chip, which isn’t present in that model.
As I said, holding down the multifunction button allows you to toggle through three sound modes. I mentioned the default sound modes, but you can add additional sound modes in the app and then designate three of them as favorites so you can easily toggle through them. When creating a sound mode, you simply customize the level of noise canceling you want (anywhere from none to max) and decide whether you want Immersive Audio (still or motion) activated and wind noise reduction on or off. You can also tweak the sound profile with the app’s equalizer.
Thanks to wear sensors in the ear cups, when you take the headphones off your ears, your audio will pause and resume playback when you put them back on. Beyond that, if you set your headphones down somewhere and forget to turn them off, they’ll go into a sleep mode to conserve battery life. You also have them completely turn off after a set period of time. The default setting is 24 hours, but you can change that in the Bose Music app to as little as five minutes. That sleep mode is similar to the AirPods Max’s power saving features.
While the QC Ultra Earbuds still lack multipoint Bluetooth pairing — Bose is still working on adding that feature — which allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch audio between them, both the QC Ultra Headphones and QC Headphones have it. I was able to switch back and forth between the audio on an iPhone 14 Pro and an Android device without any issue. The headphones will also pair with your computer, but computer Bluetooth audio can be more finicky, especially with older Windows PCs and Macs.
The QC Ultra Headphones and QC Ultra Earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, while the new QC Headphones use Bluetooth 5.1 and lack Bose’s Immersive Audio feature.
Finally, both the Ultra models are LE Audio ready, which means they can be upgraded via a firmware update to include LE Audio features such as Auracast that would allow you to tune into audio broadcasts over Bluetooth, say from a TV at your gym. The LE Audio standard also includes support for the LC3 audio codec.
Modest improvements to already very good sound quality
I spent some time comparing the sound quality of the QC Ultra Headphones to that of the Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max. While the QC Ultra Headphones have the same drivers as the Headphones 700, the Ultras’ sound has improved from the 700’s. It’s not a huge improvement, but the Ultras’ seem slightly cleaner sounding and more revealing, with deep but well-defined bass. Since they feature the same drivers, most of the audio quality gains come from a more powerful chipset, which has improved digital processing power. Bose also has a feature that optimizes the sound for your particular ears.
Both the Sony XM5 and AirPods Max are excellent sounding headphones and sound quality is subjective, as everybody has different ears and different musical tastes. But I’d say this Bose is a touch ahead of both the Sony and the AirPods Max for sound quality. The Sony has a slightly warmer sound profile, and the Bose just comes across as slightly more natural sounding than the AirPods Max. By that I mean it sounds slightly more accurate.
Using the Immersive Audio mode does open up the sound, giving it an airier quality. Everything sounds a little more dynamic and vocals come forward a bit and there’s a bit more separation between instruments with more sparkle in the treble. When you switch back to stereo mode, everything sounds a little duller. You ears eventually adjust and you don’t notice as much, but the natural tendency will be for people to engage the Immersive Audio (whether you choose the still or motion mode is another matter).
For testing, I mainly leave the equalizer at the default flat setting. It’s only a three-band equalizer — you can choose from a few presets or adjust the sliders yourself. Ideally it would be a five-band equalizer, but in years past, Bose didn’t allow you to adjust the sound (there was just the Bose signature sound), so having even this amount of control is a big plus.
The headphones are fairly well-balanced in the default setting. Like Beats, Bose used to get criticized for having some bass push, but that’s not the case anymore. The bass is powerful but not overpowering and it remains tight, even at higher volumes.
I used a few streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify and Qobuz to listen to tracks and I also plugged the headphone cable in to have a listen in wired mode, both with and without a headphone amp. I didn’t really notice a bump in sound in wired mode, but I need to run some more tests to be sure.
I listened to an eclectic mix of music. Tracks included Spoon’s Knock Knock Knock, Athletes of God’s Don’t Wanna Be Normal, Orbital’s Dirty Rat, Bjork’s Hollow, Drake’s Passionfruit, Pixies’ Vault of Heaven, Florence and The Machine’s Choreomania and various Foo Fighters tracks. The headphones seem well-suited for listening to a variety of music genres.
What I don’t like
I was slightly disappointed the headphones don’t feature USB-C audio. You get a headphone cable for wired listening, which will come in handy for air travel. But with most smartphones now missing a headphone jack, it’d be nice to be able to plug a USB-C cable directly into your phone and have an all-digital wired connection for listening to lossless audio tracks. The Beats Studio Pro and some other headphones offer that feature. And now Android devices and the latest iPhones have USB-C connectivity.
I have one other small gripe. Bose has been using Qualcomm chipsets in its recent headphones, and it says both new QC Ultra models feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite (QCC5181 chipset) and have support for the aptX Adaptive audio codec, including lossless and low-latency capabilities for Android and other devices that offer aptX compatibility. There’s also Swift Pair for Android, while Apple users get the AAC audio codec, which is also compatible with Android devices. But I had some problems getting aptX to work because it turns out that some leading Android smartphone manufacturers, including Google and Samsung, have stopped paying the licensing fees for aptX.
I paired the headphones with a Google Pixel 7, which supports aptX audio, but it defaulted to the AAC audio code for HD Audio even after I accessed developer mode. (With Android devices, you sometimes have to turn on developer mode to gain access to additional audio codecs.) When I paired them with a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, which is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the same thing happened. However, when I connected them to an Asus ROG Phone 6, another Snapdragon-enabled phone, I was able use aptX Adaptive. This inconsistent support is more of a Qualcomm problem than a Bose problem (how can a phone that uses Qualcomm’s top Snapdragon chipset not also support aptX?), but it does impact folks who buy these headphones expecting them to support aptX streaming when in fact it’s not supported by market-leading Android handsets like Samsung’s Galaxy devices.
Great noise canceling and excellent voice-calling performance
I’ll finish by talking about the noise canceling and voice-calling performance. As I said, Bose isn’t talking up the noise canceling as much as it usually does. Maybe that’s because it’s as good as it is and speaks for itself. You can argue over whether Sony or Bose has better noise canceling — and Apple’s is also excellent — but I wore these in the raucous streets of New York and the headphones really muffled everything around me, including people’s voices. It’s top-notch.
Voice-calling performance is also excellent. I was told they have five microphones in each earcup (four external and one inside the earcup) that help drive both the noise-canceling and voice-calling performance. While I was slightly disappointed with how much background noise the QC Ultra Earbuds let in, that wasn’t an issue with these full-size Ultras. Even in noisy environments, callers said they heard only minimal background noise while my voice came through clearly.
If you want to get a sense of the QC Ultra Headphones’ voice-calling performance, I show a test call in my companion video review of these headphones, so check that out.
Why should I get these instead of the AirPods Max?
The AirPods Max are excellent headphones with a uniquely premium design that I rated highly and continue to recommend despite their elevated price. That said, they obviously appeal only to Apple users, while headphones like the Bose QC Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM5 are more platform-agnostic and have a appeal for both iOS and Android users.
It’s also worth noting that the AirPods Max are almost three years old and are probably due for an upgrade in the coming year. And while they’re surprisingly comfortable given how much they weigh, they’re still pretty heavy and don’t come with a headphone cable for wired listening (you have to purchase the cable separately). On top of that, the QC Ultra Headphones’ case is better than the controversial case that’s included with AirPods Max. The Bose also has slightly better noise canceling and may also have a slight edge for sound quality, depending on your audio tastes. And the Bose does cost a little less.
Why should I get these instead of the Sony WH-1000XM5?
This a bit of a trickier question because I still like the WH-1000XM5s a lot — we gave them an Editors’ Choice award in 2022. The Sony is arguably a touch more comfortable than the Bose and also features excellent sound, great noise canceling and best-in-class voice-calling performance. But the Bose headphones both fold up and fold flat, so their carrying case is smaller, and the Bose arguably has slightly better sound and perhaps a touch better noise canceling. I think the Sony has a slight edge for voice calling but it’s not by much.
I prefer that the Sony has support for Sony’s LDAC audio codec (rather than aptX) and like Sony’s Speak-to-Chat feature that automatically pauses your audio and puts the headphones in transparency mode when you talk to someone, enabling you to have a conversation without taking your headphones off. Apple brought a similar feature to the AirPods Pro 2 — it calls the feature Conversation Awareness — but not the AirPods Max.
Bose’s companion app is more user-friendly than Sony’s, and the new Immersive Audio feature does offer some sound enhancements. How much is debatable, but it’s better than than Sony’s 360 Reality Audio simply because it works with any stereo tracks — not just tracks encoded for 360 Reality Audio.
When all is said and done, the Bose has the slight edge in my book, but the Sony will get the better discounts because it’s been on the market for more than a year and will hold a price advantage over the Bose until it also goes on sale.
Bose QC Ultra Headphones final thoughts
Despite the fact that Bose made a bad decision when it moved away from its QuietComfort branding in 2019 when it released the poorly named Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, that headphone does have a lot of fans. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones may not be a huge upgrade over the 700 (it has the same drivers after all), it does offer some meaningful improvements both in terms of its design and performance. If I were a 700 owner, I wouldn’t be in a rush to run out in buy if my headphones were still in good condition, but I’d certainly be tempted to upgrade if and when the Ultras go on sale.
I do think the QC Ultra Headphones are a compelling alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM5s and Apple AirPods Max, and also hold a slight edge over such premium models as the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2E ($400), another very good set of headphones. If these models are a little out of your price range, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, which have dipped to as low as $250 in a sale, are an option. So, too, are the Beats Studio Pro, which dropped to $180 for fall Prime Day and should see discounts during the holidays.
But if you’re looking for the best noise-canceling headphones, the Bose QC Ultra Headphones are certainly at or near the top of the heap, even with their small downsides. Hopefully, over time they’ll get even better with a few firmware upgrades.
Technologies
I Time-Traveled to the ’80s Playing X-Arcade’s Arcade2TV-XR Cabinet in VR
Technologies
The Hottest Switch 2 Accessory Could Be… a Lap Desk
Commentary: How else will you use the Joy-Cons’ cool new mouse feature?
One of the most interesting rumors about the Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Cons was that you could use them like computer mice. Now that the feature has been confirmed in the April 2 Nintendo Direct, and we’ve seen it used for action and strategy games, it’s pretty clear: The most-needed accessory for the new Switch 2 is a lap desk.
Given its rich history of introducing wacky new ways to control games, Nintendo can perhaps be forgiven for introducing a novel control function in a console that is otherwise largely identical to its predecessor. But the Switch 2 is a couch console when docked and freely roaming otherwise — rarely near a flat surface to use the Joy-Cons’ mouse functionality.
As a lap desk owner, fan and evangelizer, lap desks are the obvious answer to the mouse problem: portable around the house, multipurpose for work or play and somewhat affordable. Or at least, there are reasonable options that aren’t any pricier than the $90 Nintendo is asking for Switch 2 Joy-Cons.
While yes, any flat surface will technically do, just look at the gameplay for Drag x Drive, where players are shown running their dual Joy-Cons up and back in rapid succession. That seems hard to do on a makeshift surface like a clipboard or container lid. And for strategy games like Civilization 7, imagine not having a wide surface to move around the map and click in and out of menus.
Nintendo’s Treehouse stream for the launch game Drag x Drive showed how to use both Joy-Cons in mouse mode to move around. The presenter — playing on a desk — noted that players could run the controllers flat on their legs as alternative surfaces.
As CNET’s Scott Stein noted in his hands-on with the Switch 2, using the Joy-Cons on his legs was «a little less tiring» than on a desk — but presumably this only works well for a game like Drag x Drive, which relies on forward-and-back motion rather than side-to-side (unless you get really good at wrapping around your legs).
It’s worth pointing out how few of the Switch 2’s launch games and those coming later have mouse functionality — right now, only Drag x Drive requires it, while Civ 7 and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond optionally use Joy-Cons in mouse mode. Mario Party Jamboree will have also added mouse functionality in its Switch 2 version. We’ll wait to see how many games truly take advantage of this control potential.
Admittedly, the $450 Switch 2 and $80 Mario Kart World prices are already ruffling feathers, so expecting gamers to pay more for furniture just to get basic functionality for certain games is a big ask. But for all those couch crusaders planning their most relaxing way to play, a lap desk is the best way to have your Switch 2 and mouse with it, too.
Technologies
Best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Cases for 2025
I’ve tested dozens of affordable, stylish and tough iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases. These are my current top picks at a variety of price points.
Our Experts
- Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
What to consider
MagSafe
We generally encourage people to spend the extra money for a MagSafe-enabled case because of the number of MagSafe accessories on the market.
Thickness
Some people like minimal cases that add little to no bulk to their iPhone, but the majority of people are looking for a case that offers good protection.
Clear case
Clear cases are popular because they show off your phone (and its color). Clear cases, especially cheaper ones, can become less clear over time.
Since people’s tastes in iPhone cases vary widely, I’ve included a diverse range of top case recommendations for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max based on my hands-on testing of dozens of iPhone cases. I’ve included everything from slim cases to extra tough cases to wallet cases, all at a variety of price points.
Note that the iPhone 16 Series has a new camera layout and a programmable action button, meaning cases from previous models won’t fit. The new camera control button is touch-sensitive, and case manufacturers offer varying degrees of exposure to the button with cutouts in their cases. An increasing number of cases cover the button entirely while maintaining the button’s touch sensitivity. These include cases from Apple, Beats and Otterbox, along with updated cases from ESR and others.
What is the best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro case overall?
There is no best overall iPhone 16 case because there are so many great ones available. That said, the Otterbox Symmetry Series and Speck Presidio Series are among our top picks along with value models from ESR and Spigen.
What We Updated: April 2025
We added Otterbox’s new Frē Series waterproof cases.
Best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases of 2025
Top new Otterbox cases for iPhone 16
Pros
- Slim, yet protective
- Easy to grip and comfortable to hold
- MagSafe compatible
- Made from recycled materials
Cons
- Camera button can be finicky
- May show scratches
- Lacks strong rear camera protection
- A more expensive option
Otterbox returns with its usual expansive lineup of cases for the iPhone 16. In terms of toughness, the Defender Series XT and Defender Series Pro top the line. Even the slimmer Figura, Symmetry Series Clear and OtterGrip Symmetry Series have excellent drop protection.
I remain a fan of the Symmetry Series Soft Touch for MagSafe (pictured left), which has a nice, grippy soft-to-the-touch finish that’s similar to what you get with the highly likable Core Series cases Otterbox made for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. I also like the Lumen Series (pictured right), a clear case that has eye-catching iridescent accents in its MagSafe components.
For me, another favorite Otterbox case for the iPhone 16 is the Symmetry Series Cactus Leather (pictured center), which incorporates a cactus-based leather substitute in its design (Otterbox says the faux leather is organically grown and sustainably harvested from nopal cactus). The cases have a nice textured grip to them and are available in attractive color options. In my tests, the cases have held up well and are fairly scratch-resistant.
Speck’s new cases for iPhone 16
Pros
- ClickLock system enables secure fit for Speck accessories
- Durable yet attractive design
- Antimicrobial protection
- Ultra-responsive buttons for smoother clicks
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
- Porous material is susceptible to staining
- Grip leaves something to be desired
Speck has brought many of its iPhone 15 case designs to the iPhone 16, including such popular models as thePresidio Perfect-Clear, Presidio Lux and the Presidio2 Pro. Each Speck model has good drop protection (8 to 13 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck’s Microban antimicrobial protection. They also include ultra-responsive buttons for smoother clicks on the new programmable action button.
It also returns its ClickLock case system, which is built on MagSafe: It’s compatible with any MagSafe accessory but has an interlocking system that secures Speck’s ClickLock accessories to your case. In addition to adhering to the case magnetically, the accessories — which range in price from $30 to $50 — click into a little slot.
For people who own the larger and heavier iPhone 16 Plus or 16 Pro Max, it can be hard to depend on your phone staying on a MagSafe car mount, especially if you hit a bump. That’s where Speck’s ClickLock car vent mount helps. The wallet accessory stays stuck on the back of your phone; you don’t have to worry about it slipping off when you put your phone in your pocket.
No matter which product you choose, Speck often gives a discount for first-time buyers purchasing through its website.
Best slim rugged case with strong MagSafe magnets
Pros
- Highly protective and durable, yet slimmed down for comfort
- Great for mounting
- Exceptionally strong MagSafe magnets
- Often on sale
Cons
- Compatible mounts sold separately
- Very expensive
- Not compatible with RokLok twist system
- Must remove center magnet to wirelessly charge
Rokform is known for its rugged cases for iPhones and other smartphones. Its earlier Rokform Crystal and Rugged case are highly protective but may be little too chunky for some people. That’s why Rokform came up with a new case in 2025 called the Rokform Slim Magnetic case that’s 35% slimmer than its previous models and is one of the top iPhone cases on the market (it’s available for all iPhone 16 Series models). Not only is it very protective, with excellent corner and camera protection, but its ring magnet for MagSafe accessories is one of the strongest out there, if not the strongest.
Rokform’s Crystal and Rugged cases are specially designed to work with Rokform’s various mounts, including bike and motorcycle mounts, that are sold separately. However, the Slim Magnetic case doesn’t have Rokform’s RokLok twist system, so it only works with Rokform’s magnetic car mounts (and, of course, third-party magnetic accessories). I’ve tried all of Rokform’s cases, including the new Slim Magnetic case, with Apple’s FineWoven Wallet and the wallet stuck to the cases more securely than with any cases I’ve tested.
Note that the Rokform Rugged and Crystal cases have removable magnets, and they’re compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. «With the lower magnet still intact, you can still wireless-charge while utilizing magnetic mounting and all of our mounts,» Rokform says. The cases are expensive, but Rokform offers discounts to first-time buyers on its site.
Affordable iPhone 16 case with built-in kickstand and MagSafe
Pros
- Silicone, clear and rugged finishes available
- Built-in kickstand doubles as lens protector
- Well-priced with a premium feel
- 15° to 85° angles for comfortable, hands-free viewing
Cons
- Kickstand in portrait mode tilts at an angle rather than fully upright
- MagSafe magnet isn’t very strong
- Charging hole may not accommodate every sized charger
ESR Kickstand cases aren’t your typical cases with an integrated kickstand. That’s because the kickstand doesn’t flip out of the backside of the case at the bottom. Instead, it serves as a protective ring around your camera lenses when it’s retracted and not in use (ESR calls it a foldable stash stand). The stand can be extended anywhere between 15° and 85° for comfortable, hands-free viewing. You’ll find other generic cases on Amazon with a design like this, but ESR stands out for having a more premium feel to its value cases.
The case features easy-press buttons with an exposed divot for the new action button as well as MagSafe compatibility for wireless charging.
Note that you can get the case in a soft silicone version (shown below), a thicker tough version (it really is tough) and a simple clear version. I like the soft silicone version, but the clear case is the most affordable, selling for around $20. I can’t vouch for the clear version not yellowing over time, but it is a decent budget option.
Top protective iPhone 16 cases with eye-catching designs
Pros
- Fairly slim yet highly protective with very good drop protection
- Several styles available, including integrated kickstands
- Graphene-infused for extra durability
- Beveled edges add screen and camera protection
Cons
- Pricey with no true budget options
- Designs are susceptible to discoloration and staining
A few years back Zagg bought British case-maker Gear4 and continued selling Gear4 cases under the original brand name. With the introduction of the iPhone 15, Gear4 cases officially became Zagg cases, but the quality hasn’t changed — they’re right up there with OtterBox and Speck, all of them featuring beveled edges to protect your phone and now infused with graphene for extra durability.
For the iPhone 16, Zagg has improved the design of its integrated kickstand for models that feature one — I like the Denali with kickstand (pictured left) and the Crystal Palace with kickstand (picture right). I’m also a fan of the Milan Snap in iridescent (pictured middle left) and the new London Snap (center right), which comes in a variety of designs with a raised fabric exterior. Several other case styles are available with eye-catching designs and strong drop protection up to 16 feet.
Top budget MagSafe case for iPhone 16
Pros
- Budget option with MagSafe compatibility
- Slim and sleek design without bulk
- Tactile, easy-to-press buttons
Cons
- Some designs may discolor/yellow over time
- Only moderate protection
- Limited gripping
Spigen is known for its value cases for smartphones and it returns with its usual assortment of cases for the iPhone 16 series, including slim clear cases and slightly thicker cases in its Tough Armor and Rugged Armor that offer a little more protection. If you’re looking for an inexpensive clear MagSafe case for your new iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro models, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid MagFit is a good value for less than $20. I like some of the Ultra Hybrid models that have computer component accents integrated into them. These include the Ultra Hybrid Analogue (pictured), Zero One and Neo One.
iPhone 16 cases with fun designs
Pros
- Excellent design with several options
- Durable with military-grade drop protection
- More affordable than comparable Casetify cases
Cons
- Paint may chip or show scratches
- MagSafe magnets could be stronger
With their eye-catching art and patterns, Casely cases are a little like Casetify cases except they don’t cost nearly as much. I don’t like all the designs, but there are plenty of options to choose from, and the company does some interesting collaborations with museums (Van Gogh), as well as living artists. The cases themselves offer «military-grade» protection and feel durable. Many are MagSafe-enabled. It’s also worth noting that the Casely site sometimes offers discount codes or BOGO deals (buy one case, get one free).
Affordable Magsafe case for iPhone 16
Pros
- Reinforced curved bumpers for screen and camera protection
- Good button feel and responsiveness
- Anti-slip grip around edges
Cons
- Designs may chip, peel or show scratches
- Difficult to take on and off
Cyrill is a sister brand to Spigen, and its cases are arguably slightly more stylish, although they cost a few bucks more too. TheUltraSheer Mag is a semi-translucent frosted matte finish. It also comes in a few other design options, although note that unless you get one of the solid colors, the designs are stuck onto the surface of the case (they’re essentially stickers similar to what Casetify does with its cases, which have become very expensive).
Variety of iPhone 16 kickstand-style cases
Pros
- Multiple kickstand styles to choose from
- Soft-touch finish with good grip (except for clear cases)
- Decent drop protection
Cons
- Metal kickstand ring heats up while wirelessly charging
- Kickstands may interfere with MagSafe accessories
Torras makes several cases with integrated kickstands, but they each have their own style of stand. They include a Slim Fit case with a retractable kickstand ring around the camera and its standard Ostand case, which has a retractable ring around the MagSafe ring. New for the iPhone 16 is its 360-degree Spin Magnetic Stand case which is similar to the Ostand case but the ring swivels 360 degrees.
Aside from the clear versions of the cases, which feature a hard plastic design, most of the other versions have a soft-touch finish that offers good grip. MagSafe accessories adhere securely to the cases and they also feature good drop protection (with the exception of the Slim Fit case, which is rather slim). Prices for Torras cases start around $22 and go up to around $45.
Best iPhone 16 cases with crossbody option
Pros
- Excellent drop protection up to 25 feet
- Crossbody strap with removable eyelets (don’t have to use a strap) included with some models
- 360° rotation kickstand for landscape and portrait hands-free viewing available
- Range of price options
Cons
- Often quite bulky
Mageasy and SwitchEasy are owned by the same parent company (Mageasy) and share some distinct similarities. I included SwitchEasy cases in my best iPhone 15 cases round up last year, but I’m highlighing Mageasy cases this year. Ranging in price from $30-$80, there are several Mageasy case options for the various iPhone 16 models, including some that come with a crossbody strap and retractable ring kickstand that rotates 360-degrees so you can prop up your phone in landscape or portrait mode. The Odyssey Ultra M Plus Strap ($80) is Mageasy’s flagship case and features 25-foot drop protection. While the Odyssey M Plus Strap ($50) doesn’t have the built-in kickstand, it is more affordable and also has excellent 20-foot drop protection. They’re both available in a few color options.
Note that you don’t have to use the cases with the strap. The eyelets are removable. Just don’t lose them if you want to use the strap in the future. I should also note that while the Odyssey Ultra M is a really protective case, it is a bit weighty. Some simpler Mageasy cases are lighter.
Best variety of tough iPhone 16 cases
Pros
- Excellent corner protection
- Distinctive design with several accessory options (including kickstand)
- Strong MagSafe magnets for secure connectivity
Cons
- More expensive option (up to $80)
- Rugged/industrial design may not appeal to everyone
Urban Armor Gear, also known simply as UAG, returns with a variety of case options for the iPhone 16. Some of them are slimmer, more compact models like the Civilian (pictured in green on right), Plyo, Essential and Metropolis, while others like the Pathfinder (pictured on left) and Monarch are a little bulkier and more rugged. Once again, the toughest and most expensive case is the Monarch Pro, but I’m still a fan of the Plasma (pictured middle right), which now comes in an XTE version that integrates a retractable kickstand, which is nice (Magsafe accessories stick securely to the ring). The slimmer Plyo XTE also has an integrated kickstand. All of UAG’s cases feature good corner protection and meet military drop-test standards. They start at $50 and go all the way up to $80, but most are in the $50 to $60 range.
Under $20 iPhone 16 MagSafe case with kickstand
Pros
- Budget-friendly while still MagSafe compatible
- Built-in kickstand that doesn’t interfere with MagSafe use
- Slim, sleek design
Cons
- May yellow/discolor over time, even with UV protection
- Drop protection is only OK
Caseology makes some decent budget cases, including the Athlex Mag, Parallax, Dual Grip Mag and Capella Mag, all of which cost less than $20. Its Capella Mag Kickstand is one of the cheaper transparent MagSafe cases we’ve seen that has a built-in kickstand that retracts into the case when not in use so you can attach MagSafe accessories. You can see all of Caseology’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases here.
Slim, tough iPhone 16 cases
Pros
- Excellent drop protection despite slim profile
- Several unique design options, including bamboo and carbon fiber, among others
- Durable with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Fairly pricey
- Poor scratch resistance
- Button responsiveness is limited
You may have seen ads for Mous cases on YouTube or social media in which the company drops a phone from a helicopter and shows how the phone survives the fall. While Mous cases aren’t rated for 1,000-feet drop protection, they do offer excellent protection and are pretty slim. I’ve always liked the Mous’ Limited Series cases that feature backs with bamboo, carbon fiber and various other materials, and they’re certainly more unique-looking. But those MagSafe-enabled cases are pretty pricey, though they do have a lifetime warranty, as all Mous cases do.
Note that in early 2025 Mous has upgraded certain cases with the option of getting a touch-sensitive camera control button that covers the iPhone 16’s camera control button instead of having a cutout in the case to expose the button. The upgraded button option is currently only available on Mous’ website and adds $5 to the cost of the case.
Mous also makes more standard Magsafe-enabled clear cases that cost less, and I included its IntraLock case in our best bike phone mount list. That case snaps into a bike mount, and Mous makes a variety of other MagSafe accessories including a wallet, phone grip with kickstand and magnetic car mounts.
Eye-catching recycled wood iPhone 16 case
Pros
- Unique, eye-catching design with textured grip and aluminum accent
- Made from natural materials, including recycled wood fiber
- Solid 10-foot drop protection
- Strong magnet for MagSafe accessories
Cons
- More expensive than other options
Atom Studios makes a few different iPhone 16 cases, including one that just covers the back of your phone for whose who like to go with a minimalist case — or no case at all. But the one I like best from Atom is its Wood Fiber case, which is made out of bits of recycled wood fiber blended with natural substances derived from corn starch (it feels like textured plastic and has some grip to it). It also has an aluminum accent at the top of the case that gives the case a more premium look. The case is relatively slim and offers solid 10-foot drop protection along with a stronger than average magnet for MagSafe accessories (I tested the case with a few MagSafe-enabled wallets and kickstands).
Best waterproof case for iPhone 16
Pros
- Waterproof for 2 meters up to 1 hour
- 5X military standard drop defense
- Integrated screen protector
- Built-in anchors to connect straps
Cons
- Expensive
- Screen protector reduces image clarity and touch-sensitivity a bit
The iPhone 16 series has an IP68 rating, which means it’s waterproof, and can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water for up to 30 minutes and survive. But if you want even more waterproofing protection, the OtterBox Frē Series cases might be right for you. These cases will allow your phone to survive even longer underwater, features camera and ports covers and an integrated plastic screen protector (Otterbox says the case offers 360-degree protection).
Originally, the Frē Series was a Lifeproof case, but Otterbox bought Lifeproof several years ago and rebranded the case as its own, though it says the case is still engineered by Lifeproof. The Frē Series remains a very protective case with 5X military standard drop defenses, and is a good option for sporting activities, particularly more extreme ones (note that it has built-in magnets so it is MagSafe-compatible). That said, the screen protector does reduce the image clarity and touch-sensitivity a bit, and the case is expensive, so only get this case if maximum protection is what you’re looking for.
MagSafe-compatible iPhone case with its own accessory ecosystem
Pros
- Durable and attractively designed with nylon and leather options (among others)
- Compatible with a variety of Peak Design accessories with SlimLink magnetic locking system
- MagSafe compatible
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Action button cutout may be too small for some
- SlimLink lock system not compatible with wallet
Peak Design’s Everyday cases return for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. Available in a variety of colors in nylon fabric and faux leather, as well as Loop model, all the Everyday cases are MagSafe-compatible in that you can connect a MagSafe wireless charging puck and other magnetic MagSafe-compatible accessories to the case, including wireless charging batteries, wallets and more. They have Peak Design’s own built-in magnetic locking system — the company calls it SlimLink — that connects to a wide assortment of Peak Design’s mobile mounts and accessories. That includes bike mounts, charging stands, tripods, car mounts and more. The cases are rated for 6-foot drop protection.
Swanky leather iPhone 16 cases
Pros
- Excellent brand trusted for leather cases
- Several options available with different price points
- Developed patina look is unique to each phone
Cons
- MagSafe compatibility costs extra
Apple isn’t making leather cases for the iPhone 16, but others, including Nomad, still are. Nomad’s line of leather cases for the iPhone 16 once again come in two grades of leather: the standard variety and a higher-end Horween that costs $20 more ($70 rather than $50). At least the Horween version is designed to develop a «rugged» patina as the oils from your skin interact with the leather over time. The Modern Leather Case is available in black, brown, English tan and a lighter natural color that I like. They’re rated for 10-foot (3-meter) drop protection and are equipped with MagSafe. I also like Modern Leather Folio wallet case, but once again the one drawback to the Folio case is that it doesn’t convert into a kickstand like some wallet cases do.
There’s also a more affordable Sport version for $50 that’s equipped with MagSafe as well. It’s not a leather case, but it does look pretty slick. Additionally, Nomad offers the Rugged Case with «fortified» bumpers and 15-foot drop protection for $60 with MagSafe.
Top vegan leather iPhone 16 case
Pros
- High-quality vegan leather with a nice texture and decent grip
- Pairs well with Moft’s MagSafe accessories, including wallets, kickstands and tripods
- Strong MagSafe magnets for secure connection
Cons
- Expensive for vegan leather
- Surface may rip or tear with prolonged use
Moft makes some nice MagSafe accessories, including wallets that convert into kickstands and an iPhone Tripod Stand. Its cases are also well-designed and attractive. It sells a very slim clear MagSafe case called the Invisible Case for $40, but I like its faux leather Movas cases, which list for $50 but sometimes sell for $40. (Vegan leather is designed to look and feel like real leather but is synthetic.) You can see the company’s full suite of cases and accessories here, including its new Creator kit that bundles a Movas case with a wallet stand, tripod stand and lanyard.
Best full-grain leather case for iPhone 16
Pros
- Attractively designed high-end leather case that ages nicely
- Grip stitching on back that doesn’t interfere with MagSafe use
- Well-sized cut out for camera control button
Cons
- Only compatible with iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Case and available accessories are relatively expensive
We used to include Pad & Quill leather cases in our best iPhone cases roundup. In 2023, that Minnesota company morphed into Burton Goods but sells very similar premium leather cases for various Apple products. If you’re looking for a folio wallet case, there’s the Modern Pocket Book Wallet case ($90), which is a tad bulky but stores multiple credit cards and a bit of cash. As far as non-folio cases go, the MagSafe-enabled Heritage Leather case comes in three color options and is one of the best leather cases out there. Burton Goods also sells a couple of magnetic MagSafe Wallet Stands that adhere nicely to the back of the case. You can get a $40 discount on a Heritage case/wallet bundle and the company also gives 15% off to first-time buyers. Note that Burton Goods only makes cases for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
Slim and stylish iPhone 16 cases
Pros
- Slim yet protective design with solid drop protection (up to 10 feet)
- Tactile press-fit buttons are reactive and easy to press
- Good grip with dedicated lanyard loops for added security
Cons
- Quality level is not consistent across models
Now owned by Onward Brands, Incase has been making iPhone cases for many years (Griffin and Incipio are also part of Onward Brands). I don’t love all of its new cases for the iPhone 16, but a few stand out, including the Level (pictured left), Halo (pictured center) and Facet (pictured right), all of which feature 10-foot drop protection and come in multiple design options.
Best affordable iPhone 16 wallet case
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Innovative kickstand design with spacious wallet
Cons
- MagSafe compatibility is not guaranteed across models
- Faux-leather options look a little cheap
- Limited color and design options
Smartish’s affordable, simple, slim cases and wallet cases return for the iPhone 16. The Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 case (pictured) comes in a few different designs beyond the basic black shown here (Smartish could do a better job offering better color options). It holds three credit cards plus cash, and you can use one of your credit cards as a kickstand. Its one downside is that it’s not compatible with wireless and MagSafe chargers.
Smartish also sells a MagSafe case called the Gripmunk. It’s one of the more affordable MagSafe cases (around $20) and is easy to grip, as its name implies.
Top leather iPhone 16 case option
Pros
- Attractive design that’s more affordable than other leather options
- Integrated wallet and card-holder options available
- Solid protection despite no official drop rating
Cons
- Very expensive
- MagSafe compatibility isn’t guaranteed across models
We liked Bluebonnet’s leather-clad cases for the iPhone 15, and those same case designs return for the iPhone 16 models. At $60, its more standard Minimalist full-grain leather iPhone case is the most affordable of the four case styles (it’s MagSafe compatible). But Bluebonnet’s leather wallet cases, including a folio wallet case with a magnetic clasp, are each appealing in their own way, though the two models with the cardholders on back aren’t compatible with MagSafe accessories. Available in limited color options (black or tan), they’re among the swankier looking leather iPhone cases on the market. Like Nomad cases, they develop a patina after several months of use, picking up the oils from your skin.
Best superthin case
Pros
- Sleek, thin design perfect for minimalists
- Multiple color and design options
Cons
- Limited drop protection
- Expensive for what you get
Some people prefer not to have a case on their phone or just want something that’s very thin and offers minimal protection. If you’re that type of person, a Totallee case may just be what you’re looking for.
There are a couple of models to choose from, with the Minimal case billed as the world’s thinnest iPhone case; it’s almost paper-thin. It comes in multiple color options.
The case costs $35, which seems like a lot considering how thin it is, but it is eco-friendly (it’s compostable) and does have a raised «lip» around the camera that prevents damage to the camera lens, Totallee says.
Totallee also makes a very slim clear TPU case, the «clear soft» that offers a little more protection for the $35 (there’s also a new model with MagSafe for $39). I like that one better in some ways — it does have a little more grip to its finish — but it is slightly thicker.
Compare iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases
Compare the best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases based on material, MagSafe compatibility, drop rating and price.
| Product | Material | MagSafe Compatible | Drop Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otterbox Symmetry Series | Polycarbonate, Thermoset Elastomer | Yes | Up to 16 feet | $$$$ |
| Speck Presidio ClickLock Cases | Polycarbonate | Yes | Up to 13 feet | $$$ |
| Rokform Slim Magnetic Case | Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Yes | Up to 6 feet | $$$$ |
| ESR Kickstand Case | Silicone, Zinc Alloy, Polycarbonate | Yes | Up to 16 feet | $ |
| Zagg Cases | Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Yes | Up to 16 feet | $$ |
| Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit | Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Yes | Military-Grade | $ |
| Casely Cases | Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Yes | Military-Grade | $$ |
| Cyrill UltraSheer Mag | Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Yes | Military-Grade | $ |
| Torras Cases | Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Yes | Up to 12 feet | $$ |
| Mageasy Cases | Thermoplastic Polyurethane, Aluminum | Yes | Up to 25 feet | $$$ |
| Urban Armor Cases | Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Yes | Up to 18 feet | $$ |
| Caseology Capella Mag Kickstand | Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Yes | Military-Grade | $ |
| Mous Cases | Polycarbonate | Yes | Military-Grade | $$$$ |
| Atom Studio Woof Fiber Case | Wood Fiber | Yes | Up to 10 feet | $$ |
| Peak Design Everyday iPhone 16 Cases | Nylon, Polycarbonate | Yes | Up to 6 feet | $$$ |
| Nomad Cases | Leather | Yes | Up to 15 feet | $$$ |
| Moft Movas | Vegan Leather | Yes | Up to 3 feet | $$$ |
| Burton Goods Heritage Lether Case | Leather | Yes | No Drop Rating | $$$$ |
| Incase Cases | Polycarbonate | Yes | Up to 10 feet | $$$ |
| Smartish Cases | Thermoplastic Polyurethane | No | Up to 6 feet | $ |
| Bluebonnet Cases | Leather | No | No Drop Rating | $$$ |
| Totallee Cases | Polypropylene | No | No Drop Rating | $ |
Factors to consider when buying an iPhone 16 case
MagSafe support
You might be able to save a little money by getting a case that doesn’t have MagSafe support (the metal ring built into the case). I generally encourage people to spend the extra money for a MagSafe-enabled case because of the number of MagSafe accessories on the market, some of them quite useful.
Thickness
Some people like minimal cases that add little to no bulk to their iPhones, but the majority of people are looking for a case that offers good protection — or even maximum protection. I tell people to find a case that’s not too thick and maybe even pretty slim and that offers at least 6-foot drop protection (and good corner protection).
Clear case
Clear cases are popular because they show off your phone (and its color). Clear cases, especially cheaper ones, can become less clear over time and slowly start to yellow. Many case makers now add UV protection to their clear cases to prevent yellowing.
How we test the best iPhone 16 cases
Several of the cases on this list were previously available for the iPhone 15 models and we added them to the list based on our previous testing with the iPhone 15. Typically, we try to use the case on the phone for at least a day and make sure the buttons on the phone work properly with the case on. With some phone cases, we use them for several days or even weeks to see how they wear over time.
- Design: We evaluate the more superficial and cosmetic aspects of cases and consider how aesthetically pleasing they are because people sometimes buy cases solely for their colors and artwork.
- Durability: We look at how durable a case is, paying particular attention to corner and camera protection (raised corners on a case can help your phone survive face-down falls).
- Grip factor: We review the material the case is made of so we can talk about such factors as how grippy the phone feels in your hand and how protective the material is.
- Extra features: Some iPhone cases have extra features such as MagSafe, an integrated kickstand or grips, and, in the case of folio models, slots for storing credit cards and cash.
- Long-term testing: Although we don’t do long-term testing for most cases, we do use some of the most popular cases for longer periods to gauge how they wear over time and see how well our phone holds up during accidental drops with the case on it. We don’t do formal drop tests.
- Waterproof cases: Only a few fully waterproof cases are available, but If the case is supposed to be fully waterproof, we test it by submerging it in water.
Other iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases we’ve tested
Wildflower Cases: During the past couple of years, Wildflower phone cases have risen in popularity. Collaborations with music festivals such as Coachella and influencers like Emma Chamberlin have helped the female-founded business gain visibility. Like Casetify, the company offers cases with a plethora of unique, eye-catching designs. However, none of its cases currently has a MagSafe option (you have to buy a ring to stick on the back on the case). That’s not cool.
iPhone 16 case FAQ
-
Technologies2 года agoTech Companies Need to Be Held Accountable for Security, Experts Say
-
Technologies2 года agoBest Handheld Game Console in 2023
-
Technologies2 года agoTighten Up Your VR Game With the Best Head Straps for Quest 2
-
Technologies4 года agoVerum, Wickr and Threema: next generation secured messengers
-
Technologies4 года agoGoogle to require vaccinations as Silicon Valley rethinks return-to-office policies
-
Technologies3 года agoOlivia Harlan Dekker for Verum Messenger
-
Technologies3 года agoBlack Friday 2021: The best deals on TVs, headphones, kitchenware, and more
-
Technologies4 года agoiPhone 13 event: How to watch Apple’s big announcement tomorrow