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AppleCare Plus vs. Phone Insurance: Which Is the Better Deal?

We do the math to see if Apple or your wireless carrier offers the best value.

Your phone is essential, and losing access to it — whether it gets lost, stolen or broken — feels like quickly getting cut off from the rest of the world. I learned this the hard way when I lost my phone while riding a roller coaster and the staff let me know the chances of it being recovered were slim to none. At the time, I had a cell phone insurance plan through my wireless carrier. That plan allowed me to pay a deductible fee to replace the phone, saving me hundreds of dollars compared with having to buy a brand-new device. 

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Now, there are several options for insurance to protect your device from damage or loss. On top of that, Apple makes it very easy to set up the Find My app for free, which should allow you to track your phone down in most situations including when it is turned off. That said, for slightly more money you can opt for either an AppleCare Plus plan or a phone insurance plan through your wireless carrier that covers theft or loss incidents too.

But what’s the main difference between these phone insurance plans, and which one will save you the most money? For CNET’s We Do the Math, we took a closer look at both kinds of programs, comparing AppleCare Plus to Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T’s respective phone insurance plans to determine which one is best for you. 

While AppleCare Plus is typically the cheapest option, another may better fit your needs and save you more money in the long run. (For more We Do the Math, check out if streaming is really cheaper than cable, and if Xbox Game Pass costs less than buying the games.)

AppleCare vs. wireless carrier insurance plans (iPhone 14 prices)

Monthly/2-year cost Screen repair cost Accidental damage repair deductible Replacement deductible for theft and loss
AppleCare Plus $8/$149 $29 $99 $149
AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss $11.49/$219 $29 $99 $149
Verizon Mobile Protect (Single Line) $17/$408 $29 ($0 after April 27) $229 ($99 after April 27) $229
AT&T Protect Advantage (Single Line) $17/$408 $29 $0 when repairing battery, $275 when replacing device $275
T-Mobile Protection 360 $18/$432 $29 $99 $249

And just a note: You should not sign up for both AppleCare Plus and your wireless carrier insurance. It can be easy to do so by accident. I was once erroneously signed up for T-Mobile’s Protection 360 plan for my Apple Watch SE when I added it as a new line to my account, resulting in a $13 charge that was initially placed on my bill. 

That extra charge was eventually refunded after making it clear to customer service that I never signed up for the service. As a precaution, keep an eye out for any similar mistakes when signing up for service at any wireless carrier.

In this article:

The Apple Store in Palo Alto, California seen at sunriseThe Apple Store in Palo Alto, California seen at sunrise

The Apple Store in Palo Alto, California.

James Martin/CNET

AppleCare Plus: When you want Apple to handle everything

When you buy an iPhone, AppleCare Plus will be heavily advertised as a protection option. You can sign up directly from your phone’s settings menu for 60 days after you purchase the device. 

The benefits of going with AppleCare Plus come down to whether you’d prefer to work with Apple over your carrier should anything happen to your iPhone. If you live near an Apple retail store, you can use that location or a provider authorized by Apple for local assistance. Otherwise, you’ll work with Apple’s customer support team to arrange mail-away repairs.

AppleCare Plus plans come in two varieties: A base plan that covers device repairs, and a slightly more expensive one that covers theft along with loss. The actual cost of your plan varies based on the type of iPhone you own and whether you decide to buy a two-year plan or go monthly.

Under the current AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss plans, a monthly plan for an iPhone 14 Pro or an iPhone 14 Pro Max costs $13.49 per month, or $269 over two years. For an iPhone 14 Plus, you’ll pay $12.49 a month or $249 for two years. The base iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12 are $11.49 per month, or $219 for two years. And the cheapest is the iPhone SE at $7.49 per month and $149 for two years.

If you don’t need Theft and Loss coverage and are only interested in phone repairs, AppleCare Plus prices are slightly cheaper. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max plans are $10 per month or $199 for two years. The iPhone 14 Plus is $9 per month or $179 for two years. The base iPhone 14, 13, 12 and 13 Mini are $8 per month or $149 for two years. And the iPhone SE comes in at $4 per month or $79 for two years.

Both types of AppleCare Plus plans cover unlimited repairs for accidental damage to the iPhone itself, the battery inside of the iPhone and the included USB-C to Lightning cable. You should note that a repair will still incur a service fee or deductible. These costs range from $29 for screen or back glass repairs to $99 for most other accidental damage incidents or $149 to replace a stolen device.

The plans also include customer support for iOS issues, including assistance using iOS, help connecting to Wi-Fi and questions about other Apple services like FaceTime.

AppleCare Plus is also included with the iPhone Upgrade Program, Apple’s monthly payment program that allows for yearly trade-ins toward the next year’s device. Under that program, you’ll either pay for your phone over the course of 24 months or make 12 payments to upgrade early. This begins at $39.50 per month for the iPhone 14 and costs as much as $74.91 per month for the iPhone 14 Pro Max with 1TB of storage.

The most obvious downside to relying on AppleCare Plus is that Apple’s plans focus solely on the phone itself, with limited access to supporting you through changes to your wireless service. If you would prefer to work with your wireless provider on all things pertaining to your device, carriers themselves also offer a series of insurance options that provide comparable coverage for repairs, theft and loss.

AppleCare Plus vs. AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss

AppleCare Plus monthly/2-year prices AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss monthly/2-year prices
Apple iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max $10/$199 $13.49/$269
Apple iPhone 14 Plus $9/$179 $12.49/$249
Apple iPhone 12/13/13 Mini/14 $8/$149 $11.49/$219
Apple iPhone SE $4/$79 $7.49/$149

Phone insurance from your wireless provider

Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T all offer phone insurance plans similar to AppleCare Plus — and sometimes will even process your repair through Apple. The wireless carriers also have multidevice insurance options, which allow you to bundle together coverage for other devices like a cellular-connected smartwatch or tablet.

Some carriers include additional benefits beyond just repair and replacement services. For instance, the program could include subscriptions to security software or a hardware upgrade option.

Broken screen corner on iPhone XS Max.Broken screen corner on iPhone XS Max.

Verizon’s Mobile Protect plans will include unlimited screen repair after April 27.

Angela Lang/CNET

Verizon Wireless protection plans are getting better in April

Verizon includes an extensive list of device insurance and phone protection plans, but its best offerings aren’t arriving until April 27. Starting at that date, the carrier will reduce or eliminate some of the service fees associated with device repair and add data recovery services (more on that below). Existing plans and prices will remain the same.

The sheer number of paths you can take for device protection at Verizon will vary. The most basic is the Wireless Phone Protection plan, which covers lost, stolen or damaged devices. The step-up Total Equipment Coverage plan includes extended warranty coverage. And the most expensive insurance packages are Verizon’s Mobile Protect plans, which can be purchased for a single device or in a multidevice bundle for three to 10 devices. 

The Mobile Protect plans include the carrier’s Mobile Secure apps for services like identity theft monitoring and blocking robocalls. Also included is access to Verizon’s Tech Coach support team, meant for help with device setup, optimization and ongoing support.

The monthly rates are roughly the same across most recent iPhone models, starting at $7.25 per month for Wireless Phone Protection. This goes up to $11.40 per month for the Total Equipment Coverage plan, $17 per month for Verizon Mobile Protect Single Device and $50 per month for Verizon Mobile Protect Multi-Device. For the latter, each additional line after the first three devices will cost another $11.40.

Deductibles however vary between models, with the iPhone SE costing $129 per incident and the iPhone 14 Pro Max reaching $249 per incident. Both deductibles are substantially cheaper than buying a new phone, but they are still fairly expensive. Starting April 27, Verizon’s Mobile Protect plan is reducing deductibles to $99 and removing the screen repair deductible. The cheaper Wireless Phone Protection plan will continue to offer higher deductible prices for loss and theft after April 27. But that plan will also offer the $99 deductible for damage, along with including cracked screen repair for no additional cost.

If you have a particular habit of breaking your screen regularly, Verizon’s plans could be appealing after April 27 when that service is essentially made free. The multidevice plans are also notable since they include coverage for smartwatches and tablets in addition to phones. However, if your primary concern is device recovery after accidental damage beyond a cracked screen or a theft, the AppleCare Plus plans appear to be cheaper on both the monthly fee price and the deductible price.

AppleCare Plus vs. AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss vs. Verizon Mobile protect single device (iPhone 14 prices)

Monthly/2-year cost Screen repair cost Accidental damage repair deductible Replacement deductible for theft and loss
AppleCare Plus $8/$149 $29 $99 $149
AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss $11.49/$219 $29 $99 $149
Verizon Mobile Protect (Single Line) $17/$408 $29 ($0 after April 27) $229 ($99 after April 27) $229

AT&T Protect Advantage plans 

AT&T offers device insurance through its Protect Advantage plans, which include perks alongside device repairs and replacements. The carrier offers Protect Advantage as either a single-device plan or a multiple-device plan, with the former pricing at $14 or $17 per month depending on your device. The multiple-device plan supports up to four phones, tablets, smartwatches or connected laptops at $45 per month.

For each eligible device, the carrier will do repairs or replacements relating to the device itself, the battery, the charger and the SIM card. Services include next-day delivery and setup for replacement devices, unlimited screen repairs at $29 per occurrence, unlimited battery replacement and unlimited out-of-warranty malfunction claims. Battery replacements do not have an additional cost. Each approved repair claim will come with a service fee or replacement deductible, ranging from $25 to $275 depending on the device and if a replacement is necessary.

AT&T’s plans also include services that are being offered by Asurion Tech Repair and Solutions and uBreakiFix stores, promising that subscribers can use in-store services like device cleaning, data recovery and performance optimization. In-person support for data recovery and performance could be useful for those who don’t consider themselves tech-savvy, but I put less stock into the device sanitizing service. You can easily do that yourself with cleaning wipes or a microfiber cloth.

The Protect Advantage plans also include unlimited photo and video storage, which could be an alternative to subscribing to a different cloud service (though your photos would be stored with AT&T). 

All four models in the iPhone 14 series standing on a deskAll four models in the iPhone 14 series standing on a desk

From left to right: iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14.

Celso Bulgatti/CNET

New York state residents get the option to purchase AT&T’s Protect Advantage services individually. For instance, a subscriber in that state could choose between device insurance starting at $2.25 per month, an extended service contract starting at $6 per month or the in-store ProTech services starting at $6 per month. This could be particularly useful for a New York-based subscriber who does not expect to ever handle these replacements by visiting a physical store, since you can choose to opt out of that ProTech cost.

Another wrinkle to AT&T’s Protect Advantage plans is that they work similarly to signing up for health insurance: You can enroll either within 30 days of activating a new device or during an open enrollment period — one’s currently running until March 15. After March 15, you’ll have to wait until the next open enrollment to register. An AT&T rep said the enrollment periods take place sporadically, with no set schedule.

Like Verizon’s Mobile Protect Plans, AT&T’s options could be useful for people who want their device insurance to encompass a wide variety of devices under the same plan. However, some of the perks offered might not be of immediate use or interest, which is worth considering if deciding between AT&T’s offering or an AppleCare Plus plan.

AppleCare Plus vs. AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss vs. AT&T Protect Advantage single device (iPhone 14 prices)

Monthly/2-year cost Screen repair cost Accidental damage repair deductible Replacement deductible for theft and loss
AppleCare Plus $8/$149 $29 $99 $149
AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss $11.49/$219 $29 $99 $149
AT&T Protect Advantage (Single Line) $17/$408 $29 $0 when repairing battery, $275 when replacing device $275

T-Mobile Protection 360 and Basic Device Protection

T-Mobile offers two phone insurance plans that cover the device itself. The Basic Device Protection plan is exclusively focused on repairing a damaged phone or replacing it in the event of theft, while the Protection 360 plan throws in early device upgrades along with some security software. That latter Protection 360 plan even includes AppleCare Plus for two years, which might be an option if you like the idea of getting support from both your carrier and Apple.

The Basic Device Protection plan is available across the US except in New York state and provides coverage in the event of hardware failure, accidental damage and theft. However, the plan’s terms do not cover cosmetic damage like scratches and dents or damage caused by «normal wear and tear.» This is notable, as screen repair isn’t listed as a guaranteed benefit for this plan.

T-Mobile’s Protection 360 wraps together T-Mobile’s Jump program — where you can trade in an enrolled device for a new one after either 12 months of device payments or paying half of a device’s cost — alongside repair services provided by AppleCare Plus for two years. If AppleCare isn’t part of the repair, Protection 360 will provide device repairs handled through Assurant or replacements by T-Mobile.

Deductibles under Protection 360 are similar to Verizon and AT&T’s offerings. When calculated using an iPhone 14 Pro Max, there’s no charge for hardware service repairs such as defects or a battery holding less than 80% of its charge capacity. But there is a $5 processing fee if you exchange a device through T-Mobile. Most accidental and damage incidents will have a $99 deductible, while screen repair incidents will have a $29 deductible. A replacement will cost $249.

Basic Device Protection costs $14 per month when calculated on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Like with AT&T, customers in New York have the option to purchase the individual benefits offered within Protection 360, which include the option to get device insurance only at a similar price.

Protection 360’s monthly pricing is between $7 and $25 per month, depending on your device. These prices can be found when buying a device on T-Mobile’s website and is $18 per month for the iPhone 14. 

AppleCare Plus vs. AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss vs. T-Mobile Protection 360 single device (iPhone 14 prices)

Monthly/2-year cost Screen repair cost Accidental damage repair deductible Replacement deductible for theft and loss
AppleCare Plus $8/$149 $29 $99 $149
AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss $11.49/$219 $29 $99 $149
T-Mobile Protection 360 $18/$432 $29 $99 $249

AppleCare Plus is cheaper, but make sure it works for you

In nearly every price comparison, AppleCare Plus is the cheaper device protection plan, primarily due to the lower monthly rates in comparison to the carriers. However, when it comes to deductible costs per incident, most of the carriers match AppleCare Plus prices. This includes the $99 deductible for accidental damage and $29 for screen repair. Device replacement deductibles, however, cost more at the carriers compared to AppleCare Plus, with Verizon’s $229 per incident coming closest to Apple’s $149.

If you already subscribe to Verizon and are prone to breaking your screen, the carrier’s $0 screen repair policy is an appealing bonus. But the $17 per month cost of Verizon’s plan is higher than the $13.49 per month cost of AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss for an iPhone 14 Pro Max.

While Verizon and AT&T’s device insurance plans are bundled with services, it’s unclear whether those perks are actually useful. In particular, AT&T’s bundled performance optimization and device sanitization services can be easily duplicated with a couple of quick guides to decluttering your phone and cleaning wipes, respectively.

Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T logos on phonesVerizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T logos on phones

When it comes to the monthly cost, AppleCare Plus is generally cheaper than wireless carrier insurance. Deductible prices however are about the same.

Sarah Tew/CNET

T-Mobile’s offering, however, does at least include AppleCare itself, which could be a compelling option for someone who is already looking to upgrade their phone more often.

And despite Apple and the carriers offering various insurance programs for the iPhone and other devices, you should also be aware of protection programs that are included with your iPhone purchase. Apple includes a one-year warranty that covers many repairs with every new iPhone as well as for refurbished devices sold by Apple. 

Plus, if you buy your phone using a credit card with an extended warranty benefit, you could get an additional year of coverage by filing a claim with your credit card company. Some cards also provide for cell phone protection — usually up to $800 per claim — as long as you pay your wireless carrier bill using that credit card. 

Yet for some people, having direct access to repairs and customer service from either Apple or a wireless carrier could provide some peace of mind. In all cases, make sure that you know how to use these benefits and that an Apple or carrier store is nearby should you need them.

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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.

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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

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Written by  David Carnoy
Headshot of David Carnoy
David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET’s Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He’s also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Kobo e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Headphones, Bluetooth speakers, mobile accessories, Apple, Sony, Bose, e-readers, Amazon, glasses, ski gear, iPhone cases, gaming accessories, sports tech, portable audio, interviews, audiophile gear, PC speakers Credentials

  • 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.

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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

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Showing 29 of 29 Results

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 $

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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iPhone 16 case FAQ

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