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Best Camera to Buy in 2023

Whether you’re after a pro Canon mirrorless or the best cheap Sony camera, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you want the best mirrorless camera or a brilliant beginner camera, choosing what’s best for you is never an easy decision. With so many models from top brands like Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and more, all of which pack a wide variety of different features and megapixel counts, it can be baffling to understand what you actually need to take your photography further. But that also means that whether you want pro-level full-frame image quality, fast burst shooting or just something light for your travels, there’s a camera that will suit you perfectly. 

As with most things, the more you spend, the better performance you’ll get, with top-spec cameras offering 8K video and high resolution sensors costing a hell of a lot more than their entry-level equivalents. Want to take photos from the air? Check out our guide to the best drones. Want a camera to record your next ski trip? Our action camera guide is for you.  

Later in this article you can read my advice on what to consider when buying a new camera, as well as answers to some of the most common questions.

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Canon’s R6 II packs some formidable specs for both still image and video shooters, making it a superb all-round hybrid camera for both enthusiastic amateurs and anyone who wants to take their first steps into the professional arena. Its 24-megapixel resolution is up from the 20 megapixels of the first R6 and its seen upgrades to its specs across the board. Its burst shooting speed now goes up to a whopping 40 fps (with the electronic shutter), making it faster than Canon’s pro-level R3 when using focus tracking and double the speed you get from the first-gen R6. 

Speaking of focus, there are upgrades there too, with improved detection for faces, animals or cars and with lightning-fast lock on and tracking. It works great in video too, recognising your subject and keeping locked on as they move through the scene. It’ll shoot video internally at up to 4K resolution in 10-bit raw, or up to 6K using an external recorder via the HDMI port and video clips can now run beyond the R6’s 30-minute limit up to 6 hours in length.

Its full-frame sensor delivers great-looking images, with plenty of scope for pulling back highlights and lifting shadows in Lightroom. It offers up to 8-stop in-body image stabilization (with a compatible lens) to help you get sharp and steady results even at lower shutter speeds. 

Overall, the R6 II’s improvements over its predecessor make it a superb do-it-all mirrorless camera that excels in stills and video. And its relatively compact size makes it a great option for taking on your next family vacation, capturing stills for a family photo album and video to send to your friends and family back home. 

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While Sony’s A1 has cranked all of its specs to the max, the A7 IV takes a more «sweet spot» approach, offering solid performance at a much more approachable price. Its 33-megapixel full-frame sensor still offers superb clarity and excellent dynamic range and its maximum 10fps burst rate is still pretty nippy. 

It also has in-body stabilization but it’s also got excellent noise reduction allowing you to crank the ISO speeds higher without overly degrading the image quality. Video tops out at 4K at 60fps, but like the A1 you can shoot in 10-bit S-LOG format for greater control in post production. 

But my favorite aspect is its compact size, which is small enough to pop into a small shoulder bag (assuming you don’t have a massive zoom lens on, of course) making it a great option for travel photography, street photography or even just as an «everyday carry» camera so you’re always ready to shoot when inspiration strikes. 

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Sony’s ZV-1 is primarily aimed at aspiring YouTube vloggers who are looking for a video camera you can just pick up and start shooting with. It’s got an articulated display that lets you easily see yourself when you’re filming your pieces to camera and the built-in mic does a decent job of capturing audio — and there’s an included fluffy wind-shield which helps cut down on wind noise. 

Its 1-inch type sensor is the smallest of all cameras on this list, so its image quality isn’t as good as more expensive models, particularly in lower light conditions, but in daytime lighting it’s footage looks solid. It doesn’t have interchangeable lenses but its built-in zoom takes it from an equivalent of 24mm through to 70mm. It’s stabilized well enough for vlogging when you’re standing still, but it struggles to smooth out bigger movements when you’re walking at more of a pace. 

It’ll shoot video at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, but turn that quality down and it can shoot up to a whopping 960fps for some super slow-mo action. Stills max out at 20.1 megapixels and they’re perfectly good for daytime snaps on your travels. 

The ZV-1 isn’t the best camera to go for if you only want still photographs, but if you’re looking to shoot a lot of video on your next vacation, or if you’re after a second camera specifically for video purposes then it’s worth considering. Its small size, solid video quality, all-purpose zoom range and decent built-in mic means it’s well-equipped to help you on your first steps to vlogging success.

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Nikon’s Z50 packs a smaller APS-C sized image sensor into a small and lightweight body which makes it excellent for chucking into a little backpack and heading out on your travels. Its 20.9-megapixel sensor takes good-looking images, with excellent detail and enough dynamic range in the raw files to pull back highlights or lift shadows. 

There’s no in-body image stabilization (you’ll need to splash more cash for that) but its 11 frames per second burst shooting rate should help you score a sharp image. It shoots 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and its tilting rear LCD display will help get shots in more awkward angles. 

Nikon currently offers only three lenses designed for its APS-C DX-format camera which isn’t a wide selection — although the wide zoom ranges available will likely suit beginners well. It does use the same Z-mount for its lenses as Nikon’s FX-format cameras like the Z7 II, however, so you can always use those professional-standard lenses on this camera. That said, the higher prices of those lenses will somewhat negate the affordability of the Z50 itself. 

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Canon’s EOS R5 is the company’s best all-rounder camera, offering rock-solid specs for professionals in both still images and video. On the stills side, its full frame image sensor packs 45 megapixels and has up to eight stops of image stabilization (with a compatible lens) helping keep handheld images sharp even at slower shutter speeds. It can shoot up to 20 frames per second and its handy flip-out screen means getting shots in awkward positions is no problem. 

On the video side, it was Canon’s first camera to offer a whopping 8K resolution in 12-bit raw which, while overkill for your average family movie, does offer pro shooters more scope for cropping in post-production. At 4K resolution it’ll shoot up to 120fps for smooth slow motion in Canon’s CLog format for easier color editing.

It’s a superb all-round camera that’ll suit enthusiastic photographers and pros alike who are keen to bring beautiful video production into their workflow. 

Read our Canon EOS R preview.

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Canon’s flagship is built for speed. Capable of shooting up to 30 raw images a second, it’s a camera aimed squarely at serious sports or wildlife photographers that need to guarantee they’ll nail that decisive moment. Its full frame sensor offers a maximum 24-megapixel resolution, and like the EOS R5, it comes with a fully articulating screen and in-body image stabilization for when the light gets low. 

Its auto-focus has been bolstered with deep-learning algorithms allowing the camera to recognize and lock on to people, animals and birds, as well as cars and motorcycles — it’s even able to identify a driver’s helmet in an open-cockpit racing car and lock focus on it. Motorsports photographers have no excuses for missing that winning shot.

It’s no slouch with video either, offering up to 6K footage in Canon’s Log format for better post production. Its high price and physically larger size means it’s not a camera that’ll suit everyone, but if you’re after the absolute pinnacle of photographic speed then it’s the Canon camera to go for.

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Like Canon’s EOS R5, the Sony A1 is designed to excel with both stills and video. Its compact body is packed with a 50.1-megapixel full frame sensor that delivers pristine detail and excellent dynamic range. It’s stabilized too for sharper hand-held images while its 30fps maximum burst rate (in compressed RAW or JPEG) means it’s well equipped for sports or wildlife photographers too.

It can shoot video at up to 8K resolution, but also offers 4K at up to 120fps in 10-bit S-LOG3 for pro shooters looking for greater color grading control in post production. It’s Sony’s most expensive hybrid stills and video camera, but it’s packed with the absolute top tech the company has to offer, making it a superb choice for enthusiasts and professionals looking for the best of both worlds.

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The Z9 is Nikon’s answer to Canon’s R3; a larger-sized camera body packed with awesome camera tech delivering blistering shooting rates for serious enthusiasts and pros alike. Its 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers stunning, detail-packed shots while its in-body stabilization allows for hand-held shooting at slower shutter speeds. It can shoot RAW files at up to 20fps or lower-resolution JPEGs at 120fps.

It’s a video beast too, able to shoot 8K at 60fps in Nikon’s raw video format. Take that to 4K and you can get 120fps for smoother slow-mo while editing professionals will appreciate the ability to shoot in ProRes format for much better control over highlights and colors in post production.

Auto-focus is lightning fast, with a 493-point focus system that’s able to lock onto the eyes of people, animals and even birds. 

Like the R3 and Sony’s A1, the Nikon Z9’s price and top-notch specs mean it’s overkill for most enthusiast photographers, but if you’re after ultimate speed and performance from Nikon then the Z9 is the camera for you. 

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With its 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, the Nikon Z7 II can capture beautifully-detailed images with excellent colors and dynamic range but it does so in a much smaller package than the speed-focused Z9. Its compact size makes it a great option for the travelers among you who don’t want to sacrifice performance when on the move. 

Those same travelers will appreciate its magnesium alloy construction, which is weather sealed against moisture and dust so wherever you’re heading to next, the Z7II will be able to cope.

Its eye-tracking auto-focus is fast, it can shoot raw files at up to 10 fps and its five-axis in-body stabilization provides up to five stops of stabilization, making hand-held shooting easier at slower shutter speeds. Then there’s its 4K 60fps video capabilities that will let you shoot stunning footage to go alongside your stills. Nikon fans looking for a solid all-round hybrid stills and video camera are well catered to. 

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Panasonic’s Lumix line has been best known for its prowess with smaller micro-four-thirds sensors, but its S-series, including the new S5 has shown the company knows its stuff with full-frame sensors too. The S5’s image sensor offers 24 megapixels of resolution, with great dynamic range, burst speeds of up to 7 frames per second and ISO speeds up to 204,800.

Want even more resolution? A high resolution mode shifts the sensor and takes multiple shots to create a raw file at 96 megapixels. It works best with static, rather than moving scenes and you’ll need a tripod for the best results, but for landscape or studio photographers wanting additional pixels it could be a handy addition. 

It’s relatively compact in size, making it great for chucking in a bag for day trips, while its articulating LCD screen makes it easier to shoot in awkward positions — or for shooting selfies.

It’s great for video shooters too, offering 4K at up to 60 frames per second, with 10-bit 4:2:2 recording options for those of you wanting more scope for editing your footage later. Autofocus in video is good too and the flip-out screen means it’s well-suited for vloggers wanting a more professional look to their videos. 

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The OM System (formerly known as Olympus) OM-1 uses a smaller micro-four-thirds image sensor, rather than the full frame sensors seen on models like the Canon R5 or Sony A1. But what it lacks in sensor size it makes up for in sheer performance. It’s capable of capturing raw files at an astonishing 120 frames per second so sports and wildlife shooters are well catered for. 

Its sensor is stabilized too, so handheld shooting is smoother, the flip-out screen makes low-angle shooting a breeze and it’s IP53 rated so you won’t need to pack it away the first time you feel a rain drop land on your head. 

But one of the main benefits of a micro-four-thirds system is its size. The OM-1’s body is smaller and lighter than every other camera on this list, as are the lenses it uses. As a result, shooting all day with this thing around your neck isn’t going to leave you with ruined muscles, nor will taking an extra couple of lenses with you, just in case you want that extra zoom. 

For video shooters, the OM-1 can manage 4K resolutions at 60fps and you can take that to 240fps for awesome slow-motion shots at full HD resolution. 

With 20 megapixels, the OM-1 might not have the raw resolution of some of its full-frame competitors, but its immense shooting speed, travel-friendly design, stabilization and video skills make it a great all-rounder, especially for those of you interested in wildlife photography. 

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With 8K video options, a 40-megapixel maximum resolution and seven stops of image stabilization, Fujifilm’s latest X-H2 camera has some big bragging rights for a camera that costs only $2,000. And while that’s not cheap, those specs are more in line with Canon’s $3,700 R5, so the X-H2 might represent good value if you’re particularly hoping for 8K. 

The camera is easy to shoot with, with a comfortable grip and battery life that’ll put up with a full day of mixed shooting (much less if you’re shooting a lot of 8K though). The image stabilization is excellent, helping keep hand-held video footage looking less shaky and allowing me to shoot at shutter speeds approaching a second without needing a tripod. 

It packs a smaller APS-C sensor, rather than the full-frame sensors seen on others on this list, but it still manages to squeeze 40 megapixels of resolution, resulting in detailed images with plenty of scope for further cropping. It’ll shoot 20 frames per second in burst mode, but if speed is crucial, then you can look toward the X-H2S, which has a 24-megapixel sensor but can achieve 40 frames per second in burst mode. 

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The X2D 100C is the successor to Hasselblad’s X1D, seen below. It comes with a variety of improvements over the older model, including a high-resolution 100-megapixel medium format image sensor, seven stops of in-body image stabilization and improved auto focus. 

The upgrades make this camera one of my favorite stills cameras I’ve tested and the camera on this list I’d most like to own if I could even begin to contemplate its lofty $8,200 asking price. But what you get for that money is absolutely pristine image quality, with incredible details and huge dynamic range that makes it easy to lift shadows and rescue highlights in post production. I’ve been truly impressed with the shots I’ve been able to take with this camera, and I’d dearly love to take it on a landscape photography adventure to continue putting it through its paces. 

It’s got a massive 1TB internal SSD for quickly saving the huge image files you’ll be generating, while its seven stops of image stabilization mean you don’t need to always have it locked on a tripod to get sharp shots at slower shutter speeds. That makes it much more usable as a hand-held camera. My main criticism of its predecessor was slow and sometimes inaccurate autofocus, and while that’s certainly been improved here, it’s hardly what you’d call fast. It’ll mostly suit those of you who take a slower, more methodical approach to your photography, rather than sports or wildlife shooters who need to capture split-second action in big bursts. 

It also isn’t the camera for you if you’re more of a hybrid shooter, as Hasselblad has removed any kind of video recording from its camera. Instead, the focus is solely on producing some of the best still images possible, and in that it absolutely succeeds.

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Note: Hasselblad recently launched the X2D 100C (seen above), which offers a range of improvements over the older X1D II 50C. However, the X1D will still be on sale, and its lower price makes it a great option to consider for stills-focused photographers. 

While cameras like the Olympus OM-1 (seen above) have smaller sensors for fast shooting, Hasselblad’s X1D II 50C goes the opposite direction. It packs a medium format sensor which is physically much bigger than even the full-frame sensors offered by the other cameras on this list. A larger sensor is typically able to capture more detail and dynamic range and indeed the X1D’s shots can be stunning.

The dynamic range is excellent, with lots of scope for lifting shadows or toning down highlights in post-production software like Adobe Lightroom. Detail from the 50-megapixel sensor is superb as well, while Hasselblad’s commercial-standard color science means that your shots will look true-to-life. 

It’s not built for speed though; with auto-focus frequently being quite slow and a max burst rate of only 2.7fps. But this is a camera designed more for taking the time to study and compose your scene, only firing the shutter when all the elements are in place. 

It’s physically beautiful though, with a minimalist, all-metal design that’s built in Sweden. Despite it packing a medium format sensor, it’s surprisingly compact overall, being easy to carry in a shoulder bag, with an extra lens on standby. 

The slow speed and high price of this camera means it won’t suit if you want quick street snaps on your next city break, but for those of you looking for truly stunning image quality from more considered scenes then Hasselblad’s X1D II 50C is well worth considering. 

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Like the Hasselblad above, the Fujifilm GFX100S packs a medium format sensor that’s physically larger than the more common full-frame sensors seen in cameras like the Canon EOS R5 and much bigger than the APS-C sensors found in most of Fuji’s range. That big sensor size not only lets this camera shoot with a whopping 100-megapixel resolution, but it offers an amazing dynamic range in its images, giving a huge amount of scope to recover highlight and shadow detail in post. 

The downside is that the camera — and its lenses — are physically a lot bigger than cameras with smaller sensors, not to mention more expensive, too. That said, the GFX100S is a lot smaller than its predecessor and isn’t much bigger than more traditional DSLRs like the Canon 5D MkIV. That makes it a great option for landscape photographers among you wanting to hike with a backpack of gear, knowing that you’ll be able to take truly stunning images when you get to your location. 

It’s comfortable to shoot with and that massive sensor is stabilized, allowing you to get sharper shots when shooting handheld — something that’s critical when shooting at 100 megapixels, when those fine details will show up even the slightest of blur. 

It shoots 4K video at 30 frames per second, which makes it capable enough for those occasions when you really want to capture a bit of moving footage, but it’s certainly not a camera to consider if video production is your main goal. But for stills shooters — especially landscape lovers — the GFX100S offers truly stunning image quality that I’d love to have as part of my own kit bag. 

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With an APS-C sensor size, the Fujifilm X-S10 has a compact body size that’s the smallest of all the cameras on this list. Paired with a compact lens it makes for a potent travel camera setup, allowing you to always have it in your rucksack, ready to shoot whenever you turn a corner down some Italian alleyway and find photographic inspiration. 

It’s comfortable to hold, with well-placed controls and a solid feel to its construction that gives me confidence that it’ll be able to put up with a tough life on the road. Its smaller sensor offers 26 megapixels and while it might not have the dynamic range or low-light prowess of more expensive full-frame rivals, its overall image quality is excellent. 

Its LCD screen fully articulates, allowing for easier shots in tricky situations — or for getting those grinning vacation selfies — while its burst rate of up to 20fps means you won’t miss that quick action. That’s helped by fast auto-focus which locks on quickly, but it’s not always accurate when it comes to tracking subjects as they move through the scene. It shoots 4K video at 30fps too, and its stabilized sensor helps smooth out some of the shake when you’re holding it by hand. 

While it might not have the same advanced feature set of others on this list, its smaller size and more approachable price makes it a great option for beginner photographers, street photographers or travelers looking for a light option to always have in the bag.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a DSLR and mirrorless camera?

A DSLR — or digital single lens reflex — camera is what you might think of as a «traditional» camera. While both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have interchangeable lenses with an image sensor at their heart, a DSLR has a mirror that reflects light from the lens up into the viewfinder. When you take an image, that mirror flicks up, allowing the same light to pass through the image sensor. 

A mirrorless — as the name suggests — has no mirror, meaning that light always passes straight through the lens to the sensor. 

Are mirrorless cameras better than DSLRs?

The lack of a mirror gives mirrorless cameras a number of advantages. Firstly, they tend to be smaller, requiring smaller body sizes that don’t need to house that mirror system — Canon’s mirrorless EOS R5, for example, is a lot smaller than the EOS 5D MkIV DSLR it replaces. They’re often able to shoot faster too, with quicker auto-focus. 

The viewfinders on mirrorless cameras are usually digital, which isn’t always to everyone’s tastes, but it does typically mean that when you change settings — a narrower aperture or faster shutter speed, for example — the camera will be able to show you what that exposure will look like before you take the photo, rather than only seeing it afterwards. 

While mirrorless cameras are expensive right now, their combination of size and performance means they tend to outperform DSLRs in most ways.

Are DSLRs going away?

While some camera manufacturers do still produce DSLRs, it’s been some time since a new model was launched. Neither Canon or Nikon have released a new DSLR in the last couple of years and Sony has gone so far as to officially discontinue all of its DSLRs, focusing fully on its mirrorless range. 

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The mirrorless Canon EOS R5 (left) is smaller than the older Canon 5D Mk IV DSLR (right).

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Should I buy a used DSLR?

The rise in popularity of mirrorless cameras means that many people are looking to offload their older DSLRs, which often means you can pick them up on the used market for a lot less than their original selling price. If you’re a beginner, looking to dip your toe in the photography waters then it can be a good way of experimenting without spending too much money up front. 

However it’s worth thinking long term. If you love your new hobby then there’s every chance you’ll want to upgrade to new gear later on, or add new lenses and accessories that might not be available on your older camera system. Spending the extra on a more modern system now might mean that you’re future-proofed down the line.

I have a great phone, do I still need a proper camera?

Today’s top phones like the iPhone 13 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra pack incredible camera systems that can take beautiful photos. Even more affordable mid-range phones like the Nothing Phone 1 can still take great snaps, so do you really need a dedicated camera? 

This will largely come down to what kind of photography you do. If you really just want some quick snaps of your kids in the park to send to your family then your phone camera will almost certainly be fine. It’ll save you having to buy expensive equipment and having to drag it with you everytime you want to take some photos. Your phone, meanwhile, will always be in your pocket ready to go. 

If you want to take things a bit more seriously then a proper camera is worth considering. Image quality is still typically better, often with sharper details and better dynamic range (the amount of information captured in the very bright and very dark areas) than a phone can manage. This is largely because a phone’s camera sensor has to be incredibly small to fit on the back of the phone, whereas a camera’s sensor can be much bigger — the bigger the sensor, the more light it can capture and the better your shots will look. 

And while phones like the S22 Ultra have impressive zoom capabilities, it’s not as good as carrying a professional telephoto lens to get great quality shots when zoomed in.

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A look at micro four thirds sensor (left), a full-frame sensor (middle) and medium format sensor (right). Typically a larger sensor results in better image quality.

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What’s the difference between a full-frame, APS-C and micro four-thirds sensor?

In short, the size. A full-frame sensor has the same dimensions as a frame of 35mm photography film, whereas APS-C is smaller and micro four-thirds is smaller still. A bigger sensor can capture more light and therefore typically produce better dynamic range and sharper images in low-light situations. Most professional cameras like the Canon EOS R5 or Sony A1 have full frame image sensors. 

Then there are medium format cameras like the Hasselblad X1D II 50C or Fujifilm GFX 100S that have even bigger image sensors than full frame. These massive sensors allow these pro-level cameras to capture incredible details and beautiful dynamic range. 

But a bigger sensor means a bigger camera to fit it in so there are certainly advantages to having a smaller sensor in your camera. The OM-Systems (Olympus) OM-1 uses a micro four thirds sensor and as a result it’s a very compact body to carry around. It’s also able to shoot with incredible burst speeds because it’s not capturing as much data in each single still image as a full-frame camera would. Professional wildlife or sports photographers would likely be happy with the tradeoff of dynamic range here in order to shoot as fast as possible to capture the action.

Smaller sensor cameras can also use smaller lenses that typically cost less than their full-frame equivalents. An APS-C camera then can save you both money and weight in your camera bag.

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Canon’s 50mm f/1.8 RF lens is small, light and cheap. It’s a great starter lens but it’s also good for pros wanting something that won’t weigh them down.

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What’s the best beginner lens to buy with my new camera?

Many cameras — especially those aimed towards beginner and amateur photographers — come with a ‘kit lens’ to get you started. Often these are zoom lenses, offering a relatively broad range from 18mm at the wide end to 55mm at the zoomed-in end. These can be great to start on, but they’re often quite mediocre when it comes to image quality, offering narrow apertures, meaning you can’t get that attractive out of focus background in your portrait and low-light shooting can be very difficult. 

There is no one lens that will suit everyone and eventually you’ll likely build up a kit bag of lenses, having perhaps two or three favorites that you use most often. A great starting lens to upgrade to from your kit lens is a 50mm prime lens («prime» meaning it is fixed at that focal length, with no zoom) with a f/1.8 aperture. Most camera manufacturers offer this at relatively cheap prices. Canon’s own model, for example, is often referred to as the «nifty fifty» and it costs a tenth of the price of its professional-standard f/1.2 aperture 50mm lens. 

A prime lens like this not only allows you to get creative with those shallow depth of field shots, but having a fixed focal length can be a great way to learn more about composition in your photography. Instead of simply zooming in and out to fit things in your scene, you’re forced to move around and really consider how the different elements go together in the final image. 

If you’re looking for an all-rounder, a 24-105mm f/4 (or 24-120mm, as offered on Nikon’s Z-mount lenses) provides both a wide-angle and telephoto perspective, meaning it could be the only lens you need to put on your camera.

Should I buy third-party lenses?

Companies like Sigma, Tamron, Laowa or Samyang have all become more dominant names in the photography industry, offering alternatives to Canon, Sony or Nikon’s own lenses, often at much more competitive prices. Sigma’s Art range is highly-regarded as providing superb image quality that’s on par with what you’d expect from their camera-branded equivalents. 

It’s still the case that you get what you pay for and if you’ve found a 50mm f/1.2 lens for 300 bucks somewhere on the internet that claims to be as good as Sony’s $2,000 original then you can safely assume that there will be tradeoffs somewhere along the way. 

As with most things, it’s worth checking the reviews and forums and seeing what others have to say about them. At the end of the day it’ll come down to what you’re willing to pay and what you’ll use it for; if you’re a pro with commercial clients demanding the best, make sure you’re not cheaping out on lenses. If you just want some cool shots from your next vacation to put on Instagram, go ahead and dive into the third-party market. 

best-camera-cnet-2022-canon-sony-nikon-fujifilm best-camera-cnet-2022-canon-sony-nikon-fujifilm

There’s a huge array of choices when you’re looking for a new camera.

Andrew Lanxon/CNET

What to consider when buying a new camera

With so many camera brands offering a huge variety of different models at wildly-differing prices, choosing a camera that suits you can be tricky. Like most things though, performance lines up with budget, with the best, most advanced features typically found on more expensive, professional-standard models. 

So it’s worth spending some time thinking about what you actually need from your camera. If you’re looking for something small and light to chuck in a backpack and get some great travel shots then smaller APS-C models like Fujifilm’s X-S10 will suit you well and won’t break the bank. The OM Systems OM-1 is similarly compact thanks to its smaller image sensor, but its higher price comes with more advanced auto focus, incredible burst firing speeds and pro-standard video options.

If you’re looking to take your photography to the next level then look towards full-frame models like the Nikon Z7 II, Sony A7 IV or Canon EOS R5. These cameras all come with higher price tags attached, but their physically larger image sensors allow you to shoot pristine-looking photos that capture more detail in the highlights and shadows of your scene. These are often the cameras you’ll see in the hands of professional photographers. 

But don’t forget, it’s not just the camera you’re buying, you’ll need to consider lenses too. And unfortunately, lenses don’t come cheap, with many professional-level lenses costing more than the cameras themselves. Full frame sensors demand bigger lenses to accommodate them, which in turn makes them more expensive, so again, beginners among you will be better served with smaller sensor models from the likes of Fujifilm or Olympus. 

Does more megapixels mean better photos? 

Not necessarily, no. While some cameras like the Canon EOS R5 or Sony A1 offer huge megapixel counts, more pixels don’t make your photos look better. Instead, those additional pixels allow you to crop into the image later without sacrificing too much resolution, allow for high-quality gallery printing or allow for easier compositing in post production. If none of those things are important to you then you needn’t worry too much about your camera’s resolution. 

img-6062 img-6062

A rare moment of CNET Editor At Large and professional photographer Andrew Lanxon seen in front of the lens as he takes a break from camera testing in the beautiful Scottish scenery.

Andrew Lanxon/CNET

How we test cameras

Everything on this list has been hand-selected and tested by us to make sure that it performs as promised. No manufacturer’s claims are taken at face value and if it didn’t impress, it didn’t make the list. 

The cameras featured here have been tested by CNET Editor At Large and professional photographer Andrew Lanxon. They’ve been carried in backpacks, in messenger bags, taken to city-center coffee shops, bars, to the beach, up hills and through forests. We’ve tested cameras in the ways that you’d want to use them yourself; actually getting out into the world and capturing real images we’d want to share with family or on Instagram.

Frame after frame of test images have been taken on each camera, both in raw format and JPEG, to test all of the key features of the camera and to see how each model really handles. Most cameras were tested with fast SD cards by SanDisk and ProGrade, but more high-performance models like the Canon EOS R3, R5 and Nikon Z9 were tested with ultra high-speed CFExpress cards by ProGrade.

As professionals ourselves, we know what to look for in a good camera, we know what makes our lives easier when out shooting in the field and what features genuinely help us take better-looking images — or are simply a waste of money. 

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.

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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

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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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Technologies

Fit a Massive 130-Inch Screen in Your Pocket With These $299 Xreal AR Glasses

The Air 2s feature USB-C connectivity and a built-in sound system, and you can grab them at a record-low price right now.

Enjoying your favorite movies, shows and games on the go just got a whole lot easier. These Xreal Air 2 AR glasses allow you to fit a massive 130-inch display in your pocket, and right now you can snag yourself a pair at an all-time low price. Amazon now has them on sale for $299, which is a $60 discount. There’s no telling how long this deal will last, so you may want to get your order in soon if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

These augmented reality glasses have some pretty impressive specs and features considering they weigh in at just 72 grams. They’re come with 0.55-inch micro OLED panels, which allows you to enjoy your content on a massive 130-inch spatial display. They boast 1080p HD resolution, 500 nits of brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth performance, making them a solid option for gaming. Plus, they’re easy to connect to your phone, laptop or game console with a USB-C video input. You can also connect them to devices with an HDMI port, but you’ll need a separate adapter. They’re also equipped with built-in speakers so you can be fully immersed.

Why this deal matters

VR and AR devices are getting more affordable every day, but they still aren’t exactly cheap. Deals on cutting-edge tech like these Xreal Air 2 glasses don’t come around very often, so a chance to grab yourself a pair at a record-low price is a bargain you’ll want to jump on while you can.

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