Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
The iPhone 16 series is available now, including the big and powerful iPhone 16 Plus. While you’re choosing exactly what color you want for your shiny new phone, you should also look into a case to protect it from those times when you have butterfingers.
Although the iPhone 16 Plus is plenty durable on its own, a case can help you show off its design while protecting it against scratches. Even if you are really careful and you don’t drop your phone, a touchscreen in the same pocket as your car keys is a recipe for disaster. Even a short drop can shatter a screen if it hits at the right angle. A good case will protect not only the screen but the cameras, sides, and ports of the phone, too.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Clear Case with MagSafe and Camera Control
The best official iPhone 16 Plus case
![Smartish® iPhone 16 Plus Wallet Case - Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 [Slim + Protective] Credit Card Holder - Drop Tested Hidden Flip Card Slot Cover Compatible with Apple iPhone 16 Plus - Black Tie Affair](https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ccp-prd-s3-uploads/2024/10/30/e7bfcdb9fd40f3d91e6a47f6fc5bd3320c51e85b.jpeg)
Smartish iPhone 16 Plus Wallet Case – Wallet Slayer Vol. 1
Best wallet case for iPhone 16 Plus
![CASETiFY Ripple Case for iPhone 16 Plus [Silicone / 6.6 ft. 2X Military Grade Drop Protection/Compatible with Magsafe] - Black](https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ccp-prd-s3-uploads/2024/10/30/3aed24b5c1a739f0abcc5bf98a779d929fe07d2a.jpeg)
You want your new iPhone 16 Plus to remain as safe as possible during your travels. We get it. But you’ll still need something that complements the thoughtful design of the new phone and offers extra features to improve your experience. From the Unicorn Beetle Grip, which includes a built-in Camera Control button, to the Unicorn Beetle Pro with its built-in kickstand and rotating belt clip holster, you’ve never seen better options. With each type, you’ll get full-body military-grade drop protection, elevated bezels to protect the display, and MagSafe support. That way, you have everything you need at your fingertips — just like Apple intended. From now until October 9, on Amazon you can enjoy 10% off on iPhone 16 series cases.
ESR iPhone 16 Plus Case
The best overall iPhone 16 Plus case
Pros
- Powerful magnet
- Military-grade drop protection
- Raised edges for better screen protection
Cons
- No built-in screen protector like other ESR cases
ESR is one of the best options out there for a phone case. Not only is its magnetic grip much more powerful than the competition — 1,500 grams compared to the 800 grams of the official case — but it provides all-around protection for your iPhone 16 Plus. Raised edges around the camera guard against drops, while the clear acrylic lets you show off the build and design of the phone.
Because of its MagSafe capabilities, you can even attach accessories to it. One of the promo shots shows a wallet attachment that makes it easy to keep your most-used cards on-hand while out and about.
ESR iPhone 16 Plus Case
The best overall iPhone 16 Plus case
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear iPhone 16 Plus Case
The best clear iPhone 16 Plus case
Pros
- Completely transparent
- Meets military standards
- Raised edges to protect the camera bump
Cons
- Doesn’t work with MagSafe
The iPhone 16 Plus looks great, so why hide all the effort the R&D engineers put into its design? The Spigen Clear Case for iPhone 16 Plus lets you show off your phone without putting it at risk. Spigen is a brand that’s been around basically since the first cell phone needed a case, so the company is building on well over a decade of experience.
Sure, it’s not as rugged as other options, but the raised edges protect the iPhone’s camera from falls while the triple-layered material at each corner gives this case tremendous shock protection.
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear iPhone 16 Plus Case
The best clear iPhone 16 Plus case
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Clear Case with MagSafe and Camera Control
The best official iPhone 16 Plus case
Pros
- Official Apple case
- Slim design
- MagSafe-compatible
Cons
- A bit more expensive than some clear cases
Apple’s own lineup of cases for the iPhone 16 Plus are a great place to start if you want something both rugged and reliable. This clear case is crafted from clear polycarbonate and flexible materials that you can easily slide over your buttons. It also features a scratch-resistant coating both inside and out, with all materials specially treated to prevent yellowing.
It’s compatible with MagSafe as well, so whether you want to drop it on a charger and go or you want to add a wallet or grip on the back of your phone, this case facilitates that. Plus, you get the added bonus of knowing it’s an official case if that’s something you care about.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Clear Case with MagSafe and Camera Control
The best official iPhone 16 Plus case
Diaclara iPhone 16 Plus Rugged Case
The best full-protection iPhone 16 Plus case
Pros
- Includes a built-in screen protector
- Supports wireless charging
- Easy installation and removal
Cons
- Expensive when not on sale
If you’re someone who is tough on phones or you’re just particularly accident-prone, the Diaclara Rugged case might be the best choice for you. It has full body protection for the iPhone 16 Plus, including a durable, scratch-resistant screen protector, shock-absorbing corners, and a lens protector that will keep your iPhone’s camera safe and protected so you can keep snapping those mind-blowing photos.
Despite all this protection, it still works with wireless charging. The case is dust-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about a particularly dry day resulting in scratches or residue. The case has undergone more than 5,000 drop tests from a height of 10 feet, so you can trust it to be sturdy.
Diaclara iPhone 16 Plus Rugged Case
The best full-protection iPhone 16 Plus case
When Tony Robbins said, “Complexity is the enemy of execution,” he likely wasn’t thinking of phone cases. But the sentiment rings true. ROKFORM’s Rugged and Crystal iPhone 16 cases deliver military-grade protection without sacrificing style. With the RokLock twist ecosystem and built-in magnets for the strongest MagSafe hold, ROKFORM cases offer versatile functionality and the ability to mount your phone in the car, attach it to your bike, or keep it secure—all while showcasing your iPhone’s design. Simplify protection with ROKFORM, where efficiency meets elegance.
i-Blason
i-Blason Armorbox
The best drop protection
Pros
- Rugged, military-grade protection
- 20-foot-drop protection
- Built-in screen protector and kickstand
- Camera control button compatible
Obviously, you want to fully protect your brand-new iPhone 16 Plus. i-Blason’s MagSafe-compatible Armorbox with military-grade drop protection is the way to go. It comes with a built-in screen protector, so you don’t need anything extra, plus it has a built-in camera cover that doubles as a kickstand.
The zinc alloy anodized camera cover protects the high-power lenses on the back of the phone. The most unique feature on the Armorbox is the built-in Camera Control button which utilizes copper conductors to seamlessly match the operations of the unique button. It’s rugged through and through so it’ll survive a 20-foot drop.
Even with that protection it’s not bulky, it’s not ugly, and it works with so many different MagSafe accessories because of its powerful N52 magnet. For example, you can still mount your phone to a hands-free car adapter, even while it’s still in the case.
i-Blason Armorbox
The best drop protection
WTCase Leather iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best leather iPhone 16 Plus case
Pros
- Includes a kickstand
- Built-in magnets make wireless charging easy
- Includes a screen protector
The WTCase Leather iPhone 16 Plus case is an elegant, sophisticated option that stands out from the slew of plastic and metallic cases on the market. It’s made of faux leather, so it’s a lot more environmentally friendly, too. It provides compete protection from drops and scratches, especially since it includes a glass screen protector that fits over the front of your device.
It is a bit pricier than many of the other picks on this list, but the built-in kickstand provides a lot of value. It makes it easy to watch your phone without holding onto it. The leather is scratch-resistant and will look great for a long time to come. If it needs to be polished, a little bit of leather oil can go a long way.
WTCase Leather iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best leather iPhone 16 Plus case
Temdan Magsafe iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best MagSafe iPhone 16 Plus case
Pros
- Designed to withstand hard impacts
- Built-in magnets for more secure wireless charging
- Protection for back, sides, and screen of phone
Cons
- The matte black design is kind of boring
The Temdan Magsafe iPhone 16 Plus case is designed to make MagSafe charging faster and more reliable. A series of built-in magnets hold the charger against the back of the phone while also enhancing charge times. Raised edges around the camera bump protect it from impact, while precisely measured cutouts leave no unnecessary space for connecting accessories.
In addition, this case has been tested with more than 4,000 drops of varying heights up to 16 feet off the ground. The back panel and microfiber lining reduce impact force, protecting the internals of the phone. While the black design isn’t as eye-catching as others we’ve seen, this case provides a simple, nondescript design for those who prefer a minimalist look.
Temdan Magsafe iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best MagSafe iPhone 16 Plus case
OtterBox iPhone 16 Plus Commuter Case
Best pocket-friendly iPhone 16 Plus case
Pros
- Comes with port covers that block dirt
- Slim profile for easy carrying in pockets
- Tested with three times as many drops as required
OtterBox is one of the most tried and true brands for phone cases, and the OtterBox iPhone 16 Plus case is no different. It’s a dual-layer case made largely of recycled materials and drop-tested three times more than is required for military standards. The rounded edges make it easy to slip into your pocket while you’re on the go. The downside is that, while it’s a tough case that will keep your phone safe, it carries a slightly higher price tag than many of the other cases on this list.
OtterBox iPhone 16 Plus Commuter Case
Best pocket-friendly iPhone 16 Plus case
Urban Armor Gear iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best rugged iPhone 16 Plus case
Pros
- Incredibly rugged and durable
- Can survive drops of 25 feet
- Includes integrated lanyard anchors
UAG, or Urban Armor Gear, is a brand of phone cases that could be described using the same adjectives you find in a Ford commercial: tough, rugged, and durable. The contours of the case provide an anti-slip grip, while the carbon fiber exterior protections against shocks, impact, and much more.
The case is strong, but doesn’t interfere with Apple Pay or MagSafe charging. It’s raised enough that the phone can lie flat on a surface without direct contact to the camera lens. And if you drop your phone, the UAG iPhone 16 Plus case is rated for falls from up to 25 feet.
Urban Armor Gear iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best rugged iPhone 16 Plus case
Tauri iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best total-coverage case for iPhone 16 Plus
Pros
- Includes screen and camera protectors
- Anti-yellowing
- Stain-resistant material
Cons
- Camera bump makes the phone rest at an awkward angle
Not only is this case affordable but it also comes with a lens protector for your phone camera and a tempered glass screen protector, too. That’s a lot of safety, all in one place — no need to order a screen protector separately and hope all the pieces arrive at the same time. It’s also compatible with MagSafe and third-party wireless chargers.
The case is made of TPU, a type of material that won’t fade with time and is better at resisting stains and grime. Despite that, the case is easy to hold onto and will protect your iPhone 16 Plus if you drop it.
Tauri iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best total-coverage case for iPhone 16 Plus
Kate Spade New York iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best fashion case for iPhone 16 Plus
Pros
- Multiple attractive designs
- Durable yet practical
- Drop protection and anti-scratch coating
Cons
- Some designs attract fingerprints
If you’re a discerning fashionista or you want a designer iPhone 16 Plus case with some personality, look no further than this line of Kate Space options. From classic tortoiseshell to wavy soap bubble psychedelia, there’s a fun design for just about anyone. Plus, it comes with a touch of high-class professionalism — everyone knows Kate Spade and her fashion empire.
Plus, these cases are more than just a pretty face. They boast 12-foot drop protection with MagSafe compatibility as well as UV protection and anti-yellowing for the clearer designs. There are also bespoke cutouts for each button on your phone. They’re heavy duty, but also slim and trendy so you can feel like your phone is hitting the runway along with you.
Kate Spade New York iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best fashion case for iPhone 16 Plus
Smartish iPhone 16 Plus Wallet Case – Wallet Slayer Vol. 1
Best wallet case for iPhone 16 Plus
Pros
- Holds three cards and cash
- Rubber covers for all physical buttons
- Comes in multiple fun designs
Cons
- Thicker due to wallet
- No MagSafe compatibility
Tired of carting a wallet around with your phone? Grab one of these phone cases and you’ll only need one thing to take up space in your pocket. This Smartish model has enough slots for three credit cards or two cards and an ID as well as some cash, should you decide to carry some. That does give it a bit of a larger profile, but it’s worth it to be able to multitask.
Beyond the option to toss out your wallet and use your phone case for everything, this case is sturdy and crafted from TPU. It has textured, grippy sides so it’s easier to hold as well as air pockets to cushion it from a fall at the corners. There’s no MagSafe compatibility, but being able to carry everything in one place is well worth it.
Smartish iPhone 16 Plus Wallet Case – Wallet Slayer Vol. 1
Best wallet case for iPhone 16 Plus
Totallee
Totallee Thin iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best ultra-thin case for iPhone 16 Plus
Pros
- Incredibly thin
- Added bump for camera protection
- Practically weightless
- Multiple hues to choose from
Cons
- Minimal protection
- Scratches easily
If you don’t want to cover up the natural beauty of your new iPhone 16 Plus, there are super-minimalistic options you can go for that are designed just for that purpose. Totallee is responsible for one of the lightest, most airy cases on the market at just 0.5mm thick and weighing less than an ounce. You’ll barely notice it on your phone, but that does mean you’ll be get minimal protection as well as aesthetics.
While the Totallee case does offer MagSafe compatibility and has an additional bump provided to keep your camera lenses and phone buttons safe, it does scratch pretty easily and won’t be much help if you drop your phone a lot. It’ll likely end up doing more harm than good — but if lightweight protection is all you want, this is the case for you.
Totallee Thin iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best ultra-thin case for iPhone 16 Plus
Casetify Ripple Case for iPhone 16 Plus
Best unique case for iPhone 16 Plus
Pros
- Hardy yet soft silicone
- 6.6-foot drop protection
- Unique ripple design with puffed corners
Cons
- Not as grippy as other cases on the list
Regular old phone cases just don’t do it for everyone. If you want something a little out of the ordinary, consider this fun ripple design from Casetify. Crafted from soft silicone, it looks like a drop of rain fell right onto your case. But as puffy as it looks (with special puffed corners), it’s still sturdy enough to protect your phone with 6.6 feet of drop protection.
Even with its unique rubberized and grippy design, it’s still compatible with MagSafe, and it gives you easy access to all your tactile buttons — it also works with other wireless chargers. But if you’re getting this, you’re probably mostly interested in the aesthetic anyway, and rest assured you’re getting it in droves here.
Casetify Ripple Case for iPhone 16 Plus
Best unique case for iPhone 16 Plus
Speck CandyShell iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best dual-layered case for iPhone 16 Plus
Pros
- Textured, rubberized all-over grip
- Crafted with TPU and polycarbonate materials
- Slim with great drop protection
Cons
- Muted colors might not be a draw for everyone
If you’re someone who happens to get the “dropsies” often, you might want to look into the ultra-rubberized and grippy Speck CandyShell iPhone 16 Plus case. It’s unique in its dual-layered construction with both a polycarbonate outside shell and TPU cushioning within that can stand up to an 8-foot drop. That should make it a top choice if you want an attractive outer shell that can still protect your phone.
There’s extra protection thanks to a raised bezel to protect your screen and camera to keep it away from tabletops and other edges. And it comes in multiple colors, but anyone wanting a flashy design may want to look elsewhere as there are only subtle hues — though one comes adorned with glitter, so there’s that.
Speck CandyShell iPhone 16 Plus Case
Best dual-layered case for iPhone 16 Plus
With the iPhone 16 Plus starting at $899 for its base model, you’ll want to make sure your phone is protected against damage. Let’s face it: No matter how careful you are, dropping your phone is just a part of life. A case can help turn what could be a screen-shattering incident into something that can be buffed out with your shirt sleeve.
