The best iPhone 16 Plus cases offer long-term protection and can enhance functionality with features like an integrated kickstand or wallet.
To help you find the right case, we’ve collected our favorite cases for the iPhone 16 Plus from extensive testing, including options from Apple and third-party companies like Smartish, Otterbox, and others.
Among the best iPhone 16 Plus cases, our top pick is the Apple Clear Case with MagSafe, which offers long-lasting clarity and protection and an exceptional MagSafe connection. For a budget option, we recommend the Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe case, which provides solid protection at an affordable price and features a grip texture that keeps the phone in your hand.
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
The anti-yellowing properties of Apple’s clear case allow your phone’s natural finish to shine in the long run. It offers first-rate compatibility with MagSafe and the Camera Control button.
Otterbox’s Symmetry series case offers the company’s top-tier drop protection in a sleek, relatively slim design. It also has built-in anchors for hand straps or lanyards.
Smartish’s MagSafe-compatible Gripmunk is the top budget case in our extensive testing, with its grip-enhancing texture and protective construction for a low price.
The textured, exceptionally strong, and graphene-enforced Denali Snap case from Zagg has an integrated kickstand and offers up to 16 feet of drop protection.
The MagSafe-compatible cases from Casetify feature up to 8.2 feet of drop protection and are customizable with myriad permutations of colorful patterns and text.
Smartish’s durable Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 model can hold up to three cards and cash and features a cutout that allows easy access to the Camera Control button.
The low-cost, high-quality Tough Armor case from Spigen is shock-resistant and features a built-in kickstand for content viewing or capture. It’s also MagSafe compatible.
The Ostand case from Torras features an integrated kickstand that doubles as a ring grip and an enhanced magnetic back for secure MagSafe connection and charging.
FAQs
Does the iPhone 16 Plus need a case?
As detailed in our combined iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus review, we recommend adding a dependable and versatile case to the iPhone 16 Plus and any phone in the iPhone 16 series.
Notably, the iPhone 16 Plus’ aluminum frame is not as formidable as the titanium frames of the iPhone 16 Pro models. We advocate for equipping even the best iPhone with a case, as any phone could incur costly damage from a severe drop.
We also recommend adding a screen protector to ensure the longevity of your display. See our guide to the best iPhone 16 Plus screen protectors for top options.
What should I look for in an iPhone 16 Plus case?
As with any of the best phones, when deciding on a case for the iPhone 16 Plus, you primarily want to ensure that it provides adequate protection for your comfort level and particular use cases.
A case should also not interfere with any features you want to use, such as the Action and Camera Control buttons (new to the Plus line) or the device’s improved MagSafe charging. A case’s Camera Control button overlay, especially, should support swiping gestures for adjusting whatever function it is set to. In our testing, Apple’s proprietary clear case effectively enables the use of the button through a conductive layer.
As detailed above, certain cases can also enhance the phone’s functionality. For instance, Smartish’s Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 — the top wallet case in our extensive testing for our broader guide to the best iPhone cases — features a compartment on its back that can securely store up to three cards and cash.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
Will an iPhone 15 Plus case fit an iPhone 16 Plus?
Due to design differences between the phones, a case for the iPhone 15 Plus will not fit an iPhone 16 Plus, and vice versa.
Though the phones have identical dimensions on paper, Apple instituted several hardware changes on the latest model that make older cases incompatible. For instance, an iPhone 15 Plus case would impede use of the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Plus and could conceivably click it by accident, leading to unexpected behavior. It also would not fit the iPhone 16 Plus’ redesigned vertical camera system.
If you want to equip the previous model instead, see our guide to the best iPhone 15 Plus cases.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
