The best iPhone 16e cases offer practical, durable, and visually appealing designs compatible with Qi wireless charging.
To help you find a case that best suits your needs, we’ve arranged our favorite options from our team’s long-term testing experience with cases from Apple and third-party brands like Zagg, Otterbox, and others.
Among the best iPhone 16e cases, our top pick is the Zagg Crystal Palace Snap case, a sturdy, clear model with an integrated array of magnets. Our favorite budget case is the affordable Smartish Gripmunk case, which also features built-in magnets in a hardwearing, grip-conducive cover.
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Zagg’s Crystal Palace Snap is a durable clear option with a lasting anti-yellowing treatment. It has a built-in magnetic array to make up for the phone’s lack of MagSafe attachment.
Otterbox’s Symmetry case features the brand’s stellar drop protection in a relatively slim and inexpensive form with built-in magnets for compatibility with magnetic accessories.
This iteration of the Smartish Gripmunk case is our primary budget pick. It offers solid overall protection, grip-textured sides, and integrated magnets for an affordable cost.
Our top wallet-case recommendation, this Smartish model securely holds up to three cards and cash. Like nearly all wallet cases, it’s incompatible with wireless charging.
Available in dozens of distinctive designs, Dbrand’s Grip cases feature an ultra-thin design, tactile buttons, and a textured grip to help prevent accidental drops.
True to its name, the Tough Clear case from Case-Mate has a hardwearing transparent design, anti-scratching properties, and UV protection to help prevent yellowing.
The affordable Spigen Tough Armor case offers military-grade drop protection with raised edges for additional damage prevention, and it includes a built-in kickstand.
Featuring protective raised edges and compatible with wrist straps, the Mous Limitless 6.0 cases are thinner than their predecessors but just as sturdy and shock-resistant.
FAQs
Does the iPhone 16e need a case?
As detailed in our iPhone 16e review, it’s wise to protect Apple’s latest budget phone with a high-quality case.
Not even the best iPhone is impervious to accidental damage, and the iPhone 16e’s aluminum edges and glass back make it more damage-prone than Apple’s high-end titanium phones. Coupled with a screen protector, a case remains the most cost-effective way to avoid the hassle of warranty repairs or the significant cost of replacing a phone outright. See our guide to the best iPhone 16e screen protectors for top options.
Also, if you intend to use the iPhone 16e with magnetic accessories, you’ll need a case with a built-in magnetic array, as the phone notably lacks Apple’s MagSafe technology.
What should I look for in an iPhone 16e case?
As with any of the best phones, it’s important to consider cases that will provide adequate protection and functionality for your daily use of the iPhone 16e. Our testing informed this guide via our extensive experience selecting the best iPhone cases broadly.
Start by considering the level of protection that best complements your life circumstances. Rugged cases like Otterbox’s iPhone 16e collection have raised edges and shock-resistant materials ideal for heavy-duty use or those prone to drops. In contrast, slim cases with moderate protection may be better suited to those looking for a lighter, less bulky option.
It’s also worth ensuring that the case you choose will not interfere with features you want to use, such as Qi wireless charging. While the iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe, cases with integrated magnets can make the phone compatible with magnetic accessories and magnetic wireless chargers. However, the phone will wirelessly charge at slower speeds (around 7.5W) relative to the flagship iPhone 16 series and most recent iPhones, which feature the MagSafe charging standard (up to 25W).
Will an iPhone 16 case fit the iPhone 16e?
A case meant for the iPhone 16 will not fit the iPhone 16e, and vice versa, due to differences in their designs and dimensions.
While the two phones share the same width and depth, the iPhone 16e is slightly shorter than the iPhone 16, has a distinct single-camera system, and lacks the flagship phone’s Camera Control button.
See our guide to the best iPhone 16 cases to protect the flagship phone, and read our full iPhone 16 review or iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16 guide for a comprehensive comparison of the models.
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