If you got or will soon get an iPhone 16e, way to go! The new iPhone 16e has plenty to recommend it, even if lacks MagSafe and it’s not as affordable, at $599, as the discontinued SE model it replaces. iPhone 16e boasts more functionality and costs more, so you have even more reason to get a nice case for it.
Choose the best iPhone 16e case for your needs
Apple left MagSafe technology out of the new budget-ish iPhone 16e handset. Instead, it supports wireless Qi charging at 7.5 watts (not MagSafe’s faster 15 watts). But you can make your new iPhone 16e stick well to MagSafe charging platforms with a “MagSafe-compatible” case, marked as such below. Or just go with one of the excellent regular cases we recommend for different uses and needs.
Table of contents: Best iPhone 16e case
Best MagSafe cases for iPhone 16e:
- Best MagSafe case: Casefity Impact
- Best leather case
- Best clear or transparent cases
- Best tough cases
- Best kickstand case
Best non-MagSafe cases for iPhone 16e:
Best MagSafe cases for iPhone 16e
Best MagSafe case: Casetify Impact Case (MagSafe-compatible)
Photo: Casetify
Casetify’s Impact Case stands out with its vast selection of designs, ranging from black kingsnakes to stamp collections, spring flowers to sunsets — with hundreds more options available. It provides protection from drops of 8+ feet and features side sockets for attaching charms and other accessories. The integrated MagSafe-compatible magnets ensure secure attachment to charging pads, though charging is limited to 7.5W rather than the faster speeds offered by native MagSafe iPhones. Price: $64.
Casetify says these richly designed and colorful cases are 4X military grade drop tested to 8.2 feet. They're also MagSafe compatible.
- Massive selection of designs/colors
- Drop protection to 8+ feet
- MagSafe compatible
- Expensive
Buy from: Amazon
Best leather MagSafe case
Torro Slim Bumper Case
Photo: Torro
For a leather options, the Torro Slim Bumper Case adds sophisticated style to your iPhone 16e with premium leather construction available in classic black or rich dark brown finishes, with optional monogramming for personalization. Weighing 3.6 ounces, this case maintains a low profile while featuring a soft microfiber lining that provides additional protection for your device, and it remains fully compatible with wireless chargers and accessories. While the Torro case doesn’t advertise specific drop protection ratings and the leather may develop a patina over time with regular use, its combination of elegant aesthetics and practical functionality makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a touch of luxury for their iPhone 16e. Price: $31.99.
This slim premium leather bumper case brings sophisticated style in black or dark brown colors. It includes a soft microfiber lining, MagSafe compatibility and optional monogramming.
- Rich leather develops patina over time
- MagSafe compatible
- Lightweight and scratch-resistant
- Optional monogramming
- Some reinforced cases are tougher
Buy from: Amazon
Best clear or transparent MagSafe cases
Zagg Santa Cruz Snap
Photo: Zagg
For those prioritizing aesthetics and grip, the Zagg Santa Cruz Snap excels on both fronts. Its translucent Retro Blue shell (also available in Hyacinth and Black) enhances the iPhone 16e’s otherwise plain design, while its textured sides provide the most secure grip among all tested cases. The case’s MagSafe compatibility allows for seamless use with wireless charging stands, and it offers solid 13-foot drop protection. The Crystal Palace Snap provides a completely clear alternative but lacks the Santa Cruz’s superior grip and vibrant color options. One minor drawback: since these cases are designed to fit iPhones 13 through 16e, there’s noticeable empty space around the camera bump specifically on the 16e model. Price: $49.99.
This transparent graphene case with a secure grip features 13-foot drop protection and wireless charging compatibility. Made of 70% recycled material.
- 13-foot drop protection
- Wireless charging
- 70% recycled material
- Somewhat pricey
Buy from: Amazon
Spigen Liquid Crystal MagFit Case
Photo: Spigen
Spigen’s clear case strikes a balance between protection and display. Its flexible, soft construction allows for easy application and removal while remaining completely transparent to showcase your iPhone 16e’s black or white finish. The integrated MagFit magnetic ring ensures compatibility with MagSafe chargers, though charging is limited to 7.5W. Its slim profile minimizes bulk without sacrificing protection. Price: $16.99.
This lightweight MagSafe-compatible case is flexible and crystal clear to show of your handset's finish.
- Easy on-off
- Light and flexible
- Completely transparent
- MagSafe-compatible
- None to speak of
Buy from: Amazon
Best tough MagSafe cases
ESR HaloLock Cyber Tough Case
Photo: ESR
Built for maximum durability, the ESR HaloLock Cyber Tough Case employs a three-layer construction: a hard outer shell, TPE soft middle layer, and inner Poron lining at the corners to absorb impact energy. Raised edges around both the display and camera minimize scratching when placed on surfaces. The case includes MagSafe compatibility for accessory connectivity. Available in red or black, it’s priced at $22.99 from ESR’s online store but frequently discounted on Amazon.
Buy from: Amazon
UAG Essential Armor iPhone 16e Case
Photo: UAG
The Urban Armor Gear (UAG) Essential Armor case strikes an excellent balance at its $40 price point. Its thick corners provide impressive 15-foot drop protection while remaining comfortable to hold. The button covers offer satisfying tactile feedback when adjusting volume, locking the phone or using the action button. Its translucent, honeycomb design adds a subtle splash of color to your iPhone 16e. Like many cases in this roundup, it features a magnetic ring compatible with MagSafe accessories such as battery packs and wallets, addressing one of the iPhone 16e’s limitations. The case comes in cloud blue, olive drab, ash, rose or black colors. Price: $39.95.
This rugged case features translucent design and 15-foot drop protection. It's MagSafe compatible and comes in five colors.
- 15-foot drop protection
- 5 translucent colors
- MagSafe compatible
- Not a budget pick at $40
Buy from: Amazon
Best kickstand MagSafe case
Torras Ostand Spin
Photo: Torras
The Torras Ostand Spin is perfect for video call enthusiasts and on-the-go streamers. Its standout feature is a built-in ring that pops out and rotates a full 360 degrees, allowing you to position your iPhone at any angle in both portrait and landscape orientations. When not in use, the ring sits flush with the case. The Ostand provides military-grade drop protection and full MagSafe compatibility. The limited color selection (only two options) is its main drawback for the style-conscious. Price: $49.99 (but currently marked down 20% to $39.99, plus an additional $3 off coupon to make it $36.99).
Torras is known for its durable, rotating kickstand ring. It pops out to let you position your handset however you like. The case is also drop-tested to military grade and MagSafe compatible.
- Built-in kickstand
- Stand good for portrait and landscape modes
- Drop tested
- MagSafe compatible
- Limited color choice
Buy from: Amazon
Best non-MagSafe cases for iPhone 16e
Best wallet case
Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1
Photo: Smartish
The Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 transforms your iPhone 16e into an all-in-one solution for your everyday carry, featuring secure slots that accommodate up to three credit cards plus cash with an easy-access design that allows you to slide out cards when needed. Constructed from a blend of synthetic rubber, plastic, polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane, this case offers substantial 6-foot drop protection while coming in various colors and patterns to match your style. The only notable drawback is that the integrated wallet design prevents compatibility with magnetic accessories and wireless charging, requiring you to either use a cable or temporarily remove the case when you want to charge wirelessly. Price: $24.99.
The drop-tested Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 is slim and protective. It holds three or more credit cards and/or cash. Hidden flip card slot included.
- Secure slots for cards and cash
- 6-foot drop protection
- Various colors and patterns
- No wireless/MagSafe charging
Buy from: Amazon
Best Apple case: Apple Silicone
Photo: Apple
You can’t go far wrong with the iPhone giant’s own case for its new handset. While your new iPhone 16e is either black or white, these flexible cases come with color — winter blue, lake green and fuschia, in addition to black and white. The silicone is grippy and easy to hold, although you might find it smudges a bit. And these cases lack MagSafe compatibility, so no magnetism included. But they’re made with 55% recycled material, so you can feel good about that. And the price is decent, at under $50, and you know the low-profile case will fit your on your iPhone and in your pocket perfectly. Price: $39.99.
Apple's own Silicone Case for iPhone 16e is a guaranteed good fit for the handset. It comes in five colors: black, white, winter blue, lake green and fuschia.
- Light, flexible and grippy
- Adds color to iPhone 16e
- 55% recycled material
- Might smudge a bit
- No MagSafe
Buy from: Amazon
Best budget case
Ringke Onyx
Photo: Ringke
Ringke’s Onyx case delivers impressive protection without breaking the bank, offering a slim-fitting thermoplastic polyurethane design with grippy sides and a fingerprint-resistant textured back. Available in black, camo, green, and grey color options, this lightweight 1.1 oz case includes convenient attachment points for wrist straps and accessories while maintaining compatibility with wireless charging in its base model. Though it doesn’t specify exact drop protection ratings, the Onyx provides reliable everyday protection against basic wear and tear, and budget-conscious shoppers can upgrade to a MagSafe-compatible version for just a few dollars more while still keeping the total cost under $20. Price: $14.99.
The slim Onyx feels good in the hand, with a non-slip grip and anti-fingerprint technology. It features precise camera cutouts.
- Slim design with grippy sides
- Anti-fingerprint textured back
- Compatible with wireless charging
- No drop rating
- Pay more for MagSafe versions
Buy from: Amazon
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
