06-03-2025
The 5 best iPhone 16e cases we actually tested
The new iPhone 16e may be Apple's least-expensive phone right now, but $599 still ain't cheap. As such, you'll want to protect your investment with a case — and fortunately for you, there are a whole lot of them. From simple clear covers to ultra-rugged shells that look like they could survive an explosion (please don't actually test that theory), you've got plenty of options for putting that cash you saved on skipping the regular iPhone 16 towards some extra peace of mind. But which ones are actually worth it?
To figure that out, I put nine different iPhone 16e cases to the test, factoring in things like durability, grippiness, comfort, ease of use and aesthetics; after all, no one wants an ugly case. Cases with built-in kickstands earned some extra points, as did ones with MagSafe support — a perk that makes up for the fact that Apple's new phone doesn't work with magnetic accessories on its own. After covering up my iPhone 16e with as many different shells as possible, here are the five that I would actually rock every day.
UAG Essential Armor iPhone 16e Case
The Essential Armor ticks a lot of key boxes for $40 — it's comfy to hold, its thick corners and 15-foot drop protection rating make me feel confident about carrying it around and its button covers felt nice and clicky as I adjusted my volume, locked the phone or fired up the action button. I also dig the translucent, honeycomb-like design that added a subtle pop of Cloud Blue to my plain black iPhone (you can also get it in Olive Drab, Ash, Rose or Black). And like nearly every other case I tested, this case sports a magnetic ring for use with MagSafe accessories like battery packs or wallets, something that solves one of my biggest issues with the iPhone 16e itself. Zagg Santa Cruz Snap
In terms of sheer aesthetics and grip, Zagg's Santa Cruz Snap case just might be my favorite. Its translucent Retro Blue shell (it also comes in Hyacinth and Black) does a great job spicing up the iPhone 16e's vanilla design, and its textured sides gave me the most confident grip of any other case on this list. Its MagSafe support allowed me to plop my iPhone 16e onto my favorite charging stand, and you get a solid 13-foot drop protection rating in case of accidents. The almost-identical Crystal Palace Snap is a solid alternative if you want a totally colorless clear case, but it lacks the Santa Cruz's extra grip and fun colors. I just have one aesthetic nitpick: Zagg's iPhone 16e cases also work with the iPhone 13, 14 and 15, which makes them wonderfully versatile but also leaves a lot of awkward blank space around the camera bump when you have it on Apple's cheapest Silicone Case for iPhone 16e
I spent most of my iPhone 16e review period with Apple's silicone case strapped to it, and I don't have a ton of complaints. The Winter Blue and Lake Green models I tested added a much-needed pop of color to my boring ol' black iPhone, and that soft silicone material just feels nice to hold. However, the lack of MagSafe is a pretty glaring omission here, and the case gets pretty smudgy fast (not to mention that Apple's silicone cases don't have the best reputation when it comes to long-term use). There's also no official drop test rating like you'll find on the other options I've tested. Still, if you're looking to spend less than $50 and are set on having an official Apple case, this is a perfectly fine place to start. Zagg Denali Snap With Kickstand
Kickstand cases are a godsend for folks like me who will prop their phone up at a bar to watch basketball while ignoring their friends, and the Denali Snap has my favorite kickstand of any model I've tested. Its svelte pop-out stand is both sturdy and subtle, and works equally well whether you're catching up on vertical TikToks or laying your phone horizontally to binge on YouTube. It also has a nice textured rear grip, complete with 16 feet of drop protection and the usual MagSafe support for your snap-on chargers. This case feels a bit too slippery for my liking, and like the Santa Cruz, leaves some awkward extra space around the 16e's camera. But if having a hearty amount of protection and a reliable kickstand are priorities, the Denali Snap should be near the top of your Plasma XTE for iPhone 16e
The UAG Plasma XTE is one of our favorite Galaxy S25 cases, and I love its iPhone 16e counterpart for all of the same reasons. It's easy to grip, has clicky buttons, sports a cool translucent design, comes MagSafe-ready for all of your wireless accessories and boasts a strong 20-foot drop protection rating for when things go south. But the real star of the show is the fold-out metal kickstand, which, while a little wobbly in horizontal mode, feels very durable and allows you to stand your iPhone 16e up at multiple angles. The Plasma XTE's high asking price won't be for everyone, but you get a lot of durability and functionality for the money.
CNN Underscored thoroughly tests all the products we cover, and we provide full transparency about how these products are tested, so you know they'll meet your standards when they meet our requirements. Our skilled writers and editors have many years of testing experience and work that informs how they properly vet products and ensure each article is edited for accuracy and clarity. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico has been covering smartphones for more than a decade, and has been one of Underscored's primary iPhone reviewers since 2022.
