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The best Apple iPhone SE (2022) cases and covers

Upgraded your iPhone SE (2020) model in favor of Apple's brand new iPhone SE (2022)? We have some great news: There's no need to buy a brand new case. The newest iPhone SE has the exact same dimensions as its predecessor, so you can simply transfer your beloved case to your new phone. That said, if this is your first purchase of an iPhone SE or you'd like to pick a fresh case for a brand new phone, we've gathered some of the best cases currently available, from clear options to wallet cases.

Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet for iPhone SE (2022)
Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet
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Speck CandyShell Grip Case for iPhone SE (2022)
Speck CandyShell Grip Case
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iPhone SE Silicone Case
Official Apple Silicone Case
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Kate Spade New York Protective Hardshell Case for iPhone SE (2022)
Kate Spade New York Protective Hardshell Case
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UAG Monarch Series iPhone SE (2022) Case
UAG Monarch Series Case
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Spigen Liquid Crystal [2nd Generation] Case for iPhone SE 2022
Spigen Liquid Crystal [2nd Generation] Case
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Smartish iPhone SE Slim Case - Gripmunk
Smartish Slim Case — Gripmunk
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Zagg Gear4 Wembley Palette for iPhone SE 2022
Zagg Gear4 Wembley Palette
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OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case for iPhone SE (3rd gen)
OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case
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Incipio Organicore for iPhone SE (2022)
Incipio Organicore
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Caseology Parallax for iPhone SE 2022
Caseology Parallax
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Snakehive vintage leather wallet in chestnut brown on an iPhone SE (2022) with magnetic clasp.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet

Pros
  • Card and cash storage slots
  • Top-grain nubuck leather
  • Folds into viewing stand
  • 360-degree protection
Cons
  • Not the most pocket-friendly option

Every list of cases needs a leather wallet case, and we love this one from Snakehive. Crafted from top-grain nubuck leather, it develops a beautiful rich patina over time, making each case totally unique. Flip open the strong magnetic clasp and you'll find three card storage slots as well as space for cash or ID. A transparent case cushions your phone, ensuring it's held securely in place. The case also folds out into a handy viewing stand for watching videos or making Zoom or FaceTime calls. You can choose from seven colors, but we like the timeless appeal of this classic Chestnut Brown.

Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet for iPhone SE (2022)
Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet
Speck Candyshell Grip case in blue and turquoise for the iPhone SE (2022).
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Speck CandyShell Grip Case

Pros
  • Choice of seven vibrant two-tone colors
  • Dual-layer protection
  • Meets or exceeds military-grade drop-protection standards
Cons
  • Material stains easily over time

Phone always slipping through your fingers? The best drop protection is not dropping your phone at all, and Speck's CandyShell Grip case has raised rubber ridges for added grip. You still get great drop protection too, as this case meets military-grade drop-protection standards. The dual-layer protection includes a custom-engineered soft acrylic interior to absorb shock and an exterior polycarbonate shell that disperses impact. A raised bezel around the screen rounds off the protection package and ensures your phone never touches down. All this protection comes in a slim-fitting case that doesn't add bulk to your phone and is available in seven two-tone colors, including our favorite, Wisteria Purple/Mykonos Blue, pictured.

Speck CandyShell Grip Case for iPhone SE (2022)
Speck CandyShell Grip Case
Apple iPhone SE Silicone Case in Midnight on the iPhone SE (2022) showing the rear of the case with Apple logo.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Official Apple Silicone Case

Pros
  • The full Apple experience
  • Slim and pocket-friendly
  • Soft-touch finish
  • Microfiber lining protects phone from scratches
Cons
  • Not the cheapest case around
  • Limited color selection

Apple's famous Silicone Case is designed to complement its iPhone SE with a perfectly snug fit, built to protect your iPhone from scratches and drops. It slides over the volume buttons, side button, and the exterior of your device with no extra bulk. On the outside, a soft-touch finish feels comfortable and natural in the hand. You never have to remove the case for wireless charging. On the inside, a soft microfiber lining protects your iPhone's outer casing. This isn't the most affordable case on our list, but you get what you pay for here, and it only comes in a choice of four fairly muted colors.

iPhone SE Silicone Case
Official Apple Silicone Case
Kate Spade Protective Hardshell Case for iPhone SE (2022) in white and pink floral hollyhocks on a clear case.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Kate Spade New York Protective Hardshell Case

Pros
  • Up to 10 feet of drop protection
  • Antimicrobial coating
  • Three designs available
  • Clear case shows off your phone
Cons
  • Not the most protective option out there

It’s pretty, but it’s tough. The lightweight, easy-grip Kate Spade New York hard-shell case for the iPhone SE features a shock-resistant bumper and a molded design to shield your phone from drops of up to 10 feet. Designed for everyday wear and tear, it’s also 5G compatible, works with wireless charging, and offers an antimicrobial coating to protect against nearly 100% of surface bacteria. It comes in three pattern styles.

Kate Spade New York Protective Hardshell Case for iPhone SE (2022)
Kate Spade New York Protective Hardshell Case
UAG iPhone SE 2022 case from back in black and red.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

UAG Monarch Series Case

Pros
  • Rugged protection
  • Protects against drops up to 20 feet
  • Multi-layer case
Cons
  • Style may not be to all tastes
  • Not the slimmest case

This all-terrain, rugged, protective case features five-layer, 20-foot drop protection alongside a shock-resistant core, proprietary armor frame with top-grain leather (or carbon fiber), a polycarbonate shear plate, metal hardware, and impact-resistant rubber surrounding the screen. It provides a traction grip with oversized tactile buttons and is compatible with wireless charging on most third-party chargers. True, it's not the slimmest case around, and the rugged, futuristic style may not be to all tastes, but you can't argue with the protection on offer.

UAG Monarch Series iPhone SE (2022) Case
UAG Monarch Series Case
Spigen Liquid Crystal case at all angles for the iPhone SE (2022) showing off clear protection.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Spigen Liquid Crystal [2nd Generation] Case

Pros
  • Clear case shows off your phone
  • Slim, minimalistic design
  • Anti-slip grip
Cons
  • Not the best drop protection around

With its thin, minimal design, Spigen’s Liquid Crystal case shows your iPhone SE to its best advantage. It’s constructed with durable, anti-slip TPU to keep your phone lightweight, and it’s easy to install and remove. Reinforced buttons promise quick responsiveness, and it’s covered with a transparent back. If we had to say anything negative, it's that this case doesn't offer the best drop protection around — there are better options available for the butterfingers among us.

Spigen Liquid Crystal [2nd Generation] Case for iPhone SE 2022
Spigen Liquid Crystal [2nd Generation] Case
Smartish Slim Case Gripmunk in black for the iPhone SE (2022) showing the grippy finish of the case.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Smartish Slim Case — Gripmunk

Pros
  • Grippy finish helps prevent drops
  • Corner air pockets protect from impact
  • Slim form doesn't add bulk
Cons
  • There are grippier options available

The Gripmunk offers just the right amount of grip to make it easy to hang on to your phone. Four corner air pockets protect your phone in case it manages to elude your grasp, while raised bezels on the front safely elevate your phone’s screen away from rough surfaces. Beyond that, the case is slim and durable with buttons that feature a satisfying click, and it’s compatible with wireless chargers.

Smartish iPhone SE Slim Case - Gripmunk
Smartish Slim Case — Gripmunk
Zagg Gear4 Wembley Palette for iPhone SE (2022)in red, showing the top and bottom view.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Zagg Gear4 Wembley Palette

Pros
  • Slim, pocket-friendly design
  • Five colors to choose from
  • Reinforced with D30
  • Up to 10 feet of drop protection
Cons
  • Quite expensive

The Wembley Palette’s slim design lets your iPhone SE 3 slip easily into your pocket and looks sleek and stylish in your hand. Made of polycarbonate, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and reinforced with D3O material, it maintains tough outer case protection with a lightweight feel. It’s designed to provide a thin shield to protect against bumps and drops. Add to that 10-foot (3-meter) drop protection, reinforced edges, and wireless charging compatibility. This case comes in five vibrant colors.

Zagg Gear4 Wembley Palette for iPhone SE 2022
Zagg Gear4 Wembley Palette
OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case for iPhone SE (3rd gen) front and back.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case

Pros
  • Rugged protection
  • Silver-based antimicrobial defense
  • Raised edge around screen and camera
Cons
  • One of the most expensive cases on our list

OtterBox’s rugged Defender Series Pro is the iPhone SE case that delivers everyday pro-level protection and antimicrobial defense. It features drop protection with a rugged grip, a built-in screen protector, and a holster that works as a belt clip and a kickstand. Its silver-based antimicrobial technology protects the exterior against common bacteria. The raised edge shields the camera and screen against impact. It’s also Qi wireless charging compatible. It's not cheap, but the protection on offer is worth every penny.

OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case for iPhone SE (3rd gen)
OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case
Incipio Organicore for iPhone SE (2022) in cream, showing the 100% compostable quality of the case from the front and back.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Incipio Organicore

Pros
  • 100% biodegradable
  • 6 feet of drop protection
  • Slim design
Cons
  • Not the most exciting colors

Incipio’s plant-based Organicore case is 100% biodegradable to reduce landfill waste by naturally re-entering the environment. It will take a long time to get to that point, however. The Organicore is durable and drop-tested to 6 feet, while a slim, fitted design provides raised-edge screen protection. It’s also 5G compatible and works with wireless charging. If we had a criticism, it's that the available colors aren't very exciting.

Incipio Organicore for iPhone SE (2022)
Incipio Organicore
Caseology Parallax for iPhone SE Case 2022 front and back in red and black geometric pattern.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Caseology Parallax

Pros
  • Dual-layered bumpers
  • Military-grade protection
  • Six colors to choose from
  • Cool geometric design
Cons
  • Not the most durable option

The Parallax design is a Caseology favorite that features a durable, double bumper and patterned body made from military-grade components. It’s drop-test certified with an ergonomic, tactile design. The slim 3D exterior offers enhanced ergonomics and a secure grip with extra raised bezels for the screen. It’s also compatible with wireless charging and screen protectors.

Caseology Parallax for iPhone SE 2022
Caseology Parallax

Editors' Recommendations

Jackie Dove
Contributor
Jackie is an obsessive, insomniac tech writer and editor in northern California. A wildlife advocate, cat fan, and photo app…
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