The best iPhone SE (2016) cases and covers for 2020

If you tend to be a little clumsy, then you understand the importance of a good case for your iPhone SE (2016). Not only can a case save your phone from severe damage, it also personalizes it and lets you add some style with cute designs or eye-catching colors.

Whether you want something with hardcore safety features or simply a case that looks good, there’s an option that will work for you. You don’t even have to spend too much because there are cases available to suit all budgets. Here are some of our favorites available right now.

Elago Flex Case

A flexible case better protects your phone against shock, and this one is made from durable TPU, with a special coating protecting it from fingerprints, dirt, and scratches. All the buttons are covered, but you can access everything without removing the case — including charging your phone. This case is available in indigo blue, orange, or clear.

Spigen Rugged Armor

When you’re looking for rugged protection for your phone, Spigen is a brand you can trust. Their Rugged Armor case is constructed from flexible yet tough single-layered TPU, and its glossy finish and carbon fiber accents add a little luxury to its $12 price tag. There’s additional protection for the screen and camera thanks to the raised bezels, yet this case doesn’t add bulk to the SE’s slim profile.

Exsek Hybrid Impact Bumper Case

A bumper case is a stylish way to protect your phone from drops and bumps, and this one from Exsek is our pick of the bunch. It’s available in six 2-tone color options; our favorite is the crisp burgundy and white option pictured. The slim design features a 0.75mm lip to protect your phone’s screen, while the textured back gives excellent grip. With cutouts for all ports and buttons and snugly fitting covers for the volume controls, this case is a bargain at just $5.

32nd Classic Series Leather Wallet Case

You can’t go wrong with a sleek leather wallet case, and this one ticks all the boxes. Handmade from high-quality genuine leather, this durable case is ultra-thin and features a magnetic closure, with cutouts allowing easy access to all buttons and ports. Inside there are slots for your cards, ID, or notes, and the built-in kickstand feature lets you video chat with friends or watch your favorite Netflix shows hands-free. We love the classic burgundy color, but there are five other colors to choose from too.

ULAK Clear Flexible Case

When you just want to show off your iPhone — after all, why get the rose gold color if you’re going to hide it in a case — a transparent case is the clear winner. This super flexible TPU case has a UV-resistant polycarbonate coating to protect against fingerprints and scratches. It’s slim and lightweight, for the minimalists among us, with precise cutouts for all your phone’s buttons and ports.

Trianium Protak Case

The Protak Case from Trianium offers protection that’s as serious as its sleek gunmetal gray looks. This is the case to go for if you’re intent on protecting your iPhone from drops, bumps, and scratches, thanks to its external removable polycarbonate spine and soft, shock-absorbing rubberized interior. It’s slim and lightweight, so it doesn’t add bulk to your phone, with a raised edge for additional screen protection, covered corners, and precise cutouts for all ports and buttons. With a lifetime warranty, this is one of the best cases around to protect your iPhone SE, and it’s affordable too.

RhinoShield Mod Case

Customizable cases allow you to show off your personality, but they can sometimes skimp on protection. Not so with the RhinoShield Mod, which is super tough and fully customizable, so you can switch between a bumper case and a back case as well as switch out the backplate depending on your mood. We love the Waves of Zeta Ophiuchi backplate, pictured, but there are dozens of options to choose from, including colorful camo, geometric, and space-themed designs.

Mophie Juice Pack

If you want to boost the total battery life of your iPhone SE, Mophie’s Juice Pack is the way to go. With its 1,500mAh battery, you’ll never have to worry about being out of juice again. Just flip the toggle on the case to begin charging your iPhone, and keep an eye on how much power is left using the built-in LED lights on the back. You’ll have access to the headphone jack, charge port, and the camera via cutouts, and the case protects the power and volume buttons with easy-to-press covers. We love the purple color, but it’s also available in a vibrant pink.

Otterbox Commuter Series Case

You can trust OtterBox cases to protect your phone from even the most serious drops and falls, and the Commuter Series is no exception. Available in white, black, or pink, this slim, pocket-friendly case slips easily into your pockets and takes up minimal space in your bag, with a two-layer construction to keep your phone safe. Port covers keep dirt and dust out of your phone’s ports, and this case is backed by a one-year warranty, should something go wrong with it.

Society6 Simple Luxe Palm Leaves Tough Case

If you fancy adding a pop of color to your phone, Society6 has a great range of vibrant case designs to choose from. Our pick of the bunch is this tropical leaf-print flexible plastic case with a separate soft silicone liner to absorb impact. With precise cutouts for buttons and ports, this slim yet tough phone case is currently available at 20% off, so you’d better move fast.

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Case

This affordable case still offers rugged protection from drops and bumps. It’s an angular mix of flexible TPU and hard polycarbonate that comes complete with a holster and belt clip. There are chunky button and port covers and accurate openings, and it extends around the front for complete coverage. It definitely adds bulk, but it offers good protection at this price.

Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet Case

These cases are finished in soft Nubuck leather that comes in a range of different colors with neat stitching to match. You can also opt for a two-tone design that resembles a classic leather-bound notebook. Open the cover and you’ll find three slots for cards and ID, alongside a larger money pocket. The rubbery frame that holds your iPhone SE in place inside this wallet is just a basic shell. This case offers great quality for the price.

Jimmycase Wallet Case

If you like the idea of a handy place to stash cards, but you don’t really want to contend with a flapping cover, then Jimmycase has your back. These clever cases, handmade in Los Angeles, combine a protective silicone bumper with an attractive wooden back panel and a stretchy elastic pocket. You can stash up to six cards and some cash in the pocket, and it comes in a range of different designs and colors.

Tech21 Evo Mesh Case

An eye-catching mesh pattern and a special TPU formula that delivers solid drop protection should be enough to draw the Evo Mesh to your attention. The case also comes outfitted with easy-to-use button covers and openings for your phone’s side switch, camera, and ports. The case is flexible and very easy to grip. It’s also translucent and comes with a white or black tinge. Tech21 is a name you can trust, and your iPhone SE will survive falls of up to 6.6 feet in height if it’s wearing this case.

Moshi iGlaze Armour Case

You’ll love the metallic style of this attractive case. It’s a hard shell that snaps onto your iPhone SE, and it has a soft plastic layer inside to prevent any impact damage from bumps and falls. There’s a little lip on the front of the case to protect your phone’s screen when you lay it facedown. The cutouts are perfect, including the round one on the back that showcases the Apple logo. The matte, metallic frame is only interrupted by soft plastic sections for the ports and the tactile button covers. The back panel is made of brushed aluminum, and there’s a shiny silver ring to highlight the logo cutout. This classy case also comes in one of several colors, including pink and gray.

Carved Traveler Wood Case

Natural wood always looks nice, and Carved offers a wide selection of different woods to choose from, all of which are sustainably harvested. The slim cases are made of flexible polycarbonate shells with a wood panel set into the back. You can go for plain wood grain or choose from one of the many stylish designs, all of which are made in partnership with various artists. The openings for the ports and camera are accurate, and the button covers are minimal. The sides have a nice, grippy texture that helps ensure you don’t drop your iPhone. These cases start at $41 and go as high as $47, depending on what wood and design you choose.

Speck CandyShell Inked Case

If you’re bored by matte colors and dull designs, then the CandyShell Inked is definitely for you. Speck’s solid, military-standard drop protection combines a shock-absorbent layer and a hard outer shell into a single case. Your iPhone SE is safe with this case on. The openings and button covers are just right, and there’s a raised bezel to help protect your smartphone’s display. The real attraction is the range of vibrant patterns and designs, which also happen to be resistant to scratches and fading.

Incipio Isla Design Series Case

You can wrap your iPhone SE in a stylish design and protect it at the same time with Incipio’s Design Series. Incipio puts a lot into making phone cases. The Isla features a metallic arrow pattern that’s available in an array of different colors, with a translucent shell for added visibility. The fit is perfect, and you’ll find easy access to ports and the side switch. There’s also an opening for the camera and subtle button covers for the power and volume keys.

Ringke Fusion Case

You can avoid hiding the design of your iPhone SE with this transparent case. It sports a crystal-clear polycarbonate back panel, combined with a malleable TPU bumper, which takes the sting out of bumps and falls. There are button covers for the volume and power keys, and you’ll find accurate cutouts for the camera, ports, and switch. The basic case is clear, but some models showcase a tinted bumper that’s available in either smoke black or rose gold.

LifeProof FRĒ Series Waterproof Case

LifeProof’s case completely encloses the iPhone SE to protect it from the elements. The case itself is as slim as it can be without compromising any of its features, which includes a waterproof, snowproof, dirtproof, and drop-resistant build. It also has a built-in screen protector and, despite its appearance, leaves every port, camera, and button accessible. You just need to flip off the covers protecting them. Additionally, should something go wrong with the case, it’s backed by a one-year warranty, so you can get a working replacement as soon as possible.

Toru Hidden Wallet Case

Tors’s case offers the same amount of storage as wallet cases, but does so without using the same design. The wallet compartment is found hidden in the back of the case, which can be revealed by flipping the back open. Inside, you can store money and up to three credit cards or IDs, or two cards if you want to use the included mirror. The case adds a bit of bulk to your iPhone SE, but with that bulk comes dual-layer protection, shock absorption, and a kickstand that makes use of the aforementioned flip cover. The edges are also raised to keep the touchscreen from being scratched when placed facedown on a table or the ground. Be careful how far your turn the back cover, however, as anything farther than 120 degrees may cause it to snap off.

Editors' Recommendations

• The best phones in 2023: our 14 favorite smartphones you can buy
• iPhone 15: release date and price predictions, leaks, rumors, and more
• iMessage was down today, but it’s now back to normal
• The best iPhone 14 cases: 20 best ones you can buy in 2023
• iOS 16.5 is bringing two exciting new features to your iPhone