The best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases of 2024: Expert recommended

Nomad's website says, "we believe that the smartphone is the 21st-century equivalent of the sword: a tool that everyone can wield and change the world with." This makes Nomad cases a sort of sheath -- or at least one with 8 feet of drop protection and a MagSafe back. The Nomad Sport Case is our pick for the best iPhone 16 case overall to help sheath your new phone.

ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner is a big fan of the Nomad brand. He ranks the Nomad Sport Case as the best phone case for the iPhone 15 Pro, praising it for its sleek design and lightweight feel. "I love how light these cases are. Combined with the noticeably lighter iPhone 15 Pro Max, it feels refreshingly light to hold," Hiner says. Due to the similarities of the 15th and 16th generation of iPhones, the Nomad Sport Case will serve the iPhone 16 just as well.

This light case also offers enough drop protection and raised edges to keep the sensitive parts of your phone safe without a rugged or bulky feel. It provides protection with elegance, making it a perfect resting place for the sword -- or new iPhone 16 -- that is now in your hands. The Nomad Sport case is the perfect mix between lightweight and protective. Nomad also uses ethically-sourced material.

Nomad Sport Case features: Comes in four colors | 8 feet of drop protection | MagSafe passthrough

Torras cases have always been a ZDNET favorite: Hiner called the Ostend case for the iPhone 15 "the most versatile and innovative of the bunch." The newest version fit for the iPhone 16 follows in its footsteps. 

These cases are known for their multifunctional uses and simple, convenient design. This version does not have a round kickstand but a 360-degree vertical one that allows you to set your phone up in any position. The case's MagSafe capabilities allow for wireless charging but also include a magnet to prop your phone up on even more surfaces. The latest version of this case also offers 16 feet of drop protection, so you don't need to worry much about your sparkling new device being harmed, without it being too bulky.

Reddit users agree, with one saying, "The overall production and material quality of the cases is excellent. I've bought multiple Torras cases and screen protectors with my own money in the past, and they always deliver superb quality."

Torras Ostand MagSafe Case features: 12 feet military drop protection | MagSafe back | 16ft Military drop protection

Bulky phone cases are annoying, especially if you prefer the Pro version of iPhones. Many protective cases have this problem, making them hard to grasp and stick in your pocket. A Latercase for your iPhone 16 will fix this.

The Latercase brand boasts the case as "the impossibly thin case," and it's not a fib. The case measures up to 0.6mm in thickness and only 11 grams in weight -- very thin. It also has MagSafe capabilities and a textured surface for easy gripping.

Reddit users say they like the case for this reason, with one noting, "I used the Latercase for 2 years, and I really liked the case. It adds more grip and comfort to the phone whilst only adding very minimal bulk."

The case is made from aramid fibers, which is virtually the same as Kevlar, the fabric used in bulletproof vests and aircraft panels. Therefore, the case is durable, scratch-resistant, and protects from everyday wear and tear. If you are looking to find something protective, unique, and thin for your phone, give Latercase a go.

Latercase for iPhone 16 features: MagSafe capabilities | Ultra-thin form factor | Camera protection | Aramid fiber material

Incase makes great laptop cases, and its designs for iPhone are no different. To best summarize this case, Reddit users describe the Incase Icon as "awesome" and "sexy." 

The case retails for $60 and has convenient features for its simple but unique woven design. The Incase Icon has raised edges for screen protection, press-fit buttons, MagSafe capabilities, and 10 feet of drop protection.

The case has two material options, plant-based corn leather (which comes in Pebbled Obsidian, Pebbled Cocoa, and Pebbled Oat Milk) and Woolenex woven blend (which comes in Graphite, Navy, Blush Pink, Cosmic Red, and Asphalt). The multitude of color options means the Incase Icon can fit any vibe. 

Incase is a great place to look if you want a simple but stylish case.

Incase Icon features: 10 ft of drop protection | MagSafe | Raised edges for screen protection | Color options

Leather is always a stylish and sleek choice for a phone case. However, it is not always the best at lasting or, sometimes, gripping your phone. That is why the Nomad Modern Leather case is a standout in this category. Even though leather is not the most sustainable material, Nomad asserts it sources it in sustainable ways.

ZDNET's Hiner places the Nomad Leather case on his list of the best cases for iPhone 15 Pro. He writes, "With Apple's leather cases, it would take weeks or months to absorb hand oils and become softer and easier to grip... With Nomad's leather, you don't have to do that. It's soft and feels great in your hands as soon as you take it out of the box. If leather is still your thing, it's a better leather case than the ones Apple used to sell."

That being said, leather is not everybody's thing. But, if you are in the market for a leather case with a MagSafe back, possibly sustainably sourced material, a camera protection, the Nomad Modern Leather case may be your winner.

Nomad Modern Leather case features: 8 feet drop protection | Sustainably sourced leather | MagSafe and magnetic back