Apple has shifted gears with the iPhone 16E to replace the iPhone SE lineup. However, if you have one of these most affordable Apple iPhones, it is best to protect them with a good case, especially amidst the tariff uncertainties. If you are using a 2022 iPhone SE and it is going strong, you should invest in a good case that won't just prevent scratches and cracks until you're ready to upgrade, but it'll also help maintain your phone's trade-in value, especially when using a screen protector.
Our Picks
Speck makes several cases for the iPhone SE and you can find several on sale at Amazon for around $15. The two cases pictured here are part of the Presidio Grip Series, which comes in a variety of color options (prices vary by color).
Pros
- Good protection against drops
- Wide selection of attractive designs
- Antimicrobial protection
- Speck offers discounts for first-time buyers
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
- MagSafe options are more expensive
My two favorite Otterbox cases are the Commuter Series and Symmetry Series, both of which come in a variety of colors. The dual-layer Commuter Series is a little more protective and has a latch that covers the charging port. Prices vary by color.
Pros
- Slim, beveled edges for additional protection
- Sleek design
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Not MagSafe compatible
Zagg's Gear4 cases for the iPhone SE are similar in quality to Speck and Otterbox cases. The Piccadilly is available in three colors and is selling for less than $10.
Pros
- Great quality for the price
- Beveled edges for additional screen protection
- Special UV scratch resistant coating to delay yellowing
Cons
- Few color options
Spigen's Tough Armor cases have been around for a while and are notable for their circular cutout exposing the Apple logo and their built-in kickstand. They do offer decent protection and hold up fairly well over time, although not quite as well as some Otterbox and Speck cases. The Tough Armor is available in multiple color options.
Pros
- Available in several colors
- Decent drop protection
- Durable, sturdy build
- Built-in kickstand
Cons
- Not as strong and durable as other competitors
Otterbox's Symmetry Series comes in a variety of color options, including a clear version with glitter. As I said, Otterbox's Commuter Series case offers slightly more protection, but you can't go wrong with its Symmetry Series cases.
Pros
- Relatively slim design yet protective
- Wide range of colors and designs
- Durable
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
Urban Armor Gear offers a few different case designs for the iPhone SE in a variety of colors. I personally like the Plasma, but the Armor, Pathfinder and Plyo are also good, with the Plyo having the slimmest design. UAG's cases all feature good corner protection and meet military drop-test standards. Prices vary by style and start at $15.
Pros
- Good selection of styles and colors
- Good corner protection
Cons
- MagSafe options are more expensive
Incipio's NGP case is a simple translucent case that offers decent protection in a slim package. The black version is currently $10 at Amazon. It's listed as being compatible with the iPhone 6 but will fit the iPhone SE, both 2022 and 2020 models.
Pros
- Clear design shows off device
- Textured for additional grip
- Stretch and tear resistant
Cons
- Only OK protection
LifeProof's Wake case is made out of recycled ocean plastic. I wouldn't call it super tough, as it isn't enclosed at the bottom, and it's rated for 6-foot drop protection but it is attractively designed. Available in three color options, price varies by color.
Pros
- Unique, eye-catching designs
- Several color options available
- Made of recycled materials
Cons
- Not as protective as other LifeProof cases
Smartish makes three cases for the SE, the Gripmunk, Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 and Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 (the latter two are wallet cases). I'm slightly more partial to the Slayer Vol. 2, which comes in a couple of color options for the SE. It's a pretty basic case but offers a decent grip and can hold a couple of credit cards along with some cash. You can use your credit card as a kickstand by inserting it into the slot in the back of the case.
Pros
- Several color options
- Decent grip
- Ample storage for cash and/or credit cards
- Kickstand capabilities
Cons
- Slightly bulky for those who prefer a slimmer case
I bought a similar version of this case to use with a Samsung phone. It's a faux-leather wallet case that has a magnetic clasp with room on the inside for three credit cards and some cash. It also converts into a kickstand for watching videos.
Pros
- Several color and design options
- Ample storage for cash and/or credit cards
- Kickstand capabilities
Cons
- Bulky
Griffin's Survivor cases offer 6-foot drop protection with reinforced (and raised) corners that can help your phone avoid damage should it fall facedown.
Pros
- Slim yet protective design
- Beveled edges add additional screen protection
- Affordable option for protective cases
Cons
- Case may yellow over time
Incipio's Organicore case is another eco-friendly case that Incipio says is 100% compostable. The oat-colored version is on sale for $6.
Pros
- Eco-friendly and 100% compostable
- Affordable option
Cons
- Not very protective
The third-gen iPhone SE has an IP67 water resistance rating, which means it can survive being dunked in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. If you want an even more waterproof option, LifeProof's Fre case is the way to go. This once-popular case (before the iPhone got some waterproofing) is still quite expensive but it does offer maximum protection for your phone.
Pros
- Strong waterproof option
- Maximum protection
- Not too bulky
Cons
- Still expensive
Available in a few colors, Raptic's Shield case costs less than an Otterbox case and offers similar toughness with 10-foot drop protection.
Pros
- Color options available
- More affordable than other competitors
- Solid drop protection
Cons
- Less grip than other protective cases on the market
Spigen Slim Armor CS comes in a variety of color options and has a slot that allows you to store a couple of credit cards (or a single credit card and some cash) inside the case. The only downside is that it's not compatible with wireless charging.
Pros
- Variety of color options available
- Ample storage for cash and/or credit cards
Cons
- Not compatible with wireless charging
Finding cases for older models like the iPhone SE has become increasingly difficult. Manufacturers have tons of cases for the iPhone 15 and the newest iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, but the aging SE has fewer options. However, there are still some solid protective cases worth considering. We've done the legwork to find and test the best iPhone SE cases still available today.
What's the best iPhone SE case overall?
Whether you want a minimalist thin case, a classy leather case or a rugged silicone case, we found the best Apple iPhone SE case for every owner, offering great protection and keeping your phone looking like new. We love the Otterbox Symmetry Series for its excellent drop protection and relatively sleek design.
We've included a wide variety of options and emphasized cases that are also of good value. If you're in the market for a so-called value phone like the iPhone SE, chances are you don't want to spend too much on a case. Since some of these cases have been on shelves for a while, you will see some nice discounts on excellent iPhone SE cases. And some are even listed with special features, such as a built-in wallet or kickstand.
I've tried all the cases on this list, and tested many more over years of evaluating phone cases. My choices for the best case focus on features, grip and uncompromising style, so you can get the best all-around protection and find best iPhone SE case to fit your personal needs.
Best iPhone SE Cases of 2025
Pros
- Good protection against drops
- Wide selection of attractive designs
- Antimicrobial protection
- Speck offers discounts for first-time buyers
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
- MagSafe options are more expensive
Speck makes several cases for the iPhone SE and you can find several on sale at Amazon for around $15. The two cases pictured here are part of the Presidio Grip Series, which comes in a variety of color options (prices vary by color).
Pros
- Slim, beveled edges for additional protection
- Sleek design
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Not MagSafe compatible
My two favorite Otterbox cases are the Commuter Series and Symmetry Series, both of which come in a variety of colors. The dual-layer Commuter Series is a little more protective and has a latch that covers the charging port. Prices vary by color.
Pros
- Great quality for the price
- Beveled edges for additional screen protection
- Special UV scratch resistant coating to delay yellowing
Cons
- Few color options
Zagg's Gear4 cases for the iPhone SE are similar in quality to Speck and Otterbox cases. The Piccadilly is available in three colors and is selling for less than $10.
Pros
- Available in several colors
- Decent drop protection
- Durable, sturdy build
- Built-in kickstand
Cons
- Not as strong and durable as other competitors
Spigen's Tough Armor cases have been around for a while and are notable for their circular cutout exposing the Apple logo and their built-in kickstand. They do offer decent protection and hold up fairly well over time, although not quite as well as some Otterbox and Speck cases. The Tough Armor is available in multiple color options.
Pros
- Relatively slim design yet protective
- Wide range of colors and designs
- Durable
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
Otterbox's Symmetry Series comes in a variety of color options, including a clear version with glitter. As I said, Otterbox's Commuter Series case offers slightly more protection, but you can't go wrong with its Symmetry Series cases.
Pros
- Good selection of styles and colors
- Good corner protection
Cons
- MagSafe options are more expensive
Urban Armor Gear offers a few different case designs for the iPhone SE in a variety of colors. I personally like the Plasma, but the Armor, Pathfinder and Plyo are also good, with the Plyo having the slimmest design. UAG's cases all feature good corner protection and meet military drop-test standards. Prices vary by style and start at $15.
Pros
- Clear design shows off device
- Textured for additional grip
- Stretch and tear resistant
Cons
- Only OK protection
Incipio's NGP case is a simple translucent case that offers decent protection in a slim package. The black version is currently $10 at Amazon. It's listed as being compatible with the iPhone 6 but will fit the iPhone SE, both 2022 and 2020 models.
Pros
- Unique, eye-catching designs
- Several color options available
- Made of recycled materials
Cons
- Not as protective as other LifeProof cases
LifeProof's Wake case is made out of recycled ocean plastic. I wouldn't call it super tough, as it isn't enclosed at the bottom, and it's rated for 6-foot drop protection but it is attractively designed. Available in three color options, price varies by color.
Pros
- Several color options
- Decent grip
- Ample storage for cash and/or credit cards
- Kickstand capabilities
Cons
- Slightly bulky for those who prefer a slimmer case
Smartish makes three cases for the SE, the Gripmunk, Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 and Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 (the latter two are wallet cases). I'm slightly more partial to the Slayer Vol. 2, which comes in a couple of color options for the SE. It's a pretty basic case but offers a decent grip and can hold a couple of credit cards along with some cash. You can use your credit card as a kickstand by inserting it into the slot in the back of the case.
Pros
- Several color and design options
- Ample storage for cash and/or credit cards
- Kickstand capabilities
Cons
- Bulky
I bought a similar version of this case to use with a Samsung phone. It's a faux-leather wallet case that has a magnetic clasp with room on the inside for three credit cards and some cash. It also converts into a kickstand for watching videos.
Pros
- Slim yet protective design
- Beveled edges add additional screen protection
- Affordable option for protective cases
Cons
- Case may yellow over time
Griffin's Survivor cases offer 6-foot drop protection with reinforced (and raised) corners that can help your phone avoid damage should it fall facedown.
Pros
- Eco-friendly and 100% compostable
- Affordable option
Cons
- Not very protective
Incipio's Organicore case is another eco-friendly case that Incipio says is 100% compostable. The oat-colored version is on sale for $6.
Pros
- Strong waterproof option
- Maximum protection
- Not too bulky
Cons
- Still expensive
The third-gen iPhone SE has an IP67 water resistance rating, which means it can survive being dunked in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. If you want an even more waterproof option, LifeProof's Fre case is the way to go. This once-popular case (before the iPhone got some waterproofing) is still quite expensive but it does offer maximum protection for your phone.
Pros
- Color options available
- More affordable than other competitors
- Solid drop protection
Cons
- Less grip than other protective cases on the market
Available in a few colors, Raptic's Shield case costs less than an Otterbox case and offers similar toughness with 10-foot drop protection.
Pros
- Variety of color options available
- Ample storage for cash and/or credit cards
Cons
- Not compatible with wireless charging
Spigen Slim Armor CS comes in a variety of color options and has a slot that allows you to store a couple of credit cards (or a single credit card and some cash) inside the case. The only downside is that it's not compatible with wireless charging.
Factors to consider when buying an iPhone SE case
MagSafe Wireless Charging Support -- or not?
Because iPhone SEs do not have MagSafe capabilities, you'll want to decide how important wireless charging is to your daily lifestyle. If you're someone who would find the set-it-and-forget-it style convenient, consider getting a thinner phone case that would allow for the electrical currents to travel through. If you're fine with using the traditional Lightning cable, you'll be able to buy a phone case as thick as you'd like.
Thin or thicker?
Some people like minimal cases that add little to no bulk to their iPhones, but the majority of people are looking for a case that offers good protection -- or even maximum protection. I tell people to find a case that's not too thick and maybe even pretty slim and that offers at least 6-foot drop protection (and good corner protection).
Do you want a clear case?
Clear cases are popular because they show off your phone (and its color). Clear cases, especially cheaper ones, can become less clear over time and slowly start to yellow. Many case makers now add UV protection to their clear cases to prevent yellowing.
How we test iPhone cases
Several of the cases on this list were available for previous models and we added them to the list based on our testing. Typically, we try to use the case on the phone for at least a day and make sure the buttons on the phone work properly with the case on. With some phone cases, we use them for several days or even weeks to see how they wear over time.
- Design: We evaluate the more superficial and cosmetic aspects of cases and consider how aesthetically pleasing they are because people sometimes buy cases solely for their colors and artwork.
- Durability: We look at how durable a case is, paying particular attention to corner and camera protection (raised corners on a case can help your phone survive face-down falls).
- Grip factor: We review the material the case is made of so we can talk about such factors as how grippy the phone feels in your hand and how protective the material is.
- Extra features: Some iPhone cases have extra features such as MagSafe, an integrated kickstand or grips, and, in the case of folio models, slots for storing credit cards and cash.
- Long-term testing: Although we don't do long-term testing for most cases, we do use some of the most popular cases for longer periods to gauge how they wear over time and see how well our phone holds up during accidental drops with the case on it. We don't do formal drop tests.
- Waterproof cases: Only a few fully waterproof cases are available, but If the case is supposed to be fully waterproof, we test it by submerging it in water.
Other iPhone SE cases we've tested
Torras cases: Torras makes several cases with integrated kickstands, but they each have their own style of stand. They include the Lstand which has a retractable kickstand ring around the camera, the Pstand which has a flip-out kickstand on the bottom of the case, and the Ostand which has a retractable ring around the MagSafe ring.
Cyrill Leather Brick:(Update: Out of stock): Spigen's sister brand Cyrill makes a few different cases for the iPhone SE. I like the Leather Brick (it's "vegan" leather, not real leather), but all of Cyrill's cases are well-designed and decent for the money. However, this brand may be a little harder to find at the moment.
Inbeage case (Update: Out of stock): Inbeage cases are made out of plant-based materials and are 100% biodegradable (over 3 years). They're not going to look and feel exactly like your typical silicone or hard plastic case and they are fairly basic. They offer decent drop protection and come in a variety of eye-catching designs. Better yet, they're affordable, costing around $19 and sometimes less (like now where there are some cases on sale 50% off) after you apply an instant coupon. Their one downside is they're not MagSafe-enabled (there's no built-in ring), but if you can live with that and are looking for an eco-friendly case, Inbeage is one of the best ones out there for the money.
Pitaka MagEZ Case 4 (Update: Out of stock): If you're looking for more serious protection from drops, this probably isn't the right case for you, particularly because it's rather expensive (between $60 and $70). If you're looking for a very slim, lightweight case, you should give it some consideration. It does come in a few different designs, some a little more eye-catching than others. All the cases are MagSafe-enabled using Pitaka's MagSafe SlimBoard technology.
Mujjo cases (Update: Out of stock): Mujjo has been making attractive vegetable-tanned leather cases for the iPhone for a while and its cases for the iPhone SE include its standard Leather Case with MagSafe, a Leather Wallet Case with MagSafe and its tougher Shield case with MagSafe.
SwitchEasy Roam M + Strap (Update: Out of stock): I haven't tried SwitchEasy cases for a few generations of iPhones but I got a chance to test a few of its new cases for the iPhone SE that come with a crossbody strap, including the Roam + Strap and Odyssey Ultra M + Strap. Both feature excellent drop protection, but the Odyssey Ultra has even more elevated corner protection. They're both available in a few color options.
