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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jackie is an obsessive, insomniac tech writer and editor in northern California. A wildlife advocate, cat fan, and photo app fanatic, her specialties include cross-platform hardware and software, art, design, photography, video, and a wide range of creative and productivity apps and systems. Formerly senior editor at Macworld and creativity editor at The Next Web, Jackie now writes for a variety of consumer tech publications.
Freelance technology journalist and writer living in (somewhat) sunny Scotland. Gamer, tea addict, never without a good book.
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