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The Best iPhone SE Cases

 & Chandra Steele Senior Features Writer

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If the 4-inch Apple iPhone SE looks familiar, that's because it's actually identical to the iPhone 5s from a design perspective. That means you can wrap it in your old iPhone 5s case—or the iPhone 5 for that matter, since the dimensions and button cutouts are the same. But where's the fun in that? A new phone deserves a new case.

Physically, the iPhone SE measures 4.87 by 2.31 by 0.30 inches (HWD) and weighs 3.99 ounces. It's a great size for one-handed use, but even one-handed phones are susceptible to drops and dings. With that in mind, it's a good idea to invest in some protection. And what better way to do that than with a stylish new case?

Below, you'll find everything from unassuming translucent options that show off the rose gold SE, to hand-carved wood cases that add a more natural element.

(If you've gone big, check out our roundups of cases for iPhone 6 and 6s, 6 Plus and 6s Plus, iPhone 7, and 7 Plus.)

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.

Belkin ShocWave Clear

$19.99
Showing off a new rose gold iPhone SE (while still protecting it) is simple with the Belkin ShocWave Clear case. It features a translucent body and a wraparound frame to protect it from drops.

Case-Mate Karat

$13.99
The Case-Mate Karat's not trying to avoid the spotlight. The gold flecks embedded in the translucent case catch the eye while the impact-resistant material is there for you if you don't catch your phone.

Case-Mate Tortoiseshell

$8.99
Tortoiseshell is an elegant design classic. As is this Case-Mate case, which features the print on a stylish but sturdy dual-layer case.

Casetify Black and White Contrast Marble

$45
The Casetify Black and White Contrast Marble case isn't actually made out of marble, but it's an attractive way to protect your phone nonetheless.

Cygnett Aeroshield

$19.99
The Cygnett Aeroshield case offers a clear polycarbonate hard shell and a polyurethane frame, so you can show off your iPhone SE while keeping it safe from drops and scratches.

Carved Traveler Walnut

$24.00
The Carved Traveler Walnut is a classy handmade case that combines real wood with flexible rubber sides, providing you with protection and an eye-catching design.

Evolutive Labs RhinoShield CrashGuard

$24.99
The RhinoShield CrashGuard is a bumper that punches above its weight, protecting against drops and bumps while still giving you easy access to ports. The best part? It only weighs half an ounce.

Griffin LightRunner

$39.99
No matter where you run, the Griffin LightRunner makes sure you're found. The armband not only holds your SE, it has LED lights to make sure you can be seen, even if it's dark out.

Griffin Beamhaus

$14.99
Tan Horween leather makes for a traditional but still standout Griffin Beamhaus case.

Grovemade Maple

$99
The Grovemade Maple case is made from a single sheet of maple wood, offering a sweet alternative to your phone just going au naturale.

Incipio Wesley Stripes

$8.25
The Incipio Wesley Stripes case has star power with metallic stripes cutting across its tough exterior.

Incipio Wild Rose

$6.53
The Incipio Wild Rose case is a field of floral but don't let its flirty design fool you; the case offers scratch-resistance and drop protection.


Incipio Kicksnap

$9
If you need a really stand-up case for your SE, then look no farther than the Incipio Kicksnap. It has a built-in viewing stand for when you want to kick back and watch your favorite shows.

Luvvitt Clearview

$9.99
You got your iPhone SE in part because you like how it looks. Let it show with the Luvvitt Clearview.


Mophie Juice Pack Air

$30
The 4-inch iPhone SE isn't as power hungry as larger models, but if you want to make it last even longer the Mophie Juice Pack Air adds a 1,700mAh battery for not too much bulk.

Otterbox Commuter Series

$16
The Otterbox Commuter Series offers top-of-the-line protection for the body of your phone, plus a screen protector for the display, all while keeping it more lightweight and portable than other rugged cases. Available in six color combinations.

Pad & Quill Little Pocket Book

$59.95
The stylish Pad & Quill Little Pocket Book case is made of premium leather and features a folding cover with four pockets for cash, cards, and IDs.

Rokform Shield

$35.38
The Rokform Shield case has a durable polycarbonate frame that can stand drops up to six feet, plus a mounting system on the back that allows for easy use while driving.

Skinit Pro

$34.99
Featuring dozens of possible design options and a raised bumper for optimal screen protection, the Skinit Pro case is a great way to put a personal stamp on your iPhone SE.

Skinit Lite Case

$29.99
The Skinit Lite case is a slightly thinner, slightly less expensive take on the company's Pro case, with plenty of unique design options so you can customize your phone exactly as you see fit.

Snugg Leather Case

$14.99
If you don't want to spring for Apple's official model, the Snugg Leather Case has a a soft interior, a built-in kickstand, and internal credit card slots. It's great for travelers.

Speck Candyshell Inked

$22
Available in a variety of bright colors and patterns, some of them out of this world, the durable Speck Candyshell Inked makes your phone pop while also providing plenty of protection against drops and bumps.

Speck Mightyshell

$19.99
Military-grade protection meets colorful design in the Speck Mightyshell case, which is designed to fortify your phone against extreme temperatures, drops, and cracks.

Speck Smartflex Card

$34.95
The Speck Smartflex adds a slot to the back of your iPhone SE that can fit up to three cards or some folded bills, and it's just as protective as Speck's other military-grade cases.

Spigen Liquid Air Armor

$10.99
Keeping your iPhone SE thin and showing off its design is easy with the clear Spigen Liquid Air Armor case.

Spigen Neo Hybrid

$15.99
The Spigen Neo Hybrid Case has a bumpy pattern on the back, with metallic buttons and a polycarbonate bumper for excellent all-around phone protection.

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro

$17.99
The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro isn't the slimmest case, but there's no doubt it's secure. It has a dual-later TPU and polycarbonate build, with port covers and a holster to keep close by at all times.

Tech21 Evo Mesh

$16
Light and thin, with an easy-to-grip mesh back, the Tech21 Evo Mesh case features patented FlexShock material that provides extra drop protection for your iPhone SE.

Twelve South BookBook Case

$49.99
Intended for bibliophiles, the BookBook is an attractive leather flip case that protects your iPhone while giving you a place to keep your identification and bank cards.

Urban Armor Black

$29.95
With a thick outer shell and a soft inner core, this Urban Armor Gear case has your SE covered.

VRS Design Crystal Bumper

$29.99
Want to let your silver iPhone SE shine through? The VRS Design has a sturdy, yet minimalist design, with a sleek silver bumper and a see-through back.

X-Doria Ultra Slim

$24.99
Everything's rosier with the X-Doria Ultra Slim that has a bumper to match your rose gold SE.

Gaiam Sport Armband

$24.99
Don't om alone. The Gaiam Sport Armband lets you keep your calmest yoga music close while you pose.

Deco Fairy Anemone

$8.99
Feminine and floral, this Deco Fairy Anemone case brings spring to every day.

Sonix Bahamas

$19.99
Feel the island breeze even when you're standing on a city street corner with the Sonix Bahamas case.

Kate Spade Confetti Dot

$39.99
Every day is a party with the Kate Spade Confetti Dot case.

Apple Leather

$10
This iPhone SE case is Apple official and also apple red leather.

Skinnydip London Bee Case

$32
Oh, honey, do you need this Skinnydip London Bee Case.

Urban Armor Black

$34.95
With a thick outer shell and a soft inner core, the

VRS Design Crystal Bumper

$29.99
Don't want to cover up your rose gold iPhone SE? The
VRS Design has a sturdy, yet minimalist design, with a translucent rose gold bumper and a see-through back.

X-Doria Engage Folio

$29.99
With a clear polycarbonate back and a flap that holds credit cards and cash, the X-Doria Engage Folio is an excellent way to both protect your phone and keep just what you need on you.

X-Doria Scene

$19.99
The translucent back of the X-Doria Scene lets the natural good looks of your iPhone SE shine through, while a co-molded frame protects against shocks and jolts.

X-Doria Scene Plus Bubbles

$29.99
The X-Doria Screen Plus Bubbles case has a neat-looking 3D pattern on the back that will draw eyeballs, plus a soft rubber bumper and hard shell for protection.

Zagg Vue

$29.99
Take customization of your phone case to the next level with the Zagg Vue, which comes with a toolkit to print out or create a new designs that slip right into the back of the case.

ZeroLemon Ultra Slim Juicer

If you want all the benefits of extra power without adding lots of weight, the capacious ZeroLemon Ultra Slim Juicer lives up to its name by providing a 2,400mAh cell without layering on a bunch of bulk.

About Our Expert

Chandra Steele

Chandra Steele

Senior Features Writer

My Experience

My title is Senior Features Writer, which is a license to write about absolutely anything if I can connect it to technology (I can). I’ve been at PCMag since 2011 and have covered the surveillance state, vaccination cards, ghost guns, voting, ISIS, art, fashion, film, design, gender bias, and more. You might have seen me on TV talking about these topics or heard me on your commute home on the radio or a podcast. Or maybe you’ve just seen my Bernie meme

I strive to explain topics that you might come across in the news but not fully understand, such as NFTs and meme stocks. I’ve had the pleasure of talking tech with Jeff Goldblum, Ang Lee, and other celebrities who have brought a different perspective to it. I put great care into writing gift guides and am always touched by the notes I get from people who’ve used them to choose presents that have been well-received. Though I love that I get to write about the tech industry every day, it’s touched by gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequality and I try to bring these topics to light. 

Outside of PCMag, I write fiction, poetry, humor, and essays on culture.

My Areas of Expertise

  • Making incomprehensible tech news easy to understand
  • Expanding the boundaries of topics covered in the industry
  • Figuring out tips and tricks in apps and on devices and letting you know about them
  • Putting together gift guides for everyone in your life 

The Technology I Use

All that gadgets is gold for me: my iPhone 11 Pro, my fifth-generation iPad that I use only for streaming videos and music, my iPad mini 4 that I like to take with me whenever I carry a bag that can fit it, and my MacBook Pro. Why are they all different shades of gold, though? What’s going on, Apple? 

None of them quite live up to my two past loves: my LG Lotus LX600 phone and my Sony Walkman NW-E005 MP3 player. 

I've never given up wired earbuds so I was ahead of all those trend pieces. I use a Mangotek Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone jack adapter to connect them to my phone. 

I have had so many ebook readers, but I prefer paper to them all. Still, my Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for traveling or when I’m too impatient to wait for a book to be released in paperback.

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