Apple may have ditched the headphone port, but it brought water resistance to its iPhones with the iPhone 7. The increased durability is welcome, but as we mentioned in our iPhone 7 review, Apple’s 2016 handset is a sleek smartphone with an elegant glass design that needs to be protected. There’s always a risk that your iPhone may get damaged, as all it takes is a single slip to end up with a ding, scuff, or crack that will spoil those good looks. That’s why you need to invest in one of the best iPhone 7 cases. Check out a few of our current favorites below.
You may also be interested in some of the best iPhone accessories, our roundup of handy iPhone 7 tips and tricks, and our picks for the best iPad cases. Check out our best iPhone 7 Plus cases if you have the bigger phone.
Speck Presidio Case
Speck revamped its entire range of cases for the iPhone 7 in order to make them slimmer and more protective than ever. The Presidio range features polycarbonate exteriors with Speck’s proprietary impactium material to absorb the shock of any impact. These cases have been drop-tested up to 10 feet, exceeding the usual military drop-test standards. Their matte finish resists scratches, and a raised bezel keeps your phone screen safe. You’ll also find cutouts for the switch, camera, and ports, as well as tactile button covers for the controls. You can choose from two colors: Two-tone purple or pink.
Urban Armor Gear Plasma Case
While we don’t recommend throwing your phone across a room or dropping it onto concrete, it’ll probably be just fine if it’s swaddled in a case from Urban Armor Gear. Known for their rugged protection, the Plasma case is no exception, with its hard outer shell and soft, impact-resistant inner. This case meets military drop-test standards MIL STD 810G 516.6, there’s a raised rubber lip for added screen protection, and there’s easy access to all the phone’s ports and buttons — all in a slim, lightweight yet rugged case that comes in black, gray, green, blue, or clear.
Mous Limitless 2.0 Case
The Limitless 2.0 case packs an Airo-Shock interior to keep your phone safe even when dropped from a great height. Rather than the ruggedness usually associated with such protection, this case is surprisingly stylish and available in a range of finishes including wood, leather, bamboo, shell, or carbon fiber. A raised bezel ensures your phone screen is safe from scratches if you lay it face down, and AutoAlign magnetic technology enables you to magnetically connect a range of Mous accessories, like their slim leather card wallet or vent mount for your car.
Apple Leather Case
First-party cases will always offer the most accurate fit for its devices, and the Apple leather case is no exception. Made with genuine tanned leather from Europe, the case not only smells and feels premium, but produces a timeless patina that you’d come to expect from the aging of leather. The bottom is open, allowing you to easily plug in your lightning cable when needed, yet still keeps the iPhone protected with reinforced corners. The polished finish gives the volume rocker and power button a very satisfying click. Available in signature Apple colors like Saddle Brown and black, there’s an offering for everyone.
Spigen Tough Armor Case
No matter what smartphone you use, a cracked screen and internal damage are the last things you want. To protect your investment, the Spigen Tough Armor case is an affordable and effective option. With Spigen’s Air-Cushion Technology and military-grade certification, the case can withstand drops from up to 4 feet. The dual-layer design made from clear TPU and rubber helps disperse any impact that the phone receives. While bulkier and slightly heavier than the typical case, the Tough Armor has recessed buttons and an overall design that allows you to firmly grip your phone every time.
Noreve Tradition Leather Case
This classy cover for the iPhone 7 is made of high-quality leather. A thin, plastic shell holds your iPhone in place, and it is wrapped in a padded-leather exterior that completely envelopes your phone, protecting it from all angles. The front cover has a magnetic closure, which opens to reveal a couple of handy slots for stowing credit cards. There are also cutouts for your phone’s speaker, camera, buttons, and ports. The case is currently available in a variety of different finishes and colors. It starts at around $52.
Utomic Edge Corner Protectors
The most annoying thing about most iPhone 7 cases is that they cover up Apple’s gorgeous design. Thankfully, Utomic has a minimalist alternative that still provides some protection in the form of corner protectors. These are small, flexible bumpers that are attached using an adhesive that takes 24 hours to properly set. They stick to each corner of your iPhone and extend from front to back to prevent your phone from touching down on flat surfaces. You also get wipes and an installation sleeve, allowing for the perfect fit. They come in an array of colors, too, and provide decent protection against falls of up to 4 feet, provided your phone doesn’t land on an uneven surface. They cost $20.
Smartish Wallet Slayer Card Case
Leave your wallet or purse at home with the Wallet Slayer Case from Smartish. This case combines a number of clever features. The durable plastic shell will fit your iPhone perfectly. You’ll also find tactile button covers, accurate cutouts, and textured strips on the sides for enhanced grip. The back sports a leather-style pocket that can hold a couple of credit cards and some cash. There’s also a smart slot that you can slide a card into, allowing you to prop up your phone in landscape view. It costs $20 to $25 and comes in black, gray, gold, or pink.
OtterBox Symmetry Clear Series Case
The OtterBox Symmetry series has always been known for offering solid protection while keeping your phone appearance stylish. The clear variant enhances the experience by perfecting the balance of a transparent yet rugged case. Made with a dual-material construction, the Symmetry Clear provides great drop protection for your iPhone 7 without hiding the original design. The best part is that OtterBox’s lifetime warranty is included with every product, insuring a replacement no matter when or how it breaks.
Killspencer Snap Case
For a snap-on case with a stylish, durable leather finish and plenty of character, look no further than Killspencer’s Snap Case. The case has a basic, slim shell with generous cutouts for your phone’s camera, ports, and side switch. There are also well-defined button covers and an optional strap for added security, which is good because this case is more about style than protection. It currently only comes in black, but you can add a two-character monogram if you want. The case usually costs $60, though it’s discounted to $40 right now, and the monogram will cost you an extra $50.
Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet
Snakehive’s leather folio cases are an absolute steal. The leather has a fine grain on the outside, which is pleasant to the touch, and a traditional leather finish on the inside for protection and longevity. We love the black and plum color scheme here, but it’s available in other colors, too. Your phone fits perfectly inside, and there’s a very handy magnetic clasp to keep the cover closed. It doubles as a stand for your phone as well. You can pick one up for $35.
Vesel Wood Series Case
There’s no denying that these bumper-style cases from Vesel are very expensive at well over $100, but they’re also beautifully crafted. The combination of aluminum and wood is seriously stylish. You can mix and match gold, rose gold, black, or silver aluminum with oak, walnut, or maple wood to get the exact look you want. The premium packaging also includes a small screwdriver, so you can fit the bumper securely around your phone. The button covers work well and there’s a generous opening for your phone’s Lightning port. The case extends from the front to the back to safeguard your iPhone 7, though you may want to pair it with a screen protector for some additional peace of mind.
Incipio Esquire Wallet Series Case
This wallet case combines style and substance. The black shell is made from impact-resistant TPU, and it’s partially covered in ultra-soft dark gray fabric. Flip the back open, and you’ll find space for two cards. The door can also double as a landscape stand. There are tactile button covers for the volume and power and an opening for the switch. You’ll also find accurate cutouts for the camera, port, and speakers. It’s a good-looking case, but it’s also a practical choice.
Mikol Carrara Marble Case
Marble has been a sign of opulence since antiquity. It is usually found in pillars, statues, and tiles for the wall or floor, but Mikol has expanded that list to iPhone cases. These svelte shell cases are hard plastic with a real marble panel inlaid on the back. It’s cool to the touch and the veining is unique in each case. Mikol has combined fiberglass with the marble to prevent it from shattering if you drop it, but it’s certainly not rugged, so don’t expect much drop protection. It’s a very slim case with generous cutouts for all your iPhone’s features, but it will set you back anywhere from $70 to $100. It’s available in white, black, blue, green, gold, or rose gold.
Nodus Shell Case
Purveyor of the finest Italian leather cases, Nodus is a brand that deserves to be on your radar. The Shell case has a strong polycarbonate core with a microfiber lining on the inside to cushion your iPhone 7. It’s covered in gorgeous full-grain leather. There are subtle button covers for the volume and power controls, and cutouts for everything else. You get a small magnet dock with the case and it can be fixed anywhere you want to be able to attach your phone. Our favorite color is the chestnut brown, but it also comes in black. It’s a minimal case from a protection point of view and it costs a shade over $50, but it’s super-stylish, comfortable to hold, and the magnet dock is handy.
Carved Traveler Case
At Carved, you’ll find a wide range of gorgeous cases that you can’t get anywhere else. There are plain finishes in different types of wood and loads of eye-catching designs to choose from, many of which are the result of partnerships with talented artists. They set the wood inlays into basic, black plastic shells that have accurate cutouts for the camera and ports, as well as thin button covers. There’s also a ridged texture on the sides to enhance grip. Even the interior has a stylish Carved design. If you want something beautiful with a natural feel, then you should check them out.
Dodocase Bookcase Metallics Collection Case
You can’t help but be impressed by the craftsmanship of these San Francisco-made cases. The folio style provides all-around protection, and the cases look like cute, little books. There’s a fabric finish, a leather spine, and an elastic closure to keep them secured. Your iPhone 7 slots into a thin shell, which has generous openings for easy access to controls and ports. There is also a cutout on the back, so you can use the camera. The color options are Copper Satin, Pewter Satin, and Graphite Satin.
Casetify Classic Grip Case
If you want to customize your case and get the perfect blend of color and design, then Casetify is well worth a visit. The Classic Grip case combines a flexible TPU bumper that’s easy to grip with a translucent back panel that features a wide range of different designs. The fit is perfect, the button covers are good, and there’s a raised lip to protect your screen. This iPhone 7 case will also guard against drops from up to 4 feet. The design pictured is called Dark Floral, but there are loads to choose from, or you can design your own. They start at $45.
Griffin Survivor Clear Case
This protective offering showcases Apple’s minimalist design, allowing you to maintain the look and feel of your smartphone. This is one of Griffin’s slimmest cases for the iPhone 7, but it still offers drop protection from up to 4 feet. It’s made of tough polycarbonate and features a flexible TPU frame. The back is scratch-resistant and is available in either a translucent design or one with a subtle tinge of color. The button covers are responsive, and there are accurate openings for your phone’s ports, as well as generous cutouts on the back that ensure you’ll be able to use your phone’s camera and flash without interference.
OtterBox Defender Series Case
Protection is the name of the game for Otterbox, and this is the most protective case it offers, which is why it always makes our list of the best protective iPhone cases. It’s reinforced to safeguard your iPhone 7 from drop damage, and it has a port cover and a screen protector built-in, so there’s no risk of dirt, dust, or scratches. It also comes with a handy belt clip and holster, which can also double as a stand. It’s very bulky, the port may be a little tight for some accessories, and not everyone is going to like the built-in screen protector, but it will keep your iPhone 7 in top condition.
RhinoShield Crash Guard Bumper
This tough bumper offers impressive drop protection, safeguarding your iPhone 7 from falls of up to 11 feet. The bumper extends quite a bit front and back, so the screen and aluminum body should be protected. It also features chunky button covers and generous openings for ports and other features. It’s quite bulky, but it leaves the display and back of the iPhone completely open, which makes it an interesting alternative to a traditional rugged case. You can also pair it with a screen protector. Our pick is the teal version, but it also comes in blue, baby blue, coral pink, gray, mint green, black, or white.
