Best iPhone 7 Cases

Buying guide for Best iPhone 7 cases

Written by Jennifer Blair

Updated December 2021

The iPhone 7 is loaded with plenty of convenient features to make life a little easier, but it also carries a pretty hefty price tag, which means owners want to protect their investment in the device.

That’s why it’s important to find a high-quality iPhone 7 case to keep the phone as safe as possible. There are many cases for the iPhone 7 available, and not all of them are created equal.

For added protection, some iPhone 7 cases have two layers, one made of a soft material like silicone and one made of a hard material like plastic.

Types of iPhone 7 Cases

Rugged/tough

If you’re looking for the ultimate protection for your iPhone 7, a rugged case is your best bet. These cases are designed to provide a better grip on your phone to prevent you from dropping it, as well as cushion the phone in case it does fall. But a tough iPhone 7 case can be bulky, which can mar the phone’s sleek, streamlined look and make it more difficult to get the phone in and out of your pocket.

Bumper

A bumper case is a good option for more moderate protection of your iPhone 7. These cases fit around the outer edge of the phone to provide cushioning to protect the phone if it strikes a hard, flat surface like a table or floor. Bumper cases are lighter and less bulky than rugged cases, but they don’t improve your grip, so the phone could still slip out of your hand if you’re not careful.

Slim/shell

If you want some protection for your iPhone 7 but want to maintain its streamlined appearance, a slim or shell case is a good option. This type of case is extremely thin, but it features a shock-absorbing material that helps cushion the phone if it falls. Slim cases aren’t the most durable option, but they’re inexpensive and available in a wide array of colors and patterns.

iPhone 7 case features to consider

Material

What an iPhone 7 case is made of plays a big role in its durability and the protection it offers. Some options to consider include the following:

• Plastic: This is a common material for iPhone 7 cases, particularly thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate (PC). Plastic is lightweight, inexpensive, and highly durable. It can protect your phone from scratches, cracks, chips, and other minor damage.

• Silicone: This soft, lightweight material absorbs shock well. Silicone provides a good grip and is usually inexpensive, but it can be difficult to clean.

• Carbon fiber: Strands of carbon create a thin, lightweight material that’s stronger than steel, making carbon fiber extremely durable. These cases aren’t available in the range of colors or patterns that you’ll find in other materials.

• Metal: A hard metal case can provide a high level of protection for your iPhone 7. Metal doesn’t crack, chip, or break due to impact, but it can be fairly heavy, doesn’t offer the best grip, is often more expensive than other materials.

Screen protection

As with any smartphone, the screen on the iPhone 7 is the area most prone to damage. Some phone cases offer screen protection that helps keep the screen from cracking if you drop it. Some screen protectors are simply vinyl sheets that stick to the surface of the screen and help hold the glass together if it breaks. Other screen protectors are a hard plastic or tempered glass sheet that attaches to the case with a hinge. You must open the protector to use the touchscreen.

Pockets

If you like to travel light, some iPhone 7 cases have pockets to hold credit cards, money, and identification. That means you can leave the house with just your phone instead of having to take your wallet or purse.

Kickstand

If you regularly watch videos on your iPhone 7, a kickstand can be a very convenient feature to have on a case. It enables you to prop up the phone so you can stream movies or TV shows without having to hold the phone in your hand.

Design

Phone cases offer a unique opportunity to showcase your personal style. iPhone 7 cases are available in a wide array of colors, patterns, and designs, from neutrals like black or gray to bolder shades of pink or yellow. You can find cases that are decorated with rhinestones, glitter, and other embellishments or that feature well-known pop culture designs, such as your favorite cartoon character or sports team logo. There are also transparent iPhone 7 cases that provide protection while showing off the design of the phone itself.

To keep dirt and dust out of your iPhone 7 ports, look for a case that has plugs that covers them.

FAQ

Q. Do I need to clean my iPhone 7 case regularly?
A. Dirt, dust, and other debris can become trapped between the edge of the case and your iPhone 7, which can not only lead to bacteria on the phone’s surface but may also scratch the screen. To prevent any issues, remove the case from your iPhone 7 and clean both the case and the phone at least once a week.

Q. Will an iPhone 7 case fit an iPhone 7 Plus?
A. While the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models are roughly the same sizes, the cases usually aren’t interchangeable. The iPhone 7 is slightly smaller than the iPhone 7 Plus, so a snug-fitting case may not stretch enough to accommodate the difference. The iPhone 7 Plus also has two rear cameras compared to one on the iPhone 7, so its case requires different rear cutouts.