Looking for the best iPhone SE (2020) case? You’re in the right place. The iPhone SE has long been Apple’s most affordable iPhone. It also sports a classic iPhone design that’s similar to the look case brands have been designing their cases for over the years – take a look at the older styles of iPhone and you’ll see what we mean. The 2020 version of the iPhone SE – but crucially not the more recent iPhone SE (2022) – has a slightly different shape that looks similar to the iPhone 8.
Because this style of iPhone used to be the standard, there are a wide range of iPhone SE cases available for you to consider. Although bear in mind that many case manufacturers are now focusing on newer models of the iPhone SE going forwards.
With a lot of choice it can be tricky to figure out which iPhone SE case brand you should go with. Luckily, we’ve narrowed down the options for you and have selected our favorites for this list of the best iPhone SE (2020) cases, which includes different styles and features that we hope will fit a range of preferences and budgets.
The best iPhone SE cases: our top picks
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Official choice
Apple's silicone case for the iPhone SE (2020) is available in white, pink sand, and black only. The durable case is designed to fit snugly over your iPhone's volume buttons, side button, and curves. On the outside, you'll find a silky, soft-touch finish that will hold up over time.
Take no. 2
Another long-time favorite for iPhone users is this Apple Leather Case, which we reviewed back in 2014. Today, the product is still beautifully made using specially tanned and finished European leather. The case is soft to the touch and develops a natural patina over time. Despite this, it never loses its durability.
Sparkles
The Twinkle offers drop protection up to 10 feet, a one-piece platform design, and anti-scratch technology. One iMore reviewer called the Twinkle "pretty, iridescent protection." It's also available in four great colors. Offering refined metallic buttons, the case is just of the many available by Case-Mate.
Heavy-duty protection
UAG calls this case a "feather-light composite" since it comprises a hard outer shell and a softer, more flexible inner core. It disperses the force across the whole phone instead of having it concentrated on the area of impact. It's been drop-tested to meet military standards, and according to this iMore review of UAG, those standards are proven.
Minimalist case
The TORRAS Slim Fit is a thin plastic case that is scratch-resistant and fits your iPhone super snug. It even sports a tiny raised edge around the back camera and flash so you can lay it down on a flat surface and not worry about scratching your lens.
Everything in one place
The vCommute by Vena is one of our favorite wallet cases for iPhone, thanks to its hearty protection and multifunctional card cover. While the cover protects your credit cards and ID when the case is in your pocket, it can also slide down to become a kickstand.
Crystal clear protection
The case provides a solid layer of protection designed to take impact and it won't yellow over time so that it will remain crystal clear. The case has a scratch-resistant coating that ensures that both your phone and case stay looking great, and the cutouts make accessing your ports a breeze. The Presidio also comes in a glittery version that iMore reviewed previously.
Impactful
Available in various color combinations, this case features angled edges that divert energy and protect the screen from surface contact — and it's been tested to military specifications to survive multiple drops.
Two-in-one
This series from Otterbox adds fun and functionality to its Symmetry and Defender series with swappable PopSockets PopGrips. The grip is recessed into the case when not in use, making it pocketable and easy to pop up for pro-level FaceTime sessions. When reviewing the Otter+Pop case, we were impressed with its easy versatility.
Planet safe
The Biodegradable Outback Series is made from 100% recyclable packaging with soy-based-inks. Smooth with an ergonomic design, the case is available in olive, lilac, and black.
Pretty prints
Casetify offers a ton of beautiful patterns that are printed on a clear backplate so your iPhone's true colors can still shine through. It's not just made to be pretty though; this case is also super protective, as described in our review of the Casetify Impact Case.
Swanky protection
There's something so elegant about the genuine walnut backplate on this case from Mous. Because of the tough TPU bumpers, it remains as protective as any other Mous case, a brand that's famous for rugged cases. It comes in several materials, but you can read our review of the walnut model for more info.
How do you find the best iPhone SE case?
When you're looking for the best iPhone SE 2020 case, there are a few things you need to consider. The first one sounds obvious, but do make sure that the case is compatible with your iPhone. There are a few different models of the iPhone SE these days, you'll need to be sure it works with yours.
The second is mostly around looks, which plays into level of protection. If you don't mind a chunkier case, you'll get added protection, like the URBAN ARMOR GEAR UAG option above. Having said that, durability doesn't always mean a big, bulky case. Mous is one of our favorite brands for combining protection and style. Which is why the Mous Limitless 2.0 Case is one of our most recommended options.
If you want a new phone case but you don't have an iPhone SE, we have a huge selection of iPhone cases and iPhone accessories guides for you to read covering the best iPhone models, like our best iPhone 13 cases. Or, if you have the latest iPhone 14 Pro, you'll love our best iPhone 14 Pro cases list.
