Roundup: The best cases you can buy for Apple's iPhone SE right now

With the recently-announced Apple iPhone SE now shipping, protective cases marketed as SE-compatible are making their way into the supply chain. But with so many design similarities to the iPhone 5s, will a 5s case fit an SE phone? The answer is yes. So if you have an existing cover, chances are it will work.

Now that customers are getting their hands on the Apple iPhone SE, new accessories are becoming readily available. And even though 5s cases will fit the SE, some may want a brand-new look for their new gadget. Here's a list of the best iPhone SE cases you can buy right now.

Apple

Straight from the source, the iPhone SE Leather Case is designed by Apple for the SE. Available in two colors (Black and Midnight Blue), the dye is actually infused in the European leather. The lining is made of soft microfiber to protect your SE from scratches on the inside as well, making this a luxurious option for iPhone SE users.

Both the Black and Midnight Blue versions sell for $39 at the Apple Store.

X-Doria

Want to protect your iPhone SE, but don't want to deviate from the original color? The X-Doria Bump Gear Plus comes in four shades to match the SE's color palette. Featuring an ultra-slim design that stays true to the SE's original form for a sleek feel, the case is made of anodized aluminum with a soft TPU lining for added protection. There's also access to all ports and buttons.

The X-Doria Bump Gear Plus comes in Silver, Space Gray, Gold and Rose Gold with a price of $24.99 on X-Doria's website.

Case-Mate

The Barely There Case by Case-Mate features an impact-resistant hard shell that covers the back and sides of the iPhone SE with an ultra-slim profile. The SE's screen is also protected due to the case's lay-flat bezel that extends above the display in an effort to save it from scratches.

The Barely There Case for the iPhone SE comes in Clear and Black; both are available for $35 at Case-Mate.com.

If you're looking for a protective cover that stands out in a crowd, the Case-Mate Brilliance Case is a perfect fit. The dual-layer design is made of genuine crystal (for added shimmer) with a faceted metal accent piece that coordinates with Gold and Rose Gold models. The ultra-slim case also has an interior lining for increased impact resistance and shock dispersion.

The Case-Mate Brilliance Case comes in two colors (Rose Gold and Champagne) and sells for $80 on Case-Mate's site.

Made of genuine mahogany and rosewood, the Woods Case from Case-Mate is natural, yet elegant. The plaid pattern created by the dual-wood combination adds a touch of character to a standard wood overlay. There's also an inlaid metallic logo for additional texture and metal accents that allow easy access to ports and buttons.

The Carved Mahogany Woods Case is available at Case-Mate's website for $35.

Griffin

Hard pavement has met its match with the Griffin Survivor Core case. If you're prone to dropping your phone while out and about, the Survivor Core is designed to withstand contact from parking lots, sidewalks, etc. According to Griffin, drop tests were performed from a height of 6 feet with the clear polycarbonate shell protecting the back of the device and TPE rubber edges shielding edges and corners upon impact. This rugged case has open ports, while the Griffin All-Terrain option found below takes protection one step further.

The Survivor Core comes in seven colors and retails for $29.99 on Griffin's site.

Built to protect your phone from dirt, rain and debris, the Survivor All-Terrain case has sealed ports and a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame that Griffin says is the most protective case they've ever built. It meets or exceeds US Department of Defense Standard 810F and comes with a built-in screen protector plus a detachable heavy-duty clip. Due to the case's maximum protective qualities, some colors do not include TouchID compatibility.

The Survivor All-Terrain is available from a variety of third-party sellers starting at $10.49 on Amazon.com or from Griffin directly for $49.99.

OtterBox

For business users, outdoor enthusiasts and SE owners who want strong protection, the OtterBox Defender Series Case provides ample coverage. The sturdy case has gone through extensive testing by OtterBox (24+ tests spanning more than 238 hours) for Certified Drop+ Protection approval. There are three layers: an inner shell, outer slipcover and screen protector. On top of that, port protectors keep dirt and debris out and absorb drops during life's adventures.

The Defender Series Case is available in multiple colors starting at $21.97 on Amazon.com. Or design your own at OtterBox.com and save 10% plus free shipping with exclusive coupon code INSIDER10.

Looking for a less rugged alternative? OtterBox offers sleeker protection in the form of the Symmetry Series Case. It also carries the OtterBox Certified Drop+ Protection badge, but instead of a triple-layer design, it features one piece with a screen bumper that consists of a raised, beveled edge. If you prefer to use a case only when out and about, the Symmetry Series allows for easy removal.

The OtterBox Symmetry Series Case for the iPhone SE starts at $9.99 on Amazon.com or you can pre-order it in a variety of colors at OtterBox.com and save 10% with free shipping using exclusive coupon code INSIDER10.

Speck

Love adding an artistic element to your device? Speck's CandyShell Inked takes fun patterns and incorporates them into the Inked line while still maintaining military-grade protection. The soft acrylic interior minimizes impact, while the polycarbonate exterior features high-res graphics that are scratch and fade-resistant.

CanyShell Inked cases comes in a variety of colors and patterns with a starting price of $25.99 at Amazon.com. For more color options, visit Speck's site directly.

For those seeking a case that can hold a bit more than just your iPhone SE, the CandyShell Card from Speck features military-grade drop protection and a side loading slot that can house up to three cards or folded bills. The dual-layer design meets or exceeds MIL-STD-810G standards and the rubberized covers keep power and volume buttons safe without restricting access. Instead of a standalone screen protector, the case features a raised bezel to ward off damage upon impact.

The CandyShell Card retails for $39.95 on Speck's website.

Pad & Quill

For an elegant take on a cell phone case, Pad & Quill offers the Little Pocket Book for iPhone SE users. Combining two essentials - your phone and wallet - into one easy to carry item makes this case unique. Made of handmade American top grain leather, the Little Pocket Book can be personalized and features a Baltic Birch Wood cradle to hold your SE in place.

The Little Pocket Book for iPhone SE comes in three interior colors and sells for $59.95 at Pad & Quill.

ZAGG

Backed by a limited lifetime guarantee, ZAGG Glass is designed to protect your SE's screen from scratches without sacrificing image quality. The tempered glass has an oil-resistant coating for easy cleaning while still maintaining maximum touch sensitivity. The EZ Apply tabs also help with the installation process.

ZAGG Glass sells for $16.82 at Amazon.com.