The best PC case isn't just for entertainment. More than just telling people you've got a fancy setup or showing off the epic RGB lighting inside, a great PC case is designed first and foremost to shield your components and shield them from dust, debris, and more. From anything that could harm them. Equally important, it is also responsible for providing excellent ventilation to prevent these components from overheating and keep them in optimal condition. So it's vital to invest wisely in one of the best PC cases, especially if you've just gotten the best graphics card and/or processor. Even a quality SSD or RAM needs a quality case that will not only protect it from failure and the elements, but also help keep it in top condition. Of course, it would be great if this case would also stand the test of time, meaning it has extra space or extra empty bays to accommodate more components in the future. We've rounded up what we consider to be the best PC cases available right now to help you finish building your PC. And, if you're looking for a great deal, use the price comparison tool to find the best price on your favorite case. If you don't want to build your own PC, check out our guide to the best computers. And be sure to complete your setup with one of the best monitors of 2021.
The best PC cases at a glance:
Lian Li Lancool II MeshMeshify-C fractal designNanoxia Deep Silence 4NZXT H200iPhanteks Evolv Shift XR5 fractal design setCorsair Carbide SPEC-04 Series tempered glassAntec cubePhanteks Evolv X
Lian Li Lancool II mesh offers plenty of storage and plenty of flexibility to expand your build (Image credit: Lian Li)
1. Mesh Lian Li Lancool II
A truly versatile PC case
Features Form Factor: Half Round Dimensions: 478mm x 229mm x 494mm (L x W x H) Mobo Compatibility: Micro-ATX, ATX PSU Bracket: Bottom Mount I/O: Power Button, Power Button reset, USB 3.0 USB-A, 1x headphone port Reasons to buy
- Stylish side panels + Excellent cable management
Reasons to Avoid -Can be a bit cumbersome to move The Lian Li Lancool II Mesh is a great way to start our list: not only does it come with three RGB fans, but it also supports nine storage drives. You can turn this case into a real gaming rig or storage beast, with plenty of room for expansion and radiator placement. If you're looking for a case that you can easily scale with your future PC upgrades, this is a great place to start.
The Fractal Design Meshify-C has a unique style. (Image credit: fractal design)
2. Meshify-C fractal design
Best Mid Tower PC Case
Features Form Factor: Half Round Dimensions: 395 x 212 x 440mm (L x W x H; 15,6 x 8,3 x 17,3) Power Supply Support: ATX I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x HD Audio In/Out, Power Button, Reset Button Includes: 2 x Dynamic X2 GP-12 Reasons to Buy
- Newly designed in various ways + Reasonable price
Reasons to Avoid -USB 3.0 cable is too short Front power supply dust filter is difficult to remove It is extremely rare to see a PC case that even vaguely resembles Fractal Design Meshify-C. Since the case front is made entirely of mesh material cut into a variety of polygonal shapes, the Meshify-C has a unique style, without compromising function. With two pre-installed fans, cooling is (forgive us) a breeze, even if the Meshify-C is slowed down by a series of obstacles.
The Nanoxia Deep Silence 4 is as quiet as a mouse. (Image credit: Nanoxia)
3. Nanoxia Deep Silence 4
Best Micro ATX PC Case
Features Form Factor: Small Form Factor Dimensions: 380 x 200 x 480mm (W x H x D; 15 x 7,9 x 18,9 inches) Power Supply Support: ATX I/O: 2 x USB 3.0 , 1 x USB 2.0, HD audio in/out, power button, reset button, dual-channel fan control Includes: 2 x 120mm fans, 2 modular hard drive cages for up to five hard drives Reasons to buy
- Low noise + Integrated dual-zone fan controls
Reasons to avoid
As the name suggests, the Nanoxia Deep Silence 4 is all about being as quiet as a mouse. This quiet case is a well-balanced Micro ATX chassis at an affordable price, without sacrificing space for expansion. That's right, you can fit even the biggest and most powerful graphics cards into the Nanoxia Deep Silence 4. The fact that you never hear it go above 30 decibels is just the icing on the very quiet cake.
The NZXT H510 packs a ton of features and has great cable management options (Image credit: NZXT)
4.NZXT H510
Best Mini-ITX Enclosure
Features Form Factor: Small Form Factor Dimensions: 210 x 349 x 372mm (L x W x H) Mobo Compatibility: Mini-ITX Power Supply Support: ATX I/O: Power Button, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 x audio/mic Reasons to buy
- Excellent cable management + Flexible construction options
Reasons to avoid
Every day the mini-ITX is becoming more and more popular and is nearing the overthrow of the Micro ATX. And it makes sense: why not choose a small computer that can do as much work as a full tower? NZXT's H-series line of cases manages to pack a ton of features along with excellent cable management, making it the perfect choice for anyone who wants a neat PC build that they can show off with pride.
Phanteks Evolv Shift X is flexible to the point that it feels natural when placed under a TV like on a desk. (Image credit: Phanteks)
5. Phanteks Evolv Shift X
Best Home Theater PC Case
Features Form Factor: Small Form Factor Dimensions: 170 x 650 x 274 mm (W x H x D; 6,7 x 26,1 x 10,8 in) Mobo Compatibility: Mini-ITX Power Supply Support: SFX , SFX-L, ATX (160mm max) I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, Power Button, RGB Button Includes: 2 x 140mm Fans, 1 Power Shroud, 1 Pump Mount, 2 SSD Mounts, 1 PCIe x16 riser cable, 1 x 8-pin processor extension cable Reasons to buy
- Plenty of space for robust components + Unique aesthetics
Reasons to avoid
When you first look at the Phanteks Evolv Shift X, it looks more like a soundbar than one of the best PC cases, but it helps it disappear into any living space or home setup studio. It's flexible to the point that it feels natural placed under a television like on a desk, alongside one of the best gaming monitors. It may only be compatible with a Mini-ITX motherboard, but the Phanteks Evolv Shift X offers tons of space for liquid-cooled circuitry and components. If this case is a bit bulky based on your preferences, you can get the smaller Phanteks Evolv Shift for easier management.
The Fractal Design Define R5's metallic and blue LED-illuminated face is simple yet elegant. (Image credit: fractal design)
6. Fractal design Define R5
The best silent case for PC
Features Form Factor: Half Round Dimensions: 232 x 451 x 521 mm (W x H x D; 232 x 451 x 521 inches) Power Supply Support: ATX I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, audio in/out, power button with LED, hard drive activity LED, reset button Includes: 2 Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 140mm fans, Velcro straps Reasons to buy
- User friendly (and beautiful) design + Affordable price
Reasons to avoid
- Certainly not without tools
Fractal Design wins again with the Define R5, another mid-tower case with gorgeous aesthetics. The metallic and blue LED-illuminated face of this case is simple, yet elegant, and is accompanied by sound-absorbing materials throughout its interior. While the removable ModuVent panels and drive trays aren't easily accessible, it's incredibly easy to build a system inside the Fractal Design Define R5, and not as expensive as you'd expect. 'Expect from a PC case with such a pretentious name, Any.
Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-04 tempered glass provides a deceptively large space for future expansions. (Image credit: Corsair)
7. Corsair Carbide SPEC-04 Series tempered glass
Best cheap PC case
Features Form factor: Half round Dimensions: 492 x 201 x 433 mm (L x W x H; 19,4 x 7,9 x 17 inches) Power supply support: ATX I/O: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x headphone port, 1 x microphone port, power button, reset button Includes: 1 x 120mm front LED fan Reasons to buy
- Attractive price + Very aesthetic
Reasons to avoid
If you're looking to save a little money and get one of the best PC cases, look no further than the Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-04 tempered glass. Not only does it have plenty of room for airflow, but it also has a deceptive amount of room for future expansions, which means that even at this low price, you won't have to worry about installing a full-size graphics card. And after construction is complete, the tempered glass side panel lets you show off your work.
The Antec Cube is hands down the best PC case for Razer fans. (Image credit: Antec)
8. Antec Cube
Best Cube PC Case
Features Form Factor: Small Form Factor Dimensions: 365 x 250 x 460mm (H x W x D; 14,4 x 9,8 x 18,1 inches) Power Supply Support: ATX I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, I/O Button, Audio In/Out Includes: 1 x 120mm Rear Exhaust Fan Mount Reasons to Buy
- Large space for power and cooling + Integrated fan controller
Reasons to Avoid -Very expensive-Less than satisfactory performance The Antec Cube is hands down the best PC case for Razer fans. While Razer hasn't made its own desktop PC (not yet, anyway), it can make a Mini-ITX gaming PC, pretending it's a faster product. You see, Antec has teamed up with Razer to bring their signature green infusion to the Cube, a small form factor chassis. With a surprisingly large amount of space for future expansion, the Antec Cube is also compact enough to travel with.
The Phanteks Evolv X compresses compatibility with two systems into one intermediate tower. (Image credit: Phantex)
9. Phanteks Evolv X
Best Dual System PC Case
Features Form Factor: Half Round Dimensions: 240 x 520 x 510 mm (W x H x D; 9,45 x 20,5 x 20,1 inches) Power Supply Support: E-ATX I/O: 1 x Thunderbolt 3, 1 x microphone, 1 x earphone, 1 x reset button, RGB mode button, RGB color button Includes: 3 x Premium 140mm fans Reasons to buy
- Attractive + Lots of space
Reasons To Avoid -Dear Who said dual system builds have to be in a massive full tower enclosure? The Phanteks...