Best Cases for iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max

Speck brought many of its iPhone 12 case designs to the iPhone 13, including such popular transparent models as the Presidio Perfect-Clear and Perfect-Clear with Grips, and the Presidio2 Pro (the pink one above). Speck’s grip case with built-in MagSafe cost $5 to $10 more. (I’m partial to MagSafe cases because they give you the option to attach a MagSafe accessory directly to the case, not your phone.)

All the new models have good drop protection (13 to 16 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck’s Microban antimicrobial protection. No matter which model you choose, Speck often gives a discount for first-time buyers.

If you are looking for a more inexpensive Speck case, I did notice its Gemshell translucent cases for iPhone 13 selling for around $24 on Amazon. I like the ombre version. However, these aren’t equipped with MagSafe support.

MagSafe cases can get pretty pricey, but if you’re looking for a inexpensive clear MagSafe case for your new iPhone 13 series phone, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid Mag is a good value at around $20. Spigen also sells a non-Mag version of this case for about $5 less and has several other iPhone 13 case options. I also tried the Spigen Mag Armor case but found that accessories stick better to the Ultra Hybrid Mag.

No drop rating is listed for the case, but Spigen’s transparent cases feel like they offer reasonable protection. If you want a tough case with stronger protection, the Spigen Tough Armor case, which includes a kickstand, is an option, but I personally prefer Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid cases (the Ultra Hybrid S also has an integrated kickstand).

Note that a lot of these cheaper clear cases have a habit of turning yellow and degrading over time (and becoming less translucent), but they’re cheap enough that you probably won’t mind shelling out for a replacement case for your Apple iPhone if that happens.

OtterBox made a name for itself with its super protective Defender series case, but most people want something less bulky these days. The Symmetry series is slim with beveled edges, making it a good mix of sleek and protective. A raised bumper helps act as a screen protector. 

Multiple color options are available, including clear, and I’m a fan of the new Symmetry Plus Clear for MagSafe (pictured in the middle in red). The Symmetry Plus Pop case, pictured on the left, integrates a PopSockets PopGrip and is wireless charging-compatible, which is important. The Symmetry Series Plus case on the right (in pink) is available in various colors and also has a more expensive MagSafe version. OtterBox offers a discount for first-time buyers on its site.

OtterBox’s Commuter case offers raised bezel protection, is also pretty slim and has grips on the back. I’m a fan of that model, which also comes in a version with MagSafe.

This is a pretty cool option for those looking for a MagSafe case, plus a MagSafe wallet that converts into a stand. You can enjoy a nice case and really good MagSafe wallet/stand accessory that stores up to three credit cards. 

OtterBox’s Aneu Series cases were among my favorites for the iPhone 12, and the company has redesigned the Aneu as an iPhone 13 case. It now has an exposed ring on the back to better highlight that it is a MagSafe case (the previous version had MagSafe but it was hidden).

A top MagSafe case, the Aneu is fairly slim yet feels durable and solid. It also has a slight grip to it with raised screen bumpers to help keep your screen from cracking when falling face down. I personally like the case in dark blue (pictured) and red (not pictured).

Nomad’s line of nice Horween leather cases comes to the iPhone 13. Like previous Nomad modern leather case models, they’re designed to develop a “rugged” patina as the oils from your skin interact with them over time. The new Modern Leather Case is available in black, brown and a lighter natural color that I like. They’re rated for 10-foot (3-meter) drop protection and equipped with MagSafe. Meanwhile, the Modern Leather Folio goes for $80.

There’s also a more affordable Sport version for $40 and some of the models are on sale for as low as $18. It’s equipped with MagSafe as well (it’s not a leather case, however, but does look pretty slick).

I’ve always been a fan of Moshi’s iPhone cases and all its top cases are available for all the iPhone 13 models. The Altra (left — $45), available in three color options, is the most distinct-looking and has a geometric rubber finish that makes your phone nice and grippy. It also includes a lanyard (the little loop that the lanyard clips onto can be removed when you’re not using the lanyard).

The Overture (middle — $50), is a two-in-one folio wallet case that converts into a stand for video watching. You fit your iPhone into a slim shell case that then magnetically adheres to the cover, which has slots for storing credit cards and cash. It’s one of the nicer folio cases available. It’s available in black or pink. 

I also like the IGlaze (right — $40), which sort of mimics the glass back of the iPhone while protecting the real glass back. It comes in five colors. The iGlaze XT (not pictured — $30) is a clear case.

One feature that’s missing is MagSafe compatibility. The iGlaze uses Moshi’s SnapTo mounting system (a car and wall mount are sold separately). 

All Moshi cases are eligible for its 10-year Global Warranty program.

Casetify is known for its eye-catching designs on the back of a clear case. They’re relatively slim, sleek-looking cases that offer decent protection and come in a variety of design patterns, with some definite appeal to teenagers. Some of the designs are hit-or-miss, but I liked the samples I got. I should note that prices appear to have gone up: most Casetify cases now start at around $40 to $55. 

Tech21 has a range of iPhone 13 cases, including its ultra-protective Evo Max (left), which is rated for 20-foot drops and has a slide cover to protect the iPhone 13’s back cameras along with a holster you can clip to your belt. Tech21 is also making a few different models in its new Evo Art line (right). The popular Evo Check returns, and the Evo Clear is equipped with MagSafe.

Incipio returns with an assortment of new iPhone 13 cases, including the Grip and Grip with Magsafe (pictured left), sturdy Duo and Duo with MagSafe (pictured right) with 12-foot drop protection, and the Organicore, an eco case that’s 100% compostable that’s now available with a translucent back for the first time. Also, the new Design Series is worth checking out. 

All are available in multiple color options.

Griffin’s Survivor cases once shared some similarities with OtterBox’s Defender cases. They were tough but bulky. The new Survivor iPhone 13 cases are slimmed down but retain a good portion of their tough identity, with some models, like the Survivor Endurance for MagSafe (pictured left), featuring 14-foot drop protection and a raised-edge bezel for both the screen and camera cutout. It also has a nice grip to it.

If you want something even more protective, there’s the All-Terrain Earth case — rated for 20-foot drop protection.

The Endurance for MagSafe comes in three colors for $55. Those looking for a more affordable option can take a look at the Survivor Strong which costs about $30 (pictured right) or the $25 Survivor Clear. Neither of those cases features MagSafe.

These Caseology cases aren’t equipped with MagSafe but they’re nice cases for their modest price. I particularly like the NanoPop (the green case in the middle), which looks and feels like an Apple Silicone case, with a soft-to-the-touch finish, but costs a lot less. It costs $15-$17, depending on the color. 

The Parallax is on the left and the Skyfall has a transparent back. The Vault (not pictured) is the cheapest of the bunch.

Element’s Black Ops iPhone 13 cases are really expensive but they certainly are unique. The Black Ops X4 is available for the iPhone 13, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max and has a retractable kickstand and removable “magazine” for storing credit credits and cash. When you remove the magazine, it exposes the back of your phone so you can wirelessly charge your iPhone with an Apple MagSafe Charger or another small magnetic wireless charging puck. 

Like previous Element Black Ops cases, this one features precision CNC machining MIL-SPEC armored protection. If you can’t afford this Element case, the company makes the more affordable Special Ops case ($50), a nice polycarbonate MagSafe case that offers good drop protection.

I wasn’t a fan of earlier Pelican cases, which were very protective but just a little too bulky (and ugly), but in the last few years (starting with the iPhone 11), the company (which is now owned by Case-Mate) added slimmer designs — including the Protector, which is now a MagSafe case.

Raptic’s iPhone cases come in a variety of styles and cost a little less than competing premium cases from Speck and OtterBox. The Raptic Air (left), which I personally like best, is $30. So is the thicker Raptic Shield (middle). The Terrain is a little more at $40, but it’s the only one of these three that is fully made in America and biodegradable.

British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes cases that are right up there with OtterBox and Speck, all of them lined with the company’s D3O shock-absorbing material and featuring beveled edges to protect your phone. I’ve tried the new Brooklyn Snap (left) and Santa Cruz Snap (right), both of which are MagSafe-equipped and rated for 13-foot drop protection. However, several other case styles are available, most of them with eye-catching designs.

Rokform’s been making tough iPhone cases for years and aside from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with various mounts — including bike and motorcycle mounts — that are sold separately. I personally prefer the Crystal series but the Rugged case is slightly more, well, rugged. The new iPhone 13 cases are also MagSafe, so they cost $10 more than the iPhone 12 models.

Rokform’s iPhone 13 cases have removable magnets and they’re compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. “With the lower magnet still intact, you can still wireless-charge while utilizing magnetic mounting and all of our mounts,” Rokform says.

Case-Mate makes a variety of color cases, some of which have glitter integrated into their translucent designs. I only got a look at the “Cute as a Dumpling” and twinkle ombre cases, but there are plenty of cooler designs and some offer MagSafe options for $10 more.

The Case-Mate site offers a discount on your first order.

Incipio also makes cases under the Coach brand and they manage to live up to the quality you might expect. They aren’t cheap, but they also aren’t outrageously expensive.

The Leather Folio wallet case looks and feels fairly luxurious, and it also comes in a version with Coach’s “signature canvas” (center). The Slim Wrap leather case (left) also looks pretty swank and feels sturdy. You can also get standard polypropylene Coach iPhone 13 cases.

I personally wouldn’t stick this case on my phone because I like to use a case that truly protects it. However, if you’re someone who doesn’t like thick iPhone 13 cases or just wants minimal protection, Totallee makes a case that’s very close to paper thin. 

The case costs $39, which seems like a lot considering how thin it is, but it is eco-friendly (it’s compostable) and does have a raised “lip” around the camera that prevents damage to the camera lens, Totallee says.

Totallee also makes a very slim clear TPU case (pictured left) that offers a little more protection for the same price. I like that one better, but it is slightly thicker.

KerfCase has been making handmade wooden cases for a while, and its new Plywood iPhone 13 case is not only more durable but less expensive, starting at $50 with 6-foot drop protection and a limited lifetime repair warranty. I like it better than other wood cases I’ve tried. It’s also worth noting that Apple’s MagSafe charger will stick to the back of it (it is equipped with MagSafe), and KerfCase sells a matching charging dock for the Apple MagSafe charger along with a magnetic wireless charging stand that’s pretty sweet. 

If you’re looking for a case that comes with a connectable cord and can be worn as a neck strap or as a crossbody strap, the Bitplay Wander is worth checking out. It also comes in clear or a smoke color and Bitplay makes other accessories for it. The Wander offers good drop protection and it’s easy to get the strap on and off the case thanks to the velcro at the end (yes, the strap stays on the case securely). 

I’ve received many case samples and this is currently one of my favorites. OtterBox owns LifeProof and you can certainly see (excuse the pun) the influence on LifeProof’s See MagSafe case, which arguably has a slightly cleaner look and better lines than OtterBox’s Symmetry Series cases. 

This case is also available in a clear version without MagSafe for $10 less, but this case is the better choice if you’re at all interested in MagSafe. It comes in a few different color options (the model shown here is listed as purple/pink but it reads more as burgundy) and is designed to withstand drops up to 6.6 feet.

LifeProof’s other cases — the Next, Fre and eco-friendly Wake — return for the iPhone 13, and while they’re certainly good and also have MagSafe (except for the Wake), I think the See is probably the best of the bunch for everyday use. They all feature the same 6.6-foot drop protection, though the flagship Fre and Next offer better dust- and water-resistance than the See. 

LifeProof, like several other case-makers, has become more green in recent years. The Wave is made with 85% ocean-based recycled plastic, while LifeProof’s other cases are made with 45-50% recycled plastic. 

Cyrill is a sister brand to Spigen and its cases are arguably slightly more stylish, although they cost a few bucks more. We’re linking to the Leather Brick case, pictured here in cream (it’s faux “vegan” leather), but the $17 Silicone case (pictured in teal) and transparent $17 Cecile cases are also good. The Silicone case is basically a knockoff of Apple’s Silicone case without the but it isn’t MagSafe compatibile.

Snakehive’s Metro Leather case kind of has everything you’d want in an iPhone 13 case: An eye-catching look, nice grip and an integrated kickstand. It’s also MagSafe compatible, so you can use it with any MagSafe accessory. It seems pretty protective but I wish the corners were more raised, allowing for better screen protection in the event of a fall. Nevertheless, it’s a nice case that comes in four colors.

Like Lifeproof, Catalyst made a name for itself with waterproof cases, but it now focuses on standard protective case options and has two new models for the iPhone 13: the Vibe (left) and the Influence (right), which has a see-through frosted back. Both iPhone 13 cases have perforations on the corners that allow you to attach various accessories (sold separately), such as lanyards and carabiners. Both have 10-foot drop protection.

Smartish’s affordable, simple, slim cases and wallet cases return for the iPhone 13. The Wallet Slayer 2.0 case (pictured on right) comes in a variety of designs. It holds three credit cards plus cash, and you can use one of your credit cards as a kickstand. 

Smartish also sells a MagSafe case called the Gripmunk (pictured left in purple). It’s one of the most affordable MagSafe cases and is easy to grip, as its name implies. There’s also a simple translucent version of the Gripmunk without MagSafe, and it’s actually pretty nice. 

Mous makes several iPhone 13 cases that have eye-catching designs, all lined with the AiroShock material that the company says delivers excellent protection in a slim design. They do seem durable and all include a lifetime warranty.

Its new MagSafe-enabled Limitless 4.0 cases are compatible with MagSafe accessory and charger options, including Mous’ own MagSafe accessories. 

Earlier Mous cases had a SIM card storage slot on the inside of the smartphone case for international travelers in the habit of swapping SIM cards. However, these don’t. 

UK-based Torro makes some nice leather-clad iPhone 13 cases that aren’t too expensive (a leather case typically tends to cost over $50). The Torro Leather Bumper ($52) is a pretty straightforward bumper case with a leather back while the Wallet Case ($38) is a bit swankier overall, has a magnetic clasp and multiple card slots and converts into a stand for video viewing. It’s one of the better folio wallet cases you’ll find for the money. Both leather case options are available in multiple colors.

Note that the cases pictured here are for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, but the iPhone 13 cases look almost identical.

If you’re looking for a case that does it all then look no further than Folosu’s iPhone 13 case. This leather case includes a wallet on the back of the case with a magnetic clasp to hold up to four cards. On the back of the wallet there is a rotatable finger ring holder meant to help reduce the risk of dropping your phone along with serving as a kickstand for when you want to watch videos. 

The finger ring holder on the back of the case is what makes this case stand out to me. I’ve always found the finger rings to be extremely helpful, especially if you need to take a Zoom call on your phone or want to show others a video. Although the case can be pretty bulky, if you don’t want to carry a wallet around with you then the Folosu case is a pretty good alternative.

The Casely iPhone 13 cases immediately caught my eye with their unique, quirky designs. My favorite design of the bunch is the face art design case that gives your phone some artistic flair. While the cases aren’t super thin, I wouldn’t consider them bulky by any means. Plus they are MagSafe compatible, making wireless charging a breeze. 

Over the past couple of months Wildflower cases have blown up on social media. The cases come in a variety of designs–from bright nature themes to darker cases adorned with skulls. The case itself is plastic but the sides of the case is lined with rubber meant to ease the damage of potential drops. Although the rubber sides makes the case a little thicker, they still can fit easily into a jean pocket or small bag. On average the cases can run between $30-$40.

Overall, Wildflower cases aren’t the most protective cases you could own but they’re decent quality for your money.