The iPhone 13 is more of a refresh than a full redesign of the iPhone 12, but when it comes to an iPhone case, even small design differences can mean the previous generation’s cases won’t fit. The dimensions for the iPhone 13 lineup models are very similar to their iPhone 12 counterparts, but the new models come with notable design changes to the camera bump on back and are slightly thicker overall. That ultimately means you’ll have to get a new case for whatever iPhone 13 model you buy, including the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max.
The iPhone 13 Pro (right) has a considerably larger camera array than the 12 Pro (left).
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Should I get a MagSafe case?
Note that all the new iPhone 13 model’s are equipped with Apple’s MagSafe feature, which offers faster wireless charging with compatible chargers. It also supports optional accessories — including Magsafe wallet, mini wallets and various mounts — that adhere magnetically to the back of your phone. Like the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 has “an array of magnets” (Apple says they’re recycled) embedded around a charging coil that can pull up to 15 watts of power.
However, if you want to use those MagSafe accessories without taking your phone out of its case, you need a phone case that’s equipped with MagSafe. The MagSafe symbol is a circle with a short pipe below it. You can see it on clear cases, but it’s embedded on the inside of the case so if it’s nontransparent, you’ll only see it from the inside.
If you already have a MagSafe accessory — or plan on buying MagSafe accessories in the future — you’ll want to get a MagSafe compatible case; it’s a good option to have. With that in mind, the majority of the cases in this roundup are equipped with MagSafe.
Read more: Best MagSafe and magnetic wireless chargers for Apple iPhone 13
Are MagSafe cases more expensive?
In general, yes — about $10 more. There are some more affordable MagSafe cases that cost around $20, but most cost upwards of $30. We see cases from certain companies that are essentially the same, but one has MagSafe and the other doesn’t. The MagSafe version usually sells for $10 more. It may seem like a little too much to pay for something that doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade, but in time MagSafe compatibility may command less of a “tax.”
How protective of a case should I buy?
I personally like cases that aren’t too thick but offer decent drop protection, with a lip over the edge of the screen (sometimes referred to as a “screen bumper”) and raised corners that help prevent your screen from cracking if your phone should fall face down. A folio case will more fully protect your screen.
The good news is that you don’t have to buy a super protective case like the OtterBox Defender to get good protection. Most cases are reasonably thin and still offer at least 6-foot drop protection. I did include one very thin case on this list for those who prefer minimal protection. Before you go with a case like that, just remember how much your phone costs — but it is better than having no case at all. Make sure you get a sound tempered glass screen protector for your iPhone 13 model to prevent deep scratches and safeguard the screen.
Most of these picks are based on the positive experiences I’ve had with the same brands on the iPhone 12 series (and previous models). I’ll be updating this list of the best iPhone 13 cases with new options as they arrive. I try to include a variety of styles from slimmer to more protective models, as well as ones that offer full-screen protection and nifty features like a built-in kickstand or wallet. Many of these links go straight to the manufacturer’s website for now, but the cases should appear at Amazon and other retailers in the near future.
Read more: Best phone to buy for 2021
Consistently top-notch iPhone case
Speck cases
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Speck has 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 $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. The cases start at $40 in various color options, but 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 $20 on Amazon. I like the ombre version. However, these aren’t equipped with MagSafe.
$41 at Speck
Solid iPhone case under $20
Cyrill cases
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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 MagSafe feature.
$17 at Amazon
Top inexpensive MagSafe case
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Mag
Amazon
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 for $17, 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.
$20 at Amazon
MagSafe case and stand combo
Moft Case, Stand and Wallet Set
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This is a pretty cool option for those looking for a MagSafe case, plus a MagSafe wallet that converts into a stand. Moft is selling the combo in a few different color options in a pre-Black Friday sale for $58. That’s a good deal for a nice case and really good MagSafe wallet/stand accessory that stores up to three credit cards.
$58 at Moft
Best slim OtterBox cases
OtterBox Symmetry Series Plus
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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 MagSafe version for $10 more.
Prices range from $50 to $60. 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 for $10 more.
$50 at Otterbox
Class act
Moshi iPhone cases
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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.
$46 at Walmart
$40 at Adorama
$40 at Amazon
Excellent MagSafe case
LifeProof See MagSafe
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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 ($50), 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 ($80), Fre ($100) and eco-friendly Wake ($40) — 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.
$60 at LifeProof
Under $15 iPhone case pick
Caseology cases
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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 ($15-$17) is on the left and the Skyfall ($14-$15) has a transparent back. The Vault (not pictured( is the cheapest at $13.
$15 at Amazon
Swanky leather cases
Nomad cases
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Nomad’s line of nice Horween leather cases comes to the iPhone 13. Like previous Nomad 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 that’s equipped with MagSafe as well (it’s not a leather case, however, but does look pretty slick).
$40 at Nomad
Top-notch OtterBox MagSafe case
OtterBox Aneu Series
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OtterBox’s Aneu Series cases were among my favorites for the iPhone 12 and the company has redesigned the Aneu for the iPhone 13. 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).
$50 at Otterbox
Premium case for a little less
Raptic cases
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Raptic’s cases come in a variety of styles and cost a little less than competing premium cases from Speck and OtterBox. Both the Raptic Air (left), which I personally like best, is $30. So is the thicker Raptic Shield (middle). The Terrain (right, in blue) is $40, but it’s the only one of these three that is fully made in America and biodegradable.
The Shield and Terrain have 10-foot drop protection, while the Air is rated for 13-foot drop protection.
$30 at Amazon
Teen spirit
Casetify cases
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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: Casetify cases now start at $55.
$65 at Casetify
Best mounting case
Rokform
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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 models are also MagSafe cases, so they cost $10 more than the iPhone 12 models.
Rokform’s 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.
$60 at Rokform
Bookish iPhone case
Twelve South Book Book
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Twelve South has been making folio-style iPhone wallet cases in the shape of vintage books for several years and the design comes to the iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max. The Book Book is actually two cases in one. There’s an inner case with MagSafe that adheres magnetically to the outer cover, which has a magnetic clasp to keep it shut. You can store a few credits and some cash in the outer cover’s interior slots.
The drawback to the Book Book is that while it’s certainly eye-catching and cool in a vintage book way, it’s pretty bulky. The good news is that when you streamline things, you can simply remove the inner case from book cover and have a standard MagSafe case.
$70 at Twelve South
Slim, stylish, protective iPhone case
Gear4 cases
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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.
$50 at Zagg
Travel friend iPhone case with neckstrap
Bitplay Wander case
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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).
$46 at Amazon
Tough and artsy cases
Tech21 cases
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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). Such favorites as the Evo Check return, and the Evo Clear is equipped with MagSafe.
$47 at Amazon
Affordable wallet case
Smartish cases
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Smartish’s affordable, simple, slim cases and wallet cases return for the iPhone 13. The Wallet Slayer 2.0 case (pictured on right) costs $25 and 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. The Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 (two cases pictured in middle) is $20.
Smartish also sells a MagSafe case called the Gripmunk for $20 (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 for $15. It’s actually pretty nice.
$20 at Amazon
Clean look, lanyard-friendly
Catalyst Vibe and Influence
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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 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.
$40 at Amazon
Slim design, good protection
Mous cases (Update: Unavailable)
David Carnoy/CNET
Mous makes several 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.
See at Amazon
Slick leather wallet option
Torro Cases
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UK-based Torro makes some nice leather-clad cases that aren’t too expensive (a leather case typically tends to cost over $50). The Torro Leather Bumper ($38) 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.
$38 at Amazon
Old favorite for iPhone cases
Incipio cases
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Incipio returns with an assortment of cases for the new iPhone 13 models, including the Grip and Grip with Magsafe (pictured left — $50), sturdy Duo ($30) and Duo with MagSafe (pictured right — $40) with 12-foot drop protection and the $40 Organicore, an eco case that’s 100% compostable (it’s now available with a translucent back for the first time). Also, the new Design Series ($35) is worth checking out.
All are available in multiple color options.
$40 at Incipio
One badass iPhone case
Element Black Ops X4
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Element’s Black Ops cases are really expensive but they certainly are unique. The $250 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.
$250 at Amazon
Flashy design
Case-Mate cases
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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 20% discount on your first order.
$50 at Case-Mate
Designer pick
Kate Spade cases
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Incipio picked up the Kate Spade brand, so you’re basically getting a decent Incipio case with fashion sensibility. These are obviously geared toward women, but I did appreciate their eye-catching designs — and there are plenty more to choose from (and some, like the middle pictured, are MagSafe cases).
$50 at Incipio
Best super-thin case
Totallee cases
David Carnoy/CNET
I personally wouldn’t stick this case on my phone because I like to use a case that truly protects it. But if you’re someone who doesn’t like 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.
$39 at Amazon
Affordable luxury
Coach cases (Update: Sold out)
David Carnoy/CNET
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 insanely expensive.
The Leather Folio wallet case ($95) 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 cases for $50, but the leather or fabric models are more true to the brand.
$60 at Incipio
Refined brute
Pelican Protector
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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.
The Case-Mate site offers a 20% discount on your first order.
$40 at Case-Mate
Tough but slimmed down
Griffin Survivor cases
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Griffin’s Survivor cases once shared some similarities with OtterBox’s Defender cases. They were tough but bulky. The new Survivor 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 $50. Those looking for a more affordable option can take a look at the $30 Survivor Strong (pictured right) or the $20 Survivor Clear. Neither of those cases features MagSafe.
$50 at Griffin
Best wood case
KerfCase Plywood case
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KerfCase has been making handmade wooden cases for a while, and its new Plywood 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 $100 magnetic wireless charging stand that’s pretty sweet.
$50 at KerfCase
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