Don't risk destroying your iPhone 13 with one accidental drop. Here are our picks for the best iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max cases for 2023.
Updated Dec. 21, 2023 12:02 p.m. PT Well Pump Screen
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We generally encourage people to spend the extra money for a MagSafe-enabled case because of the number of MagSafe accessories on the market.
Some people like minimal cases that add little to no bulk to their iPhone, but the majority of people are looking for a case that offers good protection.
Do you want a clear case?
Clear cases are popular because they show off your phone (and its color). But clear cases, especially cheaper ones, can become less clear over time.
The new iPhone 15 series is here, but if you aren't planning to upgrade and you're sticking with your iPhone 13 (or perhaps inherited or picked one up somewhere), it's likely you'll need a case. Every iPhone is prone to damage from a drop, no matter the model, which is why the iPhone case business is still going strong. So what's the best case for your iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max or iPhone 13 Mini?
Well, that's a tough question to answer because there are so many great 13 cases out there, and many of them are now on sale since the iPhone 13 is an older model. That said, we've put our top picks at the top of this list, including models from Speck and Otterbox along with a few value case options. My personal tastes may differ from yours, which is why we've included a wide variety of options for you to peruse (I've been testing iPhone cases since the iPhone 4 so I like to think I have a pretty good idea what makes the best iPhone cases).
Note that starting with the iPhone 12, all new iPhones have a MagSafe feature that lets you magnetically attach various MagSafe-compatible accessories to your phone or MagSafe-enabled case. Several of the iPhone cases we've tested and reviewed in this roundup are MagSafe-enabled.
Read more: Best MagSafe Accessories for iPhone in 2023
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 an 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.
Perforated Basket Centrifuge Working 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.