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What is the best iPhone 13 case overall?
If it’s not broken, don’t upgrade it, or however the saying goes. Despite being more than a couple of generations old, an iPhone 13 is still a fantastic device, especially if you’re not a heavy user. You can make it last even longer with the right case. The best part? Since the iPhone 13 is an older model, there are lots of great cases to choose from. Whether you are looking at drop protection or scratch resistance, you will find plenty of options to suit your needs. From a good colorful design to a MagSafe-compatible case and everything in between, these are our picks for the best iPhone 13 case.
Read more: 23 Great Tech Gifts Under $100
There are plenty of great iPhone cases on the market, which makes it tough to pick the right one for your specific use. To help you settle on the perfect case for your iPhone 13, we’ve rounded up a list of the best iPhone 13 cases for every budget. Our experts have spent countless hours testing dozens of iPhone 13 cases and picked favorites for all types of phone owners. Whether you’re among those who frequently drop their phone or just want to keep that frame shiny to maintain that trade-up value of your iPhone 13, 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro or 13 Mini, we’ve got a case for you.
One thing to keep in mind is that you’re buying a case specifically for your iPhone model: You can’t count on cases being interchangeable from one generation of iPhone to the next as they may not have the same dimensions or design. Also, each version of the iPhone 13 requires its own particular case. Starting with the iPhone 12, all new iPhones have a new 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.
Best iPhone 13 cases of 2024
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 $25 on Amazon. I like the ombre version. These aren’t equipped with MagSafe support.
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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 costs a little 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 $25 on Amazon. I like the ombre version. These aren’t equipped with MagSafe support.
The Overture (middle), 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 missing feature 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.
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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 — currently unavailable) has 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), 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 missing feature 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.
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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 ($38), a nice polycarbonate MagSafe case that offers good drop protection.
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I wouldn’t stick this case on my phone because I like to use a case that truly protects it. If you’re someone who doesn’t like thick iPhone 13 cases or just wants minimal protection, Totallee makes a very close to paper thin case.
The case retails at $35, 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. It’s also often on sale.
Totallee also makes a very slim clear TPU case (pictured left) that offers a little more protection. I like that one better, but it is slightly thicker.
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 to 50% recycled plastic.
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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, 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, although 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 to 50% recycled plastic.
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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 the 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.
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, but these don’t.
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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 accessories 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, but these don’t.
MagSafe support — or not?
You can save about $8 to $10 by getting a case that doesn’t have MagSafe support (the metal ring built into the case). I generally encourage people to spend the extra money for a MagSafe-enabled case because of the number of MagSafe accessories on the market, some of them quite useful.
Thin or thicker?
Some people like minimal cases that add little to no bulk to their iPhones, but the majority of people are looking for a case that offers good protection — or even maximum protection. I tell people to find a case that’s not too thick and maybe even pretty slim and that offers at least 6-foot drop protection (and good corner protection).
Do you want a clear case?
Clear cases are popular because they show off your phone (and its color). Clear cases, especially cheaper ones, can become less clear over time and slowly start to yellow. Many case makers now add UV protection to their clear cases to prevent yellowing.
All iPhone 13 cases listed above have been reviewed and tested by CNET’s expert review team. The main focus of testing includes design and durability, along with extra features and grip protection.
- Design: We evaluate the overall aesthetics of the case and how it compares to current cases on the market.
- Durability: We look at the case’s ability to withstand high-impact drops. In particular, we look at the protection around the corners and camera.
- Extra Features: We look at any extra features that will make the case stand out from others. This may include wireless charging capabilities, kickstands or built-in phone wallets.
- Grip Protection: We look at what material makes up the case and how easy the case is to grip, therefore making the user less likely to drop their phone.
ESR Classic Kickstand case: The ESR Classic Kickstand case is not your typical clear case with an integrated kickstand. That’s because the kickstand doesn’t flip out the backside of the case at the bottom. Instead, it serves as a protective ring around your camera lenses when it’s retracted and not in use. You can also step up to a newer version of the case with MagSafe support for around $15 more.
Peak Design Everyday cases: Peak Design’s Everyday cases are MagSafe-compatible in that you can connect a MagSafe wireless charging puck and other magnetic MagSafe-compatible accessories to the case, including wireless charging batteries, wallets and more. They have Peak Design’s own built-in magnetic locking system — the company calls it SlimLink — that connects to a wide assortment of Peak Design’s mobile mounts and accessories. That includes bike mounts, charging stands, tripods, car mounts and more.
Lupa Legacy Wallet Case: Lupa Legacy makes a couple of different wallet cases for the iPhone 14 models. It has three slots on the inside of the cover to store credit cards or cash, and it offers decent corner protection from drops. The faux leather looks decent (the case looks a little more expensive than it is, which is a good thing).
Clckr Clear Stand & Grip Case: Although they don’t have MagSafe, Clckr’s cases feature a built-in kickstand and grip strap (it’s available in purple or black) that folds out and clicks into place on the back of your phone. Clckr sells just the stand/strap accessory to stick on the back of your phone (or on a case), but the iPhone case with the integrated kickstand accessory is better. With the stand clicked in place, you can use your device hands-free in either portrait or landscape mode. Note that you can wirelessly charge your phone with this case on, although you have to be more careful about placing it in the right spot on a wireless charging pad for it to work.
Does an iPhone need a case?
The short answer is no, the iPhone doesn’t need a case, and yes, some folks prefer to keep their iPhones uncovered. It is risky, as one drop on the wrong surface (like pavement) could mean a cracked screen or cracked back or dented corner. You can pay for insurance for your phone — it’s fairly pricey — so you can get it replaced or fixed cheaply should something happen to it.
I never get insurance and just buy a decent case instead. Having a case on your phone won’t prevent you from losing it but it does greatly reduce the risk of damaging it.
How protective of a case should I buy?
I 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 iPhone 13 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.
Which is the most protective case?
There are a lot of cases that are very durable and are rated for drop protection for up to 10 or even 14 feet. If I had to pick the most durable case, I’d say the Lifeproof Fre, which is fully waterproof and has a layer of plastic that covers your screen, is certainly near the top. It comes in MagSafe and non-MagSafe versions.
The Otterbox Defender Pro Series case is also protective and comes with a belt holster so you can shield your screen when not using it. Over the years, it’s been a favorite of construction workers.
Should I get a MagSafe case?
All the iPhone 13 models 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.
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 support. 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.
Are MagSafe cases more expensive?
In general, yes — about $10 more. Some more affordable MagSafe cases 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.”
