The iPhone 13 might barely beat out last generation’s iPhone 12 for the most durable Apple handset yet, but that doesn’t mean that you should skimp out on a protective case. Read on below to browse our picks for the best iPhone 13 cases and scroll to the end to learn more about how we chose the top cases.
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Price: $64.95 Shop now at OtterBox.com | Shop now Read our review |
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1. Spigen Nitro Force Case
Pros:- Large raised bezel
- Grippy design
- Wireless charge compatible
Cons:- Stiff button covers
- Bulky design
- Limited color options
The Nitro Force Case is a relatively new addition to Spigen’s case selection but it already stands to become a classic because of its grippy design and large raised bezel. This bezel is crucial for protecting the broadsides of your phone. This is especially true because the iPhone 13’s rear camera array protrudes from the back of this phone to a dangerous extent. The air-cushioned corners are also great for dispersing impact. I do wish this case came in more color options but Spigen is the type of company to put performance first and I respect them all the more for it.
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2. OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case
Price: $64.95Pros:- Military grade drop tested
- Antimicrobial coating
- Wireless charge compatible
Cons:- High price tag
- Bulky design
- Limited color options
When it comes to protecting phones, the OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case is a candidate for the G.O.A.T. because of its incredible drop protection. The newest version of this case also has an antimicrobial coating to prevent the growth of bacteria on the surface of your phone. These two features combined with wireless charging support make this phone case an absolute triple threat.
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3. Poetic Revolution Series Case
Pros:- Built-in screen protector
- Military-grade drop tested
- Built-in kickstand
Cons:- Limited color options
- Could be grippier
- Bulky design
If you are looking for an inexpensive yet reliable protective case for the iPhone 13, then the Poetic Revolution Case is a sure bet. Not only is Poetic one of the last case companies to offer built-in screen protectors but their cases also meet military-grade drop test standards. Plus, this case has a built-in kickstand and it still works with wireless charging. If you can look past its plain design, it is an all-around solid pick.
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4. Ringke Fusion-X Case
Pros:- Slim and durable
- Wireless charge compatible
- Large raised bezel
Cons:- Clear plastic discolors easily
- Could be grippier
- Limited drop protection
The Ringke Fusion-X Case is neither too slim nor too bulky, making it a great iPhone 13 case for a student or a commuter. After all, too much case can be dangerous when your phone spends a large chunk of your day in your pants pocket. Ringke solves this problem with a raised bumper frame that protects from face-down drops without adding too much bulk to your iPhone 13. We also recommend this case for the iPhone 13 Pro.
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5. Gear4 Vancouver Snap Case
Price: $59.99Pros:- MagSafe compatible
- Antimicrobial coating
- Grippy design
Cons:- Bezel could be larger
- Limited color options
- Limited drop protection
When I heard that the Gear4 Vancouver Snap Case was specially designed for gaming, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But it’s actually a solid case for basically any use thanks to its subtle balance between protection and portability. It has just enough grip and the right size of raised edges to feel easily portable without leaving your phone too vulnerable to drops and scratches. On top of that, it has an antimicrobial coating and is MagSafe compatible as well. Whether you use your iPhone 13 for gaming or not, it is an all-around solid choice.
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6. ESR Metal Kickstand Case
Pros:- Foldout kickstand
- Slim and durable
- Wireless charge compatible
Cons:- Could be grippier
- Limited drop protection
- Clear plastic discolors easily
The ESR Metal Kickstand Case is a simple clear case that reinforces your phone against drops without visually dominating its sleek and curvy appearance. Its claim to fame is its foldout metal kickstand on the back, which is useful for watching media in either landscape or portrait mode. And while it does not support MagSafe charging it does support normal wireless charging.
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7. Apple Leather MagSafe Case
Pros:- MagSafe compatible
- Slim and durable
- Lots of color options
Cons:- Could be grippier
- High price tag
- Limited drop protection
While Apple’s official accessories like this Leather MagSafe case rarely provide the same price value as third-party cases, they are still worth mentioning for their high-quality construction and MagSafe compatibility. This case works with all Apple MagSafe chargers as well as other accessories like the detachable MagSafe Leather Wallet. It also comes in a variety of colors so you can easily match it to your phone’s stock colorways. It might not be the most protective case we reviewed but it is durable and pocket-friendly. That also makes it a great choice for the iPhone 13 Mini too.
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8. LifeProof Next Series Case
Pros:- MagSafe compatible
- Slim and durable
- Rubber port cover
Cons:- Limited color options
- High price tag
- Clear plastic discolors easily
The LifeProof Next Series Case is a high-quality protective case that shields your iPhone 13 from drops and scratches without adding too much bulk. Its raised bumper frame provides 360-degree protection for your phone while the clear backplate is thin enough to support MagSafe accessories. It also has a rubber port cover, which is always nice to see.
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9. Zizo Bolt Series Case
Pros:- Military-grade drop tested
- Built-in kickstand
- Wireless charge compatible
Cons:- Stiff button covers
- Low quality belt clip
- Ugly design
The Zizo Bolt Series Case may have a contentious visual aesthetic but you certainly can’t argue with its performance. Not only does this phone meet military-grade drop test standards but it also has a grippy design that keeps your phone in your hands and in one piece. It has a built-in kickstand for hands-free media viewing and it works fine with most wireless chargers too. If you can get past its, um, aerodynamic finish then the Zizo Bolt is definitely one of the best iPhone 13 cases around – and one of the best iPhone 13 Pro Max cases too while we’re at it.
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10. Ghostek Covert Clear Case
Pros:- MagSafe compatible
- Military-grade drop tested
- Grippy design
Cons:- Clear plastic discolors easily
- Limited color options
- Shows scratches easily
The Ghostek Covert Clear Case is a great choice for iPhone 13 owners who want to protect their phone from drops and scratches without sacrificing MagSafe accessory compatibility. This case checks both boxes and adds a grippy finish to up the ante even further.
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11. Mous Limitless 4.0 Case
Pros:- Slim and durable
- Large raised bezel
- Wireless charge compatible
Cons:- Stiff button covers
- High price tag
- Could be grippier
The Mous Limitless 4.0 Case is a stylish protective iPhone 13 case that is available in a variety of styles ranging from leather to bamboo, to aramid fiber. My personal favorite choice, though, is the real walnut wood backplate pictured here. This case offers a nice balance of protection and portability, as it uses a raised bezel to protect the phone’s display and rear camera array from drops.
The Limitless 4.0 actually has a notably larger bezel than its predecessor, the Limitless 3.0, which is nice to see. That said, the case still isn’t particularly grippy. It’s still a great case, though, and easily one of the most visually stunning cases at that.
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12. Caseology Parallax Protective Case
Pros:- Slim and durable
- Grippy design
- Large raised bezel
Cons:- Limited color options
- Mushy button covers
- Limited drop protection
The Caseology Parallax is a hybrid-style iPhone 13 case that stands out from the competition with its charming 3D-patterned backplate and overall grippy design. Because of the added grip it provides, this case can afford to be a little slimmer, and therefore a little more pocket-friendly as well. Its bezel is still large enough to protect from drops and slips, though, so the Parallax certainly delivers solid protection too.
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13. Speck Presidio2 Grip Case
Price: $54.95Pros:- MagSafe compatible
- Grippy design
- Microban coating
Cons:- Limited color options
- Bezel could be larger
- Limited drop protection
Fun fact: the Speck Presidio2 Grip Case is the case I currently use right now with my phone. And that should say something considering I’ve tried a lot of phone cases. I like mine because it is grippy and has a Microban antibacterial coating on it to prevent the spread of bacteria. The iPhone 13 version also has MagSafe accessory support, which is always a plus too.
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14. Raptic Shield Series Case
Pros:- Military-grade drop tested
- Lots of color options
- Wireless charge compatible
Cons:- Could be grippier
- Bezel could be larger
- Limited drop protection
The Raptic Shield Series is a sleek yet protective case option that protects your iPhone 13 with a combination of PC, TPU, and anodized aluminum materials. This case meets military-grade drop test standards and has a bumper frame that disperses shock across the surface of your phone rather than through its delicate internal components. It is available in a variety of colors to match the stock designs of the iPhone 13 and it works with wireless charging as well.
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15. Unicorn Beetle Style Case
Pros:- Slim and durable
- Responsive button covers
- Wireless charge compatible
Cons:- Clear plastic discolors easily
- Limited drop protection
- Could be grippier
If you are looking for a case to show off the naked beauty of your iPhone 13 without leaving it vulnerable to scratches and scuffs, then consider a clear cover like the Unicorn Beetle Style. This case is made from a combination of scratch-resistant PC and rubbery TPU to protect from both scratches and drops. The raised bumper edges add some extra protection for the front screen and rear camera array as well. Just keep in mind that these cases can discolor with excessive UV exposure so be aware that you shouldn’t leave your phone out in the sun for days at a time.
Do You Really Need an iPhone 13 Case?
Look, I know what you're thinking. The iPhone 13 is one of Apple's toughest phones, and that means that you might be able to get away with skipping a case. Well here at Heavy, we do not suggest skipping a case for the iPhone 13 or any Apple phone.
Skipping a protective case leaves you more likely to crack your phone screen, and with right-to-repair laws only just now finding footing, you're looking at a fairly expensive fee to have the screen of your iPhone 13 replaced.
This is an expensive setback on any budget and most smartphone users already know this. According to this report from Business Insider, 86% of their survey respondents said that they use a case with their iPhone. With numbers like that, it is clear that most smartphone owners agree that phone cases just make sense.