What are the best iPhone 13 cases? We love our phones here at Pocket Tactics, so you can be sure that we’ve gone out in search of accessories that can protect your phone no matter how many times you drop it. As such, we have a list full of cases that can meet your various needs, be you after a cardholder, solid protection, great designs, or unbeatable value.
Our favorite iPhone cases for durability generally come from Otterbox, but these can be pretty pricey depending on the level of protection you’re after. If you’re on a bit of a tighter budget you can’t go wrong with the Ulak Transparent case for only a few dollars. If neither of those options sounds good to you, read on for even more expert opinions.
Here are our picks for the best iPhone 13 cases:
Otterbox Symmetry+ Series Case
The best MagSafe iPhone 13 case.
Otterbox Symmetry+ Series Case specifications:
Material |
Synthetic rubber |
MagSafe compatible? |
Yes |
Reasons to buy
- Multiple designs
- MagSafe technology
Reasons to avoid
- No additional perks
- Slightly expensive
If you like magnetized charging, we have to point you in the direction of the Otterbox Symmetry+ Series case, as it’s completely compatible with Apple MagSafe technology, making it the perfect choice for those of you who are ready to leave cables behind. Yes, this perk does come at an increase in cost in comparison to other cases, but it’s incredibly reliable, so there’s that.
Outside of the main magnetic draw, there are plenty of design options for the Otterbox case, from classic clear casing to something a bit jazzier like stardust – that means clear with glitter – or matte blue, green, and black finishes. The only problem with this option is that it’s slightly pricey, even compared to other MagSafe-compatible cases. Still, with a brand like Otterbox, you at least know you’re getting the finest quality product.
Tucch Wallet Case
The best iPhone 13 wallet case.
Tucch Wallet Case specifications:
Material |
Faux leather |
MagSafe compatible? |
No |
Reasons to buy
- Sleek design
- Many color options
- RFID-blocking technology
Reasons to avoid
- Less screen protection
- Lacks durability
The Tucch Wallet Case comes in at less than $30 and is perfect if you want to do away with your purse or wallet, as it can hold your cards. Better still, its RFID-blocking technology can keep them safe, as it’s designed to reduce the signal power of readers.
With countless colors to choose from, you can let your creativity flow and your personality show. The only thing to consider is that the cost of the case, while still reasonable for a wallet case, is still higher than other options due to the fact you can carry your cards in it.
Another thing to take note of is the durability of the Tucch case, as it has the worst durability on this list and doesn’t protect your screen when the case is open, so there’s the added expense of getting yourself a decent screen protector. If you don’t, there’s nothing to stop the screen from smashing or even shattering should you drop it from a height while it’s open. For those who are a tad clumsy, it’s either better to forgo this case or ensure you get a glass screen protector.
ESR Metal Kickstand Case
The best iPhone 13 kickstand case.
ESR Metal Kickstand Case specifications:
Material |
Acrylic |
MagSafe compatible? |
Yes |
Reasons to buy
- Three stand modes
- Good durability
Reasons to avoid
- Feels cheap
- Only two designs
If you want to watch a streaming service or have a hands-off call, the ESR Metal Kickstand might be the case for you. It’s also a fine choice if you enjoy idle mobile games. There are three different stand modes, meaning you can adjust it to best suit you while you watch your shows.
Though the case may feel cheap to the touch, the ESR does offer adequate protection for your phone, and there are many reviews out there stating the durability of this case can rival some of the more expensive cases on the market. With that in mind, you might want to consider it if you’re on a budget.
Otterbox Defender Series Case
The best heavy-duty iPhone 13 case.
Otterbox Defender Series Case specifications:
Material |
Polycarbonate |
MagSafe compatible? |
Yes |
Reasons to buy
- Solid protection
- Multiple color options
Otterbox is your brand for a sturdy case, especially its Defender series. These cases have multi-layer protection, which can withstand up to four times as many drops as the accepted military standard, so you know your phone can survive a fall. There are also raised edges protecting the screen and back cameras to avoid scratching. Yeah, this is the case we recommend to those who are prone to dropping their device.
The Defender case comes with a neat little holster that works as both a belt clip and kickstand for whether you’re on the go or sitting at a desk. If that’s not enough then remember that for the price, Otterbox offers a lifetime warranty to put your mind at ease. Yeah, we can’t say that Otterbox isn’t a solid choice if you’re just after some solid protection.
Apple Silicone Case
The best iPhone 13 silicone case.
Apple Silicone Case specifications:
Material |
Silicone |
MagSafe compatible? |
Yes |
Reasons to buy
- Fun colors
- MagSafe compatible
- Feels nice
Sometimes you just want a simple, nice-feeling case to keep your phone looking fresh and somewhat safe. For this, we recommend a classic Apple silicone case. Beware, of course, this accessory comes with the infamous Apple Tax, meaning that while the product has quality, it costs more than other options on this list.
Available in a few different colors, this silicone case offers a smooth and comfortable exterior, with a microfiber lining to prevent scrapes and scratches while applying it to your phone. It’s also incredibly lightweight, which is great for people who hold their phones for hours on end playing games.
As with most Apple cases, the Silicone Case offers MagSafe charging, with sturdy magnets to snap straight to your device.
Ulak Transparent Case
The best budget iPhone 13 case.
Ulak Transparent Case specifications:
Material |
Polyurethane |
MagSafe compatible? |
No |
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks durability
- No plain design
If you don’t want to break your phone but also don’t want to break the bank, the Ulak Transparent Case is a great option to keep your iPhone safe and secure. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the other options on this list, but it’s drop-proof proven and better still, comes with an option to get a pink or purple glitter design.
The main issue with this device is that it’s a little less durable in the long term than other options, and you might need to replace it after a couple of substantial drops. Still, for less than $10, you can’t complain so long as the thing is doing its job and protecting your phone.
Evangelion Test Type-01 Casetify Case
The best iPhone 13 case for getting in the robot with.
Evangelion Test Type-01 Casetify Case specifications:
Material |
Recycled plastics |
MagSafe compatible? |
Yes |
Reasons to buy
- Eva Unit-01 color scheme
- Reliable brand
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive
- No additional perks
Okay, so we’re having a bit of fun with this one, but if you’re a Neon Genesis Evangelion fan, I think you can agree this thing looks all kinds of cool. With the classic purple and green design copying the colors of the iconic Eva Unit-01, you can have your own piece of Nerv kit in your pocket, without having to worry about the end of the world.
Having used and abused a Casetify case for well over a year, I can personally swear by the brand and that its cases work. Better still, it takes a real whack to dent the thing or chip away at the design, so there’s no concern of losing the charm of this case after a couple of drops. The only real negative here is the price point, with Casetify products tending to cost a little more than other market equivalents due to their official tie-in status with brands like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Street Fighter, and more.
ABITKU Compatible with iPhone 13 Case
The best case with a ring holder.
ABITKU Compatible with iPhone 13 Case specifications:
Material |
Polyurethane |
MagSafe compatible? |
No |
Reasons to buy
- Affordable
- Lessens hand strain
We already have a kickstand case on this list, sure, but this one has a ring. Personally, I find that a ring on the back of a case makes it a lot easier to hold, and you can hook your finger through it, which is a godsend for clumsy people like me who have a reputation for dropping their phones. You can also use it as a stand for your phone on a flat surface, handy if you want to watch something, play a game, or have a hands-off phone call.
The ring itself rotates, so no matter how you hold your phone, you can secure it. This particular case by Abitku also has a wrist strap to ensure that your phone isn’t going anywhere if you accidentally drop it.
This case is available in a few non-intrusive cases and costs less than $20, but offers decent protection thanks to the anti-shock material and raised bezel around the edges and camera. Combine the durability with the ring and strap and you have a solid case at an affordable price point.
Skinnydip Eeveelutions Shock iPhone 13 case
The best Pokémon case
Skinnydip Eeveelutions Shock iPhone 13 case specifications:
Material |
Sustainable plastics |
MagSafe compatible? |
Yes, but only for charging |
Reasons to buy
- Adorable design
- Charm/strap slot
- Reasonably priced
Reasons to avoid
- No anti-yellowing
- Limited protection
Skinnydip London’s Pokémon range is full of beautiful homages to gen 1 Pokémon, but our personal favorite is the Eeveelutions case. This beautiful sticker-style design shows off the full range of Eevee’s evolutions, while still highlighting your phone’s color thanks to its clear base.
It comes equipped with anti-slip, raised edges, shock-resistant corner bumpers, and a slot of a phone charm or strap to relive that mid-00s nostalgia. At $42, it’s reasonably priced compared with other licensed cases, but it’s also not quite as protective and the clear base is prone to yellowing with time.
Custom Junk iPhone Case
The best girlypop iPhone 13 case.
Custom Junk iPhone Case specifications:
If you’re someone who’s more interested in making a fashion statement than needing the highest grade of protection and all the mod-cons, then this Custom Junk iPhone Case from Etsy is our top recommendation. Not only is it super cute, but you can also customize it with your name or initials, and pick a primary color in case pink isn’t for you.
The seller and the case are both rated five stars on Etsy and if you happen to upgrade your phone in the future, there are options for almost every phone available if you want to keep the girlypop good times rolling.
How we choose the best iPhone 13 cases
We consider many things when selecting the best iPhone 13 cases, including cost, as we want to make sure there’s something for all budgets in this list. However, the most important thing to us is that the case is durable; we don’t want you to spend money only for your case to fail you in a matter of months. Worse still, some cases are so bad that a single drop can spell certain doom for your phone, and we want to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Next, we also want to consider the design of the case. For some, a plain case that gets the job done is all you need, and that’s great, but others like to express themselves through their cases, and that’s where brands like Casetify come in. Be you after color, anime-inspired cases, or fun patterns; we’ve got your back. Check out our how we test page if you want to see more details on our testing process.
Will cases for other phones fit my iPhone 13?
Due to the slight dimension differences and camera shapes, you should only use an iPhone 13 case on your iPhone 13. Cases for the iPhone 13 Pro have a much larger camera hole, putting more of your phone’s chassis at risk, and the iPhone 14’s cases are slightly too big, leading to less protection overall.
There you have it, our list of the best iPhone 13 cases. For more accessories for your phone, check out our guides to the best iPhone chargers, the best iPhone power banks, and the best iPhone keyboard.