Like millions of other people, I hit up Apple’s website on Friday morning and pre-ordered an iPhone 13. When you’re dropping that kind of cash on a new phone, you want it to last. And you certainly don’t want to be spending big bucks for repairs if you drop it. Apple’s out of warranty screen repairs for the iPhone 13 series ranges from $229 for the iPhone 13 mini to $329 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max. A good case protects your investment and it can also dress up your iPhone’s look. Apple will be happy to sell you a case with its logo, but there are plenty of great options available from third party accessory makers as well.
I’ll be posting some hands-on reviews of select cases once my iPhone arrives, but in the meantime here are eight great options if you’re looking for a new case now. There are thousands of iPhone cases out there, but these are from some of my favorite brands, companies that have proven over the years that they know what they’re doing.
Nomad Modern Leather Case
Nomad is one of my go-to companies when it comes to Apple accessories and a frequent review subject — most recently its Active Strap Pro waterproof leather band for Apple Watch. You can’t go wrong with Nomad’s Modern Leather Case, with American-made Horween leather, 10-foot drop protection, and MagSafe compatibility. Available in Rustic Brown, Natural, or Black leather, the Nomad Modern Leather Case is priced at $59.95 and available for all four new iPhone 13 models.
Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case
I’ve had several iPhone cases from Mujjo and they always draw admiring glances. Designed in the Netherlands, they feature full-grain vegetable tanned leather with flawless finish and attractive colors. Mujjo’s Full Leather Wallet Case adds a pouch on the back that’s perfectly-sized to slip in several credit cards or ID cards so you can leave your wallet at home. This premium case is available in Tan, Black, or the pictured Monaco Blue leather for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro series, with a $49.90 starting price.
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ByAmy DaniseEditorCasetify Ultra Impact Case
I can’t think of any company off the top of my head that offers the near infinite variety of cases that Casetify does. For each iPhone 13 model, there are multiple case options (depending on the degree of protection you want and whether MagSafe compatibility is a concern). Once you select a case, there’s a virtually endless catalog of design options. This case is the Ultra Impact Case with Moody Jungle artwork and Sheer Pacific Blue color. It starts at $60 (for the iPhone 13 Mini) and offers stylish protection with raised bezels and camera ring, plus shockproof qiTech-enhanced corners.
UAG Plasma Series
I do a lot of hiking, and if I’m venturing into the great outdoors I always pop my iPhone into a UAG case. Urban Armor Gear (UAG) makes cases that draw inspiration from military design. They’re not what you would call a “slim” choice and the style can be hit or miss (I think they’re great but my wife finds them too rugged looking). However, you can’t argue with the protection these offer. They are also easy to pop on and off, something that can’t be said for all cases in this class. Priced at $39.95 the UAG Plasma Series iPhone 13 cases feature impact-resistant bumpers, a translucent honeycomb armored shell, and tactile grip. It meets MIL STD 810G 516.6 military drop standards — that’s good for 16-foot drop protection.
Incipio Organicore
Apple makes a big deal about the use of sustainable materials in the iPhone 13. This includes wood fiber packaging, a logic board that contains 100% certified recycled gold, and energy-efficient charging. You can extend that sustainability to a protective case with the Organicore case from Incipio. This $39.99 case is MagSafe compatible and offers 8-foot drop protection. It’s made with certified 100% compostable plant-based material, plus for every unit sold Incipio will plant a tree (in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects).
Bellroy Mod Phone Case + Wallet
The $89 Bellroy Mod Phone Case + Wallet takes advantage of the iPhone 13’s MagSafe technology. Its a leather iPhone case (available in a choice of six colors), with a matching, slim wallet that snaps onto the back of the iPhone using MagSafe. Both components can be used standalone, and both have been treated with HeiQ V-Block, a Swiss antimicrobial technology.
ZAGG Gear4 Vancouver Snap
Planning to take advantage of the iPhone 13’s enhanced graphics capabilities to do some serious mobile gaming? In that case, ZAGG’s $59.99 Gear4 Vancouver Snap case might be the perfect fit. Enhanced with D30 shock absorbing material, it offers 13-foot drop protection. A textured surface and contoured grip helps to avoid those drops and makes gaming more comfortable. Antimicrobial treatment prevents odor-causing bacteria from becoming an issue. It’s MagSafe compatible. But most important from a gaming perspective, the Vancouver features air vents to help prevent your iPhone 13 from overheating during extended sessions.
Otterbox Otter + Pop Symmetry
Otterbox is one of the most recognized names in protective smartphone cases. PopSockets is the company that made phone grips a thing, a must-have for selfies and streaming video on the go. The Otter + Pop Symmetry series for iPhone 13 combines the popular Otterbox Symmetry case with an integrated PopGrip from PopSockets. It exceeds the drop protection required by military standard MIL-STD-810G 516.6 and is made of 50% recycled plastic. Available in several color combinations the Otter + Pop Symmetry series carries a $59.95 price tag.