AppleInsider's favorite cases for the iPhone 13

Now that there are more cases for the iPhone 13, AppleInsider takes a look at what's available for your new device, and what features they bring to the table.

In September, Apple took the wraps off its metal and glass-laden iPhone 13 series, and demand took off. A few months later, users are still getting their hands on Apple's latest devices. Though Apple has increased the iPhone's durability throughout the years, many prefer the peace of mind offered by a third-party case.

The cases in our roundup meet a variety of different needs. We've featured cases that are ultra-protective, integrate wallets, have built-in stands, are stylish, and more. For more case options, check out our iPhone 13 Pro case roundup.

Pela

The Pela case

Why we like it:

Pela's cases are known for their eco-friendly nature, shipping in minimalist, fully-recyclable packaging, and the cases themselves are compostable. When you're done with the case, it can be tossed in a compost bin or sent it back to Pela to compost. They come in several fun colors and patterns as well.

Recently Pela introduced a MagSafe insert that can be removed for recycling.

Where to buy

Lifeproof Wake

The Lifeproof Wake case

Why we like it:

The Lifeproof Wake is the most eco-friendly case in Lifeproof's lineup. Made from 85% recycled plastic, the Wake case also has a sleek wave-like pattern going down the back.

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Lifeproof See

Why we like it:

The Lifeproof See is made from 45% recycled plastic, which is a little lower than the Wake and Next cases but has the advantage of working with MagSafe. Lifeproof relies on Apple's official MagSafe puck so that any MagSafe chargers and mounts work perfectly.

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Lifeproof Next

Lifeproof Next

Why we like it:

The Next case from Lifeproof is the company's most protective, as it fully encapsulates all buttons and ports, including the mute toggle. The speaker and microphone are covered with mesh on the bottom to prevent dust ingress.

When putting on the two-part case, you can feel the interior rubberized barriers that make this clear case reliable. It's also made from 50% reclaimed plastics.

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Rifle Paper Co

Rifle Paper Co case

Why we like it:

Rifle Paper Co has a sleek and stylish case for the iPhone 13 that also supports Apple MagSafe. The case is transparent with sleek patterns printed onto the back so that you can see the design, as well as your phone.

It also supports MagSafe, which is always a bonus.

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Nomad Modern Leather

Nomad Modern leather

Why we like it:

Nomad's leather case looks very similar to the last-ten version, but the new model hides a secret feature. The team partnered with Popl to include an NFC chip into the case itself.

This NFC chip can be used as a digital business card. You can share your professional resume, social profiles, dating bio, and more just with a tap.

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Casemate Soap Bubble

Casemate Soap Bubble case

Why we like it:

Casemate is known for its outlandish styles of iPhone cases, and the soap bubble is one of our favorite styles. The clear case has a special coating to create rainbow bands bouncing across the top of the case, just like a real bubble.

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Speck Presidio Perfect Clear

Speck Presidio Perfect Clear

Why we like it:

The Speck Presidio Perfect Clear is one of the best clear cases around. It resists UV yellowing and should last for quite some time. The Presidio Grip has been a long-time favorite, but this clear version allows the color of your phone to come through. Including that Apple logo.

Speck has an antimicrobial coating on the Presidio Perfect Clear, always helpful to fight the fifth that builds upon our phones.

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Pelican Protector (Magnetic)

Pelican Rugged case now supports MagSafe

Why we like it:

The Pelican Protector is a popular case, and with MagSafe, it's even better. The case isn't all that flashy, with only partially-perforated lines running the top and bottom of the back. Micropel is also used to help keep the case clean.

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Grip2U Slim

The Grip2U Slim case

Why we like it:

Grip2U is unique with a swappable silicone grip that runs down the back of your phone. The ladder-looking grip can be removed, and a new color or style can be inserted. Just slip your fingers underneath and use your phone one-handed much more easily.

Otherwise, the case is protective, and the clear version allows you to peep your vivid iPhone that lies beneath.

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Caudate Sheath

The thin Caudabe Sheath case

Why we like it:

If you want an exceptionally thin case with some added grip, Caudabe has your back. The brand targets "minimalist perfect," which accurately describes this case.

The case feels light and flexible on its own. The fit on the iPhone is snug, and it almost feels like your device was dipped in rubber for more grip.

Since it is so thin, it also works with Apple MagSafe.

Where to buy

Raptic Terrain

Raptic Terrain case

Why we like it:

The Terrain case from Raptic — formerly X-Doria — is another eco-friendly case. We love this trend, and we're excited to see more environmentally friendly cases this year than ever before.

The Terrain case is fully compostable but can also break down in common garbage. After a year, the company says it breaks down to 22% compared to the thousands of years it takes typical plastic to break down entirely.

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Raptic Air

Raptic Air case

Why we like it:

Raptic Air is excellent because it is one of only a few cases to incorporate metal into the case's design. The top and bottom of the case have anodized aluminum bands that act as a great pop of color and provide additional drop protection.

The anodized aluminum pieces in our sample case have an eye-catching iridescent fish.

Where to buy

Zagg Gear4 Denali

Gear4 Denali case

Why we like it:

Gear4, a Zagg brand, has some of the best drop resistance in the business. They continue to use D3O in their cases, a material they've licensed to bake into their cases that has supreme durability. The Denali case uses this same material in a sleek, exceptionally protective black design.

Where to buy

and Best Buy too.

Casetify

Casetify case

Why we like it:

The Casetify brand is iconic for its signature white on black word mark wrapped around the camera lens. Once you see it, you'll likely spot them frequently in crowds.

What Casetify is also known for is its personalization. Many case styles can incorporate your initials, names, or message. The entire line is print on demand, and all models have the same excellent reliability.

Casetify also landed many brand deals over time with Disney, Coca-Cola, USPS, Pokemon, etc. If they don't have a style you want right now, keep your eyes peeled for any other limited edition runs they put out.

Where to buy

Rockform Rugged

The Rockform Rugged case

Why we like it:

We've lauded Apple's introduction of MagSafe as a way to not only charge your phone and add accessories but as a convenient mounting solution. In some situations, MagSafe's strength still doesn't cut it.

The latest version of the Rockform Rugged case now supports MagSafe but still works with the company's line of extra-strong mounts. The center of the case can be removed, allowing the case to affix itself to various mounts, such as on your bike.

There's also an additional magnet at the bottom of the case that is larger and stronger than MagSafe's alignment magnet. If you already bought into Rockform's mounting ecosystem, it's a no-brainer to upgrade to its iPhone 13 cases.

Where to buy

Totallee

The frosted Totallee case

Why we like it:

Talk about a thin case. Totallee's cases are as thin as they get and are more akin to a skin than a full-blown case. We're partial to the frosted aesthetic, but the case also comes in grey, blue, and clear.

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Casely Bold

The Casely Bold case

Why we like it:

Casely has so many patterns and styles to choose from that are unlike any other phone cases we've seen. We've got a country-friendly cow print, but they've got everything from mountains to vibrant color blocks. They were also updated this year to support MagSafe. Down the sides are elevated ridges that serve as grips to prevent you from dropping in the first place.

Where to buy

Otterbox OtterPop Symmetry

Tie-dye OtterPop case

Why we like it:

PopSockets are increasingly popular, and Otterbox has gotten on board by integrating one into the back of its most popular case. The Symmetry case is a well-balanced case that users have flocked to, and the PopSockets version keeps all the same features as its namesake. The only difference is the PopSocket depressed into the back.

There are many colors of the case itself, and the PopTop is still swappable for any other design you pick up online or in person. Since the PopSocket is built into the case, it doesn't stick out nearly as much as the adhesive ones do.

Where to buy