The Best iPhone 13 Cases and Accessories 

I've tested a lot of cases over the years, and every now and then a new one comes across my desk that just feels great. Caudabe's Sheath takes that badge. The flexible polymer case has a micro-etched matte texture that almost feels like canvas; it's grippy and very thin. The buttons are all easy to press, and there's MagSafe embedded inside. However, in the first model I tested, there was a very small bump on the center-right side of the case. Caudabe says it was a defect, and the following three cases I tried have been blemish-free. Just keep an eye on this if you snag it.

It's cheap and slim, has MagSafe, and isn't awful to look at (if a little nondescript). If you want to pay as little as possible for a case, Spigen's your best bet. The buttons are responsive, all four edges are covered, and it's very easy to access the mute switch. The front edges around the screen are raised too, but only a little. 

These are a handful of cases we like that are made out of recycled or plant-based materials and keep the environment top of mind. 

Pivet Zero+ With MagSafe for $35: This MagSafe case from Pivet comes with a lanyard so you can dangle your phone from your wrist. The buttons are very clicky, and there's good protection around the edges, but the edges around the screen are barely raised, so there's a good chance your screen might get scuffed up when it hits the ground. The case is made from 100 percent recycled plastics (and is recyclable), and Pivet's Self-Cycle tech means it will degrade in landfill environments significantly faster than traditional plastics (though it may still take some time). For every Ocean Blue case sold, Pivet donates a portion of its proceeds to The Ocean Agency to help it promote ocean conservation as a part of the United Nations Ocean Decade project.  

Nimble Spotlight Case for $25: This is one of the most attractive eco-friendly cases I've ever used. It's made from 72 percent recycled plastic from various sources (thermoplastic urethane, silicone, and old plastic phone cases), which is reflected in its geometric design. The speckled part is very grippy and keeps the phone from vibrating off a desk. The packaging has zero plastic, and Nimble provides a free shipping label in the box so you can send in any plastic case you have lying around to be recycled. You'll get 15 percent off your next purchase if you do. Sadly, there's no MagSafe support.

OtterBox Core Series Case With MagSafe for $50: I like the rubbery and speckled feel of this slightly see-through case. There's MagSafe support, the buttons are responsive, and it looks great, though the edges aren't raised much. Despite the texture, it's quite slippery. The good news is that it's made of 50 percent recycled materials.

If you want the prettiest, cutest, or most unusual case, look no further than Sonix. The sheer number of styles it offers for its MagSafe cases is mind-boggling—there's even a glow-in-the-dark model! The buttons are great, and you get a raised bumper on the front edges. Sonix says some of these cases are biodegradable and made with eco-friendly thermoplastic elastomer materials, allowing them to break down over three to five years. If you have an old Sonix case, you can use the company's ReSonix program and donate your case to a nonprofit like Goodwill to get 30 percent off your next case purchase. The packaging is made with recycled paper.

★ Other Pretty Cases: Casetify matches Sonix in the variety of designs you can find. Seriously, the options are endless. I prefer its MagSafe Impact cases ($75), which have a really nice speckled design around the edges. It's just a shame they're so expensive. These cases are made of 65 percent recycled and plant-based materials.

Most wallet cases can barely fit more than two cards. The Twelve South BookBook breaks the mold—it's pretty much my perfect wallet case. It's two separate pieces. There's the MagSafe full-grain leather case with a rigid and slightly raised bumper around the edges (plus clicky buttons), and this snaps onto the folio wallet. The connection is strong, and on the left side of the wallet, there's a transparent slot for your ID and three regular slots that can fit around three to four cards. There's a pouch to hold cash, but it's long enough to also hold my vaccination card (I checked!). You can prop up your phone with the folio wallet in landscape mode, and when you need to recharge your phone wirelessly—or don't need the wallet—just pull the phone off. It's amazingly convenient. Oh, and did I mention it looks like a book?!

Totallee has made a name for itself as the go-to option for anyone who hates cases but wants some kind of protection. Its cases are so thin you can't seriously expect them to protect your iPhone from a drop, but they'll take care of everyday scratches and scuffs. The company sells three versions: an ultra-thin plastic case, a soft-touch case, and a soft-touch MagSafe case. The plastic case is thin enough that accessories will still magnetically stick, and it even comes in green to match the new colors for the iPhone 13 range. 

But if you want some protection, go with the clear Hybrid MagSafe case. The rigid black bumper protects the phone's frame, the edges around the screen and camera module are raised, and the buttons aren't mushy to press. It does all that while remaining pretty thin.  

Apple says its iPhones are protected by its strongest glass ever, dubbed Ceramic Shield. Yay! But … glass is still glass. A big or small fall is enough to crack it, and I've already noticed a few scratches. These WIRED-tested screen protectors were the easiest to apply. 

Smartish Tuff Sheet 2-Pack for $10: Smartish makes the installation process dead simple. Clean the screen with the included wet wipe, dry it with the microfiber cloth, and use the stickers to remove any lingering dust. Then place the alignment tool over your iPhone, remove the backing from the tempered glass protector, and plop it in place! I had a perfect alignment in seconds. You even get a spare.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit 2-Pack for $16: Awful name aside, you get two screen protectors here, and after you follow the instructions to clean the screen with the included wet wipe, dust-removing stickers, and microfiber cloth, you'll need to place a large plastic alignment case over your iPhone and then peel the protector's backing off. The only thing I don't like? The amount of plastic used here for the two alignment tools feels a bit wasteful. This protector is also available for the iPhone 13 Mini and the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Nomad Screen Protector for $25: Nomad's process is almost identical to the Smartish above, and installation took a matter of seconds. You only get one protector though, and it's pricier. Just make sure to press down from the middle and push out to eliminate as many air bubbles as possible. 

This OtterBox case checks all the boxes. It's made of 50 percent recycled plastic, covers all the edges well, has easy-to-use buttons, and feels sturdy. Oh, and there's MagSafe support too. The raised front edges keep the screen off the ground, and it maintains a relatively thin profile. OtterBox says the exterior has an antimicrobial finish to keep bacteria at bay, but there's scant evidence that this actually helps, and it's certainly no substitute for washing your hands. 

I have a bad habit of biting my nails, so it's nearly impossible for me to access the mute switch on the iPhone when it's in a case. The Vibe case from Catalyst smartly solves this by letting you control the switch with a knob that rotates. It's far more satisfying to use. The case has a ring of magnets for MagSafe compatibility and a nice grippy texture, and it doesn't add much heft. The edges around the screen are decently raised to keep it off of surfaces, and there are four spots where you can attach a lanyard for additional security. 

I like Nomad's leather cases the most. Not only is the material from the esteemed Chicago-based Horween Leather Company, but it's also fused with a thermoplastic elastomer bumper for better shock-absorbing protection. Better yet, Nomad embedded magnets so this works with all MagSafe accessories, and there's a spot to attach a wrist strap. 

★ Slimmer Leather Cases: You probably don't want to spend $70 on a case. Then get Mujjo's case ($45) instead. It's slimmer and the leather is equally luxurious (and covers the entire phone, with no polycarbonate whatsoever). Too bad there's no MagSafe support. 

Oakywood's wooden MagSafe cases come in either cherry or walnut, with wood from sustainable sources. It feels really nice! The buttons are relatively easy to press, and the polycarbonate bumper around the edges adds an extra layer of protection. I like that the company plants a tree for every product sold. 

If you have an iPhone, you may have other Apple-made products, like AirPods or the Apple Watch. If so, consider one system to charge them all. I like this one from Belkin. It's completely MagSafe-compatible, so your iPhone 13 can hook up magnetically and will look like it's floating. The Apple Watch attaches to its charger magnetically, and there's a spot for the AirPods case on the base. The minimal design hides most of the charger and elevates the gear more than any other 3-in-1 I've used, making for a very elegant system. It's one of the only third-party chargers that supports a 15-watt output for the iPhone 13 range and fast-charging support for the Apple Watch, so your devices will recharge as quickly as wirelessly possible. 

Belkin also has an elongated pad that adds MagSafe charging for the AirPods (if you have the newer AirPods 3rd Gen or AirPods Pro (with the MagSafe case). That just means your earbuds case will stay securely in one place while charging. It takes up a whole lot more room than the stand, and the screen isn't propped up, but maybe that's your jam. 

★ Also Great: Satechi's 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand ($120) is slightly cheaper; it's also more compact and doesn't take up much room on a desk. You can squeeze in your wireless charging earbuds case in front of the magnetic Apple Watch dock and charge both, and the iPhone 13 can float on the stand nearby in portrait or landscape orientation. It won't charge as quickly as Belkin's system, but it does the job. 

If you spend a fair amount of time playing mobile games, it's worth considering Apple Arcade for access to high-quality titles (with zero ads). Pair it with the Backbone One (8/10, WIRED Recommends) controller and you'll wonder how you played anything without it. The control layout is intuitive and satisfying to use (and comfortable), plus it works with a decent selection of games. You can even use it to play your Xbox or PlayStation games anywhere, and it adds a headphone jack! Just know that there's an adapter in the box to fit the iPhone 13, and you'll probably need to take your case off every time you use it.  

Do you need to spend $150 on a charging solution like this? No. But if price is no object and you have an Apple Watch, iPhone, and AirPods with a wireless charging case, it's really hard to dislike Mophie's 3-in-1 MagSafe wireless charger. It can juice up your iPhone at the full 15-watt speed, the Apple Watch puck pops up for nightstand mode, and the third spot fit my AirPods Pro well (it's hit or miss whether other wireless earbuds will recharge). 

The whole thing packs down to a very compact size, and Mophie includes a little felt travel case with a charging cable and adapter. It's a neat solution and is much better than carrying several different cables and chargers. 

None of the iPhone 13 models come with charging adapters in the box. Plus, the cable they do come with is a USB-C-to-Lightning, and you might not have a USB-C power adapter lying around. Rather than buying an adapter from Apple, you should get this one from Anker. It's positively tiny—just a hair bigger than the 5-watt adapter Apple used to include. However, the Nano Pro can output 20 watts, meaning it can fast-charge your iPhone. The prongs don't fold, so if you need one that does, I like this Satechi 30-watt charger, which is almost as small and lightweight.  

★ For More Power: Satechi's 108-watt 3-port charger ($75) is powerful enough to juice up your iPhone, MacBook Air, and iPad Pro at the same time. The prongs can fold, and the whole thing won't take up too much space in a bag. 

If you're using a mangled Apple-made cable to recharge your iPhone, it might be time for an upgrade. Apple's included cable is fine, but I've seen too many in tatters to believe it will withstand long-term abuse. I like Nimble's knit fabric USB-C to Lighting cables. They're made from recycled plastic and aluminum, are BPA- and PVC-free, and ship in plastic-free packaging. They're also just plain attractive.

★ More Great Cables: Prefer a USB-A to Lightning cable? I like the Crown Joule from Smartish ($20), which is technically USB-A to MicroUSB, but there's an adapter at the tip that converts it to USB-C or Lightning. You can also choose standard USB-C to USB-C, Lighting to USB-A, or Lightning to USB-C. Caudabe's ChargeFlex USB-C to Lightning cable ($29) is another great option. It's braided, is 5 feet long, and has a clip you can use for cable management. And check out Nomad's Lightning to USB-C Sport Cable ($25). It has an integrated cable tie, is about 6.5 feet long, and has a tough nylon braid. 

Rugged cases with holsters are usually very ugly and a pain in the butt to remove or install (looking at you, Otterbox). This MagSafe one from Pelican goes against the grain. A simple design keeps it aesthetically pleasing, and you can install it in seconds just by snapping the front and back pieces of the case together around the iPhone. It's thick, with flaps covering all the ports (except for the speakers), and the buttons are still easy to click. The cherry on top? It includes a holster, which the iPhone easily slots into, and this also doubles as a kickstand. You can take the iPhone out of its case by sliding the tip of the kickstand into a groove on the corner edge. Smart! 

★ Another Great Case and Holster: The Evo Max from Tech21 ($23) is surprisingly slick. The buttons are very responsive, the power and mute switch are covered, and you can slide a cover over the rear cameras for some added peace of mind. It comes with a separate holster you can slide the iPhone into, and it stays very secure on a belt. Unfortunately, this one does not work with any MagSafe accessories, but it does support wireless charging. 

Who needs pockets when you can carry your iPhone on your pants? This full-grain leather holster has a strong magnet that keeps it secure, and the magnetic clasp ensures your iPhone won't fly out. The interior is lined with Ultrasuede, a microfiber-like material that keeps scratches at bay. You can access the mute switch and charging port without taking your iPhone out, which is a nice touch. Just make sure to choose the right size for your device. 

Frequently misplacing your keys, backpack, or wallet? One of the easiest ways for you to keep tabs on your gear is to use Apple's AirTag (though it's not without flaws). You pair it with the Find My app that's preinstalled on Apple devices and put it in your bag, in your wallet, or on your keychain. If it's nearby, you'll see it on the map and can track it down fairly precisely. If it isn't, don't worry. You'll not only see the last known location, but AirTags also leverages all nearby Apple devices to try and ping its location back to you. You just need to wait until someone with an Apple gadget walks by.  

We've rounded up other gadgets you can use to track your gear here. Want to track your pet? We've got options for that too!

Not every case or accessory I test is a winner, but that hardly means they're bad. Here are a few options I tried but didn't like enough to list above.  

• Cyrill Cases for $17: None of Cyrill's cases for the iPhone 13 lineup have magnets for MagSafe compatibility (the connection is very weak). Otherwise, they're some great, attractive cases. My personal favorite is the Color Brick series.
• Moft Snap Phone Case for $40: This case offers improved magnet strength, so if you frequently deal with accessories falling off your iPhone, it's worth checking out. Too bad the buttons are a bit too hard to press.
• Clickr Stand & Grip Case for $25: There's no MagSafe support here, but this is a relatively affordable case with a kickstand that works in portrait and landscape orientation. Just make sure you hear the click when you adjust the stand at the back to make sure it stays in place. It doubles as a grip, but it wasn't comfortable to hold, and I don't think it looks that nice.
• Spigen Enzo MagSafe Case for $150: Spigen, best known for making ultra-affordable cases, went and made an ultra-luxurious case. It's … fine. I mean, it's nice! The leather feels supple, the suede interior is soft, and there's a fancy wrist strap. I just don't know why it costs $150. For that much money, I'd want a much flashier case.
• Survivor Endurance for MagSafe for $55: There's nothing dramatically special about Survivor's MagSafe case. It feels tough, and I like the grippy pattern on its rubber-like bumper. It's made of recycled materials too.
• Incipio Grip for MagSafe for $60: You can get it in clear or black, and the most notable part of this case is the grippy sides, which are great if you have butterfingers. The buttons also react well.
• Bluebonnet Full-Grain Leather MagSafe Wallet for $59: Bluebonnet says its magnets are extra strong and that your wallet will “never” slip off. Never is a bit of a stretch—shoving this into a tight pocket did shift it slightly off the iPhone. However, it is stronger than any other MagSafe wallet I've tried. It looks attractive, but it can only fit two cards, and it's hard to pull the cards out.