Its special feature is the 1.3-inch-diameter, 0.13-inch-deep divot in the back, which you use to connect the case to an ecosystem of mounts and accessories that twist and lock into place. by Dan Frakes, Nick Guy, and Wirecutter Staff. Much like the 2021 Gripmunk, the Sheath now includes MagSafe support. Zaggs Gear4 Brooklyn Snap combines faux leather and recycled plastic, and its MagSafe-compatible. Press down arrow to move through the drop down and press the tab key inside the drop down to go to the sub menus. In addition to the superb case designs, Smartish has always kept its prices low, and thats one of the reasons we like its cases so much. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). We found the installation process to be especially tough, and the case itself to be quite large. But if you like the aesthetics of Caudabes case, we dont think thats an unreasonable price to pay. 1 has the same thickness whether you have three cards or none stuffed inside. He once had the bright idea to build and burn down a room to test fireproof safes. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Just as leather cases fall apart, transparent cases turn yellow. We find this one to be a little too pricey, but a solid option if you like the design. The Gripmunk is a one-piece protector made of soft, rubber-like plastic (TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane) with enough give for you to easily install it on your phone but not so much that it will stretch out, and the cases corners wont pop off when you dont want them to. Spigen makes excellent clear cases that are worth considering if, for any reason, you dont like the Smartish Gripmunk. The biggest difference between the Veil and its closest competitors, Totallees Super Thin Case and Peels Super Thin Case, is the price. The case felt noticeably wider than many we tested, and we found that the fit around the front exposed the iPhones frame in an ugly, uneven way that was unbecoming of an expensive case. The Spigen Liquid Crystal has been a favorite clear case at Wirecutter for years, and the iPhone 13 edition is as great as always. Inside, its lined with a soft microfiber material housing the magnet. The shape of the Moshi Arx makes it feel thick, even if its not much larger than most of the cases we tested. 1 for iPhone 13 Pro, Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. And when its time to charge, just leave the case on your iPhone and snap on your MagSafe charger, or set it on your Qi-certified charger. The Veil, and the rest, dont have any sort of soft materials or air pockets for absorbing shocks, or button coverage. We dont think the Vibe is worth $50, but its a neat-looking case. Available colors: black, gray, various custom designs. The core version is a plastic case with rubber around the edges, and in our first-hand experience, weve found that it can stand up to a fair number of drops. We prefer cases that cover the iPhones buttons but dont dampen the clickiness, which the Gripmunk thankfully gets right. Why its great: There was a time when you had to pay $50 or more for a case that you could feel assured would take a licking and keep on kicking, with OtterBox leading the charge early on and defining the category. The matte back shows grease from fingers, and theres no MagSafe support, but it otherwise works well. While its only about 0.02 inch thickerenough that the raised border around the camera is pretty minimalthe iPhone 13 version of the Gripzilla is about 0.1 inch taller and wider than the base Gripmunk case, with extended corners that offer even greater shock absorption. Bluebonnets iPhone Wallet Card Holder Case is a handsome but expensive leather wallet with two slots that can hold a total of four cards. The clear Totallee Super Thin Case was rather tacky to the touch and showed a lot of prismatic distortion. We sourced some of the best leather available so that your phone case will look uniquely stylish. Both are fine options if you like the specific look they offer. Peak sells a number of accessories that take advantage of both the clip system and the MagSafe magnets, including mounts for your car, motorcycle, and bike, as well as a tripod mounting system and wallet. The big difference is that these cases are totally clear and flat, without the grippy texture and finger ridges that the Gripmunk offers. Its TPU border has small ridges along the inner edge that should help absorb damage from drops. Weve updated this guide with new leather and wallet-style cases, which you can read in the Competition. Although we have been testing cases for many years and have had some consistent picks across multiple iPhone generations, no case automatically becomes a pick just because weve made past versions of it a pick. Theyre clever, and we appreciate the originality in design, but we dont think either three-card case aesthetically appeals to a broad swath of people. Thats the trade-off that comes with a more protective case like this. In our testing, the attachment system worked exactly as we expected for both mounting and charging. Copyright 2022 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. If youd rather have a more modular setup, consider pairing Apples Leather Wallet with MagSafe and a MagSafe case, which is an expensive combination but gives you more options. Its material tends to show wear, subtly at first with what one might describe as a patina. The buttons are still easy to press despite the wider case. The Leather Case has MagSafe support built in, so you can charge the phone or attach compatible accessories. Bellroys Leather iPhone Case is nearly as expensive as Apples but less refined. Instead of all-leather, its a rubber case with a leather panel on the back. Weve spent hundreds of hours over the past few years testing hundreds of iPhone and iPad accessories to find the best ones. Its a small thing, but when youre paying that much for a case, the details should be done right. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Bulk! Its compatible with Moments mounts, as well as with the companys lenses when paired with a $5 lens mount. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Though the Gripmunk checks all the boxes, it isnt the most exciting case in the world. Interaction with MagSafe accessories will leave slight imprints. We prefer the Apple design, but Nomads case is quite nice on its own merits, and it includes MagSafe support. Incipios Organicore is made of a compostable material, and we like the case well enough. This is a clear version of the basic case we like. Available colors: black, blue, clear (Nothin to Hide), purple, various custom designs. MagSafe accessories attach easily and securely. Mujjos Full Leather Case is a less expensive, but not as nice, take on the Apple Leather Case. Its no surprise to see this case once again best the competition when it comes to the iPhone 13, especially now that Smartish has improved on the tried-and-true design by adding a MagSafe magnet for a small premium. A colourful family of accessories for easy attachment and faster wireless charging. Designed by Apple to complement iPhone 13 Pro, the Leather Case with MagSafe is a delightful way to give your iPhone extra protection while adding style. 1 for iPhone 13, Smartish Gripzilla with MagSafe for iPhone 13, Smartish Gripzilla with MagSafe for iPhone 13 mini, Smartish Gripzilla with MagSafe for iPhone 13 Pro, Smartish Gripzilla with MagSafe for iPhone 13 Pro Max, Smartish Gripmunk Nothin to Hide with MagSafe for iPhone 13, Smartish Gripmunk Nothin to Hide with MagSafe for iPhone 13 mini, Smartish Gripmunk Nothin to Hide with MagSafe for iPhone 13 Pro, Smartish Gripmunk Nothin to Hide with MagSafe for iPhone 13 Pro Max, Peak Design Everyday Case for iPhone 13 mini, Peak Design Everyday Case for iPhone 13 Pro, Peak Design Everyday Case for iPhone 13 Pro Max, Bluebonnets iPhone Wallet Card Holder Case, Presidio Perfect-Clear Compatible with MagSafe, Presidio Perfect-Clear with Grips Compatible with MagSafe, The Best Qi Wireless Charger for iPhone and Android Phones, The Best Accessories for Your iPhone and iPad. The difference lies in its expandable faux-leather card pocket on the back. So not only does it look great, its built to protect your iPhone from scratches and drops. Smartishs wallet case is identical to the Gripmunk around its edges. We independently review everything we recommend. These stylish iPhone accessories are offered in a variety of sizes and signature materials, including models that recall the Houses trunk-making legacy. Specks clear case comes in several variations, namely the Presidio Perfect-Clear, Presidio Perfect-Clear Compatible with MagSafe, Presidio Perfect-Clear with Grips, and Presidio Perfect-Clear with Grips Compatible with MagSafe. Just like the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. Incipios Duo two-piece case is a bit harder to install than one-piecers but doesnt offer any material benefit. Flaws but not dealbreakers: We dont say this often, but there arent any flaws. The matte finish is a little smoother than wed prefer, and it may show stains more readily than other materials or textures. SwitchEasys Alos is a clear case that has an already weathered look. To ensure quality craftsmanship, we use a traditional hand-operated hot stamping machine to imprint the leather cases with your initials, names or something special. The metal buttons on Apples Leather Case offer a satisfying click. When choosing the best iPhone cases, we consider a huge number of factors for such a seemingly simple product, from objective measures such as physical dimensions and level of protection to subjective assessments of look and feel. He has been reviewing iPhones, iPads, and related tech since 2011and stopped counting after he tested his 1,000th case. The two-piece design, with a rubber inner layer and a plastic frame that snaps around it, is more fussy to install than wed like, and it makes the phone bulky. Its a small matter, for sure, but when a case costs this much, we expect the details to be right. The Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. The back is lined with a series of small dots that prevent the water-splotch look sometimes seen on cheaper clear cases. The early version of ESRs Cloud Soft Case with HaloLock (the companys name for its MagSafe-compatible products) felt just a bit too small on our iPhone 13 Pro, and the corners didnt quite fit properly. ESRs Metro Leather Case with HaloLock is the closest weve found to a clone of the Apple Leather Case. Instead of offering metal button covers, it has them molded into the leather. We dont think its worth $40. Learn more. We dont like that the lip on the Zagg Gear4 Crystal Palace Snap (also available without MagSafe) is more raised at the top and bottom and dips below the 1 mm height threshold along the sides. The Gripmunk leaves enough room for the speaker, microphone, and Lightning port. And if you want a version without MagSafe, thats available, too. The flexible materialCaudabe refers to it only as a flexible polymeris textured all the way around rather than just along the perimeter, and that certainly adds some grip. Venas Legacy and vCommute both combine plastic, rubber, and faux-leather elements into thick wallet cases that double as stands. But they each offer very little separation between the volume buttons, which makes it nearly impossible to tell the buttons apart by touch. Although the ridges dont look deep, they significantly improve grip. All the cases in this category are essentially the same superthin piece of plastic molded to wrap around the phone while adding next to no bulk. And theres no MagSafe option. Non-MagSafe versions of the case are TPU through and through, but the magnetic version houses the metal ring in a sheet of soft microfiber lining, which doesnt add noticeable bulk. It doesnt support MagSafe. If you dig the general design, we recommend choosing the Presidio2 Grip with MagSafe instead, since it adds extra grip and MagSafe support. The Spigen Ultra Hybrid and Spigen Ultra Hybrid Mag are the closest in look and feel to the clear Gripmunk, with similar hard-plastic backs and TPU borders. Theres nothing wrong about what it does deliver on, but that list of accomplishments is too short to deserve credit. 1. Its ridged edges are easy to hold, and the buttons click well. Survivors Endurance and the companys similar but MagSafe-less Strong both have a rather attractive design and feel like theyd survive a drop or two. The Veil is almost identical to every other thin case but is less expensive. If youre the kind of person who wants an OtterBox Defender or its antimicrobial-laden sibling, the Defender Pro, we probably cant convince you otherwise, nor should we. Protect your phone with our personalized leatheriPhone13 Pro Maxcase. Catalysts Vibe Case is a MagSafe-compatible TPU case with good grip thanks to its knurled edges and a carbon-fiber pattern on the back. The only thing holding it back from being our top clear-case pick once again is its lack of a MagSafe option. Leather is a natural material and like a fine leather belt, it may show creases, marks, or a patina over time. We think its expensive for a basic case, but if youre concerned about your environmental impact, its worth a look. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Like every other superthin case, the Veil wont do much to prevent your phone from breaking if you drop it. SwitchEasys MagCrush is actually a pretty good option if you want a transparent case with clear edges, but although it costs more than the ESR Classic Hybrid, it doesnt offer any obvious benefits over that model. The iPhone 13 lineup is here, and accompanying it is a whole new batch of cases to protect and personalize the updated designsold iPhone 12 cases wont fit the 2021 models. It gets its extra protection from a bit of added bulk. With the iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max in hand, we put each new case on the phones to see how well it fit and functioned. But if youre just commuting to work, walking the dog, or scrolling TikTok on the couch, its overkill in terms of size, complexity, and price. Speaking of MagSafe, the Wallet Slayer Vol. Moments Case is rather expensive for this category, but it does offer an attractive design and MagSafe support. We also found it difficult to get the cards out because you need to lift them from underneath, which we found particularly tough with freshly trimmed fingernails. We also provide expedited shipping for a fee. With this case, you get extra thickness for extra protection, but you can still press the buttons and reach the Lightning port. iPhone 13 Pro Leather Case with MagSafe - Golden Brown. If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use an iPhone13Pro Silicone or Clear Case. 1, A more protective case: Smartish Gripzilla with MagSafe, A clear case to show off your phone: Smartish Gripmunk Nothin to Hide, An accessory-friendly case: Peak Design Everyday Case, Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 13, Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 13 mini, Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 13 Pro, Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple Leather Case with MagSafe for iPhone 13, Apple Leather Case with MagSafe for iPhone 13 mini, Apple Leather Case with MagSafe for iPhone 13 Pro, Apple Leather Case with MagSafe for iPhone 13 Pro Max, Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. We like the hold that the Wallet Slayer Vol. 2. We like the slightly rough texture on the back and the slim body. 1 consists of soft, rubbery TPU all around, with a flat texture on the back and grippier sides, as well as the same air pockets in the corners. Why its great: Smartishs Gripmunk, through many names and minor tweaks, has been our favorite basic iPhone case for half a decade. Why its great: No one has come close to replicating the quality of Apples leather iPhone cases since the company started making them in 2015, especially not at the fairly reasonable (for leather) $60 price. OtterBoxs Strada and Nomads Modern Leather Folio are similar folio-style wallet cases for those that prefer the style, with flip-open lids fused to their left sides. ESRs Classic Hybrid Case with HaloLock is totally clear all the way around and has protective air pockets in its corners. We like that it has MagSafe support, but we also think youre better off with one of the companys more middle-of-the-road options if you like the OtterBox look and feel. The seam between the leather and the TPU on our review unit had some rough edges and looked as if the materials would start to separate with normal use. The classic casewith its plastic frame, rubber exterior, and, yep, belt clipfeels like itll hold up at a construction site or as a hockey puck. Price isnt our main consideration, but when comparing everything out there, weve rarely seen cases that offer empirically better features at the same or similar pricesoftentimes, case makers are charging even higher prices for less impressive models. Both blind and foil stampings will appear in the approximate area shown. Nomad, known mostly for its leather cases, now offers a Sport Case thats quite nice if youre okay with a glossy finish. 1, keep in mind that theres no option to leave the wallet segment behindeven when youre not carrying cards in the case, you have to deal with its extra thickness. If you prefer that entirely clear look and are willing to give up a bit of grip, we recommend going with one of these cases (or the kickstand-equipped Spigen Ultra Hybrid S, if you like it). Caudabes Sheath feels like an alternate take on the Gripmunk, with similar materials and design features. Incipios Slim is fairly expensive, its buttons are too flush with the rest of the case, and we heard a rattling when using it, which suggested that the sizing was just a bit off. 2, like everything else in Smartishs lineup, starts with the Gripmunk at its core. But the difference is really noticeable only when youre holding a Gripmunk in one hand and a Gripzilla in the other. Louis Vuittons range of phone cases, bumpers and folios for women combine function with fashion. But after a year or so, especially if you tend to drop your iPhone a fair amount or if you have oily hands, youll likely notice discoloration and damage down to the plastic core. While we have a variety of recommendations across various styles, we consider all of the following criteria when making our picks: Were going to be testing many more cases, from many more companies, in the coming weeks and months. It houses credit cards under a sliding plastic door on its back, but unlike Smartishs wallet cases, it can hold only two. Its impossible for him not to mentally catalog any case he sees. Oh, and MagSafe support is built right inunlike on the Gripmunk, that feature comes standard here. Most other leather cases have some sort of plastic or rubber portion, but the Apple version is leather all the way around, with thin sturdy plastic hidden underneath. If you like folios, choose whichever model has the features that are more important to you. Spigens Thin Fit is primarily hard plastic, with a TPU border to provide some flexibility for installation and removal. If you prefer this style but want a different color, check out the competitors we mention above. The pebbly leather doesnt feel quite as nice as the material Apple uses and we wish there were more colors, but otherwise, its a good choice, especially if youre on a more limited budget. That difference, combined with the more deeply recessed finger ridges on either side that provide for an especially secure grip, make us confident that thanks to this case youll be less likely to drop your phone, and itll be in good shape a lot of the time if you do. With the latest smartphones including wide-angle and telephoto lenses, we think that the most fun, and highest-quality, add-on is Moments Anamorphic Lens. Its nearly identical to the other thin cases weve tested, but it costs at least $10 less. Ive been Wirecutters case reviewer since 2014, and in my career as an accessories writer, Ive reviewed around 2,000 iPhone cases. If youre considering any of them, wed recommend the Grip versions. Mujjos Full Leather Wallet Case, including the raised button protectors, is entirely leather, and the card pocket stitched onto the back can fit two cards comfortably. Why its great: Peak Designs Everyday Case is a top option whether you know you want to swap accessories on the fly or you think you might, or even if youre not concerned about accessories at all. 1 offers a bit better, but both cases are great options. The biggest downside is the nearly $40 price tag, which is twice as much as what our pick from Smartish usually costs. Complimentary Express Delivery: Discover our, Spell On You: The campaign with La Seydoux, Fleur du Desert: The New Nectar of Flowers, City of Stars: The New Evening Cologne Perfume. High-quality leather, clicky metal buttons, attractive colors, and MagSafe make Apples leather case an easy pick. If youre getting one of the new phones, heres a look at our favorite cases of the 70 weve tried. The models without are totally acceptable but expensive for what they are, while the plastic gripsraised along the edges and inverted on the backprovide a different look and feel than on any other clear case. For complete protection, be sure to add one of the screen protectors we recommend, which can save the front glass from scratches and cracks. Smartishs Gripzilla for iPhone 13 costs half that, and although we wouldnt throw it down the stairs just to prove a point, we wouldnt be too worried about the phone inside if we were to do that. Its essentially the Gripmunk with a three-card wallet built into the back, which I find to be perfect for my license, a credit card, and my MetroCard. We think the price tag is too high compared with some of our favorite cases, but this case is worth considering for the particularly eco-minded. We got so frustrated taking apart the two-piece Survivor All-Terrain Earth that we gave up during the equally annoying step of trying to put it back together. Despite any number of claims of anti-yellowing technology weve seen over the years, weve never tested a clear case that hasnt become a little grimy looking over a few months. A non-MagSafe version is available for $5 less, but its better to spend the extra Lincoln now rather than having to buy a whole new case if you decide you want to use MagSafe down the line. The Wallet Slayer Vol. Although its reflective, it doesnt have the rainbow-y prismatic distortion we tend to associate with cheaper transparent cases. Its most notable features are a dial over the mute switch and redirected audio, which the company claims makes your music 30% louder. Our phone cases are handmade with, to give you a comfortable and secured grip. The two-piece design is stuck in a time when iPhones were less protected from the elements out of the box, and the best you could do to prevent damage from water and drops was to use this kind of difficult-to-install, bulky case. The Everyday Cases polycarbonate body is covered in a dark gray nylon both inside and out, which is a handsome design. The panel also has an 0.8-inch square cutout, recessed just 0.7 inch into the case, that serves as a mounting point, securely gripping accessories that clip in place. Theres no MagSafe support, and if you look closely youll notice that the fit and finish is just a bit less refined. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Apple Leather Case is not a forever case, and it may not even be a one-year-until-you-get-the-next-iPhone case. Foil is foil, it might come off when it is rubbed against over time. As the Smartish Gripzilla shows, you dont have to spend a huge amount to get great protection. The buttons click with little resistance or dampening, and the branding is minimal. The Ultra Compostable Case is more subtle about it, at least, with the logo pressed into the plant-based material rather than embossed in a contrasting color. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. We disregarded Spigens Tough Armor (also available with MagSafe as the Tough Armor Mag) and Rugged Armor out of hand because of their ugly and impractical holes that show the Apple logo through the back of the case. Like previous versions of the case weve recommended going back to the iPhone 7, the Gripmunk for the iPhone 13 is a great slim, protective, and affordable casebut its plain. And although we cant vouch for exactly how protective the air pockets in the four corners are, I can personally attest to the cases ability to withstand more than a few drops. If youre looking to ditch your wallet, this case holds as many as three cards firmly without sacrificing a nice design. Why its great: Ultrathin cases arent for everybody, and if you expect anything more than scratch protection, they shouldnt be your first choice. On the other end of the price spectrum, the Defender Pro XT with MagSafe is OtterBoxs most expensive caseyet it suffers from some of the same problems. This design makes it look nicer than the rest and also allows it to be thinner, even as the case rises above the phones screen and camera bump for protection. Just like the Gripmunk, the Wallet Slayer Vol. Apples Silicone Case with MagSafe costs more than twice as much as the Smartish Gripmunk, and weve found past versions of the case to be dust and lint magnets. If you dont think youll take advantage of the modular accessory system, it may not be worth the higher price. But its not too expensive to pick up even if youre only a maybe on the accessories; it stands on its own as a strong option. The expensive LifeProof Next (also available in a MagSafe version for a $10 premium) claims to offer drop, dirt, and snow protection, without any specifics to back up those promises. Bellroys Phone Case - 3 Card costs four times what our pick does, and although its nicer, its not four times nicer. Like the opaque version, the transparent Gripmunk supports MagSafe. It has the same design, the same dimensionsthe same pretty much everything. The Quad Lock Case is primarily smooth, black, flexible plastic, similar to the back of the Smartish Gripmunk. Or call 1800MYAPPLE. But the case itself doesnt justify its price tag, as that plastic is molded into a shell with minimal shock absorption and an exposed bottom edge. If you stuff three cards in there, getting them out will be tough, at least at first. Pelicans Protector felt like a pretty generic plastic case with little to recommend it other than its branding. The Denali Snap separates into a rubber frame and a plastic backplate, which feels like a dated design, and the Vancouver Snap is wide with unnecessary air vents along the back. But because this case is leather, you can break in the wallet portion over time. The buttons feel identical to those on the other versions of the case. The Peak Design case easily attaches to a wide range of mounts, including those for your bike and car, through a combination of a locking clip and MagSafe-compatible magnets. (Thats why its our basic pick.) Its plain, but its the best plain case there is. 1 for iPhone 13, Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. The colors are great, though. The connection is strong enough that we have zero concerns about anything unintentionally falling out of place. Spigens Slim Armor CS lives up to its name with a pretty slim feel. The hole on the left makes it easy to push your cards out as needed. The Spigen Mag Armor costs the same as the MagSafe version of Smartishs Gripmunk, but it comes only in black and feels somewhat slicker. 1, the Gripzilla is a variation of the basic Gripmunk case we recommend. Smartish accounts for this design change with a raised ring all the way around that protects the lenses. Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more . But if you tend to feel secure in a case purchase only if you spend enough to make it seem worth it, you can always consider the OtterBox Symmetrywhich is also available in MagSafe, clear, clear with MagSafe, PopSocket, and clear with PopSocket variantsas well as sibling brand LifeProofs nearly identical See. The collection of Otterbox and LifeProofs similar, more protective cases. Incipio also has a clear version, though the edges are solid-colored. Like every Apple-designed case, it undergoes thousands of hours of testing throughout the design and manufacturing process. If you like it but find that the solid colors dont do much for you, consider one of the various prints Smartish offers, or even your own custom design, which is available for a premium through the companys website. The rear panel on SwitchEasys Aero+ felt like a thin sheet of plastic that could easily puncture or scratch. Its a different story with the iPhone 13series handsets and their huge camera modules. Survivors Clear is a pretty good, inexpensive option if you dont need or want MagSafe, but as with the other models in the Survivor case family, we wish it offered a more tactile separation between the volume up and down buttons. If you dont want or need MagSafe, though, the Liquid Crystal is absolutely worth its low price. Available colors: golden brown, dark cherry, sequoia green, midnight, wisteria. Most people should at least try the Gripzilla first, but if that model isnt for you, check out one of the Symmetry models.