The iPhone 13 is still one of the most widely used phones in the UK. It launched in 2021, it is still receiving iOS updates, and for a lot of people there has been no compelling reason to upgrade. That also means the case market for it has matured — you are no longer paying a launch premium, and the range of styles available is wider than it was three years ago.

This guide covers what to look for in an iPhone 13 case, the main case styles and who each one suits, and how to make sure you are buying the right fit for your exact model.

First: which iPhone 13 do you have?

The iPhone 13 family has four models and they are all different sizes. A case for one will not fit another, so this is the first thing to get right:

• iPhone 13 mini — 5.4 inch display, the smallest of the four
• iPhone 13 — 6.1 inch display, dual rear camera
• iPhone 13 Pro — 6.1 inch display, triple rear camera. Same body size as the standard 13 but the camera cutout is larger, so cases are not interchangeable
• iPhone 13 Pro Max — 6.7 inch display, triple rear camera

If you are not sure which one you have, go to Settings, then General, then About — the model name is listed at the top.

What to look for in an iPhone 13 case

• Raised bezel — the front lip of the case should sit above the screen so a face-down drop lands on the case rather than the glass. This is the single most useful protective feature on any case.
• Raised camera surround — the iPhone 13 camera module protrudes from the back of the phone. A case with a raised camera lip stops the lenses resting directly on surfaces.
• Precise cutouts — a loose case shifts on impact and stops protecting the edges. Model-specific cases fit better than universal ones.
• Grip — the iPhone 13 has flat sides and a glass back, which makes it slippery without a case. A textured or matte finish helps more than most people expect.
• MagSafe compatibility — if you use MagSafe chargers, wallets or car mounts, the case needs an embedded magnet ring. A case without one will weaken or block the connection.

iPhone 13 case styles compared

Clear cases

Best if you like the look of the phone itself. Clear cases show off the original colour while still adding drop protection. The main trade-off is yellowing over time on cheaper materials — a good clear case uses anti-yellowing TPU rather than basic plastic.

Bumper and shockproof cases

Best for everyday protection. These combine a flexible edge with a firmer back panel, so impact is absorbed at the corners where drops usually land. If you want one case that covers most situations without much bulk, this is the category to start in.

Wallet and flip cases

Best if you want to carry fewer things. A flip wallet case adds card slots and covers the screen when closed, which also protects against scratches in a bag or pocket. The trade-off is added thickness and, on most designs, no MagSafe pass-through.

Rugged cases

Best for work sites, outdoor use, or anyone with a history of dropping their phone. Rugged cases use multiple layers and reinforced corners. They are bulkier, but they are the category most likely to survive a hard drop onto concrete.

Lanyard and crossbody cases

Best for hands-free carry — festivals, travel, cycling, days out with children. These have a built-in loop for a detachable strap, so the phone can be worn across the body rather than carried. Look for a reinforced attachment point rather than a clip-on adapter, which is the usual failure point.

Waterproof cases

Best for beaches, boats and poolside. An IP68 rating means the case is sealed against water and dust ingress. Worth noting that a waterproof case is a specialist purchase rather than an everyday one — most people are better served by a rugged case day to day and a waterproof case for specific trips.

How much should you pay for an iPhone 13 case?

Because the iPhone 13 is no longer the current model, there is no reason to pay a launch-era premium for a case. Brand-name cases for the iPhone 13 still sell at £35 to £55 in the UK, but the underlying construction on a well-made case in the £15 to £25 range is comparable for everyday use.

What you should not compromise on is fit. A cheap universal case that does not sit flush is worse than no case at all, because it gives you the confidence of protection without the protection.

Where to buy iPhone 13 cases in the UK

Case Monkey stocks iPhone 13 cases across every style covered in this guide — clear, bumper, wallet, rugged, MagSafe, lanyard and waterproof — with model-specific fits for the 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. Prices start from £15.99, delivery is free across the UK, and orders placed before 3pm are dispatched the same day.

• iPhone 13 cases
• iPhone 13 mini cases
• iPhone 13 Pro cases
• iPhone 13 Pro Max cases

Frequently asked questions

Do iPhone 13 cases fit the iPhone 14?

Not reliably. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are very close in size, but the camera module is positioned differently, so a 13 case will often block or partially cover the 14's lenses. Buy for the model you own.

Do iPhone 13 Pro cases fit the iPhone 13?

No. The two phones share a body size but the Pro has a larger triple-camera module. A standard 13 case will not accommodate it, and a Pro case will leave a gap around the smaller dual-camera array on the standard 13.

Does the iPhone 13 support MagSafe?

Yes. All four iPhone 13 models support MagSafe. To use MagSafe accessories through a case, the case needs its own embedded magnet ring — a standard case will weaken the connection considerably.

Is it worth putting a case on an older iPhone?

Yes, arguably more so. Repair and replacement parts for older models get harder to source over time, and resale value depends heavily on cosmetic condition. A case is cheap insurance on a phone you intend to keep running for another year or two.

What is the best all-round iPhone 13 case?

For most people, a shockproof bumper case with a raised bezel and raised camera lip. It covers the drops that actually happen without the bulk of a fully rugged case, and it works with MagSafe if you choose a version with the magnet ring built in.

For more buying advice, see our guides to the best iPhone wallet cases, the best iPhone lanyard cases, and the best OtterBox alternatives in the UK.