- The iPhone 13 has arrived and people who are in need of drop protection will quickly need the safety of a new case
- These are the best iPhone 13 cases for drop protection, the cases that provide the maximum amount of shock absorption
- Read more BroBible articles here
The Apple iPhone 13 line of smartphones includes the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone 13 Mini. Each new iPhone from Apple introduces an array of new features along with the need for a new case as the sizes are constantly changing. This is a roundup of the very best iPhone 13 cases for people who drop their phones a lot, people like myself who need as much drop and shock protection as possible.
Many of these iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro cases are drop tested from 10, 12, and 14 feet. They offer the industry-best drop protection while also offering features like MagSafe functionality, customized designs, and more.
In general, when it comes to drop protection iPhone cases you get what you pay for. The best iPhone 13 cases for drop protection and shock absorption range in price from just $10 on the lower end up to around $60. I went the extra mile with this review and tested many of these cases myself (six to be exact). I have the iPhone 13 Pro so that’s the model of iPhone + case size I tested.
The Best iPhone 13 Cases For Drop Protection
Best Overall: The Urban Armor Gear Pathfinder iPhone 13 Case
So many of the best iPhone 13 cases claim durability without actually being put up to the test. Urban Armor Gear’s Pathfinder series is designed with the adventurous (and, um, accident-prone) in mind. With two unique layers of protection, the Pathfinder meets military drop-test standards [MIL STD 810G 516.6]. The armor shell features rugged torsion screw details. On the inside, an impact-resistant softcore hugs your device like a pillow, offering the ultimate shock protection.
Here’s how you know an Urban Armor Gear Pathfinder can handle you at your clumsiest – In the design process, each case has been drop tested 26 times at 48 inches (four feet) with zero damage done to the device.
Truly the G.O.A.T. when it comes to ranking the best iPhone 13 cases for drop protection.
Runner Up: Incipio Optum, 16ft Drop Tested
Ultimately, this entire roundup of the best iPhone 13 cases for drop protection happened because I drop my own iPhone a lot. So I did a lot of case research after ordering the iPhone 13 Pro and landed on the Incipio Optum Case with Cooling Technology.
The cooling technology aspect was clutch because I live in Florida and my phone is vulnerable to overheating if I set it down outside. This case has cooling air vents and is optimised for 5G coverage. The impact struts reduce force when it’s dropped by absorbing that energy and it has ergonomic grip on the bumpers to stop you from dropping it. The Incipio Optum also comes in several styles to choose from.
Best Eco-Conscious iPhone 13 Case That Offers Max Protection
The Incipio Organicore collection of cases checks A LOT of boxes that people are shopping for when buying a new iPhone case. It’s drop tested from 14-feet for protection, features raised edges to protect the screen and has 2-layer fused protection to absorb the shock from dropping. This iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and Mini case comes in multiple colors in the Organicore Clear line (colors of the bumper).
On top of being an incredibly safe case, it has enhanced bumper grips so it’s easy to use, optimised and ultra-responsive buttons, it’s built for Apple’s wireless and MagSafe charging. It is also made from 100% compostable materials to reduce landfill waste. I tested two of these cases myself (one for me and one for my wife) and love the minimalist nature of these cases. If you’re looking for no-frills protection that’s purposefully build then this is the case you are looking for.
Best Protective PopSocket Case: OtterBox iPhone 13 Pro Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case
This OtterBox iPhone 13 Pro Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case is loaded with features. It offers 3x the military standard of drop protection (MIL-STD-810G 516.6), it’s made with 50% recycled plastic, works with wireless charging, and has the OtterBox PopSocket PopGrip. That PopTop is also interchangeable with other PopTops from OtterBox so that can be customized.
In terms of drop protection, this is as good as anything on the market. The 3x Military Standard protection combined with the PopTop means that you’re likely never dropping your phone. Additional features include a raised edge and protection shields. In addition to the Digitone Graphic design seen here, this case also comes in 4 additional patterns and designs.
MagSafe Card Holder for iPhone 13 Series: Best Wallet Case
So this is a bit different from the other iPhone 13 cases featured here. This is actually a magnetic wallet attachment using Apple’s MagSafe magnets. So this one is designed to be used without a case or with a protective case that’s been MagSafe optimized. But it allows you to take your leather slim wallet anywhere with your phone.
Best MagSafe Charter for Iphone 13: Grip For MagSafe by Incipio
This is another case that I tested out myself and I love it aside from the fact that I personally don’t use MagSafe charging a ton (yet). I work from home these days and MagSafe just isn’t part of my charging routine (yet). Incipio offers Grip, Duo, and Design Collection cases that have been optimized for MagSafe and The Grip is drop tested at 14-feet. If you’re dorpping your phone from higher than 14 feet then you have problems.
The Grip for Magsafe is also made from recyled materials, offers antimicrobial defense, has impact struts to reduce force when dropped, and it’s scratch and discoloration resistant so the case looks newer longer than the competition.
SUMMIT Real-Wood iPhone 13 Case
While this gorgeous wood iPhone 13 case might not be optimized in the same way that many of the plastic cases are this one still offers more than enough drop protection. It is handmade from real Canadian maple wood and features a slim and flexible rubber bumper along with non-slip sides for enhanced grip.
Survivor All-Terrain Earth for iPhone 13 (and Pro)
In terms of drop testing, this one cannot be topped. The Survivor All-Terrain Earth was drop tested at 20 feet and tested to military standards! The Survivor All-Terrain Earth for iPhone 13 comes in three colorways (Storm Blue, Black, and Black/Green).
This case is also made from sustainable materials, provides antimicrobial defense, is dust resistant, and it’s hard not to love the textured back. Think of this as more of an all-around protective case than just a straight-forward drop protector.
OtterBox iPhone 13 Pro Defender Series Case
The OtterBox iPhone 13 Pro Defender Series Case offers 4x the military standard (MIL-STD-810G 516.6) of drop protection. This case is infused with a silver-based additive that gives you sustained antimicrobial protection. It is sold in four colors and was built for heavy use. So all those serial phone droppers out there need to check this one out.
Incipio Design Series
Fellas, there are some of you out there who will loves the Incipio Design Series. Personally, I’m way into this Blue Reflections pattern featured here. This case is 10-foot drop tested, 5G optimized, has a slim and form-fitting design, is made from recycled materials, and there are lots of other stylish and vibrant designs in the Design Series from Incipio so check it out!
Brown Aesthetics iPhone 13 Case in Soft Silicone
If what you are looking for is primarily a silicone protection + minamilst design then this one from Etsy is phenomenal. You can also order it in two other materials if you’d prefer something other than silicone. You can also personalize this case with a name or text in case you ever lose your phone and want your contact information on the case.
OtterBox iPhone 13 Pro Symmetry Series Case ‘Enigma’ Graphic
This OtterBox iPhone 13 Pro Symmetry Series Case features a dope Enigma graphic and is drop tested to 3x the military standard (MIL-STD-810G 516.6). This is a one-piece design that is easy to pop on and off as you see fit but that doesn’t mean that it will ever pop off accidentally.
Wood iPhone 13 Japan Kanagawa Surfing Case
You can make this ‘Japan Kanagawa Surfing’ case your own. The choices of wood are Blackwood, Rosewood, Walnut, Cherry, and there are + MagSafe option. This is a very unique iPhone 13 case and one that you likely won’t find in the wild. So if your goal is to protect your phone from dropping and find something unique then this is the right case for you.
OtterBox iPhone 13 Pro Symmetry Series Clear Antimicrobial Case
The $49 OtterBox iPhone 13 Pro Symmetry Series Clear Antimicrobial Case checks a ton of boxes. I think one of the defining aesthetic features of this case is that it accentuates the natural colors of the iPhone 13. You aren’t hiding the phone behind a dark case as much as you’re letting it shine while keeping it protected.
This case over 3x the drop protection of the military standard (MIL-STD-810G 516.6). It also has long-lasting antimicrobial prooperties so you won’t end up with a dirty phone after a few months. If you are looking for a slim profile with all of the protective features then this might be the iPhone 13 case for you.
Survivor Strong for iPhone 13
The Survivor Strong for iPhone 13 (and Pro) is hard to top in the $29 price range. This case is sold in Black, Clear, and Powder Pink. It offers 12ft drop protection, is scratch resistant, made from recycled materials, and the two-layer protection with parametric shock-absorbing technology ensures your iPhone 13 will be okay even when dropped.
Spigen Thin Fit Designed for iPhone 13 Case
Sometimes the best case is the one you barely notice. Even if that means sacrificing a little drop protection. The slim fit Spigen comes in Black, Navy Blue, red, and Sand. It’s very affordable on Amazon and ships immediately.
This case has a ‘hybrid structure of PC and TPU with Air Cushion Technology’ to give you the maximum amount of drop protection without taking up any unnecessary space. So this one is a minimalist’s dream.
Of course, the best iPhone 13 Case for drop protection is whatever best suits your needs. Here we’ve seen the best on the market right now but what suits you might be something different. I always suggest jotting down what you want and need and then consider if that aligns with what’s avaiable.
The BroBible team writes about gear that we think you want. Occasionally, we write about items that are a part of one of our affiliate partnerships and we will get a percentage of the revenue from sales.
