The best iPhone 13 Pro Max cases you can buy

With a hardened ceramic shell, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is an exceptionally durable phone. However, it’s also an exceptionally expensive phone, and if you want to protect your investment, you’ll need to pick up one of the best iPhone 13 Pro Max cases on the market.

The good news is that you have options. There are fantastic thin cases, rugged cases, battery cases, and more to suit all budgets and preferences. To help you make a final decision, we’ve rounded up the best Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max cases you can currently buy.

If you’d like to learn more about our favorite case brands or other smartphone accessories we recommend, check out our guides below.

See also: Best case brands | Mobile accessories

Editor’s note: We’ll update this list of the best Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max cases as new options launch.

Best iPhone 13 Pro Max thin case: Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe

Don’t want to weigh down your iPhone 13 Pro Max with a bulky case? Then this first-party case is a great option. It isn’t the most interesting design, but you do have a wide variety of colors to choose from. Plus, it supports a variety of MagSafe accessories and chargers with a built-in magnet.

Looking for more thin iPhone 13 Pro Max case options? We also recommend:

If you’re after protection, you can’t do much better than the OtterBox Defender. This rugged iPhone 13 Pro Max case features exceptional drop protection thanks to its multi-layer defense system with a solid inner shell and soft exterior with flaps to cover ports and other vulnerable parts of the phone. Of course, this also adds significant bulk to the phone, but the kit also includes a belt clip to keep it stowed and out of your pockets. Embrace your inner dad.

Looking for more Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max rugged case options? We also recommend:

Apple’s own leather iPhone 13 Pro Max case features the same flair you’d expect from any of their products. It comes with a built-in MagSafe magnet for an excellent connection with accessories, but the case is somewhat prone to slipping off in the corners. It won’t fall off, but it also won’t offer as much protection if you drop your phone.

Looking for more iPhone 13 Pro Max leather case options? We also recommend:

We linked a few folio-style wallet cases above, but our pick for the best iPhone 13 Pro Max wallet case goes to the Smartish Wallet Slayer. With a stylish design, great color options, and some protection from drops in the form of a raised lip and grippy texture, there’s a lot to like here. Even better, it’s extremely affordable. The only real downside is a lack of MagSafe compatibility, which isn’t surprising given the design. If this design doesn’t quite do it for you, Smartish makes a Wallet Slayer Vol 2 with a slightly different look but the same great quality.

Looking for more iPhone 13 Pro Max wallet case options? We also recommend:

Need some extra juice on the go? This iPhone 13 Pro Max battery case packs a whopping 6500mAh battery into a relatively small frame. It also works with wireless charging, so you can top of your AirPods as well. Just be aware that like most battery cases, it will add significant weight to your device.

Read also: The best iPhone 13 Pro Max battery cases

How we test phone cases

We rigorously test smartphones, accessories, and other products in our reviews here at Android Authority, so why should iPhone 13 Pro Max cases be any different? There are plenty of factors we consider while testing a phone case.

• Protection: Different cases offer different levels of protection. A super thin case might prevent scratches and smudges, but won’t do much if you drop your phone onto the sidewalk. We consider factors like corner protection, the raised lip around the display and rear camera, and covered buttons. For hybrid and rugged cases, we also simulate real-world drops to test durability where possible. For example, if the phone falls while from pocket-height, or if it slips off of a table onto hardwood flooring.
• Grip: Grip is another important factor. You don’t want a case that will slip out of your hand, but you also don’t want it to have too much texture. Apart from testing general hand-feel, we slide the phone across different surfaces like wood and marble to see how slippery a case is in everyday use. Cases with ridges or bumps along the sides or back to help grip are generally top performers.
• Build quality: Poor-quality polycarbonate cases are prone to cracking during installation or removal. Case fit also plays a role here. If you have to apply a lot of pressure to install or remove a case, it’s more likely that the case will crack. With softer TPU cases, frequently removing your case might also cause it to loosen around the edges, affecting the fit over time.
• Installation and removal: Installing a case shouldn’t be difficult, and the phone should snap comfortably into place. However, for some options removing a case can be difficult and could potentially damage your phone. It’s particularly problematic when you have to apply so much force that you feel the phone almost bending.
• Design and colorways: These are, of course, personal choices, but it’s always good to have options. We also try to include a few clear cases that let you show off the phone’s design and natural colorway while still keeping the phone safe.
• Value: Price isn’t everything. You can always find $15 cases that offer just as much, if not more protection than $60 cases. However, remember that rugged cases or cases with extra features like a kickstand or wallet compartment will likely be more expensive than a standard thin case. The same goes for premium materials and finishes like leather.