For the past several years, Apple has made an effort to cater to customers who seek a small, pocketable smartphone that doesn’t stick out — or fall out — of their pockets. With the iPhone 13 Series, Apple has once again stuck to that formula. The new iPhone 13 Mini, the second in the Mini series, may very well be the last, sadly, as Mini sales have been less than stellar.
While the Mini is easy to operate single-handedly, it’s a powerful piece of equipment that deserves the best protection. The new Mini looks almost identical to the iPhone 12 Mini at first glance, but because of improvements to the battery and camera, you will need to buy a different case for it than for the iPhone 12 Mini.
Right now, here are some of the best iPhone Mini 13 cases we recommend based on the historical quality of their prestigious manufacturers, their availability, and their features.
Totallee Super Thin Case
If sliding your iPhone into a pocket has become a habit, this is the case you need. Totallee’s Super Thin Case is the brand’s slimmest case yet at just 0.31-inches thick. This barely-there case is practically weightless too, made of hard yet flexible plastic that protects your phone from scratches, bumps, and minor drops. Unlike some other cases, there’s no branding on the outside, maintaining the look of your new iPhone. There’s a raised lip around the camera and screen for additional protection, and although it doesn’t have built-in magnets, it’s compatible with MagSafe charging. You can pick it up in 15 color combinations including our favorite, this cool carbon fiber variant.
Mous Limitless 4.0 Case
We’re big fans of Mous cases, and its latest, the Limitless 4.0, has everything you’ve come to expect from the brand: sleek good looks, a range of colors and finishes to choose from, and superior protection. We love the Walnut version, pictured, but this case also comes in Bamboo, black leather, carbon fiber, or a speckled black and white fabric model.
Made from polycarbonate and TPU with a walnut backplate, this case features built-in AiroShock impact-absorbing technology, and Mous puts its cases through extreme drop testing, so you can be sure your phone will be safe. This is the slimmest Limitless case yet, making it ideal for slipping into a pocket, and its in-built N45 magnet array ensures it’s compatible with MagSafe accessories. Speaking of, Mous has its own range of MagSafe compatible accessories you can attach to the back of the case, like this handy card wallet.
Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case
No list of cases is complete without a sleek leather wallet, and our pick is this one from Mujjo, which comes in tan, black, or dark blue. Crafted from soft, vegetable-tanned full grain leather, it will age beautifully over time, developing its own patina that makes each case totally unique. There’s space for up to three cards or ID, and the leather not only wraps around the entire case, but the buttons are leather-covered too, for a premium feel. A soft microfiber lining keeps the back of your new phone safe from scratches, and you’ll find this case is compatible with wireless charging.
Otterbox Commuter Series Antimicrobial Case
OtterBox is known for its protective cases, and we love the Commuter Series Antimicrobial case, which offers all the slim protection of the Commuter Series together with a silver-based antimicrobial additive that protects against bacteria and inhibits microbial growth. Because this additive is woven into the case, it continues to provide protection over time, too.
If you’re worried about your case’s environmental impact, this case is made with 35% recycled plastic, and its dual-layer hard outer shell and soft inner slipcover provide protection from up to 3x as many drops as military standard (MIL-STD-810G 516.6). Secure grips around the outside, raised edges around the camera and screen, and port covers to keep dust, lint, and dirt out complete this well-rounded package. Oh, and your case comes with a limited lifetime warranty too. You can pick this case up in Rock Skip Way (blue), pictured, Maven Way (pink), or black.
Speck Gemshell Glitter Clear Case
What if you want a clear case to show off your new iPhone 13 Mini, but find them a bit boring? This sparkly Gemshell Glitter case ticks all the boxes. The crystal clear case offers dual-layer protection, with embedded sparkly glitter that won’t wear off over time. The case won’t turn yellow either, as some clear cases do.
This case is more than just a pretty, sparkly accessory for your new phone, though. It offers up to eight feet of drop protection, and features a raised bezel around the screen for extra protection from face-down drops. Microban antimicrobial protection is built in too, reducing bacteria on the case by up to 99%.
Raptic Shield Case
Raptic’s Shield case combines the best of both worlds: a clear or translucent colored case with sturdy bumpers for superior protection. Available in iridescent (pictured), black, or red, this case is made from machined aluminum with a soft rubber inlay that features a bubble pattern designed to absorb shock and disperse impact. Speaking of impact, this case has been tested and exceeds MIL-STD-810G standards for drop protection, surviving drops of up to 10 feet onto concrete — making this a great choice for those butterfingers out there. There’s a raised lip around the screen for extra protection against drops and scuffs, and the case is compatible with Apple’s MagSafe charger and Qi charger.
Casely Classic Case
We love a fun phone case, and Casely’s Classic Case comes in a huge range of colors and designs to personalize your new iPhone. Our pick is this rather Zen Endless Peaks Colorblock Mountain version. This is a sleek, minimal case that’s ideal if you like to slip your phone in a pocket — but it doesn’t offer the same drop protection as, say, the Raptic Shield case. The hard shell is engineered to withstand drops, bumps, and scratches, while a 1mm raised lip around the screen adds that crucial extra protection. If you’re looking for lightweight protection, or you like to swap out your phone cases on the regular, this is a great buy.
$25 from Casely
Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe
Apple, of course, has created a gorgeous cover for its own iPhone 13 Mini. The Silicone Case with MagSafe provides the best protection for your iPhone. Its soft-touch exterior finish feels great in hand, while a soft microfiber lining offers a second layer of protection. Not only does it look great, but it’s also built specifically to protect your iPhone from scratches and drops. Built-in magnets align to offer faster wireless charging so that when it’s time to charge, you can just leave the case on your iPhone and snap on your MagSafe charger or set it on a Qi charger. Silicone Cases come in Marigold, Clover, Chalk Pink, Abyss Blue, Pink Pomelo, Midnight, Blue Jay, and (PRODUCT)Red.
Spigen Ultra Hybrid
Spigen wasted no time in coming out with the Ultra Hybrid for iPhone 13 Mini that features a TPU bumper with a durable Polycarbonate back. Crystal-clear transparent yet grippy sides let the beauty of your phone shine through, while the case’s raised bezels lift the screen and camera away from damaging flat surfaces. The buttons are easy to find and press, and large cutouts accommodate the cable.
Apple Leather Case with MagSafe
Here’s another Apple gem, this time an iPhone 13 Mini Leather Case with MagSafe that adds chic style to protection, quickly snapping onto your iPhone without adding bulk. Made from high-quality, supple, tanned, and finished leather, the outside feels soft and develops a natural patina of marks and creases over time. Its built-in magnets offer an attach-and-detach experience for fast, easy wireless charging on a MagSafe or Qi charger. Interaction with MagSafe accessories will leave slight imprints, so if that’s going to be a problem, perhaps choose an iPhone 13 Mini Silicone or Clear Case instead. It comes in Golden Brown, Dark Cherry, Sequoia Green, Midnight, and Wisteria.
Moment Clear Case for iPhone 13 Mini
If you’d rather not cover your phone with a case at all, consider the Moment Clear Case, featuring a 1.9mm thin premium polycarbonate frame augmented with shock-absorbing TPU for 6 feet of drop protection. A scratch-resistant coating keeps the case looking new, but that’s not all. The case is equipped with proprietary magnets for an outstanding MagSafe or Qi wireless charger experience. It is compatible with screen protectors as well.
Caseology Nano Pop Silicone Case
Caseology makes a splash with bold, contrasting, two-tone colored cases that have a casual but sophisticated look. The silicone feel of the case gives you a solid grip on your iPhone while repelling lint and dust. The case has a snug fit, slim profile, and raised ring around the camera for additional protection. It’s certified with military-grade protection, is wireless charging compatible, and works with screen protectors. It’s available in Avo Green, Black Sesame, Blueberry Navy, Light Violet, and Peach Pink external colors with contrasting inside hues.
Poetic Revolution Series Case
If you’re seeking heavy-duty protection for your new iPhone 13 Mini, the Poetic Revolution Series has you covered with a military-grade, drop-tested case that protects your iPhone every which way. It’s shockproof, drop-proof, impact-resistant, and scratch-proof. Extra raised edges and corners on the front provide the ultimate screen protection. A built-in, pull-out kickstand is always on call for hands-free viewing in portrait or landscape orientation. The front polycarbonate casing features a built-in screen protector. If you’re really fussy, you can use the extra front frame that ships with the case with your own tempered glass screen shield. It’s available in black or blue.