Protection is key of course, so look for things like military drop test standards, and other concrete information on this. Beyond that, consider how bulky you're ok with a case being - more protection tends to mean more bulk. You'll also want something that you like the look of, or if you want to show your phone off then maybe something transparent. The good news is that the popularity of the iPhone lineup means that you don’t need to compromise on style to get a protective case. Some may like the rugged look, while others want to show off the gorgeous deep purple of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, or prefer something that’s more unique to their own style. There’s a case for everyone, and we’ve rounded up some of the best if you’re looking to protect your iPhone while still adding some flair of your own. Here are the best protective iPhone cases in 2023! Best rugged cases Choosing the best iPhone case is really a matter of personal use and preference. Where do you plan on taking your phone? Will you be using it in challenging physical environments, or mostly around the house? Do you plan on using it near water? How clumsy are you? The other thing to consider with particularly heavy-duty cases is the impact on things like touchscreen and button sensitivity, speaker and microphone clarity, and port accessibility. The OtterBox Defender is one of the toughest iPhone cases you can find that still maintains a relatively slim design. Note the “relatively” there: truly thin cases simply don’t provide a lot of protection, so there’s always a size tradeoff, but this is about as good as it gets.

The iPhone 13 already has a helpful layer of protection, since its models are splash resistant for up to 30 minutes in a maximum depth of six feet. That said, it never hurts to get some extra protection from a durable and waterproof case so you have even less to worry about. Enjoy various exciting activities at sea like surfing & snorkeling, without worrying about your iPhone 13. Do swimming, fishing, boating, or do whatever else you want; cover your iPhone 13 with this waterproof, snowproof, and dirtproof case. According to Apple, this means all iPhones made in the last few years can be submerged in at least 6.6 feet (2 meters) of water for up to 30 minutes. Newer ones can go even deeper: the iPhone 13 and 14 range, for instance, can handle three times as much: 20 feet/6m. Apple’s latest iPhones are more durable than ever, thanks to new technologies like Ceramic Shield and IP68 water resistance. However, that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to damage, and replacing your iPhone screen can get pretty costly. That’s why you need a protective iPhone case.

£32.98

Incipio’s cases are very protective — something that’s reflected in the Incipio case-making process— and the Grip is one of its finest. The Grip case features multidirectional grips to reduce the risk of you dropping your iPhone. If it does happen to slip through your fingers, you’re covered with up to 14 feet of drop protection thanks to Impact Strut technology. Extended raised bezels around the screen offer even more protection — and this case has antimicrobial technology to prevent up to 99.9% of germs and surface bacteria. It works perfectly with wireless charging and Apple Pay, but we’d recommend a screen protector if you want full protection. It is made of standard TPU material, which maintains the touch sensitivity and is soft enough for a good in-hand feel. It’s also IP68 waterproof-certified and also protects the device from snow. ULTRA SLIM FIT WITH BUILT-IN FUNCTIONALITY: Your Punkcase iPhone 13 Pro Max case offers ultimate protection without the bulk | BUILT-IN SCREEN PROTECTOR: Imperceptible scratch-resistant & HD-clear screen guard for a lucid retina display with uncompromised TOUCH ID sensitivity | RAISED BEVEL: Extra Protection against drops | UNPARALLELED SOUND QUALITY: Newly designed sound membranes will keep your phone waterproof whilst ensuring crystal clear communications. True waterproofing (submersion for an unlimited length of time) is almost impossible to achieve in a consumer product, so we’re really talking about water resistance here. The iPhone XS and higher, for instance, are rated to IP68 standard. Waterproof cases aren’t as popular as they used to be, because they’re just not as necessary any more. iPhone models are getting better at keeping liquid out all the time, though exactly how much is too much is always up for debate.

PUNKCASE iPhone 13 Pro Max WATERPROOF CASE [STUDSTAR SERIES]: Your punk mate that will punkproof your Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max against punk forces of nature While it’s not a typical case like the others we’ve recommended, there are some features with Case-Mate’s pouch that make it worth your time. For instance, it comes with built-in air cushions that not only keeps it safe from drops, but also keeps it buoyant should you drop it in the water. That makes it much easier to retrieve in case it falls overboard! Protebox knows how to make a dependable case for the iPhone 13, and this waterproof model is the proof. It adjusts easily onto the device and still gives you access to all its functions, including touch-screen, side buttons and more. What’s more, you can swim around with it for an hour (to around 6.6 feet) and it won’t take any damage. Depending on where in the world you find yourself when you need to replace it, buying an iPhone in another country can also be a huge headache.The Otterbox Commuter Series still offers some great protection but its decidedly slimmer in profile than some of the other offerings here. It also looks a lot more stylish and less like military-grade hardware, so is a great compromise for some extra peace of mind. If you’re one of those people that are continuously on-the-go, Sportlink’s iPhone 13 waterproof case is an absolute must. It’s built to handle long-term stability, made from top-of-the-line plastic that covers and protects your device thoroughly. That makes it convenient not only for protection from water, but also drops and extreme weather conditions. With a polished design that clearly lets you see both sides of your phone, Spidercase has a clear winner here – literally . It’s made from a combination of thermoplastic and polyurethane, and has ridges on the side, making it easy to hold. That means less accidental drops while using your device around the pool, or even for everyday use.