MagSafe is a term you might recall from the magnetic charging cable on MacBooks of old. Apple brought back the name, but this time it's used as a system of magnetic accessories that can connect to the back of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 range. Apple says its magnet accessories are shielded, so it's safe to use with credit cards (if maybe not hotel key cards). 

Cases need to have a ring of MagSafe magnets built into them to properly work with other MagSafe gear (one easy way to tell is by looking for a ring on the inside of a case on product images). Not every third-party case has them. Some companies claim their cases are “MagSafe compatible" even without magnets, but that may be because the case is thin enough for the magnets to still stick. The connection is almost always weak, though. If you plan on using MagSafe accessories like Apple's wireless charger or wallet, you should get a MagSafe case. If a case or accessory supports MagSafe in this guide, you'll see “MagSafe" in the product description.

Sticking with Apple is the easiest route, though you certainly don't need to pay $49 for a simple MagSafe case. Apple has a wonderfully supple leather case and a silicone option. Both have accurate cutouts for ports and decently clicky buttons. They're fairly slim and keep the camera module flush, preventing the iPhone from rocking when it's flat on the table. Unlike prior Apple cases, all the edges are covered up, including the bottom. 

It's cheap, slim, has MagSafe, and isn't awful to look at (if a little nondescript). If you want to pay as little as possible for a case, Spigen's your best bet. The buttons are responsive, all four edges are covered, and it's very easy to access the mute switch. The front edges around the screen are raised too, but only a little. 

This is the case that's been protecting my iPhone 13 the longest, but that's partly because of Peak Design's smart ecosystem of mountable products. The case itself has MagSafe-compatible magnets inside, but the company went further and made its own square-shaped mounting mechanism that snaps the iPhone into place for further security. It's more secure than standard MagSafe mounts, and just as hassle-free. There's a universal adapter that sticks to the back of non-MagSafe phones or other cases via adhesive if you really want to make use of this system but don't have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13. I tested it on the Pixel 5A and it works just as well.

There are so many accessories to pair with it. I really like the minimalist wireless charging stand and the mobile tripod, but only a handful make use of the ultra-secure mounting system, like the Creator Kit, which you can attach to most tripods. That also includes my favorite: the universal bike mount. This is hands-down the best bike mount I've ever tried. It takes milliseconds to plop the iPhone down and it's just as quick to take it off. 

These two cases from LifeProof are simple but have the environment in mind. The Wake is made from more than 85 percent ocean-based recycled plastic (the company says it has repurposed more than 27,000 pounds of plastic taken out of the ocean so far). It has a wavy pattern on the back and it's slim, but it feels plasticky and cheap. There's no MagSafe support.

The See case, however, has built-in MagSafe. It adds more coverage on the bottom edge of the iPhone and is a little thicker (and will likely protect your phone better). The material, made from 45 percent recycled plastic, feels nicer to the touch too. Both have fairly responsive buttons. Whichever you get, LifeProof will donate a dollar to one of its water-minded nonprofit partners.

Totallee has made a name for itself as the go-to option for anyone that hates cases but wants some kind of protection. Its cases are so thin you can't seriously expect them to protect your iPhone from a drop, but they'll take care of everyday scratches and scuffs. There are two versions the company sells: an ultra-thin plastic case and a clear, soft-touch case. I'd opt for the latter, as it offers slightly better protection yet is still thinner than most other cases. It also feels nicer, and the buttons don't feel as mushy. There's no MagSafe here, but the cases are thin enough that you can still attach your MagSafe accessories (and they stick relatively well).  

I have a bad habit of biting my nails and so it's near impossible for me to access the mute switch on the iPhone when it's in a case. The Vibe case from Catalyst smartly solves this by letting you control the switch with a knob that rotates. It's far more satisfying to use. The case has a ring of magnets for MagSafe compatibility, has a grippy texture that feels nice, and doesn't add much heft. The edges around the screen are decently raised to keep it off of surfaces, and Catalyst has four spots where you can attach a lanyard for some additional security. 

Apple says its iPhones are protected by its strongest glass ever, dubbed Ceramic Shield. Yay! But … glass is still glass. A big or small fall is enough to make it crack. We've tested several screen protectors and these three were easiest to apply. 

Smartish Tuff Sheet 2-Pack for $10: Smartish makes the installation process dead simple. Clean the screen with the included wet wipe, dry it with the microfiber cloth, and use the stickers to remove any lingering dust. Then place the alignment tool over your iPhone, remove the backing from the tempered glass protector, and plop it in place! I had a perfect alignment in seconds. You even get a spare.

Nomad Screen Protector for $25:  Nomad's process is near-identical to the Smartish above, and installation took a matter of seconds. You only get one protector though, and it's pricier. Just make sure to press down from the middle and push out to eliminate as many air bubbles as possible. 

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit 2-Pack for $16: You get two screen protectors here, and after you follow the instructions to clean the screen with the included wet wipe, dust removing stickers, and a microfiber cloth, you'll need to place a large plastic alignment case over your iPhone and then peel the protector's backing off. The only thing I don't like? The amount of plastic used here for the two alignment tools feels a bit wasteful. 

Rugged cases with holsters are usually very ugly and a pain in the butt to remove or install (looking at you, Otterbox). This one from Pelican goes against the grain. Its simple design keeps it aesthetically pleasing, and it takes seconds to install just by snapping the front and back pieces of the case together around the iPhone. 

It's thick, has flaps covering all the ports (except for the speakers), and the buttons are still easy to click. Best of all, it includes a holster, which the iPhone easily slots into, and this holster also doubles as a kickstand. You can take the iPhone out of its case by sliding the tip of the kickstand into a groove on the corner edge. Smart! We tested the non-MagSafe version, but we've linked to the model with the ring of magnets. 

PopSockets was the first accessory I thought of when Apple announced its MagSafe system in 2020. No need to deal with adhesives! The PopGrip for MagSafe is this convenience realized. Just magnetically snap the elongated oval to the back of your iPhone and push out the grip—voilà, you have an effortless way of holding onto your phone. As on any other PopSocket, you can swap out the top for another style, and it can even act as a kickstand to keep your iPhone propped up in landscape mode.

PopSockets doesn't recommend using the PopGrip with a case-less iPhone, lest you start dangling it from the grip. I used it just fine without a case, but I also didn't carry the phone by the grip. If you don't do that, it's an elegant way of keeping your iPhone firmly in your hand. 

Elegant is pretty much the best word to describe Mous' Limitless 4.0 case, especially in this walnut finish for the backplate. You can also get it in bamboo, aramid fiber, black leather, and speckled fabric. It feels well made and tough. It's not too thick, includes MagSafe support, and the top and bottom edges around the screen are decently raised for extra protection. There's a spot to add a wrist strap if you'd like. The only downside? The volume buttons are a little tough to press.

Most wallet cases suck. You can barely fit more than two cards. This one from Pad & Quill is spendy, but it's the only one in this guide that managed to fit all the cards I regularly carry around in my wallet (more than seven), and some cash. The iPhone stays secure in a separate casing that's stuck to the inside of the full-grain American leather wallet, and there's an elastic band to keep the whole thing closed. 

It naturally adds a good deal of bulk and will certainly have trouble fitting in anything other than men's pant pockets, but the worst part of it is the poor compatibility with MagSafe. There's a circular cutout on the back for attaching Apple's MagSafe wireless charger, but because this is not a MagSafe case, the charger barely stays put. If that doesn't bother you, then you'll have a hard time finding a better wallet case for your many cards. 

This case is made in the US and the company claims it's biodegradable (tested to the ASTM Standard), though it will still take a few years for the materials to completely break down in a landfill environment. It has a tough bumper with raised edges, satisfyingly clicky buttons, and generous room to access the mute switch. Sadly, there's no MagSafe compatibility. Apple's MagSafe Charger will stick to it and charge, but the connection is weak. 

If you want the prettiest, cutest, or whatever adjective you can think of, case, then look no further than Sonix. The sheer number of styles it offers for its MagSafe cases are mind-boggling—there's even a glow-in-the-dark model! The buttons are great, and you get a raised bumper on the front edges. Sonix says some of these cases are biodegradable and made with eco-friendly thermoplastic elastomer materials, allowing them to break down over three to five years. If you have an old Sonix case, you can use the company's ReSonix program and donate your case to a non-profit like Goodwill and get 30 percent off your next case purchase. The packaging is made with recycled paper. 

If you're grabbing them from Amazon, make sure the product name mentions "MagSafe compatible" and that there's a visible ring of magnets on the product images. 

I like Nomad's leather cases the most. Not only is the material from the esteemed Chicago-based Horween Leather Company, but it's also fused with a thermoplastic elastomer bumper for better shock-absorbing protection. Better yet, Nomad embedded magnets so this works with all MagSafe accessories, and there's a spot to attach a wrist strap. 

The company has partnered with Popl here, integrating its NFC-based digital business card directly into the case. You need the app to activate it, but you can set up a digital profile that's easily shareable with other phones via a tap. Popl's app will keep trying to get you to upgrade to a subscription. That's when I decided to ignore it.

★ Slimmer Leather Cases: If Nomad's case is a bit too thick and rugged, Mujjo's ($45) is a more svelte option. It's slim, and the leather is equally luxurious (and covers the entire phone with no polycarbonate whatsoever). There's a wallet version that lets you add a card or two to the back as well. Too bad neither have MagSafe support. 

This OtterBox case checks off all the boxes. It's made of 50 percent recycled plastic, covers all the edges well, has easy-to-use buttons, and feels sturdy. Oh, and there's MagSafe support too. The raised front edges keep the screen off the ground, and it maintains a relatively thin profile. OtterBox says the exterior has an antimicrobial finish to keep bacteria at bay, but there's scant evidence this actually helps and is certainly no substitute for washing your hands. 

None of Cyrill's cases for the iPhone 13 lineup have magnets for MagSafe compatibility (the connection is very weak if you still wanted to try). But if you don't care for Apple's magnetic accessories at all, these are some great, attractive cases. There's the Color Brick, which I think looks the best; the Cecile, which adds some flower flair to a clear case; and the Classic Charm, which comes with a strap so you can carry your phone across your body. 

The cutouts are accurate on all of them, the buttons are easy to press, and the front edges around the screen are raised enough to keep the screen off the ground. There's also the Leather Brick, which is made from polyurethane leather. If you're after real leather, look at our other options above. All of Cyrill's cases are cheaper on Amazon versus the company's own website, so try to snag 'em there.

Who needs pockets when you can carry your iPhone on your pants? This full-grain leather holster has a strong magnet that keeps it secure, and the magnetic clasp ensures your iPhone won't fly out. The interior is lined with Ultrasuede, a microfiber-like material that keeps scratches at bay. You can access the mute switch and charging port without needing to take the iPhone out, which is nice. Just make sure to choose the right size that fits your device. 

Why fuss with cables when you have MagSafe? These power banks can stick to the back of your iPhone 13 and recharge it wirelessly, and you don't need to carry an extra cable or have an awkward wire sticking out of your pocket or bag.

MyCharge Mag-Lock Power Bank Starting at $50: You get three capacities to choose from: 3,000 mAh, 6,000 mAh, and 9,000 mAh. It stuck to the back of the iPhone 13 really well, and I love that it plays a sound when it starts or stops charging so you're fully aware. There's a USB-C port if you need to juice up faster, and it's also how you recharge the bank. 

Mophie Snap+ Juice Pack Mini for $50: This has a 5,000-mAh battery, so it'll only charge your iPhone once, but it's so slim and compact that it's great to keep in your bag as an emergency back-up power. Mophie includes a magnetic snap adapter, which is a little ring with magnets on one side and a 3M adhesive on the other. You can stick this ring to any other product that supports wireless charging to use it with Mophie's Snap+ battery for a hands-free charging experience.

Several brands sell MagSafe wireless chargers nearly identical to Apple's. Here are the models we like. Keep in mind that most of these brands don't include a power adapter, so you'll want one that's at least 20 watts (see below).

• Apple MagSafe Charger for $39: The official charger will charge your iPhone 13 the fastest (15 watts) because it aligns to a very precise spot that allows for better power transfer. Unfortunately, the 3.2-foot-long cable is frustratingly short and makes it tough to use the phone while charging unless you're right next to an outlet.
• Sonix Magnetic Link Wireless Charger for $30: Apple's MagSafe Charger's cord is too short. Sonix remedies this with a cable that's around double the length (6.5 feet), making it easier to use the phone while it's charging. It's flat, so it stays put on a desk, and you can choose from an array of fun colors and designs. The downside is that it charges slightly slower at 10 watts.
• Satechi USB-C Magnetic Wireless Charger for $30: This one charges even slower at 7.5 watts (the rate most normal wireless chargers use for iPhones), and the phone wobbles on surfaces due to its rounded rear. But it does the job and has a 5-foot cable. What makes it stand out is you don't need an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 to use it. Satechi sells an adhesive sticker ($10) that can attach to the back of phones like the iPhone 11. It has an embedded magnet, so it'll connect to a MagSafe charger. I even stuck it to an Android phone.
• Belkin Magnetic Wireless Charger for $30: Belkin's MagSafe wireless charger nearly matches Sonix's one in length at 6-feet-long, and you get a built-in cable tie to keep things neat. It'll charge your iPhone at the slower 7.5-watt speed but, unlike all the rest, it includes a 20-watt power adapter.
• Kerf Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad for $40: Going for a wood aesthetic in your home? Kerf has so many finishes of 100 percent natural wood to choose from, and everything looks fantastic. You can also include a power adapter and braided cable, though it'll cost extra. It all comes with a lifetime warranty. The iPhone will only charge at 7.5 watts.
• Nomad Base Station Mini With MagSafe for $70: Nomad's square wireless charger is easily the most elegant of this collection, but the magnetic connection is very weak. It's not meant to be held up while you use the phone unlike the chargers above. Still, you get peace of mind with precise alignment. It only charges at 7.5 watts. Nomad includes a durable USB-C to USB-C cable, but no power adapter is present.
• Spigen ArcField MagSafe Charger for $25: Undercutting the competition with such a low price, Spigen's charger is arguably all you need if you just want the convenience of a MagSafe charger. It charges at 7.5 watts, and there's no power adapter included. The downside? The cable feels very flimsy.

If you have Apple's MagSafe charger and are tired of it sliding around your bedside table, you can house it in a third-party pad or stand to keep it stable. That makes it harder to use the phone while charging, but if that's no issue, I like these options. Just remember, the wireless charger itself isn't included, and these only work with Apple's official charger.

• Twelve South Forte for iPhone ($40): Slot in your Apple MagSafe Charger and this stand will make it seem like your iPhone is floating. There's room to use your phone in landscape or portrait orientation, and you can tilt it up or down to find the best viewing angle. You can even tilt the charger all the way up so it sits flat, which allows you to wirelessly recharge your AirPods Pro.
• Nomad MagSafe Mount Stand for $60: I love the simple and utilitarian design of this all-metal stand. The zinc alloy mount is heavy and the rubber foot makes it sit securely on a desk. You can place your iPhone on it vertically or horizontally, but my favorite part of it is how easy it is to take the MagSafe Charger out. If you prefer a pad, Nomad sells one as well.
• Grovemade Wood MagSafe Stand for $120: It's expensive, but this wood converter makes Apple's charger look much more fashionable. It's heavy too, so it won't slide around. Just slot the charging pad in and it'll stay secure via an adhesive surface. You can remove the pad and reattach it, though it requires some force. Grovemade also has a pad.
• Spigen Mag Fit for $15: Here's a much more affordable option. It's not as aesthetically pleasing, but the adhesive on the bottom mostly keeps the pad firmly on your desk or nightstand, and the charger easily slots into the thermoplastic polyurethane shell. If you have an Apple Watch, I like the Mag Fit Duo ($19), which adds a spot to insert your watch charger.

If you have an iPhone, you may have other Apple-made products, like AirPods or the Apple Watch. If so, consider one system to charge all of them. I like this one from Belkin. It's completely MagSafe-compatible, so your iPhone 13 can hook up magnetically and will look like it's floating. The Apple Watch attaches to its charger magnetically, and there's a spot for the AirPods case on the base. The minimal design hides away most of the charger and elevates the gear more than any other 3-in-1 I've ever used, making for a very elegant system. 

There's only one LED (for the AirPods), and it's not distracting at all. The best news is that it supports 15-watt output for the iPhone 13 range, so your iPhone will charge the fastest that's wirelessly possible. 

Includes MagSafe

Don't want the bulk of a wallet case? Use a MagSafe wallet! The stick to the back of your iPhone 13 (or a MagSafe case) so you can carry your transit cards or license. Just know that most of these wallets may get dislodged if you stuff your phone into a particularly tight pocket.

• Twelve South Surface Pad MagSafe Wallet Case for $50: Apparently it's hard to make a good MagSafe case that doubles as a folio wallet. I disliked almost all the ones that have come across my desk, but this Napa leather one is easily the best. It's not too floppy, and it's firmly secure, thanks to the magnets and adhesive you align with the back of the iPhone. It's fantastically lightweight and it hooks up to other MagSafe gear just fine. Downsides? You can only fit two cards (you can squeeze four, but then they're hard to remove), and there's no space for cash.
• Apple Leather MagSafe Wallet for $59: This official one is simple. It has just a single slot that can fit two or three credit cards. It can be difficult to take out a card, but the trick is to just remove the wallet and push your cards up via the hole in the back (and snap it back to your phone when done). It works with Apple's Find My, so you'll get alerts any time you separate it from your phone.
• Spigen Valentinus Magnetic Wallet for $34: The vegan leather doesn't feel as supple as the leather Apple uses, but it's cheaper. It stays just as well on the back of an iPhone 13, and you can fit two to three cards. Better yet, a dip in the bottom of the case makes it easier to push out cards, giving it a leg up on Apple's version.
• Moft Magnetic Stand and Wallet for $24: This vegan leather wallet has so many uses! It's MagSafe-compatible, so it sticks to the iPhone. You can store a few cards in it and it folds out as a kickstand in portrait or landscape orientation. It also comes with a separate magnet you can stick to any surface (a very strong adhesive), so you can slap your iPhone on it for a floating view. 
• PopWallet+ for MagSafe for $40: Love using PopSockets? Now you can merge one with a wallet. The magnets are surprisingly strong, and it holds around three cards. The cloth dip at the bottom lets you push out your cards instead of prying them out. And, of course, you can pop the grip out whenever to keep your iPhone securely in your hand.
• Casetify MagSafe Wallet for $40: This one is made from 50 percent recycled materials, and I love the sheer number of styles and customizations available. A shield protects your credit cards from magnetic damage, and an access gap lets you push your cards out when you need them. Unfortunately, you can only fit two cards.

None of the iPhone 13 models come with charging adapters in the box. Plus, the cable it does come with is a USB-C-to-Lightning; you might not have a USB-C power adapter lying around. Rather than buying an adapter from Apple, you should get this one from Anker. It's positively tiny—just a hair bigger than the 5-watt adapter Apple used to include. However, the Nano Pro can output 20 watts, meaning it can fast-charge your iPhone. 

★ For More Power: InfinityLab (owned by Harman, a Samsung subsidiary) has a nice two-port 65-watt charger (one USB-A and one USB-C). I like that it's compact, and in the box, you get adapters you can easily attach for use in the US, UK, and EU. Better yet, it's made with 90 percent recycled plastics. 

If you're using a mangled Apple-made cable to recharge your iPhone, it might be time for an upgrade. Apple's included cable is fine, but I've seen too many in tatters to believe it will withstand long-term abuse. I like Nimble's knit fabric USB-C–to–Lighting cables. They're made from recycled plastic and aluminum, are BPA- and PVC-free, and they ship in plastic-free packaging. They're also just plain attractive.

★ More Great Cables: Prefer a USB-A to Lightning cable? I like the Crown Joule from Smartish ($20), which is technically USB-A to MicroUSB, but there's an adapter at the tip that converts it to USB-C or Lightning. You can also choose standard USB-C to USB-C, Lighting to USB-A, or Lightning to USB-C if that's what you prefer. Caudabe's ChargeFlex USB-C to Lightning cable ($29) is another great option. It's braided, is 5 feet long, and has a clip you can use for cable management.

The worst part about using tripods is the process of securing a camera over the top, or stretching out jaws to clamp them over your phone. With this MagSafe tripod, all you need to do is hold the iPhone to the magnetic mount. That's it—it's secure. It does have jaws that you can twist forward if you need extra security (or you're using another phone), and threads to attach a video light or microphone. It comes with the classic GorillaPod stand you can contort to suit the surface it's on, but you can also attach the mount to most other tripods. 

Frequently misplacing your keys, backpack, or wallet? One of the easiest ways for you to keep tabs on your gear is to use Apple's AirTag (though it's not without its flaws). You pair it with the Find My app that's preinstalled on Apple devices, and put it in your bag, in your wallet, or on your keychain. If it's nearby, you'll see it on the map and can track it down fairly precisely. If it isn't, don't worry. You'll not only see the last known location, but AirTags also leverages all nearby Apple devices to try and ping its location back to you. You just need to wait until someone with an Apple gadget walks by.  

We've rounded up other gadgets you can use to track your gear here. Want to track your dog or your kid? We've got options for that too!

Not every case I test is a winner, but that doesn't mean they're bad. Here are a few options I tried but didn't like enough to stick somewhere above.  

• Caudabe Sheath With MagSafe for $35: I've tested a lot of cases over the years, and every now and then a new one comes across my desk that just feels great. Caudabe's Sheath takes that badge this year. The flexible polymer case has a micro-etched matte texture that almost feels like canvas; it's grippy, and very thin. The buttons are all easy to press, and there's MagSafe embedded inside. Unfortunately, there's a very small bump on the center-right side of the case, likely due to the magnets. You can see and feel it; it's just distracting and takes away from the whole aesthetic.
• Nomad Sport MagSafe Case for $40: There's nothing wrong with Nomad's new Sport Case. It has MagSafe, clicky buttons, and feels sturdy. It just … doesn't feel special? The color options are rather bland, and the area where the backplate meets the bumper feels a tad sharp.
• Rifle Paper Co MagSafe Case for $50: Rifle Paper Co's MagSafe case rivals Sonix in terms of looks, but I think Sonix has better bumpers for improved protection (and it's a tad cheaper). Sonix also offers tons more design options.