Best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases in 2023

Get the best iPhone 12 Pro Max case to protect one of Apple’s biggest phones

You still need one of the best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases, especially as your phone approaches its third birthday this fall. We're holding on to our phones longer than ever, and one way to make sure the iPhone 12 Pro Max you bought way back when stays in top shape is to make sure it doesn't suffer damage from drops. That's a role a good case can play.

Like the iPhone 14 Pro Max that currently heads the best iPhones lineup, the iPhone 12 Pro Max features a Ceramic Shield display that offers some drop protection. For the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple increased the phone's water-resistance rating from 4 to 6 meters. Even with those measures in place, encasing your device in one of our best iPhone 12 Pro Max case picks adds another layer of protection.

All the top picks in our guide to the best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases deliver a great mix of protection and additional features, and they look good too. To help you find the right case, we've split them into handy sections: MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 Pro Max cases, battery options, rugged cases and so on.

You can either jump straight to the type of phone case you want, or browse the guide in one go. Here's our selection of the best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases we’ve spotted so far.

Apple's magnetic functionality, MagSafe, enables fast wireless charging, and the quick and easy attachment of multiple accessories. While many iPhone 12 Pro Max cases are thin enough to make the most of MagSafe charging, few third-party options offer the internal support for accessories - but there are some that do. Here are the best MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 Pro Max cases around.

Apple's own iPhone 12 Pro Max cases offer ultimate MagSafe-compatibility for all the latest accessories and chargers. And while third-party MagSafe-compatible cases are still fairly rare, that monopoly isn't the only reason we like the company's silicone case. With a slimline, lightweight design, some light shock absorption built in and a glove-like fit, there's plenty to love - plus it comes in lots of different colors too.

Apple put a lot of effort into making the iPhone 12 Pro Max look good. Why cover it up with a case, when you can opt for a transparent material that lets your phone’s inner beauty shine through? Apple's clear case has anti-yellowing properties to help it stay see-through, and comes with drop protection and a scratch-resistant coating. It also takes full advantage of MagSafe, even if that does mean the integrated magnet is visible on the back.

The Spigen Mag Armor case costs a lot less than Apple's options, but still offers full MagSafe compatibility. It comes with air-cushioned corners for additional shock proofing, and a slimline profile textured for extra grip. In fact, this case only adds an additional 0.12 inches to your phone. The plastic may not feel as polished as Apple's silicone option, especially with no microfibre lining inside, but it's excellent value nonetheless.

If you can't stand the bulk of a more rugged sleeve, the miniscule 0.2-inches of added depth from the Totallee Thin is going to be a major draw. This super-slimline shell is made for the case haters among us, rather than those looking for reliable protection. You don't get any shockproofing, but the rubberized grip will protect against scuffs and there's a raised lip around the camera. What's more, because it's so thin, you'll still be able to use MagSafe features.

It's pricey, but the Otterbox Symmetry+ Series offers an all-in-one package that marries durability with full MagSafe compatibility. Otterbox claims this case can withstand three times as many drops as the military standard, while also offering a slimline profile that won't bulk out your pocket. The sleek exterior offers a minimalist design and it's coated with antimicrobial protection along the back as well. It only comes in black or pink though.

For a low-cost iPhone 12 Pro Max case option with MagSafe included, consider the JetTech Magnetic Case. At less than $15, it can guard against scratches and other wear and tear. Magnets in the case help you line up your phone when it's time to charge, though some users complain that their phones don't always stay attached. Nevertheless, this is an affordable way to add some protection to your phone while ensuring that it can still charge wireless from within its case.

Whether you're looking for a unique print or you're keen to get a big name on the back of your phone, there are plenty of designer iPhone 12 Pro Max cases to choose between. We've picked out some of the best options here, all of which still manage to pack some protection for your device.

With the staple Richmond and Finch metal accent running along the bottom of the design, this collection of iPhone 12 Pro Max cases offers a wide range of designs and colors to keep things classy and expressive. From repeated patterns like the unique Leopard model to more understated marbelized and single color designs there's plenty to browse here. You're getting some protection through bumpers running along the sides as well.

Unlike many designer iPhone 12 Pro Max cases, this Ted Baker Anti-Shock case doesn't sacrifice protection in the name of looking good. It offers airwall TPU bumpers around the case, with an impact-resistant design plus grips to avoid accidental drops. Combined with a floral semi-clear design, you're getting both a gorgeous aesthetic and peace of mind here. Not only that, but the slim case also manages to retain MagSafe and Qi charging compatibility as well.

Paris Hilton's take on Case-Mate's LuMee Halo iPhone 12 Pro Max case brings a unique holographic design to the party. This is one for the selfie pros, offering a dimmable ring light on the back of the case, and two side lights running along the bumpers for the front-facing camera. The lights are powered through a rechargeable battery with a fairly respectable 30 minutes of juice. If you're not a fan of the holographic design, you'll find a range of colors and styles up for grabs as well.

Talk about turning your iPhone 12 Pro Max caase into a work of art. The Van Gogh Almond Blossom iPhone 12 Pro Max case from Casely takes a painting from the Dutch artist and converts it into a two-part protective case that looks to keep your iPhone safe from danger. A polycarbonate shell with a TPU liner absorbs the shock of drops while still letting you charge your iPhone 12 Pro Max wirelessly. It's the case's distinctive look that wins the day here, though.

If you live and breathe Disney — or know someone who does — Danzel's Cute Case could be just the trick for dressing up an iPhone 12 Pro Max with some Magic Kingdom pixie dust. This particular version of the case is an homage to Minnie Mouse (though Daisy Duck and Mickey Mouse get their own editions). There's more to the Disney nod with this iPhone 12 Pro Max case — A soft TPU shell adds drop protection and a wrist strap doubles as a kickstand.

You'll quickly notice your battery depleting if you're streaming, taking high-quality videos or playing intensive games all day. Thankfully, there's a wide range of iPhone 12 Pro Max battery cases that will juice up your device while you're on the go. We've rounded up our top picks of these lifesavers here.

Packing a massive 10,000mAh battery, the Zerolemon battery case for iPhone 12 Pro Max carries enough juice to add 180% battery life to your iPhone 12 Pro Max, according to the brand. The rugged exterior will add some considerable bulk to your device. Still, there's plenty of protection baked into this industrial sized case, so if you need all-day battery and reliable durability, it's a great choice - just don't expect it to fit into your pocket easily.

It's rare to find battery cases that offer both wireless charging and the ability to juice up the case and phone at the same time, but for under $50 the Alpatronix BX12 does just that. A 6,000mAh battery just beats the everyday 5,000mAh average, and with a flexible form factor, installation is quick and easy. While there's no mention of shock absorption for drop protection, it does come with raised bezels and a bumper around the edges.

The Newdery battery case comes with a smaller 4800mAh battery, but it offers plenty of flexibility in how you charge compared to other cheaper options. This model is fully compatible with wireless Qi chargers, and allows for simultaneous charging of the phone itself as well. Not only that, you can still get access to Car Play features with this case on, which is a rarity at this price point.

IHJ's iPhone 12 Pro Max case solves a problem at the heart of nearly every battery case: bulk. This slimline case still manages to pack a 5,000mAh battery, but does so without jutting out to the back of the device. The result is a smooth curve that simply rounds out at the top of your phone. It does sacrifice some fancier features such as wireless charging and Car Play, but you still get access to that lightning port.

The smaller Zerolemon 5,000mAh battery case still offers plenty of power, but it's slimmer than its industrial-grade 10,000mAh sibling further up the page - though there's still some bulk. It comes with wireless charging features, Car Play and air cushioned corners for extra shock absorption. Plus, it takes just 2.5 hours to fully charge your phone from the case, which is much faster than cheaper models.

While the iPhone 12 Pro Max doesn't quite boast the dazzling color array of the standard model, these are still some good looking devices, and there are plenty of quality clear cases that will let its beauty shine through. With anti-yellowing materials and excellent shock absorption, here's our pick of the best clear iPhone 12 Pro Max cases.

Clear cases don’t need to lack personality. Speck’s Presidio Edition case features embedded art prints that are designed to resist fading and scratching. (Speck is so confident in its anti-yellowing materials, it promises to replace your case for free if it doesn’t stay clear.) There's drop protection up to 13 feet, along with antimicrobial protection as well. And because the Presidio Edition is so thin, you can still use wireless charging to top up your device’s battery.

Clear cases sometimes suffer from not having the textured surface of a matte option. The Gemshell Grip from Speck, though, gives you all the benefits of a clear case while also providing a tactile, textured surface for extra grip. Plus, dual-layer buffers provide drop protection at up to eight feet, and the case is designed with raised bezels to protect your iPhone 12 Pro Max screen too.

Elando's iPhone 12 Pro Max case offers an incredibly clear and surprisingly strong caddy to keep your phone protected and shining bright. Elando claims that its TPU, PC and PMMA plastics are coated with a diamond anti-oxidant layer to keep your case from yellowing over time, and to help it avoid scratches and oil build-ups as well. Each corner also features military grade shockproof protection, which is excellent at this price point.

Spigen's Liquid Crystal clear case certainly isn't one for clumsier iPhone owners. However, if you're looking for a budget clear case with basic scratch and scuff protection, you can't go wrong here. The flexible TPU material means locking your phone in is quick and easy, and there's extra strength in the buttons to keep things snappy. Plus, there are raised bumper edges to protect your screen as well.

Mous has baked its own AiroShock shock absorption technology into this unassuming clear case for the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which offers excellent drop protection. The back also has a scratch-resistant coating and anti-yellowing protection to keep the view from clouding up over time, and the case is fully MagSafe-compatible too. However, all those features come with a higher price tag.

For a more refined look, opt for a leather or faux leather iPhone 12 Pro Max case. While the quality of the materials used will scale with the price, you can still find some excellent PU options at the cheaper end of the price scale and some gorgeous soft-touch cases further up the range as well. We've rounded up the best options here.

Apple has made its own leather iPhone 12 Pro Max case from soft-touch tanned and finished leather, and as one might expect, the device fits into the case like a glove. Some of the third-party leather cases below place more focus on protection, with extra buffers and a larger lip between the case and the screen in case of drops. However, Apple's device has been tailormade for MagSafe accessories and comes in plenty of color choices.

If you don't want the bulk of a phone case in your hand, the Apple Leather sleeve for iPhone 12 Pro Max allows a degree of protection when you're out and about, while still letting you feel the lightweight design of your device while it's in use. The protection here could be greater, but it isn't bad, and you get a snug fit with additional space for a couple of credit cards or ID cards, as well as full MagSafe compatibility.

Whether the faux leather material is a benefit or drawback for you, the Cyrill Leather Brick case offers a good level of protection in an eye-catching design, with a soft microfibre lining to boot. That's excellent value for $20 / £20, with both a hard PC plastic back and an air-cushioned TPU bumper keeping your device safe. Those looking for a more premium finish may want to look a little higher up the price scale, however.

The Otterbox Strada very nearly offers it all. This case isn't compatible with MagSafe accessories (though wireless charging is still available), but you're getting military grade shock protection, a folio style case with space for a credit or ID card, and premium leather materials. That's an impressive all-in-one package, and we like the volume buttons on the side that give you access to all your controls even through the folio spine.

If you're looking for a cheap shell for your iPhone 12 Pro Max but still want the premium feel of a leather case, the Arae Ultra Thin is an excellent budget buy. The slimline build means there's little additional bulk, and there's even a microfibre lining on the inside of the PU leather exterior. Protection is lower - it only helps avoids everyday scuffs and scratches - but the thinner profile makes wireless charging possible.

If you don't want to bulk out your pockets by carrying both a phone and wallet, you'll find plenty of iPhone 12 Pro Max cases that allow you to keep all your necessary cards to hand while also offering excellent protection for your device as well. Whether you're after a folio design or a simple hidden compartment, you'll find a range of the best designs here.

Talk about a case that combines form and functionality. The Casebus Magnetic Folio Wallet is a premium leather case that not only holds your iPhone 12 Pro Max, but also three credit cards and a pocket for cash. A magnetic clasp keeps the case snapped shut.

You're not sacrificing protection either, as full-body inner case made out of thermoplastic polyurethane offers a cushion against unexpected drops. Choose between five colors so that your Casebus Magnetic Folio Wallet reflects your style.

The Bellroy iPhone 12 Pro Max case slots three cards neatly into a side compartment that also acts as a kickstand for long streaming sessions as well. That's perfect if you're looking to hold a few credit cards while avoiding the bulk of a folio-style case. This option is a little pricier than others, but it does offer environmentally friendly leather materials with a microfiber lining inside.

While offering less wallet space than others in this section, the Spigen Armor CS is perfect for people who need to keep one or two cards to hand but also want to keep their phone highly protected. Shock absorbing TPU plastic is supported by air cushioned bumpers with a hardy polycarbonate exterior, making for excellent drop protection and keeping your phone scuff-free. All of this comes in a slimline metallic package, with a few colors to choose between.

The Tucch case offers a conventional wallet experience, with a folio design and PU leather materials. Despite the budget price tag, it comes with RFID blocking card compartments, wireless charging passthrough, and a shockproof TPU interior shell. With space for four cards and a longer cash pocket, there's plenty of room, and the whole thing can convert into a convenient stand as well. It should be noted that there's no microfiber lining inside here, though.

If you're looking for the full card slot design but don't want the hassle of a folio style case, the Arae may be able to meet you in the middle. The backwards folding style keeps up to four cards and some cash tucked away on the back of your phone, held with four magnetic clips. TPU bumpers around the edge of your phone also provide some drop protection. The design doesn't allow for wireless charging, however.

Drops happen, but if you know you're going to be putting your iPhone in harm's way you might want to consider a more rugged case. Protective cases are built with ultimate protection in mind, so while you won't get much pocket room, you'll have plenty of peace of mind. We've rounded up our pick of the best protective iPhone 12 Pro Max cases here.

The OtterBox Defender Series is one of the more expensive options in our best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases guide, but it also offers a serious level of protection. OtterBox built this case to withstand four times as many drops as the military standard, and the protection doesn't stop there. This case also features port covers to prevent dust and dirt from finding their way into the phone’s Lightning port.

Urban Armor Gear says its Civilian Series cases are engineered for people who don’t want to worry about an iPhone falling out of their grip. The Civilian Series case combines an impact-resistant exoskeleton with shock-absorbing panels and hex cushioning to blunt the impact of any drop or fall. And while there’s a hard armor shell protecting your iPhone 12 Pro Max, the Civilian Series is still thin and light enough to work with wireless charging.

There are two sets of magnets buried in the Rokform Rugged iPhone 12 Pro Max case, as well as a twist-lock system on the outside, which means you can easily mount your device to a bike or car without worrying about it slipping away. That's perfect for more extreme uses, and with buffered corners and an anti-slip grip around the external back, you're sorted for everyday drops as well. Those heavy duty magnets do take up considerable space, though.

The Catalyst Influence Series has all the features you’d expect in a protective case for the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Catalyst claims up to 15 feet of drop protection with a slim design, and a micro-texture grip around the side to keep the phone from slipping out of your hand. But one of the standout features in this edition is a frosted back that keeps fingerprints from cluttering up your iPhone’s look.

Built using Dupont Kevlar fiber materials and a shock absorbing rubber bumper, Case-Mate's Pelican Shield Series is a sturdy piece of kit. It boasts a massive 21ft drop protection, and the case itself is constructed from material that Case-Mate claim to be eight times stronger than steel wiring. All of that comes in a fairly bulky package, which means there's no wireless charging here, but if you think you'll need top protection, it's worth considering.

Here’s another way to keep your iPhone 12 Pro Max from slipping out of your hand — get a case with a built-in grip. The Clckr Stand Case’s grip does more than just give you something to hold on to when you’re snapping a selfie, it also doubles as a kickstand as well. You’ll get drop protection for up to two meters if your iPhone does take a tumble, and there’s antimicrobial protection, too. For cheaper protection, it's worth considering.

Whether you’re a budding shutterbug or a regular artist behind the lens, iPhone photography keeps getting better and better – and so do the photography case options. We've picked the best options available for people who want to make the most of the iPhone 12 Pro Max's impressive camera system.

We recommend the Moment thin case for anyone looking to fix additional lenses to their iPhone 12 Pro Max. Compatible with all Moment's MagSafe accessories and additional lenses, the slimline case is a must-have for iPhone photography pros. It offers excellent functionality, while six-foot drop protection and a two-year warranty provide extra peace of mind.

iPhones may be waterproof now, but they have limits. This nifty case will allow your device to go up to 130 feet under the surface of water with its sealing technology. Once you’re under, you’ll be able to use your iPhone’s camera in conjunction with the app to take underwater images. You can remove underwater color correction at any time to see images as they were captured, or keep it on to improve your shots.

The Moshi Altra iPhone 12 Pro Max case has been built to prevent drops, rather than building too much bulky protection into the phone case itself. You get a grippy textured surface across the exterior, with a detachable wrist strap for extra protection. This, and the ultra-responsive metal buttons along the side, make it perfect for one-handed photography and selfies. However, there's no mention of drop protection or shock absorption.

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The first thing to do when shopping for the best iPhone 12 Pro Max case is to make sure you’re getting a case that will fit your new phone. Because the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro feature the same dimensions, the best iPhone 12 cases and iPhone 12 Pro cases are pretty much interchangeable. You don’t have that luxury with the iPhone 12 Pro Max and its 6.7-inch display.

If wireless charging is important to you, make sure that the case you’re interested in supports that feature. Many do and will say so, but particularly thick cases can affect your phone’s ability to charge wirelessly.

Since one of the main reasons to get a case is to protect your iPhone 12 Pro Max from damage, check out the drop protection rating for each case you consider. Cases rated to withstand drops of 2 meters (roughly 6.5 feet) should provide adequate protection, though some options claim to safeguard your phone from even greater heights.

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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