Smartphones are a lot more durable than they used to be. Nearly every phone manufacturer has decided to build their flagship products out of a mix of aluminum and glass, and buying a case is more a question of whether you don’t mind scratches, rather than whether your phone can survive a catastrophic drop. For a unique phone like the Pixel 9, the question becomes even more complicated. Why cover something unique about Google’s new phone?
There’s more than one way to compliment the Pixel 9’s design. If you plan to keep the phone for more than a few years, or upgrade later, some kind of case or cover can make a big difference. And since Google has made some significant changes to the phone’s design between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, you’ll definitely need a new one. Here at Pocket-lint, we’ve used quite a few cases over the years, so we know what makes a stylish and protective phone case. So, with that in mind, we’ve handpicked the best cases for the Pixel 9.
Best Pixel 9 Cases: Our Recommendations
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Best Overall Pixel 9 Cases
Case-Mate Signature Clear Case for Pixel 9
Case-Mate’s Signature Clear Case is perfectly designed to protect your Pixel 9 from bumps and scratches while showcasing Google’s unique smartphone color. The case is made from recycled TPU designed not to yellow over time and includes a magnetic ring that allows you to use your Pixel 9 with a MagSafe mount.
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Best Premium Pixel 9 Cases
Bandolier Hailey Crossbody Phone Case (Pixel 9)
Bandolier’s Hailey Crossbody Phone Case is pricey at $108, but it’s undeniably stylish. Made from premium leather on the outside and a TPU and microfiber blend on the inside, the adjustable strap means your Pixel 9 is always at your fingertips. There’s even a pouch on the back for a few credit and debit cards. Why carry a bag when you can just carry your phone?
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Best Cheap Pixel 9 Cases
Spigen ThinFit Case for Pixel 9
Spigen’s Thin Fit Case for the Pixel 9 is one of the thinnest and most affordable phone cases out there, adding less than half an inch to the thickness of your phone. Its thinness is perfect for protecting your Pixel 9 from scratches, but the case has cushioned corners so it should be able to survive a drop or two.
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Best Leather Pixel 9 Cases
Bellroy Leather Case for Pixel 9
Bellroy’s leather case is a great choice for those looking for something that feels premium, but isn’t as pretentious as a crossbody strap. The case comes in a black-and-green “mint” color and is lined with microfiber on the inside to provide just the right amount of cushioning for your Pixel 9. It might not have the patina of traditional leather, but it should still hold up for years to come.
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The toughest Pixel 9 cases
OtterBox Defender Series Case for Pixel 9
The OtterBox Defender Series case is designed to be rugged, with multi-layered protection including a hard polycarbonate shell on the inside and a rubberized exterior cover. The case comes in either baby blue jeans or black and includes a clip for attaching your Pixel 9 to a belt.
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Best Colorful Pixel 9 Cases
Google Pixel 9 Case
Google’s own Pixel 9 cases are a great choice for anyone looking for a case that matches the Pixel 9’s wide range of color options. Google makes a case for each color, from black Obsidian to pink Peony. The case itself is made from stain-resistant silicone with an internal microfiber lining, which should provide relatively good protection, but the real attraction here is the color.
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Grippy Pixel 9 case
dbrand Grip Case for Pixel 9
dbrand’s Grip Case works wonders on the sometimes slippery back of the Pixel 9, making it easier to hold while protecting the aluminum edges from bumps and drops. The case is relatively thin, less than half an inch thick, yet still adds comfortable grip rails to the outside of the phone.
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Promotion Pick
SUPCASE for Pixel 9
Partnership with SUPCASE
SUPCASE’s Pixel 9 case offers extra protection from drops of up to 20 feet and includes a built-in screen protector for those worried about scratching their Pixel 9. The case itself is also MagSafe Mount compatible and has a built-in stand to prop up your phone for watching YouTube or making video calls.
Conclusion: What’s the best case for the Pixel 9?
As you can see, the options for Pixel 9 cases are becoming more and more numerous. There are premium options, like the fashionable Bandolier Hailey Crossbody Phone Case, and super affordable options like the Spigen Thin Fit Case. However, for the price, the best option for anyone is the Case-Mate Signature Clear Case for Pixel 9. It’s protective enough to ensure your Pixel 9 won’t shatter if you drop it, and its clear finish lets you see your Pixel 9 color of choice. Even better, the case’s built-in magnets also let you attach your phone to a MagSafe mount or stand.
Why we picked the best Pixel 9 cases
Price, features and a trusted brand
While it’s perfectly fine to leave your Pixel 9 out of a case, protecting your phone will give you better trade-in options if you upgrade in the future and give you peace of mind in your day-to-day life. I selected these cases based on price, protective features, and whether the case brand tends to make a quality product. Our selection covers a variety of types of cases, but I tried to focus primarily on cases under $50 (you shouldn’t have to spend more than $30 for a good case) and with multiple color and finish options.
For premium options, we considered leather cases or cases with built-in features like stands, straps, and storage for payment cards. At the very least, these cases should protect your phone from bumps and scratches and also have some sort of drop protection built in. Given all the nice color options Google is offering for the Pixel 9, we made sure to include at least one transparent option so you can see the color of your Pixel. We think our final list reflects these criteria and offers an option for just about everyone.
FAQ
Q: Should I just buy a Google first-party case?
If you don’t want to think too much about your phone case, the Gogole Pixel 9 case is a solid choice, but in our experience, silicone is less likely to degrade over time, even if it’s stain-resistant like Google’s case. The best cases often combine materials for added protection, so if you’re on a budget, we recommend looking at other options.
Q: How important is it to buy a case that allows wireless charging?
This doesn’t really matter unless you’re already heavily invested in the Qi charging ecosystem. The Pixel 9 supports wireless charging, but not Qi2 (which adds support for fast charging via magnetic connections), and generally doesn’t charge as fast; wired connections will charge faster. Google is also selling a new 45W charger to compensate for this.
