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Best Pixel 9 Case Overall (With MagSafe)
dbrand Grip Pixel Cases
Best Thin Pixel 9 Case (With MagSafe)
Mous Super Thin MagSafe Case
Best Cheap Pixel 9 Case
Spigen Liquid Air Case
Color-Match Your Pixel
Google Official Pixel 9 Case
Google says its new Pixel 9 smartphones are twice as durable as their predecessors, with Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 enveloping a 100 percent recycled aluminum frame. But as you know, glass is still glass. There’s still a high chance even a 4-foot drop from your hand to the pavement will result in a cracked screen. Protect your investment! These Pixels are among the most expensive to date, so it’s worth finding a nice case or screen protector to keep them pristine.
Fair warning though: Having a case on your phone doesn’t mean it’s now invincible. It just reduces the chances of a cracked screen. I’ve tested a handful to find the best Pixel 9 cases, whether you own the Pixel 9 Pro or the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and these are my favorites. (We’ll be testing even more soon!) You’ll also find a few handy accessories to round out your new smartphone experience. Be sure to read my Best Pixel Phones guide for more tips and recommendations.
Note: Pixel 9 cases work with the Pixel 9 Pro as they share the same dimensions. You’ll see manufacturers selling the same case for both and separate ones for the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
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How We Test Cases
I install every case I recommend in this guide on a Pixel 9 smartphone, ensuring the buttons feel nice and clicky, the holes for the ports, mics, and speakers are accurately cut out, and there are no disruptions to cellular connectivity or wireless charging. Some cases have a magnetic ring inside, mimicking Apple’s MagSafe system that lets you attach the iPhone to other magnetic accessories, like a MagSafe wireless charger, car dock, or tripod. Your experience might differ when attaching these cases to third-party accessories designed for MagSafe; to that end, I’ve tested many of these MagSafe Pixel cases and vetted the magnetic strength on various accessories.
Unfortunately, I don’t do drop tests. There are so many variables, and I have a limited number of devices. In my experience, a protective case can still leave you with a cracked screen.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best Pixel 9 Case Overall (With MagSafe)
dbrand Grip Pixel Cases
If you want a traditional case with decently raised edges over the display and a thick bumper that’s not slippery, then Dbrand’s Grip case is the way to go. This is a MagSafe case, meaning there’s a ring of magnets on the back, allowing you to magnetically attach your Pixel 9 to various MagSafe accessories like magnetic wireless chargers (though your mileage may vary on how well it stays put and charges). I tested it with several MagSafe chargers—the magnets in the case adhered strongly, and my device recharged.
It has accurate cutouts for the microphones and speakers, the buttons are super clicky, and the edges around the display and camera bump are raised, keeping those precious elements from touching surfaces. Dbrand has lots of fun designs too, from standard flat colors to one called Toxic Waste. Go crazy!
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best Thin Pixel 9 Case (With MagSafe)
Mous Super Thin MagSafe Case
This is my favorite Pixel 9 case so far. It doesn’t offer much durability—it’s a thin case, after all—but it’s great for folks who want something stylish and slim with MagSafe support. The MagSafe connection on this Mous case is pretty strong; I’ve used it in conjunction with Peak Design’s MagSafe car charger to dock my phone, no clamps required. There’s a soft inner to protect your phone from scratches, and the polycarbonate case has a soft-touch texture that’s pleasant to touch. I’d suggest pairing this case with a screen protector since the edges of the case don’t raise past the display much. There are no dedicated buttons on the case—there’s a recessed gap for the Pixel 9’s buttons, which means they don’t protrude.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best Cheap Pixel 9 Case
Spigen Liquid Air Case
Spigen’s Liquid Air is a longtime favorite because it looks elegant and feels nice despite costing so little. If you don’t want to spend much but want some protection, this case should cover your bases for basic dings and scratches. The edges around the screen are reasonably raised, meaning the display won’t touch a surface, and the buttons are satisfying to press. There’s even some texture on the power button, making it easy to distinguish.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Color-Match Your Pixel
Google Official Pixel 9 Case
You bought your phone from Google, so why not the case as well? Google’s official Pixel 9 case is affordable and simple and lets you precisely color-match your phone. Seriously, don’t hide that beautiful pink or wintergreen Pixel 9 in a boring black case. The camera bump all but disappears with this case installed, and I like the metallic buttons. The screen is well-protected, and the silicone is nice and soft. A microfiber lining keeps the back of your Pixel scratch-free.
Google says this case’s polycarbonate shell is made with 75 percent recycled plastic, though the entire case is made with at least 42 percent recycled materials.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Another Great MagSafe Case
Mous Limitless 5.0 MagSafe Case
The Mous Limitless 5.0 is nearly identical to Dbrand’s Grip—even the MagSafe strength is similar—but I’d say the Dbrand is slightly grippier and has a more designs to choose from. That said, Mous also has different styles, like speckled fabric or a walnut back. The case doesn’t add much bulk and makes the camera bump flush with the back of the phone. The buttons are responsive, there’s a spot to attach a lanyard, and the cutouts for all the ports are spot on.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
A Screen Protector
dbrand Pixel 9 Series Tempered Glass
You have to freehand this screen protector installation, but I surprisingly was able to line it up perfectly on two Pixel 9 models. The tempered glass covers the entirety of the display, and it even protects the selfie camera. (I haven’t noticed any issues with the Pixel 9’s face unlock or selfie photos.) It’s not obvious that it’s installed either, with smooth edges that don’t stick out.
You get two screen protectors in the box, dust removal stickers, alcohol wipes, and a microfiber cloth. There’s a squeegee tool to remove air bubbles too.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best Protection
OtterBox Commuter Series Pixel 9 Case
OtterBox’s Commuter Series is the classic case that strikes an excellent balance between design, bulk, and protection. You get two pieces, a rubber slipcover that first goes over the Pixel 9, and then a polycarbonate hardshell that attaches to the exterior. It feels sturdy and strong, with clicky buttons, and the USB-C charging port is covered too. Wireless charging still works fine. It’s made with more than 35 percent recycled plastic.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
A Clear Pixel Case (With MagSafe)
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Metal Ring MagFit Case
Spigen’s clear case lets your Pixel’s design seep through, but with any clear case, you’ll have to be wary of smudges. It’s still a feature-packed case, with responsive buttons and a lanyard attachment point, but the best part is the MagSafe ring on the back that enables magnetic functionality. (If you don’t care for it and want a pure clear case, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid is a good option.)
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
A Wireless Charger Built for Pixel Phones
Google Pixel Stand (2nd Gen)
It’s been a few years since Google launched this charging stand, but it’s still functioning perfectly on my nightstand. There are hundreds of wireless chargers, but this one was specifically designed for Pixel phones. As soon as you place your Pixel on it (it charges only in portrait orientation) you’ll get options to enable a few features. These include turning your Pixel into a sunrise alarm clock, where the display mimics the warm glow of the sun right before your alarm kicks in. It can also automatically trigger Google’s Bedtime Mode, which turns on Do Not Disturb and turns your screen gray to prevent you from picking it up in the middle of the night and doomscrolling. You can opt to have Google Home controls for your smart devices easily accessible or turn the display into a digital picture frame with photos from your Google Photos library.
It will recharge your Pixel quicker than most other wireless chargers, and you can charge at the fastest speeds, which will kick on a slightly audible fan, or at a slower pace with the fan off.
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Photograph: Simon Hill
Keep Your Battery Recharged
Nimble Champ (Series 2)
The Pixel 9 series has solid battery life across the board but none of these devices will take you through a second day on a single charge. It’s a good idea to keep a portable battery charger around just in case, and Nimble’s Champ Series 2 is our favorite. You can choose from different capacities—the bigger the battery the more times you can recharge your phone before needing to top up the battery. These come with a bright lanyard loop for easy toting, and Nimble uses bioplastics (90 percent recycled plastic) and plastic-free packaging to reduce the environmental impact where possible. You get a USB-C cable in the box.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
A Slim Charging Adapter
Nomad 65W Slim Power Adapter
The Pixel 9 series can charge faster than ever, but each model charges at specific speeds. The Pixel 9 charges at 27 watts, the Pixel 9 Pro charges at 30 watts, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL charges at 37 watts. While the first two can recharge up to 55 percent in 30 minutes, the Pro XL can recharge up to 70 percent. Google says to achieve those speeds on its largest phone, you’ll need to use its 45-watt charging adapter. I have not tried it yet.
Instead, you can get a reasonably fast-enough charge with something as slim and lightweight as Nomad’s 65-watt charger. This thing is my go-to charger I take everywhere, because the prongs fold up flat and it has enough power to juice up a MacBook Pro. There are also two USB-C ports, and if you have two devices plugged in it will divvy up 45 watts to the left port and 20 watts to the right one. That’s plenty for most personal devices.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
For Battery Emergencies
Native Union Pocket Cable
If your Pixel is about to die, that’s where this little gizmo comes in. I keep it on my keychain at all times, and it acts as a very tiny USB-C to USB-C cable. Plug one end into your phone and the other into another USB-C source, like a laptop, PC, charging adapter, or even a friend’s phone, and you can get your device enough juice to tide you over. (Make sure you choose the charging settings on your Pixel when it pops up and ensure you’re not charging the other device.)
It supports up to 60 watts of fast charging, which means you can use it to charge a laptop if you have a powerful enough charging source, and it doesn’t look any worse for wear despite months of use on my enormously large keychain with a bajillion other tchotchkes.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Other Good Cases
Honorable Mentions
The world of Pixel accessories grows every year. Here are a few other cases I’ve tried and liked, just not as much as the ones above.
OtterBox Defender Series for $65: This is arguably the most protective case for the Pixel 9 series. It has a hard shell that splits into two pieces, wrapping around the front and back of the phone, and you click them in place. Then add the rubber slipcover over the top and the holster, which lets you affix the phone to the belt. The holster’s clip can also double as a kickstand in a horizontal orientation. Even the USB-C charging port is covered up. I think the OtterBox Commuter I recommend above gets you nearly there in terms of durability, but if you want to maximize protection and like holsters, go for the Defender.
OtterBox Symmetry Series for $50: This is a perfectly fine case that’s just a bit unremarkable. The buttons are easy to press, the cutouts are accurate, and there’s good protection from the raised edges. It’s just not unique in how it looks and doesn’t offer any other interesting features.
Spigen Rugged Armor and Tough Armor for $16+: These cases are also available for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Rugged Armor has a nice textured back and edges, though these areas do tend to attract smudges and marks. The edges are nicely raised to protect the screen and cameras, and the buttons are clicky. The Tough Armor, on the other hand, is smoother and has a kickstand on the back. Annoyingly, this kickstand only works for landscape orientation, so it’s not the case to buy if you watch a lot of TikTok.
Thinborne Aramid Fiber Super Thin Case for $70: This case isn’t for drop protection because it’s incredibly thin. It’s a nice option if you hate cases but want to protect your device from scratches. That said, it’s really difficult to take it off (unless you have long nails). It also smudges way too easily, so I constantly found myself wiping it down. There’s a MagSafe magnetic ring baked in, but it struggled to reliably adhere to other MagSafe accessories—the magnets just aren’t strong enough. At least you do get a screen protector in the box, though you need to freehand the installation.
Casetify Impact Case With MagSafe for $58: Casetify has an endless amount of designs you can choose from, and while it has come under fire for how it acquires some of those designs, there are not many places you can go to get a Pixel 9 case with Spider-Man on the back or one that makes your phone look like a film camera. These cases have MagSafe rings inside so they should work with most MagSafe accessories. I just don’t love how prominent the Casetify logo is on the back.
