The Pixel 9 is one of the best small Android phones you can buy. It has a beautiful OLED display, an excellent camera setup, a premium build, and a powerful processor. It’s also attractively priced and makes a better buy for many consumers than the Pro model. However, the Pixel 9 is still made of glass and aluminum, which means it’s pretty fragile, and a drop or impact can cause serious damage. So, it makes sense to wrap it up in an excellent case.
However, not all cases are made the same, and if you want top-notch protection, you need a heavy-duty case. These cases will easily keep the Pixel 9 safe from bumps, drops, and other impacts. Here are some of the toughest and best-in-class heavy-duty cases you can buy right now.
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Best overall
UAG Pathfinder for Pixel 9
The UAG Pathfinder case is available in black and olive green. It features a traction grip that enhances corner protection, support for magnetic chargers and accessories, and lightweight material. Despite its large design, it’s built to last and certified to survive drops from 18 feet, meeting the toughest drop-test standards.
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Premium pick
Dbrand Grip for Pixel 9
$60 $80 Save $20The Dbrand Grip is one of the best premium cases available. It’s fully personalizable using more than 20 different skins for a unique experience, and it’s made to last. It has a grippy texture on the sides to improve ergonomics and a durable finish that can survive all types of accidents. It’s extremely tough and well-built, and fully prepared to protect your phone.
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Promoted pick
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro for Pixel 9
Supcase’s Unicorn Beetle Pro case is pretty impressive. It offers corner protection with airbag-like support that cushions the Pixel 9, and with the integrated screen protector and dual-layered back cover, the case is capable of handling multiple drops from 20 feet. There’s even a built-in, adjustable kickstand for hands-free viewing. And as a bonus, the case works with MagSafe accessories.
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Best value
Spigen Rugged Armor for Pixel 9
$18 $30 Save $12The Spigen Rugged Armor has been a long-time favorite of ours. It has air cushion technology that helps absorb shocks, a carbon fiber design for a more premium feel, and a spider-web pattern with raised bezels that shield the display and camera lens. It’s extremely durable and offers excellent protection if you’re on a budget.
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Ghostek Nautical for Pixel 9
Available in clear and black variants, the Ghostek Nautical is a heavy-duty Pixel 9 case with a built-in camera lens protector and a port cover for impressive water resistance. It seals the complete phone body, including the display, to deliver 360-degree coverage. The case can also help the phone withstand drops from 12 feet and has textured sides for better grip.
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Poetic Revolution for Pixel 9
Poetic Revolution is often a name that comes up when it comes to sturdy, heavy-duty, and rugged cases. It has a built-in kickstand, a screen protector, and a military-grade shockproof casing that can survive up to 20ft drops. It’s easy to put on and take off, and the raised bezels guard the display and camera from accidental damage.
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UAG Plyo Pro for Pixel 9
If you don’t want to hide the sleek design of the Pixel 9, the UAG Plyo Pro is an enticing choice. It helps you flaunt the phone’s design while keeping it safe. The Plyo Pro is well-built and can withstand drops from as high as 16 feet. The built-in MagSafe-style magnets are another highlight of this UAG case, which will allow you to use magnetic accessories with the phone.
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OtterBox Defender for Pixel 9
The OtterBox Defender has also been featured on many of our heavy-duty case lists in the past, and that’s because it surpasses the Military 810G 516.6 tests with flying colors. What this means in real life is that it can survive drops and all types of accidents that would otherwise damage your gadget. It even supports wireless chargers.
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Encased Falcon Shield for Pixel 9
The Encased Falcon Shield will keep your Pixel 9 safe from everyday mishaps with its shock-absorbing TPU build, reinforced corners, and raised edges. The company claims it can handle drops from as high as 10 feet. Encased also bundles its excellent MagGlass tempered glass protector with the Falcon Shield for complete coverage. Another positive of this fantastic case is the affordable pricing.
Guard your Pixel 9 with a tougher case
The rugged or heavy-duty cases are your best bet for keeping the Pixel 9 safe from everyday mishaps. These cases are typically bulkier than regular phone cases but offer top-notch protection.
If you’re looking for the best, you can’t go wrong with Under Armor Gear’s Pathfinder case. It has an anti-scratch and shockproof design that can take a beating and offers enhanced protection for the display and camera lens on the back.
Meanwhile, the Dbrand Grip is not only fully customizable but also offers additional protection and, as the name suggests, a grippy finish with textured sides that make the phone easier to hold and more ergonomic. You can choose from over 20 different Dbrand skins to personalize the phone and keep it safe from all types of accidents, whether that’s a drop, a toss, or a more forceful collision with a hard surface.
Finally, if you want to spend a bit less, the Spigen Rugged Armor case has been a longtime favorite. It absorbs shocks, and its carbon fiber design can take a beating without damaging your new phone. It has tactile buttons, air cushion technology that better absorbs a fall, and a spider-web pattern and raised edges that protect the screen and camera lens.
If none of those options speak to you, you still have other options from Poetic, Ghostek, and Encased; one of these is bound to be suitable for your needs.
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