Google went all-out on the Pixel 9a, and many big-name case manufacturers stepped up to the challenge. There’s actually a wide variety of cases for the midrange master, with varying levels of protection and features. There are some high-dollar premium models worth considering, but some of the best aren’t terribly expensive. A decent number also aim to dovetail with the phone’s notable design ethos.
Quite a few boast integrated magnets for easy connections to the increasing number of great Qi2 accessories — while only long-term testing and an eventual Pixel 9a teardown will confirm its perfect alignment and consistent magnetic connectivity, we’ve stuck to brands that claim to do their due diligence in lining up the internal magnets with the standardized measurements.
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Best overallGoogle Case for Pixel 9a
Leave it to the manufacturer to make one of the best cases for the best new midrange phone. The last few generations of OEM Pixel cases have met and exceeded expectations in terms of durability, grip, and precision, and the Pixel 9a options match the four colors perfectly. It’s simple, it gets the job done, and it doesn’t cost a fortune.
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Premium pick
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero One for Pixel 9a
Spigen’s engineering and design prowess are on full display with its Ultra Hybrid Zero One case for the Pixel 9a. The eye-catching back panel is accompanied by internal cushioning and reinforcement that keep the relatively expensive device out of harm’s way and in perfect working order throughout its long Android update lifespan, although it’s not cheap.
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Best value
Ringke Onyx for Pixel 9a
This version of Ringke’s increasingly popular Onyx case is slightly heavier than normal, because it incorporates magnets in the back that let you take full advantage of Qi2 wireless chargers and accessories. Overall, the case is still pretty lightweight, and its reasonable cost makes it a good choice for most people. It comes in black or dark green.
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Promoted pick
Supcase UB Grip for Pixel 9a
In partnership with Supcase
Supcase introduced a new lineup this year for Samsung flagships and the Pixel 9a, called the UB Grip. It combines the company’s well-known affinity for ultra-rugged cases with a redesigned, extra-stable kickstand and thumb ring so you can get the most out of your phone, whether during one-handed use or while watching your favorite videos totally hands-free.
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Spigen Rugged Armor MagFit for Pixel 9a
Back for another round, the Rugged Armor is Spigen’s most practical and second-most protective Pixel 9a case. Hugging the line between compact and heavy-duty, it has plenty of grip, reinforcement in the most critical spots, and the high-end materials needed to ensure a long life. It has a built-in magnetic ring for convenient Qi2 accessories, but only comes in black.
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Bellroy Leather for Pixel 9a
Bellory is one of the last manufacturers holding out in the natural case sphere. Its premium leather lasts a long time, develops an attractive patina, and makes holding, using, and carrying your phone comfortable and safe. You can rely on a precise, consistent construction, in part because it’s an officially Google-licensed accessory. It comes in black, brown, or a pale teal.
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dBrand Grip for Pixel 9a
dBrand’s Grip cases and their skins are pretty expensive, but also among the best. There’s tons of traction to keep you from dropping your costly smartphone, and a variety of designs let you customize your device. The Teardown skin is especially interesting, because dBrand tailors its appearance to the Pixel 9a’s actual hardware layout.
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OtterBox Commuter for Pixel 9a
While somewhat bulkier than the rest, the OtterBox Commuter wraps the Pixel 9a in a more solid shell than almost any other case. TPU pads on the outside offer extended shock absorption as well as grip, and the two-tone clue colorway looks especially nice. OtterBox cases do tend to cost more than most, but they’re practically unbreakable.
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Spigen Nano Pop MagFit for Pixel 9a
Brought over from the recently acquired Caseology brand, the Nano Pop (now from Spigen) provides just enough protection from day-to-day drops and bumps, without making the midsize Pixel 9a too big or heavy for convenient use. A carefully placed mangetic ring in the back means it works consistently with Qi2 wireless chargers and accessories, although it’s slightly more expensive than previous Nano Pop offerings.
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Ringke Rugged Gear for Pixel 9a
Ringke typically specializes in ultra-slim, high-grip cases, but the Rugged Gear Pixel 9a cover goes a step further. It’s bulkier than, for example, the well-known Onyx cases, but offers more rugged protection than anything else the company offers. Nonetheless, it’s still not super expensive, and manages to be a little slimmer and lighter than similarly rock-solid competitors.
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JETech Matte for Pixel 9a
There’s not much to the JETech Matte case, but it does just enough to keep the Pixel 9a in peak condition. It comes in Peony and Black colors that match two of the OEM colors, and is one of the slimmest cases you’ll find. It also costs extremely little, and the frosted finish minimizes fingerprints effectively.
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Tudia MergeGrip for Pixel 9a
The Tudia MergeGrip is relatively slim and light, especially when you consider its 20-foot drop rating. That’s significantly higher than most — which, for the Pixel 9a, rarely have any drop rating at all — and it doesn’t even demand a huge investment. Its colors don’t perfectly match the Pixel 9a’s (they’re actually a little more interesting), but its complete coverage means you probably won’t notice.
Keeping the Pixel 9a free from damage
A near-flagship phone that deserves a good case
The Pixel 9a has impressive specs and promises, including a seven-year Android update and security patch lifespan. Outfitted with a reasonably future-proof Tensor G4 system-on-a-chip, it could realistically last for many years of effective use if you keep it in good physical condition. Google’s OEM case will do a good job of that while fitting the brand’s aesthetic perfectly. JETech’s Matte case performs similarly and costs even less.
To change up your Pixel’s appearance a little but still get peak protection, consider a Spigen case. The Ultra Hybrid Zero One is one of the best-looking, although the Rugged Armor offers arguably the perfect balance of slim and durable. For something especially rugged, you can’t beat the Supcase UB Grip, although the Ringke Rugged Gear promises similarly great protection in a slightly lighter package.
Since the Pixel 9a is closer to a flagship than ever, though, take a look at some other standout premium cases. Bellroy makes one of the few remaining top-quality leather cases (which, incidentally, aren’t designed to stay perfect forever — they look best after developing a strong patina). We also can’t speak highly enough of the dBrand Grip series, which is hard to beat if you’re OK with the cost. Depending on how much you have left over after a case purchase, there are some great Pixel-compatible accessories worth considering, too.
