Anyone looking to pick up a Pixel 9a deal now that the sub-$500 phone has gone on sale should also consider one of the best Google Pixel 9a cases to go with it.
As you can see in our Pixel 9a review, Google’s latest device packs a whole host of AI-powered features, camera updates and a modified design. You’ll want to keep this best cheap phone contender looking its best, and a case is the best way to do that.
I’ve compiled a list of cases that will save your new Pixel 9a from minor dings and scratches — with more than half also offering some type of drop protection in the event that your phone falls off a counter, or slips out of your hand.
In determining the best cases for Pixel 9a, I also considered design, materials, extra features (like kickstands and accessory compatibility) and, of course, price. Here are our recommendations for cases to put on your Pixel 9a right now.
The best Pixel 9a cases right now
Color: Black, blue
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic elastomer
Weight: 1.76 oz
+ Military-grade drop protection
+ Port covers
+ Wireless charging compatibility
- Limited color options
Otterbox is known for its durable, highly protective phone cases, and the Commuter for Pixel 9a will keep your device safe without adding a lot of bulk. It provides military-grade drop protection and comes with port covers to keep dust and grime from getting lodged and causing damage, and its textured sides make it easy to grip. While it’s not the cheapest case on our list, the price point is reasonable. The main downside is the limited color choice.
Color: Black, brown, agave
Materials: Leather, plastic polymer, polyester
Weight: 1.04 oz
+ Sleek leather finish
+ Slim fit
+ Wireless charging compatibility
- Finish may wear over time
- No specific drop protection noted
The Bellroy Leather case for Pixel 9a is a stylish alternative to those made of plastic and silicone. The case is low profile, comes in three finishes — black, brown, and agave — and is compatible with wireless charging. While the Bellroy case will keep your device safe from minor dings and scratches, it may not offer the best drop protection, and the leather finish may also wear over time.
Color: Black, white, purple, pink
Materials: Silicone, polycarbonate
Weight: 1.2 oz
+ Custom fit for Pixel 9a
+ Slim profile
+ Made with 40% recycled material
- No specific drop protection noted
All of our recommended cases are made for the Pixel 9a, but you’ll get a guaranteed fit with an official Google silicone case. It has a slim profile and smooth finish and comes in four colors — obsidian, porcelain, peony, iris — to perfectly match your device. Plus, it’s made with 40% recycled materials and is compatible with wireless charging. Google claims “hundreds of hours” of drop testing, but it doesn’t note a specific height.
Color: Clear
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.6 oz
+ 10-foot drop protection
+ Anti-yellowing and scratch resistant
- Basic design
The Zagg Crystal Palace Lite offers excellent protection for your Pixel 9a while looking like it doesn’t have a case on at all. The clear case holds up against drops up to 10 feet and has both an anti-yellowing and scratch-resistant finish, so ideally it won’t look aged or worn after extended use. The Crystal Palace Lite also has textured sides for better grip and is compatible with wireless chargers.
Color: Black, blue
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 2 oz
+ Military-grade drop protection
+ Wireless charging and accessory compatibility
+ Built-in kickstand
- Basic color options
Spigen has an excellent case lineup for the Pixel 9a, and we especially like the Tough Armor for its military-grade drop protection and compatibility with wireless chargers and accessories. The case also has a built-in kickstand that pops out for hands-free content viewing and video calling but sits flush when not in use. The downsides: it comes in just two basic color options, and it’s slightly bulkier than some of our other picks.
Color: Black, green, navy, mint, camo
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 0.7 oz.
+ Budget-friendly
+ Grippy sides
+ Anti-fingerprint finish
- No specific drop protection noted
The Ringke Onyx is our budget-friendly pick, offering a lot of value at a low price. The case comes in five colors and has a smudge-resistant finish. Ringke doesn’t provide specific drop protection information, but the Onyx has lanyard attachment points and grippy sides to minimize the risk of your Pixel 9a slipping out of your hands. You can pay $5 more for the MagSafe compatible version, though this model only comes in black.
Color: Black, blue, dark green, light green, pink
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane
Weight: 1.76 oz
+ 4-foot drop protection
+ Grippy texture
+ Wireless charging compatibility
- Basic design
The Tudia Merge case for Pixel 9a is a good pick for those who want a simple, easy-to-grip case that will protect your device if it does slip out of your hands. The case, which comes in five colors, has a textured back and sides and has been tested for drops up to four feet. It’s also compatible with wireless chargers.
Color: Hundreds of patterns
Materials: Compostable bioplastic elastomer, flax straw
Weight: TBC
+ Comes in hundreds of designs and patterns
+ Made from compostable materials
+ Drop protection
- Pricey
Pela makes flexible, slim-fit cases from compostable materials — without sacrificing solid protection for your Pixel 9a. Pela cases are drop tested up to 20 feet. The Pixel 9a model comes in more than 300 designs and patterns, so it’s easy to personalize your phone. The main downside is the price point, which is the highest of any case on our list.
Color: Black, blue, green, purple
Materials: Polycarbonate
Weight: 3.52 oz.
+ 20-ft. drop protection
+ Built-in screen protector
+ Anti-yellowing and scratch resistant
- Bulky for daily use
If you take your Pixel 9a on active pursuits or expose it to the elements, you’ll want a case that’ll hold up against anything. The Poetic Guardian has a shock-resistant frame for drop protection up to 20 feet as well as an optional built-in screen protector (which can be swapped for an open front frame). The front and back of the case are made of clear material that is both anti-yellowing and scratch resistant, and the frame comes in four colors. There’s also a MagSafe compatible version. It’s on the bulkier side for lighter daily use, though.
What to look for in the best Pixel 9a cases
Before you hit “buy” on a new case for your Pixel 9a, make sure you’ve selected the right size, as manufacturers often list products for other models in the Pixel 9 and Pixel A series on the same page. (We’ve also reviewed the best cases for Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL, but none will fit the Pixel 9a.)
You’ll also want to compare the following factors across cases:
- Protection: One of the main reasons to put a case on your device is to protect it from damage, especially scratches or cracks that result from drops or falls. If you tend to lose grip on your phone, look for models that have military-grade drop protection of 4 feet or more as well as features like textured finishes and screen protection.
- Durability: Cases made of softer material like silicone or leather may wear over time, while hard shell cases or those with more durable or scratch-resistant finishes may hold up better against the elements.
- Features: Depending on how you use your device, you may want a case that has extra details, like a lanyard attachment points, a kickstand, or compatibility with magnetic accessories like chargers and cardholders.
- Cost: Our Pixel 9a case recommendations range in cost from $15 to $65, and most of our picks are budget-friendly. You don’t need to spend a lot to protect your phone, but a few extra dollars may get you premium materials or extra features.
How we pick the best Pixel 9a cases
To compile our recommendations for the best Pixel 9a cases, we compared products from well-known brands based on the criteria listed above, including durability, features, and cost. We aim to include options to meet a variety of needs at multiple price points. In some cases, we conduct hands-on testing to better understand the user experience.
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