The best Google Pixel 5 cases
Get some protection for your Android phone with the best Google Pixel 5 cases
The best Pixel 5 cases remain relevant even with though the Google Pixel 6 landed last year. Google's latest smartphone is a different size than the Pixel 5, so if you're holding on to that model you'll need a case specifically designed for its 5.7 x 2.8 x 0.3-inch frame.
And there's plenty of reason to keep using a Pixel 5. It remains a great phone with top-notch cameras and it runs the latest version of Android. Even if you can get the Pixel 5 for a discount, you're still going to want a case that offers plenty of protection.
Fortunately, you've got plenty of choice when it comes to the best Google Pixel 5 cases to keep your new phone looking just as pristine as the day you got it. Even with a durable build that includes IPX8 water protection, the Pixel 5 isn’t invincible, and a case can provide some added insurance against unexpected drops.
While protection is one of the chief reasons to get a case for your phone, the best Google Pixel 5 cases can offer even more. A variety of options in different materials are available that not only fit your Pixel 5 perfectly but provide stylish designs and pleasing colors. Here are the best Google Pixel 5 cases we’ve spotted so far.
What are the best Google Pixel 5 cases you can buy right now?
Because everyone’s taste is different, there’s really not one objectively best Pixel 5 case. The "perfect" case for you is one that ticks all the boxes on your wishlist. Do you want a specific material, color, function, or price? You'll need to make your Pixel 5 case choice within those parameters.
For major concerns about drops onto hard surfaces, the OtterBox Commuter Series for Pixel 5 is a great choice. If you're more worried about light, slimline protection that offers a grippy surface to hold onto your phone and prevent those drops in the first place, the Spigen Liquid Air Armor case might be more your speed. We're also impressed by the durability of the Tudia DualShield Merge for Pixel 5.
Some Pixel 5 users are likely more concerned with the way their phone looks while inside the case. There are a litany of options that dress the phone up in various hues and fabrics while still offering light protection. Take the official Google Pixel 5 Case, which comes in four different shades, each mindfully crafted from eco-friendly fabrics.
1. OtterBox Defender Series for Pixel 5
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For heavy duty phone cases, OtterBox is usually the first place to turn, and the Pixel 5 Defender Series Case is no exception. It features a multilayer setup with a soft foam inside shell and an outer polycarbonate shell to keep your phone safe from just about any accident that befalls it.
The Defender Series includes a holster that doubles as a belt clip and kickstand should you need one as well. Most importantly, the case is rated for some serious drops — four times as many as the military standard, Otterbox says. Should the Defender Series fail you, however, you can rely on OtterBox's lifetime warranty for an easy replacement, which extends the value of your purchase even further.
2. Moment Thin Case for Pixel 5
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The Moment Thin Case is more than just a thin, rubberized case. It's also a vehicle for the Moment Lens, which you can attach to your Pixel 5. The wide lens helps you capture clearer, crisper photos without any fisheye distortion. The lens also requires that you use a special case to ensure it stays on your phone, and that's what the Moment Thin Case provides.
The $39 case is ready for the special lens augment, complete with a strap attachment for one-handed shooting. It's made out of compostable bio-plastic TPE, with a glass-reinforced Nylon M-Series lens mount and nylon strap attachment. You can take the lens off if you'd like as well, leaving a reliable case that you can use during photo shoots with just your Pixel 5.
3. LifeProof Wake for Pixel 5
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Go sustainable with the Wake Case, crafted solely from salvaged fishing gear and over 85% ocean-based recycled plastic. The Pixel 5 features a unique wave pattern on the back that's unlike what you see on most other cases, and it comes in two different colors — black and a light purple that LifeProof calls Sea Urchin.
Rated as drop-proof up to 2 meters (or 6.5 feet), the Wake Case is ultra-thin and seamless, with support for fast Qi wireless charging. Perhaps the coolest part of all is that with every purchase of the Wake Case, LifeProof will donate a dollar to a nonprofit partner in a bid to protect our environment, especially the world's oceans and waters.
4. Caseology Parallax for Pixel 5
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Caseology's unique Parallax bumper case is just as eye-catching as it is protective. It features a fun matte geometric design on the back that comes in three two-toned hues. But it's also a great option for keeping your phone safe as well as good-looking, as the Parallax case features dual-layered military grade protection while still remaining as slim as possible.
The shapes on the case’s back offer some textured grip to keep your Pixel 5 in your hands, and there's even antimicrobial protection to help stave off potential germs. That's equally important during a global pandemic, where we're all struggling to keep our hands clean.
5. Spigen Liquid Air for Pixel 5
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Spigen offers all-around affordable and dependable cases for many types of smartphones, and the Liquid Air Armor case for Pixel 5 is no exception. This matte black case is form-fitted and pocket-friendly, with a special anti-slip surface to ensure you it stays in your hands, even when you're out and about.
The Liquid Air has a low-profile while remaining professional-looking, and it offers plenty of protection, even for those folks who aren't interested in kitting out their smartphone with a lot of additional heft.
6. Tudia DualShield Merge for Pixel 5
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You don't have to pay up to protect your Pixel 5. Instead Tudia's DualShield Merge case promises military grade protection should you drop your phone. (In testing, Tudia dropped the case 26 times from heights of 4 feet.) The case also boasts Tudia's ToughRhino Technology, which is designed to guard against drops and scratches. There's also a raised lip around the case to top the screen and camera from coming into contact with unforgiving surfaces.
Even with this added protection, you don't get a lot of bulk with the Merge case. It's got a slim profile with textured ridges on the size for a better grip. And you have a choice of four colors to add your own particular stamp to your Pixel 5.
7. Bellroy Leather Case
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If you want luxe protection for your Pixel 5, then look no further than the Bellroy Leather Case. Bellroy is an official Google partner for accessories and although the products aren't cheap, they're very high-quality.
Bellroy keeps things simple, so we hope you like the black leather look. It's not a flashy design, but it sure is classy. $40 isn't too bad of an asking price either, especially for such a premium option.
8. Vena vCommute Pixel 5 Wallet Case
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For many of us, it’s as important to keep our phones as close by as our credit cards, ID, and cash. Combine your wallet with your phone with the vCommute Pixel 5 Wallet Case. It features a special hidden slot that keeps everything you'd normally need to tote around in your wallet safe on the back of your phone, securely enclosed in a compartment that slides away out of sight and out of mind.
Vena’s vCommute case is also great for keeping your phone safe, with dual-layer polycarbonate and TPU featuring a CornerGuard design that protects your Pixel 5 from drops of up to 4 feet. This case works with car mounts, and you can use the folding area that closes in on the wallet as a makeshift kickstand if necessary.
9. Google Pixel 5 Fabric Case
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Google usually offers attractive and functional cases for its phones, and the Fabric Case is its Pixel 5 effort. Crafted from machine-washable fabric that comes in a variety of colors, the Fabric Case uses more than 70% recycled material to bring the case to life.
This Pixel 5 case features a slim fit with raised edges to protect your screen and cameras, and it also comes with special bumpers to cover your phone's edges. You can expect light protection in a solid package, but the simple fact that this case is fabric will no doubt fascinate anyone looking for a new bit of "wardrobe" for their fancy new Pixel 5.
10. Mous Limitless
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Mous is an under-appreciated name in the case business, but rest assured that the company has excellent products on offer. The Limitless case for the Pixel 5 is a premium product with stellar protection and access to Mous' magnetic accessories (think MagSafe).
Mous' AiroShock technology provides protection against drops while adding minimal bulk. The Limitless has three material options available: Aramid Fiber, Walnut, and Speckled Fabric. If we have to level a complaint against the case, it'd be that it's pretty pricey. But it's worth the money all the same.
11. X-Level Google Pixel 5 Case
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Give your Pixel 5 a stylish look while still protecting it from the harsh realities of daily life. X-Level's Google Pixel 5 case uses both a vintage rhino texture and TPU for a case that can resist fingerprints as well as give you a good grip on your phone.
The case is built to absorb shocks from drops and the raised edges keep the Pixel 5's display from coming into contact with unforgiving surfaces. You have a choice of four colors, though we're particularly struck by the classic brown look.
How to choose the best Pixel 5 case for you
When looking for the best Pixel 5 case, it's prudent to keep protection in mind based on the materials a case uses. Consider the thickness of the case as well, because it absolutely matters if you're someone who ends up dropping your phone often. If you’re confident you won't be sending your Pixel 5 clattering to the ground, less heavy-duty cases are acceptable options.
You’ll see a range of prices on Pixel cases, but price doesn’t always reflect value. You'll have to evaluate each case on an individual basis, because cheap does not always mean "bad" in the world of phone cases, just like paying top dollar does not guarantee you're getting the best item possible. You'll need to figure out the most important aspects of each case to you and what works best.
The simplest aspect of choosing the right case for your Pixel 5 comes down to ensuring you have the right size. The Pixel 5 is only available in one 6-inch build, which makes things exceedingly simple. Any case specifically designed for the Pixel 5 will do just fine. Avoid cases for the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5a, as those are different dimensions than the Pixel 5.
- Pixel 4a review
- Pixel 5 vs. Pixel 4a: The major differences
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Brittany Vincent has been covering video games and tech for over 13 years for publications including Tom's Guide, MTV, Rolling Stone, CNN, Popular Science, Playboy, IGN, GamesRadar, Polygon, Kotaku, Maxim, and more. She's also appeared as a panelist at video game conventions like PAX East and PAX West and has coordinated social media for companies like CNET. When she's not writing or gaming, she's looking for the next great visual novel in the vein of Saya no Uta. You can follow her on Twitter @MolotovCupcake.