The new Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are now available for preorder after Google unveiled the lineup during its annual Made by Google event on Aug. 13. Their predecessors, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, boasted high camera quality and exclusive Google features. The new line will feature better picture quality, new AI features, an improved design, and an XL version of the Pixel 9 Pro.
Right now, you can trade in your Pixel 8 or adjacent smartphone and get the Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro for a discounted rate. The new models are available for preorder and will hit stores on Aug. 22. To prepare for their availability, here are the best Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro cases to keep your brand-new device safe.
Also: The best Android phones: Expert tested
What are the best Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro cases right now?
ZDNET has spent hours researching cases that offer all of the must-have features, like drop protection, unique style, and magnetic charging options. Our pick for the best Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro case is the Caseology Nano Pop for its military-grade drop protection, sleek design, size options, and reasonable price. However, there are many other cases on this list that may better suit you. Keep reading to learn our favorite cases for the new Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.
Show less
Caseology Nano Pop
Best Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro case overall
We rank Caseology’s Nano Pop case as the best overall case for the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. For one, they offer different color options for the Pixel 9, Pixel Pro, and Pixel Pro XL. The two-tone color theme is stylish but practical, and the case has a silicone texture to deter dust and dirt when put in your pocket.
The camera — arguably the centerpiece of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro — will be protected by the Nano Pop’s lifted edge, preventing scratches and daily wear. The Nano Pop also sells for under $20, making it a great option for those who might have spent too much pre-ordering the Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro.
Also: The best camera phones you can buy: Expert tested
The case offers military-grade drop protection and is compatible with wireless charging. Reddit users even say they prefer it to Google native cases, as one notes, “I really like the Nano pop. The case is grippy on the sides, too, which helps with drops. I also have a clear case and a Google official case but I always come back to the Nano pop.”
Caseology Nano Pop features: Military-grade drop protection | Available for Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL | Color options | Wireless charging compatible
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear case with MagSafe ring
Best simple Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro case
This Spigen case is the perfect mix of desirable features. It’s a clear case that shows off your expensive phone but has military-grade drop protection. The new case now has textured sides and tactile buttons, so maybe you won’t drop your phone anyway. Conveniently, it comes equipped with a MagSafe ring and gesture-tap-compatible material.
Also: The best phones you can buy (and where the Google Pixel 9 Pro stacks up)
Users on Reddit have used Spigen for older models, and it has always proved to be long-lasting and sturdy. One user says, “I had a Spigen for two years on my Pixel 7 pro, and it survived several drops with no Issues. I was planning on getting the same for the 9.” Another user says, “Spigen is definitely one of my go-tos.”
This case offers a sleek design with protective features for less than $25. If you want to show off your new phone while keeping it safe, the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear case might be the way to go.
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear case features: Air Cushion Technology and military-grade drop protection | Available for Pixel 9 Pro only | MagSafe
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
Torras 360 Spin Magnetic Stand case
Best utility Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro case
Smartphones are more than communication devices, especially ones like the Google Pixel 9, which has many upgraded features. This Torras case is perfect in that category, with three layers, up to 12 feet of drop protection, and a 360-degree swivel kickstand, ideal for watching a movie on a camping trip or streaming a podcast from home.
This rugged phone case is slimmer than you think. Its nano-oleophobic and hydrophobic material prevents fingerprints, oil, and stains and is equipped with grips to prevent slipping. It’s sleek and rugged and provides many protective and utility features. The XL case is available on Amazon, while the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro options are available on Torras’ website.
Torras 360 Spin Magnetic Stand case features: 12 feet military-grade drop protection | Available for Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL | MagSafe | 360-degree kickstand
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
Google Pixel 9 soft case
Best Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro native case
Most phone manufacturers also make cases, and Google is no exception. The Pixel 9 soft case was designed for this new generation of Pixel phones, and it offers more color options than most. The color options match those of the phones — Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz, Wintergreen, and Peony — and boast protection from scratches and drops.
The slimmer case is made of shock-absorbent silicone that is also stain-resistant, which is excellent if you prefer lighter colors. This case was made with at least 42% recycled materials for the more environmentally conscious consumer, reducing some guilt. If you want to pre-order the Google Pixel 9, consider throwing one of these cases in your cart.
Google Pixel 9 soft case features: Six colors offered | Available for Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL | Scratch and stain-resistant
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
Spigen Tough Armor
Best protective case for Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro
It’s not out of character for smartphones to be sensitive and, most of the time, not good at withstanding daily drops. For this reason, some people prefer a protective phone case. This Spigen Tough Armor case would be perfect for that audience, thanks to its drop-protection, shock absorption, and layered design.
Also: The best rugged phones you can buy: Expert tested
This case comes in black, metal slate, and abyss green and is equipped with a kickstand to prop your phone up vertically or horizontally. It also features raised edges to protect the camera and other areas prone to damage. If you have hot hands, the Spigen Tough Armor case has a ventilated casing to keep your hand and the device cooler and is gesture-tap compatible. This case is perfect for someone looking to keep their phone crack-free.
Spigen Tough Armor features: Military-grade drop protection | Available for Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL | Kickstand | Compatible with wireless charging
Show Expert Take Show less
The best Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro case is the Caseology Nano Pop. It costs under $20 and offers great protection, color selection, camera protection, and has grippy features.
| Google Pixel 9 case table | Price | MagSafe | Drop Protection |
| Caseology Nano Pop | $19 | No | Yes |
| Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear | $22 | Yes | Yes |
| Torras 360 | $40 | Yes | Yes |
| Google Pixel 9 soft case | $35 | No | No |
| Spigen Tough Armor | $19 | No | Yes |
The phone case you choose is dependent on your daily use and needs. There are features like drop protection, MagSafe backs, and kickstands that may or may not be necessary for your personal use case. If you prefer something with color, maybe you would choose the Caseology Nanopop or the Google Pixel phone case. However, you might consider that those cases are not MagSafe, and you need a phone case with MagSafe capabilities. It’s up to you and what you need.
|
Choose this case… |
If you want or are… |
|
Caseology Nano Pop |
A case with many color options, but also has features like drop protection to make a reliable phone case. For its great quality, it is priced very well. |
|
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear |
A simple phone case to show off your phone’s form factor, but also MagSafe capabilities and drop protection. |
|
Torras 360 |
Someome who uses their phone for more than just calls. This case is perfect to use for multitasking, thanks to its 360-degree kickstand ring and MagSafe qualities. |
|
Google Pixel 9 soft case |
A case designed by Google specifically for the Pixel 9. It offers great protection, and the ability to match colors with your device. |
|
Spigen Tough Armor |
Someone who drops their phone a lot. This case has great drop protection, and even has a kickstand. |
The cases above reflect a variety of needs and features. Overall, we weighed the following aspects when creating this list:
- Size: Sometimes, cases can add unnecessary bulk to your device. On the other hand, bulk may be needed for protection. Likewise, you need to consider the size of your phone to buy the correct case.
- Durability: No one wants to spend money on a phone case only to have it give out after a few months. Most consumers also want cases to protect the device they paid lots of money for. Therefore, the best cases last for a long time while also surviving daily wear and drops. You should always look for a case made from high-quality materials such as wood, polycarbonate, or silicone.
- Style: Let’s face it, many of us want a pretty phone case to look at. We look at cases and determine if their style matches their performance and features. It’s okay if you’d rather have a stylish case over a protective one.
- Price: Price is a very important factor for testing phone cases. Many people do not want to spend more than $20 on a phone case, and we are aware of that. Price is very important in determining if a case is worth it.
We considered many factors when finding the best cases. We research top brands, take recommendations from ZDNET experts, and scour internet reviews (good and bad) to find a reliable lineup. When we go hands-on with a phone case, we consider ease of setup, performance quality, functionality, and value for the price.
There are many phone cases that fit the Google Pixel 9 and its relatives, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Brands like Spigen, Casetify, Caseology, Otterbox, and more offer options for the new Google phones.
The short answer is that is up to you. It is usually best to put a case on the expensive device you purchase to make it last and function better in the long run. If you want to test your luck, kudos to you, but it is probably best to have some sort of protection to combat daily wear.
The Google Pixel 9 was just announced on August 13 and is currently available for preorder. Otherwise, the phone will be in stores to purchase on August 22.
More: Every Google Pixel 9 model compared: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The cases above are great options for your new phone, but there are plenty of alternatives. Below are a few options.
+ There are no comments
Add yours