The world of Pixel accessories grows every year. Here are a few other cases I’ve tried and liked, just not as much as the ones above.
OtterBox Defender Series for $65: This is arguably the most protective case for the Pixel 9 series. It has a hard shell that splits into two pieces, wrapping around the front and back of the phone, and you click them in place. Then add the rubber slipcover over the top and the holster, which lets you affix the phone to the belt. The holster’s clip can also double as a kickstand in a horizontal orientation. Even the USB-C charging port is covered up. I think the OtterBox Commuter I recommend above gets you nearly there in terms of durability, but if you want to maximize protection and like holsters, go for the Defender.
UAG Tempered Glass Screen Protector for $35: This tempered glass screen protector (also available for the Pixel 9 Pro XL) was very easy to install. It comes with an applicator tool as well as a wet wipe, dust removal sticker, and a microfiber cloth. I think the Dbrand I recommend above is a better value because you get two in the box and it’s cheaper, but UAG’s option is a solid alternative.
Pela Liquid Screen Protector for $60: I’m cautiously optimistic about this one because I haven’t had much experience with liquid screen protectors. Pela sends a little vial with this liquid magic inside. First, clean your phone with a microfiber cloth. Then, pour a third of the contents in the vial onto the cloth, and wipe the phone down. Wait two minutes, and then wipe away any excess. This liquid supposedly protects from scratches, drops, and even impact, and is oleophobic to reduce smudges. You’ll need to reapply it every 12 months, so save the rest that’s in the vial. I’ll report back if I have any issues. The good thing is Pela will pay for any screen repairs provided you were using a Pela case and this liquid screen protector simultaneously.
OtterBox Symmetry Series for $50: This is a perfectly fine case that’s just a bit unremarkable. The buttons are easy to press, the cutouts are accurate, and there’s good protection from the raised edges. It’s just not unique in how it looks and doesn’t offer any other interesting features.
UAG Pathfinder MagSafe Case for $55: This was a weird one. I like this case, even with its somewhat rugged look. But the MagSafe did not work at all on the Pro XL case. I suspect I got a dud, because I tested the same case for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, and magnetic wireless charging worked perfectly. Outside of this blip, this case offers clicky buttons and lots of indents for a satisfying grip. The cutouts are accurate, and the lips are raised decently on the display, though they could stand to be more protective of the camera module.
Spigen Rugged Armor and Tough Armor for $16+: These cases are also available for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Rugged Armor has a nice textured back and edges, though these areas do tend to attract smudges and marks. The edges are nicely raised to protect the screen and cameras, and the buttons are clicky. The Tough Armor, on the other hand, is smoother and has a kickstand on the back. Annoyingly, this kickstand only works for landscape orientation, so it’s not the case to buy if you watch a lot of TikTok.
Thinborne Aramid Fiber Super Thin Case for $70: This case isn’t for drop protection because it’s incredibly thin. It’s a nice option if you hate cases but want to protect your device from scratches. That said, it’s really difficult to take it off (unless you have long nails). It also smudges way too easily, so I constantly found myself wiping it down. There’s a MagSafe magnetic ring baked in, but it struggled to reliably adhere to other MagSafe accessories—the magnets just aren’t strong enough. At least you do get a screen protector in the box, though you need to freehand the installation.
Casetify Impact Case With MagSafe for $58: Casetify has an endless number of designs you can choose from, and while it has come under fire for how it acquires some of those designs, there are not many places you can go to get a Pixel 9 case with Spider-Man on the back or one that makes your phone look like a film camera. These cases have MagSafe rings inside, so they should work with most MagSafe accessories. I just don’t love how prominent the Casetify logo is on the back.
