As a case reviewer, here are the Pixel 9a cases I’d buy at launch

The Google Pixel 9a is still a few weeks away from launching, but if you plan on buying one, you can already start shopping for cases. The lack of a camera bar might make it more comfortable to hold, but if you’re like me, the extra protection adds a peace of mind that’s worth the added weight.

On that note, I’ve been reviewing cases for years, and trust me when I say that the right case makes a big difference. With that in mind, here are the cases I’d buy for the Pixel 9a at launch.

Ok, so technically you can’t buy this one yet, but you will be able to buy it alongside your Pixel 9a when you pre-order it, so I’m including it in the list. And really, that ties in directly with what makes this case so great: it comes directly from Google. That means that the colorways perfectly match the colorways of the phone itself, which you can see through the little window where the camera module is.

Apart from that, it’s a fairly standard silicone case. It fits nice and snug around the Pixel 9a, but I wouldn’t expect maximum protection here. You’re paying for aesthetics, a soft grip, and a little extra protection. I’m sure you can find a cheaper silicone case out there, but I guarantee it won’t be as nice. I do wish it had magnets, though.

Speaking of magnets, Spigen has added magnets to (almost) its entire lineup of Pixel 9a cases. I’ll cover more of them later, but the most basic option is the Thin Fit MagFit. It, well, fits very snug, with a thin profile that doesn’t add much bulk to the phone. The hybrid build does add decent protection though, and the TPU border adds a nice level of grip.

Typical for the company, the case only comes in black and navy. If you want more color, you’ll have to look elsewhere. There’s no edition of this case without the magnets, which brings up the price a bit. You can save a few bucks by getting the magnetless Liquid Air, which comes in the same colors but has a texture on the back for a little extra visual flare.

When it comes to cheap Pixel 9a cases, the Ringke Onyx is the one I’d get. I’ve been a fan of Ringke’s budget cases for years, and this one is more of the same. It has a subtle texture on the back and a microdot texture on the sides for grip. It comes in some nice colorways, but there are no magnets or anything fancy going on inside the TPU exterior. Except for the one option with magnets, of course.

Still, I think the standard cases are a great value at 15 bucks. I really like the mint colorway pictured above, but the natural colorway of the Pixel 9a is completely covered by the tight camera enclosure, so you don’t have to worry about matching.

The Nano Pop used to be under the Caseology banner, but since Spigen shuttered all of its subbrands earlier this year, it’s now a Spigen case. Thankfully, apart from the addition of magnets, one of my favorite cases appears to be mostly unchanged. It’s a simple TPU case, with the main selling point being the pop of color around the camera lenses. Now that there’s no camera bar, it helps give the Pixel 9a a bit more personality, in my opinion.

It’s difficult to see in the photos, but I really like the subtle microdot texture on the bottom half of the sides. It adds just enough grip for me, without throwing off the streamlined look. I do wish that Spigen had given us more than two color options, but the Blueberry Navy option above is still pretty swanky.

Oh look, another Spigen case. This clear case has the longest name by far, but it’s also been my favorite clear case for years now. Sure, there are cheap TPU clear cases that get most of the way there, but the printed internals on the back of the Zero One edition are a nice treat for nerds like you and me.

There are other versions of this case in other colors or without magnets, but the MagFit Zero One edition is the most unique. The printed polycarbonate backing not only looks cool, it also helps hide fingerprints, which is always an issue with clear TPU cases.

If you don’t mind a little extra bulk, the Tudia MergeGrip will add quite a bit more protection and grip. I like how it doesn’t fall into the pitfalls of most rugged phone cases, and there are some really nice colorways if you’re into that kind of thing. Because I am into that kind of thing.

It’s a simple case, but the hybrid build gets the job done. I also like the small grip strips on the sides, which are right where you need them. There are no magnets in this Pixel 9a case, but nothing else ticks the same boxes of protection, color, and affordability.

Getting into more serious rugged cases, the Otterbox Commuter is as protective as it gets for the Pixel 9a. The two-part design is thick and rigid, but it should keep that pOLED panel and plastic backing safe for years to come. You probably don’t even need a screen protector since the raised lip around the screen is quite pronounced.

Unfortunately, it’s pricey. The color options also don’t spark much joy for me, but if you’re just looking for protection, this is the best Pixel 9a case you can get.

For more affordable protection, check out the Spigen Tough Armor. It’s not as protective as the Commuter above, but it gets most of the way there for less money. I think the streamlined design looks a bit nicer, as well, and there’s an added kickstand for easy media viewing.

In case you’re wondering about the title, Spigen claims AI was used to optimize the design and shock resistance. In other words, you’ll still have to rely on Gemini for all your AI needs. It does have magnets, though.