Best Google Pixel 6a cases in 2023

The Pixel 6a is a phenomenal phone that only deserves phenomenal cases

With a bevy of great features and a surprisingly reasonable price, the Google Pixel 6a leads the pack of the best budget Android phones. It offers a similar experience to its far more expensive relatives, even if its hardware isn't quite as powerful.

While it isn't completely wrapped in slippery glass, it's still worth covering with a premium case to keep it safe from drops and add a personalized feel. Maybe you want to ensure peak ruggedness, or perhaps you want a super rad design that stands out and looks awesome. Luckily, there are plenty of options for everybody. Some of our favorite models even use high-end materials like real leather or eco-friendly bioplastics.

Unsurprisingly, our favorite case for an affordable phone is a low-cost one. Finally offered for the Pixel, it's compact, clean-looking, and dependable. It also feels great in the hand thanks to a soft-touch exterior that resists scratches and fingerprints and has just enough traction so you won't easily drop it. And it's not just a simple layer of plastic — there are premium engineering feats like protective air cushion built in.

We love the Pixel 6a's raw appearance, but it (and cases for it) can be too bland for some people. Enter the Dbrand Grip series, which offers dozens of eye-catching designs based on the company's relatively well-known (but not very protective) skins. It's pricey, sure, but it's remarkably rugged and looks more interesting than most of the competition. Our only gripe is that we would like to see a drop protection rating.

The Crave Dual Guard has all the protective and decorative features you need, and it doesn't cost much. The subtle pattern covering the back provides an impressive amount of grip, and the raised camera lip protects one of the phone's most sensitive parts. Possibly best of all, there's a vast range of colors to choose from in case the original Pixel 6a colorways aren't quite right for you.

Pela cases aren't cheap, but they are very worth the price. For starters, they come in more designs than nearly any other. When it comes to construction, though, they're on the next level. A perfect fit and power protection are complemented by eco-friendly materials that biodegrade much faster than traditional oil-based plastics. They're so eco-friendly you can literally toss them in your backyard compost when you're done using them.

We've used Bellroy cases on a wide variety of our testing and personal phones over the years, and we'll continue to do so because they're incredibly well-made. In a fortunate change from the Pixel 5a and Galaxy S22 models, there's no rubber but only real leather on both the back and sides. Our favorite color is the bold Cobalt blue, but any choice will look great and develop an attractive natural patina over time.

If you really like the size and color of your Pixel 6a as is, the Spigen Ultra Hybrid is the case for you. Its minimalist design won't add significant weight or bulk to your phone, and the transparent material resists yellowing, warping, cracking, and stretching. There's also a matte black version that's just as slim for anybody who prefers carrying a nondescript smartphone.

In partnership with i-Blason

In stark contrast to rugged cases with angular, ultramodern designs, the i-Blason Cosmo is well-know for its classy appearance and impressive protection. It even boasts a 10-foot drop rating that all but guarantees your phone will stay whole for years. There's also a built-in screen protector that doesn't interfere with touchscreen usage. Another reason to trust i-Blason: it pays attention to and responds to user feedback, and we've seen it update cases when it finds a notable design flaw.

Considerably slimmer than Spigen's most heavy-duty cases, the Liquid Air provides the 6a with just enough safety from drops and bumps. It also comes in a Midnight Green color that's more interesting than the typical black. Pay special attention to the back and sides, which have textures and grooves, making it comfortable and easy to hold without accidental slippage, even in humid or wet conditions.

Otterbox isn't exactly known for its attractive case designs, but the Commuter Series includes an appearance upgrade in addition to a great-looking Maven Pink color (that's not exactly pink). Despite its compact build, it's among the more rugged options, which is no surprise from a leader in drop-resistant cases. There's also a convenient set of silicone pads on the sides and back to ensure it stays in your hand.

We're used to Poetic delivering nearly bulletproof covers, and the Revolution for the Pixel 6a continues that tradition. Its industrial design doesn't lie, nor do its six-foot drop rating and integrated screen protector. And don't worry about touchscreen interference — it works perfectly with the in-display fingerprint reader. Happily, there's also a kickstand and four great colors to choose from other than black.

Ghostek's cases, including the Covert, look very different from most others. This one has a partially see-through rear panel that comes with one of seven colors of accents to choose from. The matte finish does a swell job of resisting fingerprints, and a set of textured pads reduces the chance you'll have to rely on its 8-foot drop test rating. It's perfect if you want to enjoy the Pixel 6a's original colors with an extra splash of color.

Two chief features make the Caseology Athlex perfect for highly active users. First, it's as thin as they come, so it'll fit into your workout bag, hip belt, or arm strap without worry. Second, it offers possibly the grippiest exterior we've ever seen, while remaining just slick enough to slide easily in and out of your pocket. It's the ideal choice for keeping your phone in one piece while running or hitting the gym.

There isn't a ton of competition, but the OCase Wallet is one of the best folios with space inside for cash and cards. Speaking of cards, they're protected by RF shielding to keep bad actors away from your details. The synthetic leather cover feels great and should last for years without cracking, and you can choose from a handful of colors — our favorite is Mint Green.

Tech21 doesn't have quite the same fanbase as other manufacturers, which is unfortunate — its Evo Check is one of the classiest, understated, and highly protective cases we've found. Its 16-foot drop rating is one of the best around, and there's even an extra layer to keep the camera safe from scratches and cracks. Plus, there's an antimicrobial layer to minimize (although not fully prevent) germ growth on the back and sides.

Teelevo's wallet case lets you pack an ID and credit card with you at all times, so you're always ready for a store that doesn't accept NFC payments. Plus, it adds less bulk than other wallet cases and has no clumsy bulges or attached compartments. There's also a good selection of colors, and the hinged wallet slot cover swings open to serve as a kickstand.

Big smartphones are here to stay, and the UAG Scout's slightly curved back panel helps you hold onto them without cramping your hand. Inside the body, there's structural bracing and air pockets to ensure your Pixel doesn't get hurt if you drop it. It's also one of the few with official Made for Google certification, so you can trust it fits perfectly and doesn't impede button use.

First things first: thanks to a mild redesign of the camera bar vs. the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Pixel 6a cases are a little more useful since they don't have to work around the cumbersome bump. This also keeps the relatively sensitive camera hardware in a safe spot, in addition to giving us more options for good-looking covers.

Now, it makes sense to ask, "Why would I need an expensive case for an inexpensive phone?" That's a good question. You don't, really, with great options like the Caseology Nano Pop and Crave Dual Guard doing a great job of protecting the phone while also looking fantastic. But, on the other hand, spending a little more can make your Pixel seriously more attractive with a fancy case like the Dbrand Grip or any of Pela's eco-friendly options.

Of course, some of us are still pretty clumsy (guilty as charged) and feel a lot safer with a rugged case. The Poetic Revolution and i-Blason Cosmo remain two of the best such choices. The heavy-duty Ghostek Covert and Tech21 Evo Check both have a bit of a different style, at the cost of just a tiny bit of durability.

Finally, cases aren't only about protection and looks. The OCase Wallet is perfect for holding cash and a couple of cards, and the Teelevo can hold two cards and doesn't have the folio configuration that not everybody loves. Also, don't forget to pick up a Pixel 6a screen protector, since that's the only part of this phone still made of glass.

Chris's first foray into electronics included fixing and destroying early PCs in his dad's basement while testing the overclocking capabilities of an Intel 486 CPU. Since then, he's melted considerably fewer processors while pushing increasingly powerful gaming hardware to its limits. He's spent the last several years writing for numerous online tech magazines, of which Android Police is the latest and most fun. Chris has been a freelancer with Android Police since early 2022 and is honored to contribute alongside its team of experts. His focus lies on straightforward, helpful buying guides that make it easy for the average electronics user to make informed decisions on the most cost-effective devices. In particular, he loves recommending affordable wireless headphones that outperform far more expensive brands. One of his biggest goals is to find a high-quality yet truly compact Android smartphone that doesn't cost a fortune, something the market hasn't seen in several years (RIP Sony XZ1 Compact).

Ara Wagoner is Commerce Editor for Android Police and a lover of all things cases, Chromebooks, accessories, and Disney. Overseeing our buyer's guides and product selection, Ara has spent 7 years honing her product-picking instincts and reviews while previously at Android Central, bringing a unique flair to her writing (and a lot of TV/anime references). She works full-time on a Chromebook, whether it's at home or while waiting for fireworks at Walt Disney World. Ara loves Android phones so much that she wears a shoulder holster to ensure they're never out of reach, and if you see her without headphones, RUN.