Our Favorite Cases for Safeguarding the Google Pixel 6a Smartphone

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The latest Google Pixel 6a is a fantastic follow-up to an excellent product and is without a doubt today’s best smartphone under $500. Its design, everyday performance, camera, and battery life belie its price tag, making it a no-brainer upgrade for anyone needing a new phone.

An excellent selection of original and third-party cases for protecting its metal frame and glass back is another reason I’d recommend the Pixel 6a in a heartbeat. To discover the best cases for the hot new Pixel, we spent a week sifting through and testing products in real life.

Best Google Pixel 6a Cases

What to Consider

Every time you shop for a smartphone case, remember that the tougher and more protective it is, the more bulk it will add to the device. These accessories typically have a dual-layer design, which will absorb the forces of an impact better than a thin snap-on case. You can count on the latter to safeguard against scratches but not severe drops. Plenty of slim covers offer reliable protection against accidental drops, but increasing the footprint of your phone is a tradeoff worth making if you're looking for uncompromising durability.

An antimicrobial coating that will protect its surface against common germs is another essential protective case feature to consider in 2022. Thankfully, it's a feature that's available on products from several major brands.

From minimalist accessories like the Spigen Thin Fit to luxe Bellroy covers, all the way to OtterBox and UAG cases with military-grade toughness, find the best for your new Pixel 6 among these thoroughly vetted offerings.

IMPACTHERO Case for Pixel 6a

The Speck IMPACTHERO case is our top pick for protecting the Google Pixel 6a. As its name suggests, the reasonably priced dual-layer accessory will reliably protect the phone from pesky scratches and drops. Plus, it has Microban antimicrobial tech and a lifetime warranty.

According to its maker, the IMPACTHERO case can help the Pixel 6a survive tumbles from up to 8 feet. Available in black or blue to gray accents, the case has an understated design with a soft-touch finish for easier grip and a slim profile.

Scout Series Case for Pixel 6a

The lightweight UAG Scout Series case is an excellent alternative to the Speck product, with a more badass, decidedly utilitarian design and a rugged build compliant with military drop-test standards. The identically priced accessory is also antimicrobial and backed by a lifetime warranty. It’s only available in black.

If you are constantly glued to your phone, consider accessorizing the Scout Series case with this inexpensive lanyard. It has a pair of points where you can install the optional strap.

Rugged Armor Case for Pixel 6a

The Rugged Armor case by Spigen is the best for safeguarding the Pixel 6a on the cheap. For less than $15 before any deals, coupons, and promotions, the accessory brings a cool design with carbon fiber-like accents that make it look like a more expensive product and dependable toughness. Its edges have the brand’s signature Air Cushion technology to protect the device’s corners — a vulnerable spot for any phone in case of an accidental drop.

Another thing I like about the Spigen Rugged Armor case is its textured sides, which improved the phone’s handling. A super affordable Spigen Liquid Air Armor case with a grippier back is also available.

Ultra Hybrid Case for Pixel 6a

This Spigen case is the best for showing off the two-tone finish of the Pixel 6a. The clear Ultra Hybrid cover has a slim build and excellent durability, all at an impulse-buy price. Best of all, unlike countless clear cases, the Spigen product has an anti-yellowing finish, ensuring its clarity doesn’t diminish over time.

Spigen equipped the Ultra Hybrid with a textured power button for easier access. A more utilitarian version of the transparent case with a black frame and top cover is also available.

Pixel 6a Case

Google’s own Pixel 6a case is unsurprisingly one of the best worth your attention. Compared to our top pick and the runner-up, the similarly priced Google product has a more pocket-friendly profile and more understated design. It lacks antimicrobial protection, but it’s made using recycled plastic, so it’s more eco-friendly.

You can order the case in charcoal and seafoam (very light green) finishes, which will perfectly complement the Google phone’s official colors. Each case rocks a semi-translucent finish and a perfectly placed Google logo.

Commuter Series Antimicrobial Case for Pixel 6a

The OtterBox Commuter Series is hands down the most rugged case for protecting the Pixel 6a, and given the brand’s track record, this is hardly a surprise. Thanks to a rubber cover, a polycarbonate exterior shell, and a port flap, the accessory will make your phone impervious to damage, so it’s worth the extra bulk it will add. It vastly exceeds military standards for drop protection.

To top things off, the Commuter Series case has an antimicrobial additive and a lifetime warranty. You can order it in black or pink. Each iteration is made using 35% recycled plastic.

Slim Leather Case for Pixel 6a

The Bellroy leather case is the most luxurious option on this list and worth its higher price tag. Developed in tandem with the Pixel 6a design team, the cover is crafted from genuine leather with exceptional quality, so it will instantly transform the phone into a luxury item that will develop a unique patina over time. Bellroy backs it with a 3-year warranty.

Despite its impressive thinness, the Bellroy case delivers solid protection against damage. Its interior has a soft microfiber lining to prevent scratches. You can order it in four colors: black, basalt, cobalt, and terracotta (pictured here).

Thin Fit Case for Pixel 6a

The Spigen Thin Fit case is worthy of its name and the one to get if you are looking for the thinnest cover to protect your Pixel 6a. It has an impossibly slim, form-fitted design, so it will barely add any bulk to the Google phone. Thanks to a dual-material build and Spigen Air Cushion tech, it will guard the phone against damage surprisingly well, too.

I like the easy-to-press button covers of the Thin Fit case. The lightweight accessory is only available in black.

Parallax Case for Pixel 6a

Available in black, blue, and sage green, the Caseology Parallax case stands out with an eye-catching design, headlined by a 3D cube back pattern. According to its maker, the cheap accessory can protect the Pixel 6a from multiple drops of up to 48 inches. Its textured patterns and grips, in addition to looking great, will make the phone easier to handle.

Consider the Caseology Nano Pop if you prefer a colorful case sans geometric patterns. The just-as-affordable product is available in black, green, and navy with contrasting accents.

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