The world of Pixel devices is growing every year. Here are a few other cases I tried and liked, not as much as the ones above.
OtterBox Defender Series for $65: This is arguably the most protective case in the Pixel 9 series. It has a hard shell that splits into two pieces, which wrap around the front and back of the phone, then click into place. Then add a rubber slipcover on top and a holster, which allows you to attach the phone to the belt. The holster clip can double as a kickstand in a horizontal position. Even the USB-C charging port is covered. I think the OtterBox Commuter I recommend above gets you about there in terms of durability, but if you want increased protection and like holsters, go for the Defender.
UAG Tempered Glass Screen Protector for $35: This tempered glass screen protector (also available on the Pixel 9 Pro XL) was super easy to install. Comes with application tool and wet wipe, dust removal sticker, and 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 the UAG option is a solid one.
Pela Liquid Screen Protector for $60: I have high hopes for this one because I don’t have much experience with liquid screen protectors. Pela sends a small bottle with liquid magic inside. First, clean your phone with a microfiber cloth. Then, pour a third of the contents of the vial on a cloth, and wipe the phone down. Wait two minutes, then wipe off any excess. This liquid is said to protect against scratches, falls, and even impact, and is oleophobic to reduce dirt. You will need to reapply every 12 months, so save the rest of the bottle. I will report if I have any problems. The good thing is that Pela will pay for any screen repairs as long as you use a Pela case again this liquid screen protector at the same time.
OtterBox Symmetry Series for $50: This is a very good case that cannot be understated. The buttons are easy to press, the cutouts are accurate, and there’s good protection on the raised edges. It is not unique in its appearance and does not offer any other interesting features.
The UAG Pathfinder MagSafe case costs $55: This was strange. I love this case, even its rugged look. But MagSafe didn’t work at all in 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 the magnetic wireless charging worked fine. Apart from this blip, this case offers clickable buttons and plenty of recoil for a satisfying grip. The cutouts are accurate, and the lips are decently raised on the screen, although they can be stopped to protect the camera module.
Spigen Rugged Armor and Armor for $16+: These cases are also available for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Rugged Armor has a nice textured back and edges, although these areas tend to attract smudges and marks. The edges are nicely raised to protect the screen and cameras, and the buttons click. The Tough Armor, on the other hand, is sleek and has a kickstand on the back. Annoyingly, this kickstand only works for geotags, so it’s not a buy if you watch a lot of TikTok.
Thinborne Aramid Fiber Super Thin Case for $70: This case is not drop-proof because it is incredibly thin. It’s a great option if you hate cases but want to protect your device from scratches. That said, of course indeed hard to pull off (unless you have long nails). It also dissolves easily, so I always find myself wiping it off. There’s a MagSafe magnetic ring baked in, but it struggled to reliably stick to other MagSafe accessories—the magnets aren’t strong enough. At least you get a screen protector in the box, although you need to unlock the installation.
Casetify Impact Case With MagSafe for $58: Casetify has an endless amount of designs to choose from, and while it’s been criticized for how it gets some of those designs, there aren’t 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 movie camera. These cases have MagSafe rings inside, so they should work with most MagSafe accessories. I just don’t like how prominent the Casetify logo is in the background.