Best Nexus 9 Cases | Digital Trends

Keep your Nexus 9 tablet looking swish with one of these 10 great cases and covers

By Simon Hill February 2, 2015

It’s alarmingly easy to bump or drop your tablet. One heart-stopping moment of awkward handling and your Nexus 9 hits the floor. Even small scratches detract from a gorgeous screen, and if you’re really unlucky you’ll end up with a crack in the display. Worse still, it’s all too easy to pick up chips or dents in the metal frame just from regular, daily use. The good news is all this can be avoided. It’s time to check out some Nexus 9 cases.

HTC Keyboard Folio ($130)

That price tag is definitely enough to make your wallet recoil in shock, but if you plan on using your Nexus 9 for work this may be an investment worth making. This is no ordinary keyboard folio: It’s manufactured by HTC so it fits perfectly. The slim case uses Bluetooth to connect to the tablet, and boasts mechanical keys with real travel, so you get a much more satisfying typing experience. The front cover folds back to support two landscape angles, the exterior is made from black leather, and it attaches to the Nexus 9 magnetically. It’s not going to offer robust drop protection, but it’ll keep your tablet scratch-free when you sling it in a bag.

HTC Magic Cover ($40)

You aren’t going to get much in the way of protection from this pricey cover, but it cleverly folds up to act as a solid stand for movie viewing or typing in landscape. It attaches magnetically and you can use it to cover the rear or the 8.9-inch screen, at which point lifting it will automatically wake up the tablet. You can get the polyurethane version in a variety of color combos, plus there’s a flashier leather version too. However, you’ll have to combine this with another case if you want real shock protection.

Gumdrop Hideaway Case ($70)

Here’s a case that delivers when it comes to protecting the Nexus 9. Once inside, the tough exterior and rigid internal frame, combined with rubberized padding on the reinforced corners, will ensure that it remains absolutely safe. How safe? It has been drop tested onto concrete from 6 feet. The texture makes it easy to grip, though it does look a bit like a car tire. There’s a stand that folds out from the back, and is held in place by magnets, plus it features button covers, port covers, and an integrated screen protector.

Portenzo Italian Bonded Leather Book Case ($90)

If you want a seriously stylish, book-style case, you need to check out this one from Portenzo. It’s hand-crafted in St. Louis and finished to your exact specifications, making it a real luxury offering. We like the simplicity of the Italian leather finish over the maple frame, but there are all sorts of other finishes available. Portenzo lets you customize several aspects of the case, including choosing the finish, the color inside, and even the color for the elastic closure. If you don’t mind paying extra, then it’s possible to add a magnetic closure, an embossed message on the front or spine, an opening for the camera, or a multi-angle viewing stand.

MoKo Folio Case ($7)

This is one of the cheapest folio cases for the Nexus 9 out there. It comprises a basic plastic shell with some corner protection, and a polyurethane cover. As you’ll find with most of these cases, the cover can fold back and act as a landscape stand in two positions. The cover also supports the automatic sleep/wake function. You’ve got full access to all the buttons and ports, plus there is an opening on the back for the camera. This is a super-svelte case, so sadly, it’s probably not going to provide much drop protection.

NEXT PAGE: 5 more Nexus 9 cases

Begoos Sleeve with Pocket ($20)

With cotton on the inside, hardwearing denim on the exterior, and a layer of fleecy padding in-between; this sleeve will keep your Nexus 9 looking pristine. There’s a handy pocket in the front for accessories and a magnetic closure to stop your tablet sliding out. You can get this pouch in a variety of different colors, and can also request a slightly larger sleeve if you want to keep a second, tight case on your Nexus 9 as well.

Poetic GraphGrip Case ($10)

This is a silicone case with a rubbery grid-like finish to make sure it doesn’t easily slip out of your hands. You’ll find precise cut-outs for the ports, buttons, speakers, and camera. If you do manage to drop it, a raised lip edge on the front should prevent the screen being damaged if it lands face down. It’s a pretty basic case, but it offers reasonable protection. Just be aware that it does have a strong rubbery smell at first, but that should dissipate over time.

Hotcool Folio Case ($7)

Here’s another folio case that won’t break the bank. The outside has a durable vinyl finish and there’s a microfiber lining on the inside. The Nexus 9 slides securely into place and there are openings for all the ports, controls, and the camera. The cover supports the automatic sleep/wake function, and it can be folded and locked in landscape view using the flap on the back. The front cover is padded and the hard plastic back has a larger profile than your Nexus 9, so it should be quite protected.

Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit Case ($18)

For shell cases like this, TPU is the perfect material. It’s malleable which makes it easy to fit, but it’s also very durable and suitably shock absorbent. The Bugdroid Circuit case gets its name from the circuit pattern and Android mascot adorning the back. You can get it in a wide variety of colors and it’s slightly translucent, so you can see the Nexus logo faintly through the back. The cut-outs are precise, but you might want to combine this with a screen protector, cover, or sleeve to keep the display safe.

Waterfield Outback Slip Case ($70)

If Indiana Jones had a Nexus 9, we reckon he’d keep it in this cool sleeve. It’s tough, waxed canvas with full grain leather accents. It is slightly padded and there’s a stiff plastic insert that protects your Nexus 9’s display. The leather strap conceals a magnetic closure to stop your tablet sliding out. The interior is soft, so there’s no risk of scratches. It is quite expensive, but it has a premium feel and it looks great.

That’s all of the Nexus 9 cases we have for you right now, but we’ll update this roundup as more come onto the market.