The Google Pixel 5 is the latest generation of Google’s show-stopping Pixel range. It boasts one of the best cameras you’ll find on any phone anywhere, 5G support, a lovely 90Hz display, very generous battery life, and top-notch software.
At just $699, the Pixel 5 is also something of a more affordable flagship, being on a similar level with the iPhone 11. But just because it costs less than four figures doesn’t mean it’s a throwaway burner phone, and you’ll want to keep your new phone safe. Here are some of the best Pixel 5 cases and covers you can buy.
Ghostek Atomic Slim Case
This Ghostek case is ideal if you want military-grade protection in a sleek, slimline package. Featuring a dual-layer design, it combines ultra-thin and flexible TPU with lightweight but very strong aluminum. This allows it to survive drops from up to 12 feet, with the case also passing military-grade standard testing. You can therefore be sure that it will preserve your Pixel 5 from the vast majority of likely accidents, something that is helped by its scratch-resistant clear back and its anti-slip hand grip. The case also features raised bumpers and a raised edge, which protect the phone’s display. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also fully compatible with wireless charging.
Spigen Liquid Air Case
Here’s a great case if you want top-of-the-line protection within a more affordable price range. Made of a shock-absorbing TPU shell, it includes Spigen’s own registered Cushion Technology, which uses air cushions to soften and disperse impacts. The case isn’t only durable, however — its slim and lightweight design also makes it highly attractive on an aesthetic level. There are also precisely-shaped cutouts and buttons, while wireless charging compatibility is another welcome feature.
Gear4 Wembley Palette Case
If you’re looking for great all-around protection and good looks to complement your Pixel 5, then look no further than Gear4’s Wembley case. By using a material called D3O, Gear 4 has been able to imbue the Wembley case with an impressive drop protection of up to 10 feet (3 meters), while keeping it slim and lightweight. The flexible material means it’s easy to grip, the translucent smoke black colorway is stylish, and the slightly raised edges should protect your camera and display from dirt and grit. It’s not too expensive, protects well against a range of threats, and looks great.
Speck Presidio ExoTech Case
You might think that military-grade protection is reserved only for big, bulky cases that look like miniature tanks. Needless to say, you’d be wrong since this enticingly-minimalistic case from Speck has been drop-tested to military standards, proving that it can take some serious punishment. It featured a single-layer design that offers maximum convenience and usability, with a soft-grip coating that makes it easy to handle. It also incorporates a Microban coating, which restricts the growth of bacteria by up to 99%. All the necessary cutouts and buttons are included, while the raised bezels will deflect any impacts away from your screen.
OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case
OtterBox’s Defender Series Pro case is pretty much the ultimate in Pixel 5 protection. It may be pricey, but it incorporates everything you’d possibly ever want from a cover — and then some. It has been proven to provide four times the protection needed to pass military standard (MIL-STD-810G 516.6) drop-tests, so you should have very little trouble keeping your Pixel in one piece. The case also utilizes a silver-based antimicrobial material, killing the vast majority of bacteria likely to come into contact with it. Its other selling points include a comfortable grip with a high level of traction, a holster that can also double as a kickstand, and port covers that block dirt and dust.
CoverOn FlexGuard Clear Case
Not everyone wants to cover their new phone in thick plastic, and that’s why clear cases exist. CoverOn’s FlexGuard is a great example of a clear case, being made from a completely clear TPU that acts as a window to your new phone’s style, while also protecting your phone from scratches, dirt, and fingerprints. It’s slim, and the flexible material offers grip for your fingers, but that slimness is also a weakness, as it won’t protect as well against drops as other cases. Still, it’s cheap and extremely simple, which is perfect if you’re looking for something along those lines.
Skinit Gudetama 5 More Minutes Case
Protection may not be at the forefront of your mind while you’re looking for a case — you might be looking for something to complement your personal style instead. If you’re a fan of the Japanese cartoon character Gudetama, then this case is for you. It shows a number of designs of the lazy egg, and it’s the perfect case for you if you share the ovum’s particular zest (or lack thereof) for life. It’s cute and funny, and it has some decent protection too. The corners have drop-proofed airbags, and a raised bezel helps to keep your display safe and sound. It’s slim, and it’s not badly priced either.
Olixar NovaShield Bumper Case
If protection is high on the agenda, but you don’t want a thick rugged case, then Olixar’s Novaashield case is a good compromise. It’s a dual-layer case, meaning it’s made from two different materials that complement and reinforce each other. In this case, you’ll find a hard polycarbonate rear panel backed up by a shockproof bumper of TPU around the outside of the case. These two materials work together to provide protection against scratches, bumps, and pretty much anything you can expect from a regular day. While it won’t be as protective as a bigger, bulkier case, its protection combined with its slim profile makes it a great choice for many people.
Vena vCommute Wallet Case
A case doesn’t just have to be a case, and wallet cases are the epitome of that ethos. It’s not a traditional wallet case with a front cover, but Vena’s vCommute case dazzles nonetheless. Part of that has to do with the protection on offer here — Vena claims the vCommute offers military-grade protection thanks to its combination of polycarbonate and TPU, and corner airbags to further insulate against drops. But the real draw here is undoubtedly the wallet section. Neatly hidden within a rear compartment, the vCommute can store credit or debit cards, spare cash, and even travel cards, hence the name. The compartment cover can even be used as a kickstand.