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The Moto G is a bargain: Keep it that way with one of these 20 cases

It may not catch your eye sitting next to these cutting edge Android phones, but place most cheap devices next to the Moto G and its beauty becomes clear. The Moto G is belle of the budget phone ball. But just because it’s jaw-droppingly cheap doesn’t mean you can afford to throw it around. Treat it like a lady for heaven’s sake, or at least like a normal, breakable smartphone. You wouldn’t whisk your love into the frigid night air without offering your jacket, so put a case on your Moto G before it catches a cold.

Related: Moto G review, Moto G trips and tricks, Moto G problems and solutions.

On this page you’ll find cases for the second generation Moto G (2014) which is slightly larger than its predecessor. Head to page two for Moto G cases to fit the original.

Motorola Shells ($15)

Motorola Shells
Motorola Shells Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you get bored with the look of your Moto G, or you manage to scratch or otherwise damage the back cover, then you can always buy an official shell. There are eight different colors to choose from including plain black, lemon lime, and raspberry. These shells are made by Motorola so they’re a perfect fit. They won’t add any bulk, but they won’t add any protection either, they’re strictly for style.

Available at: 

Tudia Ultra Slim Case ($10)

Tudia Ultra Slim Case
Tudia Ultra Slim Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

This is a basic TPU case that’s flexible, so it’s easy to fit and it will offer a little bit of protection in the event of a bump or a fall. There’s a small bevel on the front to keep the screen from touching any surface it’s put down or dropped on. The matte back and sides add some grip and there are gloss strips top and bottom, and a gloss Tudia logo, to add some visual style. The cut-outs are accurate, but the button covers are a wee bit stiff. You’ve got a choice of three colors or you can opt for the clear version.

Available at: 

Poetic FlipBook Case ($13)

Poetic FlipBook Case
Poetic FlipBook Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

You won’t find real leather at this price, but this folio-style case combines a hard matte, black polycarbonate shell with a polyurethane front cover. Your Moto G snaps into place and benefits from all-round protection. The interior lining is soft microfiber. The cover has a thick grain portion that’s easy to grip, and a contrasting leather-look, colorful stripe with white stitching. It’s pretty good value for the money.

Available at: 

LK Rugged Armor Case ($9)

LK Rugged Armor Case
LK Rugged Armor Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

For chunky, rugged protection you’ll struggle to find a better value case than this. There’s an inner, flexible TPU layer that wraps around your Moto G, and then an outer polycarbonate shell with a kickstand built into it. With this case on you’ll find the Moto G easier to grip and it should be a lot less likely to get damaged in a drop. The button covers are definitely stiff and it’s very chunky, you might find it gets snagged pulling it in and out of your pocket. In the plus column it’s very cheap and it comes with a stylus and a screen protector thrown in.

Available at: 

Mpero Impact X Case ($5)

Mpero Impact X Case
Mpero Impact X Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

None of the big name case manufacturers have released anything for the Moto G (2014) yet, but there are plenty of budget options to tide you over, and it doesn’t get more budget than this. It’s like a smooth version of the LK case above, combing a malleable inner layer with a tough outer skeleton that contains a kickstand. It’s bulky, the kickstand is a bit flimsy, and it doesn’t really add any grip. But it is available in lots of color combos, there’s even a glow in the dark version.

Available at: 

NEXT PAGE: 15 cases for the original Moto G

Trident Aegis Case ($35)

Trident Aegis Case
Trident Aegis Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

Extra hard polycarbonate repels damage on the outside and squishy silicone stops vibration or shock from hurting your Moto G. This is a rugged case with silicone port covers, dust filters, and a screen protector thrown in. In addition to the military drop and vibration standards, this is an eco-friendly option that’s recyclable. There are seven different color combinations to choose from and the handy lanyard loop will be an attraction for some.

Available at: 

Orzly Executive Wallet Case ($10)

Orzly Executive Wallet Case
Orzly Executive Wallet Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

You can snag that executive leather wallet look without breaking the bank here. This case has all the cut-outs you need, a money pouch and two slots for cards in the cover, and a magnetic closure that keeps it snugly closed. The cover can also fold back and double up as a landscape stand. There’s a shell inside to keep the phone secure and that magnetic cover also prompts the automatic sleep/wake function when you open and close it.

Available at: 

Fosmon Hybo Snap Case ($5)

Fosmon Hybo Snap Case
Fosmon Hybo Snap Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

This is a very cheap case and it’s not perfect, but it could be worth considering if you don’t want to spend much. It’s a two part design that combines tough polycarbonate with malleable TPU. It does also protect your ports and there’s a built-in screen protector. For basic protection it doesn’t look or feel as bad as you might expect, but the screen protector is not great so you might want to cut it off.

Available at: 

BodyGlove Satin Case ($25)

BodyGlove Satin Case
BodyGlove Satin Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

Here’s a slim case with an understated style to suit the Moto G. It fits the phone perfectly with precise cut-outs, so you never need to take it off. The material is soft to the touch, flexible, and slightly textured so that it adds grip and absorbs the impact of shocks and drops. This offers good protection without too much bulk. You can get this case in black or grape (purple).

Available at: 

Agent 18 FlexShield Case ($35)

Agent 18 FlexShield Case
Agent 18 FlexShield Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re hoping for something dramatic to make a statement then feast your eyes on this. The case is a one-piece design made of TPU, so it’s flexible and easy to fit. It also feels comfortable in hand, and it will handle small drops and bumps. There are button covers and the front has a lip to protect the screen if it lands face down. This choice of two designs has to be the most eye-catching option we’ve seen for the Moto G so far.

Available at: 

Motorola Flip Shell ($30)

Motorola Flips Shells
Motorola Flips Shells Image used with permission by copyright holder

The official folio-style cover from Motorola replaces the back plate of the Moto G, which makes for a slim profile. The outside has a textured diamond pattern that makes it easier to grip. Inside there’s a soft microfiber lining and the cover is magnetic, so it automatically wakes the screen when you open the case, and puts it to sleep when you close it. Still, it won’t offer much protection from drops because the sides and corners are exposed. It’s nice, but if you bought the Moto G because money is tight, you won’t want to shell out for this.

You can also get Motorola’s basic shells in different colors for $15, and Grip Shells which have a rubberized frame to improve your grip for $20.

Available at: 

Yesoo Frosted Case ($7)

Yesoo Frosted Case
Yesoo Frosted Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

Here’s a really cheap case for the Moto G. It’s translucent with a frosted effect, so the Motorola logo can be seen through the back. It’s also very malleable, so it’s easy to fit. In addition to the grey case pictured here, you can opt for blue, green, pink, or white. You’ll find a decent, slim fit, with ports and buttons exposed, but don’t expect miracles if you drop your Moto G. This case will guard against scuffs and maybe small falls.

Available at: 

Amzer Pudding Case ($8)

Amzer Pudding Case
Amzer Pudding Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

Another simple TPU case at a price you can’t complain about. Amzer’s strangely named Pudding case has precise cut-outs and it’s flexible for an easy fit. The matte finish is good for grip and comfortable to hold. It won’t pick up fingerprints or scrapes easily. This is a solid budget case with an understated look. It’s not perfect, but you could do a lot worse.

Available at: 

OtterBox Commuter Series Case ($35)

OtterBox Commuter Series Case
OtterBox Commuter Series Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

Any truly rugged case is going to add bulk and the Commuter Series from OtterBox is no exception, although it’s a lot less bulky than the unbreakable Defender Series. You get a screen protector as usual and the case is rubber with a polycarbonate shell. It provides a bit of grip in the hand, but it won’t snag sliding in and out of pockets. You can opt for a two-tone design if the black is too dull for you. If your Moto G takes a fall in this, it’s going to survive.

Available at: 

Case Mate Barely There Case ($30)

Case Mate Barely There Case
Case Mate Barely There Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Barely There series of cases from Case Mate has a pretty good reputation. This is a premium soft-finish product that is as slim as possible and leaves all your ports, buttons, and functionality exposed, but still prevents your Moto G from shattering when it hits the floor. The rounded, minimalist design complements the phone nicely, but don’t expect it to handle major damage. If you want something a little more durable then pay the $5 extra for the Tough case.

Available at: 

Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit Intelligent Wallet ($20)

Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit Intelligent Wallet
Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit Intelligent Wallet Image used with permission by copyright holder

Here’s a handy wallet replacement, with everyone’s favorite mascot, Andy the Android, on the front. The synthetic leather exterior comes in a range of contrasting colors and it has a magnetic closure to ensure it doesn’t flip open uninvited. Inside you’ll find a protective TPU case that snugly fits your Moto G and a couple of slots for ID or cards, as well as a money pocket. It feels durable and definitely adds some grip. You can also fold it open to act as a landscape stand. If you just want the TPU case, Cruzerlite offers the Bugdroid Circuit Case in various colors for $13.

Available at: 

Incipio DualPro Case ($30)

Incipio DualPro Case
Incipio DualPro Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

This is the toughest case that Incipio offers for the Moto G. It’s a classic combination of hard shell on the outside and a soft silicone skin on the inside. The soft touch finish ensures that it’s comfortable in hand and it adds a little extra grip. You should expect decent protection from drops and bumps with this case, without having to add a lot of bulk to your phone. The buttons are covered by the silicone, but there are cut-outs for the ports and camera. The hard shell part comes in a choice of four colors: white, black, cyan, and pink.

Available at: 

Griffin Reveal Case ($20)

Griffin Reveal Case
Griffin Reveal Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

You’ll only add 1.6mm to the profile of your Moto G with this one-piece case from Griffin. It combines a tough polycarbonate shell with rubber edging that helps to hold your phone in place and cushion it from disaster. As you’d expect there’s the full range of cut-outs for access to the screen, buttons, and ports. There’s also a decent sized space for the camera and flash to operate without hindrance.

Available at: 

Rearth Ringke Slim Case ($6)

Rearth Ringke Slim Case
Rearth Ringke Slim Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cases don’t get much slimmer than this minimalist effort from Rearth. It only weighs 13g and it is seriously svelte. There are large cut-outs for uninterrupted access to everything, which also ensures there’s no problem with using the camera or flash. It has a nice soft touch finish that helps you grip your Moto G, and there’s a lip to protect the screen if it’s placed face down. You also get a free screen protector thrown in. Currently discounted to $6 this is a bargain to match the Moto G.

Available at: 

PureGear Hard Shell Case ($20)

PureGear Hard Shell Case
PureGear Hard Shell Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

With this hard shell case you can keep your Moto G looking good for longer, and you can see the design. It’s a frosted finish with a microfiber material inside that prevents scratches. It’s pretty slim and it snaps into place easily. The cut-outs are ample for full access to everything. It’s a pretty understated option that will offer basic protection. It may be a little pricey at $20, but we won’t be surprised if it pops up elsewhere at some point at a lower price.

Available at: 

That’s it for decent Moto G cases right now, but rest assured that we’ll be updating this roundup as soon as more attention-worthy protection hits the market. In the meantime if you want to recommend a case then please post a comment.

Updated on 5-05-2014 by Simon Hill: Added cases by Trident, Orzly, Fosmon, BodyGlove, and Agent 18.

Article originally published 1/23/2014.

Editors' Recommendations

Simon Hill
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Simon Hill is an experienced technology journalist and editor who loves all things tech. He is currently the Associate Mobile…
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