The best Nexus 5X cases and covers

Nexus Live Case ($35)

If you want a case for your 5X that you can truly personalize, look no further than Google’s own Live cases. These cases come in two variations –a Photos Live Case and a Places Live Case—and both can be personalized with your favorite photo or your favorite place. The Photos Live case also comes with a Live Wallpaper that will use your own photos to turn your screen into a slideshow, while the Places Live Case will show your current location on your screen, in the same design style as your case. Every Live case is equipped with a shortcut button on the back that can be programmed to open the camera app, or any other app of your choosing.

StilGut Ultra Slim Leather Case ($40)

StilGut’s case is made out of genuine leather, meaning it’ll feel nice whenever you’re holding your phone, but it also adds a useful function that may save a bit of battery life: it will automatically turn your display on and off when you open and close it. The case can come with a horizontal or vertical flip cover, but neither features a magnetic closure. That said, StilGut guarantees the case’s design will keep it closed when it needs to be. In the event that the case doesn’t work as intended, however, it’s covered by a two-year warranty.

GMYLE Wallet Case ($9)

If you’re trying to cut down on the number of things you have to carry in your pockets or purse, GMYLE’s wallet case should free up some space. As the name implies, it’s a phone case that has several card slots and a space to keep cash and receipts. The magnetic closure ensures the case will remain closed, but the case can also be opened and used as an adjustable stand. All ports are easily accessible while the case is attached, so you won’t need to remove your Nexus 5X to charge it or use headphones.

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Hybrid Case ($17)

The Unicorn Beetle Hybrid case is really more of a bumper that grants protection from falls and scratches, but trades the battle-ready look in favor of a sportier appearance. Polyurethane and hard polycarbonate materials were used to create the bumper that snaps-on to your smartphone, and the slim design means it won’t add a lot of bulk. No need to worry about the ports either, as it still provides full access to them and doesn’t interfere with any of the phone’s functions.

i-Blason Armorbox ($16)

The most unique thing about this particular case is that it comes in two separate parts that come together to form one protective case. The back cover is what provides the most protection from drops and scratches, thanks to its dual layer design and the extra cushioning in the four corners. The front cover, meanwhile, doubles as a built-in screen protector to prevent the 5X’s display from cracking or shattering, and does away with the need to buy and apply a separate screen protector. There’s no doubt i-Blason’s Armorbox prioritizes durability over style, but should it let you down, all i-Blason accessories come with a one-year limited warranty.

Incipio NGP Case ($15)

This slim, soft-shell case is a good choice if you don’t like bulky cases. It’s easy to fit, durable, and comfortable to hold. It adds some grip and basic protection from bumps and drops. There are well-defined button covers on the side, and the cut-outs ensure easy access to your controls, as well as the ports on the bottom edge. The camera cutout doesn’t interfere with photos, either. It’s a slightly translucent case that comes in black, blue, pink, or frost.

Rhino Shield Crash Guard Bumper ($25)

Some Nexus 5X cases interfere with access to the fingerprint sensor on the back, but this bumper leaves the front and back entirely exposed. It does still offer really solid drop protection, because the bumper is thick and shock absorbent. It also extends front and back to ensure your phone never comes into contact with the ground. The button covers are easy to find without looking, and the bumper comes in black or white.

Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit Case ($10)

If you just want a basic flexible TPU case, then there’s no need to spend more than this. The Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit case comes in a wide range of different colors, and every case features the Android mascot with a circuitry design on the back. It’s a slim case that should absorb the impact of small drops and bumps. There’s also a lip to protect the screen, but it’s not a really rugged case. You’ll find accurate openings for the camera, sensors, and ports. The button covers work well, too.

LK Holster Defender Case With Kickstand ($7)

Want to net a holster for your Nexus 5X without breaking the bank? Not only is the LK Holster Defender case designed to take a beating, but it comes with a versatile belt holster and a built-in kickstand, allowing you to attach your new phone to your belt or watch videos in landscape mode. The case is also made of two distinct layers for added protection, and features polycarbonate corners that are built to absorb unwanted impacts.

Ballistic Tough Jacket Case ($22)

As you may guess from the Tough Jacket name, this case offers really rugged drop protection with heavily reinforced corners to guard against damage from falls. There’s a textured grid pattern on the back and the finish definitely adds grip. You’ll also find pronounced button covers and accurate openings for ports, camera, and sensors. Because it’s a thick case, you might find it a little awkward to use the fingerprint sensor, but it helps if you set up your fingerprint with the case on. If you primarily want drop protection, this multi-layer case will keep your phone safe even if it takes a tumble from 6 feet.

Speck CandyShell Grip Case ($25+)

If you want a good protective case that will protect your Nexus 5X if you should drop it, then Speck’s CandyShell Grip is a solid option. The ridged pattern looks good, but it also adds some grip. The case meets military drop test standards (810G), thanks to a shock-absorbent rubber core and a tough outer shell. The raised bezel round the front protects the screen, preventing it from touching surfaces. The rubber button covers are well marked and easy to press, and the openings are precisely where they should be for access to ports, the fingerprint sensor, and camera.

Adopted Folio Case ($40)

This is an unusual folio case from Adopted that sports a microfiber finish. We’re used to seeing soft microfiber on the inside, but we’ve never seen it on the exterior before. The shell itself is a typical TPU case, and the cover is polyurethane covered with microfiber. There are cut-outs for the camera, flash, and fingerprint sensor on the back. The cover protects the display, but it also automatically puts the screen to sleep when you close it. There’s a geometric pattern of boxes on the front and the official Nexus logo. You can get this one in quartz or carbon, otherwise known as light and dark gray.

KWMobile Canvas Case ($9)

Some case manufacturers are starting to do away with the traditional plastic or rubber look in favor of more stylish fabrics. KWMobile is one of these manufacturers. You’ll still find an impact-resistant TPU shell on the inside of the company’s apt-titled Canvas Case, but on the outside, you’ll be treated to the soft feel of canvas. The case is available for pretty cheap, too, coming in at under $10.

Verus High Pro Shield Case ($16+)

Here’s a fairly protective case with a different kind of look and design. The flexible TPU shell is always black with a mock brushed metal finish, but the polycarbonate bumper that goes on top comes in a variety of different colors. The button covers are pronounced, there’s a protective lip to safeguard the screen, and there’s a special pattern inside designed to dissipate shock. The cut-outs on the back are tight and minimal, and there are also openings for your ports.

Spigen Thin Fit Shell Case ($11+)

Fans of minimalist cases will like this offering from Spigen. It’s a simple polycarbonate shell in black, white, or mint. It snaps onto the Nexus 5X and has cut-outs for the buttons, ports, camera, and fingerprint sensor. It has a soft-touch finish that makes it comfortable to hold and adds some grip. There’s a Spigen logo on the back, but other than that it is completely free of superfluous detail. If you want a light, thin case for basic protection, then it could suit well. It won’t cost you much, either.

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