It’s been three years since the Google Pixel 3 launched, but it’s still a phone that holds up in 2021, thanks to its premium hardware and Google’s consistent software updates. The screen and the glass back, which enables Qi wireless charging to work, are breakable, so it’s a smart move to safeguard them. We’ve been testing out the available options, and these are the best Pixel 3 cases you can buy. You may also want to make sure the display doesn’t get scratched or cracked by investing in one of the best Pixel 3 screen protectors.
Our top picks
These are the top three cases we’ve been using most often with our Pixel 3, and they each have something unique to recommend them. We have a number of alternative options worth considering if these don’t tempt you.
Speck Presidio Grip Case
You won’t find a grippier case for butterfingers than Speck’s Presidio Grip case, designed for those of us who are always dropping our phones. This dual-layer polycarbonate case comes in black or Desert Rose Pink/Heartwood Brown and provides up to 10 feet of drop protection, with raised bezels for additional screen protection and a protective non-slip rubber grip. The matte surface is scratch-resistant, so your case will stay looking shiny and new for longer.
Urban Armor Gear Monarch Case
If we’re headed into the great outdoors or doing something active, then this is our go-to case for drop protection. This one-piece case mixes materials with a flexible rubber bumper with reinforced corners that’s enhanced with a polycarbonate backplate and a lightweight metal alloy. Full-grain leather panels on the back add some style. The power button is textured, the volume controls are well-defined, and the cutouts are accurate. There’s plenty of room to get at the charging port and fingerprint sensor. A protective lip extends out around the screen. This case definitely adds some bulk, particularly on the back and corners, but that’s the price of solid drop protection and it doesn’t interfere with wireless charging. It’s a nice case to hold — it’s lighter than it looks — and there’s a honeycomb pattern on the sides that enhances grip. It comes in black.
Moment Photo Case
With photography specialists in mind, Moment makes protective cases for the Pixel 3 that look stylish and also support Moment’s lens range, which includes Wide, Tele Portrait, and Superfish lenses that start at $90. The shell is made of tough, fairly thick plastic with well-defined button covers and precise openings. There’s plenty of room around the USB-C port and a sloping cutout for the fingerprint sensor. The surround of the camera lens has a special locking system that makes it easy to clip on extra lenses, but these cases can be used without them and still look good. Our pick is the one with the flecked cream finish with the tan leather, but there’s a black case with a canvas panel on the back, as well as a black case with a walnut panel. With microfiber on the inside and a raised lip around the screen, we think this case should offer decent drop protection.
And the rest
Caseology Legion Case
For slim, pocket-friendly protection that’s also durable, Caseology’s Legion Case gives most other cases a run for their money. This is seriously heavy-duty protection, with a dual-layer of shock-absorbing TPU and a hard PC outer shell with a grippy finish, so your phone stays in your hand — or wherever you place it down. Because your screen and camera are the most delicate parts of your phone — and prone to scratches or shattering — there’s a raised lip around both, offering additional protection to keep them safe from harm. This case also looks pretty sleek with its smooth finish and textured accent details.
Olixar Farley RFID Blocking Wallet Case
Concerned about privacy? This wallet case from Olixar not only protects your phone, but it also keeps your credit and debit cards safe from prying eyes, thanks to RFID blocking technology. Unlike some wallet cases that wrap around the screen, this case is simply a hard shell encased in smooth faux leather that protects the back and sides of your phone — so you can add your choice of screen protector. It’s a slim, form-fitting design that ensures you can slip your phone in your pocket without adding bulk, but it’s surpisingly durable too. There are two handy RFID-protected credit card slots, so you no longer need to worry about anyone stealing your card details. The overall impression is one of sophistication, so if that’s what you’re going for, look no further.
VRS Design Slim Sporty Case
Active types after a sporty case for their Pixel 3 will love this light gray case from VRS Design. With a waved textured back panel and bright red detailing, this modern case stands out from the crowd, and the flexible TPU shell keeps your
Bellroy Leather Wallet Case
You can’t beat a stylish leather case when it comes to adding a touch of class to proceedings, and we’re a little bit in love with this one from Bellroy. No bells or whistles, just a sleek, simple leather wallet case that holds up to four cards — so you can stash your bank cards, ID, and more. There’s even a slot for a spare SIM card and pin, should you need it. The soft microfiber lining and magnetic closure keep your screen safe from scratches whether your phone’s in your pocket or a bag, and the case folds out into a kickstand for hands-free viewing or video calls. We’d go for the caramel version, but it’s also available in black.
Crave DualGuard Protection Series Case
It’s easy to see why this is one of the bestselling Google Pixel 3 cases on Amazon. Crave’s dual-layer TPU and polycarbonate case provides premium protection for your phone. It’s slim and compact, making it ideal for slipping in a back pocket, and features a grippy finish to minimize the risk of drops. With easy access to ports, this case won’t interfere with wireless charging, and it comes with a lifetime warranty, too. Our preference is for the vibrant mint/gray version, but you can also pick this up in black, navy, slate, or red.
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Case
For maximum scratch and drop protection, the Unicorn Beetle Pro case by Supcase is the way to go. It includes 360-degree coverage, a built-in screen protector, reinforced corners, and an included holster — and all of this makes the Unicorn Beetle one of the most versatile cases in the market. There’s even a rubberized flap covering the USB-C port to prevent water and dust from seeping into the phone. Priced just under $20 and available in a variety of colors, the Unicorn Beetle Pro is affordable and suitable for consumers of all kinds.
Incipio NGP Case
If you’re a fan of the Pixel 3’s look and you don’t want to cover it entirely, then you might fancy this translucent offering from Incipio. Crafted from its proprietary Flex2O material, this is a lightweight but highly durable case for the Pixel 3. The bottom portion of the case echoes the Pixel’s two-tone finish to add a touch of style, but it’s a fairly plain offering with accurate openings, button covers, raised bezels to protect the screen, and a subtle Incipio logo on the side. It offers protection against scratches and drops from up to three feet.
Speck Presidio Stay Clear Case
This case from Speck strikes a nice balance between protection and the desire to show off your Pixel 3’s style. It’s a completely clear case with an anti-yellowing coating and it promises to protect your Pixel 3 from drops of up to eight feet. The bumper section is reinforced with a dual-layer shock-absorbing barrier, and there’s a raised bezel all the way around the screen to ensure it never touches down. It’s quite a chunky case that definitely adds some bulk, but it’s comfortable to hold and highly protective. There are no issues with the generous openings, and it won’t interfere with wireless charging either.
Otterbox Symmetry Case
This isn’t quite as tough as Otterbox’s Defender Series cases, but it’s also less bulky, and will still guard your Pixel 3 against drop damage. There’s a rounded bumper that extends front and back to take the sting out of any impact. The openings are generous, the button covers are solid, and wireless charging works just fine with this case on. This Stardust version has sparkly silver flakes embedded in the clear cover, but Otterbox does offer plain color combinations as well.
Tech21 Evo Check Case
If you tend to fumble your phones a lot, then this highly protective case from Tech21 is for you. When your Pixel 3 is wearing this case, you can drop it with impunity, because it will safeguard your phone from falls of up to 12 feet (not that you’d actually want to). Tech21 imbues the flexible bumper with its special FlexShock material, which will prevent any impact shock from penetrating. It’s a little chunky, but it has good-sized openings and tactile button covers that are easy to find. This case comes in eye-catching translucent ultraviolet, with a special check pattern on the back panel.
Spigen Neo Hybrid Case
Here’s a relatively tough case that combines malleable TPU with a hard polycarbonate frame for solid protection from knocks and falls. The matte, textured finish on the back enhances grip and won’t pick up grubby fingerprints. There’s also an extended lip around the screen to prevent it from touching down on any surface. Tapered openings for the fingerprint sensor and camera and well-defined button covers round out a good case.
Ringke Fusion Case
This crystal-clear case from Ringke is very affordable, but still offers reasonable protection, with a hard, transparent polycarbonate back panel and a flexible, clear TPU bumper. The corners are reinforced for impact protection, and there’s a lanyard hole for anyone who wants to attach a strap. You’ll find accurate cutouts and thin button covers offering easy access to everything.
Noreve Tradition D Leather Case
If you’re looking for that luxury feel in your Pixel 3 case, this Noreve wallet has you covered (literally). This high-quality, padded case comes in three different colors, and Noreve builds it with hand-crafted stitched leather. The plush interior lining swaddles your phone in protection, while the hard shell beneath it holds your phone securely, giving you coverage from every angle.
The case isn’t magnetic, so it’s unable to keep the front cover connected. All it does is sit in place if you’re not using it. The button cut-outs allow you to access your mobile device’s buttons and controls, while your camera lenses offer a clear view to take photos. The Tradition D case is intuitive with a polished design.
Rhinoshield Bumper Case
The Rhinoshield case serves as more of a bumper than a true phone case. Still, its design provides maximum protection for your device. Its minimalistic structure lets you display your phone while still giving it over 11 feet of drop security. The curved bumper extends over each side of your device to protect it from any unanticipated bumps or hits.
Because the front and back sides of your device are laid open, you don’t have to stress about anything obstructing your camera lens, fingerprint sensor, or wireless charging surface. The bumper is a happy medium between a caseless style and the guarantee of drop protection.
Editors' Recommendations
- The best portable chargers for 2022
- Best tablet deals for January 2022
- The best smart notebooks for 2022
- The best small smartphones you can buy in 2022
- Making sense of Xiaomi’s confusing new Redmi Note 11 range
