Supcase Unicorn Beetle Case
Proving that you don’t need to spend big to get rugged drop protection, the Supcase Unicorn Beetle offers complete dual-layer coverage with a built-in screen protector. There are tactile button covers, port covers to keep dust out, accurate openings for the camera and fingerprint sensor, and ridged sides for enhanced grip. This case even comes with a holster and belt clip. It will safeguard your S9 from falls of up to 4 feet. The screen protector is the weak link for us — it’s too easily scuffed — and the flaps can be fiddly, but this case does offer a lot for the money. You can get it in black, blue, pink, or the pictured white.
Spigen Liquid Crystal Case
With a flowery flourish, this lightweight TPU case will protect your Galaxy S9 from minor falls and bumps. There are air pockets in the corners, but this is also a thin case, so it’s not going to offer rugged protection. It’s transparent, with good openings for the camera, fingerprint sensor, and all ports, as well as tactile button covers. If you’re not keen on the flowers, you can get a plain clear version, sparkly variants, or a matte black case.
Otterbox Commuter Series Case
If you want decent dual-layer drop protection, then the Otterbox Commuter is worth checking out. It doesn’t provide the same level of protection as Otterbox’s top-of-the-line Defender case, but it’s also slimmed down by comparison. The soft inner layer absorbs shock and the hard outer shell deflects damage. You do also get port covers to keep dust out of your headphone jack and charging port. It comes in classic black or a two-tone blue/green scheme.
UAG Plyo Case
The Plyo series from Urban Armor Gear is a bit sleeker and more refined than its standard range. You still get an impact-resistant core and reinforced corners for good drop protection that meets military drop-test standards, but the main body is transparent and devoid of extraneous detail. Ridged edges enhance your grip, and the button covers are oversized to make them easy to find and press. There is also a surround above and below the screen to prevent it from touching surfaces. This case comes in four translucent colors and won’t interfere with Samsung Pay or wireless charging.
Rhinoshield SolidSuit Case 
We’ve been fans of Rhinoshield’s Crashguard Bumper for years now. It’s ideal if you want to add solid drop protection to your phone without covering it up. But the case maker has started to craft some other cases that are worth a look, and for the Galaxy S9, we’re recommending the SolidSuit case. This case offers impressive drop protection that has been fully tested up to 11 feet, so you can be confident that your S9 will survive drops unscathed. It’s also a slim, light case with accurate openings, tactile button covers, and a raised lip around the top and bottom of the screen.
Silk Q Card Case
This versatile wallet case offers plenty of enticing features. The elasticated pouch on the back has space for three cards, so you can leave the wallet at home. The case extends above and below the screen to protect it and there are air pockets in the corners to take the sting out of impacts. We’re not particularly keen on the slim button covers or the recessed cutout on the back, which makes it a little more awkward to get at the fingerprint sensor. We love the rough texture on the outside because it really enhances grip, and the pocket is very handy. You can also prop your S9 up by using one of your cards as a kickstand — there’s a special groove it can slot into.
Scooch Wingman Case
We like the clever design of this case, especially its versatile, curling kickstand on the back. You can curl it around your finger to hold your S9 securely, use it as a landscape or portrait stand, or insert it into the air vent in your car. The case itself has all the cutouts you need for easy access, tactile button covers, and reinforced sections top and bottom that cover the corners and guard against drop damage. Scooch also donates 10 percent of each purchase to programs that support victims of crime and domestic abuse.
Incipio DualPro Case
If you’re worried about cracking that curved display, then this dual-layer case is a sound investment. This has been one of Incipio’s best-selling cases for a decade now — and with good reason. It covers the S9 from every angle, with a protective lip around the screen, tactile button covers, and generous openings for the camera, fingerprint sensor, and ports. It boasts an understated style in matte iridescent colors, including blue, lilac, and rusted gold.
Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet Case
Leather is comfortable to hold and attractive, so it makes a good material for a phone case. These cases are crafted from quality Nubuck leather in a range of colors. The wallet-style design wraps around your S9 to offer complete protection. The cover has a secure magnetic clasp and can fold back to act as a landscape stand. You’ll also find three slots for credit cards and a larger pocket at the back.
Griffin Survivor Clear Case
When you buy a gorgeous phone like the Galaxy S9, you don’t want to conceal it, but you do need protection. A clear case can be a great compromise. This Griffin case is affordable, transparent, and offers solid drop protection from 4 feet, even on concrete. Military drop-test standards can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but Griffin is a name you can trust. This case has extra reinforcement around the frame to absorb impacts.
