Looking for a midrange phone with a solid battery life and excellent camera skills? Google's Pixel A range has been a strong contender for the best cheap phone since it was introduced with the Pixel 3a line, and that proud heritage has continued with the Pixel 5a. Showcasing Google's exceptional skill at crafting camera software, the Pixel 5a is a 5G-equipped camera phone that right now costs just $299 (to start).
But just because it's cheap doesn't mean you can throw it away. Scratches, chips, and other hazards can harm the surface of your phone, making it look old and battered well before its time. A protective case can stop that from happening by putting a barrier between your phone and harm's way. Here are some of the best Google Pixel 5a cases around right now.
Crave Dual Guard Case
- Slim, pocket-friendly profile
- Protective TPU and PC shell
- Available in a range of colors
- There's better drop protection out there
What's slim enough to slip into a pocket yet adds a layer of much-needed protection to your Pixel 5a? Crave's Dual Guard Case. Available in a choice of nine colors — though we love this vibrant deep forest green — this case is slim enough that it won't add bulk to your phone, yet doesn't skimp on protection. The solid TPU and PC shell has a grippy textured finish that feels great in your hand. All Crave's cases come with a lifetime warranty, too. The downside? There are cases out there offering better protection against drops, if that's your priority.
Kwmobile TPU Silicone Case
- Coated TPU silicone case adds grip
- Silicone rubber coating protects against drops and scratches
- Huge range of 22 colors to choose from
- Sticky finish attracts hair and dirt
This slim TPU silicone case for your Pixel 5a comes in a dazzling rainbow array of 22 colors, so you're sure to find your favorite here. We love this sophisticated Bordeaux Violet, a deep burgundy plum, which looks smart enough for work and colorful enough for play. This case's slim profile makes it ideal for your pocket, while the coated TPU silicone finish adds grip, making drops less likely. That coating also provides excellent protection against drops, bumps, and scratches, though it does tend to get a little sticky, attracting hair and dirt — so perhaps it isn't the best option for pet owners. For $10 though, this is a great choice, and at this price, you could even pick up a spare case in another color!
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Series Case
- Rugged multilayer protection
- Up to 20 feet of drop protection
- Built-in kickstand
- Choice of three colors
- Rugged design may not suit all tastes
If rugged is your thing, you can't get much more durable than Supcase's Unicorn Beetle Pro Series case. This multilayer TPU and PC case offers full-body protection for your phone, with a built-in screen protector. Drop protection exceeds military standard MIL-STD-810G 516.6, with up to 20 feet of protection on offer. There's also a texturized grip, making it less likely you'll drop your phone in the first place. A detachable 360-degree rotating holster and fold-out kickstand for hands-free viewing rounds out the package. Although the rugged, futuristic design might not be for everyone, we think it looks pretty cool, and you can pick it up in metallic blue, red, or black.
Poetic Revolution Rugged Case
- Tough polycarbonate and TPU case
- Excellent drop protection
- Built-in kickstand
- Rugged look may not be to all tastes
Poetic is a strong contender that’s making strides in building up a good reputation, and the Revolution case showcases why its cases are worth your time. It’s a rugged case, and it’s not afraid to show that, with a tough design made from hard polycarbonate and shock-absorbing TPU. That toughness means it has strong drop-proofing and protection against scratches and other hazards, too. The grips along the side give good traction for your fingertips, so you’re less likely to drop your phone, and the built-in kickstand means it can be propped up quickly and easily, too. It’s a great protective case, as long as you don’t mind the strongly rugged look.
Spigen Thin Fit Case
- Ultra-thin fit doesn't add bulk
- Air Cushion Technology protects corners
- Raised bevels for screen and camera protection
- There's better protection out there
Spigen has released a large range for the Pixel 5a, and the Thin Fit is our pick of the bunch. Made from a hard polycarbonate shell over a thin but durable TPU core, the Thin Fit excels at providing more solid protection than a clear thin case, but without compromising on adding additional bulk. Spigen’s case technology means additional protection for your phone too, with Air Cushion Technology protecting the corners of the phone, and the slightly raised bevels mean your phone’s camera lenses and display won’t rest on surfaces and risk scratches. A great case for a great price.
Ghostek Exec 4 Magnetic Wallet Case with Leather Card Holder
- Removable expandable leather card holder
- Rugged protection against drops and scratches
- Magnetic card holder can be attached to other magnetic surfaces
- A bit bulky
Ghostek has launched some truly unique cases to set itself apart from its peers, and the Exec 4 is one of its more unique offerings. Essentially the combination of a rugged case and a wallet folio, the Exec 4 offers strong protection against a variety of bumps and drops, and also offers space to keep credit cards in its expandable leather card backpack. The card holder portion attaches to the case with magnets, so it can be easily removed, and the case attaches to a magnetic car holder, bike holder, or anything else that’s compatible. A protective case that’s also extremely versatile, the Exec 4 won’t be of interest to anyone who wants to add sleek style, but it’s the case of choice if the added usefulness really appeals.
Caseology Parallax Case
- Stylish design
- Slim profile
- Excellent everyday protection
- Compatible with most screen protectors
- Brand isn't as well-known as some others
Caseology isn’t as well-known as some of the bigger names on this list, and that’s a real crime, given the quality of its cases. The Parallax case is a perennial favorite of ours, as it combines good everyday protection with some stylish designs. It’s slim and provides good grip, and the 3D design feels great to the touch. It’s made from a combination of a TPU core and a PC shell, so it’s strong enough to deal with most everyday bumps and scratches, and it’s compatible with most screen protectors as well. It’s at a midpoint where price is concerned, but it is worth the money.
Otterbox Commuter Series Rugged Case
- Dual-layer TPU and PC protection against drops
- Grippy sides
- Antimicrobial additive prevents bacterial growth
- Not the most stylish choice
Otterbox is perhaps the most well-known case maker on the planet, so it makes sense we’d include one of its cases on this list. But the Commuter case isn’t on here just because of Otterbox’s reputation ... far from it. The dual-layer construction uses a TPU core and a hard PC shell to provide solid protection against all but the worst bumps and falls, has grippy panels on the sides to boost your grip, and even has a silver-based antimicrobial additive added in to stop common bacteria from taking hold. It’s relatively slim despite all this protection, and if there’s one gripe, it’s that it’s not particularly stylish. Still, for this protection, you can forgive it.
Vena vArmor
- Dual-layer case with airbag corners
- Up to 4 feet of drop protection
- Swivel holster
- The design isn't for everyone
Vena’s vArmor takes the rugged case formula and ratchets it up to 11. As a result, you get a case that’s not exactly built for everyone, but for those it’s meant for, it’s perfect. The case itself is a dual-layer case, with airbag corners to help disperse shock and a tough outer PC shell to ward off scratches and similar damage. It exceeds military drop-test standards, and can resist damage from falls up to 4 feet. It also comes with a swivel holster that can quickly clip onto a belt, giving you a quick way to get out and put away your phone. It’s not too expensive at all for this level of protection, and with the holster, it’s extremely versatile.
