Google’s Pixel 8a is one of our favorite budget-friendly phones of the year, thanks to its incredible specs and high-end design. At $499, it’s a pretty great bargain, and that means you’ll have some money left over for accessories.
If you buy any accessory, it should be a case. Since the Pixel 8a comes with seven years of software support, you’ll probably be using it for a long time, so it’s worth picking up a case to protect your investment as long as possible. Of course, the market is pretty crowded with different options, and it can be tough to find one that not only suits your style, but also gives your phone the protection it needs.
So, we’ve sifted through dozens of different options to find the best cases for your new Pixel 8a, and we’re highlighting nine of the best you can get.
Google’s default case for the Pixel 8a, a silicone option with a microfiber interior, is a great go-to if you just want a bit of protection while maintaining a cool appearance. The case is grippy and not too thick, while the raised bezel gives your display a bit of protection in case you drop it. It ships in five vibrant colors: Bay, Aloe, Porcelain, Obsidian and Coral. For $30, it’s a great choice if you want minimal protection and maximum style.
Caseology’s Parallax case has been around for many years, and it’s making another appearance to accommodate the Pixel 8a. The TPU case has a grippy exterior and gives your phone 360-degree protection, even on the camera visor on the back. Its signature geometric pattern on the back gives the case a unique look depending on the angle you view it from, and it uses Caseology’s patented Air Space Technology for military-grade drop protection. It’s available in Sage Green, Purple-ish and Matte Black.
We’re big fans of Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid case for two reasons: it’s one of the easiest clear cases to slot your phone into, and it almost never yellows over time. Spigen took that same approach for its Pixel 8a case, which lets the color of your device shine through while still offering military-grade drop protection. There are a few variations of the case that add black accents or colorful designs to the back, but the Crystal Clear version is our favorite.
Another great transparent option is the React Series case from OtterBox, which was designed in collaboration with Google. It comes with a semi-transparent design with a frosted bezel and a bunch of emoji stickers pulled right from the Android messaging experience. With two emoji variations available, it’s perhaps the most fun case you can get for your Pixel 8a. Plus, it comes with adequate drop protection to keep your phone damage-free.
UAG (also known as Urban Armour Gear) is great for those seeking adventure-ready accessories that look good and feel good to use. Its Scout Series case for the Pixel 8a is a great example of that; while it’s plenty sturdy with a reinforced TPU construction and armor shell interior, the case remains relatively thin and low profile. It only adds bulk where necessary, such as the corners that have been treated with textured bumpers for drop protection. The case has passed MIL STD 810G drop tests so you won’t need to worry about your phone cracking, and it weighs next to nothing.
A great environmentally-friendly option is the Pela case, which is 100% biodegradable. It’s made from flax shive and a plant-based biopolymer that gives the case a soft, flexible build while still protecting your Pixel 8a against drops. Plus, you can feel confident that the company you buy from is making an effort to better protect the planet. There are all sorts of cute colors and patterns you can choose from, too, so you’ll have no problem standing out.
If you want to add a touch of class to your Pixel 8a, Bellroy has you covered. The company has been making some of the best leather cases you can get for a long time, and that’s not changing with the 8a. A result of a partnership between Bellroy and Google, the case is engineered to perfectly fit the 8a with a slim profile, aluminum buttons and wireless charging support. The case uses a premium, eco-tanned leather and is wrapped around each edge. It’s available in three colors: Black, Everglade and Terracotta.
For those who need the most rugged case you can get, check out OtterBox’s Commuter Series. It comes with dual-layer protection and a durable, rigid exterior that can withstand three times as many drops as the traditional military standard. The case protects your Pixel 8a against pretty much anything, while still remaining slim enough to slip easily into your pocket or bag. It also comes with port protection so you don’t lose any charging or data transfer functionality. It’s available in two colors: black or pink.
If you’re looking for a case that can add protection against scuffs and scratches while maintaining the slim, lightweight form factor of the Pixel 8a, the Super-Thin Magnetic Case from Mous is the one you should pick up. Made from 75% recycled polycarbonate, the case adds external protection to your phone while keeping bulk to a minimum. Plus, it comes with a ring of magnets inside so you can connect magnetic accessories to your 8a, such as a MagSafe charging puck or wallet.