Google’s Pixel 7a, the company’s latest entry-level A-series phone, has arrived, boasting specs closer than ever to the flagship Pixel 7. This makes it an even better choice for folks looking for nearly everything a Pixel phone offers at a much more wallet-friendly price. In fact, it’s among the best budget Android phones you can buy right now, edged out slightly by its predecessor, the Pixel 6a, only due to the much lower price of the older model.

Nevertheless, just because you’re not investing in a premium flagship phone doesn’t mean you should skimp on protection. Although the Pixel 7a has the plastic back of its A-series predecessor rather than the more fragile glass of Google’s flagships, it’s still prone to cracking when you inevitably drop it. Plus, the front glass is only Gorilla Glass 3, rather than the considerably tougher Gorilla Glass Victus used on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, making it a good idea to grab a screen protector, too. However, you’ll find that many of these heavy-duty cases do a great job protecting your screen with extra-raised edges, and some even include built-in protectors of their own.


  • Caseology Parallax for Pixel 7a

    Caseology Parallax for Pixel 7a

    Best overall

    Caseology’s Parallax features a 3D Hexa Cube design that’s attractive, practical, and anything but boring. The two-tone colors complement the style of the Pixel 7a, while the rear surface and textured sides let you keep a solid grip on your phone. It looks and feels great, but don’t let the understated design fool you, as it can still handle everyday bumps, scraps, and drops of up to four feet.


  • Otterbox Commuter for Pixel 7a

    Otterbox Commuter for Pixel 7a

    Premium pick

    $32 $40 Save
    $8

    OtterBox is a trusted name in protection, and the OtterBox Commuter honors that tradition by delivering a case that goes 3X beyond military-grade drop test standards in a pocket-friendly design that doesn’t add too much bulk. You also get port covers to block dust and dirt from getting into your Pixel 7a, plus grippy sides to help ensure you don’t drop your phone in the first place. It’s also made with more than 35% recycled plastic.


  • Poetic Neon for Pixel 7a

    Poetic Neon for Pixel 7a

    Best value

    Case trends come and go, but the dual-layer hybrid never dies. While every manufacturer and their mother makes one, the Poetic Neon is among our favorites, thanks to its grip pads and a rubberized accent ring that make it easy to keep hold of without being a lint magnet. Plus, the bright, two-tone color schemes leave a bold impact that competitors from Spigen and OtterBox simply can’t match.


  • Supcase UB Pro for Pixel 7a

    Supcase UB Pro for Pixel 7a

    Promoted pick

    In partnership with Supcase

    The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro is a rugged and protective case for your Pixel 7a that looks the part. It’s not just window-dressing, either; the UB Pro has been tested to protect your phone against drops of up to 20 feet, thanks to its multilayered construction. You also get a bunch of extras packed in here, such as an included screen protector in the front frame, a built-in kickstand that doubles as a ring holder, and a rotating belt clip holster.


  • Spigen Rugged Armor for Pixel 7a

    Spigen Rugged Armor for Pixel 7a

    Spigen’s Rugged Armor offers slim and subtle coverage for your Pixel 7a in a design that still distinguishes itself thanks to the carbon fiber accents. Air Cushion technology provides military-grade drop protection, with spiderweb molding — and raised edges around the screen and camera — for absorbing impacts. In addition, grippy sides help you keep hold of your phone.


  • i-Blason ArmorBox Lite for Pixel 7a

    Source: i-Blason

    i-Blason ArmorBox Lite for Pixel 7a

    Promoted pick

    In partnership with i-Blason

    While we desperately hoped i-Blason would give us some fun Cosmo Series color options to match the Pixel 7a’s fun colors, at least its ArmorBox Lite gets the essentials right. Rather than using a front frame and plastic built-in protector, this kickstand case is easy to apply and comes with two sturdier tempered glass screen protectors.


  • Dbrand Grip Case for Pixel 7a in TMNT Michelangelo

    Source: D

    dbrand Grip for Pixel 7a

    Dbrand’s Grip Case offers you the best of both worlds: the sturdy grip and careful corner cushions of a heavy-duty case and the customization of applying a new case skin when you get bored with your current design. For instance, if you opt for TMNP (Teenage Mutant Ninja Pixels), it comes with four different camera bar skins, allowing your 7a to be any or all of your favorite pizza-loving turtles. The holographic Warzone and Acid also look sublime.


  • Itskins Spectrum R for Pixel 7a

    Itskins Spectrum R Clear Case for Pixel 7a

    Most heavy-duty cases hide the fun colors of your Pixel 7a, but that’s where the Itskins’ Spectrum R differs from the rest. While not the most rugged case on our list, it still offers 10-foot drop protection thanks to its Hexotek shock absorption technology, raised edges around the screen and camera, and textured sides for a good grip. The best part, however, is that it’s fully transparent and includes an anti-yellowing and scratch-resistant coating, so it will stay that way.


  • Urban Armor Gear Scout for Pixel 7a

    Urban Armor Gear Scout for Pixel 7a

    Urban Armor Gear is best known for rugged cases in both design and appearance, but the Scout series turns that slightly on its head with a much more understated design. While it’s still unmistakably a UAG case, the lines are cleaner and sleeker, making it feel much more comfortable in hand. UAG hasn’t skimped on protection with the more muted design, though; you still get mil