Despite a few years removed from its release, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is still a workhorse smartphone that many users rely on daily. The phone is still a great option as a new purchase too, and if you're contemplating adding a Pixel 6 Pro to your collection of electronics, it remains a quality smartphone that can be found at steep discounts. Perhaps most importantly, the Pixel 6 Pro still takes excellent pictures, competing surprisingly well against its successors.

If you've got a Pixel 6 Pro, you'll want to ensure that stays in pristine condition, free of cracks and scratches. A reliable, secure case is your best bet for getting the most out of the phone. Luckily, there are a ton of cases that you can choose from for the phone. A lot of the most rugged cases, even those with official drop ratings of 10 feet or more, aren't very bulky or expensive either, making for a stiff competition among case manufacturers. There's also a glut of fun, expressive cases to choose from if you're looking for something that highlights your personality.

  • x-level-case-for-pixel-6-pro-1
    X-Level Case for Pixel 6 Pro
    Best overall

    The X-Level case is just about the pinnacle of protective design for the Pixel 6 Pro. It's built with shock absorbing foam and a leather backing feature. The X-Level case combines three layers of protection for the best in ruggedness for your device. Despite its high protective capacity, the case it very slim. However, the cover won't turn any heads, making it a great option for those who want a subdued look but not so much if you're trying to make a statement.

  • pela-pixel-6-pro-case-selections
    Pela Case For Pixel 6 Pro
    Premium pick

    Pela goes to great lengths to minimize environmental impact by using nearly 50% plant-based materials to construct cases. The company also makes sure most people can compost the end product. Functionally speaking, Pela cases are reasonably rugged and, most importantly, come in a massive range of both muted and fun colors and designs.

  • ghostek-covert-pixel-6-pro-case
    Ghostek Covert for Pixel 6 Pro
    Best value
    $10 $15 Save $5

    Ghostek's Covert series looks unlike most other cases, with minor color accents and tinted, translucent panels with a soft-touch finish. It's engineered for peak protection from drops and bumps, with oversized lips to protect the sides, edges, and camera array — and advanced impact resistance technology that results in an 8-foot drop rating. It's also super cheap.

  • pelican-protector-pixel-6-pro-case
    Pelican Protector for Pixel 6 Pro
    Rugged simplicity
    $15 $50 Save $35

    Pelican is a well-known manufacturer of great phone cases. The Protector is a premium cover for your Pixel 6 Pro that sports a truly impressive, 15-foot drop rating. Perhaps even more interesting is the crossover between a great look and the rock solid construction of the case. The Protector doesn't rely on dense foam inside the outer shell, making it a fairly compact option to secure your Pixel device.

  • caseology-vault-pixel-6-pro-case
    Caseology Vault For Pixel 6 Pro
    $15 $20 Save $5

    The Caseology Vault keeps your Pixel 6 Pro safe with the help of an oversized bezel made of soft TPU. It runs around the entire edge and defends the most sensitive pieces of your phone against cracking in case it falls out of your hands. The case's subtle texture provides just enough grip to hold it solidly, and the muted finishes look nice, too.

  • case-mate-tough-pixel-6-pro-case
    Case-Mate Tough for Pixel 6 Pro
    $10 $40 Save $30

    The clear case from Case-Mate pairs the highly stylish transparent back with a toughened structure that will defend your case against drops from up to 10 feet. The raised bezel and cushioned corners make for a solid protective layer. It's augmented by a scratch-resistant outer shell that isn't common on clear cases. It's also resistant to yellowing and staining that often comes over time with these types of transparent cases.

  • crave-dual-guard-pixel-6-pro-case
    Crave Dual Guard For Pixel 6 Pro

    The straightforward, two-layer Crave Dual Guard has bezels just thick enough to keep the all-glass Pixel 6 Pro out of harm's way. We're big fans of the texture applied to the exterior, which stays grippy even when damp or cold. Unlike a lot of lost low-cost cases, there's a great selection of both nondescript and bright colors, and it's backed by a lifetime warranty.

  • google-pixel-6-pro-case-ringke-fusion
    Ringke Fusion For Pixel 6 Pro

    An excellent clear case, the Ringke Fusion is built with a rigid back panel as well as soft, silicone siding. The result is a substantial build quality that's more than capable or protecting your device without covering over the premium, eye-catching finish of the phone itself.There are also QuikCatch lanyard holes for increased safety and theft protection included in the case, and it comes in an optional (and rare) matte transparent version, too.

  • bellroy-leather-pixel-6-pro-case
    Bellroy Leather Case For Pixel 6 Pro

    As the first Made For Google case manufacturer ever, it's not surprising that Bellroy continues to produce phenomenal cases for Google's Pixel lineup.This leather cover for the Pixel 6 Pro is built with the highest quality leather we've seen for a phone case. As well, the Bellroy case includes a microfiber lining that adds cushioning, it supports wireless charging, and comes with a three-year warranty. Unfortunately, color choice isn't a strong suit.

  • xcasebar-folio-pixel-6-pro-case
    XcaseBar Folio for Pixel 6 Pro

    With a wallet case like this one from XcaseBar, you can fit your ID and payment cards into one small package you can always have in your pocket. The three slots in the cover are lined with RFID protection, keeping your details safe and preventing NFC readers from getting confused. There's also a wide range of rich colors to choose from.

  • dbrand-grip-pixel-6-pro-case
    dbrand Grip For Pixel 6 Pro

    The huge collection of Dbrand skins ranges from the slightly edgy all the way to the eye-catching and borderline ridiculous (which is some people's thing). You can also choose from several bold, solid colors, and whichever design you choose, you can trust that it'll keep your high-end smartphone safe and solidly in your grip.

  • kowauri-wallet-pixel-6-pro-case
    Kowauri Wallet for Pixel 6 Pro

    The Kowauri Wallet straddles the divide between a small purse and a phone case. The wallet offers up ample storage for cards, cash, and other essentials that you might carry on a daily basis. However, the heft required to provide this additional support makes it somewhat bulky. This girth is great for protecting your phone, though, adding important drop protection alongside the ability to easily carry your daily necessities.

  • spigen-tough-armor-pixel-6-pro-case
    Spigen Tough Armor for Pixel 6 Pro
    $18 $30 Save $12

    One of the most functionally proficient familes of phone cases, the Spigen Tough Armor undergoes military-spec drop testing while also benefitting from a nearly unbreakable kickstand. The result is a case that can easily prop up your Pixel 6 Pro in both landscape and portrait orientations without fear of breakage. While the black version is a little boring, the gunmetal looks classy, and the rose gold is outright fancy.

  • poetic-guardian-pixel-6-pro-case
    Poetic Guardian For Pixel 6 Pro

    Poetic Guardian cases are among the most rugged on the planet. They're built to withstand the most intense impacts, and this includes the Pixel 6 Pro model. The case sports two front frames to provide solid edge and corner protection in the event of a drop. As well, one frame integrates a screen protector into the design with a dedicated adhesive patch so that you won't lose fingerprint reading capabilities on the device. The colorways available are nothing to scoff at, either.

  • otterbox-defender-pro-pixel-6-pro-case
    Otterbox Defender Pro for Pixel 6 Pro
    $46 $65 Save $19

    True to Otterbox's reputation, its Defender Pro for the Pixel 6 Pro boasts four times the drop frequency protection MIL-STD standards require. In other words, no matter how many times it hits the floor, your phone probably won't get hurt. It's a nearly indestructible case and comes with an equally rugged belt clip, which is nice because it's pretty bulky compared to most.

  • google-pixel-6-pro-case-damda-glide-pro
    VRS Design Damda Glide Pro For Pixel 6 Pro
    $22 $27 Save $5

    If you want to keep an ID and payment card with you but don't want to sacrifice protection or get a bulky wallet case, VRS Design's Damda Glide Pro is right up your alley. It does add a little bulk, but it's also rock-solid all around, and it uses a novel semi-automatic sliding mechanism to open. Take note, though, that it doesn't play nice with NFC or wireless charging.

Picking the best Google Pixel 6 Pro case

As a relatively big phone, one of the most important considerations for any owner looking to protect their device is how to minimize heft with the addition of the case. Cases are a staple feature of these important mobile devices, but the most durable selections are often plagued by bulky designs. That's why the X-Level is our top pick, with its above-average drop rating, premium materials, and surprisingly slim construction. But this great case isn't alone, as the Pelican Protector, Case-Mate Tough, and Crave Dual Guard also impress. The Ghostek Covert, our value pick, isn't quite as slim, but it has a novel look and just enough grip.

The Ghostek and Crave come in some neat design options, but a couple of other premium cases are worth considering if you're happy to spend a bit more for something that really stands out. In particular, Pela and Dbrand specialize in fun, eye-catching designs, with Dbrand's in particular getting pretty "out there" if you want something especially expressive.

Why you shouldn't buy Google's official Pixel 6 Pro case

Experts and everyday users alike warned of warping, scratching, and discoloration almost as soon as the official case hit the market. Due to substandard engineering and materials, it was universally panned and is no longer even available from Google's own digital storefront. For that matter, the combination of a tight fit and potential warping actually allowed dust to make its way inside the case, leading to scratches forming on the device beneath its protective cover, which is totally unacceptable.

Luckily, the aforementioned engineering and materials miscues have been fixed with the OEM Pixel 7 and 7 Pro cases. Sadly, it's too late for the official Google Pixel 6 cases, but as you can see, there are plenty of great choices otherwise.