The Pixel 7a shows Google has come a long way from the first Pixel A-series smartphone, the Pixel 3a, released back in 2019. Sharing the same design as the Pixel 7, albeit a tad smaller, the Pixel 7a is one of the best budget Android phones you can get your hands on, at least before the Pixel 8a arrives later this year. Like its predecessor, the Pixel 7a has a glass front, aluminum frame, and a plastic back. It also comes in four colors, including an attractive coral hue.

While the fact that the rear is covered in plastic means you don't have to worry about cracks, unlike phones with a glass exterior, you should still slap a case on it. A proper case keeps the outside free from scratches and the inside in working order, and some models even have built-in screen protectors. In most cases, though, you'll want to pick up a quality screen protector at least as soon as you buy a case, if not sooner.

Poetic Neon for Pixel 7a

Best overall

Case trends come and go, but the dual-layer hybrid never dies. While every manufacturer and their mother makes one, the Poetic Neon is my favorite for several reasons. For instance, grip pads and a rubberized accent ring make it easy to keep hold of without being a lint magnet, and bright, two-tone color schemes leave a bold impact that competitors from Spigen and OtterBox can't match.

$17 at Amazon $17 at Poetic
dbrand Grip for Pixel 7a

Premium pick

$50 $70 Save $20

Dbrand's Grip Case offers you the best of both worlds: you get 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 example, 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.

$50 at dbrand
Supcase UB Pro for Pixel 7a

Promoted pick

In partnership with Supcase

The Supcase UB Pro is a very durable and highly protective case for your Pixel 7a. The layered polycarbonate and TPU materials give this case 20 feet of drop protection. There's also 360-degree protection due to the built-in screen protector, which shields your display from scratches. The case includes a belt clip holster and an integrated kickstand to round out its versatility.

$25 at Amazon $25 at Supcase
Ringke Fusion for Pixel 7a

Best value

Most clear cases are crystal clear and super-reflective, including the standard clear Ringke Fusion. But smooth, transparent surfaces tend to show every spec of dust, dried sweat, and dead skin. The Matte Clear version of the Fusion allows you to avoid this, and the more frosted matte glass back also lightly obscures details on the Pixel 7a's back. So you can get the simpler Clear case or the more refined Matte Clear.

$15 at Amazon $15 at Ringke
Bellroy Leather Case for Pixel 7a

An official partner of Google, Bellroy makes some of the nicest cases around by wrapping high-quality leather around a durable shell made of 50% recycled plastic, and outfitting it with durable aluminum buttons. It'll arrive in pristine condition and develop a classy-looking patina over time, and a three-year warranty protects this somewhat costly model against defects.

$49 at Amazon $60 at Bellroy
Caseology Parallax for Pixel 7a

$17 $27 Save $10

The Caseology Parallax is for anyone who wants a solid, durable, and reputable case for your Pixel 7a. You get a unique case thanks to the 3D Hexa Cube design and enhanced grip with textured sides. You also get military-grade drop protection, as well as raised bezels for further screen and camera protection.

$17 at Amazon $27 at Caseology
Torras Marsclimber for Pixel 7a

Don't let the slim build and professional appearance of the Torras Marsclimber fool you. This clean-looking case sports an 8-foot drop protection rating without adding much weight, thanks to internal honeycomb framing and heavily padded corners. It comes in black, light blue, and navy blue, with a 60% translucent back panel that leaves the Google logo visible. There's also a dependable kickstand that works in either orientation.

$24 at Amazon
Spigen Ultra Hybrid for Pixel 7a

$18 $40 Save $22

While the Spigen Ultra Hybrid also comes in two clear case versions, the ZeroOne is by far the most unique and appealing of the series. Emulating an internal teardown while sticking to a monochromatic palette and cleaner lines for the various modules and connectors, this graphic case is the Goldilocks of case sizes: it's not too thick to be bulky, but not so thin it can't take a beating. The Spigen Ultra Hybrid ZeroOne gets nerdy while staying classy.

$18 at Amazon $35 at Spigen
Caseology Nano Pop for Pixel 7a

$17 $27 Save $10

The Caseology Nano Pop features a playful two-tone color design and great drop protection thanks to its polycarbonate and TPU build materials. Caseology tested this case by dropping it 26 times from a height of 4 feet. It has a soft feel that remains lint and dust-free in your pockets, and raised edges keep your screen and camera protected. The case is also wireless charging compatible.

$17 at Amazon $27 at Caseology
Otterbox Commuter for Pixel 7a

$23 $40 Save $17

OtterBox is a time-tested brand that you can trust to give you the ultimate in phone protection. As such, its Commuter Series gives you a pocket-friendly design with enhanced grip and three times the drop protection of the military standard. In addition, it has a soft inner cover and a hard polycarbonate shell to keep your Pixel 7a free from getting any scrapes or scratches.

$23 at Amazon $40 at Otterbox
Google Silicone Case for Pixel 7a

Google went all-in on practicality with its official silicone case. Don’t expect any bells and whistles, but do expect a durable, versatile, stain-resistant soft silicone shell that works wonders to keep your Pixel 7a safe from drops. Simple to install and thin, the case doesn’t add any unnecessary weight or girth, making it easy to travel with and comfortable to hold. Subtle raised edges protect the camera and display while keeping a snug fit around the phone.

$30 at Amazon $30 at Google Store
Pela Case for Pixel 7a

Case makers try to offset their massive ecological impact by being made of some percentage of recycled plastic, but Pela's cases are the most earth-friendly on the market. Climate Neutral certified, 100% compostable, and available in over a dozen nature-inspired designs from mushrooms to mountains, this smooth-as-silk case won't let you down.

$60 at Pela
Torro Genuine Leather Wallet for Pixel 7a

As a distinctive touch of manufacturer flair, tight red stitching frames the surface of the cowhide leather on the TORRO Leather Wallet Case. It’s accompanied by a company logo situated low in the right corner of the case. Upon opening the folio, there are three credit card holders and a cash pocket, plus more of that ever-present red stitching. Folio-delivered device protection is supplied by a soft, impact-absorbing TPU frame.

$43 at Amazon $50 at Torro
Torras Magnetic Guardian Case for Pixel 7a

Torras gives you all the bells and whistles with its Magnetic Guardian Case. This case offers military-grade drop protection with its internal air bumpers and strong external rubber edges. It has a 1.5mm raised edge to protect your display and a 1.1mm raised bezel to protect your camera. This case even has a built-in magnet, allowing you to utilize all your favorite MagSafe accessories.

$27 at Amazon
Spigen Liquid Air for Pixel 7a

$18 $25 Save $7

Available in Black and Abyss Green, this slim-ish Pixel 7a case gives us the air cushions needed to protect against falls and the added grip to help ensure that drop protection is never tested. The diagonal hatching across the side bumpers makes it easy to keep the 7a firmly in hand, while the triangular etching across the back is deep enough to provide protection and shallow enough to support PopSockets and other stick-on accessories.

$18 at Amazon $30 at Spigen

The best Google Pixel 7a case for the job

There are few worse feelings than that tight knot in the pit of your stomach when you drop your phone before you can get a case on it. That’s why it’s crucial to start case shopping as soon as you know what phone you’re buying. With the Google Pixel 7a, there’s a wonderful mix of stylish and functional cases.

For the best coverage, the Poetic Neon is a good choice. It may not look like much, but the reasonable pricing and a sturdy build earn this case a lot of praise. The slim design doesn't add too much bulk without sacrificing protection, especially with the reinforced corners and side body bumpers in play to absorb the shock from drops.

dbrand is a premium case manufacturer regardless of the phone you’re shopping for. It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, but you get a sturdy case and quite a few color and design options. dbrand sacrifices nothing with its precision cutouts, military-grade impact resistance, and grippy, textured design. Lips at the camera and display prevent shock from cracking, while added grip strips reduce the possibility that you’ll drop your Pixel 7a.

Finally, the transparent Ringke Fusion's simple but dependable design absorbs impact well, while still keeping the Pixel's design front and center. After you’ve landed on a case to keep your device protected, it’s time to find other ways to enhance your experience, like a nice pair of earbuds or a wireless charger.