The best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases will not only keep your new smartphone protected, but they’ll keep it looking as stylish as you are. Whether you prefer a clear case, a flip case, something colorful, or something rugged, with a phone as popular as the Galaxy 21, you have options. Here are some of the best Galaxy S21 cases we’ve found so far. The best part of all is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep your Galaxy S21 looking great for the long-term!
Tough and textured
Caseology Parallax Case
Staff Pick
The Caseology Parallax line is one of our favorite cases. It is affordable, stylish, protective, and a pleasure to hold. Plus, it comes in several interesting colors, including Matte Black, Ash Gray, Pink, and our favorite — Purple-ish.
$17 at Amazon
$20 at Walmart
Low key case
Spigen Liquid Air Armor Case
The Spigen Liquid Air Armor case is low-key one of our all-time favorite smartphone cases. It is thin and low profile while securely protecting your precious device. The light texture on the back not only makes the phone more grippable than smooth cases, but it is a genuine pleasure to hold. How many cases can you say that about?
$14 at Amazon
Tried and true protection
ArmadilloTek Vanguard Case
ArmadilloTek makes some of the most rugged phone cases this side of the Pecos, and its vaunted Vanguard collection is one of the best. It is rated MIL-STD-810G, which is double the regular military drop test rating, which means the S21 can survive a drop of up to 20 feet! It comes with a built-in kickstand, is wireless charging compatible, and is available in four colors.
From $19 at Amazon
First-party fun
Samsung Smart LED Back Cover Case
If it wasn’t one of the most expensive cases on our list, this one just might be our top choice. A smart LED is built into the back cover, which is capable of displaying text, icons, and animations, and it even allows you to customize these images. This is perfect for all those times when you’ve placed your phone face down but still want to see any important notifications that may come through. The LEDs are very subtle and not at all distracting, and you can choose between a white or violet option.
$50 at Samsung
$50 at Amazon
First-party basic
Samsung Silicone Case
This standard silicone case may not be as exciting as the LED Cover, but it is certain to be the more popular option, as it is much more affordable. The rubbery texture is comfortable to hold in your hand, and it does a decent job at protecting from minor drops. It is available in the standard S21 colors of Black, Pink, Violet, and Gray, and since Samsung makes it, you know it will fit like a glove.
$30 at Samsung
$30 at Amazon
$30 at Best Buy
Great gradient
Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear Ombre Case
Ombre may be on its way out as a hairstyle trend, but we still think this gradient looks great on a phone case. Speck gives you up to 13-foot impact protection from drops, and this faded rose ombre looks great against the Phantom White, Phantom Pink, and even Phantom Black colors of the S21. The case also has Microban antimicrobial technology built in to protect you from bacteria and surface germs.
$45 at Amazon
Simple and sophisticated
Osophter Flexible TPU Case
Sometimes the simplest options are the best, and that’s the deal with this case. TPU shells are well-known for their ability to both cushion and protect your phone from drops while still being comfortable in the hand. This case is available in navy blue, black, gray, and red and perfectly protects the S21’s camera housing.
$9 at Amazon
Havana oh na na
Gear4 Havana Case
This lightweight case offers you a transparent view of your gorgeous Galaxy S21, with a little Smoke-colored shading. The back panel has ridges that make the case easy to hold on to, and it also has a RepelFlex antimicrobial coating. The special D30 material assures that it has maximum impact protection up to 10 feet.
$30 at Amazon
Tech this out
Tech21 Evo Check Case
Tech21 cases somehow manage to bring maximum protection to a minimalistic design. This transparent case with a smokey black shading shields your S21 from drops up to 12 feet and keeps those pesky microbes at bay, purporting to reduce bacterial growth by 99.99%.
$45 at Amazon
$40 at Best Buy
Think inside the box
Otterbox Symmetry Case
Otterbox has a reputation for making extremely protective and durable cases, and lately, the company has been taking that toughness and translating it into slimmer, more lightweight options like the Symmetry series. In addition to impact protection, the cases are coated with an antimicrobial additive that protects against germs. Plus, you can get it in fun colors like Rock Candy Blue, Shell-Shocked, and of course, Black.
$50 at Amazon (Blue)
$50 at Amazon (Black)
Rugged rings to the rescue
Rebex Ring Case
If you’re the type who wants the ultimate protective case for your phone, this is it. Not only do you get dual-layer protection, but the built-in ring holder on the back means you’re less likely to drop your S21 in the first place. Plus, the ring holder is magnetic, meaning it will stay in place when paired with a magnetic car mount.
$10 at Amazon
Drop protection
Incipio Grip Case
The Incipio Grip is capable of cushioning your Galaxy S21 against drops up to 14 feet, thanks to its Impact Strut construction. Like others on this list, it features antimicrobial properties that can eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria. We also really like this Midnight Blue colorway and the added textured pattern on the sides which makes it difficult to drop.
$40 at Amazon
Stand and deliver
ESR Metal Kickstand Case
This case makes watching video or conducting Duo or Zoom calls hands-free easier than ever thanks to its unique kickstand, which is adjustable up to 60 degrees. The raised corners and flexible polymer give it extra protection. You can pick one up in black or clear to go with whatever S21 color you choose.
From $15 at Amazon
Seethrough security
Restoo Anti-Slip Hard Armor Case
This case is a little more expensive than others on this list, but the extra cost is worth it. Its hybrid material design means it’s both strong, flexible and can protect the sides, back, and corners of your S21. There are raised ridges and a texture on the back that makes the case grippable without adding weight. The back panel is clear to expose the beautiful S21 colors, but you can still show off a pop of color on the sides, with blue, black, purple, and red options available.
$17 at Amazon
All you need
Spigen Thin Fit Case
The Spigen Thin Fit case is comprised of hybrid PC and TPU materials and features Spigen’s Air Cushion Technology. It’s lightweight, slim, and well… basic. But sometimes, basic is all you need or want. This case isn’t going to call attention to your phone, but it’s going to do a fantastic job of protecting your Galaxy S21.
$14 at Amazon
Flipping fantastic
FYY Flip Case
If you’re one of those folks who appreciate the double-sided protection of a flip case, then you just might want to take a look at this offering from FYY. Available in rose gold, purple, or black, it features a slim, magnetic cover that can fold right over the screen, protecting your S21 from scratches and drops. You still get ready access to your speakers, buttons, and ports. Best of all, this case has a viewing window, so you can still see important details like the time, notifications, or reminders even when your screen is covered.
$10 at Amazon
Safe and secure
Caseology Vault Case
The Caseology Vault does a fantastic job of balancing heavy-duty protection with a slim, lightweight design. It is constructed from a durable and flexible TPU material and meets military-grade drop standards. If you were to mix a phone case with an armored car and a sports car, this is what you’d get.
$15 at Amazon
$20 at Walmart
Blue jean basic
SQM Patchwork Denim Case
This case offers shockproof protection with a dash of denim charm. The textured back has a pleasant feel in the hand and helps with grippability, and its slim and lightweight profile almost makes you forget you even have a case on it at all. All of the cutouts lineup perfectly and wireless charging works through the case like a charm.
$11 at Amazon
What are the best Galaxy S21 cases?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is sure to be among the best Android phones of the year. Such premium devices demand the best care, and for that, you’re going to want to pick up a sturdy and stylish case.
My personal preference is to have a stylish case that balances protection, weight, thinness, and feel. To that end, I think the Caseology Parallax is the best overall option. The texture across the back gives you more purchase for your fingers and the two-tone color combinations are quite fetching.
If you want the most rugged protection you can get, you should consider a case like the Armadillotek Vanguard Series. Not only is it built like a tank, but the built-in kickstand functions in both landscape for watching YouTube and portrait for Zoom calls with friends and family.
There are sure to be more great Galaxy S21 cases added to this list, so keep checking back for updates. We’ve also compiled case roundups for all of the Galaxy S21 models, including the best Galaxy S21+ cases and the best Galaxy S21 Ultra cases, if you or someone you know may be considering one of the larger devices. While you’re at it, go ahead and pick up one of the best Galaxy S21 screen protectors too!
