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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 you can buy today. 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!
Colorful and well-textured
Casology Nano Pop
Staff pick
The Galaxy S21 is the first Android phone to get Caseology's Nano Pop Series, and it was 110% worth the wait. The texturing on this case is grippier than Casology's longtime favorite Parallax, and the color combos here are bold, beautiful, and absolutely pop around the camera cutout on the S21.
Slim grip and grit
Ringke Onyx Series
If you just want to add some grip to your slippery little Samsung, Ringke's Onyx series has two variants worth checking out. The normal Onyx comes in three solid colors with Onyx Design features patterns on a black canvas. There's a nice anti-slip texture across the case and even anchor points for attaching a lanyard or wrist strap.
$13 at Amazon (Onyx) $14 at Amazon (Onyx Design)
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 and is wireless charging compatible.
Premium fit and feel
Leather Cover
Not only is Samsung's Leather case one of the best first-party cases you can buy but it's also one of the best leather cases for the S21 period. It's a great look and a great feel in the hand, but I will warn you that this case offers no lip around the screen. This is a premium case, but it's not heavy duty protection by any means.
Think inside the box
Otterbox Symmetry Case
There are few case series as instantly recognizable and implicitly trusted as the OtterBox Symmetry Series. I adore the bold Scuba Blue color available this year, it looks absolutely stunning in person, and it has OtterBox's durability to back up that pretty face. There's also black and a marbled Shell Shocked Pink if you need more pizzazz.
From $36 at Amazon From $37 at Best Buy
Transparent treasure
U by UAG Lucent Series
Clear cases are a significant portion of the S21 case market because they allow you to show off those wonderful colors on the baby S21. While the Lucent isn't the most affordable clear case, it's got excellent grip, a fun dot pattern across the back to make smudges less noticeable, and four translucent color options.
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.
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.
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?
Simple elegance
OCASE Retro Series Wallet
While there's a more modern design available for this series, I prefer the extra flair and binding on the Retro Series. The feature set for both is the same, right down to the RFID-blocking to keep your cards safe from being skimmed by someone on the street. The color choices here are nice and subdued, but I especially love the navy blue.
Great gradient
Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear Ombre 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 surface bacteria (but it won't kill viruses).
Tough and textured
Caseology Parallax Case
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. I love the style here, but the bumper isn't quite as grippy as the Nano Pop.
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.
Seethrough security
Restoo Anti-Slip Hard Armor Case
This case's 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 still get color pops on the sides and corners in blue, black, or red.
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.
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 Nano Pop is the best overall option. While the texture across the back isn't as thick as the Caseology Parallax, it feels grippier in the hand — especially around the bumper — and the bold accent around the camera module draws the eye.
If you want the most rugged protection you can get, you should consider a heavy duty 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. I also like the Otterbox Symmetry Series — the center case above — but take notice that there's a slight gap next to the flash that could catch lint or debris in your pocket.
There are sure to be more great Galaxy S21 cases added to this list, so keep checking back for updates, as well as our roundups for best S21 wallet cases and heavy duty S21 cases. 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!
