Best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases in 2023
Your Galaxy S21 deserves a stylish case to keep it safe
Even though it’s more than two years old at this point, there’s no denying that the
Samsung
Galaxy S21 continues to be a top-of-the-line smartphone. And since it’s an older model, it can be had at a much lower price than what you’d have to pay if you were to buy one of the best Android phones currently available out there. Then there’s Samsung’s excellent software update policy, which ensures you get the most out of your investment.
But even though this is a flagship that (interestingly) comes with a plastic back panel rather than a glass one, it’s still a good idea to pair it up with the right protective accessories, should you choose to buy it. This is why we’ve rounded up some of the best Galaxy S21 cases available in the market. Whether you want a rugged cover that can take the harshest of beatings, a folio that can hold and protect more than just your phone, or something else, there are plenty of great options to pick from.
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ExoGuard Shockproof Case for Galaxy S21
Editor’s choice
Having the perfect blend of style and functionality, ExoGuard’s shockproof case is one of the best protective accessories you can get for your
Samsung Galaxy
S21. Its dual-layer construction involves scratch-proof plastic and a soft TPU material for better impact protection and shock absorption. You get full access to all the ports and buttons, as well as a built-in retractable kickstand for hands-free use. Available color choices include black, blue, green, pink, and red. -
Pela Case for Galaxy S21
Premium Pick
Pela’s phone cases are expensive but well worth the money, offering solid protection with a truly unique look. Dozens of designs are available in multiple colors, some with optional cardholder support. However, the standout
feature
of Pela cases is found in the materials they’re made from; each is made of flax straw “Flaxtic” and other plant-based materials, making them compostable. While other phone cases will end up in a landfill once you’re done with them, these naturally break down without harm to the planet. -
Spigen Liquid Armor for Galaxy S21
Best Value
$13
$20
Save
$7Liquid Armor is designed to make it harder to drop your phone — and then protect it when you do without adding needless bulk to your S21. A geometric texture on the back, grooves down the side rails, and a rubbery soft-touch finish all help you keep a solid grip. If you drop your phone, Spigen’s Air Cushion
Technology
will ensure it comes away unscathed. The only downside is that it’s available in just one color: Black. -
i-Blason Cosmo for Galaxy S21
Promoted pick
In partnership with i-Blason
The i-Blason Cosmo ensures your Galaxy S21 is protected from both sides, with a front piece that adds a lip to stop your display from touching table tops when placed face down. The Cosmo is comfortable to hold, thanks to how thin it is, and it will keep your S21 safe from most knocks and drops. Several colorful options won’t be to everyone’s taste, but they certainly stand out from the crowd.
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Snakehive Wallet Case for Galaxy S21
The Snakehive Wallet Case is made of genuine leather that’s a joy to hold. The cover offers three card slots, so you can leave your wallet at home, and it can double as a stand for watching videos, although it only works in landscape orientation. The case is available in seven colorful finishes made from handcrafted leather that will wear into a unique, one-of-a-kind pattern based on how you hold and use the Snakehive over time.
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Otterbox Commuter for Galaxy S21
Offering Otterbox’s legendary protection in a (relatively) slim design, the Commuter series case can shield your Galaxy S21 from the toughest falls without breaking a sweat. It’s made from synthetic rubber and polycarbonate, offering up to three times the drop protection required for military-grade certification. Thanks to its slim profile, the case easily slips in/out of pocket without bulking up the phone. We only wish there more color options, apart from the offered blue and black.
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Casetify Impact Case for Galaxy S21
The Impact Case from Casetify will take almost any abuse you throw its way and look good doing it. It’s made of environmentally-friendly recycled plastic that still feels reassuring in hand, and there’s little doubt that your S21 will survive even harsh drops. However, the best reason to buy an Impact Case is personalization. With dozens of customizable designs, including licensed artwork from Star Wars, Disney, and more, you can make it your own. Whatever your taste, you’ll find something to love here.
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Otterbox Prefix Series for Galaxy S21
$23
$35
Save
$12Otterbox cases are all about protection, and the Prefix Series is no different. While thicker than most cases, the Prefix is still slim for an Otterbox and won’t feel unwieldy in your hand. A lip around the front of the case keeps your display free from scratches but won’t interfere with Android’s gesture navigation. The Prefix comes in black or clear designs, with the latter available in four frame colors that can contrast well with your Galaxy S21’s finish.
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Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro for Galaxy S21
Promoted pick
In partnership with Supcase
The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro takes protection to the extreme, with a front piece to protect the display, dust covers for the charging port, and even an included holster. The sides have a stiff, rubbery feeling with grooves to aid grip, while the back is a hard plastic affair that will take whatever abuse you throw at it. The best part of the Unicorn Beetle is the sturdy kickstand that works in portrait or landscape and can even be used as a handle.
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Ghostek Atomic Slim for Galaxy S21
The Ghostek Atomic Slim combines a metal frame with TPU, leather, or carbon fiber, depending on your chosen version. This unique design results in a case that will easily keep your Galaxy S21 safe and good looking. The only downside to the Atomic Slim is that, despite its name, it adds a lot of bulk to your S21, so you may want to look elsewhere if you have small hands.
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Ringke Air-S for Galaxy S21
Ringke’s Air-S is one of the most comfortable cases on this list, with a satin-smooth finish on the soft TPU that’s as grippy as it is pleasant to touch. The soft coating also prevents scratches, so the Air-S should look as good in a year as it will when you take it out of the box. While relatively thin, this case offers much protection, thanks to raised bezels that protect the display and lanyard holds for wrist straps.
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NTG Shockproof Case for Galaxy S21
The NTG Shockproof Case features two-layer construction that combines a flexible inner layer with a hard plastic outer layer to absorb shocks from even the harshest drops. It’s still surprisingly thin despite this, so your phone shouldn’t feel too big while using it. The material choices also feel good, with textured sides adding grip and an outer layer grippier than most hard plastic shells.
Keep your Samsung Galaxy S21 shining like new
Samsung’s flagship smartphones generally tend to age quite well, and the Galaxy S21 is no different. Packing everything from a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G SoC to a versatile triple-camera system, this thing is fully loaded. Even if you buy one today, it’ll continue to serve you well for quite a long time, provided you take good care of it. And this is where the best Galaxy S21 cases come into the picture.
Our top vote goes to ExoGuard’s shockproof case, since it offers reliable protection while still managing to look good. The two-layer design utilizes TPU and scratch-proof to guard your smartphone from minor scuffs to hard falls with little to no effort. You also get raised sides around the screen and camera array for increased impact absorption, and the built-in kickstand and funky color options make the whole package even better. Pela’s cases are expensive, but the fact that they are compostable makes the high price tag worth it. If you couldn’t care less about looks and just want a case that does its job well, Spigen’s Liquid Air Armor is the way to go. It’s quite minimal and looks simple, but the “Air Cushion Technology” still helps keep your phone protected from bumps and falls.
Then there’s Otterbox Commuter series, which offers military-grade protection without adding too much heft to your Galaxy S21. We also suggest taking a look at Supcase’s Unicorn Beetle Pro, which is an ultra-rugged case that can help your smartphone survive even the toughest of environments. Although it’ll make your Galaxy S21 quite bulky, that’s a small price for getting top-tier protection.
