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Hand holding two Google Pixel 11 phone cases outside.

Mike Andronico/CNN Underscored

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The Google Pixel 11 and Google Pixel 11 Pro are here, and they’re some of the best smartphones we’ve ever tested. They also don’t come cheap, meaning you’ll want to keep their sleek designs and powerful cameras safe. But where do you start? We’ve got you covered.

We’ve been trying out all sorts of cases for Google’s new phones, from minimalist, clear options that show off the bold new Hibiscus color to rugged protective shells that are for serious outdoor adventurers. After days of testing, here are our five favorite options that’ll keep your Pixel 11 safe and looking good.

The best Google Pixel 11 cases

Mous Clarity Pixel 11 Phone Case

Mous

There's no way I was going to obscure my Pixel 11's gorgeous Hibiscus color scheme, which is why I love Mous' Clarity case. The case's transparent backside lets my phone's hue shine through while the polycarbonate edges protect it from drops and provide a reliable grip. It also has satisfyingly tactile buttons for locking your phone and adjusting your volume, and it plays nice with magnetic accessories, like any great case should.

$70 at Mous

Urban Armor Gear Pathfinder Clear Pixel 11 Phone Case

Urban Armor Gear

UAG phone cases tend to be built like tanks, but I really dig the Pathfinder series because it manages to cram the brand's signature rugged protection into something relatively sleek. Its raised edges, large corner bumpers and 18-foot drop protection rating make me confident about my Pixel 11's ability to survive a fall, while its semitranslucent design barely adds extra weight to the phone and still lets some of its original color come through. The case also handily ticks off the rest of the essentials I look for, including clicky buttons, magnetic accessory support and attachments to use with your favorite lanyard strap.

$60 at Urban Armor Gear

$60 at Walmart

OtterBox Lumen Series Pixel 11 Phone Case

OtterBox

Another great clear option, the OtterBox Lumen is ideal for folks who like their cases to be as minimal as possible while still providing some decent protection. Its fully translucent design keeps the color of your phone's backside and edges intact, and true to its namesake, creates a cool rainbow effect when light hits it right. It's fairly easy to grip (despite lacking the ridged edges I generally prefer), works with magnetic add-ons and keeps the Pixel 11's controls snappy and responsive.

$50 at OtterBox

$50 at Best Buy

Mous Limitless Pixel 11 Phone Case

Mous

If you want something that's uniquely stylish, the Mous Limitless is a great pick. Each version of this popular case sports a distinct material on the back; I've personally been using the Aramid Fibre option, which has an attractive matte texture that feels much nicer to touch (and is easier to grip) than the Pixel 11's own glossy backside. There are also Black Leather, Speckled Fabric and Walnut variations that each have their own look and feel. Regardless of which model you opt for, you get a shock-absorbing exterior with a good amount of grip and full compatibility with magnetic accessories.

$80 at Mous

OtterBox Defender Series Pro Pixel 11 Phone Case

OtterBox

For the true outdoor adventurers who need as much protection as possible, there's the Otterbox Defender series. While setting this case up is a bit of a process (it involves applying a plastic inner shell and a rubber outer shell), the end reward is three layers of protection that should survive just about any harsh environment you might put your phone through. Otterbox claims that the Defender is tested seven times to military drop standards, and while it's bulkier than other models I've used, it's still quite comfortable to hold, thanks to the textured rubber on both its grips and backside. Unlike most of the competition, it even has a USB-C cover flap that'll keep your phone's charging port extra-protected from dust and dirt. Factor in responsive buttons and PixelSnap support, and you've got the ultimate case for road warriors.

$70 at OtterBox

How to choose the best Google Pixel 11 case

Mike Andronico/CNN Underscored

Compatibility

This might sound obvious, but you’ll want to double check that any case you buy is designed for your specific Pixel 11 model. Most standard Pixel 11 cases are also compatible with the Pixel 11 Pro, since the two phones have fairly similar dimensions. You’ll need a dedicated case for the Pixel 11 Pro XL and its larger 6.8 design; same goes for the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The good news is that most cases we recommend come in Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL flavors, so just be sure to pick the correct phone model from the dropdown menu before you check out.

Minimal vs. rugged

Do you want something simple and minimal that’ll show off your phone’s colors, or do you need something that can take a beating? That’s important to consider before you buy a case. Clear cases like Mous’ Clarity series have transparent designs that keep your phone’s original color in view, while options from brands like Otterbox and UAG tend to be chunkier, more rugged and built for the elements.

Some cases even come with a drop protection rating based on tests, like the UAG Pathfinder, which is rated for a strong 18 feet of protection. These options are ideal if you do lots of hiking, climbing or other outdoor activities, or are simply prone to dropping your phone a lot (like I am). Certain cases like Otterbox’s Defender series go the extra mile by including a cover for your phone’s USB-C port, giving you further protection against dust and debris.

PixelSnap support

The Pixel 11 supports a range of MagSafe accessories thanks to its magnetic PixelSnap tech, so you’ll ideally want a case that keeps that functionality intact. Fortunately, every single case we recommend above is PixelSnap-friendly, so you can attach your favorite MagSafe battery pack or MagSafe wallet right to the back even when the case is on. Certain extra-rugged models may lack magnetic accessory support, so be sure to check for it before you buy.

FAQs

Can you use a Google Pixel 10 case for the Google Pixel 11?

While Google Pixel 10 cases aren’t explicitly designed for the Pixel 11, they’ll usually work with Google’s newer phone since both devices have very similar dimensions. Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro cases are similarly interchangeable, with many models being labeled as compatible with both phones.

Does the Google Pixel 11 need a case?

This is a highly subjective question, and I can understand why some folks might like the minimalism of going case-free. However, as someone who’s been testing phones for 13 years and accidentally breaking their gadgets for much longer than that, I feel confident in saying that getting a phone case is always worth it. The Pixel 11’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass is designed to be extremely scratch-resistant, but in my experience, even the strongest screens can shatter.

Are Google Pixel 11 cases compatible with magnetic charging?

Yes, most Pixel 11 cases (including every model we recommend above) work with magnetic accessories, though you should double check for magnetic compatibility before you buy one.

Why trust CNN Underscored

CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.

For this article, CNN Underscored senior tech editor Mike Andronico tested cases for Google’s new Pixel 11 to find the best ones that’ll keep the handset safe, secure and stylish. He has reviewed smartphones and tablets for more than a decade and has had no shortage of cases decay and fall apart on him in that time. As such, he cares about finding you something that’ll last.

Mike Andronico Senior Editor, Electronics

Mike Andronico is CNN Underscored's senior tech editor, overseeing coverage of phones, laptops and everything else consumer electronics. When he's not knee deep in review units, you can find him hunting for retro video games, hanging with his French bulldog and playing with his band, Ghost Tour.