The best Samsung Galaxy S9 cases

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus have arrived. Since you've now likely had some time to cover your purchase in fingerprints, it's now time to suit it up in a stylish, trusted case. It might not be what you want to hear, but unless you have Samsung Care, you'll want to invest in an affordable case.

Below, you’ll find several recommendations that cover a wide range of budgets and style preferences. While some of these options are untested, they are each a cut above the rest due to their value and design, and are backed by positive consumer feedback.

Note: we’ve ranked these from cheapest to most expensive at the time of writing

Tudia Arch S case

Coming in at $15 and below on Amazon (about £10, AU$20), the Arch S case provides nothing but the basics. It fits snug around the S9 and S9 Plus, and does well not to step on Samsung's flagship design.

The case is made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), which gives it a soft feel, but Tudia has worked some grippy grooves around the case's edges to make it grippy.

If you need a quick, cheap option, this one should do you well.

Olixar X-Ranger Survival Case

Olixar’s case packs in a surprising amount of functionality given that it’s primary goal is to make your S9 Plus as durable as can be. Equipped with a wallet slot, multi-tool and a kickstand, you’ll be as prepped for a fall as much as you are watching the latest episodes of your favorite TV show on Netflix or Hulu.

Its price is set at a very reasonable $28 (about £20, AU$35). For this much protection and a look that doesn’t appear to sully the elegant style of the S9 Plus, Olixar’s case seems well worth it.

Check this case out right here: (Galaxy S9) (Galaxy S9 Plus)

Otterbox Symmetry Case

This option is one of the few rugged cases out there for the new S9 that excels at looking like a slimline case. Available in a variety of colors, as well as build materials, the strong design language of the S9 and S9 Plus shine through with these options.

We’ve gotten our hands on a clear option, as well as a matte black Symmetry case. Despite their visual differences, each looks to provide a good amount of protection from dropping at every angle.

At $39 (£29, about AU$43), we feel that Otterbox’s most slick case is a good value.

Tech21 Evo Check Case

If you’re after a slim, yet strong case that has some design pizzazz, the Tech21 Evo Check should fit the bill nicely. Going for $39 (£29, AU$49), this one will stand out for S9/S9 Plus owners who don’t want to hold back on protection or looks.

Like the Otterbox Symmetry case, Tech21’s protects against basically all drops, and even provide a bit of display protection thanks to its lip. The bumper surrounding the case’s frame is its toughest point, but the rear has a soft touch with a slick crosshatch design.

Tech21 Evo Tactical Case

The Tactical twist of Tech21’s more playful Evo Check case has a more serious look, covering up the S9 and S9 Plus’ design with subdued angular shapes.

Like all of the options we’ve tested on this list, this one is super thin and thus, allows for wireless charging. This one fits really snug onto the phone, and it makes moving it in and out of your pocket a breeze.

Hyperknit Cover Case

One of the cooler-looking, albeit still unannounced first-party cases from Samsung, the Hyperknit has a knitted design, which provides a benefit to users both in terms of how it looks (stunning) and how its feel (grippy and protective).

This case will retail for $41 (about £29, AU$52), according to MobileFun. That's a bit expensive considering that it doesn’t cover the S9’s face. Though this option looks to be available in each of the S9’s launch colors, so it could make for a nice complement to your purchase.

Check this case out right here: (Galaxy S9) (Galaxy S9 Plus)

Lifeproof Slam Case

We haven’t tested a case that feels more durable than Lifeproof’s Slam case. That’s pretty shocking, given how low-profile its design looks and feels.

Installing the case takes a bit of effort, as it requires the included key to pop the plastic back off. Needless to say, once things are installed, it feels incredibly snug and secure from all angles.

For $49, this seems like one of the better deals on this list, though the color options might not do it for you.