Best Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) cases: S26, S26+, S26 Ultra

Other cases to consider

Photo: Lauren Strampe

Spigen Tough Armor and Nano Pop MagFit Cases: These affordable cases look and function well for the price. The Nano Pop’s case was a bit slippery for my liking, and the Tough Armor’s case rest was a little more fragile than I would have liked. But if you don’t like any of our other recommendations, these aren’t the worst options.

Dbrand Tank Bag $60: This case seems very tactical. If this is the look you’re going for, it’s worth considering. For me, I found the texture of the back a bit overdone and unpleasant. I have never been able to forget the status of my phone. The buttons are interchangeable, and there are camera covers to help ensure a cohesive aesthetic. This case is durable and sturdy, and makes it easy to grip the phone well. It just comes down to what type of design you prefer.

Poetic cases of Spartan, Revolution and Guardian: I thought these three cases were fine. I liked the Revolution’s built-in camera privacy cover, which also helped protect the large camera array from bumps and bruises. But I wasn’t a fan of the rest of the design — while the built-in kickstand is a neat feature, the entire case was a bit too bulky for my preferences. The Guardian was the thinnest, and I liked it for the most part although the solid black bezels were a little larger than I wanted. I didn’t like the metal ring built into the Spartan case, the tactical design, or the hard shock corners. Overall, the prices of the hair cases I tried were attractive but their designs were not my favorite. All three of these cases come with screen protectors, which work well (although you’ll have to install them the old-fashioned way).

More good screen protectors

Spigen AluminaCore Screen Protectors (2-Pack) for $19: Installation was easy, with a trusty frame and peel-off sticker that leaves the protector exactly where you want it. I had some initial issues with bubbles (which I was able to remove with the included squeegee) which is why this wasn’t my top pick. I like that you can have two in case installation issues occur, or as a replacement when you inevitably break the first one.

Situations to be avoided

Samsung Slim Magnetic Case, $70: If this case costs $20, sure. But it’s $70 for a very thin plastic case with a ring of magnets built into it. The design feels flimsy, and the case is also slippery. It’s almost easier to hold the phone without protection than to carry it with this case on. There are simply so many other options on the market that this one is worth recommending.

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