The best Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus cases you can buy

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is an excellent phone, but it’s also pricey. To keep it in pristine condition or add a touch of style, you’ll want a case. Here at Android Authority, we perform extensive testing on both phones and cases, so we’ve done the research for you and picked out the best Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus cases on the market.

Looking to upgrade? Check out our Samsung Galaxy S22 Buyer’s Guide

Our picks include thin cases, rugged cases, wallet cases, and more. If you’d like to learn more about our favorite case brands or other smartphone accessories we recommend, check out our guides below.

See also: Best case brands | Mobile accessories

Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus thin case: Spigen Thin Fit

It doesn’t get much better than the Spigen Thin Fit if you’re looking for a thin and light case. The simple polycarbonate case comes with a raised camera bump, tactile button covers, and precise cutouts for everything else. The Thin Fit also surprises with how much grip it offered. It’s not the best if you’re clumsy, but it’ll help with the occasional bump or drop.

Looking for more thin Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus case options? We also recommend:

PHNX mnml case

If you want the thinnest possible Galaxy S21 Plus case, the mnml case is where it’s at. As the name implies, it’s very simple, featuring no external branding and a completely clean look. It’s featherlight at just .35mm thin, which also means that it doesn’t add much drop protection. There is a raised lip to protect the camera housing, but that’s about it. Still, if you’re careful, this is a great way to avoid the bulk

Caseology Nano Pop

If you want to add a little bit of color to your Galaxy S21 Plus, look no further than the Nano Pop from Caseology. It skips the boring matte black finish in favor of a pop of bright two-tone color to change things up.

Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus clear case: Spigen Ultra Hybrid

The Spigen Ultra Hybrid offers premium protection from both drops and scratches thanks to its combination of polycarbonate and TPU. You can choose from a fully clear option or add a matte black bumper for some contrast. It’s still quite thin, so you haven’t any issues wirelessly charging your phone with the case on.

Looking for more clear Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus case options? We also recommend:

Ringke Fusion

The Ringke Fusion is similar to the Ultra Hybrid but with a softer TPU bumper that makes it easier to remove. Ringke also added a microdot matrix on the inside, which helps prevent the rainbow effect found on other clear cases. It’s also cheaper, making it an excellent budget alternative.

ESR metal kickstand case

This clear ESR case comes with a built-in kickstand that lets you prop the phone up in both portrait and landscape. The metal kickstand is sturdy, and there’s no wobble to worry about. However, you may want to remove the case when using a wireless charger.

Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus hybrid case: Caseology Parallax

Hybrid cases are the way to go if you want added protection without the bulk. And the Caseology Parallax is one of the best options you can get. A TPU case is coupled with a polycarbonate shell to keep the corners and sides safe from bumps and drops. You also have various color options to choose from, like grey, pink, black, and purple.

Looking for more hybrid Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus case options? We also recommend:

Spigen Neo Hybrid

The Spigen Neo Hybrid is more protective than the Parallax, with a thicker lip around the phone’s display. Unfortunately, that also makes it quite the feat to install and remove. Still, if you don’t remove your case often it’s a great option.

Cyrill Color Brick

The Cyrill Color Brick isn’t dual-layer like the other two but combines a polycarbonate back and TPU bumper to provide ample protection for the Galaxy S21 Plus. The frosted back panel looks great too.

Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus wallet case: Smartish Slayer

You might expect most wallet cases to go for a familiar folding folio design, but the Smartish Slayer wants to change all of that. It adds a rear-mounted card slot instead, and the design allows you to tote three cards plus a bit of cash or four cards. There’s a nice textured grip to the side rails, and the thick case offers solid protection as well. However, you’ll want to take your cards out if you plan to use wireless charging.

Looking for more Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus wallet case options? We also recommend:

Spigen Slim Armor CS

There’s a handy sliding cover on the back that keeps your cards safe. It’s thinner and lighter than the Slayer but can still hold three cards. It isn’t easy to pull the cards out, though, if you have them packed too tightly.

TUCCH wallet

The TUCCH wallet is more traditional, with a folding folio cover that doubles as a kickstand. It’s made with premium PU leather, and you have multiple colors to choose from. It comes with three card slots and a cash pocket.

Looking for more? Check out our list of the best Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus wallet cases.

Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus rugged case: Spigen Tough Armor

The Tough Armor is one of the most durable cases Spigen makes, and it offers plenty of hybrid protection. You’ll find a layer of soft TPU that’s great against drops and a tough polycarbonate shell to keep scratches at bay. It even packs a built-in kickstand to prop the phone up in the landscape orientation. The kickstand is a little flimsy, though, and sometimes requires an extra press to ensure that it’s flush against the case when closed.

Looking for more rugged Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus case options? We also recommend:

Otterbox Defender

The Otterbox Defender is thick, bulky, and frankly overkill for most users, but it can definitely take a beating. However, if ultimate protection is what you want, this is the go-to. You also get a belt holster with this case.

Razer Arctech Pro

Razer isn’t the first name that comes to mind when thinking of phone cases, but the Arctech Pro is excellent. It’s thick and protective, comes with an anti-bacterial coating, and has a thermally conductive layer that’s great to keep the phone cool.

How we test phone cases

We rigorously test smartphones, accessories, and other products in our reviews here at Android Authority, so why should Galaxy S21 Plus cases be any different? There are plenty of factors we consider before recommending a phone case.

• Protection: It’s important to remember that different cases offer different levels of protection. An ultra-thin case is great to keep scratches and smudges away but won’t do much if you drop the phone. We consider factors like corner protection, the raised lip around the display and rear camera, and whether you get covered buttons. For hybrid and rugged cases, we also simulate real-world drops to test durability. For example, if the phone falls while pulling it out of the pocket, or if it slips off of a table.
• Build materials and quality: Poor-quality polycarbonate cases are prone to cracking when installing or removing them. The fit also matters. If you have to apply a lot of pressure to remove a case, the case will crack. With softer TPU cases, continuously removing the case might cause it to loosen around the corners, affecting the fit and protection you will get.
• Grip: Grip is another important factor to consider. You don’t want a case that will slip out of your hand or slide off a table. Apart from hands-on testing, we slide the phone across different surfaces like wood and marble to see how slippery (or not) it might be. Cases get extra points if they have ridges or bumps along the sides or back to help grip.
• Installation and removal: Installing a case shouldn’t be difficult, and the phone should comfortably snap into place. However, removing a case can be a pain and could potentially damage your phone. It’s a big no-no if you have to apply a lot of force to the point where you feel the phone almost bending.
• Design and colorways: Design and color are personal choices, but it’s nice to have options. We also have a dedicated category for clear cases that let you show off the phone’s design while keeping the phone safe.
• Price: Expensive doesn’t always mean better. You can always find $10 cases that offer as much protection, if not more, than $50 options. However, keep in mind that rugged cases or extra features like a kickstand or wallet will likely be more expensive than a standard thin case.