The best Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 cases

We’ll be blunt — you simply aren’t going to find as many cases for Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 as you are for an iPad. But quality S9 cases do exist, and if you’re going to buy one, you should pick it up before your tablet even arrives to keep it safe from harm. You might even improve your S9’s everyday usefulness. With that said, here are our top case picks so far.

The best Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 cases

A lot of S9 cases are devoted solely to protection, and with those, we’ve favored tough designs that can take some punishment. Many people should veer towards one of Samsung’s keyboard cases however, especially if they want to get real work done or use their S9 as general laptop replacement. Touchscreen typing can be awkward, and it reduces usable screen space.

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Book Cover Keyboard
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Smart Book Cover
• Spigen Tough Armor Pro
• UAG Metropolis SE
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Outdoor Cover

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Book Cover Keyboard

If you expect to do a lot of typing but don’t want to carry around a separate keyboard, Samsung’s Book Cover Keyboard is the obvious choice. The back attaches magnetically, so don’t have to pry the case off when it’s unnecessary — you can pop out your S9 on a whim, say if you want to watch YouTube on your couch. It’s also equipped with an S Pen holder, plus an adjustable kickstand so you can find an ideal typing angle.

As for the keyboard itself, Samsung offers full-size keys and even a trackpad, so there’s little reason to actually use the S9’s touchscreen when you’re immersed in a heavy Google Docs (or Reddit) session. It also supports Samsung’s Wireless Keyboard Sharing, so if you need to type on another Galaxy device, you can switch to it with minimal effort.

If there’s a serious drawback, it’s cost. The case has a $200 MSRP, so if you don’t care about having a keyboard everywhere you go, you should probably look into separate keyboard and case options regardless. See if you can get the accessory on discount.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Smart Book Cover

If you don’t expect typing to be a high priority, or you’ve got an existing keyboard you can repurpose, you should check out the Smart Book Cover. It’s still not cheap at $80, but you do get a folio case with suede lining and an omnidirectional kickstand that works in both portrait and landscape modes. It’s also loaded with magnets, which not only make it easy to attach and remove your S9, but activate the tablet’s auto-wake/sleep functions. A slot on the back holds your S Pen.

Spigen Tough Armor Pro

While there’s something notably missing on the Tough Armor Pro — a screen cover, for when you toss your S9 in a bag or backpack — the tradeoff is a much lower price than Samsung’s Smart Book Cover, and added side protection, including raised edges around the screen and camera. A kickstand supports your tablet in landscape mode, and there’s an S Pen holder on the back. It may be fine for travel if you can track down a high-quality screen protector.

UAG Metropolis SE

While it’s even pricier than the Smart Book Cover, we’re including the Metropolis SE because it’s similar to the Tough Armor Pro while adding a front cover with auto-wake/sleep functions. That cover doubles as an adjustable kickstand, which should make the SE a superior travel or commuting case. It even meets the US military’s MIL-STD 810G drop test specs — although we’d still avoid handing an S9 to a preschooler.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Outdoor Cover

This one is last on our list just because its name is a little deceptive. While it does offer MIL-STD 810G-rated drop protection, it only safeguards the rear and sides your tablet. The front glass remains vulnerable, perhaps even more so outdoors, so at a minimum you’ll want to add a screen protector to prevent scratches. A fully dust- and water-sealed case would’ve been better. If you can get past that or plan to stay indoors, the case is aesthetically appealing and has a unique kickstand that doubles as a carry handle.