LoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFeatured in this articleBest Clear CaseSpigen Ultra Hybrid MagFitRead more$22 Amazon
Best Clear Case for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultradbrand Ghost Case 2.0 (Galaxy S26 Ultra)Read more$60 $50 (17% off) Dbrand
Best Thin CasePitaka Edge CaseRead more$60 Amazon (S26)
Best Rugged CaseZagg Rainier Snap Case with KickstandRead more$70 Amazon
A Samsung Galaxy S26 case is probably the first thing you're going to be shopping for once you buy your new phone. Whether you went with the S26, the S26 Plus, or the S26 Ultra, let's face it, you're inevitably going to drop it. A good case and screen protector can help minimize the damage, and I've been testing out a variety to pick the best ones.
You'll find my favorites (so far) below, ranging from rugged and durable cases to razor-thin and minimalist options. Be sure to check out our related guides, including the Best Samsung Phones, the Best Folding Phones, and the Best Phones With a Headphone Jack.
Updated August 2026: I've added new cases from Burga, Mous, and OtterBox, and checked for accuracy throughout.
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How to Enable Qi2 Charging on Your Samsung Galaxy S26
Frustratingly, there's no native Qi2 support on the Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup, so a magnetic phone case is the only way you can take advantage of Qi2 charging speeds and other benefits. I recommend several magnetic options in this guide.
Photograph: Louryn StrampeIt's important to note that due to Samsung's camera bump design, some MagSafe or otherwise magnetic accessories do not play well with the S26 lineup. I didn't have trouble with a PopSockets grip, but I did struggle with most magnetic wallets. Power banks are also hit or miss. Anything square or rectangular might give you some issues due to the camera bump design. This is a frustrating carryover from the Samsung S25 line.
WIRED historically has not performed drop tests because we don't have infinite test units. Drop tests are notoriously difficult to control outside of a lab environment, and “dummy” phones aren't usually accurate representations of their working counterparts. However, I am working on standardizing a similar protocol. Remember that while a case or screen protector can offer some protection, neither can guarantee your screen won't shatter.
For now, I'm testing phone cases by assessing fit, comfort, overall look and feel, and checking out the precision and responsiveness of any buttons or additional features.
Photograph: Louryn StrampeSave to wishlistSave to wishlistSpigen
This clear case from Spigen is affordable and looks dope. There are 10 different styles to choose from, but I like the classic semi-clear teardown look best. The case is thinner than it is protective, but the printed-on graphics give you a little bit of texture to prevent your phone from feeling as slippery as it would without a case. My only minor complaint is that the volume buttons are a bit difficult to press—not at all impossible, but just not quite as readily responsive as the other cases I tried.
Photograph: Louryn StrampeSave to wishlistSave to wishlistdbrand
We've been fans of Dbrand's Ghost Case 2.0 since its revamp, and I like it for the S26 Ultra as well. The edges feel sturdy and grippy, no matter how my smaller hands are holding this bigger phone, but they aren't too obtrusive or bulky. The clear parts of the case are truly transparent without being magnets for dust or fingerprints. There's also an anti-yellowing guarantee; if your Ghost case turns yellow, Dbrand will replace it for free. The S Pen readily accessible, and the buttons are easy to find with a satisfying clicky response.
This case is available with or without MagSafe. I recommend choosing the option with, because why wouldn't you give yourself the choice?
Photograph: Louryn StrampeSave to wishlistSave to wishlistPitaka
This aramid fiber case is best for those who prioritze thinness. It offers a little protection, but I wouldn't call it sturdy or particularly substantive. You'll be protected from scuffs and scratches, but probably not any heavy-duty damage. The woven shell has a bit of texture that makes it easy to grip, and it's got a ring of magnets for MagSafe accessories and Qi2 charging. Keep in mind that the buttons on your phone won't be protected at all. These cases also have Aaron buttons, named after late coder and activist Aaron Swartz. The customizable NFC buttons can be used in a myriad of ways, from opening specific apps to turning on a flashlight or starting a playlist. The shell-like case is prone to cracking if you remove it too quickly—so go slowly.
Photograph: Louryn StrampeSave to wishlistSave to wishlistZagg
I am usually a fan of minimalist cases that serve form over function, but this rugged case isn't so overtly tactical that it'll make your phone feel more like a piece of military technology than a pocket-sized sidekick. It's a two-piece case—your phone sits in the lower half and the frame snaps on top to keep it secure. It's still thin and lightweight, with rigid plastic bumpers on the corners and a raised lip around the camera array. It has magnets for MagSafe accessories and Qi2 charging, and I also like that the built-in kickstand is unobtrusive when not in use. The buttons could be easier to press, but I've noticed this is the kind of trade-off you can expect if you want a case that's more protective than pretty.
Photograph: Louryn StrampeSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCasetify
There are dozens of designs of this case to choose from for each of the S26 phones, ranging from simple styles to Instagram-worthy prints. There are options for built-in kickstands, too, and the majority of the cases are MagSafe and Qi2 compatible. My favorite is the mirror case, which looks unique and has one well for the camera array rather than cutouts that sit flush with each lens and sensor. There are also custom case options if you want to mix and match features or add in your own photos or text. These aren't the grippiest cases I've tried, but the button cutouts are precise, and I like that the cases feel substantial without adding too much bulk or weight. One thing to note: Casetify has been caught allegedly stealing designs from other companies. Do with that information what you will.
Photograph: Louryn StrampeSave to wishlistSave to wishlistMous
Anyone on the WIRED Reviews team who tests a Mous Limitless Case usually likes it. I'm partial to this wood finish model, which feels slick and doesn't add much bulk to the phone. It's easy to put on; the textured plastic bumper, in combination with raised buttons and corners, makes the case comfortable to grip despite its slippery wood-feel back. And this might be a bit of a personal touch, but I really like the way the phone case sounds when I tap on the back of it. There are other finishes available, too, like leather and aramid fiber.
Photograph: Louryn StrampeSave to wishlistSave to wishlistBurga
Burga's phone cases all feel like slippery coated plastic. But the hybrid design is flexible enough to put on easily and to protect your phone without being too brittle. The cases are available in dozens of color and pattern options. All of them have slightly raised bezels to protect your screen and you can also pick out matching accessories like phone rings or power banks for select patterns.
Photograph: Louryn StrampeSave to wishlistSave to wishlistdbrand
Dbrand calls its Prism 2.0 screen protectors “idiot-proof," and they truly offer the easiest installation process I've ever experienced. Pop the applicator case on the top, pull the sticker, and your screen protector will be perfectly installed (and you can use the included squeegee to get rid of any air bubbles that you may encounter).
It comes with two tempered glass protectors, plus a cleaning kit that includes alcohol wipes and a microfiber cloth. Unfortunately there are no dust removal stickers, which are commonly included in screen protector kits from other brands.
When you add a new screen protector, you'll probably need to add your fingerprints again. Do this by navigating to Settings > Security and privacy > Screen lock and biometrics > Fingerprints > Add fingerprint. You may also want to increase your display's touch sensitivity by going to Settings > Display > Touch sensitivity.
Photograph: Louryn StrampeSpigen Tough Armor ($23) and Nano Pop MagFit ($20) Cases: These affordable cases both look nice and perform well for the price. The Nano Pop case was just a little too slippery for me, and the Tough Armor case's kickstand was flimsier than I'd have liked. But if none of our other recommendations tickle your fancy, these options aren't the worst.
Dbrand Tank Case for $60: This case looks very tactical. If that's the look you're after, it's worth considering. For me, I found the back textures to be a little overstimulating and unpleasant. I wasn't ever able to forget about my phone case. The buttons are swappable, and there are camera covers to help ensure a cohesive aesthetic. The case is durable and sturdy, and it makes it easy to get a good grip on the phone. It just comes down to the kind of design you prefer.
Poetic Spartan ($29), Revolution ($26), and Guardian ($25) Cases: I thought all three of these cases were just fine. I liked the Revolution's built-in camera privacy cover, which also helped to 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, I found the entirety of the case to be too clunky. The Guardian was the thinnest, and I liked it for the most part, although the black grippy edges were a little bulkier than I wanted them to be. I didn't like the Spartan case's built-in metal ring, tactical design, or rigid bumper corners. Overall, the Poetic cases had appealing prices but their designs just weren't my favorites. All three of these cases come with screen protectors, which work fine (though you'll have to install them the old-fashioned way).
OtterBox Profile Series Case for $40: I initially liked these slim, clear cases, but I didn't love the way the ring of magnets looked on the back. I'm not sure if that's because it was incongruous with the multi-lens cameras of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series or the color, but aesthetically I wasn't a fan. The buttons on this case are also too resistant. But if you want a clear case that has some pizzazz, it might be an option worth checking out.
Spigen AluminaCore Screen Protectors (2-pack) for $20: Installation for this screen protector was easy, with a foolproof frame and a peel-off sticker that leaves it exactly where you want it. I had some initial issues with bubbles (that I was able to remove with the included squeegee), which is why this isn't my top pick. I do like that you get two in case of issues with installation, or as a replacement when you inevitably crack the first one.
Samsung Slim Magnet Case: If this case cost $20, then I'd say sure, go for it. But it's $70 for an exceedingly thin plastic shell with a ring of magnets built in. The build feels flimsy, and the case feels slippery. It's almost easier to grip the phone with no protection rather than to hold it with this case on it. There are simply too many other options on the market for this one to be worthy of a recommendation.
Louryn Strampe is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED covering deals, beauty, home goods, and gifts. She’s written about Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, and other shopping holidays since 2013, offering tips and tricks and sleuthing out fact-checked discounts for fun and for a living. She previously covered … Read MoreWriter and ReviewerXTopicsShoppingSamsungphonessmartphonesAndroidAccessories and Peripheralsbuying guidescasesNew York City Lawmakers Push to ‘Ban the Scan’ at MSGAt a press conference outside Madison Square Garden, politicians, musicians, and privacy advocates argued for tighter restrictions on how public venues deploy biometric surveillance.Kate TaylorThe 9 Best Movies to Stream This MonthAvatar Aang, Heartstopper Forever, and Exit 8 are among the films deserving of your eyeballs this month.Matt KamenThe Next Big Influencer Is This 4-Foot-Tall Robot From ChinaThe Unitree G1 has found online fame as a relatively affordable robot that can charm a crowd. But can it ever hold down a real job?Zeyi YangTech Visionary Says the Big AI Labs Don’t Get What People WantTim O’Reilly built a publishing empire that AI is helping to destroy. Yet he loves AI—as long as it’s open source.Steven LevyThe Best Wireless Chargers to Refuel Your Phone (or Watch)Stop fumbling for cables in the dark. These WIRED-tested stands and pads will take the hassle out of refueling your phone, wireless earbuds, and watch.Simon HillI’ve Tried Nearly Every Kind of Planner. These Are the BestIf digital calendars are leaving you lacking, these WIRED-tested paper agendas and notebooks could change your life. Nena Farrell FTC Strikes Deals to Ignore Unlawful Credit DiscriminationThe agency signed agreements to not enforce parts of three federal court orders against auto dealers accused of discrimination—and didn’t notify judges or at least one of its coplaintiffs.Maddy VarnerThese ‘Masturbation Consultants’ Were Hired to Pleasure Themselves With AIJoi AI hired 10 people to masturbate using AI companions as part of a monthlong “wellness” study. The company claims the practice could help “solve male loneliness.”Mattha BusbyThe Best Pixel 10 Cases and Accessories for Accidental Phone-DroppersProtect your Pixel 10a, Pixel 10, or Pixel 10 Pro XL with a tried-and-true phone case, screen protector, and Qi2 charger.Louryn StrampeI Wore an Electrical Muscle Stimulation Body Suit to Zap Myself Into FitnessCan electrifying your workout offer a shortcut to a stronger, fitter you? I sweated in a skintight EMS suit for two months to find out.Christopher NullPeople Are ‘Marrying’ Chatbots. These Lawmakers Want to Stop ThemHuman-AI marriages are not currently recognized by US law. Some Republican state policymakers are drafting legislation to keep it that way.Jason ParhamThe Best Computer Monitors to Upgrade Your Home OfficeMy expert advice on what computer monitor to buy for your home office, ranging from budget-tier to fully featured.Luke LarsenWired CouponsCanon Promo Code10% Off Canon Promo Code + Up to 30% Off
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