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Best Clear CaseSpigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit

$24 $22 (8% off) Amazon

Best Clear Case for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultradbrand Ghost Case 2.0 (Galaxy S26 Ultra)

$60 $50 (17% off) Dbrand

Best Thin CasePitaka Edge Case

$60 Amazon (S26)

Best Rugged CaseZagg Rainier Snap Case with Kickstand

$70 Amazon

A Samsung Galaxy S26 case is probably the first thing you're going to be shopping for once you decide on your new device. Whether you went with the S26, the S26 Plus, or the S26 Ultra, I've been testing out cases and screen protectors that'll help minimize the damage when you inevitably drop it.

You'll find my favorites (so far) below, ranging from rugged and durable cases to razor-thin 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.

How to Enable Qi2 Charging on Your Samsung Galaxy S26

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Frustratingly, there's no native Qi2 support on the Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup, meaning a magnetic phone case is the only way you can take advantage of Qi2 charging speeds and other benefits. We recommend several magnetic cases in this guide.

A Note on Magnetic Accessories

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Photograph: Louryn Strampe

It'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 have trouble with most magnetic wallets I tried to use. 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.

How We Test Cases

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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 an accurate exact representation of the phone we'd be aiming to test. However, I am working on standardizing a similar protocol. Remember that, while a case or screen protector can offer some protection, they aren't necessarily a guarantee against shattering a screen.

For now, I'm testing phone cases by assessing fit, comfort, overall look and feel, and checking out how precise and responsive any buttons or additional features are. Next up, I'll be testing additional cases from Zagg, Spigen, Casely, Otterbox, Mous, ESR, and other brands. I'll also be hunting down some magnetic accessories that work with the camera bump design of the S26 lineup.

- Best Clear Case

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

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Spigen

Ultra Hybrid MagFit

$24 $22 (8% off) Amazon

This clear case from Spigen is affordable and looks dope. There are 10 different styles to choose from, but I like this classic semi-clear teardown look the best. The case is more thin 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 at all. My only minor complaint is that the volume buttons can feel a bit difficult to press—not at all impossible, but just not quite as readily responsive as the other cases I tried. It's still an option worth considering, especially if you want a minimal case with a neat design.

Available Colors10MaterialsPolycarbonate, Thermoplastic PolyurethaneThickness0.4 inches (as a whole)Weight40 gramsMagSafe?YesManufacturer Drop Test Info1.2 m drop height, 26 times

- Best Clear Case for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

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dbrand

Ghost Case 2.0 (Galaxy S26 Ultra)

$60 $50 (17% off) Dbrand

We've been a fan 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 is easily 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?

Available ColorsClearMaterialsUnlistedThickness1.8 mmWeight41 gramsMagSafe?Yes (optional)Manufacturer Drop Test Info12 feet

- Best Thin Case

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

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Pitaka

Edge Case

$60 Amazon (S26)

$60 Amazon (S26 Plus)

$60 Amazo

The Best Samsung Galaxy S26 Cases (2026): S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra | WIRED