The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is one of the best phones around right now, but given the nature of foldable devices, it’s not the most durable. Combine that with how expensive it is, and you’re going to want to get a Galaxy Z Fold 6 case to protect your investment. Luckily, Galaxy Z Fold 6 cases come in so many different varieties that picking the right one really comes down to your own specific needs.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
For instance, my favorite case is Samsung’s S Pen case. It’s essentially a silicone wrapper that comes with an S Pen. It does very little in the way of actually protecting your phone, but it adds functionality. However, if you just want a case that would save your phone from a hard fall on cement, plenty of cases can do just that.
While I haven’t used all of these cases myself, I’ve used different iterations of each one, just for other phones.
1. OtterBox Defender Series XT
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Case
Otterbox has been known for making high-durability phone cases for years, and the Defender XT case for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is, well, another one. The case consists of this thick layer of rubber and plastic that protects your phone from pretty much anything. It doesn’t come with a screen protector built in, but it does have ridges that extend beyond the screen, which will protect your display if you drop it. Just, like, don’t hit it with a hammer.
Despite how thick the OtterBox Defender XT is, however, it’s still wireless charging compatible. That means you won’t have to worry about taking the phone out just to throw it on a wireless charger, if that’s your thing. If you don’t like wireless charging, the case also has little flaps that protect the charging port from dust and water.
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 S Pen Case
Best Pen Case
One of the best ways to use the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is with an S Pen, similar to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. But the Z Fold 6 doesn’t come with one. The fact Samsung hasn’t bundled its most expensive phone with a stylus yet is frankly baffling, but if you have your heart set on it, the best way to get an S Pen is this case. It’s a little expensive, which can be jarring, but it includes the S Pen, which makes up for most of the price.
The only downside is that this little flap of silicone that makes up the rest of the case doesn’t do much in the way of protecting your phone. This is the kind of case that adds functionality more than protection. So, if you’re the type that’s always dropping your phone, you might want to look at a more rugged case. But if you just want to use the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with a smart pen and want somewhere to put the pen when you’re not using it, this S Pen case is perfect.
Best Premium Case
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an incredibly expensive phone – it starts at $1,899, after all. With any device that expensive, you’re going to want to shroud it in something that feels just as premium as the device itself, and that’s what this Kindsuit Case really is. This is a faux leather case with a soft inner lining that’s great at protecting the phone from scratches. It won’t do much to dampen the impact of drops, but if you’re just worried about your keys scratching the phone, the Kindsuit Case will protect your phone in style.
The Kindsuit Case is quite expensive, however, coming in at $89.99 for what is essentially a faux leather wrapper for your phone. But that price might be worth it if you want your phone to feel as luxurious as its price tag. Just don’t go expecting this case to protect your phone from a high-speed meeting with concrete.
4. Spigen Slim Armor Pro
Best Rugged Case
The Spigen Slim Armor Pro is an excellent case if pure protection is your biggest priority in a Galaxy Z Fold 6 case. Not only is it made from the same mixture of rubber and plastic as the OtterBox Defender, but it allows for air cushions between the case and the phone, adding further shock absorption. Though, just like the OtterBox Defender XT, it doesn’t include a screen protector, so you’ll have to get that separately.
Just like any other super-protective phone case, though, the Spigen Slim Armor Pro doesn’t look as classy as the phone it’s protecting. It is less bulky than some similar cases, but it’s still a giant lump of plastic and rubber that adds quite a bit of bulk to the phone. However, that’s a small price to pay if you’re the type of person who always drops their phone.
5. Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Best Screen Protector
If you don’t want to add any extra bulk to your device, but you still want to protect the outer display from scratches and cracks, just picking up a screen protector makes a lot of sense. While it won’t protect the hinge or the chassis of the phone from drops, it will stop your screen from cracking. Plus, it’s way cheaper than buying a full protective case.
Just like any similar screen protector, though, the Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector can be a pain to apply to the device, especially if you haven’t done it before. These screen protectors do come with a little applicator that helps you align the protector with the display, but you will still have to take steps to avoid air bubbles and dust from getting between the two layers. Once it’s attached, though, it is barely noticeable, and doesn’t affect how reactive the display is. That means you can keep using your phone as if it didn’t have a screen protector at all.
How to Choose a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Case
Whenever you’re looking for a phone case, you need to consider how you typically handle your phone – everybody’s use case is going to vary. For instance, if you know you drop your phone often, you’re going to need a more protective case than someone that just wants to protect their phone from superficial scratches.
As soon as you figure out how much protection you need, the next step is figuring out your budget. Samsung sells its own phone cases, which are excellent but typically much more expensive than cases from other companies. If you don’t want to drop nearly $100 on a phone case, there are a ton of cheap phone cases on Amazon from brands you’ve probably never heard of. These will absolutely work in a pinch, but there’s always the risk that they won’t quite fit right or will break after you drop your phone once or twice. But hey, at least it’s better to break a $20 case than an $1,899 phone.
Aesthetics also obviously play a role. These days our phones are pretty much an extension of ourselves, and wanting to express yourself through a phone case is perfectly valid. You can find art cases out there with nifty designs, or you can get something like Samsung’s Kindsuit case, which makes the phone look like a mini briefcase or fancy wallet. I encourage you to browse around and find a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 case that really speaks to you. After all, if you’re going to be carrying this phone with you everywhere you go, you should like how it looks.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra