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The best Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases: Expert recommended

A smartphone with two screens means you need added protection. We found the best Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases from brands like Spigen, Samsung, Casetify, and more to keep your phone in top shape.
Written by Taylor Clemons, Staff Writer and  Allison Jewell, Associate Editor

Why you can trust ZDNET

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Functionality

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Compatibility

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Price

Spigen Slim Armor Pro | Best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case overall
spigen-tough-armor-galaxy
Spigen Slim Armor Pro
Best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case overall
View now View at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen case | Best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case from Samsung
A Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen case on a grey background
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen case
Best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case from Samsung
View now View at Amazon
Casetify Impact Case | Best clear Galaxy Z Fold 5 case
Casetify impact case for galaxy z fold against white backdrop
Casetify Impact Case
Best clear Galaxy Z Fold 5 case
View now View at Casetify
Spigen Thin Fit Pro | Best lightweight Galaxy Z Fold 5 case
A Spigen Thin Fit Pro case for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 on a grey background
Spigen Thin Fit Pro
Best lightweight Galaxy Z Fold 5 case
View now View at Amazon
i-Blason Cosmo | Best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case for style
An i-Blason Cosmo case for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 on a grey background
i-Blason Cosmo
Best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case for style
View now View at Amazon

Foldable phones are all the rage within the smartphone industry, with companies like Google and Android releasing multiple models--like the recent Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Google Pixel 9 Pixel Pro Fold-- and Apple possibly teasing one in a few years. If you hopped on the trend by purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, it may be wise to invest in a quality case to make your device last. 

Samsung makes official Galaxy cases, which will absolutely fit your phone, but at a premium price. Other brands like Spigen make specialized cases designed to handle everything from dropping your phone on a sticky bar floor or protecting its folding hinges. Countless brands offer slim, stylish cases that allow you to show off your personal style.

Also: Galaxy Z Fold 5 review

What is the best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case right now? 

The Spigen Slim Armor Pro is my pick for the best Galaxy Z Fold phone case overall, thanks to its slim form factor, hinge protection, and camera protector. I've extensively researched many other brands and styles of Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases to help you find the best protection and fashion cases. Keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung slim S-Pen case and my other picks.

Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases of 2024

Spigen Slim Armor Pro

Best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case overall

Because the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is already so bulky, the best phone case option protects your device and provides a slim finish to make it easier to hold and put in your pocket. For these reasons, I chose the Spigen Armor Pro case as the best overall case.

The case has a slimmer form factor but also features grips on the side to prevent accidental drops. Thanks to a slight lip over the lenses, it has camera protection. An essential feature, however, is the hinge protection. After all, you want to maintain the Galaxy Z Fold 5's ability to fold.

The case also has MagSafe capabilities for wireless charging and can hold a magnetic wallet. Overall, it provides a sleek design without being an eyesore like some protective cases.

Users on Reddit say this might be the best case they have tried for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and recommend it the most over other options. However, at $65, it remains a pricier option.

Spigen Slim Armor Pro featuresCase style: Hard case | Color: Abyss Green, Black, Black Pen, Sierra Blue | Screen protector: No | Hinge Protection: Yes | Drop protection: Air cushion technology

spigen-tough-armor-galaxy
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen case

Best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case from Samsung

The official Samsung-branded S-Pen case is a near-perfect option if you're looking for a case guaranteed to fit your new Galaxy Z Fold 5. It's made of durable, molded TPU plastic for protection against everyday wear and tear and minor bumps and scratches.

It also comes packaged with an S-Pen and extra pen nibs to keep your stylus handy and easily switch out worn-down nibs. One Best Buy reviewer said, "The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Slim S Pen Case has truly impressed me with its sleek and functional design. The slimmer S Pen and case combination is a game-changer, making it more portable than ever without compromising on usability. " 

The slim S-Pen case is available in three colors, so you can match your phone's color or show off your style. The only downside is that it doesn't have a built-in screen protector.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen case features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Sand, Graphite, Icy Blue | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: NA 

A Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen case on a grey background
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Casetify Impact Case

Best clear Galaxy Z Fold 5 case

If you want to show off your Galaxy Z Fold 5's pretty blue color, a clear or sheer case will be your best friend. One Casetify reviewer noted the case is "Well designed, easy to install and remove phone, unique and lightweight." 

This clear Impact case from Casetify offers 4 feet of military-grade drop protection and Casetify's proprietary EcoShock material, giving you a security blanket against minor drops and scuffs. 

The case is also compatible with wireless charging, so you can free yourself of tangled cords to power up your phone without having to remove your phone case. 

Casetify Impact Case features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Clear - black, sheer - polar blue | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: 4 feet 

Casetify impact case for galaxy z fold against white backdrop
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Spigen Thin Fit Pro

Best lightweight Galaxy Z Fold 5 case

If you hate heavy, bulky phone cases that sacrifice ease of use for protection, the Spigen Thin Fit Pro is a great, lightweight alternative. One Amazon reviewer said, "... the case fits like a glove it also has a molded curved edge around the camera lenses and it's perfect, get a protection glass separate and it fits right around it like it's meant to be." Like the Samsung Slim S-Pen case, the Thin Fit Pro is made of molded TPU plastic for a sure fit and a low profile that's easier to slip into a pocket or small bag. 

The matte finish helps keep your phone looking great by resisting fingerprint marks and everyday wear and tear. It's also thin enough to allow wireless charging without removing the case from your phone first. 

It's even compatible with Samsung's Power Share feature, which allows you to charge your Samsung wireless devices with your phone.

Spigen Thin Fit Pro features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Crystal clear, Frost Grey | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: NA 

A Spigen Thin Fit Pro case for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 on a grey background
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i-Blason Cosmo

Best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case for style

The i-Blason Cosmo proves that protecting your Galaxy Z Fold 5 doesn't have to be a dull affair. This eye-catching phone case comes in three colors: Marble Pink, Purple, and Ocean Blue. 

Each color scheme integrates pink or yellow gold accents and a textured, faceted design on the hinge protector to either show off your personality or blend in with your aesthetic office supplies. 

The case is also impact-resistant for drops up to 10 feet, giving you peace of mind for your new phone. One Amazon reviewer noted, "I had my doubts as I unpacked the case, but after dropping it from my pocket onto a concrete driveway and the only damage being a small crack to the protective screen and scratched plastic, I can say this case is the OtterBox for the Fold." It also has a built-in screen protector and an integrated slot for storing your S-Pen stylus.

i-Blason Cosmo features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Marble pink, marble purple, ocean blue | Screen protector: Yes | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: 10 feet 

An i-Blason Cosmo case for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 on a grey background
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What is the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case?

The best case for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the Spigen Slim Armor Pro, which offers a slim form factor, hinge protection, and camera protection.

Buy this Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case...If you need...
Spigen Slim Armor ProThe overall best option with a slim but protective form factor, hinge protection, and camera protection.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen caseAn official Samsung case. This case is made by Samsung and guaranteed to fit the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Casetify Impact CaseThe best clear case you can buy with military-grade drop protection.
Spigen Thin Fit ProA lightweight case for your Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Spigen Thin Fit Pro features a low profile that's easier to fit into your pocket or bag.
i-Blason CosmoAn ultra-stylish case for your Galaxy Z Fold 5. The i-Blason Cosmo comes in three colors with marble, rose gold, or yellow gold accents.

Which is the right Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case for you?

When shopping for a new phone case, it's best to consider what level of protection you need. Not only will this help prevent you from overspending or buying something you don't need, it can also help you anticipate career or life changes where you may need more or less phone protection.

If you work outdoors or in manufacturing, or are just notorious for destroying phones, it's best to opt for a very rugged phone case like the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro. These types of phone cases are often tested against military standards for shock, drop, and moisture resistance, so you can have more peace of mind.

But if you work from home or just want to keep your phone from getting scratched and cracked from everyday use, it may be better to opt for a thinner, more lightweight (and often less expensive) case. These tend to have lower profiles that are easier to slip into your pocket, but also sacrifice protection via built-in screen protectors and water resistance.

Buy this Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case...If you need...
SupCase Unicorn Beetle ProThe best overall option for drop protection and colorway availability. This case is tested against military durability standards for drop, shock, and moisture resistance.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen caseAn official Samsung case. This case is made by Samsung and guaranteed to fit the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Casetify Impact CaseThe best clear case you can buy with military-grade drop protection.
Spigen Thin Fit ProA lightweight case for your Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Spigen Thin Fit Pro features a low profile that's easier to fit into your pocket or bag.
i-Blason CosmoAn ultra-stylish case for your Galaxy Z Fold 5. The i-Blason Cosmo comes in three colors with marble, rose gold, or yellow gold accents.

Factors to consider when choosing a Galaxy Z Fold 5 case

We've spent many hours testing phone cases, from big names like Casetify and Samsung to lesser-known brands, to show you that you have many options. The phone case your grandma recommends you try might be the worst phone case you've ever had, which is why it's essential to consider these factors before you buy:

  • Durability: Most people may only care about the aesthetic of a phone case, but if you're looking for a case that's meant to protect your phone from drops, cracks, and scratches, then the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro case and Casetify Impact Case are your best options. 
  • Material: Phone cases have, no doubt, come a long way. And with time, companies have been able to source the best materials, including silicone, leather, plastic, metal even recyclables such as cardboard or paperboard (each with pros and cons). If you're looking for quality sourced materials, check out DBrand genuine leather skin for Galaxy Z Fold 5.
  • Features: Who doesn't like a convenient stylus pen holder, built-in stand or my personal favorite, a wallet holder, as an added feature to a phone case. If you're looking for beyond basic protection and style phone case, the i-Blason Cosmo comes with a built-in screen protector as well as an integrated slot for storing your S-Pen stylus.
  • Design: Just like your eyes eat first when eating, you could say the same about phone cases. When choosing a phone case, it's also important to consider its style and design, after all, you're most likely carrying it around with you 24/7. Our picks in that case would be OCASE or Casetify

How we test the phone cases

The ZDNET team spends weeks with a phone case, using it in many environments like the office, outdoors, grocery stores, or at home. We do so to test how well a phone case can perform in various environments, as each environment tests the durability and protection.

Although you can test phone cases with just a simple drop from various heights, you should conduct your own testing in your frequented environments to see how they hold up. At the end of the day, the only way to know if a phone case works for you is to try it on your own phone.

How do I choose the right Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case?

Before you buy a phone case, there are a few things aside from the design to keep in mind. When putting together this list of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases, we kept these criteria in mind:

  • Cost: When it comes to phone cases, you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to "rugged" models. I've made sure that each case featured in this list has features and protection properties that are worth the price.
  • Protection level: Not all phone cases are created equal. If you work a trade, in manufacturing, or spend a lot of time outdoors, it's better to opt for a rugged case. Whereas office professionals and casual mobile users may only require minimal phone protection.
  • Compatibility: There is no worse feeling than getting your hands on a brand new phone and case for it, only to discover that your case doesn't fit. I've thoroughly researched each featured product to make sure that is designed to fit the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Will a Galaxy Z Fold 4 case fit my Galaxy Z Fold 5?

Unfortunately, no. This is because Samsung re-designed the rear camera arrangement, moving the flash from below the lenses to right next to them. If you try to force your Galaxy Z Fold 5 into a case meant for a previous generation, you may risk damaging your phone.

Does the Galaxy Z Fold 5 come with a pen?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 doesn't come packaged with an S-Pen stylus, unfortunately. While Samsung has never included an S-Pen with previous versions of the Galaxy Z Fold, it's still a bit irksome to need to spend extra money on a must-have accessory.

What is the point of a folding smartphone?

While Samsung has a whole page dedicated to trying to convince you to make the switch to a folding smartphone, the biggest draw is what made flip-phones so ubiquitous in the late 90s and early 00s: They're easier to fit into your pocket. A folding smartphone is a unique solution to the demand for bigger and better screens on our mobile devices while balancing screen size with portability and practicality.

A foldable phone also lets you take selfies and group pictures without having to contort yourself into uncomfortable angles for the perfect shot or asking strangers to take family photos. With the larger, unfolded screen, you can also multitask in several apps to streamline your workflow. 

And a foldable phone brings back the satisfaction of snapping your phone shut to end an irritating call.

More Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases to consider

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