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The Best AirPods Cases That Add Style and Protection
Protect your AirPods from dings, scuffs, and scratches.
The glossy white case that comes with your AirPods can experience substantial wear, so keeping it safe with a protective cover is a good idea. A cover will help protect your AirPods case from dings, scuffs, and scratches, reducing the odds of needing to buy a pricey replacement. Thankfully, just like the iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks they are tailor-made for, Apple's top-shelf earbuds have an outstanding selection of cases. We're constantly evaluating these must-have accessories to determine the best AirPods Pro cases worth buying, all at various price points and form factors.
Luckily, there are dozens and dozens of AirPods cases made to spec for Apple’s wireless earbuds. The hard part is figuring out the proper case to buy. Apple offers several versions of its AirPods, including the AirPods (2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (2nd generation), and AirPods Max. Unfortunately, each version uses a slightly different size case, so choosing specifically made for your model can be tricky. Don’t worry, we’ll specify which AirPods case is made for which model to make it easy.
The best AirPods cases are durable and easy to install while offering extra features like a carabiner, allowing you to attach your case to a bag. And depending on which AirPods model you own, the cover you buy shouldn’t inhibit the case’s ability to charge wirelessly. Here’s what else you should look for before purchasing an AirPods case.
What to Consider
Typically, an AirPods case comes in two pieces; one for the top lid and a second for the bottom shell. Slip the case on and you’re ready to go. The hard part is picking the right case because there are hundreds of options available, which can lead to choice overload. Like an iPhone case, we look for many of the same features when choosing an AirPods case, including design, durability, and material. Here are the things we recommend before buying an AirPods case.
Durability and Material
The main job of a case is to protect your device from damage, including drops and scratches. The AirPods cases on our list should be able to endure the trials of everyday life, whether they’re stuffed in a bag or your pocket with car keys.
A significant part of a case’s durability comes from the material. The cases in our guide are available in various materials, including silicone, hard plastic, and leather—each offer roughly the same level of protection. Some cases go the extra mile by increasing the level of protection with features such as shock absorption, scratch resistance, or water resistance.
Consider where you plan to take your AirPods before settling on a material. Frequent travelers may consider a more rugged case made of hard plastic. For trips to the gym and grocery store, a silicone option works. AirPods that sit on a desk all day will look great dressed in a leather case.
Compatibility
Apple currently offers four AirPods models (six if you count discontinued models), each with a slightly different size case. As a result, it can be difficult finding a case that’s compatible with the model you own. For example, an AirPods Pro case won’t work with the AirPods 2 or AirPods 3. Make sure the case cover is compatible with your specific model before making a purchase.
Speaking of compatibility, make sure the case you choose is compatible with wireless charging. Apple offers a MagSafe charging case for the AirPods Pro (1st generation and 2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation). The company also offers Qi-certified wireless charging cases for the AirPods Pro and AirPods (1st generation and 2nd generation). Some case covers may obstruct wireless charging capabilities, so keep that in mind as you shop around.
Design
While you should prioritize things such as durability, material, and compatibility, design is another factor worth considering. The AirPods case cover you choose should reflect your style, whether it’s a specific color, material, or shape. Of course, style is subjective, but we chose options that offer an attractive design while balancing the other features.
How We Selected
We’ve owned AirPods since the first generation launched in 2016 and have always put them in a protective case. We can be clumsy, and a case has helped keep our AirPods safe from drops and scratches. Outside of our experience with using the AirPods, we’ve written about protective cases for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. To find the best AirPods cases, we researched the most popular models, consulted expert and user reviews, and tapped into insight from our test team.
Spigen Spigen Mag Armor AirPods Pro Case
Pros
- Tough, textured design
- Built-in magnets for MagSafe compatibility
Cons
- Not compatible with Apple Watch charger
Spigen is a household name for device protection, so it’s no surprise it makes our favorite case for protecting the AirPods Pro. The Mag Armor Case features built-in magnets for MagSafe compatibility and a durable build that provides total protection.
The textured design gives the cover a sophisticated look, and the carabiner makes it easy to attach to a bag or belt loop. Spigen’s case also features cutouts for a lanyard and Lightning charger, rounding out an excellent case at a great price.
Key Specs
| Model | AirPods Pro (2nd generation) |
|---|---|
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
Pros
- Lightweight, minimal design
- Available in dozens of colors
Cons
- Silicone texture may not be to everyone’s liking
The R-fun AirPods Silicone Case features a lightweight, minimal design in over a dozen colors. The case comes with a carabiner, making it easy to transport them when you travel. Meanwhile, the R-fun offers water resistance and is wireless charging-compatible.
With over 100,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.6-star rating, the R-fun is beloved by customers for its fit, finish, and reliability. They’re also affordable at just $11, giving you a good bang for your buck.
Key Specs
| Model | AirPods (2nd generation) |
|---|---|
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
Pros
- Textured grip makes them easy to hold
- Made of sturdy TPU
Cons
- Few colors available
Made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), this case cover from Caseology is tough enough to survive the trials of everyday life. The cover features a textured grip and an interior adhesive that ensures your AirPods 3 stay secure, even in the event of a drop.
The case also features a carabiner so that you can clip them to a bag, and they’re wireless charging-compatible. The case comes in three colors: matte black, navy blue, and pink sand.
Key Specs
| Model | AirPods (3rd generation) |
|---|---|
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
Nomad Modern Leather Case for AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Nomad Modern Leather Case for AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Pros
- Horween leather can develop beautiful patina
- Strong, sturdy design
Cons
- No carabiner loop
The Nomad Modern Leather Case brings a sophisticated, classic look to the AirPods 2. The case cover is made from polycarbonate and vegetable-tanned leather that will develop a beautiful rugged patina. The durable two-piece construction has a protective microfiber lining inside to prevent scratches.
The Nomad case is compatible with wireless charging, and there’s an integrated light pipe to see the LED charging indicator. The Nomad case is available for every version of Apple’s wireless earbuds, not just the AirPods 2, in black and brown.
Key Specs
| Model | AirPods (2nd generation) |
|---|---|
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
Native Union Leather Case for AirPods Pro
Native Union Leather Case for AirPods Pro
Pros
- Case is handcrafted
- Italian leather can develop beautiful patina
Cons
- Speaker and lanyard loop are covered
A good leather case is hard to beat, and few do it better than Native Union. This case cover for the AirPods Pro is made of genuine Italian leather that’s been handcrafted, meaning no two cases look entirely alike, Native Union says.
Aside from its gorgeous design, the Native Union Leather Case is wireless charging compatible and features a convenient carabiner clip to attach to a purse or backpack. You can also see the LED charging indicator to know when the case’s battery is topped off.
Key Specs
| Model | AirPods Pro (2nd generation) |
|---|---|
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
URBAN ARMOR GEAR Ration AirPods Max Case
URBAN ARMOR GEAR Ration AirPods Max Case
Pros
- Sturdy hard shell
- Interior mesh compartment for accessories
Cons
- Few colors available
This heavy-duty case from Urban Armor features a weather-resistant nylon exterior and a compression-molded inner compartment that perfectly fits Apple’s AirPods Max. The hard-shell case meets military drop test standards to brush off an accidental drop off your kitchen table.
Inside, there’s a mesh compartment that can fit a charging cable and AirTag, and a magnetic clasp securely holds the headphones in place. On the outside, the rigid case features a handle for easy carrying and a nylon loop, perfect for connecting a carabiner.
The Urban Armor Ration is compatible with or without the AirPods Max Smart Case, providing double the protection.
Key Specs
| Model | AirPods Max |
|---|---|
| Wireless Charging | N/A |
Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.
Stefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He has more than a decade of experience covering consumer tech products, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear. He was previously the US editor for GSMArena.com; his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics and other Hearst publications.In the rare moments when he’s not playing with a new gadget, Stefan likes to watch live Premier League games or hang out with his cat and rabbit. He’s also an espresso snob.
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