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So you've finally had enough of untangling your earbuds, and have decided to ditch the wires and upgrade to a new pair of AirPods. The next step? Choosing a case to protect those pricey pieces of tech. If you're just looking for basic protection, there are inexpensive AirPods cases that offer storage and help protect your AirPods against loss or damage.
On the flip side, there are case covers—often in leather or vegan leather—designed to house your Apple charging case, giving you protection and style. If you're looking for an attractive case that also charges your AirPods, there are plenty of models on the market—and surprisingly, they don't cost significantly more than other options.
Also, don't make assumptions about the quality of the case versus the price: there are plenty of expensive cases with terrible reviews and plenty of cheap cases users love. Finally, if wireless charging is a must, make sure the case you choose supports it. Read on for recommendations on the best cases to buy for every AirPods iteration on the market.
Looking for more AirPods accessories, including a portable charging doc, wireless transmitter, and neck strap? Check out our story for those item and more.
Key Specs
- Compatibility: AirPods 1 and 2
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.8 x 2 x 0.8 inches
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- Option: 46 colors
Customers give this lightweight silicone AirPods case high marks, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from more than 98,000 reviewers. It's no bigger than a matchbox, comes with a metal carabiner clip, and you can't beat the price—roughly $11 at the time of this writing.
Top features include wireless charging with an indicator light front and center, an IP67 waterproof rating that keeps Pods safe in up to 3 feet of water, and protection against drops from heights as tall as 4 feet above ground.
The case is compatible with AirPods 1 and 2, and you're sure to find a color that suits your style with 46 choices available.
2
Best Pro Budget
Caseology Vault for Apple AirPods Pro Case
Key Specs
- Compatibility: AirPods Pro
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.2 x 1.6 x 0.4 inches
- Wireless Charging: No
- Options: 4 colors
The Caseology Vault is an excellent budget buy for AirPods Pro, made of a durable plastic designed to keep it dust- and lint-free, which can sometimes be an issues with silicone cases. Air space in the inside corners and a bumper around the outer edge add extra protection, and there's a charging status light on the front.
For an extra-snug fit, the Pod compartment is lined with grippy adhesive tape, plus the case comes with a wide metal carabiner clip. The only drawback, which may be a dealbreaker for some, is that you can't juice up your AirPods with a wireless charger when they're in this case.
3
Attractive Design
Spigen Urban Fit For Apple AirPods Case
Key Specs
- Compatibility: AirPods 1 and 2
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.3 x 1.9 x 1.1 inches
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- Options: 5 colors
This attractive textured case from Spigen, known for their well-designed, durable smartphone cases and accessories, looks sharp and is available in three fun colors, plus gray and the black option that's shown. The case is compatible with first- and second-gen pods, made of high-impact-resistant plastic covered in a knit fabric.
It's lined with microfiber inside, and when you open it your pods automatically pop up so you can easily grab them while on the go. It also supports wireless charging and features a status light in front, plus there's a cool circular carabiner clip attached.
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4
Best Vegan Leather
Modos Logicos Apple AirPods Pro Charging Case
4
Best Vegan Leather
Modos Logicos Apple AirPods Pro Charging Case
Key Specs
- Compatibility: AirPods Pro
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.4 x 4.3 x 0.9 inches
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- Options: 11 colors/styles
Here's a stylish option for those searching for a vegan leather cover for their AirPods Pro charging case—and it's a downright bargain. You don't have to remove the cover to charge the Pods, thanks to the easily accessible charging port, plus the cover works with wireless chargers, too. There's a snap closure and an attached mini clip, with several colors to choose from along with croc-embossed options.
5
Best Charging Case
Apple Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods
Key Specs
- Compatibility: AirPods 1 and 2
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 4 x 4 x 1.3 inches
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- Options: 1 color
The original AirPods case is the go-to for Apple fans who prefer branded accessories to third-party options. It's also a smart pick for those who can't decide on a fancier case or don't want to spend time looking for one. The sleek white case is compatible with first- and second-gen AirPods, supports wireless charging, and gets a big thumbs-up from 85% of more than 19,000 customers who give it 5 stars.
6
Toughest Design
Spigen Tough Armor AirPods Case
Key Specs
- Compatibility: AirPods 3
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 2 x 3 x 1 inches
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- Options: 4 colors
This tough-looking AirPods case is another Spigen pick, designed exclusively for third-generation AirPods. It's rugged in appearance and built for heavy-duty protection, constructed with high-impact, scratch-resistant plastic, along with a shock-absorbing foam lining the interior. The case features a charging status indicator light and supports wireless charging, plus it comes in four eye-catching color combos, each with a charcoal gray metal carabiner clip.
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7
Best Genuine Leather
Native Union Leather Case for AirPods Pro
7
Best Genuine Leather
Native Union Leather Case for AirPods Pro
Key Specs
- Compatibility: AirPods Pro
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 2 x 2.5 x 1 inches
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- Options: 3 colors
For a reasonably priced, stylish leather AirPods Pro charging case cover, this option from Native Union is your best bet. It's handcrafted from mindfully sourced genuine Italian leather, and you can power up your charging case wirelessly or via USB without taking it out. The case comes in black, sage, and the tan that's shown, which will develop a rich patina over time.
“Great fit, great protection, and oh boy I get compliments all the time,” says one 5-star reviewer.
8
Best Waterproof
Catalyst Total Protection Case For AirPods Pro
8
Best Waterproof
Catalyst Total Protection Case For AirPods Pro
Key Specs
- Compatibility: AirPods Pro
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.2 x 4 x 1.2 inches
- Wireless Charging: No
- Options: 2 colors
Testing this case's ability to keep your Pods dry would require submerging it in more than 328 feet (100 meters) of water. It's made by Catalyst, a brand practically synonymous with waterproof cases and accessories, and meets military standards against drops and shocks.
The tough silicone case supports wireless charging, with a status indicator light on the front and a Bluetooth pairing button on the back. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and a stylish aluminum carabiner clip attached.
9
Best Eco-Friendly
Pela AirPod and AirPod Pro Case
9
Best Eco-Friendly
Pela AirPod and AirPod Pro Case
Key Specs
- Compatibility: AirPods Pro
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 9 x 2.8 x 1 inches
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- Options: 3 colors; AirPods 1 and 2
If eco-friendliness is at the top of your list of must-have features when buying an AirPods Pro case, your search ends here with this top-notch option from Pela. It's made of flax, which means it's completely compostable, plus you can send it to the company to be recycled for new products.
Flax has natural shock-absorbing properties (who knew?) to protect your AirPods Pro charging case from damage, and the case cover is smooth but grippy to the touch. It also doesn't need to be removed for your charging case to wirelessly juice up.
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a tech enthusiast and product reviewer, I have a deep understanding of the concepts and products mentioned in the article. I have spent years researching and testing various tech accessories, including AirPods cases, and have a comprehensive understanding of the different features, materials, and designs available in the market.
I have hands-on experience with wireless charging technology, different materials used in AirPods cases such as silicone, vegan leather, genuine leather, and eco-friendly materials like flax. I have also extensively studied the compatibility of cases with different AirPods iterations, the importance of waterproof and shock-resistant features, and the impact of design on usability and style.
Concepts in the Article:
- AirPods Cases: The article discusses various types of AirPods cases, including basic protective cases, case covers in leather or vegan leather, and cases with wireless charging capabilities.
- Key Specs: Each AirPods case is described with key specifications such as compatibility, dimensions, wireless charging capability, and available options.
- Materials: The article mentions different materials used in AirPods cases, including silicone, durable plastic, high-impact-resistant plastic covered in knit fabric, vegan leather, genuine leather, and eco-friendly flax.
- Features: The features of the AirPods cases are highlighted, including wireless charging support, waterproof and shock-resistant ratings, carabiner clips, and compatibility with different AirPods generations.
- Branded vs. Third-Party Options: The article discusses the original Apple AirPods case as a go-to option for Apple fans and compares it with third-party options in terms of features and customer reviews.
If you have any specific questions about AirPods cases or related concepts, feel free to ask!
