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The best Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro cases to help protect your gadget
Rounding up the best protective shells to look after your headphones.
If you've got yourself a pair of Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro to partner up with your iPhone, you're going to want to keep them protected in the charging case. You get one with every pair, and it comes in just one colour: white.
Related: The best Apple AirPods deals 2021
But now there are an increasing number of options to jazz things up a bit (and keep your precious tech better protected), which slot neatly over the originals.
Do I need an AirPods case?
Well, technically, no. There's nothing wrong with the OG cases; they keep the buds safe from knocks, while allowing you to charge on the go. But, if you're seeking an elevated look, something to protect it from drops, or both, we've got you covered.
Key things to look out for in the best AirPods cases
Material - The models on this list are made from silicone, leather, or hard plastic, which will offer different levels of protection. Silicone and plastic are often shock-absorbent and might also be waterproof or weather resistant. Leather ones will generally be scratch-resistant but you'll want to avoid water and bear in mind they'll weather over time.
Compatibility - The cases for AirPods Pro and the 1st and 2nd gen AirPods are different sizes, so you'll need to make sure you get the right one for your device.
Wireless charging - Apple's AirPods Pro and the 2nd-gen AirPods can use wireless charging to recharge the case itself. You place it on top of a wireless MagSafe port or any Qi-certified wireless platform and it will get a boost. All but one on this list have the functionality – the 1st generation AirPods need a cable, which will plug into the bottom.
Waterproof - Not all models will offer water-resistance, so if, say, you work outdoors and you like to clip your case to your belt hook, only the best AirPods cases can cope with all weather conditions. Only one on this list is fully waterproof to one metre, and the rest vary from no resistance to splash-proof.
LED visible - The LED light indicates battery level (green for full charge; orange for below 99%; red below 5%; flashing white means it's pairing). Some will have a small gap to let you see your battery status, others may obscure it but we've indicated where.
Only at Apple Incase AirPods Pro Case with Woolenex
Here's an Apple-approved option from Incase. You get a tough plastic shell with a weather-resistant fabric exterior, available in three colours: black, red, and pink.
Key specs
Material: Fabric over hard plastic
Compatible with: AirPods Pro
Wireless charging: Yes
Waterproof: No
LED visible: Yes
Only at Apple Catalyst Waterproof Case for AirPods Pro - Special Edition - Navy
One for the cyclists and outdoor workers, this is waterproof and comes in a range of colours at a reasonable price. This model can survive a dunk up to one metre thanks to the silicone chassis (which we think also makes it ideal for poolside holidays), and comes with a carabiner to hook onto belts, bag straps, or key chains.
Key specs
Material: Aluminium, silicone
Compatible with: AirPods Pro
Wireless charging: Yes
Waterproof: IP67 waterproof to 1 metre (3.3 feet)
LED visible: Yes
Mous - Protective Case for AirPods Pro - Black Leather
This leather case from Mous is shock-absorbing so a good option if you're prone to dropping your gadgets every now and then. It comes with a detachable carabiner, and in black, speckled black, and brown.
Key specs
Material: Leather
Compatible with: AirPods Pro
Wireless charging: Yes
Waterproof: No
LED visible: Yes
Mous - Protective Case for AirPods Pro - Aramid Fiber
If you have the 1st or 2nd generation AirPods, you can get the same leather model as seen above. It has the same level of protection, and will allow for wireless charging. There are also four colour options if black isn’t your thing.
Key specs
Material: Leather
Compatible with: AirPods (1st and 2nd gen)
Wireless charging: Yes
Waterproof: No
LED visible: Yes
UAG Standard Issue Silicone_001 AirPods Case - Black
UAG makes some solid iPhone cases, and has branched out into AirPods protection too, delivering sturdy, drop-resistant designs that should protect your charging case from tough impacts. This one is made from a textured silicone that is antimicrobial too.
Key specs
Material: Silicone
Compatible with: AirPods (1st and 2nd gen)
Wireless charging: Yes
Waterproof: No
LED visible: No
AirSnap AirPod Leather Case Cover - Brown
This leather number will smarten things up a bit – and stop your white case getting scuffed. It's scratch- and dirt-resistant, and comes with a small carabiner. You'll need to take it out to check battery levels and it doesn't support wireless charging, but there's a hole cut in the bottom so you can hook up a cable to recharge.
Key specs
Material: Leather
Compatible with: AirPods (1st and 2nd gen)
Wireless charging: No
Waterproof: No
LED visible: No
Native Union Leather Case for AirPods Pro – Handcrafted fully-wrapped genuine Italian leather case – Support wireless chargers – Compatible with AirPods Pro (Black)
Native Union is known for its stylish smartphone cases and its AirPods protectors offer more of the same. This leather option comes in three colours and although hardwearing, as you'd expect, it'll take on a weathered look over time. It's also worth checking out the more-stylish-than-average silicone models in the range.
Key specs
Material: Leather
Compatible with: AirPods Pro
Wireless charging: Yes
Waterproof: No
LED visible: Yes
Maison Kitsune MAISON KITSUNÉ Navy Native Union Edition Chillax Fox AirPods Pro Case
For the fashion-conscious, check out this Native Union collaboration with Maison Kitsuné that features the titular cheeky fox on the front. The rubber exterior will protect your earphones from bumps and scratches, and it will still allow for wireless charging.
Key specs
Material: Rubber
Compatible with: AirPods Pro
Wireless charging: Yes
Waterproof: No
LED visible: Yes
Getting a slip-on case to protect your loved one's AirPods can be a great gift, especially if you can personalise it with an engraving. These leather cases are made of textured leather and come in five bright colours that stand out from the crowd. You can pay a little extra to have someone's initials monogrammed on, and they also come in a white presentation box.
Key specs
Material: Leather
Compatible with: AirPods Pro
Wireless charging: Yes
Waterproof: No
LED visible: Yes
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