When Apple released their AirPods in 2016, they once again cemented their place as the pioneers of the coolest and most stylish tech. Everybody from celebrities to the colleague whose birthday it'd just been was wearing them. But it wasn't just the wireless aspect that won us over, it was the fact that they can also self-charge in their own little protective case.
However, these cases can easily get scratched and scuffed, which can devalue them. Plus, like many other electrical devices, drop them from a few feet, and they might not survive. The answer? An extra cover or case. Whether you're after something cute and colourful or simple and sleek, we're sure you'll find it in our ten picks from Amazon and John Lewis.
Quick List - Top AirPod Cases
NeotrixQI
Sturdy and Waterproof Yet Really Budget-Friendly
Spigen
LED and Wireless Charging From a Leading Brand
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Table of Contents
Before you jump straight on the internet and buy any old case, have a read of our buying guide to will help you sort through the various options available. We’ll be looking at the different aspects to consider such as the materials, the level of waterproofing and any extra features.
Arguably the most important choice to make is what material to go for. As well as affecting the overall aesthetic, each one will offer different protective qualities. For that all-important reason, let’s first take a look at the main fabrics and plastics used by manufacturers.
First up, we have silicone. This material is by far the most common and most popular choice. It has many advantages, such as its malleability, which make it ideal for either AirPods case (1 or 2) as it can stretch to fit.
Furthermore, silicone cases offer good protection against scratching and scuffing, with some even claiming to be completely drop-proof. Our favourite part, though, is that they’re the most likely to come in a bevvy of funky colours and designs.
There are a few things to bear in mind, though. For one, silicone is vulnerable to staining or marking, so if you go for a pale colour, it might not look too smart for long. Also, unless they have an additional hard plastic inner, they’ll be considerably flimsier than the other materials.
Leather has been used for all sorts of tech accessories over the decades, so it’s only right that it was made into AirPod cases eventually. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for something robust and durable – the saying “tough as old boots” didn't come out of thin air! Plus, due to this sturdiness, a leather case is less likely to get grazed.
There is one downside – they will be fairly expensive, so expect to pay more than you would for any other case. If long-lasting quality and making a bit of a statement are your top priorities, though, this is the best choice. If not, you could go for a faux leather alternative, though they won't usually be as durable.
Finally, you have fabric cases. These are less common than the others but there are still a few out there. Now don’t worry, they aren’t made from baggy fabric like a change pouch! Instead, they usually slip over your case like a tight-fitting sleeve. This is great as the AirPods will maintain their shape and won’t be rattling around.
The problem with fabric is that it won't provide as much protection as the other options. With that in mind, if you’re known to be a little clumsy or you want something for sports or exercise, then perhaps it's better to opt for something that has a stronger build.
That leaves us with silicone. Due to its strong adhesive bond, silicone is used for many waterproofing jobs, such as stopping leaks around the home. However, many companies producing these cases refrain from using the word “waterproof”, probably to keep themselves safe should an accident occur.
If you specifically want a waterproof case, look for a product that assures you of this. If you often keep the headphones in your pocket or a bag, but you would prefer some water protection, then opt for any silicone case.
To clip or not to clip? Many AirPod cases come with carabiners, which can be extremely useful as they can be attached to belt loops, backpacks, bags or even keys so that you never leave them behind, making them super helpful if you’re the forgetful type. Plus, this means you can use your AirPods to accessorise.
However, these cases are usually on the clunkier side and might be a bit annoying dangling down from your car ignition or your belt buckle. When it comes to having a clip or not, we think it’s nice to have the option, but it's up to you to decide whether this or a streamlined size is more essential.
Lastly, the fun part – do you go for a classic, simple block colour design or something a little quirkier?
If you’re looking to add some personality to your purchase, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many options out there to suit your style and interests, ranging from funky patterns to retro gaming consoles, packets of crisps and practically anything in between.
Likewise, if you want to keep things simple and sophisticated, then there are plenty of plain options to choose from too. Most brands offer a rainbow-like range, so you’ll be more than able to find your favourite shade. Who knows, you might even want various cases for different outfits!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | NeotrixQI Silicone Cover Compatible With AirPods 1/2 | ![]() | Sturdy and Waterproof Yet Really Budget-Friendly | |
2 | Elago Ice Cream Case With Keychain | ![]() | Who Doesn't Like Ice Cream? | |
3 | Coccinelle AirPods Leather Keyring Case | ![]() | A Leather Case Oozing With Class | |
4 | Spigen Urban Fit Designed for Apple Airpods 1 & 2 Case | ![]() | LED and Wireless Charging From a Leading Brand | |
5 | Maledan Silicone Shockproof Protective Airpod Skin | ![]() | Simple, Sleek and Even a Little Sophisticated | |
6 | Elago Classic Game Player Cover | ![]() | An Adorable Case With a Surprising Cultural Symmetry | |
7 | Urban Armour Gear AirPods Pro Full-Body Protective Case | ![]() | Seemingly Military-Grade Protection | |
8 | LKKJ Cute Avocado AirPods Case | ![]() | Do You Ava-Case-Do? | |
9 | Mulberry Heavy Grain Leather AirPods Case | ![]() | A Designer Docker | |
10 | V-Moro AirPods Pro Case | ![]() | Simple Fabric With an Additional Defensive Layer |
While this offering from NeotrixQI might not be the most exciting in terms of design, it does have all the functionality that one could want. The silicone is durable and will safeguard your headphones and their case. Plus, it has a one-piece dust cover and the brand claim the whole thing is 100% waterproof.
It also provides visibility of your LED charging light and is wireless compatible, as well as coming with a detachable carabiner. Despite all this, it's also really cheap! So, if you're looking for something on a budget or maybe want to try out a case before committing to a fancier one, then we would say this is the best place to start.
The last of our funky design options is this sweet number from Elago. After all, who doesn't like ice cream? As well as this mint green, the company also offer three different flavours (colours) for you to choose from – blueberry, chocolate and strawberry.
The cases are made from premium silicone that protects against all the usual suspects such as scuffs and dust, so it'll keep your AirPods looking and feeling brand new. Moreover, the design fits both versions and has a special anti-slip coating inside to stop them from falling out, even if you forget to close the lid properly.
Coccinelle is better known for creating luxury women's handbags than tech accessories. However, we think they've managed to blend the two worlds wonderfully here. The charming leather cases have a real sense of class, and we love the retro-inspired button closure, which gives it some character.
It is a little more expensive than many would be willing to spend, but if you're someone who appreciates style, then this will indeed tick all the right boxes for you.
This minimalist case from protection experts Spigen has a layer of microfibre inside the case that ensures the original charging case remains clean and scratch-free. On the outside, the textured fabric has a premium knit feel. Furthermore, the case supports LED and wireless charging.
There's also a carabiner for easy attachment to bags, belts or keys. We've gone with this futuristic-looking grey, but there are some brighter options available should you wish to add a pop of colour and a bit of character to your top-quality purchase.
Maledan have created a no-frills case here, and we mean that in the best way possible. If you're looking for something simple, sleek and even a little sophisticated, you can't go wrong. The product is compatible with both versions of the AirPods and is made of premium, flexible silicone available in a choice of 23 colours.
We also appreciate the additional LED light, which means that you can keep tabs on how well your AirPods are charging, even while leaving it on. As with product number 7 in the ranking, the company also include a dust flap over the charging slot. All of this for less than £5? Time to stock up!
While many younger people may not recognise this console, those that are a bit older surely will! The Gameboy was a phenomenon when it released, changing the gaming world, much like the AirPods in their respective field. The impact-resistant silicone case fits both versions of the AirPods, plus it's available in a couple of different colourways.
Moreover, the case also supports wireless charging, which is handy. One thing to remember is that it does add a considerable amount of bulk to the original case, so be prepared for that.
Urban Armour Gear is known for creating military-grade protection for many different devices such as phones, laptops and tablets. Here, they've utilised their tech to build a rough-n-ready silicone that will protect your AirPod Pros against bumps, drops, scratches and so much more.
One feature we particularly like is the charging port – instead of remaining open the whole time, there's a cover fitted to stop it from getting filled with dust. Clever. This is only for the later version of the headphones, although we believe they offer another case for older AirPod generations.
This case from LKKJ will fit either version 1 or 2 of the AirPods, making it a smart option if you think you might upgrade someday. It's made from environmentally safe, non-toxic silicone that's even 100% recyclable. However, the best feature is the cute design that will undoubtedly put a smile on the face of anyone who sees it.
Unfortunately, the fit has come under fire, with some users struggling to accommodate their version 2 case. Also, while the soft silicone used makes it a super cheap option, it implies that the material is on the thinner side, so it'll probably be a little less robust than you may like.
Mulberry has been a leading lifestyle brand for over 40 years and are known for expertly adding a stylish touch to everything they take on. Thankfully for us, they've tried their hand at creating an AirPod case, and what a beautiful one it is.
Crafted from heavy grain leather, the case is made with exceptional care and comes with both a lanyard and a keyring attachment to provide multiple carry options. We've opted for this lovely rich green, but black and sable are also available. Its designer status makes it the most expensive on the list, but if you value named goods, it'll be right up your street.
Getting us underway is this case from V-Moro. The first thing to mention is that this is only suitable for the later AirPod Pros, so if you have the original version, they won't fit. That aside, the case itself is an interesting one, combining two styles in one.
Under the fabric is a second layer of polycarbonate, which adds an extra dose of protection that you don't usually get from fabric cases. Furthermore, the company includes not only a carabiner but also some straps, should you wish to wear them around your neck when travelling.
No. 1: NeotrixQI|Silicone Cover Compatible With AirPods 1/2
No. 2: Elago |Ice Cream Case With Keychain
No. 3: Coccinelle|AirPods Leather Keyring Case
No. 4: Spigen|Urban Fit Designed for Apple Airpods 1 & 2 Case
No. 5: Maledan|Silicone Shockproof Protective Airpod Skin
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