Why better cases matter

Most novelty AirPods cases are fine, but WIRED focused on cases that add functionality or protection beyond the basics, matching your style and mood.

Best overall: dbrand Grip Case

The dbrand Grip Case costs thirty five dollars and works with AirPods Pro first, second, and third generation and AirPods third and fourth generation.It's made of black rubber and personalizable with over forty skin options.

“The case is made of black rubber and can then be personalized with your choice of skins, plus an optional lanyard.”

Skin options for dbrand

Skins include UV-reactive Holo White, x-ray, pixelated, circuit patterns, and plain colors. They're sticker-like but not reusable, though you can swap them out whenever you want.

Best rugged: UAG Scout Case

The UAG Scout AirPods Case costs thirty five dollars and works with AirPods Pro third generation and AirPods fourth generation. It adds a thick layer of rubber around the original case to protect from drops.

UAG Scout features

The case has a grippy texture, snug fit, and squared edges for better grip. It comes with a carabiner and offers ten different color options.

Best MagSafe: ESR Orbit Hybrid

The ESR Orbit Hybrid Case costs sixteen dollars and works with AirPods Pro third generation and AirPods fourth generation.It has magnets that attach to MagSafe chargers and snap shut to prevent the lid sliding off.

ESR Orbit protection

The case has a shock-absorbing hard shell that protects against drops. It's bulkier than other cases tested, but the extra protection is worth it for frequent droppers.

Best leather: Nomad Modern Case

The Nomad Modern Leather Case costs forty five dollars and works with AirPods Pro first, second, and third generation and AirPods third and fourth generation.

Nomad leather qualities

The leather is minimally treated and feels slippery. It fits snugly with cutouts for light and speaker holes, and has a lanyard attachment point, though no lanyard is included.

Best flip-open: ESR Pulse FlickLock

The ESR Pulse FlickLock Magnetic Case costs twenty one dollars and works with AirPods Pro first, second, and third generation and AirPods fourth generation. Sliding the front switch pops the lid up for one-handed placement.

ESR Pulse features

Colors coordinate with the iPhone seventeen lineup. The case stays on when dropped, has a wrist lanyard spot, and lets you see the charging light through it.

Best clip case: Bandolier Avery

The Bandolier Avery AirPods Clip-On Pouch costs forty dollars and works with AirPods Pro first, second, and third generation and AirPods third and fourth generation. It's a pouch made of genuine pebbled leather.

Bandolier pouch design

Unlike other cases, it doesn't attach to the top and bottom of the AirPods case. It covers the entire case except the charging port and is available in black, pink, lavender, metallic blue, and more.

Best AirPods Max: Casetify Ripple

The Casetify Ripple Case costs fifty two dollars and works with AirPods Max. It's a soft-touch silicone case with an antistatic coating that makes it dust-proof, important since AirPods Max don't have a dust-resistance rating.

Casetify Ripple features

The case has cutouts for buttons and fits perfectly over the earcups. It features a ripple pattern that adds definition to the earcups and comes in multiple colors.

How to identify your AirPods

Go to Settings, Bluetooth on your Apple device, tap the i icon next to your AirPods name to see the model number.