10 AirPods Pro Cases That Are Strong (and Stylish) AF

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BEING A part of the Apple club doesn’t come cheap. The price of admission for the latest iPhone 14 alone will run you north of $1,000. Add all the optional (we would argue must-have) accessories—an iPhone wallet case, a screen protector, and of course, a new pair of AirPods Pro earbuds—and you could be looking at more than $1,500. So, you’ll no doubt want to protect that investment. You probably already have a case for your iPhone itself, but what about those latest generation AirPods Pro? The wireless charging case Apple provides is … fine. But we honestly don’t think it's worthy of the next-gen earbuds inside.

We tested over 22 different AirPods Pro cases made specifically for the new 2nd Generation model (2022) and found 10 cases worth recommending. When testing we prioritized utility to our AirPods Pro cases instead of looking for cases that are style-forward and fun, as we believe a good AirPods Pro case should protect your go-to earbuds as best as possible first and foremost. We found the safest pair of AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Cases is the Pelican Marine AirPods Case, but the best protective AirPods Pro case for everyday carry is the

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Not surprisingly, cases for the second-generation AirPods Pro come in an almost infinite variety of styles, colors, and materials. There are clear, see-through cases that show off the sleek design of the original AirPods Pro case. Minimalists can shop for understated, jet-black models, while bolder colors and patterns are another option. Those who want a one-of-a-kind alternative can even opt for handmade leather or wood AirPods cases.

We’re happy to report that no matter what kind of case you’re looking for, there’s an option for you. Here are our picks for the best AirPods Pro cases of 2023.

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Pod Jacket Pro (Second Edition)

If the stark plastic look of your earbuds isn’t fancy enough for your liking, dress it up with Bellroy’s Pod Jacket Pro. This leather case for your AirPods Pro features Bellroy’s recognizable aesthetic— clean and minimal with a dash of understated sophistication. In the Terracotta colorway, it makes a handsome addition to your everyday carry, and the premium, eco-tanned leather only looks better with age. A Swiss-made antimicrobial treatment helps keep your buds and the case itself germ-free without the use of harsh or toxic chemicals.

Everything about this case is precisely designed for the latest generation AirPods Pro, including cutouts for the charging port and status light, plus a push-spot for the pairing button. It's not the toughest case on this list, but it sure as heck can still keep you AirPods protected from the world. The leather is no joke, as it's strong and thick, offering quality protection from scratching and dropping, plus limiting water like rain and spills.

Other features include a lanyard for clipping to your backpack or crossbody bag or keeping a tighter grip while in hand. Like most Bellroy goods, this case also comes with a three-year warranty, a significant step up from most other accessory makers.

All-in-all, we found the Pod Jacket Pro carries the best blend of toughness and style for everyday carry. Be prepared to get some compliments when taking your AirPods out at the coffee shop or on the subway ride home.

What do buyers say? “Very happy with them … they fit perfectly and look great!” said one Amazon reviewer.

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Pelican Marine

Compatible with both 2nd and 1st generation AirPods, the Pelican Marine is an ultra-tough case made to handle all types of adventure. The case is IP68 waterproof and dustproof certified, so any type of rain or mud on the case is going to be kept out. Pelican also made the case shock-resistant, and we found you can drop these from at least about chest high and not have to worry about your AirPods getting totaled. And in terms of the AirPods spilling out of the case, you have a clip-down latch that keeps the buds secure and locked up.

After testing we have a firm belief this is the safest AirPods Pro case out there, but it's impressive features do limit it's portability. The case is bulky and feels intrusive when throwing in our pants pockets. The solution to this carrying qualm is by clipping the case onto your bag or storing it in a jacket pocket, but for those of us who like to take our AirPods everywhere it's probably best to turn back and look at cases more like the Bellroy Pod Jacket.

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Modern Leather Case Horween

While the Bellroy Pod Jacket Pro has nice and plush leather in several cool colors, we found we liked the Modern Leather Case from Nomad Goods when shopping strictly for a high-end leather AirPods Pro case. The reasoning for our choice here is Nomad Goods uses Horween leather for its case, which comes from Horween Leather Co.—a legacy American-made brand that processes all its leather by hand. Horween leather is luxe and strong and ages gracefully, giving the case a nice patina look over time.

The high quality leather choice on this case is up to par with the type of leather on a nice bag or wallet. What's great is the price point really isn't that crazy for what you get, but there are not any special features like carabiners or wrist straps that are included with purchase (the wrist strap is actually sold separately). This case is also offered in a Natural leather and Rustic Brown leather, so you can buy multiple and swap them out depending on your mood on any given week.

What do buyers say? "Excellent fitting case for my AirPods Pro. The leather is incredible and already picking up some unique patina. Looking forward to this further down the road," said one reviewer from Nomad Goods' website.

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AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Case Cover (2022)

Most cases—even some of the best cases—for the latest AirPods Pro are reasonably priced. But, if you’re looking for the most affordable protection for your buds, BRG’s simply named AirPods Pro Case offers the best bang for your buck. At just $9, it’s the cheapest case we’ve seen this year that still offers solid protection and pretty good looks too. While it’s not the most rugged design, the soft silicone is durable enough to protect against ordinary bumps, drops, and scratches. The soft-sided construction is also easy to clean.

The design is compatible with all of the latest AirPods Pro’s essential features, including cutouts for the charging cable and built-in speaker. We like that it also includes a carabiner for added security and, unlike most other AirPods Pro cases, it’s available in more than a dozen colors. With more than 500 mostly positive ratings, it’s also currently the #1 New Release in Amazon’s Headphone Cases category. It’s not the flashiest or the most luxurious case. But, if you’re looking for solid protection at the best possible price, this is your man.

What do buyers say? “This silicone case is the perfect choice for optimal protection against falls. I loved how easy it was to install on my daughter's AirPods. Perfect fit!” said one Amazon reviewer.

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AirPods Pro 2 Case Ultra Hybrid

If you’re a fan of Apple’s iconic ultra-minimalist aesthetic, chances are you don’t want to cover up your OEM AirPods Pro case. A transparent case is the best option for showing off that sleek white case. Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid Case for AirPods Pro (2nd gen) features a crystal clear design with anti-yellowing tech to ensure it stays looking crisp for years to come. Combined with a light bumper defense, it’ll protect against scratches and scrapes, plus ordinary bumps and drops. This one, too, features precise cutouts so it’s compatible with the standard charger cable. It also won’t interfere with the LED indicator light or wireless and MagSafe chargers, including the Apple Watch charger.

At less than $30, this case is a great value. It’s very well-reviewed with only minor complaints. Namely, that the design of the case means the pairing button is inaccessible with your AirPods case inside. You’ll need to take it and your earbuds out before pairing them. It’s a minor, though still annoying, quibble. Also, this case is designed for light protection. If you’re hard on your gear (including smartphones and their accessories), consider getting a beefier, ruggedized case like the Spigen Rugged Armor Case recommended above.

What do buyers say? “Spigen makes a great line of products and this Ultra Hybrid Cover for AirPods Pro deserves your consideration,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Rugged Armor Case for AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Like most Spigen accessories, the Rugged Armor AirPods Pro Case features a durable, high-quality build at a very affordable price. At less than $20, it’s among the most affordable cases we’ve found this year. The hybrid-polymer exterior offers two layers of air-cushion protection against bumps, drops, scratches, and scrapes. Plus, the matte black finish resists fingerprints and smudges to maintain a nice, polished look. There are cutouts for the lanyard, charging port, and built-in speaker, so it won’t interfere with many of the AirPods Pro’s best features. The pairing button is still readily accessible with this case too.

There’s almost nothing to dislike about this case, especially given the combination of durable construction and incredibly affordable price. One of the few complaints we noticed from some reviewers is that it adds significant bulk to the genuine Apple case included with the AirPods Pro. But, that’s to be expected with such a rugged design. Did we mention it’s less than $20?

What do buyers say? “... looks even better in person than the photos. The matte black with carbon fiber accents make this look like a rugged but premium case,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Waterproof Case for AirPods Pro

If you’re hard on your electronics—if you’re on a first-name basis with your cell carrier's Insurance Claims department—you probably want a serious case to protect your AirPods. Catalyst’s aptly named Waterproof Case for AirPods Pro is just that—a ruggedized case that’s designed to be waterproof down to one meter (about 3.3 feet). That’s more than enough to protect against rain showers, accidental drops in the shallow end of a pool, or splashes at the beach. The unique one-piece design features sealing “ribs” that also keep out dust, debris, and other airborne contaminants, so your pricey earbuds stay clean as a whistle.

Despite this case’s ultra-rugged construction, it doesn’t interfere with the best features of the second-generation AirPods Pro. That means you can still use the Ultra Wideband transmission of the Apple’s Find Nearby feature to locate your buds if they go missing. This case is also wireless charging compatible using wireless/QI-compatible charging pads and docks. We also like the included carabiner making it easy to lash this case to a backpack or messenger bag. The only downside? That would be the peculiar opening at the top of the case, which leaves space for water to get inside—which makes it a stretch to call "fully waterproof."

What do buyers say? Out of more than 1,900 Amazon reviews, 91% recommend the Catalyst Waterproof Case for AirPods Pro with at least a 4-star rating.

The Mandalorian Grogu Collectible AirPods Pro 2 Case

Leave it to Casetify to carry the best range of designs for AirPods Pro. Aside from unique designs like this Grogu Collectible Case any Star Wars fan will love, the maker also offers tons of different customizations on your traditional wrapped case design (similar to all the others on this list).

Now the traditional Casetify AirPods Pro case designs are offered in four different types—Ultra Impact, Impact, Leather, and Mirror. Then, after choosing your case, you can select from any of the graphics or opt for adding only text. Choosing text will allow you to select an array of different fonts and colors, so personalizing your case goes beyond just punching in your name or initials. The downside is most of the cases are expensive (think $40 and up) so if you buy one you'll want to use it longer than you would some of the cheaper options on this list.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 70,000 site reviews, over 40,000 recommend the Casetify with a 5-star rating.

Forged Carbon Fiber Case for AirPods Pro (2nd Generation 2022)

There are few materials cooler than carbon fiber. It not only looks great, but it’s also one of the strongest (for its weight) synthetics on earth. Technically, it’s five times stronger than steel at just one-quarter of the weight, making it a great option for building an AirPods Pro case. Monocarbon’s Forged Carbon Fiber Case features a—wait for it…—forged carbon fiber construction that protects against everything from bumps and drops to scratches and scrapes. Despite the rugged design, it weighs just 6 grams. To put that in perspective, the average potato chip weighs 1.2 grams.

At around $60, it’s pricier than most AirPods Pro cases we’ve seen this year. But, given the genuine carbon fiber construction, that’s actually a bargain. The only minor downside is that the design of the case means the pairing button is inaccessible. So, you’ll need to remove the genuine AirPods case from this case before pairing your earbuds.

What do buyers say? “... works like a charm, I’ve dropped these a couple times and I can’t spot a single scratch. Carbon is very nice and stylish,” said one Amazon reviewer.

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Sandstone AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Case

If you appreciate the sleek, modern design of Apple’s OG AirPods Pro case, but prefer a darker finish, this AirPods Pro Case from VRS Design is just the trick. It features a textured sandstone-feel grip on the outside that not only looks great but also helps protect against accidental drops, especially when used with the included lanyard. Combined with a rugged PC and flexible TPU construction, it also fends off daily scrapes and scratches too. The design is precision-made to show off the front LED indicator light, and allow for easy charging too.

At less than $20, this is a great value case. The most common negative listed from verified reviewers is the inconsistent wireless charging compatibility. It seems to work with some chargers, but not all. Like some other cases on this list, this model also forces you to remove the OEM AirPods Pro case to use the pairing functionality. If the sandstone finish isn’t your thing, this case is also available in White and Marine Green for $2 less.

What do buyers say? “[L]ove the design and the build quality of it,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Tips for Buying an AirPods Pro Case

Whatever your personal style, how adventurous you are, or what your budget is, there’s a “best” AirPods Pro Case for you. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for the right one:

• Fit: If you’re reading this post, we’ll assume that you have the latest Apple AirPods Pro—that would be the 2nd generation released this year. Above all else, make sure that the cases you’re shopping for are designed for this year’s AirPods Pro model. Compatible cases are usually labeled as “designed for AirPods Pro (2nd gen)” or something similar. All previous AirPods, including the AirPods Pro (1st gen), feature different dimensions and a different design that won’t fit second-generation cases.

• Durability: Durability is arguably the second most important consideration. If you prefer a sleeker, thinner case and you’re not overly hard on your personal electronics, almost any case will do. There are silicone options and those made of durable plastic that are slim enough to be pocket-friendly while still protecting your AirPods. If you tend to be hard on your smartphones and their accessories, however, consider a beefier case, perhaps even one marketed as “rugged.” These are made with thicker, reinforced bumpers to protect against drops, hard shocks, and even water, dust, and dirt.

• Price: Most cases for the latest AirPods Pro are reasonably priced. As you can see from our roundup, decent budget models are available for less than $20. If you’re looking for a solid, reasonably durable case—even a ruggedized case—you shouldn’t have to spend more than $50. Only the most premium cases, typically handmade models or those crafted from leather or wood, cost more.

What is the Safest AirPods Pro Case?

At the very basic level, a safe AirPods Pro case is one that's going to give you a level of water-resistance, drop protection, scuffs and scratch protection. In terms of what we'd name the safest case, we'll start by recommending the Pelican Marine, as it features shock absorption, an IP68 certification, and a lock-down latch.

A case as tough as the Pelican Marine might be great for overall protection, but due to its rugged nature it's not going to be the easiest to just throw in your jeans front pocket. So hopefully you can start to see how the safest case might not always be the most practical. If we had to recommend a slimmer AirPods Pro case that's still quite rugged, then the Spigen Rubber Armor is a solid choice. It has a high level of drop protection and water-resistance, but it doesn't have a lock-down latch to prevent your AirPods from dumping out of the case if they hit the ground hard.

What AirPods Pro Do I Have?

Right now, there are only two generations of the AirPods Pro: the 1st Generation and the 2nd Generation. Both are the same size, and so most cases have a near-universal fit; however, the main difference between the 2nd-gen and 1st-gen is the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro has a speaker on the bottom and a lanyard loop on the side. So if you have a pair of AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, we recommend buying only 2nd-gen compatible cases as they will have holes over the speaker and the lanyard loop so you can enjoy those features.

If you are looking at buying a case and the listing is not clear on if it will fit AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, you can always check the model number on the product listing. To find your AirPods Pro model number, go to your Settings and open Bluetooth. Look at the pair of AirPods you have paired to your iPhone and click the "i" icon next to your AirPods name. You'll then be shown the model number of your AirPods.

At the time of publishing this story, Apple Airpods Pro with a model number of either A2931, A2699, or A2698 belong to the AirPods 2nd Generation (2022), and models numbers of A2084 and A2083 belong to AirPods 1st Generation (2019).

How We Selected

As with all aftermarket Apple accessories, there are hundreds, maybe thousands, of third-party cases available to protect the latest (2nd gen) AirPods Pro earbuds. Like mentioned earlier, we tested over 20 different AirPods Pro cases to find the very best ones worth recommending. We evaluated our cases on how well they protect AirPods first, followed by the case style. We dove into dozens of top-selling cases from brands like Spigen, Bellroy, Pelican, and more to compare them all and find the best cases for all types of uses. The list above represents our honest picks for the best of the best AirPods Pro cases worth shopping in 2023.

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