8 Best Apple AirPods Cases (2023): Retro, Quirky, and Spam
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Photograph: Apple
Which AirPods Do You Have?
How do you know which case to buy? Apple has several generations of its AirPods, whether you have the standard AirPods or the AirPods Pro, so be sure the case you select works with your model. (Some cases are interchangeable, particularly the first- and second-generation AirPods and the first- and second-generation AirPods Pro.) To find what you have, head to Settings > Bluetooth on the Apple device you've paired it with. Tap on the “i” icon next to your AirPods name and you'll see a model number. If your AirPods aren't connected to an Apple device, you can find the model number on the device itself. It's on the underside of each earbud—you might need to use the magnify feature on your smartphone to view it.
Once you have a model number, you can cross-reference it with this guide to figure out the generation, or check the list below:
- AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, 2022): A2931, A2699, A2698
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen, 2019): A2084, A2083
- AirPods (3rd Gen, 2021): A2565, A2564
- AirPods (2nd Gen, 2019): A2032, A2031
- AirPods (1st Gen, 2017): A1523, A1722
You probably know if you bought a different case for your AirPods, but it's worth checking the case's model number too, as Apple has released stand-alone models with wireless charging and MagSafe support. You can find those details here.
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Photograph: Casetify
The Cartoon Case
Casetify Classic Bean Face AirPods CaseI've been in love with Ketnipz since I first saw the adorable cartoon on Instagram a few years ago. The cute introverted bean continues to remain a source of comfort when I'm looking for uplifting, funny, and relatable memes. I was ecstatic to try the Ketnipz AirPods case designed with Casetify. Complete with the “classic bean face,” it feels like I'm carrying my own little Ketnipz everywhere I go.
The AirPods fit precisely into the case, with a space carved out for the status light above the illustration. It's made of 65 percent recycled material and feels quite durable. I didn't have any issues with wireless charging, meaning you can plop them on a charging pad without having to remove the case.
Compatible with AirPods Pro (1st gen) and AirPods (2nd and 3rd gen)
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Photograph: MUJJO
The High-End Case
Mujjo Echelon AirPods Pro 2 CaseThe Mujjo case is one of my favorite Apple accessories, period. It’s made from Ecco leather, which uses a vegetable-tanning process to reduce environmental impact, and the blue leather is soft and thick. Wireless charging works with my charging pad, and I can clearly see the charging light and hear the Find My speaker through the cutouts. The molded leather nub for the pairing button at the back also works. It’s gorgeous, discreet, and feels smooth and cool in the palm of my hand—just like the AirPods Pro themselves.
Compatible with AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd gen)
★ An alternative: Nomad also makes great leather cases for all AirPods generations. You can go with the same Ecco leather that Mujjo uses or pay up for Horween leather, which feels a bit more luxe. They fit well, have a cutout for the LED on the front, and work well with wireless chargers.
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Photograph: CASETIFY
The Retro Case
Casetify Retro Colorful Stickers – Sorority Camping AestheticI put stickers on everything. My Kindle, MacBook, and water bottle are covered with 'em, which is why I immediately gravitated toward this case. These “stickers” are technically printed onto the case, but they still mimic that aesthetic. I also love that the case is squishy and sparkly, which feels reminiscent of the jelly sandals I used to wear as a kid. Retro vibes all around.
Wireless charging worked perfectly fine, and there's a spot carved out for the LED indicator. It's made of 65 percent recycled and plant-based materials, a part of which is made from upcycled phone cases. Casetify says there's an antimicrobial coating that eliminates bacteria, but take these claims with a grain of salt. It doesn't claim to protect you from viruses, and there's not much evidence that an antimicrobial case will reduce the risk of disease.
Compatible with AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd gen) and AirPods (3rd gen)