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Protect Your AirPods: 5 Cases Under $20

Whether you want to enclose your AirPods in a waterproof case, a hard shell or a silicone car, there's a case here for you.

Dave Johnson
3 min read

We know, your AirPods already came with a case that protects the earbuds during storage and charging. But AirPods cases are somewhat fragile themselves, which is why the your AirPods case needs protection, itself. Dropping your encased AirPods at the right angle can cause a crack in the case or an unwanted disassembly. Not to mention the unseemly scratches that accumulate when you drop your earbuds enough times.

Ultimately, it's worth investing in a protective case for your AirPods to keep them in the best working condition. And you don't have to spend a fortune for an AirPods Pro case that is both sleek and has a reputation for durability. Many still allow for wireless charging. If you're looking for an extra layer of defense that will protect your earbuds without breaking the bank, we've got you covered. I've curated this collection of budget-friendly cases that you can scoop up for less than $20, and most for under $15. Note that Apple has released a new AirPods Pro 2 model, the case of which is different to the first-gen model.

Read more: Best AirPods Accessories for 2022

Neotrixqi

The AirPods case is fairly rugged to begin with, so I don't feel like you need to enclose it in a mil-spec-rated ruggedized case for safety -- a thin layer of silicone should do. There are a lot of silicone cases like this one under $10 or so that include a dust cover for the charging port, let the LED shine through and have a loop for a metal carabiner, but this one is also resistant to water, which could come in handy at the beach or while standing over the sink.

MOBOSI

In a sense, the Mobosi Military AirPods Case Cover is pretty typical -- it's a rubberized case that you slip over your AirPods wired or wireless charging case, and it comes with a secure mount for a detachable carabiner. But the gorgeous diagonal ribbing gives this case a military sort of vibe, and helps grippability at the same time. 

Right now, this case is available for 5% off when you click the coupon on the product page, bringing it down to just over $16.

Doboli

Your AirPods Pro slide into this silicone case that's available in over a dozen colors. The LED charging light is visible, the case doesn't interfere with wireless charging and the whole thing is water-resistant. It also comes with a carabiner for securing it on the go.

Elago

Most cases are very functional -- just impact-resistant sleeves for your AirPods case. But we need some whimsy in our lives, which is why I love this surprisingly detailed silicone mini car. The headlights and taillights glow in the dark, and the solid silicone material means it's as shock-absorbent as Flubber. Despite its shape, it doesn't interfere with wireless charging, either.

ZtotopCase

Most cases are soft, rubberized silicone, but the Ztotop Case for AirPods Pro is a combination of silicone and thermoplastic polyurethane, which results in an impact-resistant hard shell. The top of the cover uses adhesive to keep it attached to the hinged lid of the case, and it comes with a carabiner that attaches to a hard point on the case. It's open on the bottom to allow wired charging, and it doesn't interfere with wireless charging.

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