Staff, Courtesy of Satechi

Now that you’ve invested in a new pair of AirPods, you get to choose a lineup of accessories to keep your pods safe, always-charged, and in your ears rather than on the ground. From cases and charging docks to neck straps and foam tips, there’s a slew of options on the market, though not all deliver the quality and performance you’ll want for a purchase that cost you a couple hundred bucks.

Read on for the best AirPods accessories worth considering, plus shopping advice and tips to keep your pods in tip-top shape.

What to Consider

You could easily spend a week’s salary on accessories for your AirPods. To cover the basics, you’ll definitely need a case, there’s everything from basic silicone to leather charging cases to choose from. For comfort, a tighter fit, and better noise-cancelling and audio quality, you’ll likely want a pair of memory-foam tips and ear hook covers to prevent your AirPods from falling out. Take it one step further and buy a neck strap, which is particularly useful to wear during workouts.

A charging dock is another essential, and choices range from portable chargers that plug directly into your laptop’s USB-C port to charging pads for your nightstand that juice-up multiple devices. Unfortunately, there’s no device out there that’ll automatically clean your AirPods for you, so here’s some guidance on keeping them gunk-free.

How We Chose

All of the AirPods accessories we cover have an average customer rating of at least four stars, and many of our picks are rated 4.5 stars or higher. Our selection features a range of essential high-quality, popular accessories from top brands, including cases across multiple price points and must-haves for $10 or less that make your AirPods fit better and more comfortable to wear, plus prevent them from popping out of your ears.

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1

Best Budget Case

Silicone AirPods Case

Amazon Basics
amazon.com

$9.59

If you’re looking for a super cheap AirPods case that’s lightweight and about as big as a matchbook, it’s tough to beat this one, priced at $10 at the time his writing.

It’s made of silicone to protect your pods if you drop it, though the metal carabiner keychain clip helps prevent that from happening. It’s available in seven colors and fits first- and second-gen AirPods, but not AirPods Pro or Max.

More than 2,000 customers gave it an average 4.7 stars and say it fits AirPods “like a glove” and is “very durable.”

2

Best Neck Strap

Strap for Apple AirPods

innoGadgets
amazon.com

$7.99

Everyone has experienced the panic-inducing moment of having AirPods pop out in a crowd. 

This neck strap attaches to your pods so you can walk around without worrying you’ll lose them. The 22-inch-long strap is made of silicone, which helps it stay around your neck, and is perfect for wearing during workouts. For a mere $8 at the time of this writing, buying one is a no-brainer. 

Customers call it “cheap insurance” and “a lifesaver.”

3

Best Earbud Hook Covers

AirPods Pro Ear Hook Covers (3 Pair)

Proof Labs
amazon.com

$12.95

Here’s another handy accessory to keep your AirPods Pro in place, plus they give you a better fit to improve sound quality and make them more comfortable to wear. The flexible silicone ear hook covers come three to a pack, with a keyring storage pouch thrown in. They’re available in black, jet black, and white. Customers say they’re “phenomenal” and “a major game changer.”

4

Best Charging Case

Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods

Apple’s original AirPods case is the one to have for charging on the go, made for first- and second-gen AirPods. The unmistakable sleek white case can be changed with a Lightning cable or a Qi-compatible charger, like the portable option directly below the charging dock from Belkin that we further down. 

The case gets a strong nod of approval from more than 17,000 customers, with an average 4.7 stars. Reviewers say it “charges fast and connects easily” and “works seamlessly.”

5

Best Portable Charger

USB-C Wireless Charging Dock For AirPods

Satechi
amazon.com

$29.99

This small and sleek and portable charger takes care of juicing up AirPods while they’re in their case.

Plug it directly into your laptop’s USB-C port and put the case on the dock, which is grooved around the outer rim to keep it from sliding off. The LED indicator light will let you know while charging is in process. It’s compatible with cases up to 3mm thick, and with first- and second-gen AirPods as well as AirPods Pro.

One 5-star reviewer says: “No wires, it simply plugs directly into the USB-C port making it a terrific travel companion!”

6

Best Wireless Transmitter

AirFly USB-C Wireless Audio Transmitter

Twelve South
amazon.com

$56.71

This fantastic device gives you 20-plus hours of battery life to wirelessly stream content to two pairs of AirPods without interruption, as you can use it while it’s charging. 

It features a 33-foot range, supports Bluetooth 5.0, and comes with a charging cable and storage pouch. Keep in mind that your AirPods need to be in their Apple charging case for pairing mode. 

Use it for everything from in-flight entertainment to keeping two kids happy sharing one iPad. “Perfect way to make use of my new Air Pod Pro on long flights!” says one pleased buyer.

7

Best Leather Case

Native Union Leather Case for AirPods

Native Union
amazon.com

$9.99

A stylish yet inexpensive leather AirPods case isn’t easy to come by. If you’re coveting one, this case from Native Union will not disappoint. 

It’s made with genuine Italian leather and houses first- and second-gen AirPods inside their charging case. The attractive tan option shown is available for an unbelievable $10 at the time of this writing. The case comes in four other colors, though prices vary. 

“Was really surprised by the quality for the price,” says one recent buyer who gave it five stars.

8

Best Earbud Tips

Apple AirPods Pro 2.0 Earbud Tips (3 Pairs)

These memory foam AirPods Pro earbud tips expand while in your ear to give you a tight but cushioned fit for better long term comfort. 

They also increase noise cancelation and help deliver better sound. The earbud tips come in three sizes in addition to an option with assorted sizes, and there are three pairs to a pack. 

“Perfect for anyone who wants a better fit, perfect seal, better noise cancellation, and prolonged comfort for your AirPods Pro,” says a satisfied customer.

9

Best Lightning Cable

Powerline III Flow USB C to Lightning Cable

Anker is known for their expansive line of top-quality charging accessories, and this one gets rave reviews, with an average 4.8 stars from more than 800 customers. 

The Lightning cable’s extra-soft silicone is considerably flexible for fewer kinks and tangles, and the brand stands behind its durability, with a 25,000-bend lifespan. It comes in seven colors and 3- and 6-foot options. 

“This cable is as loose as a noodle,” says a five-star reviewer.“Very flexible. Excellent quality. Highly recommended!”

10

Best Waterproof Case

Skin for Apple Airpods Case by Catalyst

Catalyst Store
amazon.com

$24.99

A waterproof case for any device gives you peace of mind, and this colorful skin from Catalyst will protect your AirPods up to 3 feet deep. 

Made of durable silicone, it’ll also keep them safe from 4-foot drops, and the brand says the case exceeds military standards for impact. It’s design also gives you easy access to the Lightning port without sacrificing coverage, and there’s a metal carabiner to hook it to your handbag or backpack. The case comes in gray and six bright colors, plus there’s a 1-year warrant. 

Customers say it’s an “awesome product” and that it’s “very durable and looks great.”

11

Best Charging Dock

Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger

Belkin
amazon.com

$119.99

Belkin is another top name in wireless charging accessories, and this streamline charging pad takes care of simultaneously powering up your AirPods, iPhone, and Apple Watch. 

It’s compatible with AirPods 2 and Pro, the iPhone SE and more than nine previous models, along with the Series 5 Apple Watch and earlier generations. The charging pad comes with an AC adapter and 4-foot USB-A to micro-USB cable. 

“It’s my electronic butler. LOVE!” says an enthusiastic customer. “It has a small footprint and I love the fact I don’t have cords everywhere.”

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https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/g37886282/best-airpods-accessories/

By Amalia