The Best AirPods and AirPods Pro Accessories for 2021
It might seem strange to buy accessories for something that is already an accessory, but when you consider that the AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro are going to set you back at least $200 for true wireless earbud freedom, any accessories — from cases and covers to chargers and more — that can extend their life and help you get the most bang for your buck should be more than welcome. But there’s a wide world of AirPods accessories out there, so we’ve waded through them for you to bring you this list of some of the best you can buy right now.
Best Apple AirPods Pro accessories
Comply Foam Earbud Tips for AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro come with three silicone ear tips to experiment with, but they don’t work for everyone — and even if they do fit, they may not be comfortable, or they may slip out when you get sweaty. These foam earbud tips from Comply are designed to address all these issues. They are an assorted collection of foam tips made with expanding memory foam that’s designed to stay in your ear no matter what. They are also small enough that you can keep them on the AirPods Pro when they are in the charging case!
Spigen Rugged Armor AirPods Pro Case
The Wireless Charging Case that comes bundled with the AirPods Pro isn’t the most durable thing in the world, chipping or even cracking after a drop or two. What can we butter-fingered individuals do to stop our shiny new AirPods Wireless Charging Case from looking like it’s been through the wringer? Enter the Spigen Rugged Armor AirPods Pro Case.
Constructed from silicone, with a slim and lightweight profile for pocket-friendliness, Spigen’s Rugged Armor AirPods Pro Case is pretty much an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Suit for the Wireless Charging Case, creating a shock-absorbent, scratch-resistant barrier between the dangerous outside world and the fragile Wireless Charging Case within. It even has a slot to attach a carabiner — and it shouldn’t interfere with your wireless charging pad, either!
Elago Slim Protective AirPods Pro Case
If you’re in the market for something a bit cheaper, and maybe not as austere, look no further than Elago’s Slim Protective AirPods Pro Case. It isn’t quite as durable as the Spigen, but you can bet your bottom dollar this will stop your Wireless Charging Case from wearing, chipping, and fading over time — just what the average Joe (or Jill) needs.
The minimalist, one-texture design is a lot more appropriate for the average consumer who’s just looking to protect their Wireless Charging Case from the odd knock, bump, and drop. It’s also available in multiple colors from black to lavender, making it the more attractive option for both women and children alike, versus Spigen’s military-style aesthetic.
dBrand AirPods Pro Wireless Charging Case Skin
Nowadays, you can find a skin for nearly everything, including the AirPods Pro Wireless Charging Case. That’s right — market leader dBrand has a range of stick-on vinyl for the companion that’ll let you change your buds from the basic white finish to something a little more outlandish, like bamboo, carbon fiber, camouflage, and leather, as well as everything in between.
Just keep in mind that while a skin will make your Wireless Charging Case look a little more exciting, it won’t protect it from a drop or bump. Sure, you’ll have some protection against the scrapes it could incur from being in a pocket with a set of keys or loose change, but that’s about it. So if you’re thinking this will protect it from a drop off Mount Everest, you’re in for a nasty, expensive surprise.
Twelve South AirFly Pro
Your AirPods can work easily with anything Apple and their Bluetooth capabilities allow them to connect to a much wider array of devices — but sometimes that’s not enough. The AirFly Pro is a small transmitter designed to fit into any 3.5mm jack, where it picks up the audio and generates a Bluetooth sign that your AirPods Pro (and any other Bluetooth earbuds) can pick up. It also works with the AirPods Max!
The Pro supports up to two different headphone connections, has a 16-hour battery, and comes with a unique aux-in mode that allows you to connect your phone to a compatible car stereo system. Otherwise, you can use the adapter on the plane, at the gym, and anywhere else you can still find devices that don’t support Bluetooth. Note that the adapter comes with a USB-C to USB-A charging cable.
Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
While you can always plug your AirPods Pro into a wall charger, it’s much more convenient to simply drop them onto a compatible wireless charger. This Qi-standard Belkin station is one of our favorites because it can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro all at the same time, a perfect fit for those invested in the Apple ecosystem, or those who frequently use the Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time.
iPhones charge at 7.5 watts, and the Watch and AirPods charge at 5W. It’s also designed to charge through thin cases so you don’t have to worry about taking your iPhone out of its case. It’s easily one of the best solutions for big Apple fans who want a central location to set down their devices and charge them up fast.
Best Apple AirPods accessories
Twelve South AirSnap leather case
If you’re looking for a stylish case that will keep your AirPods safe while looking great, Twelve South has the solution: This full-grain leather case is available in a variety of shades to match with your current accessories. It has a clip, so you can easily attach it to a bag or case, and a snap-on enclosure to keep your AirPods from slipping out. There are also spaces made for charging the AirPods while in the case and seeing the indicator light so you don’t miss anything.
Catalyst Waterproof AirPods Case
Many Apple enthusiasts were hoping for more fitness features and waterproofing when the second iteration of AirPods was released, but those sadly were not added to the device. Just because Apple doesn’t provide waterproofing capabilities doesn’t mean you can’t augment your AirPods. There are a few cases that protect your earbuds from moisture, but the Catalyst Waterproof AirPods Case is our favorite. While the case won’t do you any good if you drop the actual headphones in water, the flexible, silicone case will protect your AirPods from getting wet and damaged from falls, so you can rely on them working when you actually need them.
EarBuddyz 2.0 AirPod Covers
While most people find the AirPods fit snugly enough in their ears that they can exercise and move around town without fear of them falling out, that’s not the case for everyone. Enter the EarBuddyz 2.0 AirPod Covers, which will help ensure your earbuds never fall out of your ears again. The small silicone covers provide a bit of cushion and hook more securely into your ear than the naked earbuds.
Twelve South AirFly Duo
One of the biggest draws of the AirPods is that they aren’t wired like so many earbuds in the past have been. But just because Apple’s technology has advanced far enough to not need cords on your headphone doesn’t mean every piece of technology in your life has as well. The Twelve South AirFly Duo is our favorite option for creating a wired connection with your AirPods, whether you want to use them for in-flight entertainment or with a device that doesn’t have Bluetooth for whatever reason. This transmitter also will let you use your AirPods with your Nintendo Switch.
Spigen Teka RA100 AirPods Strap
If you don’t want to worry about losing your wireless earbuds, going back to basics can be a great solution. Spigen AirPods Strap is the least expensive item on our list, costing only $11. You will get high efficiency at the lowest possible cost without detracting from quality and durability. This smart accessory keeps your earbuds together wherever you put the strap: around your neck, in your pocket, or in the void that is your backpack. The cord is also much thinner than most of the competition and will blend in nicely with your AirPods.
Satechi USB-C AirPods Charging Dock
Recent models of AirPod charging cases are now compatible with wireless chargers. Wireless charging is beneficial for AirPods because setting them down on a pad is a simple step, and you can put the charger in an easy-access area. That way, your AirPods always have enough juice. That brings us to this innovative Satechi dock: a mini wireless charger explicitly designed for AirPods. You can connect it to your computer with a USB-C connection for a rapid charge, and its tiny size makes it perfect for toting around in your laptop bag. There’s also a handy indicator light that tells you when the case is fully charged and ready to go — plus the grooves around the mini-charger ensure your AirPods don’t slip off.
Apple Wireless Charging Case
The 2nd-generation Apple AirPods thankfully come with their own wireless charging case, which means you can simply put the case down on a wireless charger pad and have it charge up while you’re attending to other matters. However, if you’re still using the 1st-gen model, it will not have a case with this wireless charging capability. Fortunately, it’s easy to upgrade to a wireless charging case whenever you want — and you don’t have to give up any functionality to do it! Just make sure you have an AirPods charging stand or similar device to take advantage of it.
