Do You Need a Protective Case for Your AirPods?

Although AirPods come with a plastic charging case, you’d be wise to consider a protective third-party case as well.

Apple’s AirPods are a great example of minimalist design. There’s something to be said about having an elegant, sleek, and classic product that doesn’t take up much space. However, the downside of this AirPods minimalism is that they’re also quite fragile.

Dropping them, getting them wet, or even just sitting on them wrong can cause AirPods to malfunction or break. With this in mind, does that mean you need a case for your AirPods?

Should You Get a Case for Your AirPods?

Depending on how active of an individual you are and how careful you are with your belongings, you may need a case for your AirPods. If you’re constantly on the go and tend to be rough with your things, then it’s probably a good idea to invest in a case to help protect your AirPods.

Related: Common Apple AirPods Problems and How to Fix Them

On the other hand, if you’re generally careful with your belongings and don’t do a lot of physical activity, then you may not need a case for your AirPods. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you want to buy a case for them.

If you’re considering getting a case for your AirPods, here are some things to consider.

How Durable Are AirPods?

Unfortunately, Apple’s AirPods and AirPods 2 do not have any IP rating. this means any sort of water or dust may potentially make your AirPods or AirPods 2 unusable.

However, AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro both have IPX4 resistance ratings under IEC standard 60529. With this, AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro are only water-resistant, not waterproof. It’s also important to understand that resistance ratings are also not permanent. With time, normal use wears down its ability to protect itself from dust and water. So, if you’re using an older pair, it may need a little more care.

Related: AirPods Microphone Not Working? Here’s What to Do

So, while the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro will be fine with a little sweat, it’s not a good idea to have them near running water or to submerge them in any way, even inside the case. As of writing, Apple has yet to release a fully waterproof AirPods model.

If you want to ensure your AirPods are as waterproof as possible, look for a third-party waterproof AirPods case.

How Does Your Lifestyle Affect Your Need for a Case?

With thousands of AirPods owners in the world, it’s not surprising the lifestyle each pair lives can vary greatly. For this reason, how your daily life plays out significantly affects whether you might need a case for your AirPods.

For example, people who spend most of their days in front of a screen at home or the in the office aren’t likely to drop their AirPods case or accidentally submerge it in water. However, people who go outdoors a lot or use their AirPods on their daily commute to work may want extra protection.

In addition, not all people need AirPods cases for practical reasons. In some cases, AirPods cases can help differentiate ownership if there are multiple AirPods owners in your household. Alternatively, it may also serve as a fashion statement or a fun way to attach your AirPods to your bag.

Related: The Best Ways to Clean Your Apple AirPods Safely

Should You Get an AirPods Case?

If you’re wondering if you need a case for your AirPods, the answer is: It depends. At the end of the day, the need largely depends on how and where you use your AirPods, as well as which model you have.

However, it’s likely that there is nothing to lose and plenty to gain by investing in a case anyway. Whether it’s for drop protection, waterproofing, or style, there are many types of AirPods cases available in the market, such as silicone, hard-case, leather, or even carbon fiber.

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