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Since Apple debuted the AirPods back in 2016, many new iterations of the brand’s earbuds have hit the market—including the AirPods Max, Apple’s first high-end, over-ear headphones, two years ago.
And while the AirPods Max are fantastic in many ways, their smart case is far from perfect. While testing them, I couldn’t help but notice that their strange-looking bundled accessory isn’t great for protecting them; it even exposes parts of the headphones.
As with all Apple products, accessory makers quickly stepped in to fill the void, and now a stellar selection of cases and covers for AirPods Max is available. That’s why we’re constantly researching and sifting through product listings to discover the best options to keep the pricey cans free from damage. Read on for quick info of the top options, followed by buying advice and in-depth reviews.
The Best AirPods Max Cases and Covers
- Best Overall: UAG Ration AirPods Max Case
- Best Budget Case: Spigen Klasden AirPods Max Carrying Travel Case
- Minimalist Design: Samyerlen Smart Case for AirPods Max
- Best Headband Cover: Awinner Headband Cover for AirPods Max
- Most Rugged: Raptic Smartform Case for AirPods Max
- Most Luxurious: Woolnut Leather Case for AirPods Max
- High-Tech Ear Cup Covers: Monocarbon Carbon Fiber AirPods Max Case
- Cheapest Ear Cup Covers: Filoto AirPods Max Case
- Best Ear Cup Covers: Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro Case
- Stylish Ear Cup Covers: Spigen Urban Fit Ear Cup Covers for Airpods Max
What to Consider
Storage Case or Ear Cup Covers?
You can protect the AirPods Max with either a different storage case or some ear cup covers.
A storage case will protect your headphones when you’re not using them and store essential accessories like charging or audio cables, to name a couple. Look for one with magnetic inserts that make it compatible with the headphones' low-power mode, which puts them into a sort of hibernation, preserving the battery when they’re in the case and not in use.
Ear cup covers, on the other hand, will protect the headphones’ beautiful aluminum housings from scratches and more severe damage if you drop them. Depending on your preferences (and budget), you can choose clear covers that will properly showcase the cans or select other materials with different finishes and textures, which can help make the headphones your own.
Additional Bits to Look For
If you want uncompromising protection for your AirPods Max at all times, consider ordering a storage case and a set (or a few) of ear cup covers. Believe it or not, you can also find covers that safeguard only the headphones’ metal band.
As is the case (no pun intended) with all third-party accessories, the more you spend on a protective case, the fancier and more reliable it will be. Raising your upgrade budget will open up fancier materials like carbon fiber and genuine leather.
From handcrafted cases to super affordable covers, keep your shiny new headphones intact with one of these best AirPods Max cases.
Best Overall
UAG Ration AirPods Max Case
Best Overall
UAG Ration AirPods Max Case
It’s hard not to love this stylish accessory. The UAG Ration is our favorite AirPods Max protective case because of its sleek design, convenient features, and uncompromising durability.
The Ration meets military drop-test standards. It has a weather-resistant, ballistic nylon exterior as well as a molded interior with a strap to ensure that the expensive cans stay in place.
Available with a black or olive finish, the Ration also has a carabiner loop and compartments for storing cables and other small accessories. It can accommodate the AirPods Max with or without their Smart Case.
More: The Best AirPods Accessories Worth Buying Right Now
Key Specs
| Form: | Storage case |
|---|---|
| Exterior: | Ballistic nylon |
| Other features: | Carrying handle, inner storage compartments |
Best Budget Case
Spigen Klasden AirPods Max Carrying Travel Case
The Spigen Klasden case is our favorite affordable option for protecting the AirPods Max. The accessory has an elegant, pleasantly understated design, a durable fabric exterior, and a soft interior with a compartment for cables.
We like that this case has a sturdy double zipper and a convenient leather handle. Those, combined with the fabric look, make it appear way more expensive than it actually is.
The Klasden can store the wireless headphones with or without their Smart Case.
Key Specs
| Form: | Storage case |
|---|---|
| Exterior: | Durable fabric |
| Other features: | Carrying handle, inner storage compartment |
Minimalist Design
Samyerlen Smart Case for AirPods Max
Minimalist Design
Samyerlen Smart Case for AirPods Max
Priced at just above $20, the Samyerlen smart case for the AirPods Max will protect the headphones (without the bundled smart cover). The accessory has a molded design, allowing you to showcase the Max’s instantly recognizable silhouette.
The slim profile and durable build are headlined by a shock-resistant exterior shell with a waterproof finish. It has a soft interior with a storage compartment for accessories, as well as a dependable zipper closure.
Key Specs
| Form: | Storage case |
|---|---|
| Exterior: | Waterproof EVA shell |
| Other features: | Interior storage compartment |
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Best Headband Cover
Awinner Headband Cover for AirPods Max
Best Headband Cover
Awinner Headband Cover for AirPods Max
If you’re worried about damaging the mesh canopy of the AirPods Max, consider investing in a headband cover. This super-affordable offering has a silicone exterior that will reliably protect the headphones’ headband and canopy without hampering the comfort.
The accessory is compatible with both the headphones’ bundled case as well as third-party ones. Installing it takes seconds and requires no additional tools.
You can order the cover in many colors that match the AirPods Max. It has an 18-month warranty, to boot.
Key Specs
| Form: | Headband cover |
|---|---|
| Exterior: | Silicone |
| Other features: | 18-month warranty |
Most Rugged
Raptic Smartform Case for AirPods Max
Most Rugged
Raptic Smartform Case for AirPods Max
Raptic’s Smartform case is a solid alternative to our top pick, with a slightly lower price tag and more utilitarian design. It has a ballistic polyester exterior and rubber lid with a metal closure.
The interior of the Smartform has a soft lining, a storage compartment for cables, and built-in magnets to keep the cans in low-power mode. However, note that there’s no space for a wall charger.
Other key features include a bundled carabiner and a discreet loop for attaching it to the case.
Key Specs
| Form: | Storage case |
|---|---|
| Exterior: | Ballistic nylon, rubber |
| Other features: | Metal closure, integrated carabiner |
Most Luxurious
Woolnut Leather Case for AirPods Max
Most Luxurious
Woolnut Leather Case for AirPods Max
This AirPods Max case by Woolnut is as posh as Apple’s wireless headphones and worth splurging on if you’re after a luxury vibe. It’s handcrafted from genuine Scandinavian leather with exceptional texture in black, cognac, and green colors. The interior has a soft microfiber lining and a premium metal zipper closure.
A leather insert has integrated magnets to put the AirPods Max in low-power mode, while two handy slots hold essential accessories like a charging cable and a wall adapter.
Key Specs
| Form: | Storage case |
|---|---|
| Exterior: | Genuine full-grain leather |
| Other features: | Interior storage compartments |
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High-Tech Ear Cup Covers
Monocarbon Carbon Fiber AirPods Max Case
High-Tech Ear Cup Covers
Monocarbon Carbon Fiber AirPods Max Case
These ear cup covers by Monocarbon are made of genuine carbon fiber with a glossy finish and excellent feel. This option is as high-tech as the wireless headphones themselves.
The ear cup covers are slim and lightweight yet impressively durable. This material doesn’t fade or wear down over time either, adding to the hardiness.
If you don’t like this look, there are versions with a matte finish and a forged pattern, respectively.
Key Specs
| Form: | Snap-on ear cup covers |
|---|---|
| Exterior: | Carbon fiber |
| Other features: | Compatible with Apple Smart Case |
Cheapest Ear Cup Covers
Filoto AirPods Max Case
Cheapest Ear Cup Covers
Filoto AirPods Max Case
If you’re looking to protect your AirPods Max on a budget, consider these ear cup silicone covers by Filoto. For around just $10, they reliably keep your headphones’ metal bits free from scratches and bumps.
The accessories are available in a wide range of colors, from one that matches the AirPods Max all the way to much flashier, crystal-adorned options. They’re also compatible with the AirPods Max Smart Case.
Key Specs
| Form: | Snap-on ear cup covers |
|---|---|
| Exterior: | Silicone |
| Other features: | Compatible with Apple Smart Case |
Best Ear Cup Covers
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro Case
A well-known maker of reasonably priced smartphone cases, Spigen now makes one for the AirPods Max as well. The clear Ultra Hybrid Pro cover is designed to both protect and showcase the wireless headphones’ aluminum-clad ear cups.
The snap-on hardshell covers offer seamless access to the controls and charging port. And because of their ultra thin design, they’re compatible with the Apple smart case.
Key Specs
| Form: | Snap-on ear cup covers |
|---|---|
| Exterior: | Clear polycarbonate and TPU |
| Other features: | Compatible with Apple Smart Case |
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Stylish Ear Cup Covers
Spigen Urban Fit Ear Cup Covers for Airpods Max
Spigen’s Urban Fit protective ear cup covers for the AirPods Max have an elegant and strong fabric finish that has a nice feel to it. The snap-on accessories leave the headphones’ button controls and Lightning connector accessible. And you can slap them on in a matter of seconds. The slim profile means they’re fully compatible with the Smart Case.
Key Specs
| Form: | Snap-on ear cup covers |
|---|---|
| Exterior: | Fabric and polycarbonate |
| Other features: | Compatible with Apple Smart Case |
Stefan Vazharov
Senior Technology Editor, Reviews
Stefan is the senior technology editor for Best Products, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He is an award-winning editor with more than a decade of experience reporting on and reviewing consumer tech products, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear like headphones, earbuds, speakers, and soundbars. Stefan was previously the U.S. editor for GSMArena.com. His writing can also be found in Popular Mechanics.
