Keeping your new Apple Watch looking pristine is easy when you invest in the best Apple Watch cases. It’s a sure-fire way to prevent the screen from being scratched or damaged, and it can add a little personal flair at the same time.
TL;DR – These are the best Apple Watch cases to buy in 2024
- Spigen Thin Fit Case (Best Overall)
- OtterBox All Day Case for Apple Watch (Best Series 9)
- amBand Bands M1 Sport Series Rugged (Best Ultra 2)
- Ezanmull Waterproof Case (Best Waterproof)
- Hontao Ultra Thin Case (Budget Option)
- Adepoy Rugged Case (Most Durable)
- LifeProof Eco Friendly Watch Case (Eco-Friendly)
- Casetify Metallic Impact Case (Most Stylish)
- MonoCarbon Carbon Fiber Case (Thin Option)
- Spigen Rugged Armor (Best for Adventurers)
If you’re still on the fence about becoming the new owner of an Apple Watch, there are exciting times ahead thanks to the upcoming WatchOS 11 later this year. With plenty of affordable Apple Watch cases and covers that won’t interfere with the functionality of your smartwatch, you can style it up with our picks. You can also check out our picks for the best Apple Watch bands and Apple Watch faces for more customization options.
1. Spigen Thin Fit Case
Best Apple Watch Case Overall
When you get an Apple Watch, you really want to show it off as your new digital timepiece; But you also want to protect it from everyday wear-and-tear. If there was only a way to do both. Enter the Spigen Thin Fit Case, a lightweight, yet durable case that’s completely transparent (it also comes in black and starlight), so you don’t hide the wearable itself.
It’s made from flexible and scratch-proof Polycarbonate, while it’s designed to protect with cutouts for the Apple Watch’s action button and Digital Crown. The Spigen Thin Fit Case, which goes for $18 at Amazon, is specifically made for the 41mm versions of the Series 9, Series 8 and Series 7. There's also a 45mm version.
2. OtterBox All Day Case for Apple Watch
Best Apple Watch Series 9 Case
For the uninitiated, OtterBox is a tried-and-true brand when it comes to mobile device cases and accessories, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the OtterBox All Day Case for Apple Watch is the best Apple Watch case. Starting at $25 and often onsale for less, the case is a smooth bumper that attaches to the Apple Watch itself, so it can protect its edges and bezels from scratches and dents.
Made from 90 percent recycled plastic, the case is also sleek with solid, two-tone color designs, such as black, blue and gray, pink and red, and more. It’s even antimicrobial, so it helps reduce common bacteria when wearing the Apple Watch. You can find the case in a 41mm size as well.
3. amBand Bands M1 Sport Series Rugged
Best Apple Watch Ultra 2 Case
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is rugged, durable, and ready to go on all your favorite adventures with you, but you might want an extra bit of protection to ensure it stays safe. The amBand Bands M1 Sport Series Rugged does precisely that. To start, it has a raised bezel and 9H screen protector to prevent scratches on the screen. The case wraps the watch in a layer of protection while still providing cutouts for all the essential buttons, and it even comes with a lightweight TPU band featuring a stainless steel buckle.
It’s hard to beat all that protection for your wrist, but best of all, it costs under $30. You can also find the band in various colors, including Black, Starlight, Army Green, and Crystal Black.
4. Ezanmull Waterproof Case
Best Waterproof Apple Watch Case
The Apple Watch (Series 2 and later) is water-resistant for up to 50 meters (about 164 feet) underwater, so you’d want a case that can stand up to the same pressure. Starting around $25 at Amazon, the Ezanmull Waterproof Case is a rugged full-bodied Apple Watch case (and watchband) that’s designed with a built-in screen protector to protect the wearable from the elements, including dust, shock, and water.
It’s IPX8 Certified Waterproof, which means it can be submerged under 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of water for 30 minutes at a time. The case is ideal for swimming laps in a pool, while it also protects against scratches and scuffs.
5. Hontao Ultra Thin Case
Best Budget Apple Watch Case
At just $8, the Hontao Ultra Thin Case is the best budget Apple Watch case – thanks to its lightweight and durable design, full edge-to-edge coverage to prevent scratches and knicks, and of course a low wallet-friendly price.
Made from flexible and soft Thermoplastic Polyurethane, this case is slim and not bulky, while it can easily slip on or slip off of most Apple Watch models from the Series 3 all the way up to the Apple Watch Ultra.
It even comes in several colors, including black, orange, red, Antique White, Barbie Pink, and more.
6. Adepoy Rugged Case
Best Durable Apple Watch Case
The Adepoy Rugged Case is a military-style Apple Watch case that’s designed to protect your device from just about any accident and mishap. Made from hard Thermoplastic Polyurethane and high-quality tempered glass, the case covers the front, sides, and action button of the Apple Watch, while the Digital Crown is exposed for use.
This is actually a two-pack, so you get two cases for the price of one, while it comes in a few color combinations, like black and blue, black and gray, black and white, black and Army Green, and others.
7. LifeProof Eco-Friendly Watch Case
Best Eco-Friendly Apple Watch Case
Made from 85% ocean-based recycled plastic, the LifeProof Eco-Friendly Watch Case is for the environmentally conscious. The case provides edge-to-edge protection against cosmetic wear-and-tear, with a snug fit around the Apple Watch and a sleek look on your wrist.
Meanwhile, LifeProof donates $1 for sustainability to one of their nonprofit partners — including Water.org, Coral Reef Alliance, American Rivers, or Oceania — with every purchase of their watch case (or any other of their products). So you can do something good and get a durable watch case at the same time. That’s what we call a win-win!
8. Casetify Metallic Impact Case
Most Stylish Apple Watch Case
Sick of ugly Apple Watch cases? The Casetify Metallic Impact Case is a sleek and slim Apple Watch case that’s stylish, yet tough. Its two-toned design gives the Apple Watch a bit of class. Made from soft Thermoplastic Polyurethane and brushed aluminum with a sandblast finish, the case is lightweight and thin with a raised bezel to better protect the Apple Watch itself.
It’s made for the Apple Watch Series 3 and later, while there’s even a case for the Apple Watch Ultra. The case comes in several color options, such as black, gold, orange, and more.
9. MonoCarbon Carbon Fiber Case
Best Thin Apple Watch Case
The MonoCarbon Carbon Fiber Case is lightweight and thin, and designed to make it feel as if your Apple Watch isn’t wearing a case at all. It’s made from textured carbon fiber and durable enough to keep its shape, while protecting your Apple Watch from all sorts of scratches, dings, and dents. The case is also elegant and sexy, so it adds a bit of sophistication and class to your smartwatch.
10. Spigen Rugged Armor
Best Apple Wacth Case for Adventurers
If you’re an Apple Watch Ultra user, then the Spigen Rugged Armor is the best case for you — thanks to its durable unibody design, raised and shock-resistant bezels to protect the display, and precision cutouts for the smartwatch’s sensors. It’s made from hard and flexible Thermoplastic Polyurethane that’s ideal for absorbing damage from everyday wear-and-tear, scratches, and dings. This case is specifically made for the Apple Watch Ultra, so it’s as rugged and tough as the wearable itself. Not bad for $19.
What to Look for in an Apple Watch Case in 2024
While the Apple Watch is a very useful piece of tech, it’s also a very delicate wearable – especially since it’s always exposed to the outside world on your wrist. You try wearing it without accidentally bumping into a wall or another person. Good luck with that! However, you can wear the smartwatch all you want and not get a single scratch or ding on it, if you wrap it in a case.
A good and solid case can protect it from everyday wear-and-tear, while keeping it pristine against drops and mishaps. If you just got the digital timepiece, here’s what to look for in an Apple Watch case in 2024.
Design
The Apple Watch is also an elegant piece of tech, so you wouldn’t want a case to get in the way of its design. You should be able to slip on a case with ease, while also having access to the smartwatch’s action button, Digital Crown, watch band slots, and charging base. It would be very inconvenient to take a case on and off your Apple Watch every time you have to charge it. Moreover, the Apple Watch should still be able to function completely without any interference from a case.
Durability
One of the most important things you should look for in an Apple Watch case is its durability. A case’s top job is to keep the smartwatch protected from scratches, knicks, ding, dents, and drops. If it can’t handle mishaps or even wear-and-tear, then it’s not worth picking up.
Much like a smartphone case, you should look for cases made from durable and tough materials, such as silicone, metal, plastics, or even carbon fiber. It should also be somewhat waterproof or water-resistant. After all, you wouldn’t want to accidentally drop your Apple Watch in water without protection.
Size
Finding the right Apple Watch case means finding the right size. Keep in mind, there’s a large number of sizes from Apple Watch Series 3’s 38mm model all the way up to Apple Watch Ultra’s 49mm model. A 41mm case isn’t going to fit on a 40mm or 42mm Apple Watch, so picking up a case with the right size does matter.
Price
For the most part, Apple Watch cases are fairly inexpensive. In fact, for this buyer’s guide, you can get a case starting for just $8. However, there are luxury cases out there that are even more expensive than the Apple Watch itself. But for most people, you really shouldn’t have to pay more than $40 or so for a high-quality smartwatch case.
Overall, getting a case for your Apple Watch is one of the best ways to keep it looking immaculate over time (no pun intended). Since cases are inexpensive, it might be a good idea to pick up a few different styles considering the Apple Watch itself is a pretty versatile smartwatch. With multiple cases and scenarios, you can go from stylish to rugged without missing a beat.
Apple Watch Cases FAQ
Do you need a case for your Apple Watch?
Although you don't necessarily need an Apple Watch case to use the smartwatch, it will be more susceptible to wear and tear if you don't. Considering you'll be wearing it on your wrist all day, there are a lot of opportunities for you to bump it against surfaces and a case can help keep it looking brand new.
How do you find your Apple Watch case size?
If you're wondering what size of case you need, all you need to do is check the back of your Apple Watch where the size is engraved. If you're buying a new Apple Watch online, you will be asked to select your size before you buy and can also purchase the appropriately sized case alongside that purchase to avoid any confusion.
Looking for more to do with your Apple Watch? Check out our guide to the best Apple Watch games you can play right now.
