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The best AirPods and AirPods Pro 2 accessories for 2022

Image used with permission by copyright holder

It might seem strange to buy accessories for something that is already an accessory, but when you consider that the AirPods 3 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 to bring you this list of some of the best you can buy right now.

Note: With the arrival of the AirPods Pro 2, Apple has discontinued the original AirPods Pro. That's why our picks on the list are for the second-generation model. Many accessories may work with both the first-gen Pro and the Pro 2, but some may not, so always check your model if necessary.

Comply Foam Earbud Tips for AirPods Pro
Comply Foam Earbud Tips for AirPods Pro
Memory foam ear tips for a perfect fit
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Spigen Rugged Armor AirPods Pro 2 Case
Spigen Rugged Armor AirPods Pro Case
Next-level protection
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Incase Lanyard
Incase Lanyard for AirPods Pro 2
Best lanyard for the latest AirPods
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elago Silicone Protective Case Compatible with Apple AirPods 2 Wireless Charging Case, Front LED Visible, Anti-Slip Coating Inside [Patent Registered] [Black]
Elago Silicone Protective AirPods Pro 2 Case
Best budget AirpPods Pro 2 case
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Twelve South AirFly Pro
Twelve South AirFly Pro for AirPods or AirPods Pro 2
Great connection dongle for frequent flyers
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Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger for AirPods Pro 2
Best multi-device charging solution
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Twelve South AirSnap
Twelve South AirSnap leather case for AirPods
Best for the style-conscious
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Pelican Protector for AirPods 3
Pelican Protector for AirPods 3
Add waterproofing to your AirPods
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Twelve South AirFly Duo
Twelve South AirFly Duo for AirPods
A jetsetters dream for AirPods
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Spigen TEKA RA100 AirPods Strap
Spigen Teka RA100 AirPods Strap
Never lose an AirPod again
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Satechi USB-C AirPods Charging  Dock
Satechi USB-C AirPods Charging Dock
Wireless AirPods charging on your laptop
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Apple MagSafe Charger
Apple MagSafe Charger
For the Apple purist
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Recommended Videos
The Comply Foam Earbud Tips for AirPods Pro.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Comply Foam Earbud Tips for AirPods Pro

Pros
  • Available in three sizes
  • Secure and stay in place
  • They fit in the charging case
Cons
  • May not be perfect for everyone

The second-gen AirPods Pro (aka AirPods Pro 2) upgraded the ear tip experience by including an extra size option (now four in total), 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 2 when they are in the charging case!

Comply Foam Earbud Tips for AirPods Pro
Comply Foam Earbud Tips for AirPods Pro
Memory foam ear tips for a perfect fit
Spigen Rugged Armor AirPods Pro 2 Case.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Spigen Rugged Armor AirPods Pro Case

Pros
  • Lightweight but tough
  • Fingerprint-resistant
  • Friendly for pockets
Cons
  • Case can sometimes slip off

The Wireless Charging Case that comes bundled with the AirPods Pro 2 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 2 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!

Spigen Rugged Armor AirPods Pro 2 Case
Spigen Rugged Armor AirPods Pro Case
Next-level protection
Incase Lanyard for AirPods Pro 2.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Incase Lanyard for AirPods Pro 2

Pros
  • Fits on AirPods Pro 2 charging case
  • Integrated clip
  • Soft, durable braiding
Cons
  • Doesn't offer any direct protection for the case

Lanyards are one of the most commonly sought-after accessories for AirPods, helping you to protect models from accidental slips and unsteady grips. While some of our AirPods Pro 2 cases come with carabiners or lanyard attachments, this version from Incase is designed to work with the AirPods Pro 2 charging case itself. The brand can be worn around your wrist or looped around a wide variety of objects for safekeeping. It’s also integrated with a handy clip for attaching the case to straps or other objects while still displaying your shiny new charging case.

Incase Lanyard
Incase Lanyard for AirPods Pro 2
Best lanyard for the latest AirPods
Elago Silicone Protective AirPods Pro 2 Case.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Elago Silicone Protective AirPods Pro 2 Case

Pros
  • Affordably priced
  • Minimalist and lightweight
  • Protects from scratches, bumps, and drops
Cons
  • Doesn't offer hard-shell protection

If you’re in the market for something a bit cheaper and maybe not as austere, look no further than Elago’s Silicone Protective AirPods Pro 2 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.

elago Silicone Protective Case Compatible with Apple AirPods 2 Wireless Charging Case, Front LED Visible, Anti-Slip Coating Inside [Patent Registered] [Black]
Elago Silicone Protective AirPods Pro 2 Case
Best budget AirpPods Pro 2 case
Hands connecting the Twelve South AirFly Pro to a airplane's entertainment system.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Twelve South AirFly Pro for AirPods or AirPods Pro 2

Pros
  • Small and ultra-portable
  • 3.5mm connectivity for use on most planes
  • Car stereo compatibility
  • Can connect two pairs of earphones
Cons
  • Nothing we could find

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 audio and generates a Bluetooth signal 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.

Twelve South AirFly Pro
Twelve South AirFly Pro for AirPods or AirPods Pro 2
Great connection dongle for frequent flyers
The Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with an iPhone and AirPods Pro.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger for AirPods Pro 2

Pros
  • Centralized charging for multiple devices
  • Can charge through an add-on case for your charger
  • Sleek design
Cons
  • Only available in white and black

While you can always plug your AirPods Pro 2 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 2 (or most other AirPods cases) 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 5 watts. 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.

Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger for AirPods Pro 2
Best multi-device charging solution
The Twelve South AirSnap on a leather purse.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Twelve South AirSnap leather case for AirPods

Pros
  • Firm snap to keep things secure
  • Available in several colors, as well as non-leather options
  • Clips on to bags and backpacks
Cons
  • A bit expensive

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 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.

Twelve South AirSnap
Twelve South AirSnap leather case for AirPods
Best for the style-conscious
Pelican Protector for AirPods 3.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pelican Protector for AirPods 3

Pros
  • Waterproof up to 3 feet for 30 mins
  • MagSafe compatible
  • Tough as nails
  • Lightning cable accessiblity
Cons
  • Only one color
  • Not too stylish

If you have the AirPods 3, you may want some protection for that newly-designed case as well. This Pelican case is particularly good at defending the AirPods 3 against the elements with its IPX7 water resistance and military-grade drop protection. The rubber case is also designed with MicroPel antimicrobial protection to help prevent germs from developing in the grip tracks. It comes with a small loop and carabiner so you can attach it to pretty much anything. Plus, it’s guaranteed to work with wireless charging devices and has an accessible port opening if you prefer to use a cable.

Pelican Protector for AirPods 3
Pelican Protector for AirPods 3
Add waterproofing to your AirPods
A woman on a plane using the Twelve South AirFly Duo.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Twelve South AirFly Duo for AirPods

Pros
  • Use your AirPods with in-flight entertainment systems
  • Compact and easy to use
  • 20-hour battery life
Cons
  • Expensive

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 headphones 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. With a whopping 20-hour battery, this transmitter also will let you use your AirPods with your Nintendo Switch.

Twelve South AirFly Duo
Twelve South AirFly Duo for AirPods
A jetsetters dream for AirPods
The Spigen Teka RA100 AirPods Strap.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Spigen Teka RA100 AirPods Strap

Pros
  • Lightweight and minimalist
  • Inexpensive
  • Portable
Cons
  • Easy to lose

If you don’t want to worry about losing your wireless earbuds, going back to basics can be a great solution. The 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.

Spigen TEKA RA100 AirPods Strap
Spigen Teka RA100 AirPods Strap
Never lose an AirPod again
The Satechi USB-C AirPods Charging  Dock attached to a MacBook.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Satechi USB-C AirPods Charging Dock

Pros
  • Super-portable design
  • Compatible with AirPods Pro, 3, 2, and 1
Cons
  • None that we could find

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.

Satechi USB-C AirPods Charging  Dock
Satechi USB-C AirPods Charging Dock
Wireless AirPods charging on your laptop
iPhone 12 Pro Max with MagSafe charger
Apple's MagSafe Charger Andrew Martonik/Digital Trends / Digital Trends

Apple MagSafe Charger

Pros
  • Reasonably priced
  • Charges iPhones as well as AirPods
Cons
  • There are cheaper options available

The AirPods 3 support easy wireless charging, which makes them a perfect fit for Apple’s MagSafe charger. While the MagSafe can attach to the back of the latest iPhones, it can also sit at your desk or bedside as a compact wireless charging disk that’s the perfect spot to place your AirPods case for a quick charge-up. It’s not the only MagSafe accessory you can find, but it’s affordable and versatile if you are managing both an iPhone and your AirPods.

Apple MagSafe Charger
Apple MagSafe Charger
For the Apple purist
Tyler Lacoma
Former Digital Trends Contributor

If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not making the Internet a better place with the latest tech news, Tyler is working in the eco and investment world, writing fiction, or waiting for hiking weather.

Early Prime Big Deal Days offer drops AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) to $190
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C and MagSafe in their case.

Now's a fantastic time to buy the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C, as the wireless earbuds are on sale at $59 off from Amazon in its early Prime Big Deal Days. From their original price of $249, they're down to a more affordable $190 in an offer that may no longer be available when the shopping event starts on Oct. 8. If you want to take advantage of this 24% discount, you're going to have to be quick because their price may go back to normal at any moment.

Why you should buy the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
The recently announced Apple AirPods 4 is getting a lot of attention as the first model in the series to offer active noise cancellation, but the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C is still our recommendation for Apple fans in our roundup of the best wireless earbuds. Compared to the Apple AirPods 4, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C feature eartips that really seal in the sound, which makes their ANC more effective. They're also more comfortable to wear, so you'll be able to maximize their battery life of up to six hours with ANC enabled, and up to 30 hours with their charging case.

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Lightning cable AirPods Max are on sale at Best Buy
A viewer uses AirPods Max headphones to experience Spatial Audio on the new Apple TV 4K

The iPhone 16 event had a few surprises. Not only are the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models available for preorder, but Apple is also treating the world to a new version of the AirPods Max, the company’s only pair of closed-back ANC headphones. And the most significant change with the newer model is Apple finally nixed the Lightning port in favor of USB-C. That means faster charging times and improved wired listening!

With the latest AirPods Max version only a week away, we’re finally going to start seeing sales on the older generation. As a matter of fact, the Gen 1 cans are already being discounted at Best Buy: Right now, you can purchase the first-gen AirPods Max for $480 when they normally sell for $550. 

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Apple announced new AirPods Max colors, so the old models get a discount
Apple AirPods Max with USB-C in Orange.

With Apple's announcement of the Apple AirPods Max with USB-C that comes in new colors, Amazon has slashed the price of the Apple AirPods Max with the Lightning port. From their original price of $549, you can currently get them for only $459 for savings of $90. We're not sure how much time is remaining on this bargain, and since it may already be gone by tomorrow, we highly recommend taking advantage of this offer within the day. They don't often appear in regular headphone deals, so don't miss this opportunity to get them at 16% off.

Why you should buy the Apple AirPods Max with Lightning port
The Apple AirPods Max with USB-C preorders have opened, and Amazon was quick to launch a discount for the Apple AirPods Max with Lightning port. In addition to the switch from Lightning to USB-C, the new Apple AirPods Max with USB-C comes in five new colors: midnight, blue, purple, orange, and starlight. There are no other upgrades such as hi-res audio support or an improved case, so if you're fine with skipping these changes, the Apple AirPods Max with Lightning port remains a viable option.

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