Apple’s AirPods are some of the best wireless headphones you can buy if you own an iPhone, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. They don’t charge wirelessly, are prone to scratching, and can slip out of your ears fairly easily.
Fortunately, you can fix all these problems with the right aftermarket accessories. Here are seven AirPods accessories to make your AirPods even better.
1. PowerPod Wireless Charging Case
PowerPod Case Wireless Charging Case Compatible with AirPods
PowerPod Case Wireless Charging Case Compatible with AirPods
Buy Now At Amazon $34.99
The original AirPods charging case doesn’t charge wirelessly. Instead, you’ll need to connect a regular Lightning connector to the bottom, and charge them as you would your smartphone. Even when Apple’s fabled AirPower wireless charging dock arrives, your old AirPods will still use wired charging.
Enter PowerPod. This cover attaches to your AirPods case, slotting into the charging port at the bottom of the unit. You can then use any Qi wireless charging pad to charge your AirPods like you can your iPhone X or similar.
The PowerPod doubles as a silicon case, protecting your AirPods with a shock-absorbing layer that is grippy and comfortable to hold. Don’t forget to pick up a few Qi wireless chargers, since the PowerPod doesn’t come with any.
2. Waterproof Silicon AirPods Cases
Waterproof Airpods Case Cover by Catalyst, Shockproof and Drop Proof air pods Protective Cover Soft Skin, Anti-Lost Carabiner, Silicone Sealing, Hassle Free Charging – Blueridge/Sunset
Waterproof Airpods Case Cover by Catalyst, Shockproof and Drop Proof air pods Protective Cover Soft Skin, Anti-Lost Carabiner, Silicone Sealing, Hassle Free Charging – Blueridge/Sunset
Buy Now At Amazon $24.99
Worried about water damaging your AirPods? Then you need a waterproof silicon case, like the one above from Catalyst. The case features sealing ribs and an over-the-top design that clasps shut and locks out moisture.
The Lightning port is covered up at the bottom. This option also protects the case from shock damage and includes a carabiner.
MICOK Compatible Airpods Case, Waterproof Airpods Cover, Shock Resistant Silicone Airpods Case Cover Skin Keychain Compatible Airpods, Airpods Accesssories (Black)
MICOK Compatible Airpods Case, Waterproof Airpods Cover, Shock Resistant Silicone Airpods Case Cover Skin Keychain Compatible Airpods, Airpods Accesssories (Black)
Buy Now At Amazon $29.79
Your other option is the slightly cheaper but virtually identical design from MICOK. Silly name aside, it offers the same silicon shock protection, covers all the important bits, and includes a carabiner for better security.
Both cases offer IP67 water protection, which means you submerge them up to roughly three feet.
3. Spigen AirPods Stand and Charging Dock
Spigen S313+ Stand Charging Dock with Certified USB Lightning Cable Connector Bundle for Apple Airpods
Spigen S313+ Stand Charging Dock with Certified USB Lightning Cable Connector Bundle for Apple Airpods
Buy Now At Amazon $18.99
Some people love to charge all their devices on a stand. If that sounds like you, the Spigen stand and charging dock for AirPods is one of the best options on the market. Most importantly, it comes with an Apple-certified MFi charging cable so you know it’s not going to damage your earphones.
Despite being a big chunk of plastic, the design is thoughtful. It features a non-slip base and shiny white exterior that perfectly suits Apple’s design. It might also solve the problem of never being able to find your AirPods when you leave the house. You just need to remember to set them on the stand in the first place.
4. PodSkinz Silicon Case
PodSkinz AirPods Case Protective Silicone Cover and Skin for Apple Airpods Charging Case (Lava Red)
PodSkinz AirPods Case Protective Silicone Cover and Skin for Apple Airpods Charging Case (Lava Red)
Buy Now At Amazon $7.95
Like the idea of a silicon case but don’t want to spend much money? PodSkinz might be what you’re looking for. The self-described “original” AirPods case, PodSkinz offers eight colors: black, white, grey, clear, cobalt, diamond blue, red, and pink.
If you opt for PodSkinz you’ll get a smooth dust-resistant finish. They also feature a one-year warranty with a money-back guarantee if you change your mind. The thin silicon membrane weights just half an ounce and protects against bumps and scratches.
5. AirPods Earhooks
Spigen TEKA RA200 Airpods Earhooks Cover for Apple Airpods Earphones Headphones Earbuds (2 Pairs- Large & Small) Patent Pending – White
Spigen TEKA RA200 Airpods Earhooks Cover for Apple Airpods Earphones Headphones Earbuds (2 Pairs- Large & Small) Patent Pending – White
Buy Now At Amazon $10.99
Earhooks fit over your earbuds and add an additional “hook” that keeps them in place while in use. Apple includes earhooks with the Beats X wireless earphones, but not with the AirPods. You can fix that with a pair of Spigen TEKA RA200 earhooks, which includes two sets of hooks (one large and one small).
Earhoox 2.0 – for Apple EarPods & AirPods – White
Earhoox 2.0 – for Apple EarPods & AirPods – White
Buy Now At Amazon $9.99
A similar alternative is the IndieGoGo-funded Earhoox 2.0. This second version adds support for AirPods. They’re also made from stronger and more durable material for a tighter fit, and use a single-arm design.
Each pack includes two pairs, and they’re available in white, blue, and black.
6. AirPods Straps
i-Blason Strap for AirPods, [Stop Losing Your AirPods] 18 inch Length Colorful String Strap/Wireless Air Pods Holder for iPhone X / 8/7 & iPhone 8/7 Plus AirPods (Black)
i-Blason Strap for AirPods, [Stop Losing Your AirPods] 18 inch Length Colorful String Strap/Wireless Air Pods Holder for iPhone X / 8/7 & iPhone 8/7 Plus AirPods (Black)
Buy Now At Amazon $12.99
Apple’s wireless design is a standout feature of the AirPods, but not everyone loves it. If you often lose your AirPods, or would rather let them hang around your neck, why not get something like the i-Blason Strap?
The necklace design keeps them around your neck, while the ear-fitting loops keep them firmly in your ears while you listen.
Spigen TEKA RA100 for AirPods Strap Never Lose Your AirPods Patent Pending Air Pods Strap Wire Cable Connector for Apple Airpods – White
Spigen TEKA RA100 for AirPods Strap Never Lose Your AirPods Patent Pending Air Pods Strap Wire Cable Connector for Apple Airpods – White
Buy Now At Amazon $8.99
If you’d prefer a more simplistic approach, try the Spigen TEKA RA100 strap. The basic design lacks built-in earhooks but includes a convenient strap for keeping your AirPods on a closed loop. Available in white or black, Spigen’s strap is made of durable TPU and uses a tangle-free design. This keeps your earphones close whenever you need them.
7. AirFly Wireless Transmitter for AirPods
Twelve South AirFly Wireless Transmitter | Connect AirPods & Wireless Headphones to Headphone Jacks at Gyms, on Airplane Entertainment Systems, and with Nintendo Switch
Twelve South AirFly Wireless Transmitter | Connect AirPods & Wireless Headphones to Headphone Jacks at Gyms, on Airplane Entertainment Systems, and with Nintendo Switch
Buy Now At Amazon $39.99
Want to use your AirPods like wired headphones? You need the AirFly. This handy gadget connects wirelessly to your AirPods (or other wireless headphones), providing a standard 3.5mm adapter that you can plug into any wired headphone port.
This is especially handy if you want to use your wireless AirPods with wired outputs like in-flight entertainment systems, gym equipment, the Nintendo Switch, or anything else that lacks Bluetooth or W1 connectivity. AirFly provides eight hours of listening, and charges via a standard microUSB cable.
Get the Most Out of Your Apple AirPods
These accessories should help solve some of the issues that AirPods users often experience. Thankfully Apple did a pretty good job in acoustics, battery life, wireless connectivity, and microphone quality—but for $159 a pair, you’d expect so!
If you’re just getting to grips with your new wireless earphones, check out our best Apple AirPods tips to learn about setting up shortcuts, using Siri, and pairing with regular Bluetooth devices.
Read the full article: The 7 Best AirPods Accessories to Improve Your Earphones