The 9 Best Apple Watch Cases, Tested by Gear Experts

For dead-simple smartphone and smartphone accessory protection, we love OtterBox. The brand’s aptly named All Day Case for Apple Watch features a basic (some might say bland) aesthetic that’s versatile and minimal enough for everyday wear, whether that’s your morning commute, long walks around the city, or day-hiking on your next travel adventure. It’s available in a good variety of colors as well, so it’s almost guaranteed to complement your personal style.

The “bumper guard” construction protects every corner, edge, and button of whatever Apple Watch you’re rocking, including Series 7, 8, or 9 (45 mm version only). In our experience, the fit is extremely precise, with no interference with the crown, action button, or other workings of the Apple Watch. An extra antimicrobial layer also helps fend off common bacteria to keep you and your watch clean. It’s all made with 90% recycled plastic, which is not only durable but a little better for the environment, too.

Our main gripe with this model is the lack of screen protection. It’s a key component that we wish Otterbox would have included, even at this price point. So, if that’s important to you, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

The best part? It’s one of the most affordable Apple Watch cases we tested this year, and its starting price is well under its more premium brand-name competitors. That, plus everything above, is why it’s our easy pick for the best overall Apple Watch case of 2024.

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As the military-esque name implies, Element Case’s Apple Watch Band is a seriously rugged case/band combo built to help your Apple Watch survive just about anything. The aggressive looks are clearly built with modern adventurers in mind. While it’s only available in black/red or black/olive color combos, that’s probably enough for most avid outdoorsmen.

Beyond its handsome, rugged aesthetic, the case features shock-absorbing armor and a raised bezel with a unique pull-over strap to protect your screen against bumps, nicks, and scratches. It’s a stand-out feature that we haven’t seen in many other cases. Coupled with a matching band, it’s the most durable Apple Watch case we’ve seen this year. Plus, the construction is lighter than it appears.

It is bulky, which isn’t surprising given its “tactical,” military-inspired design. That’s likely to be a deal-breaker for some but a huge plus for others (we dig it!). That same chunky design is also what allows this case to provide such great drop and bump protection—better than any other case in this year’s roundup.

On the downside, the fact that it’s only available in two colorways might dissuade some buyers. This case is also a little pricey compared to the competition—almost twice as much as some of our favorite bargain buys this year. But that price does include the matching band. Overall, we think it’s a small price to pay to wrap your $500-plus Apple timepiece in near-bulletproof armor.

We love the look of the latest Apple Watch, so our favorite cases are those that show it off. But, if you must cover up yours, we highly recommend Casetify’s Metallic Impact Case. In any of the four available colors (black, rose gold, silver, or gold), the polycarbonate and brushed aluminum construction is among the most luxurious-looking cases we’ve seen this year.

It’s surprisingly lightweight yet durable, too, and the raised, edge-to-edge bezel adds another layer of protection for your Apple Watch’s face. Plus, it’s water- and sweat-resistant, so you can wear it to the gym, on your next hike, or in light rainstorms around town.

The available matching watch band makes this a great all-in-one solution for both personalizing and protecting your Apple Watch. The fact that it’s compatible with almost every series of Apple Watches also ensures that it’ll probably fit yours, too.

Our only minor gripe is the subtle branding on the bezel. It’s not a dealbreaker for us, but it does break up the otherwise classy, ultra-minimalist aesthetic we love about this Apple Watch case. That minor quibble aside, it’s priced extremely well, given its rugged protective design and premium good looks. This is a great midrange case with a solid bang-for-your-buck price.

For a more affordable option, the non-metallic version and unique Pride version of this case are even cheaper.

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Nothing screams “futuristic, high-tech cool” like carbon fiber. The racecar-inspired material is extremely thin, lightweight, and durable, making it the perfect material for your next Apple Watch case. Unlike many of the lesser options we’ve seen that don’t use genuine carbon fiber, this case from Monocarbon is the real deal. It features a razor-thin design (less than a quarter of an inch!) that weighs less than a gram. That’s insanely light, even for a small tech accessory. It’s the closest thing to having nothing at all on your Apple Watch—a pure minimalist aesthetic that’s perfectly in line with Apple’s design ethos.

The fit is tighter and more snug than any other option on this list, giving it a modern, streamlined look on the wrist. We’ve found zero compatibility issues with this case. It makes it easy to access the Apple Watch screen and buttons and ensures that it’ll work with just about any charger without the case getting in its own way. The design also plays well with many screen protectors (something that we haven’t found with other snug-fitting Apple Watch cases).

On the downside, it is only available in black (either matte or glossy). So, if you’re looking for something a little bolder to match your personal design sense, you’ll need to look elsewhere. It is, however, surprisingly well-priced, especially for a genuine carbon fiber product, making this a great buy.

Pro tip: Snag a matching carbon fiber band to complete the look!

If you like your outdoor adventures on the wet side, you need legit waterproof protection for your Apple Watch. This case from Catalyst guarantees waterproofness down to a whopping 100 meters (that’s 330 feet for us Statesiders). While that’s far deeper than any recreational diver is capable of going, it does mean serious protection—IP68 certification, to be exact. It’s also shockproof from drops above six feet, which is by far the best protection of its kind in any case we’ve seen this year.

Beyond the near-bulletproof construction, the case features a simple, minimalist design that works with any personal fashion (though it clearly focuses more on function over flash). It feels equal parts rugged, elegant, and modern.

It’s all made from buttery soft silicone that feels great against the skin. We prefer this feel to cold metal or hard plastics. That design choice also means that it’s easier to install than most hard cases, as it simply stretches over and around your Apple Watch face. However, the bulky design can interfere with some wireless chargers.

On the downside, the premium design means it’s pricier than most cases we’ve tested this year. However, that price does include the matching watch band. Overall, we think it’s totally reasonable, given its legit “everything-proof” construction. It is only available in black, though, so if you’re looking for prettier colors, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Another “function over flash” option, this case from Urban Armor Gear (UAG) promises “military-spec” protection against dust, drops, and shocks. It meets MIL-STD 810G 516.6 specifications, which basically means it’s about as good as it gets for Apple Watch cases. The bulky bumper-style design fits over your Apple Watch like a thick plastic glove to fend off bumps and dings. A raised bezel above the screen provides foolproof protection for your watch’s glass as well.

Considering its beefier form factor, it’s lighter than it looks. It also feels well-made, which is surprising given its budget-friendly price tag. We dig the clean, minimalist look that snaps on and off easily without having to remove watch straps. It’s among the easiest-to-install Apple Watch cases we’ve seen this year.

The design is only available in four colors, depending on the size and series of the Apple Watch you choose. But each one is tasteful and modern to match the Apple Watch aesthetic. It’s also bulkier than most in our roundup, which is to be expected given its ultra-protective nature. But if you’re looking for serious protection at a very reasonable price (it’s one of the cheapest cases we’ve tested this year), this is your man.

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Apple Watch cases—even the best Apple Watch cases—are rarely that expensive. Most run well under $50. But if you’re looking for the absolute best budget option, we recommend Kaihang’s Apple Watch Band. This band/case combo features a TPU construction that’s durable, flexible, and comfortable against the skin. The dual-hole band design also ensures this option is more airy and breathable than most.

While most Apple Watch cases are designed with Apple’s ultra-streamlined aesthetic in mind, this option is decidedly bolder and more in-your-face. It’s available in more than a dozen colorways, including basics like black and white, but also neon orange and fluorescent rose. So, whatever fashion statement you’re trying to make, this case/band combo can help you achieve it.

We especially like the fact that it’s available in more sizes than any other band in our roundup. So, you’re guaranteed to find one that fits your Apple Watch, whether it’s a two-year-old model or the latest Apple Watch Ultra.

Despite its cheap-ish look and feel, it’s hard to complain, given its bargain-basement price tag. You could buy a different color for every day of the week and still spend less than some of the more premium picks in our roundup. Plus, that price includes the matching band!

For a long list of reasons, we’re huge fans of the latest Apple Watch Ultra. But we’re not-so-huge fans of the price. Seriously, it ain’t cheap. That’s why we strongly recommend picking up a dedicated case to protect yours. If you’ve already dropped hundreds of dollars on a new Ultra, what’s a few dollars more to protect your investment?

This dead-simple case from Spigen features a razor-thin profile that hugs the Ultra like a glove. We’ve found it to be a perfect, laser-cut fit that works flawlessly with the Ultra’s crown and action button. The PC plastic adds to the watch’s already hardy construction to protect it against drops, bumps, and scrapes. This case also boasts a built-in tempered glass screen protector for even more scratch- and drop-resistance. Plus, that same glass ensures seamless touchscreen activity.

Our main gripe with this case is that, while the case looks good on its own, it does hide the Apple Watch Ultra’s handsome design. We’ve also noticed dust and water can occasionally seep under the screen protector. However, this is rare and only requires a quick wiping to get things good as new. The biggest thing this case has going for it is the price. It’s more affordable than almost every other model in our roundup. Considering it features a built-in screen protector, we think it’s a steal!

We’re stoked to see more manufacturers ditch virgin plastics for eco-friendly, recycled alternatives. Such is the case with LifeProof’s aptly named Eco-Friendly Apple Watch Case. It’s made with 85% ocean-based recycled plastic and delivered in recyclable packaging to boot. Bonus: The brand donates $1 for every case sale to one of its nonprofit partners, including Coral Reef Alliance, Oceania, American Rivers, or Water.org.

Like all of LifeProof’s tech accessories, this case provides basic edge-to-edge protection across the entire watch face. A raised bezel adds extra protection against glass scratches and nicks. The slightly rubbery design means that it installs easily with a fit that’s snug and precise, with no interference of the Apple Watch’s crown, action button, or touchscreen.

The design is simple and minimalist, although it might be a bit bland for some. It won’t win any design awards. But we like that each of the four available colorways—Black, Green, Grey, and Purple—complements the Apple Watch’s sleek look without feeling overly flashy.

Given the affordable price tag, we’re hard-pressed to find much to complain about with this Apple Watch case. You can snag one in every available color and still spend less than you would on just one of our most premium case picks.

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Do I Really Need a Case for my Apple Watch?

The short answer is no, you don’t. Of course, your Apple Watch will work perfectly fine without one, and they’re incredibly well-made to survive the daily abuse of most users. But, we think outfitting your watch with a case is an easy and affordable way to protect your multi-hundred dollar investment.

Is a Hard or Soft Case Better for My Apple Watch?

Soft cases are often stretchy and elastic, so they’re easy to install with minimal effort. However, they don’t typically protect as well as hard plastic, metal, or carbon fiber cases. Hard cases, on the other hand, require more time and effort to install. But, they’re generally much more durable and protective.

How Do I Know the Size of My Apple Watch Case?

All watch cases are measured in millimeters (using a specialized tool called a caliper) across the entire case. Apple makes it easy to find the size of its watches by checking the engraving on the back. Typical Apple Watch and case sizes for the standard series are 41, 42, and 45 mm, while 49 mm is standard for the Apple Watch Ultra.