Don’t let your Apple Watch get damaged; get a case.
- feb
- 28
I love wearing my Apple Watch sans case. It looks good and is easily identifiable as an Apple Watch, which makes me feel like I'm part of an exclusive club. However, I'm no dummy. I always keep a case or shell nearby if I want to go on a nature hike, or if I'm doing some house painting. I want to be able to continue wearing my Apple Watch without fear of ruining its beautiful, stainless steel shine. If you feel the same way, take a look at these protective cases for Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Series 4 & Series 5
Heavy-duty protection
SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro
Luke's Favorite
This case has an easy front cover snap-on design, which makes installation a breeze. It even comes with a strap built-in, so you don't have to worry about installing a new strap to use with it. It's made from hard polycarbonate on the outside — to withstand hard bumps and scratches — and soft TPU on the inside, so that it doesn't scratch up your Apple Watch. It comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes.
Super comfortable
Catalyst Waterproof Case
Lory's Favorite
The Catalyst Waterproof Case is, by far, the most comfortable watch case I've ever worn. The bands are connected with hinges instead of a one-piece mold. Though it makes the overall look of your Apple Watch slightly larger, it's not cumbersome at all. I've worn the Catalyst on my wrist for weeks at a time without feeling like it was too big or uncomfortable. It comes in both 40mm and 44mm sizes.
This ultimate tank
Catalyst Impact
This heavy-duty all-in-once case and band combo are meant to stand up against major impact and have been drop-tested up to 9.9 feet. A cutout on the back ensures your Apple Watch retains the ability to monitor your heart activity. If you still want a screen protector, there is room for that too. The included band is a breathable sports band. It comes in both 40mm and 44mm sizes.
Crystal clear protection
i-Blason Halo
This thin TPU case fits snuggly around your Apple Watch Series 4 or 5 and protects the sides of your watch from getting dinged or dented. It even has a raised lip around the screen, so should you ever put your Apple Watch face down on a surface, it will protect it! The cutouts at the top and bottom make it easy to swap bands so that you can use this case with any of your favorite bands. You get four cases in different colors for one low price.
Simple screen protector
SUPCASE TPU cover
If you want something that protects your screen without being big and bulky, the SUPCASE TPU cover is a great option. This cover slips right over your Apple Watch. It covers the entire screen and the sides of the watch, all while leaving the digital crown and bands slots free and open to use as normal. This is a two-pack, so you get two clear cases.
Ultimate coverage
SPIDERCASE Apple Watch Case
Protect every nook and cranny of your Apple Watch with this ultra-rugged iPhone case and band. The case is heavy-duty hard plastic, and the band is flexible silicone, which even has holes in it to make it more breathable so your skin shouldn't get as sweaty from wearing it. Plus, it also has a built-in screen protector to keep your display looking shiny and new. It only comes in the 44mm size.
Two-pack
Julk Apple Watch Case
This TPU case protects both the screen and the surrounding metal. You get two in a package, so share with a friend or have a spare on hand. Choose from Black, Rose Pink, or Transparent.
Unibody design
Spigen Rugged Armor Pro
More than just a case, this offering from Spigen is a rugged case and band in one. While the screen itself is not covered, a raised lip around the edge gives the screen some protection. Choose from the Military Green shown here, Charcoal Gray, or Black.
Band + case
jwacct Apple Watch Band Case
Take a silicone sport band and combine it with a TPU screen protector case, and you've got the jwacct Apple Watch Band Case. You can choose from a dozen different color combinations and every Apple Watch size.
Apple Watch Series 2 & Series 3
Heavy-duty protection
SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro
Luke's Favorite
This case has an easy front cover snap-on design, which makes installation a breeze; you don't have to try and slide the straps through flexible silicone. It's made from hard polycarbonate on the outside — to withstand hard bumps and scratches — and soft TPU on the inside, so that it doesn't scratch up your Apple Watch.
Comfortable pick
Catalyst Waterproof Case
Lory's Favorite
The Catalyst Waterproof Case is, by far, the most comfortable watch case I've ever worn. The bands are connected with hinges instead of a one-piece mold. Though it makes the overall look of your Apple Watch slightly larger, it's not cumbersome at all. I've worn the Catalyst on my wrist for weeks at a time without feeling like it was too big or uncomfortable. It comes in both 38mm and 42mm sizes.
Super snug fit
Spigen Rugged Armor
Name the phone or accessory and, chances are, Spigen makes a case for it — and a great one at that. It goes on easily and holds tight; you won't feel it wriggling around on your Apple Watch. The Digital Crown is left entirely open and is entirely unhindered, thanks to the Rugged Armor's great fit. A metal button covers your Apple Watch's Side Button but doesn't interfere with functionality, which means the scratchable surfaces are covered all the way around. It comes in both 38mm and 42mm sizes.
Armband case
Twelve South ActionSleeve
If you're a heavy lifter, a contact sports enthusiast, or don't have a wrist to wear an Apple Watch on, you'll be happy to see what Twelve South has to offer. If you've always wanted to be able to use your Apple Watch while punching a bag, lifting weights, or playing rugby but don't want it getting in the way, check out the ActionSleeve. It'll keep track of your fitness while staying away from your wrist. It comes in both 38mm and 42mm sizes.
Sleek protection
i-Blason Unity
Most rugged cases look ... well ... rugged. The Unity from i-Blason is different. It protects the aluminum or stainless steel of your Apple Watch while keeping a slimmer profile. It's made of shock-absorbing rubber, and the side button is hidden to protect it from dust and debris. This only comes in 42mm.
Band case combo
RUOQINI Apple Watch Band Case
The clever combination of a silicone Apple Watch sport band and a TPU screen protector bumper case has your Apple Watch covered no matter which size or which generation you own. Choose from nearly a dozen different color combinations or save some money buying a two-pack.
Four-pack bargain
Tranesca Apple Watch Case
This four-pack of TPU screen protector cases from Tranesca is perfect for people who like to variety. In the four-pack, you will receive one of each: Clear, Black, Gold, and Rose Gold. You can get this package for any size Apple Watch.
Dressy band + case
ADWLOF Apple Watch Band Case
For a totally different look, this woven mesh metal band plus screen protector case has a sleek and dress feel. While this one won't offer as much protection as some of the more heavy-duty styles, it will give you some without obscuring the beautiful lines of the Apple Watch. Choose from six different colors and every Apple Watch size and generation.
Our personal picks
Luke prefers the SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro because it's the most complete case (it even comes with a band) that gives you the confidence that your Apple Watch won't get damaged.
Lory's favorite is the Catalyst Waterproof Case because it's so comfortable that you almost forget you're wearing a big case. Still, its all-over protection means you can swim, dirt bike, and even paint your house with it, and it will keep your Apple Watch in pristine condition.
Any case you get is going to give you peace of mind when you are doing rigorous and potentially dangerous activities. Just make sure you are getting the right size for the right model before you hit that buy button!